Kannar Culture. Small Company, Big Impact

kannar culture provides impact How does a small company continually attract the attention of and make an impact with some of the world’s biggest brands, especially in a niche industry like crop inputs and seed treatment? Is it luck, who you know, or something else…?

At Kannar Earth Science, Ltd., we have a small team. Yet, in any given week, we are firing up excitement with some of the biggest global contributors to agriculture. How does a small agriculture company like Kannar attract such notice and partnerships? We attribute it not to luck but to “Kannar Magic.”

Kannar Magic = Culture + Experts

The Kannar culture includes curiosity and the relentless drive to find real solutions to real problems. But it’s more than curiosity and perseverance. For the Kannar team, it also takes the humility required to never assume that one knows it all. We are brave enough to ask those uncomfortable but necessary “but what if we also…” questions.

“It really does feel like magic! Not only to us but, to our surprise, also to those we align with,” says Heather Lewis, Seed Lab Manager at Kannar.

She continues, “In fact, all our subject matter experts experience the same phenomenon. We believe it is due, in part, to the special confluence of our culture and our areas of expertise which include chemistry, microbiology, agronomy, plant science, seed treatment, storage, production, and packaging of crop inputs.”

But this is just the foundation in which Kannar’s commitment leads to a growing confidence with their alliances. Kannar takes pride in discovering and optimizing new technologies for global commercialization. “Our partners rely on Kannar to accept a highly customized variety of responsibilities. We’re proud that more than one global alliance has described Kannar as the single most reliable source of market-ready innovations,” explains Sam Cloete, CEO of Kannar.

Substance is Behind Kannar’s Innovations

Sam explains, “Modern agriculture is known to achieve record yields, but often at the expense of something that indeed is unsustainable. Our innovations not only maximize yields but specifically also promote sustainable environmental stewardship. Sustainability is the cornerstone of our innovations and decisions. Our passion is to unlock real solutions to real problems as we innovate for nature, you know, naturally!”

Sam concludes, “Naturally does not come easy. Yet, thanks to Kannar Magic, in particular, the impossible seems to happen more and more often.”

Kannar exists to promote ideal agriculture through designing and manufacturing innovative seed coatings, synergistic fertilizer technology, and related crop inputs. We continually strive to find economical and practical ways to bring successful technology to growers.

Modified from July 2022 SeedWorld Magazine article

Kannar’s All-New, All-Natural Seed Safener Helps Seed Reach Its Full Potential

Researchers proved long ago that adding pesticides and other chemical treatments to seed can overload the seed, causing germ delays or even some phytotoxic side effects. Because the benefits of seed treatments still outweigh those negative effects, growers have accepted the seemingly necessary consequences. That won’t have to be the case much longer. Kannar Earth Science, Ltd. is on the cusp of introducing a new patent-pending technology they call Pesticide Overload Protection (POP!™), a game-changing, natural seed safener technology that allows seed all the benefits of seed treatment, while simultaneously promoting uniform germination and enhancing the early seed vigor.

What is POP!™

POP reduces seed overload

POP! is a non-selective, seed-applied safener that helps the seed withstand common phytotoxic side effects stemming from the application of chemical treatments. Further, POP! allows seed the much-needed early vigor that is vital, especially to large acre, modern agricultural crop establishments. Kannar has found that POP! benefits crops exposed to abiotic stressors at planting such as moisture stress, temperature extremes, high salinity, and suboptimal soil pH.

“I like to describe POP! as being like an electrical surge protector… but for seed,” says Ahsan Habib, Crop Input Specialist at Kannar. “Also, by enabling the crop to establish more rapidly and uniformly, POP! promotes more predictable and consistent productivity: benefits that a grower can take right to the bank. POP! is truly amazing in that it promotes both seed safety and vitality, naturally,” he adds.

POP! is not just for the seed, but also supports soil health, creating a protective layer from pesticides for the critical, beneficial microorganisms that cycle nutrients, build soil structure, and support plant health.

Habib says that, to his knowledge, POP! is the first broad-spectrum seed safener that is free from hormones and derived purely from natural and plant-based ingredients. POP! has shown to be especially effective on wheat when Imidacloprid is applied to the seed.

