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Category: Field Services

Options for Managing Seed Inventory

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Image by Kai Pilger from Pixabay.

Various weather conditions, such as frost, drought, or excessive rains may affect seed production locally and regionally. MCIA members still have some options to help manage their seed inventory. Growers who need to add certified seed acres may apply for field inspection at any time prior to harvest or within the inspection window. Late fees will be charged for late applications.

Growers may also carryover all certified seed classes; this includes conditioned and unconditioned seed. For conditioned seed that has previously been tested, a new germination test would be needed next winter. For unconditioned carryover seed, standard testing would be needed after conditioning has been completed. Growers with carryover seed inventory may also submit their information to MCIA so the seed can be listed in the 2022 MCIA Directory.

If you anticipate having excess seed inventory, it may be worthwhile to contact potential customers or approved seed facilities outside your traditional customer area and into neighboring states.

If you have any questions, contact your MCIA field supervisor. We will gladly work with you to help address your needs.

Field Inspection Application Deadlines

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Image by Hojun Kang from Pixabay.

Please note these dates to avoid late fees:

  • June 7: Small grains, corn, and sunflowers
  • June 7 or 3 weeks after planting (whichever is first): Soybean post-spray inspections
  • June 7: Soybean bloom inspections
  • July 15: Soybeans (pre-harvest inspection only)
  • Year of seeding: Perennials
  • 4 weeks prior to each cutting for noxious weed seed–free forage and mulch
  • Within 18 months of the year established for native grasses and forbs

Information packets for Field Inspection Applications will be mailed to enrolled MCIA members in May. Application forms and instructions are also available on the Client Resources page of the MCIA website. If you have any questions, please contact your field supervisor. (Field supervisor contact information is listed on the Staff page of the MCIA website.)

Fee Schedule Changes for 2021

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Image by Сергей Игнацевич from Pixabay.

MCIA members are advised of the following changes to program fee schedules, effective June 1, 2021:

  • Forage and Mulch: Shipping costs (USPS Priority, UPS, etc.) for certification tags
  • Native Seed: Field inspection fee revisions
  • QA and FI: Shipping costs (USPS Priority, UPS, FedEx) for QA tags, sample bags, and Sampling Report books
  • Seed Certification: Reporting fee revisions, shipping costs (USPS Priority, UPS, etc.) for certification tags, bulk certificates, sample bags, and Sampling Reports books
  • Sod: Added minimum fee on final fees

Fee schedules will be included in the field inspection application mailings sent to MCIA members. Current fee schedules specific to each program are also available on the Client Resources page of the MCIA website.

Plan for Field Inspection

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Field inspector Jim Boots inspects a soybean field.

Each year, there are some growers we need to contact to obtain all the information required to complete field inspection. Sometimes that follow-up process delays final certification until later in the year.

To avoid certification delays, please remember to keep accurate records and:

  1. Save your proof of seed source (tags or bulk certificates).
  2. Maintain proper isolation between varieties and other crops.
  3. New varieties—we need a variety description to complete inspections and pass fields. Forms for this purpose can be found online or by contacting the office.

As you move into the planting season, remember that your MCIA field supervisor or the MCIA office staff are ready and available to answer your questions.

Field Inspection Application Deadlines

Please note these dates to avoid late fees:

  • June 8: Small grains, corn, and sunflowers
  • June 8 or 3 weeks after planting (whichever is first): Soybean postspray inspections
  • June 8: Soybean bloom inspections
  • July 15: Soybeans (pre-harvest inspection only)
  • Year of seeding: Perennials
  • 4 weeks prior to each cutting for noxious weed seed–free forage and mulch
  • Within 18 months of the year established for native grasses and forbs

Information packets for Field Inspection Applications will be mailed in May. Application forms and instructions are also available on the Client Resources page.

Two New Hires Boost Field Services Staff

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MCIA has hired two new field supervisors, Tom Keskey of Cokato and Dan Krenz of Redwood Falls, to oversee our southern  Minnesota service areas.

With the aim of better serving members enrolled in our Field Inspection and  Approved Facilities programs, MCIA recently redefined the boundaries of our service districts, adding one new district, District 4. Tom is field supervisor for the southeast (District 3) and, starting June 1, Dan is field supervisor for the southwest (District 4).

Map: Field Supervisor Field Inspection Assignments

Tom and Dan both have longtime experience in agriculture and are excited to get their boots on the ground, meet MCIA members, and see their fields. A full introduction to our new field supervisors will be published in the summer issue of the Minnesota Seed Grower.

MCIA’s new field supervisors: Tom Keskey (District 3) and Dan Krenz (District 4).

Field Inspection Application: Completion Tips

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Reminders

MCIA is in the process of mailing out field inspection application packets to members enrolled in our field inspection programs. A friendly reminder to applicants—please be sure to include the following items:

  1. Enclose payment. Review fee schedule to determine fees.
  2. Enclose proof of seed source with application (as noted below).
  3. Include field maps (complete and accurate).
  4. Enclose new variety descriptions if applicable.
  5. Sign and return completed application by due date (see below).

Application forms and instructions are also available on the Client Resources page, under Certification Services. If you have questions, contact your field supervisor or the MCIA office.

Deadlines

To avoid late fees, please note these dates:

  • June 7: Small grains, corn, and sunflowers
  • June 7 or 3 weeks after planting (whichever is first): Soybean post spray inspections
  • June 7: Soybean bloom inspections
  • 4 weeks prior to each cutting: Noxious weed seed–free forage and mulch
  • July 15: Soybeans (pre-harvest inspection only)
  • Year of seeding: Perennials and native grasses and forbs

Proof of Seed Source

Applicants for seed certification must provide proof that eligible seed was used to plant seed production fields. Submit the Foundation or Registered seed tag or bulk certificate as your proof of seed source. If you have questions regarding eligibility for certification contact your field supervisor or the MCIA office.