Propagation

Lab Report

Posted on April 10, 2023

By Chase Mowry, Seed Laboratory Services Manager

Noxious Weed Seed Examinations

Noxious weed seed examinations are one type of test that analysts in seed labs routinely perform. The objective of this test is to identify noxious weed seeds present in a sample and determine the estimated rate of occurrence of said species in the seed lot. This information is to be used for labeling purposes for selling seed as required by seed law. Depending on the needs of a seller, different types of noxious weed seed examinations can be conducted.

Each state has defined noxious weed seed species and an allowable rate of occurrence in their seed law. As well, the Federal Seed Act includes a list of noxious weed seed species. If seed is to be sold within the state, only that state’s noxious species are in effect. When shipping seed across state lines, the federal and receiving state’s noxious weed seed species come into effect. It is the responsibility of seed dealers to know the requirements of state laws and the changes in those laws.

If selling seed out of state, one should request a noxious exam that covers the receiving state’s noxious weed seeds, or request an All States noxious exam. If purchasing seed from another state, one should ask to be provided with documentation that clearly indicates the exam type conducted, prior to making a purchase.

The Seed Regulatory and Testing Division (SRTD), USDA AMS, issues the Noxious-Weed Seed Requirements Recognized in the Administration of the Federal Seed Act publication, which lists the noxious weed seeds in each state and summarizes the states’ requirements. The SRTD updates the publication when informed of changes to state seed laws (the most recent revision was February 2022). This publication, as well as the Federal Seed Act, is available at https://www.ams.usda.gov/rules-regulations/fsa. One footnote of particular interest, listed under prohibited weed seed species for Minnesota, states that genetic testing must be conducted of any Amaranthus contaminant to determine if the species is Palmer amaranth (Amaranthus palmeri).

When exporting seed out of the country, specific noxious examinations based on the destination of the seed lot are also required. The MCIA Seed Laboratory routinely performs Canadian Noxious Weed Seed Exams and EC Other Plant Species Exams on submitted samples as well. As with domestic testing, the results obtained provide necessary seed contaminant information required for labeling exported seed.

Organic Corner

Posted on April 10, 2023

Panelists discussed Opportunities and Challenges for Organic Production at the MCIA Annual Meeting in Fergus Falls, Minnesota, January 12, 2023. From left to right, Cassie Dahl, Ben Hineuber, Jonathan Olson, Craig Tomera, and Michelle Menken. Photo: © Minnesota Crop Improvement Association.

By Michelle Menken, Organic Services Manager

We have sent out crop and livestock renewal packets. They were due back March 15 for produce growers and April 1 for crop and livestock operations. We had a booth at the Marbleseed (formerly MOSES) Organic Farming Conference at the end of February. Now everyone is back here working on final reviews to get 2022 finished up.

We are looking for another organic certification specialist/inspector. Interested? Information about the job is posted on the Job Openings page of our website.

This week, the NOP presented a training video on the Strengthening Organic Enforcement (SOE), which is a big rule change that will go into effect in 2024. It will require all brokers to be certified as well as several other parties who are now exempt. Audits will be more important, so expect the inspectors this year to be spending more time reviewing harvest and sales records. Remember, after April 5, 2023, certified organic dairies can no longer purchase or sell as organic dairy animals that were transitioned. Livestock Lists will have to be updated this year to clearly identify all animals on each farm that were transitioned. They can still be used for organic milk production on your own farm, but cannot be sold as organic animals to another organic farm.

President’s Corner

Posted on April 10, 2023

By Fawad Shah, President/CEO

Focus on Education and Outreach

With respect to the number of acres we inspect and certify, Minnesota Crop Improvement Association ranks as one of the top seed certification agencies in the United States. Additionally, MCIA offers a uniquely diversified portfolio of services: seed testing, foundation seed development, native seed certification, weed seed–free forage and mulch certification, organic certification, and the MnDOT Approved Seed Vendor Program, among others.

