Minnesota produce farmers may be eligible for reimbursement of expenses that improve on-farm food safety systems, including water testing for generic E. coli and other on-farm food safety improvements, via a mini-grant program from the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA).
The Produce Safety Mini-Grant will distribute a total of approximately $18,400, with awardees receiving up to $800 per farm. No matching funds are required.
To be eligible, applicants must be a Minnesota produce farmer that sells one or more of the following crops: leafy greens, apples, berries, cucumbers, green beans, melons, microgreens, mushrooms, onions, peppers, sprouts, summer squash/zucchini, and tomatoes.
Growers may be reimbursed for past expenses that occurred between September 30, 2020 – March 12, 2022, and future expenses taking place between March 13 – August 31, 2022.
Examples of eligible expenses include:
Supplies to build or purchase a portable handwashing station
Harvest totes
Water testing for generic coli
Consultation fees for developing an on-farm food safety plan
Additional information and the application are available on the MDA website at https://www.mda.state.mn.us/minigrant. Applications will be accepted through March 12, 2022, at 11:59 p.m. CST.
The University of Minnesota Extension has organized a series of regional and online workshops for producers of small grains. The Small Grains Update offers the latest recommendations for production and pest management. These workshops will be discussion-based meetings with a unique regional focus and include the following topics: production agronomics, variety selection, soil fertility, and economics.
Event Schedule
Visit the links listed below to register and to view other event details.
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is seeking stakeholder feedback to set regulatory priorities for the development of organic standards.
The USDA states that it intends to use information received through public comments to guide the prioritization of future organic standards development that will support a level playing field and market development. Specific recommendations that have been received from the National Organic Standards Board (NOSB) will be included in this process.
To receive public comment, the USDA has scheduled a virtual meeting on Monday, March 21, 2022, from 1:00-3:00 pm Eastern Time. Details on how to sign up to make oral comments, submit written comments, and the meeting link (via Zoom), are posted to the NOP Priorities Listening Session web page, here.
The deadline to sign up to make oral comments during the virtual meeting is February 28, 2022. The deadline to submit written comments is March 30, 2022.
Background: USDA certified organic products are an increasingly important part of American agriculture, and the organic community represents one of the fastest-growing food and farming sectors in the U.S. and global marketplace. The National Organic Program (NOP) protects the integrity of the USDA organic seal, which supports growth in the organic market for organic farms and businesses, and those interested in exploring the organic market. NOP develops the market and protects organic integrity by developing and enforcing clear standards to create a level playing field, and through providing oversight of third-party accredited certifying agents, and providing technical assistance to support farmer and market development.
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MCIA is a USDA NOP-accredited Accredited Certifying Agent that provides organic certification services to operations in Minnesota and the Upper Midwest. For more information about MCIA Organic Services, please visit: https://www.mncia.org/services-programs/organic-services.
Barley* (no prechill): 7 days Corn: 7 days Oats* (no prechill): 10 days Rye* (no prechill): 7 days Ryegrass (no prechill): 14 days Soybeans: 7 days Wheat* (no prechill): 7 days *A prechill is required for all 2021 crop year samples, which will add at least 5 days to the germination test.
MCIA recently sent out foundation confirmation and order forms to certified seed growers. We are currently accepting orders for foundation seed on a first come, first served basis. Seed supplies are good but can change quickly, so order soon for best availability.
If you are interested in a variety not on our price list, give us a call at 612-625-7766. We will try to locate it from another state.
Payment should be sent with any orders.
For more information about foundation seed and variety licensing, please visit the Foundation Seed Services page of this website, here.
CRP field planted for pollinators. Photo by Mark Vandever, courtesy USGS.
Agricultural producers and landowners can sign up soon for the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP), a cornerstone conservation program offered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and a key tool in the Biden-Harris Administration effort to address climate change and achieve other natural resource benefits. The General CRP signup will run from January 31 to March 11, and the Grassland CRP signup will run from April 4 to May 13.
“We highly encourage farmers, ranchers, and private landowners to consider the enrollment options available through CRP,” said Zach Ducheneaux, Administrator of USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA). “Last year, we rolled out a better, bolder program, and we highly encourage you to consider its higher payment rates and other incentives. CRP is another way that we’re putting producers and landowners at the center of climate-smart solutions that generate revenue and benefit our planet.”
Producers and landowners enrolled 4.6 million acres into CRP signups in 2021, including 2.5 million acres in the largest Grassland CRP signup in history. There are currently 22.1 million acres enrolled, and FSA is aiming to reach the 25.5-million-acre cap statutorily set for fiscal year 2022.
CRP Signups
General CRP helps producers and landowners establish long-term, resource-conserving plant species, such as approved grasses or trees, to control soil erosion, improve water quality, and enhance wildlife habitat on cropland.
