b'SEED GROWER PROFILEIn on the Ground FloorSendziak Seed Farm is involved in propagating new varieties in annual breeder plots developed by AAFC, Canadian universities and private institutions. This means the seed farm can provide its customers with important knowledge about how those new varieties will perform in the local region, both environmentally and agronomically.FATHER AND SON Donald and Stephen Sendziak are proud that for the 47 years their family has been in the pedigreed seed business, they have remained totally Fusarium graminearum-free in all of their pedigreed seed crops every year thanks to their focus on good management practices.Fusarium graminearum is a prevalent crop disease across the Prairies. Its a significant hazard for our pedigreed industry and we have been able to maintain zero per cent Fusarium graminearum through preventative practices like applying top-quality seed treatments and fungicides in order to mitigate the risk of any disease, says Stephen.In on the Ground FloorThats an impressive record, however, its also typical of the familys philosophy when it comes to producing high-quality seed for its customers. It is important to us that our pedigreed seed customers are happy with all the product lines that we offer, says Stephen. We focus on excellent quality assurance and quality control of all pedigreed varieties to ensure that the product is all true to its kind.Maintaining purity in its seed lines is a big reason Sendziak Seed Farm, which is located near Thorsby, Alta., is heavilyDonald and Krystyna Sendziak of Sendziak Seed Farm.PHOTO: SENDZIAK SEED FARMinvolved in the research and breeding side of the industry. For example, the seed farm is involved in propagating newChristian (1), arent yet involved in the business, but are keen varieties in annual breeder plots developed in Western Canadaco-pilots on the combine. During busy times, such as harvest, by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC), CanadianStephens four sisters and their husbandsTanya and Paul universities and private institutions, such as Canterra Seeds andHyshka, Natasha and Anthony Plitt, Andrea and Colin Stanchuk SeCan, of which the Sendziaks are also shareholders.and Nicole Sendziakare always there to lend a helping hand. We strive for varietal purity in the growing process and thatThe Sendziaks believe it is important to be involved in doesnt come without roguing our select plots and breeder plotsthe seed industry and communicate with other growers and throughout the year, says Donald. That has to be done in orderstakeholders to stay up to date on things like trends, technology to avoid any contamination and maintain varietal purity. and markets. They regularly attend annual events, such as the Being involved at the ground floor with new varieties meansFarmTech Conference in Edmonton, and Agri-Trade Equipment Sendziak Seed Farm can always provide their customersExpo in Red Deer, Alta., and are also members of the Canadian with important knowledge about how those new varietiesSeed Growers Association. Donald has also served as president will perform in the local region, both environmentally andof the Alberta Seed Growers.agronomically.Its an important thing to do because youve got to develop varieties that are going to be able to be distributed in the global A True Family Business market, says Donald. Sendziak Seed Farm grows pedigreed wheat, oats, barley,As well as selling their high-end pedigreed seed to other peas, soybean and flax seed on 1,700 acres, and is a truegrower colleagues, the Sendziaks retail to commercial growers family operation. Donald and wife, Krystyna, and his son,in their area direct from their seed farm and via the Warburg Stephen, and wife, Tasha, are the main principles of theSeed Cleaning Plant.business handling all day-to-day operations, marketing andThey recently consolidated all aspects of their business, administration. Stephens three sons, Peter (5), Jakob (3), andincluding their land, machinery and equipment into one entity, 56seed.ab.ca'