Propagation

MCIA Presents Annual Awards

Posted on February 9, 2024

On January 24, 2024, Minnesota Crop Improvement Association presented its highest honor, the Achievement in Crop Improvement Award, to Roger Wippler, who recently retired as manager of MCIA’s Foundation Seed Services. The award, which MCIA has presented annually since 1972, recognizes exemplary service to the seed industry as well as outstanding leadership in agriculture.

MCIA also recognized four Premier Seed Grower awardees, Scott Lee of Benson, Larry Riopelle of Argyle, and Merle Schwenzfeier and Roger Schwenzfeier of Hallock. Each year since 1928, MCIA has presented this award to recognize individuals or partners involved in quality seed production, active in MCIA, and who provide excellent service to the seed industry.

The recipients of MCIA’s Honorary Premier Seed Grower Award this year were MCIA Field Services Manager Kris Folland and Dr. Eric Watkins, Vice Provost for Distributed Learning at the University of Minnesota and Professor in the Department of Horticultural Science at the UMN’s College of Food, Agriculture and Natural Resource Sciences. This award recognizes individuals not directly involved in seed production but who have actively supported the seed industry, MCIA, and their local community. MCIA has presented this award annually since 1930.

The awards were presented at the Minnesota Crop Improvement Association’s 121st Annual Meeting. The event was held at the Holiday Inn & Suites in St. Cloud, Minnesota.

Following are brief profiles of each awardee. More detailed coverage will be provided in the spring issue of the Minnesota Seed Grower.

Achievement in Crop Improvement Award

Roger Wippler, of Roseville, after a 34-year career with the Minnesota Crop Improvement Association, recently retired from his position as Foundation Seed Services manager. Roger grew up on a hobby farm near Randall, Minnesota. His love for agriculture began when he was old enough to help area farmers by picking rocks, stacking hay bales, and milking cows. He went on to study landscape technology and agriculture education in college. After stints as an energy auditor, landscaper, and educator, in 1989 he joined MCIA. Roger has been involved in the Association’s longstanding efforts to diversify its services, leading the development of the Variety Licensing Program. He has also been something of an ambassador for the Association, helping to maintain and strengthen its relationships with partner organizations such as AOSCA, the Minnesota Department of Agriculture, the University of Minnesota, and commodity groups. He has also done public outreach for MCIA by staffing the Certified Seed exhibit at the Minnesota State Fair. Outside of MCIA, he has served as a UMN Extension Master Gardener for 24 years. Roger accepted the Achievement in Crop Improvement Award with gratitude, saying, “I greatly appreciate this honor. It has truly been a privilege to work with members of MCIA and be a part of this great organization.”

Premier Seed Grower Award

Scott Lee, of Benson, raises certified wheat and oats to be conditioned and sold to local farmers. He also grows soybean seed and corn. Lee’s Seed Farm has been an active seed producer and MCIA member since it was established by Scott’s father, Wallace, in 1969. The operation includes a seed cleaning plant. Scott serves on the board of the Minnesota Wheat Research and Promotion Council and has been involved in many local, regional, and national agriculture organizations. Lee’s Seed Farm has been the location and host of the University of Minnesota small grains research plots for many years.

Josh Kostrzewski of Riopelle Seed Co. accepts the Premier Seed Grower Award on behalf of Larry Riopelle from Brad Barth, Chairman, MCIA Board of Directors.

Larry Riopelle, of Argyle, grew up working on the Riopelle Seed Farm, which was started by his father and uncle. He continued helping out on the farm while studying farm management in college. Within nine years of graduating, he and a cousin would be running the business. The farm has produced certified seed for decades. During Larry’s tenure, the farm added bulk seed handling and seed treating. Today, Larry’s son, Josh, operates the business along with his business partner, Adam. They continue to grow all classes of certified wheat seed, including foundation seed for MCIA. Larry has served on many boards in his community and is a member of the Minnesota Wheat and Soybean associations.

