The Missouri Crop Improvement Association (MCIA) serves as an independent provider of services in seed certification, quality assurance, identity preserved, and source identified. The laboratory provides testing and analysis for seed and grains.

Seed testing services are commonly used by area growers. There are three germination tests which include standard warm germination, tetrazolium test, accelerated aging. Also, seed may be tested for seed purity and noxious weed analysis. Growers can submit row crop seed samples; forage grass and clover species seed samples.

Field programs include seed certification of the four classes which is breeder, foundation, registered and certified seed. The purpose is to preserve varietal purity and identity.

The requirements for producing certified seed include prior crop standards, seed source proof, field inspections and evaluations of purity of seed, seed testing of a representative, cleaned sample for the seed lot and finally proper seed labeling. The goal is that seed buyers are assured that seed has met purity standards.

A new program you may not know of is weed free hay and forage. MCIA offers weed seed free hay and forage certification under the standards developed by the North American Invasive Species Management Association (NAISMA). This program helps limit the spread of noxious weeds through forage and mulch.

After a field is inspected, the producer will receive a “Certificate of Inspection.” When the forage is transported, you will receive a “Transit Certificate” from a representative in you state and /or the forage will carry a certification tag or colored twine.

To contact MCIA for services, call 573-449-0586. They are located at 3211 Lemone Industrial Boulevard, Columbia, MO 65201.

For more information, contact Wayne Flanary, Field Specialist in Agronomy, University of Missouri Extension at 816-279-1691.