Meanwhile, Grassland CRP is a working lands program, helping landowners and operators protect grassland, including rangeland and pastureland and certain other lands, while maintaining the areas as working grazing lands. Protecting grasslands contributes positively to the economy of many regions, provides biodiversity of plant and animal populations and provides important carbon sequestration benefits to deliver lasting climate outcomes.
Alongside these programs, producers and landowners can enroll acres in Continuous CRP under the ongoing sign up, which includes projects available through the Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP) and State Acres for Wildlife Enhancement (SAFE).
Climate Benefits
Last year, FSA enacted a Climate-Smart Practice Incentive for CRP General and Continuous signups, to better target CRP on addressing climate change. This incentive aims to increase carbon sequestration and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. CRP’s climate-smart practices include establishment of trees and permanent grasses, development of wildlife habitat and wetland restoration. The Climate-Smart Practice Incentive is annual, and the amount is based on the benefits of each practice type.
Additionally, in order to better target the program toward climate outcomes, USDA invested $10 million last year in the CRP Monitoring, Assessment and Evaluation (MAE) program to measure and monitor the soil carbon and climate resilience impacts of conservation practices over the life of new CRP contracts. This will enable the agency to further refine the program and practices to provide producers tools for increased climate resilience.
More Information on CRP
Landowners and producers interested in CRP should contact their local USDA Service Center to learn more or to apply for the program—for General CRP before the March 11 deadline, and for Grassland CRP before the May 13 deadline. Service Center staff continue to work with agricultural producers via phone, email, and other digital tools. Due to the pandemic, some USDA Service Centers are open to limited visitors. Additionally, fact sheets and other resources are available at fsa.usda.gov/crp.
MCIA’s Field Services staff reflect on the year past:
“The farmer has to be an optimist, or he wouldn’t still be a farmer.” —Will Rogers
The past year is now history and despite many challenges there were many highlights. The optimism of both MCIA and our members is very high.
Last winter the seed supply was adequate, and the value of certified seed was evident by the strong seed sales. Cover crop seed continues to be a popular topic and MCIA and other agencies have continued to educate and promote the use of certified seed. All seed planted must follow the Plant Variety Protection Act (PVPA), State and Federal Seed Law, and technology use agreements.
The use of tested and known seed genetics is the starting point for success when planting. The increased awareness of noxious weeds and invasive species such as Palmer amaranth are another reason to use known seed for grain, forage, cover crop, and all seed needs. The introduction of undesirable species on to your farm may be the gift that keeps on giving, and that is a gift you do not want.
Demand for certified straw remained strong into the summer months. Some types and sizes of “certified straw” ran out of inventory and growers and suppliers quickly made plans as the new crop was harvested. Due to it being a dry year, overall straw production is down, and certified acres were down slightly from last year.
Certified small grain acres were lower at the beginning of the growing season. However, while growers were optimistic about the crop, when the drought began to show they were also realistic about how it might affect yields. To ensure an adequate supply of certified seed for next year, growers, seed companies, and MCIA worked together to quickly enroll eligible acres. As a result, despite a record-setting drought in the heart of wheat country, the supply of certified seed is adequate going into the winter months.
On the other hand, oat acres were down, and demand is up. So, check the MCIA 2022 Directory or with your local seed grower to secure your seed needs as some small grain varieties may be in short supply.
The field staff has begun making facility inspections and will be assisting all growers and approved facilities with updated Bulk Seed Sale Certificates. The online program is getting a fresh look and improved design for quicker and easier printing. Reminder for all certified seed sold in bags, totes, or portable bulk bags: Attach a proper and accurate certified seed label (tag).
With the stresses of drought mostly behind us and a blanket of snow now covering many areas of the state, it is time to turn towards the optimism of the new year.
On January 12, 2022, Minnesota Crop Improvement Association presented its highest honor, the Achievement in Crop Improvement Award, to seed producer Wayne Capistran. The award, presented annually since 1972, recognizes exemplary service to the seed industry as well as outstanding leadership in agriculture.
MCIA also recognized five Premier Seed Grower awardees, Duane and John Pazdernik, Larry Rivard, Richard (Dick) Stangler, and Harmen Tande. 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. Journalist Andrea Johnson and University of Minnesota Professor Kevin P Smith were the recipients of MCIA’s Honorary Premier Seedsman Award, which 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 119th Annual Meeting. The virtual event was hosted at MCIA’s office in St. Paul, Minnesota, January 12, 2022.
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
Wayne Capistran
Wayne Capistran, of Crookston, has a passion for producing high quality certified seed. His dedication to quality has made Capistran Seed a very successful business.
