Propagation

Applications Open for Minnesota’s 2025 Industrial Hemp Program

Posted on November 14, 2024

Hemp plant. Image by herbalhemp from Pixabay.

Online applications are now open for anyone wanting to grow or process hemp in Minnesota in 2025. A license from the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) is required for individuals and businesses.

Applications must be submitted by April 30, 2025, and a license is valid for the 2025 calendar year.

The application can be found on the MDA website: https://www.mda.state.mn.us/plants/hemp. Along with the online form, first-time applicants and authorized representatives need to submit fingerprints and pass a criminal background check. These licenses are for growing and processing industrial hemp only. The hemp grower or processor application is not for the growth or sale of adult-use or medical cannabis. The application is also not intended for the sale of hemp-derived cannabinoid products. Adult-use cannabis information can be found on the Office of Cannabis Management website: https://mn.gov/ocm/.

Growers and processors need to be aware of the following for 2025:

All authorized representatives designated by the applicant must pass a criminal history background check prior to the issuance of a license.
Every lot of hemp grown requires pre-harvest THC regulatory testing. Each official regulatory sample collected by the MDA will cost $100.
The MDA licenses processors that handle raw hemp and initially process it by extraction, decortication, devitalization, crushing, or packaging, and the department will continue random inspections of processor locations.
License fees will remain the same. The minimum cost of a grower license is $400. A processing license is a minimum of $500. A five percent license surcharge is being added to support the modernization of the MDA’s technology systems which will provide better online services and more efficient processing of applications.

While the deadline to apply or renew is April 30, 2025, those actively growing hemp plants indoors past December 31, 2024, must renew their license before expiration at the end of the year.

Questions about the MDA’s Industrial Hemp Program should be sent to hemp.mda@state.mn.us or 651-201-6600.

Test Your Cover Crop Seed

Posted on November 14, 2024

Rye field. Photo by NickyPe from Pixabay.

We have been receiving questions about testing cover crop seed lately.

FYI: The MCIA Seed Laboratory can test cover crop seed for germination, purity, and any other seed tests needed or required.

It is important to know seed viability and if there is any other crop or weeds present in the seed you are planting. If you are enrolled in a certification program, check its standards for the particular seed testing requirements.

For more information:

Organic Corner

Posted on October 24, 2024

Barn swallow. Photo by sharkolot from Pixabay.

By Michelle Menken, Organic Services Manager

The USDA National Organic Program (NOP) conducted its semi-annual audit of MCIA in July. Two auditors from the NOP were here in the office for a week, reviewing files and procedures. One focus of this audit was how we are implementing the new rule changes, Strengthening Organic Enforcement (SOE) and the Organic Livestock and Poultry Standard (OLPS).

They noted several findings that were easy fixes, and we have updated some of our forms already. Many of the remaining findings have to do with developing written policies for various aspects of how the accreditation staff do their work, such as staff training policies and when to issue Noncompliances vs Certification Letter notes and reminders.

The NOP clearly believes that we should be issuing more Noncompliances. Notices of Noncompliance are issued when an operation is not following the requirements of the regulations, such as not documenting an organic seed search, or having incomplete or not auditable records.

If you receive a Noncompliance, you must answer by the date in the letter. The response should say how you are going to correct the problem listed in the letter. If you do not understand the Noncompliance, please contact MCIA. Not responding can lead to a Proposed Suspension.

For handlers and processors, we have added some new forms due to SOE. One is the Supplier’s List. Handlers must ensure that their suppliers are certified organic. You can check suppliers’ certificates on the Organic Integrity Database (OID). You may still need to contact the supplier for product addenda if the ingredients you want to source are not listed on the certificate, or if we need to know the product category (100% Organic or Organic). Importers must be certified, and each imported shipment of organic products must be accompanied by an Import Certificate. Review NOP205.273 for information on imports.

Avian living conditions and transport and slaughter requirements were added under the OLPS changes. These give specific requirements for poultry housing and stocking densities. This includes the specific required indoor and outdoor square footage, amount of perch space, and exit areas for pullets, layers, and broilers, turkeys, and ducks. All poultry operations must test weekly for ammonia levels in their barns. Review NOP205.241 for information on new poultry requirements.

State Fair Certified Seed Champions Announced

Posted on October 24, 2024

Certifed seed display at the Minnesota State Fair. Photo © MCIA.

Congratulations to the following MCIA members whose certified seed was awarded champion status at the 2024 Minnesota State Fair’s farm crops competition! Exhibited seed was field and laboratory inspected and passed and was judged on the basis of MCIA-approved seed laboratory tests.

Results were published by the Minnesota State Fair on September 10. The winners:

Barley: Russell Peterson, Grove City
Grass Seed: Northern Excellence Seed, Williams
Oats: Falk Seed Farm, Murdock
Soybean: Falk Seed Farm, Murdock
Wheat: Tobolt Seed, Moorhead
Premier Exhibitor: Capistran Seed, Crookston

Complete results of the Farm Crops competition are available on the Minnesota State Fair website, https://www.mnstatefair.org/competitions/ag-hort-bee/farm-crops/.

