Contamination of Commercial
Grain Deliveries with Treated
Seed
What is the Issue?
 Elevators have zero tolerance for contamination of grain
deliveries with treated seed
 Processor requirements
 Could impact trade opportunities
What is the Risk?
 Farmer risks liability
 Rejection of load
 Potentially own bin of contaminated grain
 Cost of cleanout
 Business disruption
 Elevators have similar risks with processors and export
customers.
Why is it Happening?
 Producers using same equipment to handle bulk seed and
harvested grain
 Not using appropriate cleanout procedures on this
equipment
 Only takes a small amount to cause problems
Treated Seed Checklist
 Identifies key ‘control points’ where contamination might
occur
 Provides Standard Protocols and Enhanced Protocols for
managing equipment to help avoid contamination
1. Equipment Selection
 Standard
 Select equipment that can be easily cleaned
 Keep equipment in good repair
 Enhanced
 Use dedicated equipment for handling bulk seed
2. Bulk Seed Loading
 Standard
 Label equipment used for handling bulk seed
 Enhanced
 Attach a tag to equipment that is only removed once it has been
properly cleaned
3. Cleanout – Wagons and Trucks
 Standard
 Sweep
 Compressed air
 Pressure wash
 Enhanced
 Develop written protocols specific to your operation
 Train all farm ‘staff’
4. Cleanout Augers
 Standard
 Remove wagon mounted augers
 Auger should be flushed with minimum 50kg of approved
material
 Enhanced
 Use dedicated auger for handling seed
5. Documentation
 Standard
 Keep accurate records of what equipment was used to handle
seed
 Enhanced
 Cleanout should be documented, listing:
 Who cleaned the equipment
 When it was cleaned
 How it was cleaned
6. Third Party Conveyances
 Standard
 Producer as ‘shipper’ is responsible for ensuring that truck is
free from contamination
 Enhanced
 Have drive fill out and sign document
Conclusion
 Contamination of commercial grain with treated seed
negatively impacts the entire grain industry
 Use of bulk seed requires additional management to avoid
contamination
 Following the protocols outlined in the checklist will reduce
the risk of contamination significantly