Looking for quality seeds to plant in 2004?

The Iowa Crop Improvement Association (ICIA) has published two seed directories that include listings of corn, native prairie species, oats, soybeans and wheat seeds.

The first is the Iowa Seed Directory, which contains seed information from more than 100 producers. ICIA members range from farmer-owned seed enterprises to multi-national companies. Members produce corn, native prairie species, oats, soybeans and wheat seeds. The directory lists fields that were inspected during the 2003 for seed quality and genetic purity.

The second directory is the Source Identified Seed Directory, which is new for the 2004 season and features native prairie species. Seed production has been source identified by ICIA, which documents the seed collection source. This is important because many native prairie plants and seeds on the market do not guarantee place of origin. Seeds labeled with a Source Identified yellow label, indicate geographic origin and area of adaptation. More than 130 species are available from ICIA member growers.

The association encourages consumers to request analysis information when making a seed purchase. Customers can obtain documentation of seed germination, purity and presence of weed species. This assures the buyer that they are purchasing quality seed.

The seed directories are free and available by contacting ICIA at (515) 294-6921. The directories also can be found on the ICIA website at http://www.agron.iastate.edu/icia/