Parson, Kansas —
As farmers are preparing ground for wheat planting this fall, the soaring nature of wheat futures prices have them wondering: what can we do to maximize yields and capitalize on these profitable prices?
One simple answer is to use certified seed at planting.
With certification, seed from every field is tested for noxious weeds, varietal uniformity, and germination, all of which are important factors when planting a seed crop.
Wheat fields are walked by Kansas Crop Improvement Association inspectors before harvest, to identify potential problems. After harvest, seed samples are tested for germination and purity at the KCIA laboratory in Manhattan.
"It is a proven, low-cost input that guarantees the variety and that it is pure. That's a pretty good guarantee, one that bin run seed doesn't have," explains Jim Shroyer, agronomist with K-State Research and Extension. "There are all sorts of things that can happen with bin-run seed. You may think you're being smart by saving money, but in the long run, it may cost you in added herbicide costs to take out weeds, or fungicide to combat diseases."
Research at K-State indicates that the use of certified seed can increase yields two to three bushels per acre over bin-run seed. When wheat prices are rising, that's a good investment.
Danee Helvey, Ellsworth, says high quality certified seed gets his crop off to a great start.
"Large seeds have the most vigor. Therefore, I hire a seed conditioner who uses a gravity table and length grader to make sure I get the largest, plumpest wheat seed possible," says Helvey, who won the Central Region of the 2010 Kansas Wheat Yield Contest with a 94.36 bushel per acre yield in Mitchell County.
Gary Millershaski, a KAWG director from Lakin, estimates using certified seed increased his yield about five bushels per acre in 2010.
"Not only that, but fields planted to certified seed have a more even stand, look better and cut easier," he explains. "When all is said and done, you'll spend just a few dollars more for certified seed, but it will pay off in the long run."
Steve Schuler, executive director of the Kansas Crop Improvement Association, believes the benefits of certified seed extend beyond yield.
"As farmers become more intense managers of wheat and continue to strive for greater yields, germination assurance and seed quality are important. Using certified seed ensures farmers are doing all they can to achieve optimum stands, which lead to higher yields," Schuler says. "Many farmers seek varieties containing specific disease, agronomic and quality packages. When they buy certified seed wheat with the KCIA blue label, quality is assured."
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Certified seed can improve bottom line
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