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Category: Seed Laboratory

MCIA Seed Laboratory Achieves USDA Accreditation

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We’re proud to announce that MCIA’s Seed Laboratory is now accredited by the USDA Accredited Seed Laboratory (ASL) program. Gaining ASL accreditation highlights the accuracy, quality, and reliability of test reports and other quality- and compliance-related services offered by MCIA. Successful completion of the rigorous ASL accreditation program is yet another milestone attained by MCIA over the course of our 117-year history.

The development and implementation of a comprehensive Quality Management System was crucial to the Seed Laboratory’s accreditation. “USDA ASL accreditation is the result of months of hard work by our staff and demonstrates our continued commitment to delivering the highest quality services to customers,” said MCIA President and Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Fawad Shah. “This value-added benefit expands business opportunities for our customers and elevates MCIA’s standing as one of the premier seed certification agencies in the nation.”

To read our full press release, click here.

MCIA Seeks Seed Technologist

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

MCIA Seeks Seed Lab Technician

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Minnesota Crop Improvement Association is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Seed Lab Technician. 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, St. Paul. For more information, read the full position announcement on our job openings page.

Try Your Hand at Crop Art to Go

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There are still opportunities to enjoy this year’s Minnesota State Fair, despite the cancellation of most on-site events. One example: the fair’s new Crop Art to Go kits. Minnesota Crop Improvement Association provided crop seeds for these kits, continuing a tradition of more than 100 years of involvement with the fair. Everything needed to create your own work of art is included in the kits: seven varieties of seeds, eight beginner illustrations to use as design patterns, a 5 x 7-inch canvas, glue, paintbrush, toothpicks, a pencil, and directions. To order a Crop Art to Go kit, visit the State Fair’s online shop.

Crop art at the Minnesota State Fair was the inspiration of Orris Shulstad, a former manager of MCIA’s seed laboratory who was also superintendent of the State Fair’s farm crops division. In 1965, Shulstad added crop art to the Certified Seed Show and Field Crop Competition. The annual crop art display remains a popular attraction to this day. Creations from the Crop Art to Go kits can be entered in the 2021 Minnesota State Fair competition.

Seed Laboratory Update

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The Seed Laboratory recently emailed clients a Customer Satisfaction Survey. It’s a short survey, containing just ten questions about testing services provided over the last year. To offer your feedback, click the survey link in the message. If you did not receive the survey but you’d like to participate, please send your request to Seed Laboratory Manager Chase Mowry at chase.mowry@mncia.org.

Do you have comments or suggestions regarding other MCIA programs or services? Email your thoughts directly to MCIA President/CEO Fawad Shah at fawad.shah@mncia.org.

A new fee schedule, which includes minor changes for laboratory testing, will go into effect September 1, 2020. Click here to access the document. Other Seed Laboratory documents may be found on the Client Resources page, listed under Seed Laboratory. For more information call MCIA at 612-625-7766 and ask for the Seed Laboratory.

Seed Laboratory Update

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If you haven’t submitted your seed samples for testing, do so now! Verifying that seed standards are met is one of the last steps in the certification process. Germination tests take at least seven days, and HPLC for wheat and oat variety ID testing can sometimes take longer. Rush service can be requested. Note: The lab will no longer prechill small grains before germination testing. If prechill is desired, due to possible Fusarium infection or other issues, please request a prechill in the remarks section of the Sampling Report.

Ready for Spring?

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Early spring conditions may create more demand for small grains. The seed lab is busy, so don’t delay in getting your seed tested. At best, it will take 7 days and we need test results before issuing final reports, bulk certificates, and tags. A few other items to keep in mind:

  • Update your germination. If you have carryover seed, be sure the label reflects a germination test date that is compliant with the seed law.
  • 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.

Submitting Samples to the Seed Lab

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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.

Seed Lab Tips

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Reminder: To assure timely test results, please remember to include an untreated sample along with your treated corn and soybean seed samples.

FYI: Days Required for Germ Tests

Barley* (no prechill): 7 days
Corn: 7 days
Kentucky bluegrass (no prechill): 21 days
Oats* (no prechill): 10 days
Rye* (no prechill): 7 days
Ryegrass (no prechill): 14 days
Soybeans: 7 days
Wheat* (no prechill): 7 days

*Can be completed at first count if they have reached their max potential.