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Members Amend MCIA Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws

On January 12, 2023, at the Annual Meeting of the Minnesota Crop Improvement Association, members voted to amend the association’s articles of incorporation and bylaws.

A complete copy of the amended articles and bylaws is available here: https://docs.mncia.org/public/website/Articles-of-Incorporation-Bylaws-230112.pdf.

Below is a list of the amendments. Bold text indicates new or modified text. Strikethrough indicates deleted text.

Restated Articles of Incorporation of Minnesota Crop Improvement Association

Article II, Item 9

The item was changed as follows:

To offer seed lab testing services to non-members of MCIA.

Previous wording: All other activities consistent with or within the scope of this corporation’s stated purpose.

Article II, Item 10

The previous Item 9 was renumbered as Item 10. The wording of the item follows:

All other activities consistent with or within the scope of this corporation’s stated purpose.

Article III, Number 2

The number was changed as follows:

Activities of this corporation may influence ag related issues and initiatives. This corporation shall not participate in, or intervene in (including by publication or distribution of statements), any political campaign on behalf of, or in opposition to, any candidate for public office.

Previous wording: No substantial part of the activities of this corporation shall constitute the carrying on of propaganda or otherwise attempting to influence legislation, or any initiative or referendum before the public, and this corporation shall not participate in, or intervene in (including by publication or distribution of statements), any political campaign on behalf of, or in opposition to, any candidate for public office.

Article IX

The article was changed as follows:

The directors, officers, staff and members of this corporation shall not be personally liable for the debts or obligations of this corporation of any nature whatsoever, nor shall any of the property of the directors, officers or members be subject to the payment of the debts or obligations of this corporation to any extent whatsoever.

Previous wording: The directors, officers, and members of this corporation shall not be personally liable for the debts or obligations of this corporation of any nature whatsoever, nor shall any of the property of the directors, officers or members be subject to the payment of the debts or obligations of this corporation to any extent whatsoever.

Bylaws of Minnesota Crop Improvement Association

Article III — Membership, Number 3.4 Dues

The final sentence of the number was deleted.

The Board of Directors shall determine the dues or other payments to be made by the members of this Association to be eligible for membership and maintain good standing for voting purposes. The membership year shall be the same as the fiscal year of the Association. Membership shall terminate automatically on January 31 of the fiscal year immediately following the year for which a member’s dues were last paid.

Article IV — Meeting of Members, Number 4.1 Annual Meeting

The first sentence of the number was changed as follows:

The Annual meeting of the Association shall be held at such place, or virtually, at such time as the Board of Directors of the Association may determine.

Previous wording: The Annual meeting of the Association shall be held at such place, at such time as the Board of Directors of the Association may determine within the State of Minnesota during the month of January.

Article IV — Meeting of Members, Number 4.3 Notice

The first sentence was changed as follows:

Written notice shall be provided to each member who is entitled to attend for any meeting of the members, whether a regular or special meeting, at least ten (10) days prior to the meeting, excluding the day of the meeting; provided, however, that notice may be printed in an official publication or posted on the official website of this Association. The notice shall indicate the time and place of and the business to be transacted at the meeting.

Previous wording: Written notice shall be provided to each member who is entitled to attend for any meeting of the members, whether a regular or special meeting, not less than five (5) nor more than sixteen (16) calendar days in advance thereof, excluding the day of the meeting; provided, however, that notice may be printed in an official publication or posted on the official website of this Association, but only if mailed or posted at least ten (10) days before the day of the meeting. The notice shall be deemed to be delivered when deposited in the United States mail addressed to the member at the member’s address as it appears on the records of the Association, with postage prepaid, or posted on the Association’s official website for public viewing. The Board of Directors shall direct the manner by which notice will be given. The notice shall indicate the time and place of and the business to be transacted at the meeting.

