There’s a generational shift happening. In less than eight years, a new generation will step up to replace the seven million people over 65 in Canada. Investing in young leaders is needed now more than ever.
Fortunately for the seed industry, the future’s in good hands.
Germination asked for nominations for 10 leaders in the industry who showcase a drive for bettering the global seed industry. These leaders come from a range of businesses — from multinationals to associations to independent companies. They all have one goal in common: leading the seed sector into the future.
These 10 Next-Gen Leaders were nominated by their managers, their peers, and different seed associations who saw their potential as up-and-coming leaders. Here’s the ninth.
Simon Ellis’s secret to success? Well, he has several. Surround yourself with good people. Listen, and understand that you don’t know everything. And then participate, get active and be engaged. And plan for the future.
He’s certainly done all those things. As a member of the Manitoba Seed Growers’ Association board and vice-chair of the Seeds Canada Oilseeds, Pulses, & Western Cereals Policy & Issues Committee, he believes participating in the things that matter to you, whether it be in your industry, community, or society as a whole, is crucial to success.
“When you participate and share your opinions and ideas, you contribute to the shaping of the decisions that affect your life and the lives of others around you,” he says.
Ellis Seeds is a registered seed establishment, with HACCP certification (which it received in 2022) and an accredited seed treater through the Agrichemical Warehousing Standards Association. The processing facility has been designed to process a wide range of crop types, to stay ahead of changes in farming needs or climate change pressures.
His family is celebrating a century selling seed. When it began, it wasn’t called Ellis Seeds, and his great-grandfather was basically selling boxcars of grain across the Prairies. Then he began selling seed into the U.S. Things have changed a lot, but Ellis keeps one thing in mind as a rising leader in the seed sector: always plan to meet the future.
Ellis Seeds has not only doubled its processing capacity but has also repositioned itself as capable of doing food-grade processing. It’s not just about cleaning seed for planting anymore.
“That was a significant undertaking for us, going food-grade, but it’s resulted in better traceability and control over our processes,” he says, noting that meeting food safety standards requires strict attention to detail and adherence to a comprehensive set of procedures.
“But the benefits are well worth the effort. By implementing these measures, we’re not only ensuring the safety of the food you produce but also building trust with our customers.”
