Job Summary:Performs and supports seed testing activities using established protocols while coordinating daily lab workflow and providing technical guidance to ensure high-quality, reliable data. This role also supports the onboarding, training, and day-to-day coordination of seasonal and temporary staff during peak periods, ensuring efficient lab operations and adherence to company standards. Duties/Responsibilities:…
Volume 93 No. 1 Dear AOSA & SCST Members, Please find the link below with the latest issue of the Seed Technologist Newsletter, which includes information on potential AOSA-SCST Presidential candidates, important updates from ASTA on state and federal regulatory concerns, and a new wild species method database, plus updates on committee activities. Seed Technologist…
David F. Svik, 77, of Lincoln, NE, passed away on March 30, 2025. David was born on December 1, 1947 in Atlantic, Iowa to Frank and Alice (Cimfel) Svik. He grew up in Clarkson, NE and graduated from Clarkson High School. After graduation, David moved to Lincoln, NE to attend the University of Nebraska at…
Registration is now open! Germination:Date: April 27-30Exam: May 12 (written and practical, online)Cost: $600.00 Germination Week is a hands-on short course for seed professionals preparing for the AOSA/SCST Germination exam. Participants gain applied experience evaluating seedlings across a wide range of crop, vegetable, flower, and grass species using warm and cold germination tests, along with accelerated aging,…
June 6-11th, 2026 Rochester, New York 2026 AOSA SCST Annual Meeting Read on for news on: Registration Hotel Room Block Workshops Offsite Tour: Niagara Falls Research Paper Session Seed Issues Forum/Poster Session REGISTRATION **The registration button on the website is currently malfunctioning and is not showing, use the link below to directly register until we’ve rectified…
Dear Members, State Noxious-weed Seed List has been updated for February 2026. As a reminder, this publication will only be updated when SRTD receives an official information from the State seed control officials. The State seed control officials are encouraged to contact the SRTD office as soon as updates or changes are being made to…
Dear AOSA & SCST Members, The webinar has been posted on the AOSA/SCST website. You may view it through the AOSA/SCST Home page under CE Webinars & Practice Exams OR the Teaching and Training Committee page. You may also go directly to the page by clicking on the link below. AOSA / SCST Teaching and Training – Analyzeseeds…
Genetics SuperWorkshop 2026 A Week of Discovery, Innovation & Collaboration HURRY!! Deadline to sign-up is January 23rd! February 2 – 6, 2026Iowa State University – Ames, IowaFormat: Full-day sessions, hands-on labs Join us for five immersive days at Iowa State University as we dive into different topics of crop genetic science. This Super Workshop brings together…
Stanley Ray Grote, known affectionately by family and friends as Stan, passed away peacefully on January 3, 2026, at the age of 77. Born on October 5, 1948, in Sabetha, Kansas, Stan was a man whose gentle nature, wisdom, and humor brought light into the lives of all who knew him. Stan is survived by…
Genetics SuperWorkshop 2026 A Week of Discovery, Innovation & Collaboration February 2 – 6, 2026Iowa State University – Ames, IowaFormat: Full-day sessions, hands-on labs Join us for five immersive days at Iowa State University as we dive into different topics of crop genetic science. This Super Workshop brings together industry experts, educators, and students for a…
Dear AOSA & SCST Members, I would like to share Ernest Allen’s write-up to ISTA regarding Dr. Payne’s legacy (Weekly Newsletter). Dr. Payne passed away on June 26, 2025. However, his family did not hold a memorial service until recently since one of his favorite holidays is Halloween. Dr. Payne meant so much to AOSA, SCST…
Volume 92 No. 3 Dear AOSA & SCST Members, Please click the link below to view the latest issue of The Seed Technologist Newsletter, Volume 92 No. 3 Seed Technologists Newsletter – Volume 92, Issue 3 – Analyzeseeds Communications and Publications – Analyzeseeds This issue contains updates from ASTA on Biotechnology, AOSCA on their new Inspector…
Dear AOSA & SCST Members, The webinar has been posted on the AOSA/SCST website. You may view it through the AOSA/SCST Home page under CE Webinars & Practice Exams OR the Teaching and Training Committee page. You may also go directly to the page by clicking on the link below. AOSA / SCST Teaching and Training – Analyzeseeds…
Genetics SuperWorkshop 2026 A Week of Discovery, Innovation & Collaboration February 2 – 6, 2026Iowa State University – Ames, IowaFormat: Full-day sessions, hands-on labs Join us for five immersive days at Iowa State University as we dive into different topics of crop genetic science. This Super Workshop brings together industry experts, educators, and students for a…