Article IV — Meeting of Members, Number 4.7 Voting

The last sentence of the number was changed as follows:

At all meetings of the members, each member, provided such member is eligible and in good standing at the time of the vote taken, shall be entitled to cast one vote on any matter coming before the membership body. Voting can be done electronically or in a virtual setup.

Previous wording: At all meetings of the members, each member, provided such member is eligible and in good standing at the time of the vote taken, shall be entitled to cast one vote on any matter coming before the membership body. Cumulative voting shall not be permitted.

Article V — Board of Directors, Number 5.2 Number and Qualification of Directors

The first sentence of the number was changed as follows:

The authorized number of directors of the Association shall be no less than seven (7), and no more than eleven (11), until changed by amendment to these bylaws.

Previous wording: The authorized number of directors of the Association shall be eleven (11), until changed by amendment to these bylaws.

Article V — Board of Directors, Number 5.2.3 Category C Director

The first sentence of the number was changed as follows:

The elected members of the Board of Directors shall appoint a secretary annually.

Previous wording: The elected members of the Board of Directors shall appoint a secretary annually who is not one of the ten elected members of the Board.

Article VI — Meeting of Board of Directors, Number 6.4 Notice

The number was changed as follows:

Written notice of any meeting of the Board of Directors for which written notice is required, shall be communicated, not less than ten (10) nor more than forty (40) days before the meeting, excluding the day of the meeting, to each director at the director’s address or e-mailed as shown by the records of the Association. Notice may be printed in an official publication of this Association is communicated to all members of the Association, at least ten (10) days before the day of the meeting.

Previous wording: Written notice of any meeting of the Board of Directors for which written notice is required, shall be mailed, postage pre-paid, not less than ten (10) nor more than forty (40) days before the meeting, excluding the day of the meeting, to each director at the director’s address as shown by the records of the Association. Notice may be printed in an official publication of this Association that is mailed to all members of the Association, but only if mailed at least ten (10) days before the day of the meeting. If mailed, the notice shall be deemed to be delivered when deposited in the United States mail in a sealed envelope so addressed, with postage prepaid. The Board of Directors shall direct the manner by which notice will be given.

Article VIII — Committees, Number 8.2 Executive Committee

The second sentence of this number was changed as follows:

The President and CEO shall serve as an ex officio member.

Previous wording: The Executive Director shall serve as an ex officio member.

Article VIII — Committees, Number 8.3.1 Members

The first sentence of this number was changed as follows:

The Nominating Committee shall consist of up to three (3) members of which at least two (2) members will be selected from the Board of Directors (one of which shall be the Nominating Committee Chair).

Previous wording: The Nominating Committee shall consist of three (3) members of which at least two (2) members will be selected from the Board of Directors (one of which shall be the Nominating Committee Chair).

Article VIII — Committees, Number 8.3.2 Duties

The number was modified as follows:

The Nominating Committee shall be responsible for securing and submitting a list of potential candidates, who are qualified by skill and experience for membership on the Board of Directors. The Nominating Committee shall review the makeup of the membership of the board to assure that the representation on the Board of Directors is reasonable, and pertinent to the business of MCIA.

Previous wording: The Nominating Committee shall be responsible for securing and submitting a list of potential candidates, who are qualified by skill and experience for membership on the Board of Directors. The Nominating Committee shall review the makeup of the membership of the board to assure that the representation on the Board of Directors is reasonable, fair and equitable considering the following factors: (a) geographic location of members, (b) corporate structure and size of business of members, (c) type of business of members, and (d) operational revenue concentrations and programs. The Nominating Committee shall also present candidates for vacancies occurring on the Board of Directors during the interim between regular elections.

Article XII — Miscellaneous, Number 12.7 Electron Communications

The first sentence of this number was changed as follows:

A member, director or committee member may participate in a meeting by any means of communication through which such person, other persons so participating, and all other persons physically present at the meeting may simultaneously hear, or virtually communicate with one another during the meeting.

