MCIA Annual Meeting Archives - Page 2 of 3

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.

Call for Award Nominees

Posted on September 25, 2023

We encourage members to submit nominations for MCIA’s annual Honorary Premier Seed Grower, Premier Seed Grower, and Achievement in Crop Improvement awards, which will be presented at the MCIA Annual Meeting, January 24, 2024.

If you know a producer, seed conditioner, or supporter of MCIA deserving of recognition for their service to the seed industry, involvement in MCIA, and contributions to their community, or if you have questions about nomination requirements, please contact Roger Wippler at 1-800-510-6242 or by e-mail at wippl002@umn.edu.

Salute to Johnson and Mohr

Posted on June 30, 2023

Left: Andrea Johnson; Photo courtesy Andrea Johnson. Right: Paula Mohr; Photo: MCIA.

MCIA salutes Paula Mohr and Andrea Johnson upon their well-earned retirements. Both are veteran journalists who have reported extensively about agriculture in Minnesota and the Upper Midwest, including many articles about the activities of MCIA and the experiences and accomplishments of MCIA’s members.

Paula Mohr retired from her position as editor of The Farmer magazine last winter. Andrea Johnson retired from her position as a reporter for the Minnesota Farm Guide/Farm and Ranch Guide this spring. In recognition of their service to agriculture and support for MCIA, MCIA honored both women with the Honorary Premier Seed Grower award; Mohr in 2020 and Johnson in 2022.

Annual President’s Report

Posted on April 10, 2023

Fawad Shah, MCIA President/CEO, addresses the Association’s 2023 Annual Meeting in Fergus Falls, Minnesota. Photo © Minnesota Crop Improvement Association.

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 12, 2023.

After introducing MCIA’s staff members, the President reported that fiscal year 2021–2022 was financially successful for MCIA. Organic Services led all departments in revenue generated, showing sustained growth over the past five years. Revenue from the Field Services and Foundation Seed departments increased slightly. Revenue from Certification and Seed Laboratory Services declined slightly. Organic Services expenses showed a slight decrease over five years, mainly due to staff changes. Field Services expenses also decreased. Foundation Seed Services expenses increased slightly. Seed Laboratory Services expenses increased, mainly due to new staff. The trend for Certification Services expenses remained steady.

MCIA continues to collaborate with the University of Minnesota, acting as licensing agent for its crop varieties, increasing foundation seed, providing seed laboratory services in support of academic research, and developing curriculum for a Seed Science, Technology & Society course.

The President then reported on personnel changes. Since January 2022, those who resigned their positions at MCIA included Tom Keskey, Field Services; Connie McDowell, Seed Laboratory; and Karen Gjelhaug, Cherry Flowers, and Tyler Tisdale, Organic Services. New hires include Keith Marti, in June as District 3 field supervisor; Claire Biel, in October as seed lab technician; and two organic certification specialist/inspectors—Shauna Ilse, in August, and Lauren Martin, in January 2023. One organic certification specialist/inspector position remains open.

MCIA continues to work with University of Minnesota and Farmers Yield Initiative to stop the illegal sale of PVP seed. Recent court judgments were entered against two Minnesota farming operations in a case brought forward by the Regents of the University of Minnesota to stop unauthorized use of PVPA-protected oat varieties. The judgements were in the amounts of $50,000 and $150,000.

The President conducted an in-person OECD Seed Schemes roundup at the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) office in Pakistan. The participants included staff from the country’s Federal Seed Certification and Registration Department, the FAO, and private company representatives. While in Pakistan, the President also gave a presentation on corn seed production at a conference held at the University of Agriculture, Faisalabad. In October, MCIA hosted a tour of our facilities for a group of professors and university administrators from Zimbabwe.

MCIA’s Field Services inspects nearly 180 facilities each year for the Approved Facility Program. In 2022, five facility inspections were completed under the U.S. Identity Preserved Program. Field Services also administers the MnDOT Approved Seed Vendors Program and MCIA representatives serve on the Minnesota Soybean Council and the Minnesota Turf Seed Council.

The MCIA Seed Laboratory is accredited by the USDA’s Accredited Seed Laboratory Program through 2025. Thus far, laboratory reports indicate that seed quality is high with some mechanical damage on soybeans. The Seed Laboratory circulated a customer satisfaction survey. Feedback was positive for quality, turnaround time, and customer care.

