By Faith Fullerton, Snobelen Farms
As winter wheat planting approaches, one of the most critical decisions a grower must make is the choice between certified seed and bin run (farm-saved) seed. While the appeal of lower upfront costs can make bin run seed seem like an economical choice, the long-term benefits of certified seed often outweigh the initial savings. From increased yield potential and better disease resistance to legal protection and improved seed quality, certified seed offers several advantages that can make a substantial difference in crop performance and profitability.
Certified winter wheat seed goes through rigorous testing and cleaning processes to ensure high germination rates and seedling vigor. Seed certification programs, overseen by provincial crop improvement associations, set strict standards for germination, purity, and quality. This ensures that every bag of certified seed meets this criteria. In contrast, bin run seed is not subject to any formal quality control. Even with on-farm cleaning, bin run seed can contain broken kernels, weed seeds, and other crop seeds. These impurities can lead to poor stand establishment, uneven emergence, and ultimately lower yields.
Certified seed is often bred and selected for resistance to the most common diseases and pests in specific regions. This can include resistance to leaf rust, stripe rust, smut, and other fungal diseases that can devastate a winter wheat crop. Because certified seed is often newer and based on the latest breeding advancements, it may incorporate genetic traits that help protect the crop under a range of environmental stresses. Bin run seed, on the other hand, may carry over disease pathogens from previous crops. It’s also more likely to be affected by seed-borne diseases such as loose smut or seedling blight if it hasn’t been properly treated or inspected. Without proper certification and treatment, the risk of introducing these diseases into your field increases significantly.
Yield is the bottom line for any grower. Certified seed varieties are carefully bred and selected for high performance in terms of yield potential and adaptability. Certified seed suppliers provide performance data from replicated trials, giving farmers confidence in how a variety performs under different soil types, weather conditions, and management practices. Using bin run seed may limit a grower’s access to newer, higher-yielding varieties. Additionally, saving seed from a low-yielding crop or poor-quality stand can perpetuate underperformance from season to season, negatively impacting overall farm profitability.
From a legal perspective, many modern wheat varieties are protected by the Plant Breeders’ Rights Act, which prohibit the unauthorized sale or exchange of seed. Purchasing certified seed ensures that growers are legally compliant and helps support the continued investment in plant breeding and development. Saving and replanting PVP-protected bin run seed without proper authorization can result in legal penalties and lost access to high-performing varieties.
Lastly, by purchasing certified seed, growers contribute directly to the support of public and private breeding programs. These programs rely on royalty revenues to fund the development of new, improved varieties. This continuous investment drives the long-term sustainability and profitability of wheat farming.
While bin run seed might seem more economical at first glance, the potential downsides include lower germination rates, disease risks, weed contamination, and reduced yields, which can easily outweigh the initial savings. Certified winter wheat seed offers superior quality assurance, legal compliance, and access to the latest agronomic advancements. For growers looking to maximize productivity, manage risk, and ensure a strong return on investment, certified seed remains the smart, strategic choice. By choosing certified seed, it ensures that farmers stay on the cutting edge of agronomic innovation.