Breeding Development

At Betaseed, our commitment is to provide sugarbeet growers with the highest quality seeds, driving productivity and revenue. Our dedicated team of specialists controls every phase of the development process, from initial breeding to final seed processing, ensuring that every seed meets our rigorous standards and is optimized for success in your fields.

Watch this short video to learn more about our 10-year breeding timeline.

Advanced Breeding for Superior Performance

Our industry-leading research and breeding program is the foundation of our success. We are devoted to developing high-performing, disease-tolerant sugarbeet varieties tailored to the unique challenges of each North American growing region.

The journey to a new hybrid is a long-term commitment, often taking 8-10 years of dedicated effort. Annually, we evaluate over 60,000 nursery plots to assess hybrid performance and disease tolerance. Our breeders work to develop genetics that provide value by overcoming a wide range of diseases and pests, including:

Rigorous Seed Production and Quality Control

High-quality seed production begins with superior genetics. The process is divided into two main stages:

• Pre-Commercial Production: On a smaller scale, we closely monitor growing conditions and climate. Harvested seeds are evaluated for purity, quality, and DNA to ensure they carry the desired traits for commercial production.
• Commercial Production: Contracted seed growers who meet our strict quality parameters handle large-scale production. These experienced growers, some of whom have worked with us for over 35 years, use specialized equipment to produce a high-quality product under the guidance of our seed production team.

Before any seed reaches the market, it undergoes extensive testing—over 25 times—to confirm seed quality and embryo viability. Our quality control includes:

• Visual Inspection: Each seed lot is checked for weeds, sticks, and other materials upon arrival at our processing facility.
• Germination Testing: We test all seed lots at least six times to ensure they meet strict germination standards.
• Seed Viability: An X-ray machine confirms that each seed contains a viable embryo.

State-of-the-Art Seed Processing

Our state-of-the-art facility in Tangent, Oregon, handles all Betaseed brand seed processing. In 2012, a major expansion enhanced our ability to produce consistently high-quality seed. The processing steps include:

• Cleaning and Sizing: Raw seed is cleaned and sized to create a uniform product.
• Coating: A protective layer is applied to the seed, which also absorbs treatments.
• BetaShield® Treatment: Our proprietary process applies fungicides and insecticides for early seedling protection.
• Coloring: Seed is colored with our unique blue dye for high visibility in all soil types.
• Packaging: Finally, the seed is packaged and undergoes one last round of germination testing.

Through our integrated approach to breeding, production, and processing, Betaseed is breeding confidence and delivering the performance you need for a successful harvest.