Kannar also has field trials underway testing if POP! will also benefit crops when applied in combination with herbicides and pesticides.

Join Kannar and Discover the Next POP!

Kannar is keen to share developmental field trial results and partner with companies that also believe that environmental sustainability remains the only future of agriculture. “If you, like us, believe innovation is the path to better agriculture, let’s talk!” says Habib. You can reach Kannar at 678-475-1155.

*POP!™ is a trademark belonging to Kannar Earth Science, Ltd.

Modified from June 2022 SeedWorld Magazine article

Collaborate for Strong Yields & Sustainability

Collaborate for better agriculture

At Kannar Earth Science, Ltd. we wholeheartedly believe farmers can choose both stronger yields and sustainability. In fact, promoting on-farm productivity alongside environmental sustainability is why we created Kannar’s 4F Crop Security Program – where we collaborate to bring better crop inputs to the growers who produce the globe’s Food, Feed, Fiber, and Fuel.

It’s truly incredible how modernized, large-acre agriculture successfully promotes harvesting crop yields close to the seed’s genetic yield potential. We appreciate the contribution of specialized equipment, target-specific pesticides, fertilizers, and other crop inputs. Oftentimes, however, impressive yields are achieved at the expense of the very environment the crops are cultivated in. We are aiming to change that!

Persistence Pays Off

Our journey to better agriculture gained momentum when we saw the results of our first bionematicide in action. Then, through perseverance, we were able to demonstrate the remarkable efficacy and consistency of a truly sustainable alternative to harsh and highly toxic chemistry. With that initial on-farm success, our belief was bolstered that stronger yields and sustainability could and should align. Because agricultural breakthroughs like this are so rare, we were determined to bring even more innovations like this to growers.

Armed with drive and dedication, we went searching for additional bio-beneficial options. We were fortunate to innovate several new technologies in-house. We’re excited to have now developed several patent pending technologies to replace or work alongside traditional chemistries.

We have several natural biopesticides that are as efficacious as conventional chemistry, especially where chemical resistance is a concern. We developed seed safener technology that reduces the phytotoxic damage of various conventional pesticides and protects the seed from abiotic stresses.

Technological game-changers are just the start

These new products and discoveries are exciting but only the beginning of the positive impact to be made on the agriculture industry. Our 4F Crop Security Program is an umbrella program where multiple innovators from various companies collaborate with Kannar in the early stages of a product’s development.

With our 4F Crop Security Program, we invite other innovators to partner with us to develop and commercialize highly effective and environmentally sound technologies. Innovators will be glad to know that several multinationals have requested Kannar to aid in bringing needed improvements on early-stage technologies from less experienced, yet visionary, companies.

We know that we cannot invent everything. It is in this spirit of humility that we invite collaborators to further develop and optimize innovations with Kannar. Together, we work towards and position improvements for global commercialization. The 4F Crop Security Program is designed to continually bring incremental positive changes to agriculture. Though each change may seem small, when applied over millions of acres globally it significantly improves our soil and environment.

Promoting environmental stewardship while working towards crops’ genetic yield potential won’t happen overnight. However, thanks to partnerships like the 4F Crop Security Program, a more sustainable future is entirely achievable.

Modified from June 2022 SeedWorld Magazine article

Agricultural Silos: Innovation & Production

Sam Cloete, Kannar Earth Science CEO

When Kannar Earth Science, Ltd. was a flicker of an idea in my head, I noticed a big problem with agricultural innovation, especially in the chemical and seed treatment arenas. Innovation and production functioned in completely different silos. The companies that innovated didn’t really understand the complexities, challenges, or opportunities of large-scale production. The companies that commercialized were limited by ‘doing rather than dreaming.’

That disconnect between big ideas of innovation and realities of production meant the kind of big and necessary ideas that push agriculture forward were stifled and stalled, or maybe never even dreamed up at all.

I decided to start Kannar because I knew there could be a better way.

Bridging between agricultural silos

The single most common question people ask us at Kannar is: why would an innovation company also have hard assets and do production, too? It’s a reasonable question. After all, companies typically choose to innovate, to produce, or to distribute and commercialize, but never all. Our answer? For an innovation to get off the ground, Kannar must believe in, invest in, and walk it forward from start to success. We know that carrying an innovation from the idea stage to the producers’ doors gives us the whole-system perspective necessary to achieve and deliver industry game-changers.

