Abstract: A system for post-harvest or at-harvest determination of pre-harvest strength of a corn stalk wherein the system comprises a stalk stump cutter structured and operable to cut a discarded post-harvest stalk stump to provide a substantially flat and even cross-sectional surface of the stalk stump, an imaging device structured and operable to acquire image data of the stalk stump cross-section, and a computer based data processing system structured and operable to analyze the image data and determine a pre-harvest stalk strength of the corresponding stalk.

Abstract: A planter comprises an automated planting unit for planting plots of seeds in a field. The planting unit includes a first seed storage unit configured to provide seeds to the planting unit and a second seed storage unit configured to provide seeds to the planting unit. The planting unit also includes a seed meter configured to plant seeds from the first seed storage unit and the second seed storage unit in a field, and a diverter unit coupled to the first and second seed storage units and to the seed meter. The diverter, then, is configured to selectively direct seeds from either the first seed storage unit or the second seed storage unit to the seed meter, whereby the seeds from the first and second seed storage units may be planted separately or together (e.g., for mixed planting, etc.).

Abstract: A seed fulfillment system is an automated system for sorting and delivering different types of seeds from different seed containers to a shipping-container loading system which loads shipping containers with the seeds. The seed fulfillment system includes an intermediary-container handling system which conveys intermediary containers of seeds from a filling system to a shipping-container loading system.

Abstract: A system for post-harvest or at-harvest determination of pre-harvest strength of a corn stalk wherein the system comprises a stalk stump cutter structured and operable to cut a discarded post-harvest stalk stump to provide a substantially flat and even cross-sectional surface of the stalk stump, an imaging device structured and operable to acquire image data of the stalk stump cross-section, and a computer based data processing system structured and operable to analyze the image data and determine a pre-harvest stalk strength of the corresponding stalk.

Abstract: A seed fulfillment system is an automated system for sorting and delivering different types of seeds from different seed containers to a shipping-container loading system which loads shipping containers with the seeds. The seed fulfillment system includes an intermediary-container handling system which conveys intermediary containers of seeds from a filling system to a shipping-container loading system.

Abstract: A planter is provided comprising an automated planting unit for planting plots of seeds in a field. The planting unit includes a first seed storage unit configured to provide seeds to the planting unit and a second seed storage unit configured to provide seeds to the planting unit. The planting unit also includes a seed meter configured to plant seeds from the first seed storage unit and the second seed storage unit in a field, and a diverter unit coupled to the first and second seed storage units and to the seed meter. The diverter, then, is configured to selectively direct seeds from either the first seed storage unit or the second seed storage unit to the seed meter, whereby the seeds from the first and second seed storage units may be planted separately or together (e.g., for mixed planting, etc.).

Abstract: The present disclosure describes improved methods of plant breeding using rapid seed sorting processes. More particularly, it relates to the application of automated systems and methods that rapidly and nondestructively measure, classify, and sort seeds to improve the rate, efficiency, and accuracy of selection decisions and other processes related to improving crop genetics.