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Growers can reap economic benefits by purchasing certified wheaBy Brad Erker and Dr. Scott D. Haley As wheat growers start thinking about the coming planting season, they should take a close look at purchasing certified wheat seed. According to research, certified wheat seed offers growers a greater return than planting bin-run seed--as much as $15 an acre or more. Research by Kansas State University shows certified seed pays for itself at a 1 bushel-per-acre yield advantage and a market price of $3.50 a bushel. According to research by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, certified seed typically out-yields bin-run seed by 1.2 to 3.5 bushels per acre. With market prices above $5 a bushel, even a bushel or two of extra yield makes a substantial economic impact. The overall costs associated with planting bin-run seed are typically higher than the cost of planting certified seed, when all costs are considered. If growers weren't saving that seed, they'd be able to sell it for well over $5 per bushel, and the costs of cleaning, cleanout, labor, storage and interest add nearly a dollar. Growers who ultimately pay $6 to $7 a bushel for bin-run seed and then fail to capitalize on the benefits of certified seed are missing economic opportunities. Further, if farmers are planting older varieties like Prairie Red or TAM 107, they're missing substantial income opportunities. Newer varieties out-yielded Prairie Red and TAM 107 by an average of more than 7 bu/acre in plots across Colorado this year. Two- and three-year averages are equally impressive. Growers who choose not to select these new certified seed varieties are leaving significant income on the table. In addition to yield advantages, certified wheat seed must meet strict standards ensuring a quality product that is fully inspected and laboratory-tested to guarantee genetic purity, germination and seed purity from weeds, disease, and other varieties and crops. Keep in mind that every certified wheat seed field is planted from registered seed, and is personally checked by a trained inspector to detect noxious weeds like feral rye, jointed goatgrass, and bindweed. Growers also must consider the hidden costs of planting saved seed. A survey by the Georgia Crop Improvement Association of random samples of bin-run seed found that 62 percent had severe seed damage and varietal purity issues. Additional research in Eastern Colorado showed that certified seed with proven germination and purity leads to cleaner fields, more consistent and timely delivery of variety benefits, and higher yields. As growers make planting decisions this summer, they should keep in mind that planting certified seed with better germination and seedling vigor will likely offer higher yields and greater income than lower-quality saved seed. Brad Erker is director of seed programs at Colorado State University. Erker oversees the Colorado Seed Growers Association, the Colorado Seed Laboratory, and the Agronomy Foundation Seed Program. His focus includes educating producers about the benefits of using high quality seed in their farming operations. Dr. Scott D. Haley, a wheat breeder and professor of plant breeding, serves as project leader of the wheat breeding and genetics program at Colorado State University. His research focuses on the genetic improvement of hard red and hard white winter wheat for yield, end-use quality, and biotic and abiotic stresses prevalent in Colorado and the central and southern Great Plains. Date: 8/15/07
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