Selecting silos carefully

Here is the critical thing: because we are responsible for and understand the challenges of every stage from innovation to commercialization, we are incredibly careful about what we choose to pursue. We say ‘no’ far more often than we say ‘yes.’ No when the timing isn’t right; no to almost-but-not-quite-right products; no to companies that ask to partner but aren’t ready or able to add value. When our ‘yes’ comes, it follows saying ‘not yet’ or ‘not good enough’ to dozens of other not right opportunities.

Also, consider most toll manufacturers. Conventional toll manufacturers are happy to produce trainload quantities of product that they can forecast months or a year in advance. However, that requires the product to be at full commercial adoption. Who blends a product in its early stages of development, when it’s just 10 gallons for a sample or 100 gallons for an initial launch? In today’s world, essentially no one. That’s why our full-service, state-of-the-art lab is so critical to the early stages of product development. We can create those tiny volume blends, but we’re also prepared, under the same roof, to scale up production to meet each subsequent step of the development and commercialization process. Though all the initial leg work might seem like we spend a lot of time on the runway, there’s nothing as exciting as helping innovations launch, then watching them fly high!

I’m proud of what we have accomplished at Kannar. I’m more excited about what we will accomplish in the future. We’ve asked a lot of questions. We’ve listened to agriculture stakeholders. We’ve been willing to make mistakes to grow. And now, we’re ready to show that agricultural silos don’t have to exist!

Modified from April 2022 SeedWorld Magazine article

Our Strength is in Our People

Heather Lewis, our Seed Lab Manager, recently spoke with Seed World magazine about why she joined Kannar and the exciting innovations on the horizon. These innovations came to fruition because of our “what if?” attitude. Enjoy this look “inside” our company. Want to partner with us? We are always seeking individuals and organizations seeking to make a positive impact on our world. Contact us to start the conversation!

Heather’s Story

Four years ago, I relocated to follow my dreams of making a difference as a chemist in agriculture. But what was I thinking?

Instead of joining a big company with expansive financial benefits, I accepted the challenge from a small company called Kannar Earth Science, Ltd. to undertake the creative and seemingly impossible in rudimentary, start-up working conditions. Upon joining, I found myself not in a fancy lab with all the bells & whistles and fancy snacks, but in a warehouse surrounded by bare walls on concrete floors. Indeed, the calling was to see beyond the challenges of a self-funded start-up. Instead, I was challenged to see and believe in the global adoption of solutions that make a real difference in agriculture and our environment.

Heather Lewis asks what if — Heather Lewis
Kannar Seed Lab Manager

Those early days, and even still today, were about following the heart first. At Kannar, our hearts accompany clear thinking and bold beliefs. In our minds, we know that sustainability in agriculture is a noble goal that can be overwhelming given the demand for food, feed, and fiber. In our hearts, we believe in making impactful changes one positive innovation at a time. Combining our heartfelt belief with determination and perseverance, our technologies not only replace toxic crop inputs but also further enhance even wholesome solutions.

Since my early days at Kannar, my dreams have expanded and I’m grateful that many of my career and life ambitions are in fact being fulfilled. As Seed Lab Manager, I develop and enhance agricultural technologies. This includes improving upon technologies already available as well as developing alternative solutions. The goal is to make small, incremental improvements for efficacy and environmental stewardship.

What if?

To help achieve this, our team’s most common question is: ‘What if?’. What if we formulated this product as a liquid? What if we made it a powder? What if we mixed it this way or coated it that way? What if we applied it at a different time or alongside another technology it’s not typically paired with? What if we simplify our idea to make it easier for growers to incorporate? Maintaining an open mind and constantly striving for improvement keeps me and my team engaged, passionate, and pushing forward.

For us, one area always in need of attention is crop establishment. The more uniform and stronger a crop’s emergence, the more chance each seed has of realizing its genetic yield potential. We’re proud to have achieved significant steps forward with cutting-edge agricultural inputs that minimize negative environmental impact. We are excitedly anticipating the introduction of additional technologies in the very near future. Imagine the possibilities!

