The USDA Seed Regulatory and Testing Division will hold a seed school from August 12-14, 2024, in Gastonia, NC. Topics will include seed identification of many similar species, purity, germination and tetrazolium evaluations, uniform blowing, and seed testing calculations. The class is limited to 18 participants. Participants will be accepted on a first come, first serve basis.
Please contact Todd Erickson at todd.erickson@usda.gov to reserve your spot.
Following the seed school, the purity and germination exams will be offered on the 15th and 16th. A separate announcement will be sent regarding these exams. The examination committee must be contacted to apply.
The seed school is open to seed analysts of all experience levels. All lessons will contain both lecture and hands on components. While the curriculum will help analysts prepare for the exam, it is not intended solely as a preparatory course for the exam.
