New Seed Treatment Applicator Streamlines the Seed Treatment Process
By Amanda Brodhagen, Farms.com
The seed treatment process just got a little easier with the introduction of STORM, an on-farm seed applicator that takes the hassle out of the job.
Bayer CropScience, in partnership with Ag Growth International (AGI), developed STORM, which stands for Seed Treatment Optimized Rate Metering. STORM is a state-of-the-art seed treatment applicator that treats seed while being transferred from bin to bunk.
Danick Bardi, seed treatment technical specialist for Bayer CropScience first dreamed up the idea about three years ago, after hearing from growers that the process of seed treatment was difficult and messy.
“Growers said that the job was difficult, it was messy, they were never sure of rates, never sure of coverage, didn’t like the exposure, and didn’t like the hassle,” explains Bardi, listing all the reasons why farmers were frustrated with the process. “Our goal when we started the project was to try and come up with an answer to each of those concerns,” he said.
Having grown up on a farm and attending school for engineering, Bardi was able to leverage his skills in developing an innovative product that will work for farmers. Bardi’s first idea started out with a simple sketch. He then pitched the idea to his colleagues on Bayer’s marketing team in 2010 who agreed that Bardi had a good idea that might work.
Inspiration can come in the most unlikely of places, like a treadmill.
“One day I was running on my treadmill at home, and I was looking down… hitting the button, speeding up and slowing down, and I realized that if I modify a treadmill and turn it into a feed meter that would then allow me to pull it out of the bin…,” said Bardi.
The first unit was essentially a modified treadmill, and after experimenting some more, Bardi quickly realized that Bayer was not in the farm equipment business and needed to find a partner, which is when AGI came into the picture. “I liked their (AGI) innovative vision…I liked that they were experts in building a good quality piece of equipment,” said Bardi.
(Contributed photo, Bayer CropScience: picture of the STORM seed treatment applicator)
In fall of 2012, Bayer decided to build its first STORM prototype to test and take to the field in spring of 2013. Seven units were used for the focus group phase which took place across western Canada. Four focus groups were held in three provinces – one in Manitoba, one in Alberta and two in Saskatchewan.
The farmers who participated in the focus groups were from all walks of life; from big operators to small, from growers who treated, to those who didn’t. In total, the trials treated 145,000 bushels of grain (all different types). In short, the focus groups were a success. “The feedback was pretty amazing…how many people liked how this addressed their concerns,” said Bardi.
How does STORM work?
The STORM seed treater streamlines the seed treatment process by incorporating the transfer process from taking seed out of a bin and loading the truck. It uses electric controls to operate a metering conveyer which meters the seed and tells the farmer exactly how much seed is going through the system. The electronic controls then operate two pumps that deliver the right amount of seed treatment product onto the seed. The process is included on an auger platform, which is completely enclosed. Once the user attaches the seed treatment containers, the farmer ends up with treated seed in the back of the truck without getting exposed to it.
“In our view, what we thought would be the cleanest way to get seed treatment onto the seed was to have a completely enclosed system…to have something that would fit in with the common farm practice,” said Bardi.
Reasons why farmers should consider STORM:
It is…
• Simple
• Accurate
• Safe
“It simplifies the entire seed treatment process and is easy to use with its electronic interface system, which farmers expect from most of their crop protection application devices. It’s accurate and safe with its enclosed system…it fits in with the farm process,” said Bardi.
The STORM costs $35,000, and can be purchased through the AGI retail system. Bardi says about 150 units will be available come February, 2014. To date, the seed treatment applicator is about 80 per cent sold, mostly in western Canada with the likelihood of some units also going south of the border into the northern United States.
Farmers who want to see the STORM up close will be able to see it on display at a number of farm shows in western Canada early in the new year, including the Crop Production Show in Saskatoon and Manitoba Ag Days.
(Picture above is Danick’s first drawing of the STORM)
Legend:
A. Grain Flow Measurement Device
B. Seed Treatment Metering Pump
C. Electronic Controls
D. BCS Seed Treatment Package
E. Required Application Information