DISAPPOINTING grain prices and tight cash flows are likely to make farm-saved seed a particular consideration for many cereal growers this autumn.

But Mark Taylor, Agrii national farm-saved seed business manager, says if they are to avoid compromising next year’s performance, growers need to do everything they can to ensure the quality of their home-grown seed.

Mr Taylor, whose nationwide fleet of 25 mobiles processes tens of thousands of tonnes of farm-saved seed each year, said grass weed levels were very high in many crops this season.

He said: “At the same time, yellow rust and Septoria have made their presence felt in no uncertain terms, and the threat of fusarium ear blight is considerable.

“This makes it vital to select and handle grain to be farm-saved with care, clean and treat it appropriately, and test it thoroughly. That way you can be sure that what you sow is the best you can produce.”

He gave ten tips for farmsaved seed care and attention this season: 

  • Use crops grown from certified seed of the highest possible quality – preferably to Master Seeds standards;
  • Select fields or areas of fields with minimal grass weed populations and where ear disease control, in particular, has been first class;
  • Clean combines and trailers carefully before harvesting to minimise contamination;
  • Avoid all crops treated with glyphosate pre-harvest; harvest at 16 per cent moisture or below;
  • Measure 1,000 grain weights at the point of processing for greatest accuracy;
  • Have the seed laboratory- tested for viability and vigour as well as germination, wherever possible;
  • Select the most appropriate seed treatments for the variety and seed status as part of essential T(-1) discussions with your agronomist, involving drilling dates, seed rates and black-grass management, as well as disease and pest control;
  • Insist on professional processing geared to the specific needs of each seed lot and check the quality before accepting it;
  • Ensure your processor retains all samples “as grown & treated” for the entire crop year for complete traceability.

“Of course, you’ll need to be paying BSPB royalties, wherever applicable,” said Mr Taylor.

“The easiest way to do so is via your processor, ensuring it is recorded on your invoice.”