The North Dakota State Seed Department has concluded field inspections of certified winter wheat seed production fields and has made its annual list of certified winter wheat seed available on its website.

“In 2012, certified seed production increased to a record 20,598 acres, so there should be adequate seed supplies of high-quality certified seed available for fall planting,” says Steve Sebesta, State Seed Department deputy seed commissioner.

Producers looking to purchase foundation, registered or certified winter wheat seed can go to www.ndseed.com and click on Field Seed Directory at the top to find the 2012 list. Producers also can obtain a list from the Seed Department or their local North Dakota State University Extension Service office.

“The fields listed have passed inspections and meet certification requirements for field standards,” Sebesta says. “However, the seed is not certified until it has been conditioned and lab tested to ensure it meets seed standards and is properly labeled.”

Buyers and sellers are advised to pay close attention to the plant variety protection status for all varieties and call the Seed Department or variety owners if there are any questions about legal seed transactions.

For more complete and detailed descriptions of the varieties listed, consult NDSU Extension publications at http://www.ag.ndsu.edu/ndsuag/crops.

NDSU Agriculture Communication - Aug. 10, 2012