For the past few years, MCIA has also increased its education and outreach efforts. For example, MCIA put its expertise to use in the development of an undergraduate course for the University of Minnesota’s College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences. The course, Seed Science, Technology and Society, provides a gateway to the understanding of seed production, conditioning, quality, testing, certification, and marketing; state and federal seed laws and regulations; and basic botany. Included in the semester-long course is a tour of the MCIA facility, allowing students to observe various aspects of seed testing (purity, germination, TZ testing, and the like), seed conditioning, and cold storage. The UMN first asked MCIA to provide course instruction in fall 2018. Since then, the course has gained in popularity. In fall 2022, twenty-four students signed up for the course, the highest enrollment yet.

MCIA has great working relations with sister seed certifying agencies, state and federal seed regulatory authorities, and academia. In October, at the request of the Office of the Vice President for Research at Iowa State University, MCIA provided a comprehensive overview of germplasm licensing of agronomic varieties released by the University of Minnesota to eighteen university educators, researchers, and administrators visiting from Zimbabwe. This group also toured the seed lab, seed conditioning plant, and cold storage, where germplasm of various varieties and breeding lines are kept under conditions that are ideal to maintain viability and quality.

Earlier in the year, at the request of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization, MCIA held a roundtable discussion on ways for Pakistan to join the OECD Seed Schemes. Participants included staff members of Pakistan’s Federal Seed Certification and Registration Department and key members of that country’s seed industry.

These are just a few high-profile examples of how MCIA is not only sharing its expertise in seed certification, germplasm licensing, and seed testing, but is also increasing the organization’s visibility on domestic and international stages.

Chairman’s View

Posted on April 10, 2023

By Brad Barth, Board Chairman

Happy “almost the end of winter” to you. As I write this, it is mid-February in Minnesota and we have had almost two weeks of above freezing weather. This is a little unusual for this time of year in northern Minnesota, but I will take it. As Minnesotans, we are a weird bunch. We put on a jacket in July when the temperature at the lake dips to a cool 65 degrees in the evening, but we will go outside in mid-February and celebrate a balmy 35 degrees wearing just a T-shirt. Go figure.

On January 12, 2023, MCIA held its 120th Annual Meeting in Fergus Falls. It was an excellent gathering with outstanding speakers, great sponsors, and wonderful time to network with our fellow seed professionals. It was great to have the meeting in person again and to visit with those who attended.

I would like to thank Fawad Shah and the great staff at MCIA for organizing such an excellent event, especially the speaker lineup, which was beyond fantastic. Special thanks to Seth Dagoberg, Kris Folland, and Michelle Menken for their great presentations about the MCIA services they manage. Please make plans now to attend next year’s annual meeting. You will be glad you did.

During my Chairman’s Report at the meeting, I spoke for the Board of Directors and wanted all members to know that MCIA is in a sound financial position and has a bright future. How bright? That will depend on the extent to which members participate in MCIA’s services: acres certified and use of our seed lab. With your continued support, MCIA will be here to serve its members for years to come.

Over the past few years, almost all our businesses have dealt with staffing problems. Correct? Well, MCIA has experienced staff turnover as well. Fawad and all involved have somehow managed to attract not just people, but absolutely great people, to fill vacated positions. The new staff I have met have impressed me immensely. They are going to be wonderful additions to our organization.

Again, thank you to all who attended our annual meeting: You, the members, along with the best staff in the industry, are what makes our organization great.

Have a great and prosperous 2023!

Job Opportunity for Seed Lab Technologist

Posted on March 31, 2023

Minnesota Crop Improvement Association is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Seed Technologist.

This full-time position offers a competitive salary and full benefits. MCIA’s Seed Laboratory operates out of MCIA’s main office on the campus of the University of Minnesota Twin Cities.

For more information, read the full position announcement on our job openings page.

Read more about the MCIA Seed Laboratory here.

Members Amend MCIA Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws

Posted on March 9, 2023

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.

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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.

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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

Posted on March 6, 2023

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

Posted on February 24, 2023

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

Posted on February 13, 2023

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

Posted on February 13, 2023

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.