Micheal Clements, NAFB News Service

As harvest begins across the country, the American Seed Trade Association is reminding farmers about the importance of taking precautions to ensure treated seed does not enter the grain supply. An ASTA says proper management of treated seeds includes removing all treated seed left in containers and equipment used to handle harvested grain, and disposing of it properly. ASTA and other stakeholder groups have developed recommendations to assist those involved in the process of treating, handling, transporting, or planting treated seeds. These recommendations are available at seed-treatment-guide.com. Recommendations include following label directions, minimizing dust, eliminating weeds, “BeeAware” of nearby bee colonies, and cleaning and removing treated seeds from equipment and bins. ASTA says the use of seed treatment technologies, including neonicotinoid insecticide treatments, is an effective tool to provide the necessary protection of seeds for a strong, healthy start. However, it is “essential” to manage them properly to minimize the risk of pesticide exposure to non-target organisms.