Blue Jeans Mean Best Genes

Genes That Fit: A SeCan Tech Direct Guide

A local source of seed is not a given in modern agriculture. Is there a way to get farmers the genetics they need that has a more local focus? With SeCan, the answer is yes, and AGvisorPRO is excited to have them on board as one of our newest Tech Direct Partners.

Sowing A New Approach

SeCan was started in 1976 with the goal of distributing genetics equitably. Their model is unique in its not-for-profit design, and farmers know SeCan as a brand that supports breeders and seed growers at a more local level. AGvisorPRO is thrilled to welcome SeCan to our roster of Tech Direct Partners. Our connectivity platform allows companies like SeCan to reach further, while still maintaining a face-to-face local approach.

The idea is relatively straightforward. SeCan is a not-for-profit organization that decentralizes the horsepower required to supply seed to the Canadian market. Where we typically see a high degree of corporate complexity in the seed industry, SeCan’s approach creates an operationally lean system that reduces complexity, and therefore cost. A farmer purchasing SeCan seed can rest easy knowing that seed was grown and distributed locally by one of SeCan’s 650 members across Canada. The practical upshot of this is that a given farmer isn’t subsidizing SeCan’s inventory risk or profit margin when purchasing their products. SeCan’s members grow their seed, set their own prices, and manage the distribution of the seed independently through a variety of retailers. This means farmers are getting a more local source of the superior genetics they need, while saving money in the process.

Genes That Fit Your Farm

In Western Canada, the SeCan products a farmer is most likely to be familiar with come from their portfolio of cereals. SeCan’s branded wheat varieties account for approximately 50% of the total acreage of wheat planted in Western Canada. Their Midge Tolerant varieties are also providing farmers with built-in insect protection. This gene is offered in exciting new CWRS varieties like AAC Starbuck and AAC Wheatland. Beyond wheat, SeCan’s seed growers have provided the Western Canadian market with an excellent offering in soybeans, flax, durum, barley, oats, peas, and lentils. With 375 varieties of various crops, SeCan has the seed an operation needs for their farm. Meanwhile, farmers can rest easy knowing they’re supporting local seed growers who “know it because they grow it”. Genetics that fit the farms in the immediate geography. 

A Tailored Experience

A huge part of SeCan’s “fitting the farm” mentality comes down to helping farmers find the exact variety they need. While a farmer will end up getting their seed from a local supplier, SeCan’s knowledgeable team is eager to talk to farmers and point them in the right varietal direction. In days past, this was easily accomplished through ag’s well known tradeshow season. 2020 however, has meant searching for new ways to connect with farmers, and AGvisorPRO is happy to step in and fill that gap.

The Tech Direct Solution

SeCan is an AGvisorPRO Tech Direct partner. This means that any farmer with the AGvisorPRO app can connect to SeCan in a face-to-face session for free. While there’s certainly no shortage of ways for farmers to digitally connect with the information they need, AGvisorPRO is unique. We connect farmers, industry, and independent expertise into one user-friendly app. This means farmers can find the advice they need easily, connect to the right people quickly, and get from question to answer faster.

To connect with SeCan or any of our Tech Direct partners, consider downloading the AGvisorPRO App. If you want to see what AGvisorPRO can do for you, one of our knowledgeable  team members would be happy to give you a walk-through. You can also download our App at AGvisorPRO.com or wherever you get your Apps. With SeCan and AGvisorPRO in your corner, when it comes to seed, you will get the answers you need.