Debates, Discussion and Variety Selection on my Family Farm

If your house is like ours, the beginning of October is prime season for some very passionate (read: noisy!) debates about next year’s variety options. I’m fortunate to have a seat at the table and blessed to be part of a family that values discussion and group decision making.

Here’s what we’ve found works for us:

First, we do good research. We’re not afraid to try something new (we usually select one or two new varieties to trial each year) but we’re realistic and always do due diligence. Everyone reviews the Alberta Seed Guide to start. I’m able to add insight because, as a sales manager for Alliance Seed, I get to see how varieties from all the major seed companies perform in a wide variety of settings.

We consider multiple traits. Like everyone, we chase bushels, but disease resistance is important too since eliminating fungicide applications saves money and time. As cattle producers, we bale straw so don’t mind taller varieties, but standability is a must-have. For us, we’d rather have a ‘steady Eddie’ variety that ticks every box than a variety that offers exciting yield upside but high risk.