Crop storage
Getting the right handle on treated seed
I EXPERT VIEW
Correct handling is paramount when using treated seed, says Tom Wheelhouse
ncreasing demands on best practice mean farmers, sup- pliers and agronomists must all consider the correct use of treated seed. Otherwise the con- sequence could be tighter regu- lations on seed treatment reg- istrations – and fewer products available to growers in the future. Prevention is better than cure when handling treated seed – and there are many steps you can take to ensure that no pesticide reach- es anything but its intended tar- get. Firstly, always handle treat- ed seed with gloves and wear the appropriate PPE. This includes when fi lling the drill. That being said, you should keep handling to a minimum, because really, there is no need to directly touch treated seed. As a matter of habit, drill operators should always wash their hands
and any exposed skin after work and, of course, prior to eating.
Packaging
Although tempting to re-purpose, the correct disposal of any pack- aging is essential. Residue will re- main so it must not be used for any other purpose. All seed merchants include a ‘bag-tag’ which the cus- tomer will receive at the point of sale. Safety instructions should be read and followed.
When the time comes to drill,
it’s important to not fi ll the drill on grassy ground or headlands. This is because it’s very diffi cult to clean spillages or detect that seed has been split. Filling on a hard standing will make collecting er- rant seeds much easier. It’s also vital to ensure that the drill is suitably calibrated and ser- viced. This includes blocking holes
to prevent leaks. Finally, double check that the drill is closed when moving between fi elds or locations. It might seem obvious, but it’s es- sential.
Correctly following the guide- lines for treated seed doesn’t just protect operators and growers, it protects our environment too, and in many ways. If handled incor- rectly, treated seed poses a huge risk to birds and mammals.
Food source This could ultimately lead to tight- er restrictions on the use of seed treatments because seed is an attractive food source for wild- life. When it comes to rivers and streams, there is also the risk of it entering watercourses. Preparations should include ensuring suitable fi eld conditions for drilling. Operators should ask themselves whether the condi- tions are favourable for rapid ger- mination, and whether the seed- bed has been cultivated to ensure seed coverage. Tom Wheelhouse is a steward- ship seed treatment specialist at Arysta LifeScience.
26 MIDLAND FARMER • OCTOBER 2017
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