Starke Ayres: Parent Seed Production Officer at Plennegy Group

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Grower Relationship Management


Identify and recruit new growers.
Establish and maintain long-term sustainable relationships with growers.
Maintain awareness of competitor/opposition growers and market activities.
Keep growers/production officers updated on delivery schedules, processing status, quality control results, and payment information.
Maintain accurate and up-to-date grower records and details.
Explain contract terms and production requirements to growers.
Communicate production recommendations and technical guidance to growers.


Administration


Complete grower contracts and Basic Seed Requests - on Sage X3.
Assist management with parent seed planning and distribution
Parent seed stock management - Sage X3
Maintaining Sage X3 data base
Evaluate contract yield potential, pricing, and expected returns.
Manage and maintain QC quality reports.
Maintain accurate and up-to-date
Manage and update variety descriptions


Production Planning and Management


Plan and manage planting dates.
Plan and manage production isolations.
Request, handle, and coordinate delivery of Basic Seed.
Reconcile usage and facilitate the return of unused Basic Seed.
Monitor and manage irrigation requirements through soil moisture evaluations.
Manage the implementation of pest control and nutrient management programmes.


Field Inspection and Quality Assurance


Conduct routine field inspections.
Actively rouging of plants to ensure genetic purity
Complete Field Inspection Reports.
Carry out SANSOR and phytosanitary inspections.
Register productions with relevant authorities (SANSOR and the Department of Agriculture).
Inspect, evaluate, and report on the performance of Basic Seed and plant material.
Inspect production fields and surrounding areas to ensure required isolation standards are maintained.
Identify and remove off-types to maintain genetic purity.
Monitor days-to-flower and count male flowers on seed parent plants.
Identify production-related problems and deviations.
Managing plantings and maintenance of the Oudtshoorn premises in conjunction with Agronomist


Seed receiving, cleaning, QC and stock control


Assist parent seed cleaning manager with regards to prioritization of seed lots and actions
Assist in investigation of all query's and concern regarding parent seed issued for production
Assist in identifying 1st, 2cnd and 3rd preferences seed lots for distribution.
Assist in managing seed QC requirements for international productions
Manage seed lots for discard


Reporting and Communication


Complete Monthly Production Reports and Yield Estimates (where applicable).
Report production issues and concerns to the Global Production Manager.
Communicate findings, recommendations, and corrective actions to growers.
Ensure all production, inspection, and compliance records are accurately maintained.
Establish a fluent relationship with Research personal.
Training and communication with regards to new parent line/inbreeds catachrestic to the production department.
Attending meetings and give feedback on parent seed related inquiries.


Compliance and Regulatory Requirements


Ensure compliance with SANSOR regulations and phytosanitary requirements.
Register and maintain production records with relevant authorities.
Support quality assurance standards and industry compliance requirements.


Problem Solving and Monitoring


Monitor crop performance throughout the production cycle.
Identify and address production challenges promptly.
Evaluate soil moisture levels, crop health, pest pressure, and nutrient status.
Escalate critical production risks and concerns to the Global Production Manager.


Requirements

REQUIREMENTS

Qualification


National Diploma in Agriculture (essential).
BTech of BSc in Agriculture (preferential)


Experience


Junior Production Officer for 2 seasons on relevant crops
Plant breeding knowledge and experience (advantageous)