Oh, and one last observation. We do, in fact, now have amazing snacks and a beautiful compilation of laboratories. Come and visit!

Heather Lewis is the Seed Lab Manager at Kannar Earth Science, Ltd. In addition to her role as a Scientist, she leads the Health and Safety Committee as well as the Team Building Committee at Kannar. She hopes to make a lasting positive impact.

Modified from February 2022 SeedWorld article

2022 promises to be a very exciting year for Kannar. Various patents are in the process of being finalized. Then we will officially announce a handful of new, truly ground-breaking, innovations and technologies that will dramatically improve seed treatment and agricultural crop production, naturally.

innovations for the Earth

This is just the start of our company’s journey with a focus on intellectual property protection by way of patents. Our strategic business plan supports the development of multiple patents around a theme of innovation. It’s exciting to be part of a team that dreams big and global! We only undertake patent efforts once we are assured of a significant positive contribution to crop production. We expect to continue to license these technologies to partnerships that are dedicated to delivering the value of these inventions.

How is Kannar able to successfully bring to the market so many innovations?

I truly believe it is because Kannar has an entirely different way of operating. Many innovation companies define each scientists’ role and confine their efforts within the ‘box’ of that role. Despite company size, that confinement can be suffocating and stifle innovation. At Kannar, however, our team operates on an open platform: we’re free to innovate and brainstorm – this often leads to discovery of even better solutions. As a scientist, I deeply appreciate that Kannar offers me an opportunity to free my mind, allowing me room to pursue fulfillment and true innovation.

– Ahsan Habib, Ph.D., Agricultural Input Specialist & Lab Team Lead

Kannar has a passion for finding real solutions to real problems

Our solutions are developed through curiosity, tenacity, and humility. Although the company started with – and still focuses on – the manufacturing and toll blending of seed treatments as well as lab services, we acknowledge and embrace the fact that we’re very good at innovating, patenting those innovations, and licensing new technologies to strategic alliances who in turn are committed to communicating and delivering the invention value. Our innovations focus mostly on promoting crop establishment and yield, by way of seed treatment technologies that incorporate beneficial microbes, synergists, and microplastic-free solutions. Partners can expect a lot more of that to come as we further embrace our increasing core competencies in innovation, patenting, and licensing.

While Kannar’s offerings continue to grow, our core values remain firm. We are guided by integrity in all we do. From the boardroom to the sale, integrity is our compass. We are committed to caring for everyone:

for ourselves
our fellow co-workers
our families
this generation
generations to come

Finally, we’re dedicated to and entrusted with the responsibility of sustainability. By providing real solutions to real problems with a focus on environmental stewardship, we make sure all parties along the value chain can sleep well at night, knowing that enduring value is created to last well into the future.

We would love to talk with you about what makes Kannar different and how YOU can be a part of the future!

Modified from publication in Seed World January 2022

seed world top 10 most innovative product badge

Seed World Magazine Recognizes Kannar for Agriculture Innovative Product Award

Applicants from across the seed industry recently jockeyed to gain the inaugural honor of being named a Seed World Most Innovative Product of 2021. Those selected will be honored with a badge for their websites that describes the win, an article online and in Seed World print, and the opportunity to describe the innovation on the weekly video series Seed Speaks.

Seed World Group editors selected winners based on the following criteria:

Related to seed
Commercial launch between Nov. 1, 2020 and Nov. 1, 2021
Is unique and a potential game-changer for the sector it impacts
Market potential (given its sector)
Impact on grower/ROI
Societal Impact
Scalability
Overall innovative qualities

To see the full list of winners, click here.

Amino-Acid Complex and Chelated Iron Make KAN-7 Unique

KAN-7 is an amino acid complex containing chelated iron. This innovative product is optimized for promoting root growth and vigor, resulting in better crop establishment. As a seed treatment or in-furrow application, KAN-7 aids in more uniform emergence. KAN-7 is compatible with all types of seed treatments, whether it be pesticidal, microbial, or a combination.

roots before and after Kan-7 application Potted plants shown more growth with Kan-7

KAN-7 is a liquid amino acid product that was initially developed as a seed treatment, but we have found that it can also be applied in-furrow and as a foliar spray with added contribution to yield. A lot of hard work went into developing this product and we’re appreciative to Seed World for helping more stakeholders in agriculture know about this versatile and effective product. — Sam Cloete, Kannar President

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Kannar Earth Science exists to promote ideal agriculture. We do this through designing and manufacturing innovative seed coatings, synergistic fertilizer technology, and related crop inputs. We also offer blending and distribution services from our 60,000 sf facility. Learn more about our toll manufacturing here.

