Each year, there are some growers from whom we do not initially receive all the information necessary to complete field inspection. In those cases, we need to do follow-up work. So, as the planting season begins, we remind field inspection clients to keep accurate records and:
Save your proof of seed source (tags or bulk certificates).
Maintain proper isolation between varieties and other crops.
New varieties—we need a variety description to complete inspections and pass fields; you will find the forms you need online or contact the MCIA office for assistance.
Your MCIA field supervisor or the MCIA Office staff can answer any questions you may have about the field inspection process.
Field Inspection Application Deadlines
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 cutting: Noxious weed seed–free forage and mulch
Within 18 months of the year established for native grasses and forbs
We will mail information packets for Field Inspection Applications in May. Application forms and instructions are also available on the Client Resources page of the MCIA website.
Jack London described the ending of winter by saying, “The ghostly winter silence had given way to the great spring murmur of awakening life.” We can all appreciate the silence of winter in some areas, from Minnesota to the Yukon Territories, but in the world of MCIA members winter is anything but silent. MCIA has 177 approved facilities that are humming along to the sounds of trucks unloading, conveyors and augers purring, cleaning and sizing equipment shaking and spinning, and the beautiful sound of clean certified seed making the first splash into a clean bin.
As time goes by, the value of certified seed of known genetics, purity, and germination continues to be one of the best values in crop production. The Field Services staff is rarely contacted about any issues with certified seed. However, issues with non-certified, bin-run seed are often brought up by growers. The presence of other crop, poor germination, weeds, purity, hilum colors mixed up, and other obvious seed quality issues seem to follow the sale of this type of seed. (I’m not sure we should even call some of it seed.)
MCIA field supervisors have been busy visiting each facility. One major upgrade we are discussing is the Pure Harvest program for making bulk seed sales certificates. The system can now easily link your certified seed lots and has many upgrades for quick and accurate bulk seed sales certificates for your customers. As you read this, we should be close to finishing training; we will be here to help answer all your questions into the spring planting season.
Please remember that the sooner the MCIA Seed Laboratory receives your samples, the sooner test results will be completed on seed lots. Do not wait until the last minute to mail in samples!
The release of the newest UMN wheat variety, MN-Rothsay, has attracted a lot of interest. The entire supply will be planted this year and will be available as registered seed after harvest. The supply of wheat appears adequate, but as always, some varieties may be in short supply into spring. We are fielding many phone calls of growers trying to secure registered and certified seed of some varieties of wheat, barley, and oats that are in short supply. Overall quality of seed last year has been excellent. Early sales of certified seed this year are starting to look like a bargain and good communication between seed suppliers and growers will be helpful for all parties.
Reminders:
A bulk seed sales certificate must be given on each load of seed sold.
Make sure you have a passed seed certification report for certified seed lots.
Make plans for foundation and registered seed stock prior to planting.
Save all seed source tags and labels to include with your field inspection application.
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:
Enclose payment. Review fee schedule to determine fees.
Enclose proof of seed source with application (as noted below).
Include field maps (complete and accurate).
Enclose new variety descriptions if applicable.
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.
