Table of Contents 10 32 1 Advancing Seed in Alberta | fall.2017 24 FEATURES 10  ADVANCING CROP RESEARCH WGRF’s funding is all about benefitting western Canadian crop growers. 14 INDUSTRY CONSOLIDATION Industry consolidation opens the door to new research and development opportunities. 18 CIGI ENTERS A NEW ERA A new board and revitalized funding model bodes well. 20  PUBLIC VERSUS PRIVATE CROP BREEDING A look at the past, present and future of wheat breeding. 24  KEEPING UP WITH ALFALFA ADVANCES There’s a lot happening in the alfalfa seed market. Here’s a snapshot of the latest advances and what’s coming down the pipe. 28  ACCESSING NEW SEED VARIETIES New tools and techniques influence how new varieties are developed and can also shave a little time off the timeline. 32  TAKING APG’s RESEARCH PULSE Alberta Pulse Growers invest millions in pulse research. Where do those dollars go, and why? 40 AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH UP IN THE AIR Provincial research review concerns industry. 44  THE NEXT-GENERATION SEED SYSTEM The CSGA and CSTA are two of six associations working to revamp how the industry functions. 48  STARTING WITH THE BEST Quality assurances of varietal purity, germination and free- dom from impurities are just a few reasons why certified seed represents a good value proposition for farmers.