Senwes Scenario Augustus / September 2015 | Page 27

HA N D E L SN UUS

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ABOVE - A LAB TECHNICIAN SORTS SEEDS FOR CLASSIFICATION. RIGHT
– SEEDS ARE PUT THROUGH A SIEVE FOR SIZING AND THEN COLOURED
ACCORDING TO THE SEED COMPANY’S BRAND.

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Barley
Speckled beans
Oats
Rye
Sunflower

“It is very important for
producers to use the best seed.
Our laboratory will analyse
and test seed for germination
and growth qualities. The seed
companies invest a lot of time
and research into making sure
that their product contains the
best genetic ingredients for a
successful end product.
“We don’t get involved in
the genetics of the seed at all.
We process according to the
criteria mentioned. Thereafter
we will treat the seed with a
growth stimulant, fungicide
and colouring. The colouring
is essential to differentiate
different seed brands and it has
no negative impact on the seed

whatsoever.”
BROWN-BAGGING
Some farmers engage in “brownbagging”, which is a term used to
describe the farming practice of
re-using seed which the farmer
withholds. It creates problems for
the seed producers because it has
an impact on their production
levels insofar as how much will
be needed for the market from
one year to the next for planting.
It’s a big problem in South
Africa, especially with wheat, rye
and soya beans according to Ben.
Besides processing the best
seed, Ben says, “the plant has
established a small packaging
division, where smaller quantities
(1-50kg) of its own product are
packaged under the Grainlink
brand. About 3 years ago, as an
added value offering, we started
to