The 72nd CSAAC Annual Meeting and Workshop was a huge success. It was held at the Auberge Saint-Antoine in Quebec City, Que., May 31 – June 1. The meetings included updates from the CFIA, SSTS, CSI and CSGA._x000D_
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There is a new revision of the Canadian Methods and Procedures for Testing Seed, effective July 1. The new Weed Seeds Order comes into effect Nov. 1. There are new weed seeds included and reclassification of some already in the table. Please note these important changes. The workshop focused on similar species identification and germination seedlings with presentations from Ken Allison, Joanne Hinke, Krista Erickson and Morgan Webb._x000D_
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There was a presentation from Francis Gilbert on occupational health prevention and wellness at work. He described various stretches to perform during the work day to limit workplace injury. Congratulations to Chantal Lecavalier, Cecile Tetreault and their staff for a wonderfully organized, informative event held in such a beautiful and historic location._x000D_
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The $500 CSAAC post-secondary grant winner was announced at the meeting, and it is Alexandra Waldner from Saskatchewan. In the fall of this year, Waldner will be attending the University of Saskatchewan studying agronomy. She has participated in many community activities, has acquired excellent marks and submitted a very interesting personal essay. She was raised on a family farm near Swift Current. She attended Lethbridge College and began studies in the agricultural technology plant and soil science program._x000D_
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She worked as a student for three summers at the Semiarid Prairie Research Centre in the forage and the pulse crop departments. After graduating from Lethbridge College, she worked with Hytech Production Ltd., whose primary focus is canola seed production. She is working at Seed Solutions Seed Lab. All of these experiences will round out her education in the agriculture industry. Congratulations and best wishes to Alexandra!_x000D_
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Danny Hancock, an American seed analyst, donated a nature photograph printed on canvas to be used as a fundraisor. Hancock started his career in the seed industry at Northrup King in New Deal, Texas, working in the seed industry for many years before retiring and bringing his skills to photography that brings nature to life. He is now an award-winning photographer and lives in Lubbock, Texas. Thanks go to him for his wonderful donation._x000D_
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The 73rd CSAAC Annual Meeting and Workshop will be held in Kelowna, B.C., May 29-31, 2017._x000D_
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For more information on seed testing and the Commercial Seed Analysts Association of Canada, visit seedanalysts.ca.
