Certified forage seed production fields are planted using foundation seed, meaning the seed is one generation from the breeder seed being harvested from the source genetic material. “Closer lines to the source genetic material will provide better varietal integrity and will more closely demonstrate the characteristics of the source variety,” says Erik Dyck, Product Manager for Forage and Turf at BrettYoung. “This is a quality assurance tool put in place for the benefit of Growers. When they grow certified forage seed, they are choosing not to compromise on yield potential and other varietal characteristics like feed quality, seedling vigour, and disease resistance.”