A lot of time is spent by growers selecting seed for the coming year, determining proper field placement and managing agronomic decisions. Industry also spends a great deal of time producing ample high-quality seed. When it comes to validating what a grower is getting, it’s important to review the soybean seed tag for each soybean variety. Seed tags are a great resource for a grower to better understand what they are planting. For example, herbicide traits, seed treatment and the number of seeds/unit are all found on the tag. Regardless of how seed is delivered to a grower—by bagged unit, mini bag, bulk box or true bulk of soybeans—you should be given a seed tag that matches the purchased products.

Below is additional technical information about the seed quality and production that can be found on the seed tag.

Germination: The percentage of seed that germinates in a set period of time under specific lab conditions. It determines the capability of a seed lot to produce normal seedlings under favorable conditions.

Pure Seed: Purity is the percent of seed that is the stated species. For example, a purity of 98% means that 2% of the unit content is inert matter.

Inert: The percent by weight of chaff, sticks, dirt and other debris. High inert percentages can affect the seed flow through a drill.

Noxious Weeds: Each state defines noxious weed species that are restricted or prohibited, as well as the maximum allowable amount of seed of restricted noxious weeds.

Origin: The location where seed was grown.

Test Date: The month and year of the germination test.