The industry minimum threshold allows for 12 ergot bodies in a 2 kg sample. The C2 standard tightens that to two, but at Frontier, our target is one. Across every quality metric, we set similarly elevated benchmarks. In fact, over 97% of all samples consistently meet or exceed these standards, evidence of our commitment to quality.

Even with farm-saved seed, we maintain this standard. We participate in the Verified Seed Scheme, an independent audit of contractors using mobile processing equipment. Frontier undertakes this annually to give our customers confidence in our dedication to quality, safety, and full traceability.

Environmental seed: high standards, always

Environmental seed doesn't escape our scrutiny. We apply the same lab-level quality checks as certified crops because that’s what our customers expect. We apply the same lab-level quality checks as certified crops because that’s what our customers expect, making it our mission to ensure that all the seed we grow is to the highest standards available in our industry. By working with our growers to ensure that the crop is as clean as possible in the field, we are setting these standards even before the seed has been harvested.

Throughout this cleaning process, our operators will continually take samples to be tested by the lab, ensuring consistency and ultimately producing certified seed of the highest possible quality. Our average purity level across 1427 certification samples during the 2024/25 season was 99.91%, and the average germination was 96.95% across all species we processed. Since January 2025, we’ve rejected 14% of environmental seed lots due to unacceptable purity or germination standards.

Investment that improves outcomes

Quality demands investment. Over the last six years, Frontier has invested over £3 million in seed production infrastructure, upgrading static cleaning plants, colour sorters, and more. Where many opt for gravity selectors, we deploy our own mobile units with full gravity separation tables to guaranteeing uniform, bold seed and optimal crop establishment.

While mobile seed cleaning participates and adheres to the verified seed scheme, we continue to go above and beyond in the quality seed we produce for our customers. This includes large capital investment in our 'made in house' mobiles that are built with quality in mind. Unlike our competitors, the majority of who opt for gravity selectors (arguably a cheaper, inferior solution), we opt for full gravity separation tables that ensure a uniform bold seed which in turn ensures the best chance of maximising both vigor and a successful crop establishment.

Our investments only matter because of our people. From farm operators and static plant teams to crop inspectors and logistic support, our people, driven by passion and expertise, bring quality to life. They are the real difference behind every seed that meets our standard.

Managing from the start for a healthy crop

Great crops begin with great seed, but they thrive thanks to management from day one. Disease control, nutrient access, and risk mitigation are all part of our approach, designed to secure your return on investment in an uncertain farming economy.

Early-season threats like bunt, fusarium, septoria, take-all, and loose smut can undermine yield before crops emerge. Many, like bunt and smut, can only be managed at the seed stage, making seed treatment critical.

Treatments protect early growth, reduce field input needs, and deliver economic advantage. Healthy plants originate from healthy seeds.

Featured: vibrance duo

• 4:1 ROI: a £10/ha investment means £40/ha yield averages

• Faster emergence, even with late drilling

• More tillers and vigor to combat weeds like blackgrass

• Improved root development for better water & nutrient uptake

• Suitable for Winter & Spring barley (excluding loose smut control)

Start with quality, grow with confidence

At Frontier, quality is embedded in every stage, from seed scrutiny and supply resilience to agronomic strategy and return-focused solutions. Because when you start with the right seed, everything that follows falls into place.

More information about seed quality for 2026 drilling, including our wide-ranging seed portfolio, can be found in here: Seed Catalogue 2025 

If you have any further questions about the content of this blog or require any technical advice, contact us on 0800 227 445 or email us at info@frontierag.co.uk.