Almost every grain elevator has the following quote posted on the wall, “Quality is like buying oats. If you want nice, clean, fresh oats, you must pay a fair price. However, if you can be satisfied with oats that have already been through the horse . . . that comes a little cheaper.”
While that adage holds true, there are many instances in which certified seed is of the same or lower cost than low-quality seed, because the grower is assured of pure live seed, the absence of noxious weed seed and excess inert material, and payback at harvest. In the case of cover crops, the seeding rate of certified seed is lower, and therefore less costly, than low-quality seed, which may spread weeds, not grow as well, and otherwise cause problems in your fields.
Certified seed and related programs that assure buyers of the quality and identity of seed or grain purchased continue to be of great value. MCIA certification programs, along with our partnerships with organizations such as the Specialty Soya and Grains Alliance and the Minnesota Department of Transportation, are meeting important needs in the seed and grain industries. Demand for these services remains strong.
It is well known that seed of known genetics, tested to certification standards, and accurately labeled is valued favorably in the marketplace. Unfortunately, every year companies ask us after the inspection season if their seed can still be certified. We must tell them that after harvest is too late. Make plans now to have your seed sources identified, tested, approved for planting, and have your fields inspected to certification standards.
Our Field Inspect Only Program works well for private company genetics and standards because we can customize inspections and an entire seed production program to your needs.
Spring will soon be sprung. MCIA Field Services is here to work alongside you and start the growing season on the right track.
At every annual meeting of the Minnesota Crop Improvement Association, the association’s president reports on MCIA’s activities over the past year and provides an assessment of the state of the organization. Following are highlights from Dr. Fawad Shah’s presentation to MCIA membership on January 24, 2024.
Dr. Fawad S. Shah, MCIA President/CEO, introduced MCIA’s staff members. Next, he reported that fiscal year 2022–23 was another successful year for MCIA. Total revenues were $3,435,306 while total expenses were $3,218,024. MCIA has a general investment and a building reserve account. In 2015, the total investment value was approximately $2.5 million. Strategic Wealth Group has taken a progressive and careful approach to both accounts, which have almost doubled since that time, with a current value of $4,865,936. Organic Services led all departments in revenue generated followed by Field Services, Foundation Seed Services, Certification Services, and the Seed Laboratory. Organic Services’ revenue continues to steadily grow. Revenues for Certification and Field Services continue to be strong but fluctuate in tandem with the number of acres applied for each year. Major expenses for all departments include salary, benefits, and payroll taxes.
The President then reported on the 2023 AOSCA Annual Meeting hosted by MCIA in Bloomington, Minnesota. MCIA raised over $16,000 in sponsorships, developed and prepared registration packets, and provided logistical support. MCIA staff along with the board chairman attended and hosted the hospitality suite. Thom Petersen, the Commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Agriculture, offered welcoming remarks and Tom Slunecka, CEO of the Minnesota Soybean Growers Association, was the guest speaker at the awards banquet. Overall, the meeting was a success and a great opportunity for MCIA to participate in various committees and discussions with AOSCA members.
MCIA was featured in several articles over the past year. In October, Seed World reported on MCIA’s receipt of AOSCA’s Excellence in Innovation Award. In another article Seed World reported on AOSCA’s honoring of Roger Wippler with an Honorary Lifetime Membership. Seed World also interviewed MCIA’s president, which led to the article “Should a State-Level Seed Certification Agency Invest Money Outside their State and Outside of Seed Certification?” In November, MCIA was the topic of a Star Tribune article.
The President conducted a talk about seed corn production at the Corn Conference held at the University of Agriculture, Pakistan. The President also presented an overview of MCIA to Delta Theta Sigma fraternity, led tours of the MCIA seed lab and conditioning facility, and he continues to develop curriculum and teach a Seed Science, Technology & Society course at the University of Minnesota.
Staff changes at the organization included the retirement of Foundation Seed Services Manager Roger Wippler and the subsequent promotion of Carl Anfinson as manager of the department. Claire Chapman Biel in the seed lab was promoted to seed technologist. Kate Sinnott was hired in August to fill the seed technologist position vacated by Sam Banks in March. Sarah Lindblom and Tessa Parks joined Organic Services as organic certification specialist/inspectors in June.
MCIA’s Field Services inspected roughly 200,000 acres in 2023. Nearly 180 facilities are inspected each year under the Approved Facility Program. Field Services staff also perform organic inspections and administer the MnDOT Approved Seed Vendors Program. Field Services continue to perform third-party audit inspections to facilitate specialty grain movement into international markets.
