b'MESSAGES | Alberta Seed ProcessorsTHE ONLY CERTAINTY is uncertainty and the only constant is change!2020 will go down in history for many reasons. With COVID-19 being declared a global pandemic and the resulting social and economic fall out, it will definitely be the most prominent history maker. At time of writing (September 2020), forecasts of second infection waves, and possible reinstatement of measures to limit spread of the virus are looming in every headline, or so it seems. In some cases, the past half year has seemed surreal. The abrupt changes that the pandemic shutdown brought likely had a softer hit to the agriculture sector. We were declared an essential service and life in the country and on the farm continued on relatively unchanged. It wasnt so, for many or our urban relatives.The unknown twists and turns this business of farming delivers in a normal year really tests our resolvethen adding the unprecedented changes COVID-19 has/will add could describe farmers as the masters of change.The Darwinism phrase It is not the strongest or the most intelligent who will survive, but those who can best manage change really holds true. However, I must point out near the same time frame Darwin coined his theory of evolution, another evolutionary theorist (Peter Kropotkin) developed a contradictory theory which stated mutual cooperation was key to survival, rather than survival at the cost of others. Looking back on the years Ive been farming, Id have to say that maybe both Darwin and Kropotkin were both correct. Being flexible and expectant of change, as well as having good connections with our @CoppockT neighbours, suppliers, researchers, regulators and fellow farmers, are ingredients [email protected] success. This issue of the Alberta Seed Guide is all about change, and how to thrive in(403) 489-9999 the face of the uncontrollable.Looking at our local and national agriculture industry, managing change and collaborating with others are two key performance indicators regardless of the size of entity. In this issue of the Alberta Seed Guide, articles addressing emerging technology, new crops, business growth and expansion are meant to inspire and inform how the entrepreneurial sprit is alive and well despite pandemics and oil price crashes. This issue also explores the beginning of the end of government supplied agricultural research and extension, and how collaboration and change management are imperative in the transition. The article on creating revenue for seed breeding (known as the SVUA, now VUA) explores the trailing royalty collection pilot project which was operated on a few select varieties this past season. Additionally, there is an article on how a few things have NOT changedspecifically, how using fusarium best management practices are still required and critical despite an amendment in the pest act.Growing better crops takes best management practices which are constantly changing. However, one thing which hasnt changed is the best management practice to use the highest quality seed possible. Regardless if purchasing pedigreed seed, or using farm-saved seed, understanding seed test results is vital in the crop planning process. Getting a full seed test to look at both germination, vigour and seed borne disease loading is a great investment regardless of harvest conditions. Be sure to review your seed test with your agronomist or seed lab or seed plant staff and use the best seed possible. Everything we do on our farms is linked to how well that tiny seed will grow, it only makes sense to use seed testing technology as a tool to ensure the seed going into the ground has the potential to meet your farms yield and quality targets.Be Seed Smart and dont increase your risk of crop production by not knowing seed quality.Stay flexible. Take care of yourself and your neighbours and enjoy this issue of the Alberta Seed Guide.Tom Coppock,President, Alberta Seed ProcessorsFall 2020 5'