Roger Schwenzfeier, accompanied by his wife, Phyllis Schwenzfeier, receives the Premier Seed Grower Award from Brad Barth, Chairman, MCIA Board of Directors.

Brothers Merle Schwenzfeier and Roger Schwenzfeier, of Hallock, grew up near Orleans Minnesota, raising livestock and producing crops. After college, they began farming together, a partnership that endured until Roger’s retirement. The next generation is now involved with Merle in running the farm. The Schwenzfeiers grow wheat, soybeans, and sugar beets, and every year they grow certified wheat seed. They have been active seed producing members of MCIA for over 40 years. Both Merle and Roger have served on local boards, including the school, church, and elevators.

Honorary Premier Seed Grower Award

Kris Folland, of Halma, began his career with the Minnesota Crop Improvement Association in 2006 as a field supervisor, managing seed certification and seed production for northern Minnesota. Since 2019, he has been the able manager of MCIA’s Field Services department. Kris has worked with all facets of MCIA’s processes and procedures, program reviews and development, and standards. His successful efforts to develop new business relationships have been a key to MCIA’s growth. Kris and his wife, Bethany, farm together and are both involved in the Kittson Country 4-H. Kris also serves, or has served, on many local, regional, and state boards and committees.

Dr. Eric Watkins, Professor and Vice Provost for Distributed Learning at the University of Minnesot, receives the Honorary Premier Seed Grower Award from Brad Barth, Chairman, MCIA Board of Directors.

Dr. Eric Watkins has taught at the University of Minnesota since 2004. In addition to being a professor in the CFANS Department of Horticulture Science, in 2022 he took on the position of Vice Provost for Distributed Learning. Dr. Watkins’ research has been important to the success of northern Minnesota’s turfgrass production. His research focuses on the development of low‐input turfgrass cultivars for use in cold climates. Research activities involve germplasm improvement of several cool‐season turfgrass species including fine fescues and perennial ryegrass. He is also involved with turfgrass cultivar evaluation and other turfgrass science research. Dr. Watkins has taught several university courses related to turfgrass management and plant breeding.

Thank You, Annual Meeting Sponsors and Exhibitors

Posted on February 7, 2024

Every year, MCIA is honored to have the support of sponsors and exhibitors for our Annual Meeting. Our sincere thanks to following organizations and businesses whose support contributed to the success of the 2024 MCIA Annual Meeting, held January 24, 2024, at the Holiday Inn & Suites in St. Cloud.

Premier Sponsor

Minnesota Soybean Research & Promotion Council

FoundationSponsor

Strategic Wealth Group and Strategic Tax Group

Certified Sponsors

Achievement in Crop Improvement Award Sponsor

The Farmer magazine

Door Prize Sponsor

Northern Excellence Seed

Exhibitors

Some photos of our exhibitors:

Wealth advisors Tyler Hirth and Jack Garrison of Strategic Wealth Group.

Kevin Schulz, editor of The Farmer magazine, chats with Kathy Mathiason and Brent Turnipseed, assistant manager and manager, respectively, of the SDSU Seed Testing Lab.

Tommy Saatzer, Business Development Manager, Profile Industries.

Craig Tomera, Identity Preserved Crop Specialist, Certified Crop Advisor, and Sustainability Specialist for Grain Millers.

Gabe Loraas, Regional Sales Manager—Midwest, with AMVT.

Amanda Sommers, Program Coordinator for Minnesota FFA Foundation.

MCIA Seeks Organic Administrative Assistant

Posted on February 7, 2024

Photo by Nicolas Baumert: Kaedesis from Pixabay.

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

At MCIA, the organic administrative assistant 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; processing inspection reports; issuing invoices; recording payments; 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.

