1999 CCIA District Meeting - Minutes and Resolutions

Southwest District Meeting
November 15, 1999 - Dickinson Travel Lodge

The meeting was called to order by President Mike Gartner. Paulette read the minutes of last year's meeting which were approved as read. The financial statement was read with a motion to approve by Bill Flaget and second by Miles Hansen. Paulette then updated on dues and check-off. All counties have paid dues for 1999 and 5 counties from the Southwest had not responded on the check-off as yet.

Mike Gartner then addressed the group regarding seed issues. At the summer meeting of the Board of Directors there was discussion on the current system of distributing new increase varieties. A committee, which included a representative from State Seed Department, County Agent, each of the NDCISA Crop Improvement Districts and Foundation Seedstocks was formed and met to discuss possible ways of updating the system. Two problem areas the committee sees are with grower selection and price structure. Under the system as it is now, all counties wanting seed of a new increase variety do receive an allocation and this would not change. However, the committee feels that a classification system of growers would be advantageous in getting the new increase seed into the hands of experienced "seedsmen". The following classification schedule was suggested:

Class 1 grower - must have grown certified seed 3 out of the last 5 years
Class 2 grower - must have grown certified seed 2 out of the last 5 years
Class 3 grower - must have grown certified seed 1 out of the last 5 years

Most counties have these classes of growers. It was noted that new growers could get into the system by growing and certifying "established" varieties. Elroy Haadem, Burleigh County Extension Agent expressed concern that this classification system would take away local control. Question was raised as to what happens when a county does not have a classified grower. Galen then showed information he had put together with regard to the number of "classified" growers in the Southwest. All counties have classified growers with 3 counties not having class 1 growers. Schroeder also noted that none of the details of such a system have been worked out. A possible scenario would be for NDAES/Seedstocks to send out a list of these growers by classification to the counties for them to use as guidelines in their grower selection. There was comment that if the counties want to have local control in selecting growers, there must also be local "responsibility" for getting the seed final certified.

Pricing of the Registered class seed of the new varieties was then discussed. As it is now, the price is "set in stone" by the NDAES and the committee feels there needs to be some flexibility built into this price. Some flexibility in pricing would be useful in years when a variety is not selling well. (such as the Belzer this past year). It was suggested that a maximum price be set,(to prevent price gouging) but let growers/counties set their own price. There are definite pros and cons to a flexible system.

Mike mentioned the committee is looking for feedback from the counties at these district meetings regarding these issues and they will be meeting again prior to the state meeting to discuss them. Mike also stated that any resolutions regarding these issues will be voted on at the annual meeting in February. These recommendations would then go to the Ag Experiment Station Directors office for their consideration.

Galen then discussed attendance at the district meetings noting that turn-out has not been great. In 1998 there were a total of 93 people at the district meetings with 64 of them being growers/producers. If there are any suggestions as to how to improve this, please let their district directors and/or NDSU personnel know.

Election of District Director was next on the agenda. Sharold Geist's 1st term was expiring but he did not wish to be elected for a 2nd term. Mike then opened the floor for nominations. Art Dohrman nominated Bill Flaget with a second by Bruce Schmidt. Daryl Anderson moved nominations cease and a unanimous ballot be cast for Bill. Second by Art. Bill Flaget, Halliday will be the new District Director in the Southwest. Election of someone to sit on the Allocation Committee was next. Mike Gartner currently sits on that committee. Harvey Peterson moved to have Mike continue on that committee. Bill Flaget second.

Erik Eriksmoen mentioned to the group that Hettinger REC is putting up four bulk Foundation Seed Bins which should be helpful for seed distribution in the west.

There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned.

Respectfully submitted,

Paulette Neva
Executive Secretary
NDCISA

Winners of the (4) free field inspection certificates were:
Jim Hansen(donated to Bill Flaget)
Tony Biel
Chris Flaget
Jim Bahm

Northwest District Meeting
November 16, 1999 - North Central REC, Minot

The meeting was called to order by District Director and Vice-President Bob Kornkven. Paulette read the minutes of last year's meeting and they were approved as read. The financial statement was read with motion to approve by Dan Skarsgard and second by Greg Simonson. All counties in the state have paid dues for 1999. In the Northwest there were 4 counties that have not sent in information and/or check-off on the last year's varieties.

