Total Quality Management: stewardship in the Plant James Shearl Director of Quality Assurance AgReliant Genetics, LLC

Regardless of your role What is STEWARDSHIP? Definition: the job of taking care of something; the responsible planning & management of resources YOU ARE A SEEDSMAN! Regardless of your role

AgReliant QA Department Organization

Product Value

Quality Seed Requires a Plan For AgReliant, it’s our Quality Management System (QMS) Communicates requirements of how to produce high quality product Provides consistency in methods, materials, equipment, etc.

Quality Management System Calls for process steps & records of activities on all tasks from field to bag Quality seed starts in the field Uses standardized inspections & lab testing Monitor seed moistures at harvest Transfer seed using belts instead of augers Monitor & check seed conditioning equipment often Ensure measuring equipment is calibrated Identification & traceability of seed through all steps

Continuous Improvement Preventive Action Prevents errors from occurring Address Non-Conformities Learn from mistakes Evaluate root cause of issue Share ideas!

Stewardship Regulatory requirements Contract requirements Access to seed laws that relate to your products Contract requirements Also be good stewards of safety! Keep you and your co-workers safe

What happens when we don’t do our jobs correctly?

Seed Mix-Ups Two hybrids can accidentally get mixed together Correct herbicide labeling is important

Poor Seed Quality Damage to the seed during conditioning can cause poor seed quality, resulting in poor germination

Seed Treatment Issues

Seed Quality & Appearance Issues Popped kernels

Issues That Could Effect Seed Quality Silk cuts Protruding embryos

Issues That Could Effect Seed Quality, cont.

Total Quality Management: stewardship in the Plant Thank You! Questions?