ST. PAUL, Minn. (4/23/2012) —Approximately 70 percent of the
seed soybeans planted this year in Minnesota will be treated
with fungicides. This is a dramatic change from 10 years ago
when most farmers planted untreated soybeans. This change
requires increased care to keep seed soybeans separate from
harvested soybeans headed to market. Federal law provides a zero
tolerance for treated soybeans at market. That means that a
single treated seed can contaminate a truck, bin or silo. Your
elevator can hold you legally responsible for the contamination
because of a problem that started with one treated soybean.
University of Minnesota Extension recommends that growers take
these steps to avoid mistakes that can take place during the
rush of planting: - Make sure nobody on your farm dumps leftover
soybean seed into a storage bin. - Do not use the same equipment
to transport treated seed and soybeans sold for grain. - Clean
all equipment that comes in contact with treated seed. - Manage
treated seed before and after