Alberta farmers shouldn’t face any challenges finding seed as the pandemic plays out over the next few weeks — but stick to phone calls and online orders when working with your seed supplier.
“To my knowledge, there shouldn’t be a lot of problems (with seed supply),” said Kelly Chambers, executive director of Alberta Seed Growers. “But you’re not going to get your spring work done if you’re not healthy, so follow the provincial recommendations as well as possible.”
In an effort to control the spread of COVID-19, health authorities recommend staying home as much as possible, avoiding crowds, and keeping a distance of one to two meters between yourself and others.
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That means “making a lot more phone calls rather than just dropping in. That’s not necessarily the best for your seed grower or yourself,” said Chambers.
“A phone call can get you the information you need as a farmer to make your variety selections.”
Another online resource is the Alberta Seed Guide’s seed finder site, said Chambers.
“Regional variety trial information, grower listings, and seed plant listings can all be found on the seed finder website,” she said. “It’s an excellent resource, in these times especially.”
