Winter Weather Causes Speculative Damage To Wheat Crops, Strengthens Pro-Safety Net Argument

May 02, 2017

Rain, snow and low temperatures swept across the central Plains this weekend in an extremely unseasonable cold snap, dumping up to a foot of snow, some reports say, on fields in Oklahoma’s Panhandle, western Kansas and Colorado, causing significant damage to wheat crops in the vicinity. In our nation’s capital, Radio Oklahoma Ag Network Farm Director Ron Hays caught up with Chandler Goule, CEO of the National Association of Wheat Growers, for his take on the situation and what impact it will have for wheat producers across the country and the agriculture community in Washington.

“This is a very unfortunate event for our growers,” Goule said, “but what it does do is give us more and more reasons and evidence, and proof of why it’s important to have a safety net there. How do you plan and mitigate for risk of this scale without having a Farm Bill and crop insurance?”

Crop insurance does present the biggest target for the chopping block as lawmakers begin negotiations for the 2018 Farm Bill. Goule has used the Association’s resources to reach out to wheat growers affected by this untimely weather, with instructions to document the damage done and share it with those opposed to keeping the Farm Bill’s safety net programs intact.

“We are having our growers out there taking pictures, doing videos,” he said. “We are tweeting to the Heritage Foundation, ‘This is why you’re wrong on crop insurance.’”

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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.