BrettYoung Seeds is shifting its canola seed packaging to a purchased by seed count model in 2023. This article details what this change means for growers, how the new packaging works and important considerations for achieving optimal plant populations.
Overview of the New Packaging Model
- Move to seed count sales: Canola seed packaging will be sold by seed count starting in 2023
- Alphabetical bag categories: Bags are categorized alphabetically from A to D based on thousand seed weight
- Standard bag quantity: Each bag, regardless of category, will contain 4.2 million seeds, intended to seed about 10 acres
Seed Size Categories
BrettYoung’s seed packaging is divided into four categories, determined by the thousand seed weight:
- Category A: Smallest bag, average weight around 4.2 grams
- Category B: Average weight around 4.7 grams
- Category C: Average weight around 5.2 grams
- Category D: Largest bag, average weight around 5.7 grams
How Seed Size Is Measured
- Facility calculation timing: Thousand seed weight is calculated at the BrettYoung coating facility after seed treatment
- Counting and weighing process: Seeds are counted and weighed to generate the average thousand seed weight
- Packaging process: The seed is packaged according to the average weight into the appropriate bag size (A, B, C or D)
Seeding Recommendations
- Consistent seed count per bag: Each bag contains 4.2 million seeds, enough to seed approximately 10 acres
- Recommended plant population: The recommended plant population is five to eight plants per square foot
- Based on survivability rate: Recommendations are based on a 65% seed survivability rate
- Bag labelling details: Bag categories are indicated with a letter (A, B, C or D) and the actual thousand seed weight is provided on the seed tag for customized recommendations
Using the Seeding Rate Tables
- Survivability label location: The back of the seed bag outlines percent survivability
- Adjustable seeding rates: If actual survivability exceeds the average (e.g. 80%) growers can adjust seeding rates and seed more acres per bag
- Role of seeding conditions: Seeding conditions such as soil moisture and seeding location can affect survivability
Factors Affecting Seed Survivability
Growers should monitor:
- Seeding depth
- Soil moisture
- Root rots
- Plant pathogens
Planting at an optimal depth of half an inch to one inch in a moist, firm seedbed is important for canola’s small seeds.
Ordering Seed Size and Packaging Rollout
- Seed size ordering limitation: Growers cannot order specific seed sizes as logistical challenges and hybrid availability limit options
- Commercial hybrid rollout: All new commercial hybrids will use the new packaging
- Exceptions to new model: The new model will apply to all seeds except for older Roundup Ready® hybrids
Key Takeaways
- Introduction of packaging by seed count (PBSC): BrettYoung is introducing this model in 2023 for canola seed
- Bag categorization method: Bags are categorized by thousand seed weight, with the seed count remaining consistent
- Importance of accurate seeding rates: Accurate seeding rates depend on plant population goals and actual seed survivability
- Impact of environment: Environmental factors such as seeding depth, moisture and pathogens play key roles in achieving optimal establishment
FAQ
What is changing about BrettYoung’s canola seed packaging in 2023?
BrettYoung Seeds is shifting its canola seed packaging to a purchased by seed count model in 2023.
How are the new canola seed bags categorized?
Bags are categorized alphabetically from A to D based on thousand seed weight.
How many seeds does each new packaging bag contain and how many acres can it seed?
Each bag contains 4.2 million seeds, intended to seed about 10 acres.
Can growers order specific seed sizes under the new packaging model?
Growers cannot order specific seed sizes as logistical challenges and hybrid availability limit options.
