By Jamie Martin
Saving seeds from a previous harvest can be a practical way for farmers to reduce input costs. While certified seed provides benefits such as high germination rates and genetic uniformity, saved seed may offer economic advantages when regulations and agreements allow its use.
Farmers should always verify that saved seed is permitted under Plant Variety Protection laws, patents, and seed agreements before keeping grain for future planting. Once legal requirements are met, effective cleaning is essential to achieve strong seed performance.
Seed-cleaning equipment helps remove unwanted material, damaged kernels, and weed seeds that can affect emergence and crop quality. Several equipment choices are available to meet different farm needs.
Rotary Screeners Deliver Fast Cleaning
Rotary screeners are widely used because of their simplicity and efficiency. Grain passes through a rotating screened drum where smaller particles and debris are separated from the seed.
These machines are particularly effective for corn and other large grains. By removing fines and contaminants, rotary screeners can improve seed handling, storage, and planting performance.
Their affordability makes them an attractive option for many farms looking to clean large quantities of grain.
Fanning Mills Provide Versatility
Fanning mills have long been a trusted seed-cleaning solution. Using a combination of screens and airflow, they remove both large and small contaminants.
Operators can easily change screens to suit different crops and cleaning requirements. The added airflow helps remove lightweight material that screen-based systems may miss.
Because of their adaptability and effectiveness, fanning mills remain popular across a wide range of farming operations.
Optical Sorters Improve Precision
When contaminants closely resemble crop seed, optical sorters offer a higher level of accuracy. Cameras and computer systems examine each seed individually and identify foreign material based on color and shape.
Undesirable material is removed using targeted bursts of air. Although the technology produces very clean seeds, equipment costs are significantly higher than those of traditional cleaners.
For specialty crop producers, the improved precision may justify the investment.
Gravity Tables Enhance Seed Quality
Gravity tables focus on density rather than size or appearance. Through airflow and vibration, heavier and healthier seeds are separated from lighter or damaged material.
This process helps improve seed lots by removing diseased seeds, lightweight grains, and foreign objects. Many seed and food-grade grain operations rely on gravity tables to achieve higher standards of quality.
Scalpers and Aspirators Improve Efficiency
Scalpers and aspirators are often used before the main cleaning stage. Scalpers remove larger debris through screening, while aspirators eliminate lighter contaminants using air.
These machines reduce the workload on primary equipment and help improve overall cleaning performance.
Budget Friendly Alternative
Some farmers choose to run grains through a combined second time. After adjusting sieve settings, the combine can remove additional impurities and create a cleaner product.
While it may not match dedicated cleaning equipment, this method can be effective for farms seeking a low-cost solution.
Finding the Best Fit
Every farm has unique seed-cleaning needs. Factors such as crop type, contamination level, required quality, and available budget all influence equipment selection.
Rotary screeners offer economical cleaning; fanning mills provide flexibility, gravity tables improve quality, and optical sorters deliver highly accurate results. Combining equipment can further improve outcomes.
By selecting the right seed-cleaning system, farmers can enhance seed quality, improve crop establishment, and gain more value from legally saved seed while controlling production costs.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-studio2013
Categories: National