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Producers May Have Best Chance In Years To Get Head Start Establishing Wheat Pastures For Fall

With no other good alternatives out there right now, there stands to be a lot of potential interest for grazing wheat pastures this year, according to Extension Livestock Market Economist Dr. Derrell Peel. He recently told Farm Director Ron Hays that with fresh rains across the wheat belt and soil temperatures down in Oklahoma, farmers probably have the best opportunity they’ve had in several years to plant their wheat early. For producers who want to get a head start in establishing fall wheat pasture, he says now is the time to get it in the ground.

To ensure you get the most pounds of forage in your pasture, Dr. Peel says farmers will need to make some early considerations.

“If you’re growing forage for winter grazing you’re going to plant earlier - there are some agronomic tradeoffs - it’s really a different crop, and so dual purpose wheat in that sense is different than grain only,” Peel said. “So that affects how we’re going to do it for this winter and again it may affect how we set ourselves up to be ready for next spring depending on whether we do in fact want to harvest that grain or go ahead and graze out the wheat.”

Listen to Dr. Derrell Peel offer his advice to farmers about establishing wheat pastures this fall with Farm Director Ron Hays on today’s Beef Buzz.

The Beef Buzz is a regular feature heard on radio stations around the region on the Radio Oklahoma Network and is a regular audio feature found on this website as well. Click on the LISTEN BAR below for today's show and check out our archives for older Beef Buzz shows covering the gamut of the beef cattle industry today.
 

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Why Seed Analysts are Thriving Under Seeds Canada

Video: Why Seed Analysts are Thriving Under Seeds Canada

Last month in Edmonton, Alta., industry leaders and stakeholders gathered to discuss the evolving landscape of the seed industry at Seeds Canada’s annual conference. Among them was Sarah Foster, president of 2020 Seed Labs and the new vice-president of Seeds Canada.

Foster, who has been on the board of Seeds Canada for over a year, has witnessed firsthand the challenges and opportunities that come with the formation of the organization. Seeds Canada was established just over three years ago through the merger of multiple seed industry groups, including the Commercial Seed Analysts Association of Canada (CSAAC). Since then, the organization has been working to define its priorities and solidify its role in the industry.

“The challenge has been allowing the dust to settle after the merger,” Foster explained. “We’ve been focused on identifying what our priorities should be and ensuring that our members, especially the seed analysts, are getting what they need to continue their professional work.”

One of the recent highlights was a pre-conference event where the three major seed labs in Alberta — 20/20 Seed Labs, SGS Canada and Seed Check — opened their doors to members. The event saw a record number of seed analysts and business professionals in attendance. Foster emphasized the importance of this transparency, stating, “It’s crucial for people to see what goes on behind the scenes. We’re an open book now, and that openness helps build trust and understanding within the industry.”

The event also featured an environmental scan and a series of discussions that fostered strong communication among attendees. According to Foster, the dialogue was both encouraging and inspiring.

“A lot of people were really inspired by the fact that Seeds Canada is moving ahead with its agenda. The seed analysts, who have always worked diligently in the background, are now being recognized more prominently,” she said.

Before the merger, seed analysts were represented by CSAAC. Now, as part of Seeds Canada, they are finding their place within the larger organization. Foster believes that the integration has been successful, noting, “I think we’re thriving. You only need to look south of the border, where similar consolidations are happening.”

As Seeds Canada continues to evolve, Foster remains optimistic about the future. “I want to be totally transparent with anyone who is a seed analyst — I’ve got your back. We’re moving in a positive direction, and we’ll do everything we can to meet the needs of our members,” she said.