Seed that shatters during the harvest operation may produce volunteers in later years that need to be controlled. Fields are worked and sometimes irrigated shortly after harvest to promote germination of the shattered seed so the volunteers can be reduced. Sugarbeet seed may be produced in the same field using a rotation of 5 to 8 years. Field run seed is loaded into wooden tote boxes. Boxes are labeled with variety and field information.
Seed is moved into warehouses where it awaits cleaning prior to shipping to seed companies.
Seed is run across round-hole screens to remove sticks and other undesirable material. All seed cleaning equipment must be cleaned between varieties. 100 lb. bags. Seed companies clean, grade, size, treat and prepare the seed for planting.