b'MESSAGES | Alberta Seed ProcessorsITS OFTEN POINTEDout that one of agricultures greatest strengths is the fact that farmers and ranchers are fiercely independent entrepreneurs willing to take risks even when the chips are down. Its also said that one of agricultures biggest weaknesses is the fact that farmers and ranchers are fiercely independent entrepreneurs willing to take risks even when the chips are down. I guess what that tells us is that collaboration doesnt have to come at a cost of giving up independence, nor does independence mean that we cant work together for common goals. The headlines are filled with strife ranging from bickering politicians to civil unrest to all-out war within and between countries. But when personal bias and conspiracy theories are taken out, and the discussion becomes issues-based, often opposite sides all want the same thing, but they just cant agree on how to get there. In this diverse agriculture industry, we have recently seen awesome examples of how people and organizations with widely different opinions and backgrounds can collaborate to achieve outcomes that work for most stakeholders. This does challenge each and every one of us to think beyond our comfort zones, and to be open to seeking understanding of topics that downright baffle us, or that we have long standing opinions ingrained within us. Sometimes this means actually making a decision or accepting a practice that may have short term or localized negative impact with the knowledge that there are future positive outcomes.But sometimes deeper consideration and wider discussions validate our existing position or opinion. Whatever the outcome, reality checks are healthy for people,@CoppockT organizations and governments. [email protected] Looking at our local and national agriculture industry, managing change and(403) 489-9999 collaborating with others are two key performance indicators regardless of the size of entity. Commodity commissions like Alberta Grains, research funding organizations like RDAR, and national farmer lobby groups like the Grain Growers of Canada are all examples of farmers and ranchers working together to enhance market access, conduct research and to have important input on provincial, national and global agriculture policy. This synergy of effort has been imperative for past accomplishments, and continues to be a hallmark for future success.In this issue of the Alberta Seed Guide, articles addressing emerging technology, new crops, and business growth and expansion are meant to inspire and inform how the entrepreneurial spirit is alive and well despite inflation and commodity price swings. This issue also explores the impact of the end of government supplied agricultural research, and how collaboration and change management are imperative in the transition. The article on brown bag seed sales essentially discusses revenue creation for seed breeding. Additionally, theres an article on how a few things have not changedspecifically, how using fusarium best management practices are still required and critical despite an amendment in the Pest Act.There are no heroes, nor villains; just the very apparent requirement of the agriculture industry to not only work together, but to connect with important players outside the industry, be it the non-farming public or the policy makers in provincial, national and international circles.Enjoy this issue of the Alberta Seed Guide.Tom Coppock, President, Alberta Seed ProcessorsFall 2023 5'