Kannar’s ‘Magic’ Develops Greener, Safer Bionematicide

We’ve all seen the stunted, yellowish, sickly stems and leaves or the galled and decaying roots of crops infested with the soil pests nematodes.

soil pest causes crop leaf to turn brown — Nematode soil pest causes leaf damage

soil pest turns crop roots yellow — Nematode soil pest causes root damage

In North America alone, farmers spend nearly half a billion dollars tackling these tiny but voracious soil pests.

Conventional control methods can be harsh and toxic, but thanks to the unflagging determination of a special team of can-do people, there’s a brand new, ultra-effective, and environmentally friendly discovery! This discovery can be relied on to help minimize nematode damage to most crops. The broad-spectrum bionematicide, now licensed to a multinational for sale to the US market, is a big deal. This low-rate, ‘green’ solution often outperforms conventional options and is effective and complimentary alongside tank-mixed chemistries and other crop inputs, too. The story of how this option came about offers us confidence that almost any challenge can be overcome with critical thinking, perseverance, and the best minds working together.

A unique soil pests treatment story

About a decade ago, newly retired business owner, Tom Johnson, agreed to guide Kannar as we more closely examined some intriguing, but previously unproven, gram positive microbial spores for possible applications in agriculture. We wondered if the spores might have potential application as biopesticides, but we truly had no idea what we were going to discover. With persistent curiosity, we evaluated, tested, and retested our findings. We even analyzed the genomes to understand what the microbes can do and how they do it. Understanding the reason for efficacy and the modes of actions inspired us all. We discovered that the bacteria have nematicidal activity and are fast multipliers. They produce enzymes that break down chitin, the main component of a nematode’s eggshell, juvenile exoskeleton, or adult nematode’s pharynx.

As trials progressed, we realised we had something that not only could control eggs, larva, and adults, it actually destroys them. Even better, it didn’t overload the soil with high application rates or harsh chemicals: it’s an all-natural solution applied at a tiny fraction of the rate (3 fluid ounces can be applied to two units of cotton seed and be planted over as many as 14 acres, compared to conventional chemicals at 16 dry ounces per acre).

And we kept digging deeper, studying how the biopesticide might work in real-world, in-field applications alongside existing chemistries. We tested shelf life, on-seed spore survivability, and crop-specific efficacy.

“I won’t say the effort was easy. We ran into roadblocks right and left. For example, even finding a lab that was able to maintain a stable library of nematode test subjects proved difficult at the time we needed it. What I will say is that the effort was absolutely worthwhile.” – Sam Cloete, Kannar President

What this means for North American farmers

The biopesticide passed all tests with flying colors. Within the next couple of years, North American farmers will have access to an ultra-effective bionematicide that the EPA classifies at its least toxic category rating. This is huge news for an industry striving towards sustainability and, we hope, just the start. We plan to grow our partnerships to bring this product to market in other key agricultural areas, especially Brazil.

Successfully moving a brand-new concept through to global commercialization is no small feat. To make it happen, we depended on what we call Kannar’s ‘magic’. This curiosity and make-it-happen tenacity allow us to overcome obstacles in finding real solutions to real problems; as we innovate for nature, naturally!

Modified from Seed World article, Nov 2021

Kannar Earth Science exists to promote ideal agriculture. We do this through designing and manufacturing innovative seed coatings, synergistic fertilizer technology, and related crop inputs. We also offer blending and distribution services from our 60,000 sf facility. Learn more about our toll manufacturing here.

Once upon a very recent time, there was a company that invested many millions into developing a new seed treatment. They were (and are) rightfully excited about their product, as it is a major step forward in innovation and efficacy. Yet they’ve had challenges bridging the gap between developing the product and getting it to market.