Capistran’s participates in MCIA’s Seed Certification, Organic Certification, and Approved Facility programs. The Capistrans represent several seed companies and conduct their own variety test plots. Wayne’s straightforward, honest approach has earned him the respect of seed companies and customers alike.
Wayne is a member of the Polk County Crop Improvement and the wheat, soybean, and sugar beet grower organizations. Wayne and his wife Nancy have three children and their son Kevin is a key part of the family business.
Premier Seed Grower Award
2022 Premier Seed Grower Award recipients: Duane Pazdernik, John Pazdernik, Larry Rivard, Richard (Dick) Stangler, and Harmen Tande
Duane and John Pazdernik, of Waubun, have been growing and conditioning certified seed for over 30 years. Together, the brothers have a combined 100 years of farming experience. The Pazderniks often attend the Prairie Grains Conference, Small Grain Updates, and local county crop meetings. Their customers are neighbors and friends, and they truly value those relationships.
Larry Rivard, of Grand Forks, has been in the seed industry for over 50 years. His father, Bert, was a founder of Rivard’s Quality Seeds in Argyle. There, Larry learned to condition certified seed. Today, his business, Rivard’s Turf and Forage, is part of the MnDOT Approved Vendor Program. Larry has been active in various organizations.
Richard (Dick) Stangler, of Kilkenny, in Le Sueur County, has spent his entire life working with seed. He is the third generation in the business and works with his son Nick and daughter Becky. He participates in MCIA’s Seed Certification, Approved Facility, and the Noxious Weed Seed–free Forage and Mulch programs. He grows and conditions soybeans, oats, wheat, and cover crops seed.
Harmen Tande, of Moorhead, has been a certified seed grower for over 40 years. Ernie Krabbenhoft of Sabin encourage him to start growing seed. His primary seed crop is spring wheat, and he takes great pride in producing high quality seed. He has been active locally in the Clay County Crop Improvement and the county soybean growers group.
Honorary Premier Seed Grower Award
2022 Honorary Premier Seed Grower Award recipients: Andrea Johnson and Dr. Kevin Smith
Andrea Johnson, of Appleton, has been writing about agriculture for over 30 years. She grew up on a farm near Canby and cultivated her interest in writing. Andrea joined the Farm & Ranch Guide in 1998 and helped launch the Minnesota Farm Guide. A great supporter of MCIA, Andrea authors a significant article each year for the Minnesota Certified Seed Guide. Her work highlights MCIA and the Minnesota seed industry.
Dr. Kevin Smith has been the barley breeder at the University of Minnesota since 1998. His breeding work now includes winter, two-row, and hulless barley. In addition to barley, he re-booted the oat breeding program, which produced MN-Pearl, and is breeding silflower, a perennial oilseed. The Smith research team works closely with MCIA, including planting and care of the MCIA small grain grow-outs. Kevin also teaches classes and advises several graduate students.
This year’s Minnesota Certified Seed Guide is now available! Minnesota Farm Guide published the 2022 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.
Take the opportunity to learn about the University of Minnesota’s new releases: three new conventional soybean varieties as well as a first-ever winter barley variety, MN-Equinox. Another article, written by Andrea Johnson, profiles MCIA Foundation Seed Manager Roger Wippler, who, for three decades, has led MCIA’s successful efforts to promote public seed varieties, working collaboratively with university breeders, certified seed producers, and farmers.
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.
MCIA’s Seed Laboratory Manager, Chase Mowry, reflects on the year past:
2021 has been a little different, to say the least. From continuing to navigate operations during the Covid-19 pandemic to uncertainties in crop yields, the impact of such challenges cannot be overstated.
Despite the drought conditions faced by growers this past season, the number of samples submitted for testing since July 1 is nearly 950, with good quality shown overall. Disease issues in samples tested has been relatively low so far, with only a few small grain lots displaying minor Fusarium (scab) infection. Soybean samples with lower germinations have primarily been the result of mechanical damage, although some disease presence has been noted as well. A preliminary germination or TZ test may help you in early assessment of the quality of your lots.
We have also recently received samples from Associate Professor and Extension Agronomist Seth Naeve. This will be the fourth year in which the Seed Laboratory has aided in the identification of seed contaminants from soybean screenings collected from plots grown across the United States. Information regarding Naeve’s ongoing project, including seed quality reports and videos on managing foreign material, can be found on the Soybean Seed Quality page of the UMN Extension website: extension.umn.edu/soybean/soybean-seed-quality.
As a reminder, be sure to include a Sampling Report for each sample submitted for testing, even when requesting a germination update. This allows us to assign a unique report number to the sample being tested, as well as process samples with greater throughput. Please use the new version of the Sampling Report, which is available on the Client Resources page of the MCIA website, www.mncia.org/resources.
