b'It All Begins with GrowersThe journey of mustard begins with the growers: mustard seeds are cultivated in regions such as Saskatchewan, known for its favourable environment for mustard production. Grain mer-chants purchase the mustard directly from growers, ensuring the quality meets the standards desired by processors. The mustard seeds are then cleaned by processors, who trans-form them into the various mustard varieties found on store shelves. Sask Mustard, with Mitzel at the helm, helps grow the Saskatchewan mustard industry for the benefit of producers. Sask Mustard funds research, communications and market development programs which are intended to improve yields, decrease input costs, increase demand and create an overall better product.Good Mustard is Hot and SpicyJeremy Kessler is owner ofRick Mitzel is executive directorCanadian mustard offers a diverse range of flavors and varieties Kozliks Canadian Mustard. of SaskMustard. beyond the standard yellow condiment. Kessler emphasizes the importance of mustard having heat and spiciness, distinguish-ing it from the milder, yellow mass-produced mustards. Some popular varieties include garlic, fruit and maple, along with classic Dijon mustard. Each variety aims to provide a unique and memorable taste experience.Dry Weather Caused a 2022 Mustard ShortageThe mustard industry, like many agricultural sectors, faces challenges due to weather and climate changes, Mitzel notes. Drought conditions in Canada, particularly in 2021, led to a shortage of mustard seeds and subsequent price hikes. This shortage caused concerns in France, a major consumer of mustard seeds, leading to discussions about reducing depend-ence on Canadian imports. To mitigate the impact of weather, mustard growers have adopted practices such as minimum till-age and variable-rate seeding, while ongoing research focuses on developing drought-tolerant varieties.Mustard Can Control Pests and DiseaseApart from being a popular condiment, mustard has other intriguing applications. Biofumigation, a technique to con-trol soil-borne pests and diseases, has gained attention in the mustard industry, Mitzel notes. Certain mustard varieties rich in glucosinolates are grown and worked into the soil, providing natural control measures.SWON THE WEBWHERE For more fascinating insights into Canadian mustard, watch the recorded version of this Seed Speaks episode at www.seedworld.com/heres-what-you-should-keep-in-mind-about-mustard/60/ SEEDWORLD.COMSEPTEMBER 2023'