North Dakota Foundation Seedstocks Program Overview

The North Dakota Agricultural Experiment Station (NDAES) develops and releases new, improved crop cultivars that deliver competitive yield potential, pest resistance, and desirable quality characteristics. The North Dakota Foundation Seedstock Program fulfills a vital role for agriculture, transitioning advanced experimental lines from breeding programs into commercial products.

Program Details

The Foundation Seed Program assists plant breeders with characterization of new products, completion of documentation to meet Federal Seed Act seed certification eligibility requirements, and purification of new varieties. Foundation class seed of new releases is generally distributed through the North Dakota Crop Improvement and Seed Association the first year, and is then available to all growers in subsequent years. The program maintains Foundation seed production for as long as the cultivar is commercially viable.

Program Structure

The North Dakota Foundation Seed Program is comprised of the main office at NDSUFargo, and NDSU research stations located across the state; the Agronomy Seed Farm, Casselton, and Research Extension Centers located at Carrington, Langdon, Minot, and Williston. The main campus office provides administrative functions, manages dry bean seed production and distribution, and manages seed sales and distribution for ancillary USDA programs.

Seed Production

The Foundation Seedstocks Program, in conjunction with the Agronomy Seed Farm and REC directors, determines the quantity of foundation seed for established cultivars that will be required to satisfy seed needs for the next growing season. In addition, seed requirements for new experimental cultivars are determined. In any given year, the program will produce between 50 and 75 distinctive varieties of roughly 20 different crops. Over the last 20 years, the Foundation Seed program has averaged 4,500 acres of seed production per year at the RECs. Approximately 300 acres of dry edible bean seed is produced each year under contract in key western states, where drier weather conditions minimize the risk of seed-borne diseases.

Facilities and Production Locations

• Agronomy Seed Farm, Casselton, ND
• Carrington Research Extension Center, Carrington, ND
• Langdon Research Extension Center, Langdon, ND
• North Central Research Extension Center, Minot, ND
• Williston Research Extension Center, Williston, ND

Program Management

The program utilizes the latest technology available in farm equipment and the application of computer technologies to understand fields better, allowing production locations to efficiently deliver high-quality seed products of the newest varieties available to customers.

North Dakota State University

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Overview:

North Dakota State University (NDSU) is a public, land-grant, research university located in Fargo, North Dakota. It is a top-ranked R1 institution, known for its commitment to student-focused learning and its dedication to research. NDSU provides affordable access to an excellent education that combines teaching and research in a rich learning environment.

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Services Offered:

The university offers a wide range of services to its students, including:

Admission:

NDSU provides comprehensive admission services, including application assistance, financial aid information, and campus visits.

Academic Programs:

NDSU offers a diverse range of undergraduate and graduate programs across various disciplines.

Campus Life:

NDSU provides a vibrant campus life with various co-curricular activities, dining services, residence life options, and athletic events.

Student Support:

NDSU offers support services such as career advising, counseling, and wellness resources.

Research Opportunities:

NDSU provides ample research opportunities for students to engage in cutting-edge research projects.

Online Programs:

NDSU offers a variety of online degree programs for students seeking flexible learning options.

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

NDSU offers a vibrant campus experience with a strong sense of community. Students can participate in various co-curricular activities, including clubs, organizations, and sports. The university also provides a variety of dining options, residence halls, and recreational facilities.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

Affordable Education:

NDSU offers an excellent education at an affordable price.

Research Opportunities:

NDSU is a research-intensive university, providing students with opportunities to engage in cutting-edge research.

Hands-on Learning:

NDSU emphasizes hands-on learning, providing students with practical experience in their chosen fields.

Strong Faculty:

NDSU has a strong faculty committed to teaching and mentoring students.

Vibrant Campus Life:

NDSU offers a vibrant campus life with a strong sense of community.

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Academic Programs:

NDSU offers a wide range of academic programs, including:

Agriculture and Biological Systems:

NDSU is a leading institution in agriculture and biological systems, with strong programs in areas such as animal science, plant science, and biotechnology.

Engineering and Architecture:

NDSU offers a variety of engineering and architecture programs, including civil engineering, mechanical engineering, and architecture.

Health Sciences:

NDSU has a strong presence in health sciences, with programs in areas such as nursing, pharmacy, and public health.

Humanities and Social Sciences:

NDSU offers a variety of humanities and social sciences programs, including English, history, and political science.

Business and Economics:

NDSU has a strong business and economics program, with programs in areas such as accounting, finance, and marketing.

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Other:

NDSU is committed to diversity and inclusion, and it offers a variety of resources and programs to support students from diverse backgrounds. The university also has a strong commitment to sustainability and has implemented a number of initiatives to reduce its environmental impact.