Forage Coating Technologies

Why Use Forage Seed Coating?

The period between planting and establishment is one of the most vulnerable stages in forage production. Seeds must absorb enough moisture to germinate, develop roots, and compete with weeds while facing changing temperatures, inconsistent rainfall, and disease pressure.

Barenbrug’s forage coatings surround the seed with materials selected to help:

• Retain moisture near the seed
• Support faster germination and establishment
• Deliver nutrients where seedlings need them
• Improve early plant growth
• Promote more consistent field establishment

The result is a stronger start that can help create healthier, more productive forage.

Yellow Jacket^® Enhanced Seed Coating

Better Forage with Less Input

Yellow Jacket^® is a proprietary seed coating made with a natural, water-absorbent material derived from corn starch. The coating can hold up to 600 times its weight in water, helping retain moisture around the seed during the critical germination and establishment period.

Research from the University of New Mexico, North Carolina State University, Texas A&M University, and other institutions has shown that Yellow Jacket^® coated seed can establish faster and require less water than uncoated seed. The product guide reports that Yellow Jacket^® can require up to 30% less water during establishment.

The Yellow Jacket^® Advantage

• Improved Moisture Availability: The absorbent coating holds water close to the seed, supporting germination when rainfall or irrigation is limited.
• Faster Establishment: A more favorable environment around the seed helps promote rapid germination and early seedling development.
• Early Nutrient Support: Nutrients within the coating are positioned directly around the seed, where young plants can access them during establishment.
• Added Seedling Protection: The coating includes fungicide to help protect against common seedling diseases during the vulnerable establishment period.
• Improved Early Growth: Research found that coated tall fescue produced greater aboveground biomass than uncoated seed across multiple seeding rates.

Proven Performance

Yellow Jacket^® has been used on millions of pounds of seed since its introduction. Independent university studies have repeatedly demonstrated its value during forage establishment.

In trials conducted at multiple institutions, Yellow Jacket^® coated seed showed:

• Faster establishment
• Reduced water requirements
• Greater early biomass production
• More consistent seedling development
• Improved performance under challenging establishment conditions

These benefits make Yellow Jacket^® especially valuable when producers need forage to establish quickly and make the most of available moisture.

Nature Jacket^® Organic Seed Coating

Organic Performance Starts with the Coating

Nature Jacket^® was developed for producers who need the establishment benefits of enhanced seed while meeting certified organic production requirements.

The coating surrounds each seed with a natural, micronutrient-rich environment designed to support vigorous germination and early growth. Nature Jacket^® uses the same proven coating platform as Yellow Jacket^®, but is available as an OMRI-approved coating for certified organic use.

Nature Jacket^® Benefits

• OMRI Approved: Suitable for use in certified organic production systems.
• Micronutrient-Rich Environment: Delivers natural micronutrients close to the seed during early development.
• Hygroscopic Coating: Attracts and retains moisture around the seed to support germination.
• Improved Early Growth: Helps create favorable conditions for vigorous seedling development and establishment.

• Professional-Grade Performance: Gives organic producers access to advanced seed enhancement developed for professional agriculture.

   

Give Every Seed a Stronger Start

Forage establishment can determine the productivity of a field for seasons to come. By helping retain moisture, supporting early nutrition, and creating a more favorable environment around each seed, Barenbrug’s forage coating technologies help producers establish stronger, more consistent forage.

Explore products featuring Yellow Jacket^® and Nature Jacket^® to find the right seed technology for your pasture, hay, grazing, cover crop, or organic production system.