Mike Gartner, NDCISA President addressed the group regarding seed issues. At the summer meeting of the Board of Directors there was discussion on the current system of distributing new increase varieties. A committee, which included a representative from State Seed Department, County Agent, each of the NDCISA Crop Improvement Districts and Foundation Seedstocks was formed and met to discuss possible ways of updating the system. Two problem areas are in grower selection and seed pricing. The committee feels that a classification system for selecting growers, combined with the current county allotment system would raise the experience levels of increase growers across the state and insure more successful performance of the Seed Increase Program. South Dakota and Colorado are currently using classification systems. Mike emphasized that all counties would be able to receive an allocation as is now the policy. The following classification schedule was suggested:

Pricing of the Registered class seed of these new varieties was then discussed. As it is now, the price is "set in stone" by the NDAES and the committee feels there needs to be some flexibility built into this price. Some flexibility in pricing would be useful in year's when a variety is not selling well,(such as the Belzer this past year) or as in the case of the Frontier Pinto Beans where counties were required to maintain a $0.55 per pound price for Certified seed while the certified seed prices in the countryside was about $0.25 per pound. It was suggested that a maximum price be set,(to prevent price gouging) but let counties/county increase growers set their own price up to that maximum. Gartner explained that it is better to get the seed out to growers than to leave it in the bin until next year.

There was much discussion. Dan Skarsgard felt that we would be "opening up a whole can of worms" by not having a strict price structure. Some questions included: How would a county implement the pricing - would they have to call a board meeting everytime they want to change the price? What about the grower that buys his seed one week and the price goes down the next - does the county have to refund? Number and quality of the new varieties being released was also brought up. Why so many varieties all of a sudden? Counties have to realize that not all varieties are going to be "winners". It was suggested that producers need to look at the allocation being offered and take only what they can comfortably deal with and not over-extend themselves. Galen stated that they can certainly leave the pricing as it is, if that is the wishes of the districts.

With regard the classification system, Tim Semler feels that the 3-class is too complicated. You either have "experienced" or "in-experienced" growers. There was concern expressed that with a classification system, the counties would lose control of deciding who should get the allocations. With regard to the new increases, Galen Schroeder feels the focus needs to be on providing high quality seed to the "seed industry" of the state, not to "all farmers".

Election of a new district director was next. Warren Craft's term is expiring and Bob asked for nominations from the floor. Warren nominated Brian Hollinger, with a second by Jim. Tim Semler moved nominations cease and cast a unanimous ballot for Brian. Second by Dan Folske. Brian is the new northwest director. Bob asked for nominations for someone to sit on the Allocation Committee. Warren nominated Dan Skarsgard. Greg Simonson moved nominations cease an cast a unanimous ballot for Dan. Second by Dan Folske.

The following resolutions from the northwest district were then presented:

Whereas there are price fluctuations and other circumstances that can sometimes cause registered seed of increase varieties to be priced too high for the demand, and; Whereas carryover of clean registered seed levies a financial burden on increase growers and; Whereas a pricing system allowing county crop improvement associations to reduce the price at some point in the selling season would allow growers a better chance to sell this seed, thereby reducing financial losses caused by having carryover seed; Therefore Be It Resolved that county crop improvement associations be allowed to reduce the selling price of such varieties after May 1st if it is apparent that the seed of a particular variety is priced too high for the demand. Dan Folske moved for adoption with a second by Neil Rivland. Vote taken with motion being DEFEATED.

Whereas there are discrepancies with our current pricing system and a change in such system could create excessive problems with neighboring counties such as, delayed registration for seed purchasing, and potentially strong disagreements between county boards and increase seed growers; Therefore Be It Resolved to maintain the current seed pricing system, but allow the NDAES Seed Pricing Committee to change these prices if the year, and/or particular variety deem it necessary. LoAyne moved for adoption with a second by Tim. Vote taken with the motion PASSED.

Whereas selection of increase seed growers in North Dakota has no specific guidelines; Therefore Be It Resolved, that counties shall be notified of the growers eligible in the 3-class system and use this, at their discretion, as a guideline for selecting their growers; and Therefore Be It Further Resolved that counties will be responsible for contacting the eligible growers, not the state association. LoAyne moved for adoption with a second by Dan Skarsgard. Vote taken with show of hands. Twelve in favor, 9 opposed. Motion PASSED.