Foundation Seed Services installed a Meyer M-1 Color and Shape Optical Sorter. It was used to improve the purity of soybean and barley seed lots. Spring Foundation seed sales increased 10.5 percent compared to 2021. Wheat sales were up 31 percent and oat sales were up 6 percent. MCIA prepared new license agreements for one winter barley line and two soybean lines.

Updated Organic Services fee schedules, with changes effective January 1, were recently mailed to clients. Due to personnel changes over the past year, hiring and training of new Organic Services staff members continues.

Certification Services saw a decrease in final certification fees for fiscal year 2021/22 of approximately $20,000, mainly due to perennial grasses and drought conditions. Compared to last year, in fiscal year 2022/23 there is a decline in hybrid rye, oats, tall fescue, and wheat and an increase in corn and perennial ryegrass.

MCIA will host AOSCA’s 2023 international annual meeting in June. In conclusion, the President stated that MCIA will continue to work on database improvements, fill vacant positions, and train newly hired staff. MCIA looks forward to ongoing collaboration with SSGA, the University of Minnesota, MDA, MnDOT, and other state and federal agencies throughout the year to increase its visibility, market its services, and engage in capacity building.

Note: The full, official minutes of the 2023 MCIA Annual Meeting, which include the President’s Report, were published in the spring 2023 issue of the Minnesota Seed Grower.

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.~~

MCIA Presents Annual Awards

Posted on January 18, 2023

On January 12, 2023, Minnesota Crop Improvement Association presented its highest honor, the Achievement in Crop Improvement Award, to Paul Kjolhaug, part-owner of the MayerSeedLine company. The award, presented annually since 1972, recognizes exemplary service to the seed industry as well as outstanding leadership in agriculture.

MCIA also recognized three Premier Seed Grower awardees, Lon Baldus of Grand Meadow, Kurt Flegel of Benson, and Dean Johnson and Kurt Aakre of Karlstad. 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 Denise Thiede, Minnesota Department of Agriculture, Plant Protection Division, Section Manager, responsible for seed, noxious weed, hemp, and biotechnology, and Dave Grafstrom, a researcher at the University of Minnesota’s Department of Agronomy and Plant Genetics. 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 120th Annual Meeting. The event was held at the Bigwood Event Center in Fergus Falls, Minnesota, January 12, 2023.

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

Paul Kjolhaug, of Willmar, has spent most of his life involved in agriculture. As a youth in Springfield, Minnesota, he worked on area crop and livestock farms. After earning a degree in agronomy from the University of Minnesota, he joined the staff of Northern Farm and Garden (the predecessor of Norfarm Seeds). He later worked for Interstate Payco, where he managed seed production of hybrid corn, sunflowers, and soybean seed. At this time, Paul became more familiar with MCIA, requesting field inspection and seed testing for OECD exports. For the last 21 years, Paul has been part owner of the MayerSeedLine, a seed production and brokerage company in Willmar. Over the years, Paul has been involved in many seed trade organizations—nationally, regionally, and locally. He served six years on the MCIA Board of Directors, including a term as board chair. Paul has also been active in his local church and the local chapter of the American Red Cross. Commenting on receiving the award Paul said, “I have enjoyed my years in the seed industry and being able to work with many great people,” adding, “I am truly humbled and honored to receive this award.”

Premier Seed Grower Award

Lon Baldus, of Grand Meadow, grew up on a livestock and crop farm. He started farming on his own shortly out of high school. Lon also did some off-farm work in construction, building grain elevators and seed conditioning plants. Lon was an early grower of non-GMO soybeans and was one of the first to clean industrial hemp seed. His business ventures grew to include seed conditioning and the export of food-grade soybeans. As a member of MCIA, Lon has participated in the seed certification, identity preserved, and the approved facility programs, and his conditioning plant was certified organic by MCIA.