The MCIA Seed Laboratory tested 2,943 samples in the past year. The top five crops being tested are perennial ryegrass, soybeans, wheat, corn, and oats. Training of new staff continues. Clair Chapman Biel attended a four-day germination workshop at Iowa State University. The seed lab completed proficiency testing for SCST, USDA ASL, and ISTA. A customer survey was circulated and feedback was positive; 97 percent of customers were very satisfied with the service they receive.
Foundation Seed Services hosted an open house for the UMN breeding program staff and graduate students. Also, Foundation staff provided an education session to Minnesota Department of Agriculture staff. Foundation seed sales increased by 15 percent compared to year 2022. MCIA prepared six new license agreements for five soybean lines and one winter barley line.
Organic services increased the number of clients served from 564 to 585. The staff within the organic department participated in the IOIA Crop and Processor Training courses. A new NOP rule, Strengthening Organic Enforcement, requires that certificates be issued from the OID, a procedure which MCIA has already implemented. There will be an NOP on-site audit in July of 2024.
Administration and Certification staff worked closely with AOSCA to host their annual meeting event in June. Staff worked together to organize a new venue and program for the MCIA Annual Meeting. MCIA conducted an RFP process and contracted with a new managed IT services provider. There will be an on-site AOSCA certification audit in the spring or summer of 2024.
The President explained how MCIA communicates with members. Its publications include an annual Directory, a quarterly newsletter, the Minnesota Seed Grower, and a monthly bulletin, Samplings, as well as the annual Minnesota Certified Seed Guide. MCIA’s website has a blog, press releases, and article links that provide even more information.
Note: The full, official minutes of the 2024 MCIA Annual Meeting, which include the President’s Report, were published in the spring 2024 issue of the Minnesota Seed Grower.
This has been a really busy start to the year for us. Three big rule changes occurred, which means we must do staff training and update most of our forms.
The first change is the dairy transition rule, which went into effect last year. You can now only transition a dairy one time and transitioned dairy animals can only be used for milk production on your own farm. They cannot be sold as organic.
The second change is the Organic Livestock and Poultry Standard (OLPS), which sets standards for livestock housing, outdoor access, and stocking density rates—indoors and out. It is primarily for poultry and hogs. OLPS requires ammonia levels to be kept below 20 ppm in poultry barns. So, expect inspectors to do testing in some barns this year.
The final rule change is Strengthening Organic Enforcement (SOE). Every operation is now required to have a Fraud Prevention Plan (FPP) as part of their organic system plan. We have created an FPP form and information sheet that has gone out with renewal packets to all crop and livestock producers. If you did not get the FPP form, please contact the office. We will contact handlers individually to send them FPP forms.
We will mail 2024 crop and livestock renewal applications by the end of this week. We have some 2023 files left to finish and certificates to issue, so not all renewal packets will include a Certification Decision Letter.
We are currently seeking additional employees and plan to do interviewing soon. I think we have some good potential candidates. However, if you or someone you know might be interested, please visit the Job Openings page of the MCIA website: https://www.mncia.org/job-openings/.
MCIA is still accepting orders from foundation seed growers for seed of barley, oats, soybeans, and wheat. We still have MN-Rothsay and MN-Torgy foundation seed available. Please include full payment when ordering.
Pickup
Full payment is due before you can pick up your foundation seed order. Remember to contact your seed distributor ahead of time to make arrangements to pick up seed.
The Seed Laboratory is busy, and it will take at least 7 days to get test results before issuing final reports, bulk certificates, and tags. So, have your seed tested now. You don’t want to be waiting for a test when it is planting time.
A few other items to keep in mind:
Update your germination. If you have carryover seed, be sure the label has a germination test date that complies with the seed law.
Submit a Sampling Report with all samples, complete with field numbers, lot size, number of bags or totes, and tests requested.
Be sure you received a passed seed certification report before any tags or bulk certificates are issued.
Always tag or issue bulk certificates for the seed you distribute.
Resolve any issues about eligibility of seed source before planting.
Retain your tags or bulk certificate as proof of seed source for your field inspection application.
Submitting Samples to the Seed Lab
To ensure that your samples arrive in good condition use a good quality, leak-proof bag and quality packaging. For fragile seeds (like soybeans) use a sturdy box and use packing material to keep them from getting bounced around during shipping. You may want to write ‘Fragile’ on the package.
