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Field Chronicles

Fall Harvest Recap Insights from General Manager, Rick Van Laecke

The 2024 harvest season provided valuable insights into hybrid performance across Ontario. Here’s what stood out:

Tar Spot Resilience & Hybrid Success

The increasing presence of Tar Spot this season made it clear which genetics could naturally withstand the disease. HZ 3584 & HZ 4258 received outstanding reviews from customers, standing strong throughout the harvest season.

Exceptional Dry Down & Yield Performance

Favorable fall conditions led to excellent dry down. HZ 3690 impressed growers with moistures averaging around ±17%, yet it yielded alongside later-maturing hybrids—proving its ability to stand above the rest.

Eastern Ontario’s Standout Hybrids

Growers in Eastern Ontario saw phenomenal yields from HZ 3245 & HZ 3247. Grain quality remained excellent, thanks to Viptera’s protection against Western Bean Cutworm, and the open fall resulted in record test weights.

Soybeans That Delivered

Across Ontario—east to west, north to south—Compass E3 out-yielded competitors, with growers praising its remarkable stability across environments. Meanwhile, Axis E3 was hailed as one of the best short-season soybeans growers had planted in years, with ease of harvest being a common highlight.

As we wrapped up the 2024 season, these insights reaffirmed the importance of strong genetics and adaptable hybrids. Thank you to all our growers for trusting Horizon Seeds—we look forward to an even stronger 2025!

Innovative Meetings

Horizon Seeds Engages at ASTA & IPSA Conferences: Driving Innovation and Growth in the Seed Industry

At Horizon Seeds, connecting with industry peers and staying ahead of agricultural advancements is at the core of our mission to deliver the best products and services to our customers. This past winter, our team had the privilege of attending two cornerstone events in the seed industry—the American Seed Trade Association (ASTA) Conference and the Independent Professional Seeds Association (IPSA) Conference.

ASTA Conference: Collaboration for the Future

In December, our Product Development Lead, Curtis, traveled to Orlando, Florida, for the ASTA Conference, a leading forum for the seed industry. The event served as an exceptional platform for collaboration, bringing together experts, innovators, and partners to discuss the future of seed genetics and technology.

Curtis seized the opportunity to engage with partners face-to-face, fostering discussions around future product innovations and strategies. These conversations not only reinforced our commitment to delivering top-performing genetics but also underscored the importance of strong partnerships in achieving mutual success.

"The ASTA Conference was a reminder of how vital it is to maintain strong relationships with our partners and stay at the forefront of seed technology. The insights we gained will directly benefit our customers as we continue to innovate," Curtis shared.

IPSA Conference: Celebrating Independence and Innovation

In early January, Curtis was joined by Jessica in Palm Springs, California, for the IPSA Conference. This event was particularly meaningful for Horizon Seeds, as it brought together independent, family-run seed companies like ours.

The IPSA Conference provided a dynamic environment to explore emerging technologies, share ideas with like-minded businesses, and gain insights into the evolving needs of farmers. From discussions on advancing seed treatments to innovations in genetic development, the conference showcased the forward momentum of independent seed companies.

"The IPSA Conference is more than just an event; it’s a celebration of independent innovation and collaboration," Jessica said. "As a family-run business, it was inspiring to connect with others who share our values and passion for driving the industry forward."

Key Takeaways for the Horizon Seeds Team

These events reaffirmed the importance of staying connected to the broader agricultural community. From exploring cutting-edge advancements in seed genetics to exchanging ideas with industry leaders, the conferences offered invaluable insights that will shape our strategies for the year ahead.

At Horizon Seeds, we’re excited to bring these learnings back to our team and translate them into tangible benefits for our customers. Our goal is to ensure that the products and services we provide continue to exceed expectations, helping farmers achieve success in an ever-changing industry.

Looking Ahead

As we continue to grow alongside our valued partners and customers, our participation in events like ASTA and IPSA remains a cornerstone of our commitment to innovation and excellence. We look forward to implementing the strategies and ideas gained from these experiences and sharing the benefits with the agricultural community.

Growing with Purpose By Curtis Van Laecke, Head of Product Advancement

At Horizon Seeds, our focus has always been on delivering genetics that truly fit the needs of our growers—especially those who may feel overlooked by larger corporations. We understand that no two farms are the same, which is why we take pride in micro-adapting our hybrids to ensure the best performance across diverse environments.

One of our core strengths is helping farmers maximize yield potential in shorter growing seasons. Looking ahead, we’re also excited to be launching new silage-first products—hybrids that are designed with forage production in mind but still offer the flexibility to be harvested for grain if conditions change. This approach gives growers more options and confidence in their seed choices.

 We take a deliberate and tailored approach when evaluating hybrids, ensuring they meet the specific needs of both grain and forage producers. Not all hybrids perform equally across both markets, which is why we classify them based on their true strengths.

• Silage-Specific Hybrids are bred and selected exclusively for silage, focusing on traits like high digestibility, fiber quality, and tonnage to maximize feed value. These hybrids are not intended for grain harvest.
• Silage-First Hybrids are designed with forage production as the priority but maintain the flexibility to be harvested for grain if needed. These hybrids provide growers with options—delivering high-quality feed while allowing for grain harvest in changing conditions.

When we evaluate products, we assess them for either market—not just whether a grain hybrid can be used for silage, but whether it truly excels in that role. Some grain hybrids may be acceptable for silage, but others stand out as great silage options that also perform well for grain. By making these distinctions, we help growers select hybrids with confidence, knowing they are choosing the right product for their operation’s needs.

Horizon Seeds Product Focus- Compass E3 Soybeans

Outstanding performance of Compass E3 in the OSAAC trails this year.

Compass E3 was the highest yielding soybean in the MG1 RR trial at over 80 bu/ac and a 112 yield index. Over 3 years, we are in the top 4 with a 105 yield index. Watch on YouTube here

Field Tips- Winter Storage

Proper seed storage is essential to maintaining quality and vigor for the next planting season. While seed may be dormant, it is still a living organism, and its environment plays a crucial role in preserving its viability. Here are key winter storage tips to ensure your seed stays in top condition:

A controlled, dry, and stable environment is key to ensuring your seed is ready for a strong start next season. Proper storage now means better germination and performance in the field when it matters most!

Horizon Seeds Differentiation

1. Family-Owned Doesn’t Mean Small — It Means Personal.

We’re proud to be a family-owned and operated seed company. But being family-run doesn’t mean we’re a small operation — it means we’re personal, adaptable, and nimble.

• Adaptability: We respond quickly to changes in the market and adjust strategies to better serve you.
• Nimbleness: We make decisions with speed and precision, helping you stay ahead in a fast-paced industry.

2. Quality Silage Corn You Can Count On.

We offer high-performing silage corn hybrids that deliver exceptional results in both yield and feed quality. Our silage corn lineup is tailored for farmers looking for:

• Strong spring emergence
• High digestibility
• Reliable performance across various conditions

3. Industry-Leading Corn Rootworm Control Options.

 We provide the best-in-class trait packages to tackle this pest head-on.

• Alternative Rootworm Control Solutions: Our hybrids give farmers more options to manage rootworm resistance .
• Comprehensive Trait Packages: We offer top-tier protection that includes rootworm control along with other essential traits for yield and performance.

2025 Seed Guide