Field Notes

Posted on October 24, 2024

Linkert hard red spring wheat. Photo: David Hansen. © Regents of the University of Minnesota.

By Kris Folland, Field Services Manager

“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” —Galatians 6:9

The quality of wheat and other small grains has been an issue since harvest began. Dr. Jochum Wiersma sounded the alarm during the summer wheat plot tours. Fusarium head blight (FHB), or scab, and issues with grain and seed quality are showing up in some areas. The damp conditions have also caused wheat and other small grains to transition towards sprouting in the field as the enzymes and starch begin to change. This will affect seed quality, including germination, falling numbers, and vomitoxin level.

Helpful seed quality tips for seed to be planted in the spring of 2025:

Try to store uniform fields or parts of fields in separate bins. For example, small grains before rain and after rain during harvest may differ in appearance and seed quality.
Harvest grain and dry as needed using natural air or grain dryer temperature of 110 °F to dry it down to 13.5 percent moisture or less.
Do not ignore grain bins after harvest, especially those harvested during hot and humid days. Run air as needed as soon as you fill bins. Cool grain throughout the fall when temperature and humidity permits.
Preliminary germination samples after a 3-week or longer “rest” on seed lots will be a good starting point for seed plans.
Select seed lots harvested first in the season with good color and quality first, before using later harvested lots that may be bleached and lower quality.
Seed lots with FHB should not be saved for seed.
Make plans now as both a grower and seed producer for your seed needs.

Shifting gears towards fall: We conduct soybean inspections when fields have 75 percent leaf drop or greater. Communication with your MCIA field supervisor is very important. We will certainly be in contact with growers to ensure timely and accurate inspections. If you have any information you would like to share regarding your seed production fields or are getting close to harvest and have not received confirmation about the status of your field inspection, please give your field supervisor a call. We enjoy hearing from you, and it helps us keep up with the maturity of the many seed fields across the state. There is still time to apply for soybean field inspections for all classes of certified seed and any soybeans needing inspection to company field and seed purity standards.

President’s Corner

Posted on October 24, 2024

Fawad Shah, MCIA President/CEO. Photo © MCIA.

By Fawad Shah, President/CEO

Growing Pains—Staffing and Training

Because it is unavoidable, ‘change’ is one of the constants in life. Among other things, this may involve learning, adapting, and trying new approaches, all with the aim of providing accurate, timely, and economical service fees.

MCIA is experiencing staff retirements and departures. In addition, we are evaluating technology to streamline our processes while remaining compliant with rules, regulations, and standards. To keep up with the work generated by a growing customer base, our Organic Services department has been steadily adding staff. In addition, we are preparing for the upcoming retirement of key staff members, including the Organic Services manager, by making the necessary transitions to support continuity of operations.

We are currently seeking applicants for the Organic Services manager position. By the time you read this, we will be well into the completion of the recruitment process. The MCIA Board of Directors has consistently supported the overall mission of the organization, including approving competitive compensation for all employees. With additional staff members comes another challenge: providing appropriate internal as well as outsourced training to insure we do not miss a beat with service delivery. MCIA’s Organic Services, under the authority of the USDA’s National Organic Program, participates in all four scopes of organic certification and currently operates in several Midwestern states, making

MCIA one of the leading organic certifiers in the region. The growth in the MCIA Organic Program is driven by the staff’s hard work, diligence, and provision of exemplary customer care. The USDA’s most recent Strengthening Organic Enforcement (SOE) rules warrant new policies and procedures as well as proper training and guidance for inspectors and certification specialists to carry out their work in accordance with the new regulations.

MCIA’s Seed Laboratory has filled one vacancy and hired an additional full-time staff person to support the department’s workload and build capacity for additional seed analysis work. Both hires are due to start later in September. Although the new employees bring relevant seed testing experience with them, both in-house as well as external training is an important way to supplement their knowledge and skills, support the lab’s operations, and, in due time, add new services.

Field inspection supervisors keep their knowledge sharp by regularly participating in industry-wide training sessions. The training of part-time inspectors is a yearly ritual. Prior to the start of each inspection season, field supervisors lead training sessions for their seasonal inspectors. Often, many of those inspectors return to MCIA each summer to perform field inspections.

Growth is a good problem to have. MCIA is addressing this challenge by adding qualified and experienced staff and providing them with the necessary training, equipment, and technology to ensure our customers receive high quality services in a timely and cost-effective manner. We thank our members for their patience and understanding as we navigate through the ‘change’ that often comes with ‘growing pains!’

Staff News

Posted on October 24, 2024

Karen Lehto. Photo courtesy of Karen Lehto.

MCIA welcomes Karen Lehto to our staff! Karen was hired June 1, 2024, by the Organic Services department as an organic certification specialist/inspector.

Karen holds an AAS degree in farm business management from Ridgewater College in Willmar, Minnesota, as well as a certificate for farm business management from Minnesota State Community and Technical College.