Remembering Gary Cook We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of retired Seed Lab Manager Gary Cook. Gary dedicated more than four decades of his career to the Illinois Crop Improvement Association, leaving behind a legacy of excellence, professionalism, and commitment to the seed industry. Gary joined ICIA in 1976 after graduating from…
Greetings AOSA & SCST Members, On behalf of the AOSCA Grass Variety Review Board, please see the below memo and chart referencing “Variety Fluorescence Levels Recognized by the AOSCA Grass Variety Review Board”. This VFL list accepted as of July 23th, 2025 supersedes all previously dated lists. Please distribute this list to all interested businesses,…
Dear Members, State Noxious-weed Seed List has been updated for March 2025 with June 2025 corrections. As a reminder, this publication will only be updated when SRTD receives an official information from the State seed control officials. The State seed control officials are encouraged to contact the SRTD office as soon as updates or changes…
Barbara Grace Davis Clark age 81 of New Richmond, passed away unexpectedly in her home Thursday, February 27, 2025. Barb was born in Kokomo on July 20, 1943 daughter of the late Junior and Margaret Beck Davis. She married Jerry Clark May 9, 1969 in Jefferson, IN and he preceded her in death December 25,…
Bennie Charles Keith, Jr., 72, of Starkville, passed away May 31, 2025, at University Medical Center in Jackson. Born on July 4, 1952, in Hollandale, he was the oldest son of Bennie Charles and Rose Katherine (Harper) Keith. He learned the value of hard work early, growing up on a farm, and helping at his…
Volume 92 No. 2 Dear AOSA & SCST Members, The attached is a special edition of the AOSA-SCST Newsletter, devoted to the goings-on at this year’s Annual Meeting in Missoula, including guidelines for new attendees, in-person and virtual meeting agendas, committee agendas, and information about our exciting tour to Alberton Orchards. Please click the link…
Job Summary:Performs and supports seed testing activities using established protocols while coordinating daily lab workflow and providing technical guidance to ensure high-quality, reliable data. This role also supports the onboarding, training, and day-to-day coordination of seasonal and temporary staff during peak periods, ensuring efficient lab operations and adherence to company standards. Duties/Responsibilities:…
Volume 93 No. 1 Dear AOSA & SCST Members, Please find the link below with the latest issue of the Seed Technologist Newsletter, which includes information on potential AOSA-SCST Presidential candidates, important updates from ASTA on state and federal regulatory concerns, and a new wild species method database, plus updates on committee activities. Seed Technologist…
Registration is now open! Germination:Date: April 27-30Exam: May 12 (written and practical, online)Cost: $600.00 Germination Week is a hands-on short course for seed professionals preparing for the AOSA/SCST Germination exam. Participants gain applied experience evaluating seedlings across a wide range of crop, vegetable, flower, and grass species using warm and cold germination tests, along with accelerated aging,…
June 6-11th, 2026 Rochester, New York 2026 AOSA SCST Annual Meeting Read on for news on: Registration Hotel Room Block Workshops Offsite Tour: Niagara Falls Research Paper Session Seed Issues Forum/Poster Session REGISTRATION **The registration button on the website is currently malfunctioning and is not showing, use the link below to directly register until we’ve rectified…
Dear Members, State Noxious-weed Seed List has been updated for February 2026. As a reminder, this publication will only be updated when SRTD receives an official information from the State seed control officials. The State seed control officials are encouraged to contact the SRTD office as soon as updates or changes are being made to…
Dear AOSA & SCST Members, The webinar has been posted on the AOSA/SCST website. You may view it through the AOSA/SCST Home page under CE Webinars & Practice Exams OR the Teaching and Training Committee page. You may also go directly to the page by clicking on the link below. AOSA / SCST Teaching and Training – Analyzeseeds…
Genetics SuperWorkshop 2026 A Week of Discovery, Innovation & Collaboration HURRY!! Deadline to sign-up is January 23rd! February 2 – 6, 2026Iowa State University – Ames, IowaFormat: Full-day sessions, hands-on labs Join us for five immersive days at Iowa State University as we dive into different topics of crop genetic science. This Super Workshop brings together…
Genetics SuperWorkshop 2026 A Week of Discovery, Innovation & Collaboration February 2 – 6, 2026Iowa State University – Ames, IowaFormat: Full-day sessions, hands-on labs Join us for five immersive days at Iowa State University as we dive into different topics of crop genetic science. This Super Workshop brings together industry experts, educators, and students for a…
