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ASTA calls for safe storage of treated seed during harvest

The American Seed Trade Association is urging farmers to safely handle treated seed during harvest.

President and CEO Andy LaVigne says it’s important to keep treated seeds from entering the grain supply to help minimize the risk of pesticide exposure to humans and the environment.

“You want to make sure you are cleaning out your wagons if you have a multi-use wagon that you also use for grain and your seed,” he said. “Whether you are blowing it out with air or sweeping it out, make sure there is nothing left in the corners or the railings on the side.”

He tells Brownfield treated seeds also have the attention of agriculture officials in export markets. “It’s been a number of years, but we’ve had some situations where shipments have been stopped in foreign ports because they found treated seed in the corn or soybean supply.”

LaVigne says treated seed allows farmers to use less inputs, reduce costs, and have less impact on natural resources.