Previous wording: A member, director or committee member may participate in a meeting by any means of communication through which such person, other persons so participating, and all other persons physically present at the meeting may simultaneously hear one another during the meeting.

Article XII — Miscellaneous, Number 12.8 Financial Accounts

The number was changed as follows:

The Board of Directors shall examine the accounts of the Association at their meetings as set forth herein, and shall, in addition, have the books audited at least once a year by a disinterested competent accountant, or by a committee of three members of the Association who are not members of the Board of Directors. The annual audit shall be made between the date of the close of the fiscal year and the date of the annual meeting, and a report of such audit shall be submitted to the members at their annual meeting. The report shall contain at least a balance sheet, income statement, and such other data as may be desired by the Board of Directors, developed pursuant to Generally Accepted Accounting Principles. A sufficient number of copies shall be made available in printed form or in an electronic format so that each member attending such meeting may have access to a copy to review.

The Board of Directors shall examine the accounts of the Association at their meetings as set forth herein, and shall, in addition, have the books audited at least once a year by a disinterested competent accountant, or by a committee of three members of the Association who are not members of the Board of Directors. The annual audit shall be made between the date of the close of the fiscal year and the date of the annual meeting, and a report of such audit shall be submitted to the members at their annual meeting. A sufficient number of copies shall be made available in printed for or in an electronic format so that each member attending such meeting may have access to a copy to review. The report shall contain at least a balance sheet, income statement, and such other data as may be desired by the Board of Directors, developed pursuant to Generally Accepted Accounting Principles.


Lauren Martin Joins Organic Services Staff

Lauren Martin, Organic Certification Specialist/Inspector

Minnesota Crop Improvement Association welcomes Lauren Martin to our staff!

Lauren joined the Organic Services department on January 3 as a full-time Organic Certification Specialist/Inspector. Previously, she had worked for MCIA as a contract inspector. Lauren has performed more than 700 inspections of organic row crop, flower, fruit, produce, and livestock operations as well as organic processors and handlers.

She is a graduate of Winona State University where she earned a BS degree in biology with an emphasis in environmental science and a minor in geoscience and course work focusing on agroecology.

Lauren has a farming background and currently lives on a small hobby farm in southwest Wisconsin. There, she grows flowers, herbs, and vegetables, and raises hogs and chickens, along with a couple of horses.


MCIA Seeks Organic Certification Specialist/Inspector

Photo by Nicolas Baumert: Kaedesis from Pixabay.

Minnesota Crop Improvement Association is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Organic Certification Specialist/Inspector.

Duties of an organic certification specialist/inspector include collecting and distributing certification information, creating records, reviewing applications, conducting on-site inspections, performing final reviews, and writing certification decision letters.

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.


Seed Testing Tips

Image by Mattias Böckel from Pixabay.

FYI: Days Required for Germ Tests

  • Barley: 7 days
  • Corn: 7 days
  • Oats: 10 days
  • Rye: 7 days
  • Ryegrass: 14 days
  • Soybeans: 7 days
  • Wheat: 7 days

Note: The MCIA Seed Laboratory has stopped prechilling samples for the season, unless required in the AOSA Rules for Testing Seeds. If you would still prefer to have a prechill done, please indicate so in the remarks section of the Sampling Report.

Reminder: You can rely on the Seed Laboratory to perform germination updates on carryover seed and/or seed lots whose test dates have expired. This includes service samples, not just certified seed.


Academic Delegation from Zimbabwe Tours MCIA Office

Last fall, Iowa State University asked MCIA to host a group of scientists, university professors, and academic administrators from Zimbabwe who were here to learn about technology transfer and germplasm licensing at universities in the United States. MCIA welcomed the delegation to the MCIA Office on October 22, 2022. The visitors numbered 18, including three professors from Iowa State University.

MCIA President/CEO Fawad Shah led the group, explaining the technology transfer process and germplasm licensing, and offered an overview of MCIA’s seed certification programs. As well, he provided a tour of MCIA’s seed laboratory and seed conditioning plant. The visitors showed keen interest, asked in-depth questions, and left the experience with useful information that can be applied to their own systems.