Kurt Flegel, of Benson, has been in the seed business for 40 years. Currently, he is the plant manager at Syngenta in Danvers. He grew up on a livestock and small grain farm near Kulm, North Dakota. After earning a degree in ag economics from North Dakota State University, Kurt took a position at Stauffer Seeds, where he was very involved with the sunflower program. He developed many strong and enduring relationships with growers, helping facilitate the regional transition to soybean production. Kurt worked closely with MCIA though his work on OECD certification of seed for export. He has been active in MCIA as a committee member and as a board director, serving as board chair for three terms. During his tenure, Kurt led MCIA’s management through a continuity and succession planning process.

Dean Johnson and Kurt Aakre, of Karlstad, have been farming together since 1989. The Lloyd Johnson farm has been in the family since 1887. They have been producing high-quality seed for many years. All their acres of wheat and soybeans are for seed production. Well respected as producers of high-quality seed, they have worked with several regional seed conditioners, including the late Ron Peterson, Lake Bronson Elevator, CHS Greenbush, Weinlaeder’s and Capistran’s. Dean and Kurt have been very active in their local community and seed industry. Both have served on their church and local county crop improvement boards.

Honorary Premier Seed Grower Award

Dave Grafstrom, of Roseau, is a key member of the University of Minnesota team addressing crop production issues at the Magnussson Research Farm. Much of Dave’s work involves grass seed production research. Dave created a weekly e-newsletter that addresses the particular interests and concerns of grass seed growers. He also shares information during summer plot tours, the annual Grass Seed Institute, and the UMN Turf Seed website. He currently serves as secretary of the Turf Seed Council.

Denise Thiede has worked with seed and plants her entire career. She is currently part of the Plant Protection Division at the Minnesota Department of Agriculture, serving as section manager, responsible for seed, noxious weed, hemp, and biotechnology. Previously, during her time at BioDiagnostics, she collaborated with MCIA’s staff to provide seed testing services to MCIA’s members. Her association with MCIA has spanned nearly twenty years, with multiple terms on its board of directors. She has worked closely with MCIA on a variety of issues, including PVP enforcement.

Call for Award Nominations

Posted on September 19, 2022

Seeking Board Candidates

Posted on September 19, 2022

board of directors map — MCIA Board Districts

Minnesota Crop Improvement Association is seeking candidates for 5 positions on its 11-member Board of Directors. (For your reference, please see the accompanying MCIA Board Districts map.)

The following seats are open: Directors for Districts 1, 2, and 3, and directors for two Related Industry positions. The District 1 seat is currently held by Brent Benike, who is eligible for re-election. The District 2 seat is held by Darius Thiel, who is not eligible for re-election. In District 3, Jason Larsen is unable to complete his three-year term. The person elected will complete the final two years of this term. One Related Industry seat is currently held by Matt Bohn, who is not eligible for re-election. The other Related Industry seat is held by Grant Mehring, who is eligible for re-election.

These positions are Category A Directors, who are elected by and from the members of MCIA at its Annual Meeting to serve three-year terms. The Board of Directors is the Association’s policy-making body. It is required to hold at least two regular meetings per calendar year in addition to the Annual Meeting. MCIA’s 2023 Annual Meeting will be held January 12, 2023.

If you are interested in serving on the MCIA Board of Directors or you would like to nominate someone to serve, please contact MCIA President/CEO Fawad Shah at 1-800-510-6242 or by e-mail at fawad.shah@mncia.org.

MCIA Presents Annual Awards

Posted on January 18, 2022

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, 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

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

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.

Barth, Ehlke, Kapphahn, and Larsen Elected to MCIA Board of Directors

Posted on January 12, 2022

The 2022 MCIA Annual Meeting, which was held today, January 12, 2022, included an election to fill four seats on the MCIA Board of Directors. Members re-elected incumbent board member Brad Barth (Category A, District 1); he has served as the board’s chair for the last year. Members also elected new board member John Kapphahn (Category A, District 2) to a 3-year term. Jason Larsen was elected to fill the board seat (Category A, District 3) formerly occupied by Nat Forster, who, after completing four years of service, is unable to complete his second term on the board. Jason Larsen’s term of office will therefore be two years. Members also ratified Nancy Ehlke’s nomination to the board for an additional 1-year term (Category B, University of Minnesota). Nancy Ehlke was nominated for the position by Brian Buhr, Director of the Minnesota Agricultural Experiment Station.