Volume 92 No. 3 Dear AOSA & SCST Members, Please click the link below to view the latest issue of The Seed Technologist Newsletter, Volume 92 No. 3 Seed Technologists Newsletter – Volume 92, Issue 3 – Analyzeseeds Communications and Publications – Analyzeseeds This issue contains updates from ASTA on Biotechnology, AOSCA on their new Inspector…
Dear AOSA & SCST Members, The webinar has been posted on the AOSA/SCST website. You may view it through the AOSA/SCST Home page under CE Webinars & Practice Exams OR the Teaching and Training Committee page. You may also go directly to the page by clicking on the link below. AOSA / SCST Teaching and Training – Analyzeseeds…
Genetics SuperWorkshop 2026 A Week of Discovery, Innovation & Collaboration February 2 – 6, 2026Iowa State University – Ames, IowaFormat: Full-day sessions, hands-on labs Join us for five immersive days at Iowa State University as we dive into different topics of crop genetic science. This Super Workshop brings together industry experts, educators, and students for a…
Greetings AOSA & SCST Members, On behalf of the AOSCA Grass Variety Review Board, please see the below memo and chart referencing “Variety Fluorescence Levels Recognized by the AOSCA Grass Variety Review Board”. This VFL list accepted as of July 23th, 2025 supersedes all previously dated lists. Please distribute this list to all interested businesses,…
Dear Members, State Noxious-weed Seed List has been updated for March 2025 with June 2025 corrections. As a reminder, this publication will only be updated when SRTD receives an official information from the State seed control officials. The State seed control officials are encouraged to contact the SRTD office as soon as updates or changes…
Volume 92 No. 2 Dear AOSA & SCST Members, The attached is a special edition of the AOSA-SCST Newsletter, devoted to the goings-on at this year’s Annual Meeting in Missoula, including guidelines for new attendees, in-person and virtual meeting agendas, committee agendas, and information about our exciting tour to Alberton Orchards. Please click the link…
Volume 92 No. 1 Dear AOSA & SCST Members, Please click the link below to view the latest issue of The Seed Technologist Newsletter, Volume 92 No. 1 Seed Technologists Newsletter – Volume 92, Issue 1 – Analyzeseeds Communications and Publications – Analyzeseeds This issue contains Meadow Fescue and Tall Fescue comparisons, the 2025 Rule…
Dear AOSA & SCST Members, The Teaching and Training Committee is seeking qualified tutors for distance training. Registered Seed Technologists and Certified Seed Analysts are preferred. If you are interested in being a tutor, please contact either Angie Croft acroft@growmark.com or Anitra Walker anitra.walker@usda.gov. Thank You, Teaching and Training Committee Chair’s Angie Croft acroft@growmark.com Anitra Walker anitra.walker@usda.gov
Greetings AOSA & SCST Members, On behalf of the AOSCA Grass Variety Review Board, please see the below memo and chart referencing “Variety Fluorescence Levels Recognized by the AOSCA Grass Variety Review Board”. This VFL list accepted as of March 17th, 2025 supersedes all previously dated lists. Please distribute this list to all interested businesses,…
Dear AOSA & SCST Members, The webinar has been posted on the AOSA/SCST website. You may view it through the AOSA/SCST Home page under CE Webinars & Practice Exams OR the Teaching and Training Committee page. You may also go directly to the page by clicking on the link below. AOSA / SCST Teaching and Training – Analyzeseeds…
Greetings AOSA & SCST Members, On behalf of the AOSCA Grass Variety Review Board, please see the below memo and chart referencing “Variety Fluorescence Levels Recognized by the AOSCA Grass Variety Review Board”. This VFL list accepted as of January 14th, 2025 supersedes all previously dated lists. Please distribute this list to all interested businesses,…
Dear AOSA & SCST Members, The webinar has been posted on the AOSA/SCST website. You may view it through the AOSA/SCST Home page under CE Webinars & Practice Exams OR the Teaching and Training Committee page. You may also go directly to the page by clicking on the link below. AOSA / SCST Teaching and Training – Analyzeseeds…
The USDA Seed Regulatory and Testing Division is offering two seed schools this year in Gastonia, NC. The first is May 28 – 30 and is tailored to newer analysts. It will cover the basics of seed testing, including dividing, blowing, purity testing, germination planting and evaluation, TZ testing, and calculations. Some seed ID will…
Applications for examination are now being accepted for the following dates:Region II: Midwest, May 2nd and May 9th, 2025 Iowa State University will be hosting the AOSA/SCST exams in Ames, IA in conjunction with their Seed Analyst Short Courses: Germination April 28th – May 1st and Purity May 5th – May 8th. The Germination Examination will be…
Greetings AOSA & SCST Members, On behalf of the AOSCA Grass Variety Review Board, please see the below memo and chart referencing “Variety Fluorescence Levels Recognized by the AOSCA Grass Variety Review Board”. This VFL list accepted as of December 12th, 2024 supersedes all previously dated lists. Please distribute this list to all interested businesses,…
