b'SEED TREATMENT APPLICATIONCover Crops and Coatings: A Better Path for Soil, Sustainability, and the Bottom LineJOSEPH YOUNG Director of Business Development, Summit Seed Coatingsjoseph.young@summitseedcoatings.comBEFORE JOINING SUMMIT,I spent years on the road meet- ing intersections between sustainability and profitability. Weve ing with growers across the U.S. and parts of Canadatalk- invested in research and innovation to support growers using ing about everything from seed technology to agronomic bestblended species in their cover crop programs. The challenge practices. One message I heard again and again, especially fromwith blends is getting different-sized seeds to spread evenly. Our farmers working to protect their land for the next generation,uniform seed coating technology helps level the playing fieldwas this: soil is your most valuable asset. literallyso each seed type distributes more consistently in a It only takes the thickness of a sheet of paper blown off ansingle pass.acre to equal one ton of lost topsoil. That image stuck with me.That has real-world impact. Fewer passes mean reduced fuel Its one of the reasons I am interested in sustainability and coveruse, less soil compaction, and lower input costs. It also opens the croppingnot just as a good practice, but as a core strategy fordoor to more diverse mixes, including species like daikon radish protecting land, livelihoods, and the future of agriculture. that break up hardpan and naturally aerate the soil.Cover crops reduce erosion, improve soil health, and promotePersonally, this isnt just a professional interestits a topic I biodiversity. They retain moisture, reduce compaction, and evencare deeply about. Its why I continue to research, attend sus-help cut back on fertilizer and herbicide use over time. And whiletainability conferences, and push our team to look for new ways the environmental benefits are clear, theres also a strong busi- Summit can support long-term stewardship and innovation in ag.ness case for them. Programs like EQIP (Environmental QualityAt the end of the day, we want to be more than just a seed Incentives Program) provide financial incentives, and for retailers,coating company. We want to be a partner in building smarter, cover cropping can create sales opportunities in a traditionallymore sustainable systems that benefit both the environment and quieter season. the growers bottom line.At Summit, we see cover cropping as one of the most promis-CHITOSAN SEED TREATMENTLevel Up Your Seed Treatment ProgramLEVI TIPTON Seed Treatment Account Manager, Tidal Grow AgriSciencetidalgrowag.comLevi.Tipton@tidalgrowag.comAS HARVEST SEASONapproaches, most people have theirBusiness Growth Starts at the Seedeyes on the combine. But sharp seed professionals know that fallSeed treatments are more than agronomic toolstheyre is also when the real groundwork begins for next seasons suc- strategic business levers. If youre trying to reduce cost of goods cessstarting with seed treatment planning. sold without cutting performance, evaluate formulations that For those managing seed treatment decisions, nows the timestreamline active ingredients while preserving efficacy. to evaluate whether your current lineup is really pulling its weight.Struggling with product churn? A reliable treatment pack-Below are a few key areas to consider as you build or refine yourage can stabilize your lineup and reduce variability. And if your enhancement strategy for 2026. portfolio lacks a value ladder, layering in treatment tiers can help meet different grower needs without compromising margins.Crop Performance That Speaks for ItselfIf your growers are pushing for faster emergence and betterDifferentiate in a Crowded Marketstand uniformity, your seed treatment needs to deliver moreIts one thing to protect seed. Its another to stand out in a than just basic protection. Look for options that promote earlyside-by-side plot. When youre competing against sister lines or vigor while boosting germination rates, especially important inlaunching a new variety, seed treatments with unique modes of challenging spring conditions.action or standout performance against nematodes and early-Upgraded seed treatments can also reduce early-season trou- season pathogens can tip the scales. bleshooting for your sales team, freeing them to focus on whatA well-chosen seed treatment helps your genetics punch they do best: relationship building, finding and building the nextabove their weight and gives your team a competitive story to tell.opportunity. The bottom line? Dont let seed treatment be an afterthought. Make it part of your strategic vision and youll be miles ahead by the time planters roll in 2026.42/ SEEDWORLD.COMOCTOBER 2025'