Issue link: http://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/873545
29 farm406 How Does Certification Work? In the Treasure State, seed is certified by the Montana Seed Growers Association (MSGA). MSGA is a non-profit organization that oversees statewide certification for all crops except potatoes and mint. The Association is comprised of around 500 producers and dealers throughout Montana who work to improve the agricultural landscape of the state. In Montana, seed certification includes an application process, thorough field inspection, controlled seed conditioning and lab testing to ensure genetic purity and varietal integrity. Certified seed is harvested, conditioned, cleaned and packaged under blue labeling to ensure that it's weed-free and genetically pure. The certification process also works to ensure that the known varietal identity of the seed is properly preserved. The certification process occurs in partnership with Montana State University, the legally designated certification agency for the state of Montana. Montana currently has 12 trained field inspectors who analyze crops, looking for weeds and volunteer grasses. Inspectors work diligently to ensure each acre meets the stringent requirements set forth to grow certified seed. MSGA also certifies interagency seed purchased from out of state and Canada. The scientific advances associated with certified seed make its advantages compelling for producers. The cost of purchasing seed annually—when weighed against the increased reliability, yield potential, hardiness, and cost savings to growers' operations—makes using certified seed a strategy to consider employing in Montana. "As a farmer, most of us don't have a line item in our yearly budgets for research and development. Yet, we all know the value and importance of agricultural research for our operations—for today and the future," says Baum. And with new certified seed varieties being developed in the coming years, it's an approach that will continue to respond to changing growing conditions faced by Montana producers in the future. "Using Certified Seed is our way of making sure that research continues so we can move Montana forward in the market with new varieties," states Baum. Producer Jake Baum and Ryan Holt, Vice President of Northern Seeds, examine a decent stand of certified wheat on the Baum farm near Highwood.