Producing high-quality seed starts with a strong foundation. Choosing the right field and following good management practices throughout the growing season helps growers produce a clean, marketable crop that maximizes value at harvest.
Start with the Right Field
One of the most important decisions a grower can make is selecting the right field. Choosing fields with low weed pressure provides the best foundation for a successful crop and helps maintain seed quality throughout the season.
A clean start is equally important. Post-harvest herbicide applications, followed by pre-seed or pre-emergent treatments, help minimize weed competition and allow the crop to establish quickly and compete effectively.
“Producing high-quality seed really starts before the crop is even in the ground. Choosing the right field and starting with low weed pressure makes every management decision easier throughout the season.” – Cord Ferguson, Seed Production Specialist
Maintaining Seed Quality Throughout the Season
Good weed management is an important part of producing high-quality forage and turf seed. Herbicide options are available for many crops, with products varying depending on the species being grown. Legume crops may require management of broadleaf weeds such as thistle, volunteer canola, curled dock, and volunteer clover. In grass seed crops, grassy weeds like wild oats, quackgrass, brome grass, and foxtail barley require careful attention to maintain seed purity.
When additional management is needed, many growers use practices such as spot spraying or mowing isolated patches. Another effective, although less common, practice is using a weed wick early in the season to target weeds growing above the crop canopy. Mowing a 10-foot border around the edge of the field is another common practice that helps limit weed encroachment and contributes to cleaner seed at harvest.
Finishing with a Quality Crop
The focus on seed quality continues through harvest. If isolated areas contain higher weed pressure, harvesting and storing those areas separately helps preserve the quality of the main crop. Most forage and turf seed crops are cleaned to 99.5% purity before reaching the marketplace. By starting with the right field and following sound management practices throughout the season, growers can consistently produce high-quality seed that meets market standards while maximizing the value of every acre.
If you’re interested in producing seed with BrettYoung, contact your local seed production specialist.
FAQ
Why is field selection so important for seed quality?
Starting with a clean field reduces weed competition, improves crop establishment, and helps maintain seed purity throughout the growing season.
How can I improve seed quality throughout the growing season?
Maintain a strong weed management program using the appropriate herbicides for your crop, along with practices like spot spraying, mowing isolated patches, using a weed wick when appropriate, and maintaining clean field borders.
What are the different types of weed management for seed crops?
Effective weed management includes herbicide applications, spot spraying, mowing isolated patches, using a weed wick to target weeds above the crop canopy, and mowing field borders to reduce weed spread.
What seed purity standards do forage and turf seed need to meet?
Most forage and turf seed is cleaned to 99.5% purity before reaching the marketplace, making season-long management practices essential for producing a marketable crop.
