With cost pressures and supply chain challenges top of mind, many farmers are increasingly tempted by the apparent savings of replanting their own grain. But is opting for farm-saved seed always the most economical option?
As an early autumn sowing season kicks off, UK arable farmers are faced with a familiar dilemma: should they plant certified seed or rely on farm-saved grain?
While farm-saved seed can offer some upfront cost savings, experts warn that overlooking the benefits of certified seed may result in hidden costs later on.
“Farm-saved seed has long been an attractive option for arable farmers looking to cut costs - on the surface, it seems straightforward to clean, test, treat and replant grain from last year’s harvest without purchasing certified seed,” says Dr Kirsty Richards, national technical manager, seed at Frontier Agriculture.
“But the reality is that farm-saved seed can come with significant risks that aren’t always immediately apparent.”
While farm-saved seed may seem economical, it can introduce challenges that increase costs over time, Kirsty points out.
“The key risks of using farm-saved seed include weed infestations, seed-borne diseases, and inconsistent germination rates,” she says.
“While improved technology means farm-saved seed is now cleaner than it once was, it still lacks the rigorous testing and traceability that certified seed promises.
“In a season where conditions are unpredictable, this can lead to issues down the line.”
She adds: “Growers who use farm-saved seed must also factor in additional costs for cleaning, treating, and testing the seed, which can add up quickly, especially if issues like poor germination or contamination arise.”
The case for certified seed
Certified seed undergoes strict inspection as the crop grows in the field setting a high standard before the seed is even harvested.
On arrival at the lab, the seed is sampled, assessed and thoroughly cleaned to ensure consistency and that the seed meets specific standards for germination, purity, and control of seed-borne diseases.
Seed breeders like DSV work closely with agronomists and seed suppliers to ensure that certified varieties deliver consistent performance.
Matt Kerton, wheat breeder at DSV, explains that varieties like Champion are designed with a focus on yield potential, disease resistance, and quality.
“Champion is a great example of a variety that has been bred for resilience,” he says.
“It performs consistently across a wide range of UK growing conditions, with strong disease resistance and the potential for high yields.
“The assurance that comes with certified seed is invaluable, particularly in a year when conditions have been difficult.”
Mr Kerton also explains the crucial role certified seed plays in driving industry innovation forward.
"Using certified seeds rather than farm-saved alternatives plays a crucial role in the ongoing development of plant breeding," he adds.
“This isn’t just about improving yields in the short term; it's about building resilience for the future.
“By choosing certified varieties, farmers are provider greater support towards the vital research and development that drives advancements in crop genetics, improving resistance to pests, diseases, and changing environmental conditions.”
Certified seed also offers the benefit of traceability, adds Dr Richards.
“Farmers know the genetic purity of the seed they are planting, which helps ensure uniformity in the field, which is crucial for maximising yield potential,” she says.
“When you plant certified seed, you’re starting with a known quality. It gives you the consistency you need to plan crop protection and nutrition strategies effectively.”
The on-farm decision
For Norfolk-based arable farm manager, Toby Hogsbjerg, who grows seed crops for DSV, Secobra, Saxon and ADM at The Wicken Estate, he sees first-hand the benefits of growing certified seed.
Mr Hogsbjerg says: “When certified seed arrives on farm, you know it’s only second or third generation, which means it’s got the optimal amount of vigour that breeders have intended, and has less chance of being contaminated with disease.
“There’s a lot of effort put into ensuring the seed crop leaves the farm in top condition, we’re diligent with fungicides and nutrition throughout the season.
“With certified seed, you are guaranteed strong germination, and a very high thousand-grain weight (TGW) and importantly, it will be without any inherent disease issues that you risk with home-grown seed.”
While the upfront cost of certified seed can be higher than using farm-saved grain, Mr Hogsbjerg highlights the importance of supporting the seed breeding sector.
“The disease landscape is always changing, and we need to support breeders to enable them to be on the front foot, so growers don’t suffer the consequence of weakened genetics,” he says.
“Yes, the seed can be more expensive, but when you factor in the higher yields and the lower risk of disease and weed pressure, the return on investment is there.”
Balancing cost with risk
The decision to use farm-saved or certified seed should ultimately be a case-by-case evaluation of risk versus reward, believes Mr Kerton.
“Certified seed offers guaranteed quality, traceability which end users encourage, while farm-saved seed may work well for farmers with controlled environments and a history of clean, disease-free crops.
“However, as the agricultural industry faces increasing challenges such as climate change, rising input costs, and tightening margins, many farmers are finding that certified seed provides greater security and peace of mind in the long term.”
At the end of the day, it’s about making sure that your crop has the best possible start, Mr Kerton says.
“Many breeders are striving to go above and beyond the minimum certified standards. With the use of the latest cleaning methods, we can ensure higher purity and quality of the final product.
"With certified seed, you’re investing in a foundation that can lead to greater consistency, higher yields, and less risk of costly mistakes.”
As the 2025-26 winter wheat season progresses, more farmers are seeing the value in certified seed, not just for its reliability, but for the long-term benefits it brings to both crop performance and farm sustainability.