Karen has a strong agricultural background and is passionate about organic agriculture. She has owned an 80-cow certified organic dairy. As an auditor employed by A Greener World and EarthClaims, she performed farm animal welfare inspections. In the course of her work, she has traveled widely to meet with clients located across the United States. Over the past five years, she conducted organic inspections for two USDA-accredited certifying agencies, Quality Assurance International (QAI) and MOSA. In addition to having finished her IOIA certification for processing, livestock, and crops, Karen has performed investigation inspections. She has also created a framework for reporting and evaluating key performance indicators related to animal welfare in poultry.

In her free time, Karen enjoys gardening, camping, and traveling with her husband and daughter.

—

Rose-Marie Odell. Photo courtesy of Rose-Marie Odell.

MCIA bids a fond farewell to Rose-Marie Odell, who is retiring after eight years of service to our association. Rose-Marie began her work for MCIA as an administrative assistant in the summer of 2016. Three years later, the focus of her work shifted to dedicated support for the Organic Services department. Prior to her employment with MCIA, Rose-Marie had worked for the Washington State Department of Agriculture for over twenty years.

While preparing for her departure, Rose-Marie expressed these parting thoughts, “It has been my great pleasure to live in the Upper Midwest and to work at the Minnesota Crop Improvement Association for the past eight years. I have enjoyed getting to know the seed growers and farm families. I enjoy the outdoors and now plan, upon retirement, to spend as much time outside as possible! I leave, unapologetically, for the West, where my family has been waiting patiently for me to spend time with them. I will always remember fondly, though, the Upper Midwest family of agricultural producers and workers who warmly took me in and treated me like family for the last several years. Best regards to all.”

Chairman’s View

Posted on October 23, 2024

By Brad Barth, Board Chairman

Fall harvest is here. I hope that your harvest is a great one and that you’re able to complete it in a timely and safe manner.

My family and I just recently celebrated my mother’s 90th birthday with a party full of camaraderie and rarely seen relatives. We also celebrated the release of her autobiography, full of pictures and stories spanning 90 years on this planet. The idea for this book came about five years ago when I saw a picture of her at her first job as a telephone operator in 1954. She looked so cute with her headset and cords in her hand, “physically” connecting callers to the called by plugging a cord into the correct jack. Fast forward to the present: Mom was on her iPad and cell phone one day and I said, “You have seen a lot of change in your life, you should write a book.” It turned out to be a great read.

One of the attributes I have tried to instill in my children and grandkids is “change.” It is very important to have the ability to change in your lifetime. Without this skill you will be forever destined to travel the same path without the option of taking the other fork in the road. Sometimes I find myself wishing that the world would slow down and wait for me, but to no avail. I usually find myself running to catch up.

On my farm when something breaks and I don’t know exactly how to fix it, I usually get on the phone, call my equipment dealer, and have the service man come to repair the problem. Enter my young hired man. He jumps on his phone and Googles the problem. He soon has an answer and a repair to get us back to working. I need to follow my own advice, change a little, and embrace the Google thing a little more.

During MCIA board meetings we discuss the future and how to stay current with technology. As a younger and more technologically savvy member base is growing, MCIA is changing and evolving into an organization committed to better serve them, now and in the future.

I would like to take a little time to welcome Amy Olson and Sean Manzano-Rabbitt to the staff of the Seed Laboratory. I look forward to meeting you in November.

2024 is almost over and soon it will be time for a New Year’s resolution. Maybe a “change” to embrace modern technology would be a good thought. I think that might be my resolution! I wish you all a safe and prosperous harvest.

In Memoriam: Donald Rasmusson, 1931–2024

Posted on September 25, 2024

Donald Rasmusson. Photo courtesy University of Minnesota.

Donald Rasmusson, who was the year 2000 recipient of MCIA’s highest honor, the Achievement in Crop Improvement Award, died August 6 at the age of 93. MCIA also honored Professor Rasmusson with an Honorary Premier Seed Grower Award.

The University of Minnesota notes:

Don was hired by the University of Minnesota Agronomy and Plant Genetics Department in 1958 and was a faculty member for 42 years. He was a world-renowned barley breeder who developed nine varieties of barley, including Morex, Robust, Excel, and Stander. Don served as the director of Plant Breeding Graduate Studies for 22 years and advised more than 70 graduate students, including special-program Moroccan students, from 1961 to 1999. He was also credited with publishing more than 200 manuscripts, abstracts, reports, and articles.

Don’s work was recognized with many awards and accolades, including the University of Minnesota Crookston’s Torch and Shield Award (1989), the Monsanto Crop Science Distinguished Career Award (1994), and the University’s Siehl Prize for Excellence in Agriculture (1996). He is also memorialized on the U’s Scholars Walk on the East Bank campus.

To read Donald Rasmusson’s official obituary, visit: https://www.ohalloranmurphy.com/obituary/Donald-Rasmusson.

MCIA Seeks Organic Administrative Specialist

Posted on September 25, 2024

Minnesota Crop Improvement Association is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Organic Administrative Specialist.

At MCIA, the organic administrative specialist supports day-to-day operations of our busy and growing Organic Services department by answering and directing telephone calls; preparing, distributing, and processing certification applications; and more.

MCIA’s Office is located on the Saint Paul campus of the University of Minnesota Twin Cities.

This full-time position offers a competitive salary and full benefits. For more information, including how to apply, visit our Job Openings page.