The person handling the seed may have less exposure to the chemicals used to treat the seed. Seed cost per acre may be lower. Seed handling and filling of planters is faster. There is less waste of materials and less of a disposal problem for reusable bulk bags compared with smaller disposable seed bags. There is less flexibility in purchasing and handling seed.
Special equipment is necessary to handle bulk bags.
Trying to adapt equipment that wasn't designed for bulk bags can result in equipment damage and possible injuries. Since some types of grain conveyors can cause seed damage, use of the wrong types of conveyors to transfer seed from bulk containers to planters can damage seed and reduce germination. Denise McWilliams, agronomist for the University of Minnesota and North Dakota State University, Fargo, says bulk handling systems are becoming more common for shipping grain. Bulk loading can also reduce safety concerns for businesses and make compliance with federal OSHA regulations easier. And it can make the loading of railroad cars faster and more efficient.