Introduction

Seed Production

Education &
Achievements

Location & Contact

Field Day:
July 14, 2008
5: 30 p.m.

Introduction
The Agronomy Seed Farm (ASF) produces foundation seed for North Dakota seedsman and cooperates in research efforts of ND Agricultural Experiment Station's scientists located at the Main Experiment Station in Fargo. Research and outreach efforts focus on the evaluation and development of new crop varieties and providing data on varieties grown under eastern North Dakota growing conditions.

Economic Importance
The ASF's foundation seed production provides seedstock that supplies the certified seed industry and serves as a springboard for nearly all crop production in the state that relies on public breeding programs.

As a number of protected varieties are released by the North Dakota Agricultural Experiment Station, demand for seed is expected to increase. The ability to produce adequate foundation seed is an imperative step in providing improved varieties from NDSU plant breeding programs to producers .

For example: the release of Alsen, the first scab-resistant hard red spring wheat variety, highlights the role the ASF plays in seed production. The farm produced, conditioned and distributed more than 13,000 bushels of Foundation Class Seed Alsen to the agricultural industry.

Self Funded
The ASF is self-financed entirely by sale of the seed it produces.

History
The ASF was established in 1949 from contributions obtained through a fund drive initiated by the North Dakota Crop Improvement Association.

Advisory Council
The ASF is governed by an advisory council consisting of seedsmen representing the four crop improvement districts of the state. It meets annually to evaluate the management and progress of the ASF.