b"AGRONOMICS SOLUTIONS The Link Between Seedling Nutrition and VigourCraig Davidson,president and founding partner of Taurus Ag, taurus.agHAVE YOU EVERasked yourself questions like: Do I understandThis is where the fun part comes in! Seedlings dont chew their how a seedling functions? What are all the variables that can factornutrients; they suck them! A high percentage of the nutrients arent into seedlings becoming successful plants? Am I testing my seed forjust found in the endosperm of cereals, but also in the seed coat. These all the parameters required to best understand its capability in anynutrients move to the embryo or scutellum through the aleurone once environment? Well, at Taurus Ag we have, and here is what we know. the seed is enbibed with moisture and germination starts.The purpose of a plant is simple, to survive long enough to makeIf we tested our seedlings for nutrient content, we would find a seed to carry on its lineage or genetics to another life. However,a varying range of critical nutrients like phosphorous, potassium, if our focus is greater than merely surviving, but prospering, thenzinc, and manganese. These nutrients directly impact the seedlings more attention to detail is required for optimal genetic expression. ability to germinate and grow vigorously in less-than-ideal There will always be variability between seeds. Thats just a fact!environments. Therefore, we believe that theres a link between Many things can cause this variability such as: where the seed wasseedling nutrition and vigour.grown in the field, what area of the plant the seed was from, howSo, if we can take your average seeds with average nutrition or the overall growing season was, and the quality of the fertilitya lack of a certain nutrient and balance that out with a nutrient program it received. Fortunately, we can take steps to even out thatdressing, we can ensure every seedling has a chance to be a variability. A prosperous seed has higher germination, high coldformidable plant. Great seedlings grow great roots tapping into vigour, and high levels of internal nutrient content. Most growersgreat fertility programs. Poor seedlings dont. And if you created test for germination, but we believe that testing for cold vigour anda fertility program for your seedlings like you did your fields, who nutrient content is equally important to understand the geneticknows what wonders you could achieve? Those seeds wouldnt suck potential of each seed. anymore!Colour Sorters From Coveralls to ConsultationHow I Became a go-to Territory RepRyan Floyde,territory manager for Alberta with Nexeeed, nexeed.caAS SOMEONE WHOSspent a lot of time in the seed processingpeople standing at a Cimbria Delta during a switch from barley to industry, I've come to realize that success goes beyond merelywheat, a scenario that left me itchy and uncomfortable but brought understanding people and businesses. It's about diving into theme closer to understanding the equipment's nuances.nitty-gritty, getting your hands dirty, and evolving with the times.It takes me back to the moment we tackled every aspect of the In the early days, I thought I had a good grip on the industry,machinechanging screens, cleaning screensthe whole works. having dealt with processing equipment in previous roles. However,The lessons I learned weren't just technical; they were a testament to working with Cimbria equipment presented a fresh challenge. Thethe importance of hands-on experience and the willingness to get solution?dirty for the sake of knowledge.Dive in headfirst. I learned that knowing how to run theBut my commitment to learning didn't stop there. equipment myself not only made it easier to explain to customersI realized the power of sharing experiences. but also enhanced our ability to sell and support our clientsYouTube became a platform for addressing common questions effectively. and providing visual guides on equipment operation. The impetus I was adamant about not becoming just another sales guy takingfor my YouTube videos came from getting the same kind of phone equipment orders. So, armed with coveralls and a dust mask, Icalls repeatedly. I saw an opportunity to streamline the learning spent the first six months immersing myself in processing plants,process for a broader audience.working alongside existing customers. The goal was clearlearnAs my role evolves, I've noticed a shift in questions I receive. the equipment inside out, and hopefully, earn the respect of thoseClients, both familiar and new, seek advice not just on our who had been in the industry longer than I had. products but on general industry trends. This transformation in One vivid memory stands outan encounter with an old-timertheir perception is a result of the relationships built over timea who was surprised when I decided to join him in the trenches,testament to the value in putting on those coveralls and getting donning my coveralls instead of merely observing. Picture it: twodirty.Spring 2024 49"