MCIA has been receiving such capacity-building requests on a regular basis. MCIA has proven to be a leader in educating professionals from other nations. Sharing our knowledge base benefits MCIA by increasing the organization’s visibility, domestically and internationally.

MCIA President/CEO Fawad Shah leads a delegation of visitors from Zimbabwe on a tour of the MCIA Office in Saint Paul. Shown here: MCIA’s seed warehouse, conditioning, and cold storage facilities and building entrance. © Minnesota Crop Improvement Association.

2023 Foundation Seed Update: New Varieties from Other States

Wheat field. Photo: David Hansen. © Regents of the University of Minnesota.

By Roger Wippler, Foundation Seed Services Manager

Following is a list of new varieties being released from neighboring states. We may or may not be able to obtain seed as availability is limited. If you would like more information on any of these lines, please contact MCIA’s Foundation Seed Services at 612-625-7766.

SPRING WHEAT

Brawn-SD wheat, released by South Dakota, was tested as SD4843. It has yielded well in regional trials with good test weight but has low protein. Brawn-SD has been tested in Minnesota trials only one year where it yielded well, with average to slightly below average straw strength. It looks to have good BLS rating and average Fusarium head blight (FHB) scab resistance. Another year of testing will clarify these ratings.

ND Heron wheat released by North Dakota was tested as NDHRS16-14-126. It has slightly below average grain yield, good protein and test weight. ND-Heron is an early maturing variety with below average straw strength. It is best suited to central and western North Dakota. It has good Fusarium head blight (FHB) scab resistance, and slightly below average rating for BLS.

OATS

ND-Carson oats (ND141338) released by North Dakota is a spring oat with good yield, test weight, and lodging score. In North Dakota trials, yield and test weight were equal to MN-Pearl. Heading date, height, and lodging scores were also similar to MN-Pearl. ND-Carson is a yellow oat. This line was not tested in Minnesota.

ND-Spilde (ND131603) released by North Dakota is a spring oat with yields and test weight less than MN-Pearl. Heading date is similar to MN-Pearl but the lodging score is not as good. Release information describes ND-Spilde as having unique crown rust resistance. It is a white oat. This line was not tested in Minnesota.

MINNESOTA SOYBEAN LINES

Soybean Varieties with Peking-type SCN Resistance

MCIA has two soybean lines that contain the Peking source of soybean cyst nematode resistance (SCN). There are very few varieties with Peking-type resistance, most contain the PI88788 source of resistance. Both are conventional, non-GMO soybean lines, which are good yielding with average protein levels and buff hilum.

M13-250056, is a 0.8 relative maturity, Rps1c Phytophthora resistance, good IDC rating.

M13-250046, is a 1.6 relative maturity. Rps1c Phytophthora resistance, good IDC rating.

For yield data and additional information, please contact MCIA at 612-625-7766.


Small Grain Workshops Scheduled Throughout Minnesota

University of Minnesota Extension is offering small grain workshops across Minnesota in February to address successful small grain management. Workshops will focus on production agronomics, variety selection, and economics, and will include an open-forum discussion for related topics and on-farm experiences. These events are sponsored by the Minnesota Wheat Research and Promotion Council.

Presenters may vary by location, but all will include Jochum Wiersma, University of Minnesota Extension Small Grain Specialist. Le Center and Slayton workshops will also include Diane Dewitte, University of Minnesota Extension Swine Educator who will discuss research involving organic rye and hog production.

To register for free online, visit z.umn.edu/GrainUpdate or call the local contacts at the workshop you wish to attend. Registration is important for accurate meal count at sites having lunch.

Dates, Locations, Times and Contacts are as follows:

Monday, February 20: Rochester. Rochester Extension Office, 140 Elton Hills Lane NW, Rochester, MN 55901. 1:00 pm–3:30 pm, no lunch. (Contact Nathan Drewitz at 507-258-8775.)

