Harvest 2017 prices as of noon on July 14, 2017 are as follows:
SWW @ $224.49/MT ($6.11/bu),  HRW @ $224.49/MT ($6.11/bu)
HRS @ $284.90/MT ($7.75/bu),  SRW @ $223.56/MT ($6.08/bu)

The Canadian Seed Trade Association (CSTA) held its 94th Annual Meeting in Halifax on Monday. Several issues relating to the future of the industry were discussed, including conversations with corn seed companies about the locations to be used for corn performance trials.

The CSTA also celebrated exceptional seed industry people and their innovative contributions to Canadian agriculture at the meeting. Dr. Bill Legge was awarded with the Canadian Plant Breeding and Genetics Award for his work with two row malting barley. A variety he developed, AC Metcalfe, was the most widely grown two-row malting barley in Canada from 2000 to 2015. The recipient of the CSTA Seed Achievement Award was Stephen Denys. Denys was honoured for his role in several CSTA strategic initiatives and for his efforts in advocating for the seed industry and modern agriculture.  Denys is the director of business management with Maizex Seeds and is a past president of the CSTA. Dorothy Murrell, 55th CSTA president, was named as the recipient of the CSTA Honourary Life Membership Award. She has been a passionate advocate of seed for many years, spending almost all of her career in the seed industry, leading seed business and working on policy and regulatory initiatives that benefit the sector.

Grain Farmers of Ontario is an affiliate member of the CSTA and was represented at the meeting by Crosby Devitt, vice president of strategic development, and Josh Cowan, manager of research and innovation. •

Twenty current and emerging leaders in agriculture, agri-food and rural sectors have been selected to participate in the 17th class of the Advanced Agricultural Leadership Program (AALP). Class 17 will begin their leadership journey on October 1, 2017 at their first seminar in Guelph, Ontario.   

Ten class members are primary producers or involved in family-run farming operations. The remaining ten come from agri-business and agri-food and legal sectors, non-government and commodity associations, the provincial government and various agencies. The class ranges in age from 26 to 63. Among the participants are Brendan Byrne, Grain Farmers of Ontario director for District 1 (Essex), and Brenda Miller-Sanford, Grain Farmers of Ontario manager of administration.

During the 19-month program, AALP participants learn about leadership and organizational development theories and practices, government and political processes, economics, trade policy, global affairs, sector and industry-related issues in Ontario and globally through North American and international study travel components.  

AALP is delivered by the Rural Ontario Institute (ROI). Established in 1984, the Advanced Agricultural Leadership Program (AALP) has graduated over 470 leaders who are making a positive difference across Ontario and beyond. For more information, go to www.ruralontarioinstitute.ca/aalp. •

Grain Farmers of Ontario is showcasing how grains feed and fuel the province at the Honda Indy in Toronto this weekend. The Growing Connections trailer exhibit will be inside Thunder Alley with crops and grain products on display for race goers to take a look at during breaks in the race action. Look for updates from the event on Twitter @GrainFarmers. •