Repackaging Certified Seed Procedures
When repackaging certified seed and retesting is required, follow the procedures described in the Seed Certification Handbook, pages 18 through 19.
When repackaging certified seed and retesting is not required, a Lot Number Change Request Form must be submitted in order for certification to be valid on the repackaged lot. This form can be found on the Client Resources page: www.mncia.org/resources. Look under Certification Services, Seed Certification Program, Labeling & Transferring Seed.
For seed certified by another state, be sure to include the original certification label and analysis results showing a MN Noxious Weed Exam or All-States Noxious Weed Exam was completed. A MN Noxious Weed Exam is required on Minnesota certified seed.
The MCIA staff is available to answer any questions you have. Please contact the MCIA Office or your field supervisor.
Minnesota Crop Improvement Association is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Organic Administrative Specialist.
At MCIA, the organic administrative specialist supports day-to-day operations of our busy and growing Organic Services department by answering and directing telephone calls; preparing, distributing, and processing certification applications; 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.
Minnesota Crop Improvement Association is an EEO employer.
Reimbursement possible for water testing, harvest supplies, and other expenses
Minnesota produce farmers who improve their on-farm food safety systems may be eligible to reimburse those expenses through the Minnesota Department of Agriculture’s 2024 Produce Safety Mini-Grant, which is now accepting applications.
The Produce Safety Mini-Grant will distribute a total of approximately $33,600. Awardees will receive up to $800 per farm. No matching funds are required.
To be eligible, applicants must be produce growers farming in Minnesota, who grow and sell one or more of the following crops: leafy greens, apples, berries, carrots, cucumbers, garlic, green beans, herbs, melons, microgreens, mushrooms, onions, peppers, sprouts, summer squash/zucchini, or tomatoes.
Applicants must also have completed the Minnesota Department of Agriculture Produce Safety Program Grower Questionnaire at least once between 2021–2024.
Expenses must occur on or after October 1, 2023, or be planned to take place before August 2, 2024. Examples of eligible expenses include:
Supplies to build or purchase a portable handwashing station
Harvest totes or collection tools
Water testing for generic coli
Consultation fees for developing an on-farm food safety plan
Farmers can contact the MDA Produce Safety Program at 651-539-3648 to request a paper copy. Applications will be accepted through 11:59 p.m. on March 30, 2024.
Survey focuses on best management practices for corn and soybean farmers
The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) is encouraging farmers to take part in its annual pesticide and fertilizer survey. This year the survey will focus on best management practices (BMPs) for corn and soybean farmers. The data being collected helps the MDA track the awareness, adoption, and use of nitrogen and pesticide BMPs and provides guidance to education and research programs.
The mailed survey is being sent to the 7,600 Minnesota farmers selected for this project. Farmers who have not returned their questionnaire by mail will be contacted by phone after March 15.
The survey is conducted for the MDA by the USDA National Agriculture Statistics Service out of their regional offices.
Minnesota farmers may be getting calls from multiple agencies and companies conducting a variety of surveys this time of year, but the information gathered from this survey is critical for research and educational purposes.
If you have questions about the MDA’s annual survey, or if you wish to view results of previous surveys, visit the MDA website at www.mda.state.mn.us/pesticidefertilizersurveys. Producers can also call the Minnesota Department of Agriculture at 651-955-4066 from 7 a.m.–9 p.m., Monday–Saturday.
On January 24, 2024, members of the Minnesota Crop Improvement Association joined the organization’s staff and board members for the Association’s 121st Annual Meeting.
Emerging Leaders in Seed Production panelists: Conner Danielson, Ridgewater College student and FFA member; Betsy Jensen, Northland Community and Technical College; Kelsey Henke, Anderson Seeds of St. Peter; Jake Thompson.
The program began with a lively panel discussion on the topic Emerging Leaders in Seed Production. Four panelists fielded questions from the moderator, MCIA President/CEO Fawad Shah, and from attendees. Josh Thompson, of Middle River, asserted the value of working with integrity and upholding high standards. Kelsey Henke, of Anderson Seeds of St. Peter, spoke to the benefits of gaining wide-ranging work experience, even if it sometimes means stepping outside of one’s comfort zone. Conner Danielson, FFA member and Ridgewater College student, discussed how he has sought opportunities in farming by engaging with neighbors, through formal education, and via ag organizations, like FFA. Betsy Jensen, of Jensen Seed Company, emphasized the importance of tracking your financials and establishing sources of value-added or off-farm income to assure stability.
