2024 Seeds Canada Annual Conference

Kara Thompson, Customer Service Specialist - Seedtrakr

July 18th, 2024

As someone who grew up and has worked in the agriculture industry for years (mostly being in the livestock sector), and who has a basic knowledge and education on crops, I have been relatively confident in my knowledge and experience on the whole. However,  my knowledge of the seed industry was less.  Since starting with Seedtrakr as Customer Support Specialist two years ago, it has forced me to move outside of my comfort zone and learn not only about the seed industry, but also the technology and software industries as well.

Last week, I was fortunate enough to be able to stand alongside representatives from registered seed establishments, processors, seed distributors, genetics companies, breeders, researchers, seed analysts, and more from all across the country while taking part in the 2024 Seeds Canada Annual Conference held in Edmonton, AB. Seedtrakr was there representing data management technology in the seed industry.

The three day conference kicked off with a Seed Lab Tour. Guests were able to choose one of three seed laboratories: 20/20 Seed Labs Inc, SGS, and SeedCheck Technologies Inc. I attended the 20/20 Seed Lab tour, due to the recent platform integration between Seedtrakr and 20/20, and gave a small presentation on the importance of data management and connectivity in the seed industry to those in attendance. 

As well, I gave a demonstration on how the integration between Seedtrakr and 20/20 Seed Labs allows test results and the Report of Analysis from the 20/20 platform to be received and stored with the corresponding inventory lots in Seedtrakr. This allowed both businesses, 20/20 Seed Labs and Seedtrakr, to showcase the importance of collaboration and connectivity in order to provide better ease of use for shared clients.

Not only was this my first time attending, but it was the first time Seedtrakr had been represented at the annual event, as well. The Seeds Canada team deserves to be commended for their hard work on planning a well-organized three-day event. This event was full of keynote speakers and panel discussions involving various experts from the seed and agriculture industry, a workshop for seed analysts, member meetings, director elections, and social evenings for almost 200 industry representatives. All of this, along with providing an engaging atmosphere for not only learning about the work Seeds Canada does and the programs they regulate, but the various bodies that encompass the seed industry, and (perhaps most importantly) a positive and inviting environment for industry networking.

Thank you to Seeds Canada for the opportunity to connect and interact with this community; it was a great event.