Read and Keep Those Seed Labels!
NY warning: It protects you from a 'read and weep' post-planting situation.
Compiled by staff
Published: Aug 24, 2010
Every year, state ag officials in the Northeast urge farmers to "read those seed labels". And all too often, farmers are still "bitten" by seed that doesn't live up to industry standards.
That's why New York State Ag Commissioner Pat Hooker once again reminds producers to double-check the label information on seed purchased this fall. State seed laws require requires very specific information to be included. The seed must meet those expected production measures.
"Bin-run" or unlabeled seed might seem economical, Hooker adds. "But it can also prove to be the most expensive seed you ever bought. That is why it is always important to know exactly what you are purchasing and planting and to examine the label before doing so.
WHAT'S IN THE BAG? The seed label is your guarantee, which is backed up by your state department of agriculture.
New York State requires that all seed advertised for sale in the state – even bin-run – to include a label with the following information:
- Name and address of the seed company, distributor or labeler
- Percent germination
- Kind and variety of seed
- Percent purity (percentage by weight of each variety or kind included)
- Lot identification number
- Percentage by weight of other crop seeds, weed seeds and inert matter
- Name and number of seeds per pound of noxious weed seeds, if present
- Certified versus 'no guarantee'
Seed tag information – and retaining it – is important if the crop has emergence problems. That information can help track down the possible cause. It also may help identify a problem before planting. Note: It's a violation of New York Seed Law to advertise seed for sale without proper labeling.
By law, certified seed is required by law to meet higher levels of germination and purity. Certified seed undergoes multiple inspections in the field along with independent seed lab testing to assure genetic purity and conformity with standards.
Yes, it sells at a premium price. That's due to the higher predicted yields of high germination and high purity seed. And, if there are problems with specific seed lots, you're far more likely to be contacted about them before planting.
Some certified seed varieties are protected under the U.S. Plant Variety Protection Act. They aren't allowed to be harvested and sold again for planting without explicit consent from the owner of a protected variety.
Some protected varieties cannot even be saved for future plantings on your own farm. That's another reason for reading the label. Violations may result in civil action.
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