Elizabeth Tokariuk has been a part of — or volunteered for — the North American Seed Fair (NASF) since 1988.
At the time, Alberta Agriculture and NASF were trying to implement a new computer system to enter and keep track of sample entries.
“By default, I was given the task of running the program — entering samples, assigning sample numbers to them to keep the judging anonymous, running reports for each class, entering winning entries and assigning points and prize money,” she says. “The program generated the aggregate winners (those with the most points in the Pedigreed, Open and Junior class categories), as well as generating labels for the display samples.”
Prior to this, this process was completed manually.
This is just one of the many evolutions of the NASF, an event that has been an integral part of Ag Expo for the past 128 years. Several of these changes will be on display this week.
Displayed in the Real Estate Centre Lobby of the Agri-food Hub and Trade Centre and powered by Seed World Canada, the NASF showcases more than 25 classes of Pedigree Seed, Open Classes and Junior Classes.
“Pedigreed seed growers’ livelihoods depend on their ability to grow good, clean, sound and viable seed crops and the NASF is a great place to showcase that dedication and talent,” Tokariuk says.
How the samples are displayed will be new to those who have attended the seed fair in the past. The physical display had to give way to the growing need for booth space and a number of configurations were tried — a brand new one will be unveiled at this year’s show.
“The committee is very pleased with the whole set up and I think the people that come to the show will be too,” Tokariuksays.
While some aspects of the show certainly will look different — and fresh — Tokariuk says one crowd favourite isn’t going anywhere.
“For the last several years, we have been partnering with the TNT 4-H Multi Club who do ‘seed art’ as a project,” she says. “The latest pieces are on display again this year. They’re a crowd favourite for sure!” The NASF runs until Feb. 28. For more information or to register for Ag Expo, visit the website
