b"ADVERTORIALFrom the Farm to the BoardroomCanterra Seeds CEO transition signals a transformative era for the company as it looks to further strengthen its foundation for seed genetics.I n the realm of corporate leadership transitions, the appointment of a new CEO often sparks speculation. Who is the newcomer? Whats their professional background? Are they ready to steer the ship and navigate the challenges ahead? When it comes to Canterra Seeds, the selection of a sea-soned leader is not merely a changing of the guard; it signifies a transformative era for the organization, which offers one of the broadest field seed portfolios in Western Canada. The elevation of 45-year-old Brent Derkatcha longtime figure in the seed industry with personal roots in farmingto the role of CEO marks the dawn of a new chapter for the company.Derkatchs ascension from companys production manager (a role he began in 2001) to overseeing its pedigreed seed business unit to now ascending to the rank of CEO stands as a testament to Canterra Seeds commitment to nurturing its own talent. Raised on the family farm in Russell, Man., Derkatchs forma-tive years were steeped in the daily rhythms of agriculture. He gained first-hand insights into the trials and tribulations faced by farmers from a business perspective, an invaluable asset that now underpins his leadership philosophy.When I reflect on the experiences both my dad and I had onDavid Hansen (left) passed the Canterra Seeds CEO torch to Brent our family farm, I think of the crucial role that the varieties weDerkatch at the companys headquarters in October.selected played in determining our success in producing a viable crop, he says.Collectively, we need to recognize that variety development In the world of farming, there are choices that offer imme- and the improvement of plant genetics are paramount for the diate rewards, like increasing nitrogen levels to boost yields.future prosperity of Canadian agriculture, Derkatch adds.However, when it comes to investing in variety development, weAs Derkatch takes the helm, he brings not just a wealth of have to take a more patient and forward-thinking stance. experience but an innate understanding of Canterra Seeds core When it comes to the concept of investing in variety develop- mission. The transition from a dedicated employee to CEO may ment, it becomes evident that Canterra Seeds is focused on theappear as a formidable challenge, yet his lengthy tenure within the long term. Theres a multitude of technological advancementscompany and his passion for the industry have prepared him. available to farmers today, all aimed at ensuring a successful harvest. However, the true value of these incremental technolo- Collaborationgies can only be fully realized with a robust genetic foundation,Inheriting the CEO mantle from longtime leader David Hansen is a Derkatch says.weighty responsibility, one that Derkatch embraces.That genetic foundation requires funding, something that isCanterra Seeds stands as an example within its sector of becoming increasingly beleaguered in the world of cereals inhow to build a distinctive corporate cultureone founded upon recent years as public breeding programs have faced staffingthe principles of collaboration and unity. The company upholds challenges. a vertically coordinated structure, prioritizing partnerships and I'm particularly concerned about the ability of public fundingteamwork over rigid hierarchical structures. to sustain variety development efforts in Canada. To achieve suc- When we foster such a positive and close-knit culture inter-cess, we must adopt a broader, more forward-looking approachnally, it becomes second nature for us to extend that warmth and that involves both large and small players, both public and privatecamaraderie to how we interact with our customers and partners. sectors, says Derkatch. I believe this has been a cornerstone of our success and, in a sig-In line with this belief, Canterra Seeds partnered with Francesnificant way, a part of Davids lasting legacy here, says Derkatch. Limagrain to form Limagrain Cereals Research Canada (LCRC) inHansen, who is staying on at Canterra Seeds in an advisory 2015, and Canterra Seeds has made a commitment to a long-termcapacity until he retires at the end of the year, attributes much investment in variety development for the benefit of farmers inof the companys successes to this unique culture of unity. He Western Canada.acknowledges the challenges posed by the transition from remote 40GERMINATION.CANOVEMBER 2023"