The wheat industry has a rich history, but is a commodity that demands both growers and seed suppliers look forward to new innovations, techniques and varieties to stay ahead of the market. No one knows this better than Scott Weinlaeder of Weinlaeder Seeds.
“Our farm is a fourth generation farm,” Scott, of Drayton, North Dakota, said in an interview. “[Arnet and Roger Weinlaeder] started in the seed business in 1975.”
Scott’s unique perspective as both a grower and a seed supplier has given him a front-row seat to the ebbs and flows of the ever-evolving wheat market, one he says requires an eye toward the future.
“One of the experiences we enjoy while producing seed is that you get to see the new genetics and evaluate how they perform,” Scott continued.
This forward-facing view of the wheat industry is key to increasing revenue for both the seed supplier and the grower. “The new ideas that the WestBred platform brings is differentiation in the marketplace,” Scott said.
“With all of the new wheat varieties — looking to see how they perform at different seeding rates and on different soil types — we use Climate FieldView™, which allows us to really dive into data and make recommendations from it.”
Weinlaeder pointed out that using WestBred data-driven techniques, like utilizing Climate FieldView and an optimal seeding rate through ConnectIN™, as well as the use of certified seed exclusively, has allowed growers and seed suppliers to make more informed purchases and recommendations, respectively.
And that knowledge and insight can lead to more revenue from an increased potential yield for both.
“One of the issues that we have with new wheat varieties is how to determine the seeding rate and how it affects performance,” Scott explained. “In prior years, we would find out from growers that certain plant populations they were seeding at were in some cases too much and in most cases too little….With ConnectIN and the information it provides, [it] allows us to make a formal recommendation based on more factors.
“With the data available, we are able to feel confident in those recommendations,” Scott said.
“In our business, we focus on quality,” Scott continued, pointing out that certified seed gives seed suppliers better products to sell and growers better seeds to plant. “So coming up with procedures for all steps involved from planting to harvesting, to seed conditioning and packaging; having these processes in place allows us to monitor and evaluate critical control points throughout the process of growing and supplying seed.”
Scott also said he recognizes that WestBred is right alongside growers and seed suppliers when it comes to looking forward and accomplishing more. “WestBred seems team-focused and they support all growers and suppliers. Whenever I need technical data or marketing information [they] do a great job in helping us and helping our customer,” he said.
Seed suppliers can be great partners in the wheat field. Need to get in touch with a seed supplier today? Find yours here.
To share your wheat story with WestBred, contact us at the.tiller@westbred.com or contact us through our Facebook® or Twitter® pages.