b'You Learn SomethingNew Every Day!Amanda Patin, key account manager for SGS, gives us the scoop on why seed testing is more than a regulatory requirementit gives you the best possible product you could imagine.SW: Do you have a favorite podcast/radio show to listen to?Amanda Patin: I like Myths and Legendsit tells stories about folklore and fairytales that you might have known, like King Arthur, but it explains the history and facts behind the fictional story. SW: Beer or Wine?AP: None of the above! I like the smell of beer, but I dont like the taste of it. But I like sweet wines, and then whiskey. Theres so much science that goes into the development of both.SW: No. 1 Hobby?AP: I have two favorites. One of them is watching my son play baseball. Im glad I like watching it, because otherwise it could be grueling in the heat. I also like to watercolor. I like painting flow-ers, sceneries and animals; however, people are too difficult. SW: Why do you think seed testing is imperative? AP: There are so many factors involved in the seed and the biol-ogy of the seed. As we grow the seed, we have different factors that influence the seed development and the quality of the seed lot. Each seed experiences different temperatures, water levels, fungicides and microbes among many other things. In the end,regulatory requirement; however, results can also be used as a we produce a product. But, we want to produce a product ofselling tool. Its financial and a risk decision, and its an inventory quality. In that sense, you want to have proof that you have amanagement tool. quality product by making sure you test the product to ensure it doesnt contain anything that you dont want it to contain, thatSW: Whats kept you at your job for so many years?the seed meets your specific guidelines and that the seed hasAP: I learn something every day! People have such interesting the vigor it requires for the conditions it will be planted into. Toquestions, and it really makes me think and explain more about do this you must test your seed lot. Then you can decide whenseed physiology and environmental interaction. I also get to and where youre going to place that product in your line. Or not!interact with others in the field to help determine solutions for For us, were providing a service to our clients. When werethe industry as a whole. The job requires such a wide range of asked to look for something specific, we come back with unbi- knowledge, and I learn so much every single day. The results of ased results to say, This is what you have, and this is what youveseed testing affect so many, so its really fun to feel like youre asked us to look for. Heres our evaluation. Seed testing is apart of the bigger picture.SW38/ SEEDWORLD.COMOCTOBER 2019'