Celebrating 60 years of seed growing - Lawrence shares his thoughts and passion for the seed industry

For sixty years, Lawrence Barany has watched the fields of Taber, Alberta transform—each season bringing new challenges, new crops, and new hope. As the owner of Chin Ridge Farms Ltd., Lawrence’s journey is more than a story of growing pedigreed seed; it’s a testament to resilience, innovation, and a lifelong passion for Canadian agriculture. This February, at the Alberta BC Seed Growers Annual General Meeting, Lawrence received his 60-year Seed Grower award and reflected on the remarkable changes he’s witnessed since first becoming a seed grower in 1965.

A Journey Rooted in Passion and Family

Looking back on his six decades as a seed grower, Lawrence Barany recalls the spark that ignited his lifelong passion: a humble start in Grain 4-H. “Those early days taught me the value of hard work and the excitement of watching something grow,” Lawrence reflects. After high school, his curiosity led him to the University of Edmonton’s Bachelor of Agriculture program, where he not only deepened his knowledge but also met his future wife Wilma— “the girl with the nicest smile.” Though a brief stint in banking took him to “the big smoke” (Toronto), the call of the land proved irresistible. When Lawrence learned his father was considering retirement, he and Wilma returned to Taber, Alberta, determined to build a life on the family farm.

Witnessing Transformation in Seed Growing

Over sixty years, Lawrence has seen the seed industry evolve in ways he never imagined. “When I started, there were only a handful of crop varieties. I started with a single barley variety. Now, the choices are vast, and each variety is fine-tuned to solve specific agronomic challenges,” he explains. The introduction of advanced seed cleaning equipment and the establishment of seed cleaning plants marked a turning point, making the process more efficient and reliable.

Plant breeding has also undergone a revolution. “The discovery of genes for different plant attributes changed everything—solid stem wheats, wheat midge blends, and more,” Lawrence notes. The addition of laboratory testing for vigor and disease, beyond simple germination, has further elevated the standards of seed quality.

Perhaps most remarkable is the transformation within the farming community itself. “Farmers and seed growers today are better educated and more innovative than ever. It’s inspiring to see how much the industry has progressed,” Lawrence says.

Challenges and Hopes for the Future

Despite the many advances, Lawrence expresses concern over the reduction in government support for grain variety development and wheat breeding. “It’s disappointing to see Ag Canada pull back on funding. Continued investment is crucial for the future of our industry,” he emphasizes.

Looking ahead, Lawrence is optimistic. “I believe we’ll see even greater differentiation of varieties, especially those with health-related traits. The potential for innovation is endless.”

A Life Well Spent

As he accepted his 60-year membership certificate from the Canadian Seed Growers Association, Lawrence summed up his journey with heartfelt conviction: “There isn’t a more honorable way to spend one’s life than working with seed. Seed is where all life comes from.