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SeedCo Write Up

On April 7, 2025, Crop Science and Technology students visited SeedCo Stepford to gain practical insights into seed company operations and plant breeding principles. The visit covered various departments including quality assurance, production, processing, and marketing, enhancing students' understanding of the seed industry. Overall, the experience bridged theoretical knowledge with practical application, emphasizing the importance of quality control and farmer involvement in agriculture.

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Ashley Tanyaradzwa Manezho
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28 views

SeedCo Write Up

On April 7, 2025, Crop Science and Technology students visited SeedCo Stepford to gain practical insights into seed company operations and plant breeding principles. The visit covered various departments including quality assurance, production, processing, and marketing, enhancing students' understanding of the seed industry. Overall, the experience bridged theoretical knowledge with practical application, emphasizing the importance of quality control and farmer involvement in agriculture.

Uploaded by

Ashley Tanyaradzwa Manezho
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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SCHOOL OF AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES AND TECHNOLOGY

DEPARTMENT OF CROP SCIENCES AND POST-HARVEST TECHNOLOGY

Name: Ashley T Manezho


Reg Number: C22149952N
Prac Writeup: SeedCo Stapleford visit report
Course code: CUCSM413
Level 4.1
Abstract
On April 7 2025, 4th-year breeding students studying Crop Science and Technology participated
in an educational visit to the SeedCo Stepford site in Mt Hampden. The visit aimed to provide
practical insight into seed company operations and the application of plant breeding principles in
real-world situations. Engaging with various departments including quality assurance,
production, processing, marketing, and retail, students gained a comprehensive view of seed
systems from breeding to commercialization.
Introduction
SeedCo Stepford is a notable seed company established in 1940 in Zimbabwe. The company
celebrates its 85th anniversary this April while operating in 23 countries worldwide, with
research centers in Malawi, Mozambique, the DRC, and South Africa, to mention a few. In
Zimbabwe, it has research stations in Muzarabani, Kadoma, and Shamva. SeedCo's vision
focuses on dominating the African seed industry with a mission to breed seeds, feed the
continent, and lead agricultural advancements. The aim of the trip was to aid in improving the
students’ knowledge the value addition process, looking into inbreeding of seeds, testing
processing and distribution of their product. The visit enabled students to understand the
company's core values of innovation, excellence, teamwork, and accountability, as well as the
significance of occupational safety at their work place.
Objectives
The main goal of the visit was to acquire practical knowledge about the different aspects of seed
science and its implementation in the seed industry.
Quality Assurance
The quality assurance department highlighted how SeedCo ensures that seeds meet both local
and international standards (ISTA and OECD). Key processes involve assessments of a small
sample size which represents the whole harvest for physical and genetic purity, as well as
germination tests. These procedures included the collection of harvested samples in khaki bags,
physical purity checks to remove diseased and damaged seeds, moisture content evaluations, and
checks for germination percentage that follows strict acceptance criteria. SeedCo when it comes
to maize SeedCo maintains its moisture at 12.5 which is ideal for storage and to keep the seeds
viable.
Germination Testing
Germination tests, a crucial component of quality assurance, involved using germination paper or
sand as growth media, with detailed notes for germination rates of different types of seeds.
Under germination test on the khaki media (wheat) should surpass the 85% standard set by the
company inorder to pass the test.
Operations and Genetic Purity
Key operational processes such as detasseling, genetic purity assessments, and sorting at harvest
emphasized the importance of maintaining purity standards, directly correlating with plant
breeding principles.

Production
In the production department, students examined how male and female seeds are stored and the
reasoning behind their distinctive colors for easy identification by farmers. Students learned
about treatment methods to prevent insect damage, the importance of land size and irrigation
infrastructure for growers, and the role of SeedCo agronomists in supporting growers.
Processing
Insights into seed processing included seed cleaning, drying, and packaging practices. Although
some proprietary processes remained undisclosed, students observed practical operations
involving wheat and barley seeds, which are grown during the winter period. SeedCo has their
own personal state of art machinery they use for processing the produced seeds so as to pack for
the market. These machines can process to about 40 tons of grains in a period of less than 8
hours. They have an established drying facility which is in charge of processing and drying all
their seeds in less time using connected converyor belts there by increasing their productivity in
the seed market.
Marketing Strategies
The marketing segment provided an overview of SeedCo's strategies, including field days and
the promotion of improved seed varieties. The exposure of students to various seed types
reinforced their understanding of seed distribution systems and farmer engagement.
Research
Finally, at the research center, students explored breeding programs and participatory variety
selection that empowers farmers in the evaluation of new seeds. Insights into breeding software
and seed multiplication processes were closely linked to educational themes of plant breeding
and seed systems development.
Conclusion
The visit to SeedCo was instrumental in bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and
practical application in the field for the students. Getting to understand the value chain, the seed
distribution process, marketing strategies, handling of seeds and the machinery used in some of
these processes was a much-appreciated experience for the students in road to their breeding
career choice. Overally, SeedCo’s comprehensive approach illustrates the importance of quality
control and farmer involvement in the agricultural system.

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