b"JODEE KARLOWSKY Seeds SuckGENERAL MANAGER, ALLIANCE SEEDjkarlowsky@allianceseed.comallianceseed.com @AllianceJodeeK HAVE YOU EVER asked yourself questions like: Do I understand how a seedling functions? What are all the variables that can factor into seedlings becoming successful plants? Am I testing my seed for all I Know Whats Going be onthe parameters required to best understand its capability in any environment?. Well, at Taurus Ag we have, and here is what we my Table TonightHowknow:The purpose of a plant is simple, to survive long enough to About You?make a seed to carry on its lineage or genetics to another life. However, if our focus is greater than merely surviving, but pros-ABOVE ALL ELSE, the single thing that I love mostpering, then more attention to detail is required for optimal about Canadian agriculture is the food. I lovegenetic expression.to fill my plate with Canadian ag products. ImThere will always be variability between seeds. Thats just a a passionate eater: a foodie who at least threefact! Many things can cause this variability such as: where the times each and every day enjoys the fruits (andseed was grown in the field, what area of the plant the seed was veggies and grains and more) of Canadianfrom, how the overall growing season was, and the quality of the farmers labour. Im not alone. Though averagefertility program it received. Fortunately, we can take steps to even Canadians are between two and three genera- out that variability. A prosperous seed has higher germination, tions removed from farm life, everyone I knowhigh cold vigour, and high levels of internal nutrient content. Most eats. Farming isnt just for farmers: farming is forgrowers test for germination, but we believe that testing for cold all of us.vigour and nutrient content is equally important to understand the Do you take a moment at your local grocerygenetic potential of each seed.store to admire the quality and commitment thatThis is where the fun part comes in! Seedlings don't chew their goes into the locally produced food options innutrients; they suck them! A high percentage of the nutrients are front of you? not just found in the endosperm of cereals, but also in the seed I sure do. And I take it a step further. I seekcoat. These nutrients move to the embryo or scutellum through out products I know are made from Canadian- the aleurone once the seed is enbibed with moisture and germina-grown commodities or made in Canada or, evention starts.better, locally produced options. A big fan ofIf we tested our seedlings for nutrient content, we would find pasta, I always choose brands I know are madea varying range of critical nutrients like phosphorous, potassium, from Canadian durum, even if they cost a littlezinc, and manganese. These nutrients directly impact the seed-more than other brands.ling's ability to germinate and grow vigorously in less-than-ideal Im proud to be a small part of ensuring thatenvironments. Therefore, we believe that there is a link between our growers have a market for their products.seedling nutrition and vigor.And, every time I pour oats into a pot to cookSo, if we can take your average seeds with average nutrition up for breakfast, my commitment to supportingor a lack of a certain nutrient and balance that out with a nutri-our growers at the grocery store reminds me thatent dressing, we can ensure that every seedling has a chance to my job at Alliance Seed isnt about producingbe a formidable plant. Great seedlings grow great roots tapping commodities; its about producing great food.into great fertility programs. Poor seedlings Even 50 years ago, a majority of Canadiansdo not. And if you created a fertility grew a garden; most had a cousin or uncle orprogram for your seedlings like you grandparent who still operated a farm. Thosedid your fields, who knows what direct connections to the land and to produc- wonders you could achieve? Those tion meant Canadians understood that ones bagseeds wouldnt suck anymore!of flour didnt just miraculously appear on the grocery shelf.Today, we have to work harder at helping average Canadians understand how their food gets from field to table. We have to help con- CRAIG DAVIDSONsumers feel PROUD of and part of Canadian agriculture. I think that starts with valuing andPRESIDENT, FOUNDING PARTNER, TAURUS AGcelebrating the fantastic food grown in ourcraig@taurus.agregions and across our country. Canada is in mytaurus.agpantry and on my table: how about yours?38GERMINATION.CAMARCH 2023"