b'PARTNER CONTENTFrom the Lab to the Field: Discovering the Bigger Picture in Seed TestingMy unexpected journey into seed testing revealed the vital role seeds play in keeping Canadas agriculture thriving.W hen I joined Seed Check Technologieswe run in the lab and how they affect the final in September, I didnt know what I wasproduct. Its all about ensuring that the seeds that getting into. My education is in biology, withmake it to the field are of the highest quality and a focus on integrative physiologyso animalhave the best chance of thriving. studies, zoology, and in field and lab work was myI feel really lucky to have happened into this experience.industry, and even more-so, into Seed Check. Seeds werent originally on my radar, but biol- The analysts Im learning from are true experts ogy and physiology are all about understandingat what they do. They work tirelessly to ensure lifeand seeds are a big part of that puzzle. were providing the best possible data to our I actually happened into this role by chance,clients, and their attention to detail is inspiring. after being introduced to Morgan WebbSeedTheyre always ready to answer my questions and Checks ownerat a housewarming party of ahelp me better understand how each test fits into mutual friend. He mentioned they were hiring.the larger picture.Being fresh out of school with my biology degree in tow, I decided to apply. Little did I know that a By: Jake Palmer few months later, Id be immersed in the world of seed testing and learning a ton about an industry I knew almost nothing about. IVE LEARNED THAT EACH TEST WE Moving from a biology lab to a seed testing lab, I was able to transfer much of my researchPERFORM DIRECTLY IMPACTS THE experience. When it comes to seed analyzing, itsFARMERS AND GROWERS WHO about much more than just the science of whether a seed is viable or notyou have to understandRELY ON THIS INFORMATION TO the bigger picture. Ive learned that each test we perform directly impacts the farmers and growersMAKE DECISIONS ABOUT THEIR who rely on this information to make decisions about their crops. And honestly, seeing that first- CROPS. AND HONESTLY, SEEING hand has made this journey even more rewarding. THAT FIRSTHAND HAS MADE THIS A few weeks ago, we went on a field trip to the Warburg seed cleaning plant and the BrettJOURNEY EVEN MORE REWARDING.Young Seeds seed warehouse. I had no idea how much was involved in preparing seeds for the next season. I was blown away by the scale of the operation and the attention to detail that goes into ensuring only the highest-quality seeds areThough Im still new to this world, Ive learned stored and ready for planting. a lot in just a few months, and Im excited to keep growing. Every day presents new challenges, Small Seeds, Big Impact but thanks to the guidance of Morgan and the Meeting the team at the seed cleaning plant andteam, Im getting closer to fully contributing to seeing the equipment in actionlike the gravityhow seed testing is a crucial cog in the wheel tables and colour sorterswas pretty amazing.that keeps one of Canadas most vital industries It helped me connect the dots between the teststurning.MARCH 2025SEEDWORLD.COM/CANADA 33'