Seed packaging for Ball Seed moves into new building

The seed packaging team of Ball Seed has moved its operations into new, updated spaces in West Chicago, Illinois.

Over a single weekend, the packing department was completely shifted to a recently built addition that will house the company’s Seed Distribution and Seed Processing systems.

This move coincides with the recent redesign of Ball Seed’s product packaging to improve functionality and efficiency for greenhouse growers.

The packets have evolved from a 1-D barcode to a new and interactive 2-D QR code that, when scanned with a smartphone or scanning device, takes customers to real-time information and resources.

This technology enhances customer access to timely seed-quality information, technical support and marketing resources.

© Photos courtesy of Ball Seed

Some of the live data shared by scanning the new labels includes:

• Current Ball Vigor Index (BVI), which measures seed vigor and uniformity of germination.
• Current germination rate and most recent test date for the seed lot.
• Hyperlink to marketing support and technical information for germination and finishing.
• Material number, vendor lot number and product description.

“Customer access to seed information has never been easier,” said Jim Kennedy, senior commercial director of Ball Seed. “High-quality seed is the foundation to a successful season. Growers can use the data found on our seed packets to optimize their sowing and germination space.”

Seed offered by Ball Seed is tested to meet the company’s rigorous standards for professional growers. Seed is ready to ship the same day the order is received. If an order is received by 5 p.m., it will be out the door by 7 p.m., and Ball Seed can expedite to next-day delivery by request.

The increased access to seed data supports growers in making data-driven decisions in their production planning, allows predictable performance of seed during the growing season and allows for more accurate production decisions.

“With the new seed label and efficient new space, Ball Seed is elevating our customer’s seed experience,” said Dave Hannebuth, Ball Horticultural Company’s Seed Processing Center manager. “All finished packaging — every seed coming off this line — now has the latest germ and real-time information growers can use to make informed decisions in their business.”

To support growers of all sizes, the Ball Seed label support team is ready to answer any questions and help link business systems to scanning devices. Contact Ball Seed at 800-879-BALL or email seedlabelsupport@ballhort.com.