In 2003, 12 Manitoba Seed Growers/Processors formed a partnership with NorthStar Genetics of Minnesota to form NorthStar Genetics Manitoba. The partnership was based on the belief that soybeans were a viable crop that could be grown in Manitoba and that as genetics varieties progressed, more and more varieties would be developed that would suit Western Canada. They also believed that the proper method would be for the initial producers to test the varieties on their own farms in small plot and then field scale testing. If these seed producers were able to succeed it would bring credibility, not only to the varieties they were growing, but to soybeans as a crop. Seeing Manitoba soybeans at more than half a million acres, handling the toughest of environmental conditions, and more producers every year, it looks like soybeans and NSGM are here to stay.