b"Bayer Crop Science Canada recently cut the ribbon on its newly acquired canola treating and packaging facility in Coaldale, Alta. Photo: Sharla Blenkinis taking shape. Cranbrook is where Bayer Canada houses oneIts precisely because you dont trip over other canola fields of its canola seed production facilities. there, Corneillie says. The isolation ensures the highest purity Shaun Corneille, Bayers North American canola andlevels, which is just as important as yield when producing paren-cereals strategy lead, sheds light on how this unique regiontal seeds for hybrid varieties.is reshaping the way foundational and pre-foundational seed production is managed. Efficiencies in Lethbridge and BeyondGiven the geography, Cranbrook presents some uniqueWhile Cranbrook showcases cutting-edge tech integration, challenges, he says. Isolating fields for seed production in theBayers team in Lethbridge has also been innovating in impact-interior of B.C.s first mountain range is vital for maintain- ful ways. One such example is the seed saver project, aimed at ing purity. But physically getting around to monitor crops asreducing seed loss during processing. closely as we need to? Thats a whole other challenge. Its a small investment with big returns, Corneillie says. By To address this, the team leaned on remote sensing technol- addressing inefficiencies in the cleaning plant, weve significantly ogy to streamline their operations. While remote sensing isn'tincreased the amount of viable seed that makes it to market.groundbreaking in itself, he emphasizes that its integrationThis commitment to quality and customers is ultimately what into Cranbrooks specific processes was a big deal.led to Bayers acquisition of a new canola treating and packaging Its allowed us to monitor irrigation scheduling, adapt tofacility in Coaldale, Alta.changing weather conditions, and optimize field activities The new acquisition will enable a more seamless transition things that were previously much harder to manage in such afrom Bayers seed production site in Cranbrook and its seed rugged and remote area, he says. cleaning facility in Lethbridge. These two sites are examples of The results? Enhanced efficiency, sustainability and optimalhow Bayer is prioritizing a model that more closely aligns with soil health. Its not just about being able to respond faster butfarmers needs.applying our time and resources where it matters most. Well have more visibility and control over the seed from For a region not traditionally associated with canola, why isproduction to packaging, which directly benefits the farmers Cranbrook so critical to Bayers seed production?who use our seed, Bernet says.8 SEEDWORLD.COM/CANADA JANUARY 2025"