Members Elect, Ratify Four Directors to MCIA Board

Posted on January 29, 2024

The 2024 MCIA Annual Meeting, which was held Wednesday, January 24, 2024, included an election to fill three Category A Director seats on the MCIA Board of Directors. Category A directors serve 3-year terms of office. MCIA members re-elected incumbent board member Kelsey Henke (District 3). In addition, members elected two persons who are new to the MCIA Board: Anthony Cortilet (Related Industry) and Gabel Hoseth (District 2). Gabel Hoseth will serve the remaining two years of a vacant position. In addition to the election of the aforementioned directors, members also ratified the nomination of incumbent Nancy Ehlke as the board’s Category B Director (who is nominated by the Director of the Minnesota Agricultural Experiment Station to serve a one-year term of office).

Background information about the newly elected and ratified directors follows.

Nancy Ehlke (Nominee from the University of Minnesota) Nancy Ehlke is a professor and plant breeder in the Department of Agronomy and Plant Genetics at the University of Minnesota. She has been a member of the department faculty since 1986 and is nationally recognized as a plant breeder working on forage legumes, turf grasses, and native plant species. She is also a fellow in both the American Society of Agronomy and the Crop Science Society of America. In addition to her administrative and teaching responsibilities, Nancy leads research and outreach activities in northern Minnesota with the grass and legume seed producers. She received her PhD from Pennsylvania State University. She has been an MCIA board member since 2006.

Gabel Hoseth (District 2) Gabel Hoseth is a young farmer in the Waubun area who owns and operates a seed business, Spring Creek Seed LLC. He works alongside his grandfather John Pazdernik of Pazdernik Farms Inc. This is a fifth-generation family farm. As a graduate of North Dakota State University with a bachelor’s degree in agricultural systems management, he is passionate about the future of farming. Along with raising seed and serving customers, Gabel enjoys sharing his passion for farming with his wife and two young daughters on their small farmstead near Flom. He foresees serving on the MCIA Board or Directors as a great way to learn and give back to the seed industry in Minnesota.

Kelsey Henke (District 3) Kelsey Henke is currently the Sales and Office Manager at Anderson Seeds of St. Peter. Her main role is to oversee all aspects of wholesale and retail seeds sales. She handles the accounting, customer service, and many other aspects of the office work. Before being employed by her family’s seed business, Kelsey worked for United Farmers’ Cooperative, MCIA, and BioDiagnostics. Kelsey graduated with high honors from South Central College, Mankato, in 2012, earning an associate degree in applied science in agribusiness service and management. Currently, she is a county and state 4-H volunteer, the secretary of the Nicollet/Sibley County Corn & Soybean Growers Association, and she has served one term on the MCIA Board of Directors. Kelsey and her husband, Jeremy, reside in Gaylord, where in her free time she enjoys quilting, embroidering, and spending time with her family and friends.

Anthony Cortilet (Related Industry) Anthony Cortilet is the manager of the Seed, Weed, Hemp, and Biotechnology Section of the Minnesota Department of Agriculture’s Plant Protection Division. Tony has oversight of all four programs but focuses on Noxious Weed and Industrial Hemp. Recently, he has been very busy helping establish the Office of Cannabis Management.

Resources for Invasive Plant Identification and Management

Posted on January 17, 2024

The Minnesota Department of Transportation’s *Minnesota Noxious Weed* book is a great source for learning about invasive plants in Minnesota.

Information compiled by Monika Chandler, reposted from the Minnesota Department of Agriculture’s Weed of the Month.

Invasive plants are non-native and cause harm. Many invasive plant species in Minnesota are regulated as noxious weeds. Most of us encounter invasive plants in our communities when we are out recreating or working outdoors. Fortunately, there are resources to help us identify and manage invasive plants.

Basic invasive plant identification, regulation, and management:

The Minnesota Department of Transportation’s online book “Minnesota Noxious Weeds” is helpful for learning about priority invasive plant species in our state.

New York Botanical Garden’s online book “Mistaken Identity? Invasive Plants and their Native Look-Alikes” uses photographs and simple guidance to highlight visual differences between invasive and similar looking native plants.

The Minnesota Department of Agriculture’s Noxious Weed List has links to individual species pages with summary information and pictures. University of Minnesota Extension has an Identify Invasive and Non-Native Species page, with links to many additional resources.