Anthony Cortilet of the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) then offered a presentation regarding MDA’s new role in cannabis seed labeling and sales in the state. Minnesota Seed Law requires permitted labeling of cannabis seed. As of July 2023, he noted, there were seventy-five permitted cannabis labelers of cannabis seed in the state. MDA will conduct inspections to check compliance. In this initial period, inspectors will take an educational approach with labelers found to be out of compliance, rather than issue Stop Sale Orders. Also, MDA will be willing to accept smaller seed testing samples to accommodate the new cannabis industry.
Left: Anthony Cortilet, Minnesota Department of Agriculture, Plant Protection Division, Section Manager. Right: Roger Wippler, MCIA Foundation Seed Services Manager, retired.
Next up was Roger Wippler, who recently retired as MCIA’s Foundation Seed Services manager. Roger’s presentation reflected on 30 years of change in Minnesota agriculture, the seed industry, and MCIA. Roger’s career began in the heyday of seed certification, but he also witnessed its precipitous decline as private companies captured an increasing share of the seed market. MCIA closed its seed laboratory in 2007 but reopened it nine years later under more auspicious circumstances. MCIA has steadily diversified its services—adding sod and seed Quality Assurance, forage and mulch certification, native seed certification, organic certification, and more. While MCIA has always had a close relationship with the University of Minnesota, in recent years it has taken a more prominent role in promoting University of Minnesota-developed crop varieties.
What does the future hold? Roger foresees more change. There are efforts such as the Forever Green Initiative to develop new winter-hardy annuals and perennial crops with an eye toward improved soil health. Biotechnology also promises to drive change in the seed industry. Continuing to involve its members in governance, seeking out new opportunities, managing the growth of the Organic Services department, and maintaining cooperative relationships with business, government, and academic partners will all be critical factors in the continued success of the Minnesota Crop Improvement Association.
MCIA President/CEO Fawad Shah and MCIA Board of Directors Chairman Brad Barth.
During the business meeting segment of the Annual Meeting, members heard organizational and fiscal reports from officers of MCIA’s Board of Directors. MCIA President/CEO Fawad Shah also delivered a report on the state of the association. Board Chairman Brad Barth presided over the election of one incumbent, Kelsey Henke, and two new board members, Gabel Hoseth and Anthony Cortilet. Members also ratified Nancy Jo Ehlke to serve another year on the board as the UMN’s nominee. See our earlier post for more information about the board election. (We’ll provide the president’s report and the business meeting minutes separately.)
In accordance with tradition, MCIA made time during the Annual Meeting to recognize those whose contributions and achievements have contributed to the success of the seed industry. MCIA Field Services Manager Kris Folland emceed the ceremony. The recipient of this year’s Achievement in Crop Improvement Award was Roger Wippler. Scott Lee, Larry Riopelle, and Merle Schwenzfeier and Roger Schwenzfeier were the Premier Seed Grower Award honorees. Dr. Eric Watkins and Kris Folland himself received the Honorary Premier Seed Grower Award. Roger Wippler stepped in to present Kris Folland with his award. See our previous post for profiles of these recipients and further information about the awards.
The day had more accolades in store for Roger Wippler. David Kee, Director of Research at the Minnesota Soybean Research and Promotion Council, presented Roger with an award from Minnesota Soybean, recognizing Roger’s “many years of service to Minnesota Soybean Growers.”
Roger Wippler, MCIA Foundation Seed Services Manager, retired, receives an award of recognition from David Kee, Director of Research at the Minnesota Soybean Research and Promotion Council.
This year, MCIA changed the Annual Meeting format to better accommodate attendees, most of whom have significant travel times. We shortened the program to five hours. We started later in the morning and ended earlier in the afternoon. We included lunch but held our awards ceremony separately. The later start and unstructured lunch allowed attendees free time to visit our trade show exhibitors.
Except for virtual gatherings during the recent pandemic, MCIA has for many years been holding our Annual Meeting in Fergus Falls. MCIA’s board chose a different location and venue for this year’s meeting, the Holiday Inn & Suites in St. Cloud. Based on positive attendee evaluations, the board has decided to return to St. Cloud for MCIA’s 2025 Annual Meeting. Please plan to join us then!
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
MCIA Board Chairman Brad Barth with Roger Wippler, recipient of the 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 and Catie Lee.
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, accompanied by his wife, Bethany Folland, receives the Honorary Premier Seed Grower Award from Brad Barth, Chairman, MCIA Board of Directors.
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.
