It All Begins with Research
PICKSEED operates the most extensive private forage testing program in Canada, giving us an unmatched ability to identify varieties with superior yield and persistence, faster regrowth, exceptional forage quality and superior disease resistance specifically for tough Canadian conditions.
We test at 3 locations in Ontario, 3 locations in Québec and 4 locations in Western Canada. Each year 35-45 new alfalfa varieties enter our replicated trials with each trial being harvested 2-4 times per year (depending on location). We also do forage quality sampling and analysis on our trials and we monitor the quality characteristics of our varieties.
PICKSEED’s trials follow well-recognized government and university testing protocols, which require replicated testing (4 plots of each variety in each trial). This rigourous testing ensures that only the best adapted varieties are advanced. PICKSEED selects and advances 1 to 2 elite varieties from this extensive testing program every few years.
The emphasis on development of new forage varieties at PICKSEED provides an unmatched level of genetic advancement. We have a constant and steady genetic improvement system to provide outstanding new varieties.
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Why We Test Varieties
In-House
When you buy varieties from PICKSEED, the promise of performance is backed by extensive regional testing, meaning your buying decision is secure. We only register an alfalfa variety for sale in Canada after we have grown it and tested it right across the country. We are not dependent on using varieties that were only tested in the USA or on a limited basis in Canada. You get proven yield, predictable performance and persistence that lets you plan with confidence and peace of mind. When we compare varieties, we compare them head-to-head, where the varieties appear in the same trials.
We also operate tough winter survival trials to screen our varieties for winter hardiness, making sure that only the most resistant make it out to the farmer.
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