Robotics at Burrus Hybrids integrate refuge in one seed bag
Arenzville, Illinois, USA
December 1, 2010
A new facility operating at Burrus Hybrids includes a set of blending scales to dribble multiple products into seed corn bags, a high-rate treatment capacity for high-dose treatments, and a fully automated “robotic” packaging system. Construction occurred throughout the spring and summer.
“We’re a growing business that intends to compete with the national brands,” said Kevin Burrus, a member of the Burrus Hybrids ownership team. “As we stay on the cutting edge of the industry, we’re still committed to 100% independent, farm-family ownership.”
Previous systems at Burrus Hybrids were updgraded to achieve integrated refuge in one bag based on input from growers. The basis of the concept is for refuge and insect-protected seeds to be furnished together for an easy solution to EPA refuge compliance regulations.
“Our system is highly accurate to exceed those requirements,” said Todd Burrus, also a member of the ownership team. “Using multiple weigh buckets at the scale head of the packaging line, the system weighs the correct amount of each seed into the bag. Accuracy is within .1% tolerance. There’s less than .08 of an ounce of refuge for a typical 5 lb. dump. Besides the accuracy, the system is very fast. It packages 22 multi-component bags per minute.”
The refuge components for Burrus Hybrids are the Optimum® AcreMax™ 1 or Optimum® AcreMax™ RW offerings, which are treated with Maxim, Apron, Raxil, Stamina, Poncho 1250, and Votivo.
The new Heid Centricoat treating system at Burrus is a batch treater that weighs a set amount of corn into the drum, applies the treatment, and then dumps out the batch of product. Previous seed treaters at Burrus were flow-through systems.
“The very visual part of our upgrade is the automated packaging line — the robotics,” said Kevin Burrus. “The Premier Tech system takes bulk corn, places it in a bag, applies tags, sews the bag seam, prints the label, flattens the bag, accurately stacks pallets, and shrink wraps the pallet for stability — all without human intervention.” E-Z Load boxes are packaged independently of the bagging operation.
Burrus Hybrids purchased Hoblit Seed Company in 2008 and created a strategic alliance with Hughes Hybrids in 2010 to further strengthen its core strategy as the premier source of quality seed corn and soybeans. For the 76th consecutive season, Burrus offers 100% free replant to guarantee its customers a growing start.
Hughes®, Hoblit and Burrus® are trademarks of Burrus®. Power Plus®, Optimum® and AcreMax™ are trademarks of Pioneer Hi-Bred. Power Plus® is distributed by Burrus.
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