August 2026 Seed Scoop

A Message from President Shannon Bieman

My name is Shannon Bieman, and I cannot express how excited and humbled I feel to begin my term as CSGA President following our AGM in Whitehorse this past July.

For those I haven’t met yet: I farm with my husband Blair and our grown children near Belgrave, Ontario.  We are select seed growers and grow pedigreed soybeans and cereals.  To keep us out of trouble we also have a cow-calf operation and a flock of sheep. Of course, that means that on any given day, there can be challenges. Thus we all know that agriculture is a team sport. That’s the belief I’m bringing into my new role as President.

I am not starting from scratch. I’m picking up something strong, and I want to thank Glenn, the board, and the staff who’ve carried this association to where it is today.

This is a real moment for our sector. The seed system Canada relies on doesn’t run on its own. It runs on the people who do the work to a standard most people never see, and on the trust that gets built when we do it right, year after year. That trust is our product as much as the seed is. Protecting it, and growing it, is the job.

So here’s where I want to put our energy.

Relationships – Across the entire sector.  With our partners, with regulators, with the organizations we share this work with. We get further sitting at the table together than we do working within our own silos.

The next generation. I want a young grower looking at this association to see a door that’s open, not a club that’s closed. The next generation needs to help shape the seed sector and be at the table today. 

Third – IS You.  CSGA works best when members are engaged. My door is always open.  I mean that literally.  Tell me what we are getting right and where we are falling short.  We grow more together.

I’m proud and honoured to take this position on.  I plan to approach this position as I do anything – with boots on the ground, ready to listen and engage.  I am grateful for your trust and I am ready to work.  For those of you that were in Whitehorse, I am quoting Bruce Kirkby “Care Fiercely”.  That’s why I am here and that’s what I will bring to the CSGA table every day.

Sincerely,

Shannon

Following the AGM, Seed World Canada sat down with Shannon to discuss her priorities, collaboration across the seed sector and why listening to members matters.

Cathy-Jo Noble Named CSGA's Next Executive Director

CSGA is pleased to announce that Cathy-Jo (CJ) Noble has joined the Association as Executive Director.

CJ brings more than 30 years of experience in public affairs, government relations and agricultural leadership. Most recently, she led policy and government relations for the National Cattle Feeders’ Association and Alberta Cattle Feeders’ Association, following more than a decade as CEO of the Canadian Parks and Recreation Association.

Her collaborative leadership and extensive experience will help CSGA continue delivering an inclusive and transparent national seed crop certification and standards-setting system that fosters innovation, empowers farmers and strengthens collaboration across the value chain.

We look forward to welcoming CJ to the team.

Looking Back at CSGA’s Annual Meeting

Earlier this month, more than 190 delegates, presenters, sponsors and family members gathered in Whitehorse.

Over three days, participants took part in Association business, timely conversations about the future of Canada’s seed and agriculture sectors, and memorable opportunities to connect and experience the Yukon. Sessions explored agricultural policy, seed standards, public research and plant breeding, soil health, farm safety and wellness, and the importance of building resilient farming systems.

Members elected CSGA’s 2026–2027 Board of Directors, and welcomed Shannon Bieman as President, Lori Oatway as Vice-President and Glenn Logan moving into the role of Past President. The AGM also provided an opportunity to recognize outstanding contributions to the seed sector, celebrate CSGA’s 2026 award recipients and consider important Association business.

Thank you to everyone who attended, presented, sponsored and contributed to the conversations and connections that made #CSGA2026 such a success.

CSGA Participates in CFA Summer Meeting

CSGA was pleased to participate in the Canadian Federation of Agriculture’s Summer Meeting and Federal-Provincial-Territorial Ministers Roundtable in Halifax.

Bringing together more than 200 agricultural leaders from across Canada, the meetings focused on shaping Canada’s next five-year agricultural policy framework and strengthening the future of Canadian agriculture.

The discussions provided an excellent opportunity to engage with government and industry leaders on the policy priorities that will support a competitive, innovative and resilient agricultural sector, strengthen Canadian farms and support the people who make agriculture possible.

Thank you to the Canadian Federation of Agriculture for bringing together industry and government leaders for these important conversations. We look forward to continuing to contribute to a stronger future for Canadian agriculture.

Weather Challenges This Season? We're Here to Help

Many seed growers across Canada have faced challenging weather conditions this growing season. A long winter, delayed spring, and regional extremes of excessive moisture and drought have all affected crop management and production.  In many areas, persistent rainfall, hail, and even tornadoes have created additional challenges.

It has delayed crop development, be sure to keep in contact with your inspector so inspections can be scheduled at the appropriate stage of maturity for your crop kind. Wet conditions can also make volunteer control more difficult. Growers with cereal seed crops containing high levels of other cereal volunteers may be eligible to participate in CSGA’s Mechanical Purity Research Project.

Saturated fields can also make it difficult to cut isolation strips before inspection, which may delay inspections or require corrective actions and a re-inspection. In areas affected by drought or hail, crop losses may also have implications for future pedigreed seed crops because seed introduced into the soil can volunteer in future crops and may affect the field’s eligibility for future pedigreed seed crop production under CSGA’s previous land use requirements.

If your seed crop has been damaged, you may be able to reduce the acreage or split the field, depending on the circumstances.

Every situation is different, and the CSGA Certification team is here to help. If you have questions about managing weather-related challenges or how they may affect your seed crop certification, contact the Certification team at certification@seedgrowers.ca.

Seasonal Reminders

As the growing season continues, a few simple reminders can help keep your seed crop certification process on track.

Check Circular 6

The Canadian Regulations and Procedures for Pedigreed Seed Crop Production (Circular 6) outlines the certification requirements for pedigreed seed crop production. Refer to it regularly to help avoid issues or surprises later in the season.

You can also use the Certification Requirements search tool on the CSGA website to quickly find the requirements for your specific crop kind and class.

Keep Your Inspector Updated

Crop development can vary significantly across regions. If your crop is progressing earlier or later than expected, keep your inspector informed so the inspection can be scheduled at the appropriate stage of maturity.

Maintain Good Records

Continue documenting field activities throughout the season. Accurate records are an important part of the certification process and can help resolve questions if they arise. Be sure to retain the pedigreed seed tags for all parent seed, particularly for perennial seed crops. 

Monitor Your SeedCert Applications and Reports

Check SeedCert regularly to see if CSGA has requested additional information or if corrective action is required for any of your fields.

Before harvest, confirm that your crop has been inspected and meets all applicable certification requirements. CSGA cannot issue a crop certificate for a field that has not been inspected or does not meet the required standards.

Plan for Next Season

This year’s conditions may have implications for future pedigreed seed crops. As you plan upcoming rotations, consider volunteer management and confirm that your fields will meet previous land use requirements.

You can also complete a Previous Land Use Verification form under the Forms tab in SeedCert to confirm a field’s eligibility before planting.

Visit the CSGA website throughout the season for certification resources, forms and guidance. For assistance, contact support@seedgrowers.ca.

Celebrating Our Team

Behind CSGA’s programs, services and member support is a dedicated team with decades of combined experience.

This year, we are pleased to recognize the following staff milestones:

• Gail Harris — 22 years
• Caroline Lafontaine — 21 years
• Pam Coles — 18 years
• Brianna Chouinard — 11 years
• Emmanuel Fondi — 11 years
• Mike Scheffel — 10 years
• Tania Calverley — 6 years

Together, these team members represent 99 years of service to CSGA. Their knowledge, commitment and dedication help us support members and strengthen Canada’s Certified seed system every day.