Chaimpaign, Illinois, USA
September 30, 2014
Seed Lab Director and Registered Seed Technologist Steve Beals discusses grass seed germination.
Local college students in and around the Champaign-Urbana area have long had the advantage of visiting Illinois Crop Improvement Association, Inc. located in Research Park. The history and purpose of the organization is first on the agenda followed by a tour of the various certification, lab and greenhouse facilities.
“The only thing we can’t show them directly is our Puerto Rico Winter Farm” says CEO Doug Miller. Pictures of off-types, seed increases and sunshine pales in comparison to being just off the Caribbean Sea in January and February. Students are often surprised that Illinois Crop works in a tropical location with Illinois exotics such as cotton and peanut.
The Directors of the Seed Lab, Field Services and Identity Preserved Grain Lab take turns discussing scientific procedures and rules for seed testing. It is a good experience for students and hosts. Students learn and the hosts learn how to present their role in the seed and grain industry. Some of the “tourists” come back as part-time student workers.
“Ag kids are the best” says CEO Doug Miller, “dependable and eager to learn about different roles in agriculture.” It’s a win-win relationship.
According to Don Bergfield, Parkland College, “The reason I schedule a tour of Illinois Crop Improvement Association every semester is that I feel it is important that the students see the connection between seed production, seed quality, seed purity, genetic purity, grain quality and end use. With all the activity at Illinois Crop my students get a sense of the diversity of agriculture that is related to each seed and how important it is to agriculture! From germination to trait testing to field inspection to certification it all has a very important role in keeping agriculture strong. Students also have an opportunity to see the hands on testing and get an idea of possible careers related to the seed industry. I remember very well my trip as a student to Illinois Crop and with all the added services and activities going on now, 35 years later, it is just as relevant as it was then!”
For more information contact Illinois Crop Improvement CEO Doug Miller at 217-359-4053.
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