Seed quality - sorting fact from fiction

Seed quality - sorting fact from fiction

Getting high value grass seed to the market with the right endophyte level is a matter of constant quality control for New Zealand’s leading pasture breeder.

Agriseeds supplies thousands of tonnes of locally grown seed to farmers every year. All seed is tested prior to sale for quality, germination and endophyte viability. If it does not meet industry standards, it is not sold.

Recent publicity about endophyte viability and seed quality has caused some farmers to question seed industry supply chain management and quality assurance.

However, some information being conveyed about these topics is not accurate, so it is important farmers have their facts straight when buying grass seed this autumn, Agriseeds says.

“All our lines of seed are tested post harvest, and if they are carried over to the following autumn, as is often the case, they are tested again before being released for sale.

“We go to great lengths to supply a quality product to New Zealand farmers and we do not sell anything without making sure it measures up,” says Agriseeds seed production manager Sam White.

This process includes cool storage of seed in correct conditions, which allows it to be carried over to the following year.

After seed is harvested usually in January and February - it can take up to six months to be cleaned and tested ready for sale. The length of this process means carrying over some stocks from one year to the next is critical in making sure farmers can obtain seed when they need it.

“There’s no way we can short-cut this process, without compromising on quality,” Sam says.

Agriseeds works closely with all members of the seed supply chain to ensure product integrity is maintained.

The bottom line? “If you buy certified proprietary seed produced by Agriseeds, you can be confident you are getting what you paid for.”

ENDS

© Scoop Media