2016 Ag Reliant Genetics LLC TOTAL QUALITY MANAGEMENT

© 2016 Ag. Reliant Genetics, LLC TOTAL QUALITY MANAGEMENT: STEWARDSHIP IN THE PLANT James Shearl Director of Quality Assurance Ag. Reliant Genetics, LLC

© 2016 Ag. Reliant Genetics, LLC What is STEWARDSHIP? • Definition: the job of taking care of something; the responsible planning & management of resources YOU ARE A SEEDSMAN! Regardless of your role

© 2016 Ag. Reliant Genetics, LLC Ag. Reliant QA Department Organization

© 2016 Ag. Reliant Genetics, LLC Product Value

© 2016 Ag. Reliant Genetics, LLC Quality Seed Requires a Plan • For Ag. Reliant, it’s our Quality Management System (QMS) • Communicates requirements of how to produce high quality product • Provides consistency in methods, materials, equipment, etc.

© 2016 Ag. Reliant Genetics, LLC Quality Management System • Calls for process steps & records of activities on all tasks from field to bag • Quality seed starts in the field • Uses standardized inspections & lab testing • Monitor seed moistures at harvest • Transfer seed using belts instead of augers • Monitor & check seed conditioning equipment often • Ensure measuring equipment is calibrated • Identification & traceability of seed through all steps

© 2016 Ag. Reliant Genetics, LLC Continuous Improvement • Preventive Action • Prevents errors from occurring • Address Non-Conformities • Learn from mistakes • Evaluate root cause of issue • Share ideas!

© 2016 Ag. Reliant Genetics, LLC Stewardship • Regulatory requirements • Access to seed laws that relate to your products • Contract requirements • Also be good stewards of safety! • Keep you and your co-workers safe

© 2016 Ag. Reliant Genetics, LLC WHAT HAPPENS WHEN WE DON’T DO OUR JOBS CORRECTLY?

© 2016 Ag. Reliant Genetics, LLC Seed Mix-Ups • Two hybrids can accidentally get mixed together • Correct herbicide labeling is important

© 2016 Ag. Reliant Genetics, LLC Poor Seed Quality • Damage to the seed during conditioning can cause poor seed quality, resulting in poor germination

© 2016 Ag. Reliant Genetics, LLC Seed Treatment Issues

© 2016 Ag. Reliant Genetics, LLC Seed Quality & Appearance Issues Popped kernels

© 2016 Ag. Reliant Genetics, LLC Issues That Could Effect Seed Quality Silk cuts Protruding embryos

© 2016 Ag. Reliant Genetics, LLC Issues That Could Effect Seed Quality, cont.

© 2016 Ag. Reliant Genetics, LLC TOTAL QUALITY MANAGEMENT: STEWARDSHIP IN THE PLANT Thank You! Questions?