Planning your winter?

Mark your calendar with these important winter dates for Alberta and British Columbia seed growers. If you have an event you would like featured in our newsletters, please reach out to Kelly Chambers at kelly@abcseedgrowers.ca.

WHERE:
Sheraton Cavalier Calgary Hotel, Calgary, AB

DEADLINE TO REGISTER: January 29, 2025. There is no cost for members to register, however, registration is required to ensure a seat and meals for all that attend.

Join us for the 2025 ABCSG AGM, which will feature presentations from Errol Anderson, author of Errol’s Commodity Wire, entitled “Making Sense of Strained Economics – How Global Economics Impact our Canadian Markets,” and “Seed Kits & CAP Volunteers,” from Luree Williamson, CEO, Agriculture for Life.

NOTE: This is your second call for nominations to the board of directors and for resolutions at our 2025 AGM. Instructions on how to submit are below in this newsletter. The third call will be at the ABCSG AGM. 

Interested in becoming a director?

In order to be eligible, nominees require a CSGA/ABCSG membership with at least 2 years of pedigreed seed production.

Interested in learning more? Read through our new board member package by clicking here.

2025 Resolutions

Click the link below and submit your resolution for our 2025 AGM.

This is our way to hear from YOU – our valued members!

Calling all young (seed growers) farmers! 

The Canadian Federation of Agriculture is looking to encourage more young farmers to participate in their organization. To launch this initiative, they have reduced the young farmer registration fee for their upcoming CFA 2025 AGM.

To piggyback on top of this inspiring initiative, ABCSG will provide an eligible young seed grower member that meets the criteria with a paid registration and $1,500 in compensation for travel costs (hotel, meals, and flights) to the CFA 2025 AGM.

To be eligible for this program, the “Young Farmer” must be under 40 and actively engaged in a Canadian farm operation and/or registered in a young farmer program.

To enter the draw, click the button below and submit your details. GOOD LUCK!

All submissions received no later than 10:30 am MST on February 5, 2025 will be entered. Draw to take place during the ABCSG AGM on February 5, 2025. Only the winning entrant will be contacted immediately following the draw.

Government of Canada to open new intake period for Youth Employment and Skills Program

Eligible applicants include producers, agri-businesses, industry associations, provincial and territorial governments, Indigenous organizations and research facilities.

Read more about the program and announcement here.

Member Training & Education Opportunities  

20/20 Seed Labs Seed Grader Course – 20/20 Seed Labs Inc is inviting seed industry personnel interested in gaining knowledge about operating a seed cleaning plant to come to their Nisku Alberta Lab where they can enjoy tailored training for graders and operators. An introduction to seed grading, weed seed identification, grader documentation and operational requirements will be provided. Participants are invited to tour the seed quality testing departments to learn more about molecular biology, plant pathology, seed germination, viability and purity. The course will conclude with Seeds Canada and CFIA exams. More details, dates and to register can be found here: https://2020seedlabs.ca/event/seed-grading-course/

Grader Training – Seeds Canada is looking for feedback from individuals interested in grader training, in order to arrange sessions across Canada. A minimum of 10, and a maximum of 15 people are required to run a session. If you are interested, email Shelly Rowsell at srowsell@seeds-canada.ca