As growers look to squeeze every dollar of return from their wheat acres in 2025, decisions made at seeding time carry season-long implications — both good and bad. One of the most foundational decisions is whether or not to use certified seed, and it’s a choice that shapes yield outcomes, disease risk, and overall profitability of the wheat crop.
In this discussion hosted by Shaun Haney of RealAg Radio, Bailey Jenks, based at Pendleton, Oregon, and Zach Thibault, based at Bozeman, Montana, of Limagrain Cereals dig into the implications for producers of seed selection.
Jenks emphasizes that certified seed ensures clean, consistent quality. “You know exactly what you’re going to be buying… it’s been inspected, tested, and free of weed seeds or inert material,” she said. “Anything out of the bin—you don’t necessarily know what’s in there. It could hurt your yield going into the next year.”
Thibault added that in areas with high on-farm storage, such as Montana, the temptation to reuse seed is strong. But the risks are real. “You don’t know the disease carryover or how clean the equipment was,” he noted. “You’re not starting your crop year off on the right foot.”
Jenks says that the CoAXium wheat system available in the U.S. combines herbicide tolerance with strong yield performance—something both speakers say can help combat tough weeds like downy brome and goatgrass without yield drag. While the certified seed comes at a premium, Jenks says that the investment supports breeding programs that drive future genetics and disease resistance.
For producers weighing ROI this spring, certified seed may not just be a cost—it could be a strategic investment.
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