It’s a story we hear all the time. There are often very big gaps between the developers who create new seed applied technologies, the manufacturers that commercialize those products, and the seed companies that actually use the treatments.

Identifying & Bridging the Gap

There are all kinds of reasons for bumps in the road to market. In some cases, companies develop a product that works incredibly successfully in a lab, but there’s an application, residue, or another challenge they can’t overcome to make the leap to real-world, field-scale application. In other cases, it’s about relationships. A developer might have an ideal product, but they aren’t able to connect to a manufacturer with the right equipment, know-how, or capacity. In still other cases, it’s about chemistry. A product might be fantastic on its own, but it has negative interactions with other products that need to be seed applied.

This is Our Why

We are huge believers in teamwork in business and in life. Kannar was created in 2007 with the idea of bridging the gaps in getting products to market. We got excited about making positive changes to agriculture by being the missing link in the innovation and production chain. Fourteen years later, we’re the go-to ‘conduit’ to the marketplace. We translate great new crop establishment technologies and seed treatments into commercially applicable forms. Our expertise is in knowing everything related to successfully treating seed – from application equipment to all seed-applied technologies, from hard chemistries to life sciences, and nutrients.

picture of kannar team bridging gap on zoom — Kannar employees are bridging the gap for all crop establishment stakeholders.

A big part of what we offer is our reputation. By the time we bring a product to a manufacturer, we’ve done the legwork to know not only that it works, but also how it works, why it works and how to manage it for commercial scale. It also helps that we know the capabilities, limitations, and needs of various seed production and treatment plants. This includes their available equipment, their storage capacity, and even their appetite and enthusiasm for innovation.

Kannar is grateful for the collaborators and alliances who entrust their technologies to our expertise. It is for the grower and for them that we wish to always make it happen. Click here to submit a request to speak with a member of our team about your crop establishment and market needs.

Modified from Seedworld August 2021 article.

In the business and busy-ness of work and life, it can be easy to lose sight of what really matters. While this column usually explores seed treatment innovation and technologies, in this article we take pride in sharing with you what matters most to us as an organization: fostering a positive company culture.

Small Beginnings

When Kannar started in 2004, we spent seven years working out of an office the size of a small car. Then for two years we worked from an unfinished basement with bare 2x6s and insulation surrounding us. From our current 10,000 square foot facility, we’ve moved into a state-of-the-art 60,000 square foot facility that has offices for our work family of 16 (doubled in the last year plus several open positions), and production facilities to handle our huge ramp-up in sales (also doubled in the last year).

The Why Behind the Growth

The easy conclusion is that a company like this is definitely growing. However, our growth as a company is not measured in square feet gained, pallets shipped, or increased manhours. For us at Kannar, those indicators are simply results of growth, but not what matters most. Indeed, what matters most in our company is that we achieve higher fulfillment, purpose, and joy in life. These traits foster a positive company culture.

positive company culture with a team selfie — Kannar team celebrates moving into new facility

We firmly believe Kannar grows, really grows, when our work — both what we do and how we do it — improves the quality of life for all of our stakeholders, be it our work family, our customers, and our suppliers. And it makes logical sense: the more positive impact Kannar has on those we are lucky enough to align with, the more everyone will invest and engage with us. When we measure growth in terms of finding higher fulfillment and better life, we’re much better equipped to persevere through life’s inevitable bumpy patches.

A New Idea

This is a big idea! How does one achieve a goal such as improving and transforming lives and, ultimately, the world? True personal fulfillment comes when strengths, passion, and purpose overlap. As a company, we can make a meaningful difference in the world one tiny step at a time by:

leveraging our team’s individual and collective strengths,
by believing passionately in our direction, and
by knowing that our role as a company is much more than just producing products for sale.

Life isn’t about completing endless to-do lists at the expense of others. It’s about making the world around us a little better. Anything else is either a distraction or an acceleration of our demise. We have only scratched the surface and there is so much more to explore. Find this article on LinkedIn and let’s continue this discussion!

If you are interested in learning more about Kannar, or being a part of our team, please contact us for more information!

Modified from publication in SeedWorld, June 2021

Author name: Kannar Earth Science