For control and management information, see the Invasive Plant Control Database by the Midwest Invasive Plant Network.

Resources for invasive plant botany:

Minnesota Wildflowers’ website and app are helpful plant identification tools.

The Flora of North America is a valuable resource and even has a page enabling species identification comparisons.

Minnesota’s state botanist, Welby Smith, authored excellent books on plant identification that include invasive species, particularly in the book Trees and Shrubs of Minnesota. This book is available in the public library system.

Invasive plant mapping websites and apps:

iNaturalist and EDDMapS are interactive websites and apps that have identification and distribution information. iNaturalist includes native plants as well. Their apps are free to download in the Google Play and Apple App stores.

Winter is a good time of year to brush up on plant ID and plan invasive plant control projects. The above resources and the many other available books, websites, and videos will be helpful for invasive plant identification and management.

2024 Minnesota Certified Seed Guide Published

Posted on January 17, 2024

This year’s Minnesota Certified Seed Guide is now available! Minnesota Farm Guide published the 2024 edition earlier this month. This annual publication is a collaborative effort of MCIA and the Minnesota Agricultural Experiment Station (MAES). It lists seed producers, includes MAES crop trial results, and features news and information relevant to the seed industry.

Learn what keeps the MCIA Field Services staff busy over the winter. Andrea Johnson contributes an article about approved seed facility inspections, taking you inside seed cleaning plants operated by Syngenta Seeds in Davers and Lee’s Seed Farm near Benson. The issue also includes an article explaining how the UMN’s Soybean Research Center, founded in 2020, drives collaboration and innovation. And catch up on industry news: 2023 was a year of change and renewal at the Minnesota Department of Agriculture’s Seed Regulatory Program. Read about the program’s new staff and management.

A digital version of the Minnesota Certified Seed Guide can be found here. If you’d like a printed copy, please request one from your MCIA field supervisor or from the MCIA office.

Lab Report

Posted on December 18, 2023

By Chase Mowry, Seed Laboratory Manager

Can you believe that it is December already? It feels as though the days are passing by faster than ever. This is perhaps a direct reflection of the work being done out in the field.

Samples submitted for testing have continued to stay steady through the months, with numbers ahead of last year. This is due, in part, to an increase in service samples being tested. Overall, germs have been good, apart from a few beans impacted by stressful field conditions last growing season.

When possible, during what little down-time there has been between samples, we have continued to work on accreditation items. We recently completed our first round of proficiency tests, with more to come in the next several months.

We have been fortunate to have some additional help in the Seed Laboratory thanks to the arrival of Gil Waibel. Gil brings more than 40 years of experience in seed testing, has served AOSA and SCST in many, many capacities, and offers great insight from his life experiences. Gil is very passionate about agriculture and the seed industry. Welcome Gil!

Field Notes

Posted on December 15, 2023

By Kris Folland, Field Services Manager

“Don’t judge each day by the harvest you reap but by the seeds that you plant.” —Robert Louis Stevenson

For those of us who work in the seed, certification, and identity preserved business that quote certainly rings true. Even though the dust is still settling on harvest, the seed sources for next spring need to be conditioned, tested, and pass the standards for the appropriate seed class. Make plans now for the varieties you intend to plant and be certain you have the seed source needed. Foundation and registered seed class produce certified eligible seed. Certified seed does not produce certified seed.

MCIA’s Field Services staff is always busy with programs outside of certification. The winter season is a great time to discuss the Field Inspect Only Program, which continues to grow and evolve as MCIA inspects fields to company standards. These field inspections may be reported on your company iPad or phone apps, on paper reports, or any other method that works for you, along with an MCIA field inspection report. As your company continues to look for improvements in quality and efficiency in your seed production, MCIA is here to help. Feel free to give the MCIA staff a call anytime to discuss how we can meet your needs.

