b'MESSAGES | Alberta-British Columbia Seed GrowersFROM FOREST FIRESand limited spring moisture through to floods, we had all kinds of weather this yearsome parts of the province had it all. Highly variable weather made for highly variable crops and field timing. This is a year that demonstrates why we as seed growers work so hard to bring the best new varieties to farmers. Collectively we can move the needle on surviving what Mother Nature throws at us.We were excited to get back to in-person events this. The Canadian Seed Growers Association (CSGA) held their annual general meeting in July, marking the first in-person meeting for seed grower members since 2020. St. Johns, N.L. hosted us for a great time, as we reconnected with growers from coast to coast, and made some new friends. Having a voice was a key element of this meeting as we were able to partake in two member to member sessions as opposed to past meetings with one session. Like many industries, were adapting to change, that means we need to listen, ask questions, and provide constructive feedback. Communication is a key component to successful change.One of the many takeaways from the conference was a session with the Food Professor, Sylvain Charlebois from Dalhousie University, who shared his thoughts on growing our industry. He insisted that seed growers should focus on consumers as our customers. Consumers ultimately decide what they want from the food they eat, so that is where he feels we should focus our education about pedigreed seed. He brings to light very valid points as more food items are being customized to consumer preferences. Everything from cereals, baked goods, and even craft beer are creating a demand for specific varieties of the@abseedgrower grains used in processing. Thank you Charlebois for reminding and encouraging us to [email protected] the ultimate end users of the seed grown on our farms. (403) 325-0081 In early August, the Alberta Seed Guide partners were on-site supporting seed technology at AgSmart Olds. The Olds College Smart Farm, the Field Crop Development Centre (FCDC) and a host of presenters and sponsors demonstrated all that technology has to offer the agriculture sector. This was the first time FCDC held their Field Day, complete with plot tours at the AgSmart event. The focus was on the new line-up of crops, and FCDC included a celebration of their 25 years developing field crops for Alberta. If you missed this event, be sure to put it on your calendar for mid-summer in 2024.This issue of the seed guide, as always, has been developed with a great deal of care and attention to the details. The 2023 seed crop, much like the seed guide, has been meticulously managed. This issue reflects the time and effort that seed growers have put into their crop. We hope the data and insights provide producers necessary information to make the best decisions as they begin planning for the 2024 crop year. Additionally, experts have shared their insights in the articles to keep you connected to what is happening in agriculture throughout Alberta and British Columbia. Within the issue you will find the seed grower directory listing all the new varieties, as well as tried and tested favourites. If you have questions about selecting a new variety for your farm, reach out to a local seed grower.Theyre the best resource on how these varieties performed in your local area.This is the time of year to contemplate what changes you want to make for next year. Consider the Alberta Seed Guide as your guide to help you make some of those critical management decisions for the 2024 crop year.Brian Ellis, President,Alberta-British Columbia Seed Growers4seed.ab.ca'