Tuesday, February 21: Le Center. 4H Family Center, Le Sueur County Fairgrounds, 320 S Plut Ave, Le Center, MN 56057. 9:00–11:30 a.m., with lunch after meeting. (Contact Shane Bugeja at 507-357-8232. Please register by February 19 for meal count.)

Wednesday, February 22: Cold Spring. Great Blue Heron, 305 5th Ave S, Cold Spring, MN 56320. 9:00–11:30 a.m., with lunch after meeting. (Contact Joe Krippner at 320-980-2915. Please register by February 20 for meal count.)

Thursday, February 23: Slayton. Murray County 4H-Building, 3048 Broadway Ave, Slayton, MN 56172. 1:00–4:30 p.m. Join the morning crops program from 9:00 a.m.–12:15 p.m. with lunch after. (Contact Murray Co. Extension Office at 507-836-6927. Please register by February 21 for meal count.)

Friday, February 24: Benson. McKinney’s on Southside, 300 14th St S, Benson, MN 56215. 10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. and includes lunch. (Contact Scott Lee at 320-760-6129. Please register by February 22 for meal count.)


MDA Accepting Applications for Noxious Weed/Invasive Plant Grants

Grant application deadline for counties, municipalities, tribal governments, and weed management entities is March 31

The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) is now accepting applications for the 2023 Noxious Weed and Invasive Plant Grant. Counties, municipalities, tribal governments, and weed management entities (including weed management areas) may apply for grants to mitigate noxious weeds around the state. To be eligible for consideration, applicants must spend grant funds by June 30, 2023.

Since 2018, the MDA’s Noxious Weed and Invasive Plant Grant has awarded over $1.3 million to fund a variety of activities such as purchasing equipment and supplies, conducting mapping and outreach activities, and hiring private applicators to manage noxious weeds. The MDA has awarded 119 grants, averaging $9,000.

Review the application requirements and find the application on the MDA website: https://www.mda.state.mn.us/plants-insects/noxious-weed-invasive-plant-grant. Applications are due no later than 3 p.m. on March 31, 2023. Questions can be directed to Emilie Justen, MDA Noxious Weed Law Coordinator, at Emilie.Justen@state.mn.us.

The grant program is funded by the Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund as recommended by the Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources (LCCMR).


Who Is Required to Maintain a Seed Permit?

Friendly reminder to seed sellers: Any person or firm that labels seed for sale in Minnesota must have a seed permit. Permit holders pay fees to the state to support the seed regulatory program.

The permit fee is paid by the labeler making the first sale of seed in the state. Subsequent sales of that lot do not require additional fees. In addition to their responsibility to accurately label seed for sale, seed labelers must also maintain records to allow full traceability of their products, to support their label claims, and a file sample that is representative of the seed sold.

Permit categories and fees are determined by the type, intended use, and amount sold annually. Generally, those that only sell seed labeled by another person or firm do not need a permit. Fees are paid annually or semi-annually, depending on the category of permit.

For more detailed information about the requirements, including application forms, visit the Seed Permits page of the Minnesota Department of Agriculture website: https://www.mda.state.mn.us/plants-insects/seed-permits.


Oats on the Upswing in the Upper Midwest

MN-Pearl Oats. Photo by Dylan VanBoxtel. © Regents of the University of Minnesota.

Agweek recently published an interesting article about increased food-grade oats production in Minnesota. The article focuses on a new farmer group in southeast Minnesota that is pooling member resources to better market their crops. Last year their aggregate acres were 1,000. They are looking to double that number this year and recruit new members to the group.

The article notes the presence of several major oats processors with facilities in the Midwest, including MCIA member Grain Millers. It has a milling plant in St. Ansgar, Iowa, that buys the majority of its oats from Canada but is looking to source more of its oats locally.

Read more here: Southern Minnesota oats marketing group sprouts amid search for third crop.