Organic Corner

Posted on December 15, 2023

By Michelle Menken, Organic Services Manager

This has been a busy year for us. We still have a few files to get out to inspectors. We are working with a couple of new inspectors, so we hope next year we will have enough inspectors to get the work out earlier in the year. We have hired new staff here as well and have worked hard to get them trained. They may be doing some inspections for us next year.

Everyone is now working on final reviews and certificates. We have more than 260 certificates done, which means we have a lot left to complete. The certificates this year are being generated out of the USDA’s Organic Integrity Database (OID). They look very different from our old certificates. The list of organic products will be printed on the reverse side, as will the Canadian Equivalency statement. All certifiers will be required to use the OID to generate certificates starting next year. If you need a Letter of Good Standing to make a sale, please contact us.

The conference season will be beginning soon. We will be at the Minnesota Organic Conference in St. Cloud, Minnesota, January 11–12, 2024. We will have a booth at the Northern Plains Sustainable Ag conference January 25–27, 2024, in Aberdeen, South Dakota, and then we will have a booth at the Marbleseed Organic Farm Conference in La Crosse, Wisconsin, February 22–24, 2024. Please stop by our booths and meet our new staff members.

We will be mailing out calendars and information about some rule changes soon.

President’s Corner

Posted on December 15, 2023

By Fawad Shah, President/CEO

MCIA Adding Value in a Value-Added World

Every company wants to be more visible, especially within its industry, in order to be competitive in a market that is always changing, to inform customers about its goods and services, and to maintain or grow its market share. A firm depends on several methods of communication, including print, electronic, and social media, to attract clients and increase sales. The non-profit Minnesota Crop Improvement Association works hard to stay in the minds and eyes of both its present and future clients. MCIA is dedicated to giving its customers high-caliber services and outstanding customer support.

MCIA met the milestone of increasing its visibility in many ways during 2023. First, MCIA successfully hosted the Association of Official Seed Certifying Agencies (AOSCA) conference at the Hyatt Regency in Bloomington, Minnesota. MCIA was honored with AOSCA’s first ‘Excellence in Innovation’ award. This is testament to MCIA’s diverse array of services of seed certification, third-party inspection and audit services, and its Capacity Building Initiative to educate and train seed professionals in other nations. Through the University of Minnesota’s Department of Agronomy and Plant Genetics, MCIA is the only seed certification agency that offers formal in-class instruction for undergraduate students. In addition, AOSCA recognized MCIA Administrative and Certification Manager Jody Prudhomme with an award for 25 years of service for her contributions to seed certification. Finally, yet importantly, AOSCA recognized MCIA Foundation Seed Services Manager Roger Wippler with an honorary membership. Recognition at an international forum like AOSCA’s meeting is clearly an achievement for MCIA.

The October 2023 edition of Seed World, a prestigious seed industry magazine offering seed related content for over 100 years, published an article about MCIA’s receipt of the AOSCA award. In a follow-up article published in the Seed World, I explain how international outreach and capacity building efforts benefit MCIA as the seed market globalizes. I also talk about how service diversification can improve the financial stability of state seed certification agencies, as demand for their traditional services is on the decline. MCIA strives for and leads the way in its capacity building and diversification of services such as Identity Preserved (IP) third-party inspection and audit programs. Seed certifying agencies have an important role to play in showcasing the integrity of products verified through IP programs. Through our print and on-line publications, social media, and by invited speaking assignments, MCIA continues to engage with the agricultural community and increase our visibility.

As we do each year, MCIA is putting together an informative program for its annual meeting. The meeting will be held on Wednesday, January 24, 2024, at the Holiday Inn & Suites, in St. Cloud. Topics include a panel discussion on challenges and opportunities for young seed producers, Minnesota Department of Agriculture’s involvement in cannabis seed labeling and sale, and ways to achieve success in the seed industry in a challenging and changing seed world. This annual event is an opportunity to recognize individuals in our industry in the way of awards for Honorary Premier Seed Grower and Premier Seed Grower, and the Achievement in Crop Improvement Award. Plan to attend this important event; learn and network with others from the seed and agricultural industry.