Volume 91 No. 2 Dear AOSA & SCST Members, Please click the link below to view the latest issue of The Seed Technologist Newsletter, Volume 91 No. 2 Seed Technologists Newsletter – Volume 91, Issue 2 – Analyzeseeds Communications and Publications – Analyzeseeds This issue contains reports of research projects, a guide to the identification…
David F. Svik, 77, of Lincoln, NE, passed away on March 30, 2025. David was born on December 1, 1947 in Atlantic, Iowa to Frank and Alice (Cimfel) Svik. He grew up in Clarkson, NE and graduated from Clarkson High School. After graduation, David moved to Lincoln, NE to attend the University of Nebraska at…
Stanley Ray Grote, known affectionately by family and friends as Stan, passed away peacefully on January 3, 2026, at the age of 77. Born on October 5, 1948, in Sabetha, Kansas, Stan was a man whose gentle nature, wisdom, and humor brought light into the lives of all who knew him. Stan is survived by…
Dear AOSA & SCST Members, I would like to share Ernest Allen’s write-up to ISTA regarding Dr. Payne’s legacy (Weekly Newsletter). Dr. Payne passed away on June 26, 2025. However, his family did not hold a memorial service until recently since one of his favorite holidays is Halloween. Dr. Payne meant so much to AOSA, SCST…
Remembering Gary Cook We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of retired Seed Lab Manager Gary Cook. Gary dedicated more than four decades of his career to the Illinois Crop Improvement Association, leaving behind a legacy of excellence, professionalism, and commitment to the seed industry. Gary joined ICIA in 1976 after graduating from…
Barbara Grace Davis Clark age 81 of New Richmond, passed away unexpectedly in her home Thursday, February 27, 2025. Barb was born in Kokomo on July 20, 1943 daughter of the late Junior and Margaret Beck Davis. She married Jerry Clark May 9, 1969 in Jefferson, IN and he preceded her in death December 25,…
Bennie Charles Keith, Jr., 72, of Starkville, passed away May 31, 2025, at University Medical Center in Jackson. Born on July 4, 1952, in Hollandale, he was the oldest son of Bennie Charles and Rose Katherine (Harper) Keith. He learned the value of hard work early, growing up on a farm, and helping at his…
Helene Shoaf, 79, passed away on Wednesday, February 13, 2025 at her residence in Battle Ground, Indiana. Helene was born June 25, 1945 in Landshut, Germany to the late Benjamin and Eugenia (Wahl) Gruenke. She was married to Charles William Shoaf on August 3, 1968 in Lafayette. He preceded her in death on April 17,…
It is with deep sadness that we announced the passing of Harold “Rodger” Danielson of Millersburg, Oregon on January 4, 2025. Rodger and his twin sister Lynnea were born in Redding, California to Harold and Mildred Danielson. In his youth, the family lived in Redding, California, then moved to Eureka, Bolinas and finally to Larkspur,…
Jennifer J. Pernsteiner, age 65, of Fall Creek WI, passed away peacefully after a courageous battle with cancer on Sunday, December 22, 2024 at her home surrounded by her loving family. Services will be at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, January 3, 2025 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Vesper, WI. Pastor Ryan Anderson will officiate. Burial…
Ethel Viola Ledgerwood Davis passed away of natural causes on February 3, 2024, in Klamath Falls, Oregon, at the age of 104. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband and nine siblings. She leaves behind 11 nieces and nephews and multiple great- and great-great-nieces and nephews. She was born November 29, 1919, in…
Michael Lynn Simpson, 62, of Pawnee, Illinois, passed away Friday, May 3, 2024, in Springfield. He was born Aug. 27, 1961, in Springfield, the son of Harry R. and Margaret L. Wright Simpson Jr. He married Rochelle “Shelley” I. Freitag on March 1, 2024, in Springfield. Michael was preceded in death by his parents and…
Vicky was born in Nampa, Idaho on March 3, 1945, to Andrew F. Voigt and Goldie Peterson Voigt. She was raised on a farm East of Nampa and attended country schools until they were consolidated with the Kuna schools. Upon graduating from Kuna High School in 1962, she continued on and attended Kinman Business College…
Denny Hall passed away after a 2 year battle with cancer. He was at his home in Powell Wyoming with his wife Jackie and sister Patty Mayfield by his side. He was born on December 1, 1953 to Donna and Denny Hall in Morgantown,West Virginia. He graduated from Morgantown high school in 1971. He was…
Donald Ogawa, 70, of Caldwell, ID, passed away at his home on September 27, 2022 following a multi-year battle with cancer. Don was born April 14, 1952, in Nampa, Idaho. He graduated from Middleton High School in 1970. He attended Boise College for a time. Early in his career he managed the Karcher Ranch Market,…