Whereas the control of new seed increases in a county should be controlled at the local level, and Whereas some county's may turn down or request less than the allowable allotment and Whereas the eligible increase seed growers in that county will not be eligible to contract with the state, and Whereas some counties may not have an active crop improvement association who are willing to deal with increase seed which penalizes seed growers within those counties; Therefore Be It Resolved that Class 1 growers within only such counties should be eligible to sign increase contracts directly with the State Crop Improvement and Seed Association, in which instance all check-off fees would go to the State Association. LoAyne moved for adoption with a second by Warren. Vote taken and motion PASSED.

Whereas the current farm economy is struggling, Therefore Be It Resolved that all seed pricing structures should be re-evaluated when setting seed prices. LoAyne moved to approve with a second by Mike Rose. Vote taken with the motion being DEFEATED.

There being no further business the meeting was adjourned.

Respectfully submitted,
Paulette Neva
Executive Secretary
NDCISA

Winners of the (4) free field inspection certificates were:
Warren Craft
Bob Kornkven
Greg Simonson
David Hall

Northeast District Meeting
November 17, 1999 - Elks Lodge, Devils Lake

The meeting was called to order by District Director Dennis Miller. Paulette read the minutes of last year's meeting with motion to approve by Lloyd Thompson and second by John Peyerl. The financial statement was read and John Peyerl moved to approve as read with a second by Bill Erbstoesser. Check-off and dues were mentioned, with all counties having paid dues for 1999 and eight counties owing on the check-off from last year.

Dennis Miller then turned the meeting over to Lloyd Thompson. Dennis Miller's first term as NE District Director is expiring and a Lloyd asked for nominations for director. John Peyerl nominated Dennis Miller. Bill Erbstoesser moved nominations cease and a unanimous ballot be cast for Dennis. Second by John Peyerl. Dennis will serve another 3-year term. Election of a representative to sit on the Allocation Committee was next. Lyle Ness nominated Bill Erbstoesser. Lloyd moved nominations cease and cast a unanimous ballot for Bill. Second by John Peyerl.

Pricing of seed was again discussed with Chuck Nelson moving for adoption of the following resolution:

Whereas the current pricing system does not allow for any flexibility in pricing of new increase varieties; Therefore Be It Resolved that a state-wide pricing system be implemented that would allow a discounted price for early orders, with the price pro-rated up from there, and Be It Further Resolved that this discount be enough so the farmer can pay for the seed, yet the grower has profit also, and Be It Further Resolved that a cash down payment be collected at the time of the order to insure the sale. Motion second by Lloyd Thompson. Motion PASSED.

Chuck asked that this resolution/recommendation go to whatever committee/channel is appropriate.

There being no further business, Bill Erbstoesser moved to adjourn with a second by Lloyd Thompson.

Respectfully submitted,
Paulette Neva
Executive Secretary
NDCISA

Winners of the (4) free field inspection certificates were:
Gary Throlson
John Peyerl
Franklin Graber
David McMiller

Southeast District Meeting
November 18, 1999 - Valley City Eagles

The meeting was called to order by District Director Joel Anderson. Paulette read the minutes of last year's meeting with a motion to approve by Dale Reimers and a second by Neal Goerger. The financial statement was given with a motion to approve by Greg Nelson and second by Dale Reimers. Check-offs and dues were mentioned. All counties have paid dues for 1999 and nine counties had not responded as yet on the check-off.

Gartner also discussed pricing of the registered class seed of the new varieties. As it is now, there is a "set" price and the committee feels there needs to be some flexibility built into this price. Some flexibility in pricing would be useful in year's when a variety is not selling well (such as the Belzer this past year) or also in the case of the Frontier Pinto Bean where counties were required to maintain a $0.55 per pound price for Certified seed while the certified seed prices in the countryside was about $0.25 per pound. It was suggested that a maximum price could be set,(to prevent price gouging) but let growers/counties lower the price at their own discretion. Gartner explained that if the grower/county had the flexibility to set their own price, it may keep the seed from being carried over in the bin which would benefit the producer and the farm economy of North Dakota. Question was raised as to how the check-off would be handled. This would be set by resolution and a suggestion might be to have a "flat rate" for each, grains, soybeans, etc.

Dr. Spilde said that year's ago the system operated without a "set price" and it caused a lot of problems, but that is not to say that the current system doesn't need to be "tweaked". Spilde offered a suggestion of maybe increasing the difference in price between Registered Class and Certified Class seed. As it is now, the difference in price is only $.50/bu. and maybe a difference of say $1.50 would be better, and then the seed could be downgraded.

