Grainswest - Spring 2025

Spring 2025 grainswest.com 23 LIMOGES SEED FARMS FOLLOWS LOCAL MARKET DEMAND Second generation Peace Country seed grower and operator of Limoges Seed Farms near McLennan, Richard Limoges must continuously reassess local market demand for his seed. The business markets pedigreed pea seed, barley and wheat. “Growing seed is tricky because we always plan at least two years in advance,” he said. He also noted new varieties appear to come available faster than ever, especially in the farm’s chosen trio of crops. New varieties are always welcome, especially those that offer qualities such as improved drought tolerance and reduced lodging. However, said Limoges, while seed growers may take two years to produce a newly released seed, this work and investment may not pay off. If poor market or weather conditions predominate the first year a farmer tries a new variety, the farmer may drop it. His father Marcel grew seed under contract for a few years in the early ’90s. The family took a break from the seed growing business until Richard joined the farm in 2008. He now manages 2,700 acres with 75 per cent in seed production and 25 in commercial canola. Limoges employs his expertise as a Certified Crop Adviser and professional agrologist and enjoys growing new varieties that add value to the industry. He works to increase seed nutrient density and lower disease prevalence using crop nutrition to deliver high- quality, top performing seed. Customer input helps him select varieties that suit the needs of Peace Country farmers. “Some customers want the latest and greatest varieties with improvements, while others prefer the tried-and-true varieties,” said Limoges. “And just because it’s new, doesn’t mean it’s better.” These tend to be shorter season, good- standing varieties compatible with the region’s grey-wooded soils. This includes short- to medium-season wheat and barley varieties that will perform in the colder, shorter growing season. “While we still face rainfall deficits in certain years, we also need to be prepared for snow in September and the harvest challenges that come along with it,” he said. “Our goal is to pick varieties that will be successful in all scenarios.” As with True Seeds, Limoges said the quality and purity of the varieties he produces are top priority. This demands diligent attention to cleaning protocols, documentation of operations and the purchase of equipment. “Anything we can do to make cleaning faster and easier translates to improved quality and purity of our products,” he said. His investment in specialized seed handling, storage, seeding and harvest equipment has enabled him to streamline operations. He points to the purchase of smooth-walled storage bins that are easier to clean than corrugated bins. These include several smaller bins that allow him to store multiple varieties of seed stock. He also uses a conveyor because it handles seed more gently than an auger. An industrial-grade, diesel air compressor is one of the business’s most valuable cleaning tools. Limoges uses it to clean combines, grain carts, seeders and trucks as well as bins whenever he switches varieties. He has also invested in duplicate field equipment to reduce in-season downtime required for cleaning and operates four combines. “I usually run two combines for each variety, with a third on deck that is ready to go into the next field, so I don’t have to clean out all the combines on the same day and lose valuable harvesting hours.” Limoges is proud of his family’s contribution to the industry. “As seed producers, we have the opportunity to help fellow growers reduce their risks by providing new and improved varieties to help them improve their bottom line.” “Some customers want the latest and greatest varieties with improvements, while others prefer the tried-and- true varieties.” —Richard Limoges Peace Country seed growers, the Limoges team focuses on pea seed, barley and wheat.