The field is one of many testing grounds of the seed company Caussade Saaten. "Here new seeds are tested. Alone 250.000 m² arable land around Görzig is cultivated with new types of maize and later tested on yield, moisture and growth properties. Since we are located in a dry area of central Germany between Halle and Magdeburg“, explains the seed expert.

The Görzig breeding ground was established in December 1998 by the French company Semences, an internationally-operating company. "Görzig was selected to breed types for the future that are adapted to the dry, continental weather conditions. This means ensured yield for farmers above during the summer months when there is little rainfall“, says Andreas Brahmann. "The results look quite different on the north sea or in southern Germany.“

A further location advantage is the proximity to the Martin-Luther University in Halle-Wittenberg, which also has a testing facility in Görzig. Mainly maize and rapeseed are tested but also wheat. At the breeding station on the Pfaffendorf estate grains are meticulously packed into small bags. All products are dried, hand-picked, certified and treated using gentle methods. Furthermore, tests for the German Federal Office for Plant Varieties are also carried out in Görzig, the results of which decide, among other things, on distribution approvals. At the same time entire pallets of sacks are delivered to the warehouse, and subsequently distributed all over Germany.

Breeding follows conventional breeding methods which are supported by modern technologies. Thus Caussade Semences invested in cell and tissue culture technologies and in a molecular biological laboratory. "The aim of this technology is to characterise our genetic material and to perfect the quality of the seed. This has nothing to do with genetically modified plant seeds“, explains managing director Holger Radtke. "Breeding goals are yield potential, yield security, stability and an improved adaptability to naturally occurring location factors. Before every market introduction these new varieties undergo comprehensive tests in 18 countries in Europe and North America.“

As Spring begins so does the peak season for Andreas Brahmann and his colleagues. Since from sowing to harvest all results are accurately recorded and selected. In the following spring the best varieties of the previous year are then sown and tested again. "For us this means that we are there throughout the whole process, from sowing to harvest. And that is what makes my job so exciting. Seeing which varieties develop“, explains a beaming Andreas Brahmann.

Contact

Caussade Saaten GmbH

An der LPG 12

06369 Görzig

Tel. + 49 (0) 34975 30070

Email: info.ignore@caussade-saaten.de

www.caussade-saaten.de