There was some concern about the guy who purchases early and would be paying a higher price. Question was asked if there would be some way of telling, say by March 1st or so, if the variety is going to sell or not and at that time do something about the pricing.

There was a question as to who furnishes and pays for mini-bulks. The cleaner furnishes them, there is a deposit and this is paid back when the mini-bulks are returned.

There was discussion once again on the price structure. Neal Berntson introduced the following resolution and moved for adoption. Whereas a change in the current pricing system for registered seed of new varieties would create problems (i.e. disagreements between counties/growers, "bargain" shoppers etc., Therefore Be It Resolved that we continue a uniform pricing structure among all counties. Neal Goerger second the motion. Motion PASSED.

Question was asked as to the group's feeling on LeRoy's proposal of having a larger difference in price between Registered Class and Certified Class. Some of the group felt that would be an OK option.

Question was again raised on what was happening on the proposed video. Galen said his portion was done but did not know the standing on the other portions. There had been some thought given to using the video on combine cleaning that South Dakota put out, but their video showed a guy cleaning the combine with it running and that was not something that should be recommended. Galen did mention that there is a lot of information regarding the seed increase program on the WEB now and there doesn't seem to be as much demand for production of the video.

Dale Reimers 1st term as District Director is expiring and Joel opened the floor for nominations. Tom Olson nominated Dale Reimers. Greg Nelson moved nominations cease and cast a unanimous ballot for Dale. Second by Tom Olson.

Election of a representative to sit on the Allocation Committee was next. Greg nominated Joel Anderson. Eugene Elhard moved nominations cease and cast a unanimous ballot for Joel. Second by Greg Nelson.

Joel mentioned that the State Meeting is scheduled for February 8, 2000 at the International Inn, Minot.

There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned.

Respectfully submitted,
Paulette Neva
Executive Secretary
NDCISA

Winners of the (4) free field inspection certificates were:
Neal Goerger
Anthony Thilmony
Greg Nelson
Neal Berntson

RESOLUTIONS INTRODUCED AT THE 1999 DISTRICT MEETINGS

Northwest District:

#1 Whereas there are discrepancies with our current pricing system and a change in such system could create excessive problems with neighboring counties such as, delayed registration for seed purchasing, and potentially strong disagreements between county boards and increase seed growers; Therefore Be It Resolved to maintain the current seed pricing system, but allow the NDAES Seed Pricing Committee to change these prices if the year, and/or particular variety deem it necessary. LoAyne moved for adoption with a second by Tim. Vote taken with the motion PASSED.

#2 Whereas selection of increase seed growers in North Dakota has no specific guidelines; Therefore Be It Resolved, that counties shall be notified of the growers eligible in the 3-class system and use this, at their discretion, as a guideline for selecting their growers; and Therefore Be It Further Resolved that counties will be responsible for contacting the eligible growers, not the state association. LoAyne moved for adoption with a second by Dan Skarsgard. Vote taken with show of hands. Twelve in favor, 9 opposed. Motion PASSED.

#3 Whereas the control of new seed increases in a county should be controlled at the local level, and Whereas some county's may turn down or request less than the allowable allotment and Whereas the eligible increase seed growers in that county will not be eligible to contract with the state, and Whereas some counties may not have an active crop improvement association who are willing to deal with increase seed which penalizes seed growers within those counties; Therefore Be It Resolved that Class 1 growers within only such counties should be eligible to sign increase contracts directly with the State Crop Improvement and Seed Association, in which instance all check-off fees would go to the State Association. LoAyne moved for adoption with a second by Warren. Vote taken and motion PASSED.

Northeast District:

#1 Whereas the current pricing system does not allow for any flexibility in pricing of new increase varieties; Therefore Be It Resolved that a state-wide pricing system be implemented that would allow a discounted price for early orders, with the price pro-rated up from there, and Be It Further Resolved that this discount be enough so the farmer can pay for the seed, yet the grower has profit also, and Be It Further Resolved that a cash down payment be collected at the time of the order to insure the sale. Chuck Nelson moved for adoption with a second by Lloyd Thompson. Motion PASSED.

Southeast District:

#1 Whereas a change in the current pricing system for registered seed of new varieties would create problems (i.e. disagreements between counties/growers, "bargain" shoppers etc., Therefore Be It Resolved that we continue a uniform pricing structure among all counties. Neal Berntson moved for adoption with a second by Neal Goerger. Motion PASSED.