Byline: Lekshmi Sreekumar, Product Line Manager for Cereals
How does Nutrien Ag Solutions directly add value to farm communities in Western Canada?
Aside from the most visible contribution—our retail assets and specifically the cereal seed handling systems that select branches have—Nutrien Ag Solutions works closely with a broad network of seed production growers across the prairies. These relationships are at the heart of what we do. Where we have assets, our branches create jobs and grow the industry around the wheat acre. Even in communities where we don’t have a physical retail presence, chances are we have a contracted seed grower working closely with us.
This boots-on-the-ground involvement demonstrates Nutrien Ag Solutions’ commitment to supporting rural economies and the broader wheat industry, both through direct infrastructure and strong grower partnerships throughout the prairies.
How do Nutrien Ag Solutions and Proven Seed support both the upstream and downstream wheat industry in Canada?
We are invested in the full lifecycle of wheat— starting with genetics. Through Proven Seed, we support a network of diverse breeding programs, help maintain critical funding streams, and enable researchers to focus on creating wheat varieties that outperform their predecessors. Our aim is to make sure the varieties we bring forward not only deliver results for farmers, but also meet the needs of millers and feeders further down the line. Your wheat not only grows well, but it sells well too.
What specific solutions have Nutrien Ag Solutions and Proven Seed provided to Western Canadian farmers recently?
Rotational solutions:
The integration of Clearfield technology in wheat is a key example of problem-solving variety development supported by Proven Seed. This technology not only offers wheat growers an additional in-crop weed control option to help manage herbicide-resistant weeds, but it also provides significant rotational benefits on the Canadian prairies. This protects your crop – and your bottom line.
Specifically, Clearfield tolerance ensures that wheat can be safely and effectively rotated after a Clearfield-treated pulse crop, such as peas or lentils, from the previous season. This helps avoid problems from leftover Clearfield herbicide in the soil—which can pose risks to emerging wheat plants if a non-Clearfield variety is planted. By choosing a Clearfield wheat variety, you’re not just getting weed control— you’re protecting your next crop.
Insect resistance management:
Proven Seed is committed to supporting the long-term sustainability of wheat farming in this region. One way we support that is through Variety Blend concepts, which incorporate a non–midge-resistant refuge within resistant cereal varieties. This integrated method helps reduce the risk of the midge population developing tolerance to resistance mechanisms, thereby sustaining the efficacy of available genetic resistance tools for the future. It’s part of how we help growers stay ahead of pest pressure while meeting quality specs required by the food industry.
This strategy aligns with our broader stewardship efforts—collaborating with breeders and growers to source, support, and distribute strong genetic varieties that meet the evolving needs of prairie agriculture while safeguarding industry and community economic viability.
Why is it important to have retailers like Nutrien Ag Solutions sell certified seed?
Certified seed offers peace of mind. When you buy certified seed from Nutrien Ag Solutions, you get more than that— you get advice from people who know your land, understand local conditions, and can help match the right variety to your operation.
- Certified seed ensures quality, genetic purity, and performance consistency for growers, which are essential for supporting strong crop yields and reliable food production.
- By selling certified seed, Nutrien Ag Solutions helps farmers access the newest genetics and seed technologies developed through advanced breeding programs. This gives growers the opportunity to plant varieties that are tailored to local conditions and agronomic needs.
- Retailers like Nutrien Ag Solutions play a pivotal role in supporting seed breeding organizations by generating ongoing demand for certified seed, which helps fund future agricultural innovation and variety development.
- With an extensive retail network and close relationships with growers, Nutrien Ag Solutions delivers customized seed recommendations and agronomic advice, ensuring the right certified seed is matched to each grower’s requirements.
- Supplying certified seed through a trusted retailer adds another level of integrity and traceability to the supply chain, which benefits both food safety and quality assurance.
Ultimately, having Nutrien Ag Solutions sell certified seed means farmers benefit from trusted expertise, strong logistics, and a direct connection to seed innovations—helping unlock higher productivity and sustainability across Canadian agriculture. To learn more about seed options for your operations, please reach out to your local Nutrien Ag Solutions location for more information.