b"SEED TESTINGTrying to Deal with the New Normal? A Seed Lab can HelpSarah Foster,president of 20/20 Seed Labs, 2020seedlabs.caOF ALL THEbuzzwords I have heard lately, one that sticks with mehistory, from its experiences in the field to its appearance in the lab. is: the new normal. What were experiencing today is a departureSometimes, a seed that looks great on the outside might encounter from the predictable patterns of the past. Instead, we adapt to aunforeseen challenges that will impact its viability.world where weather patterns are more erratic than ever. We possess the ability to read a seed and deduce its journey . This It seems weve bid farewell to what we once considered a normalknowledge is our most valuable tool in advising our customers year. Late harvests have become routine, accompanied by theabout seed longevity and how best to ensure they are using good challenge of harvesting in wet conditions like rain or snow. Dryseed the following cropping season. growing seasons have plagued us. And this year, minimal rainfallOf course, we cant ignore the return of El Nino, which is threatened to impact yields significantly. Some areas are fortunatemaking headlines once again. Predicting what lies ahead this to have received ample moisture, but many havent been so lucky.winter, with climate change looming large, is a task fraught with But this so-called new normal isnt a single phenomenon we canunpredictability. In times like these, our role as customer advisors easily define. Its a complex tapestry of challenges that demandbecomes more critical than ever.adaptability. Mechanical damage, shrivelled seeds, immaturity,A recent message I received from an agronomist in Chile green seedsthese are the quality issues we anticipated this year.reminds me of the global nature of our industry. El Nino, they In areas where wetness has lingered, frost becomes a concern, as itsay, will bring high temperatures, impacting canola flowering, affects germination potential and vigour over time. kernel weights, and germination. Interestingly, these are the same Fortunately, modern testing allows us to glean a plethora ofchallenges weve been dealing with even before El Ninos arrival. insights into the physical qualities of seed. Its not just aboutThankfully, the remarkable resilience of some canola varieties may testing for disease anymore; its about understanding the seedshelp the plants withstand these minor setbacks.Spud Smart: \x1fe Essential Resource for Canada's Potato Industry. Stay informed with timely insights STAYon seed, processing, markets, and more. Trusted by growers, processors, suppliers, and policymakers, we INFORMED deliver the news that matters. Partnered with industry associations, we reach every Canadian potato grower. with timely insights on seed,Visit our website, subscribe to our newsletter, and join our thriving community today!processing, markets, and more.Delivered bi-weekly, Alberta Seed Guide brings the news that matters to your farm right to your inbox. Not getting the newsletter? Visit our website, subscribe, and join our thriving community today!seed.ab.ca/newsletter46seed.ab.ca"