The Story of CANTERRA SEEDS: From Seed to Company
In the spring of 1996, the vision and work of nine seed growers from Western Canada came to fruition with the launch of CANTERRA SEEDS. That vision was founded on the principle of selecting and securing the best genetics for Western Canada, and keeping them in the hands of seed growers and farmers.
That original group of nine seed growers from each of the three Prairie provinces (three per province) eventually grew to over 150 seed grower shareholders. With the addition of canola, corn and soybeans to the company’s portfolio of seed, CANTERRA SEEDS would partner with local and international seed breeding programs and cast a wider net in the mission to bring the best of the best to Prairie farmers.
Now, 25 years later, some of our founding fathers share the story of our company’s roots and celebrate the seed of an idea…
Watch Founder Videos
Henry Vos
Founding Shareholder
A made-in-Canada opportunity for seed growers to be involved in the acquisition and distribution of varieties was at the root of the founding of CANTERRA SEEDS. Henry shares how opportunity turned into success.
Ken Nelson
Founding Shareholder
The idea of CANTERRA SEEDS was first germinated by Ken, who also knew that great ideas need great people to grow. Principle and purpose were at the root of that idea, as told by Ken.
Vince Walker
Founding Shareholder
When nine seed growers gathered in Saskatoon to hear Ken Nelson’s vision for CANTERRA SEEDS, no one knew where opportunity would take the company. Vince shares his pride in having been a part of the journey.
Carl Veikle
Founding Shareholder
If something is worth doing, it is worth taking the time to do it right. Carl shares his story of the early days of turning an idea into a company.
Fred Greig
Founding Shareholder
Inclusivity and teamwork were at the root of launching CANTERRA SEEDS, and Fred shares his recollection of those early years and the importance of staying true to those roots.
David Kaun
Founding Shareholder
The role of the seed grower in the seed business was changing and our company founders saw a need for a new seed company with a new philosophy. David shares that story.
Max Polon
Founding Shareholder
CANTERRA SEEDS is rooted in Western Canada, but the company cast a wide net to secure the best genetics for farmers on the Prairies. Max talks of the importance of partnerships to the company.
Dave Sippell
Former CEO
As one of the new company’s first employees, Dave helped move the idea of CANTERRA SEEDS into a business. Seed grower shareholders were critical to that launch; Dave tells us why.
Rooted in the Prairies Blog
Nominations Now Open for Rooted in the Prairies Project
Farmers across Western Canada now have an opportunity to partner with CANTERRA SEEDS to plant a crop in support of a cause near and dear to their hearts. Through their Rooted in the Prairies Project, the company is accepting project nominations on…
Read More
Rooted in the Prairies Project helps Manitoba Farmer Wellness Program in the fight for farmer health
Roberta Galbraith of RNR Galbraith Farms, nominated the Manitoba Farmer Wellness Program to receive $2,500 donation from the Rooted in the Prairies Project to help with the health and wellness of farmers.
Read More
Community of Rolla receives support from Rooted in the Prairies Project to help upgrade local community hall
Schyler and Celina Raaen of S&S Farms, nominated Rolla Community Hall to receive $1,500 donation from the Rooted in the Prairies Project to help upgrade the facility.
Read More
Community safety gets a $2,500 boost from Rooted in the Prairies Project
Fifth-generation farmer, Andrew Dalgarno of Pen-Dale Farms Ltd, knows better than anyone the need for upgrading the fire hall in Newdale, Manitoba, as he’s also the hall’s Deputy Fire Chief. “The building was originally designed for…
Read More
Minnedosa Grain Growing Project receives canola from Rooted in the Prairies Project to help fight world hunger
Barry McNabb of Minnedosa nominated the Minnedosa Grain Growing Project to receive 12 bags of canola from Rooted in the Prairies Project to help support the Canadian Foodgrains Bank.
Read More
Rooted in the Prairies Project Helps Expand Youth Programming
Curling brings towns together through a shared love of good hits, hammers and raises - but one curling club in Wetaskiwin, Alberta, is using the game to take out barriers. The Wetaskiwin Curling Club is a 100 percent volunteer-based organization that…
Read More
Playground is Funded Thanks to $1,500 donation from Rooted in the Prairies Project
Simon Lavoie of Lavoie Ventures Ltd., nominated the Centre Culturel de St-Isidore to receive a $1,500 donation from the Rooted in the Prairies Project to help with funding a future playground for the community.
Read More
Rooted in the Prairies Project Shines a Light on Community’s Hockey Rink
Joan Booy of Je-Jo Farms Ltd. nominated the Glaslyn & District Recreation Board for Rooted in the Prairies Project, and funds will be going toward a lighting upgrade in the local arena.
Read More
Emergency Response Improves with Support from the Rooted in the Prairies Project
Response time is critical in any emergency, and Cody Glenn of Southline AG Services understands this challenge better than anyone as one of Climax, Saskatchewan’s fire department captains. “The fire dept has had a limited budget for many…
Read More
Ukrainian Refugees Receive a Warm Welcome with Support from Rooted in the Prairies Project
Rudy Warawa of F.A.R.M.S. Ltd., nominated the Mundare Easter Basket Ukrainian Refugee Effort and received $500 from the Rooted in the Prairies Project. The Effort is helping settle evacuees from Ukraine with housing, employment, and moral support to make their transition to Canada easier.
Read More