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Combines
May 13, 2024

Case Study: Chief Mountain Seed

20/20 Seed Labs Agronomy, Case Study 2020Seedlabs, casestudy, Chief Mountain Seed

Chief Mountain Seed – Mike Hofer

Customer loyalty is vital to Chief Mountain Seed. Before starting his seed business, he was a 20/20 Seed Labs Inc. customer, so he was already familiar with the lab’s expertise.

Growing an idea

Mike started thinking about forage seed production in 2018. He had a smaller farm and was looking for a niche to grow into. He was intrigued by forage seed production, had seen it done successfully in the US, and took inspiration from the operations he knew south of the border.

Combines at work in tall fescue field. 

“I was wondering, could we do this in southern Alberta?” says Hofer. I started researching in the summer of 2018, making connections and asking questions. We found good tools around the varieties that would work in our area and planted the first field in 2018.”

He started talking about building a seed plant to process their seeds in 2019. By 2021, the seed plant was operational and specifically designed for forage seed cleaning. Hofer knew that he needed training and started with grader training at 20/20 Seed Labs. Then, he did his ISTA sampling training there as well.

“It was a lot to do at once,” he laughs, “but I knew it was worth getting the expertise and training.”

Deciding on 20/20 Seed Labs for testing, training, and other work was easy. Hofer has learned through working with the team, they were passionate experts who were there to help their customers grow their crops and businesses.

Hofer got a recommendation from local forage seed producers as a good lab to use.

Production

The first year of seed production was the 2020 crop year; the mill was up and running by January 2021 and started sending seed samples to 20/20 for seed testing. Forage seed purity is critical, especially for exporting seed, as Chief Mountain Seed does.

In the plant, they sample according to set protocols for accuracy, and each one is sent to the lab for testing. Purity and export sales testing is critical for forage. It is sold based on the tests, so accuracy at all stages is essential. Everything from field conditions, good agronomic practices, and a well-set up seed plant is vital to success.

Top screen of cleaner separating seed from screenings. 

Quality

There have been many ups and downs in the forage seed sector, but quality has come back as the most important factor. Buyers want high-quality seed, so accurate sampling is a critical step so tests can be representative of the entire lot.

The goal is 98% pure seed, so seed lot tests need to be representative of the product—being properly trained in sampling is so important.

At Chief Mountain Seed, they use an autosampler set for frequency. For example, on a 44,000 lb. lot of seed, the autosampler will take a sample every 5 minutes (which means 1.75 kg of seed from that lot, divided according to ISTA protocols), dividing until there are 250-450 gram sample sizes for submission to the laboratory.

The most common is export to the US, asking for AOSA germination, AOSA purity (percentage of pure seed), and AOSA bulk exam (tells what weeds, if any, are present in the lot). They need an APHIS to export, and they will do a TZ, which gives a quick germ if the customer requires it.

Once a test result is obtained, it is forwarded to the buyer, who then uses it in their sales program. The link between accurate sampling, accurate testing, and a trusted certificate of quality is critical to sales and ongoing relationships with customers.

Relationships

20/20 Seed Labs also provides crop inspection services for forage seed fields on their own and their contract growers. Mike has been working with his contract growers on their seed certification process and supporting them with their experience with forage agronomy and testing.

“The inspectors work well for us, and we like that 20/20 offers the same high-quality service in the field as they do in the lab. We have not been disappointed.,” says Hofer.

Customer service is vital in all stages of seed production, and the lab offers quick turnaround, value-added support, and high-quality service. For example, if he finds a weed or a seed, he is unsure of, he can text it to the lab. He sent it after hours and got a response very quickly—and he appreciated it.

There is no local option to get a mill check done to ensure it is set correctly. Hofer ships his mill check samples to the lab, often needing a quick turnaround. Many times, he gets a same-day or next-day response to the request. The high quality of service is a big reason for his loyalty as a customer.

Also, seed test reporting differs between Canada and the US. 20/20 ensures that the reporting meets the needs of his US customers.

As a smaller company, their focus is to be a high-quality source to fill a niche in the forage seed market. They are expanding slowly by adding growers, looking for quality perspectives rather than a large number of growers. Quality is the most important part of their business.

In conversation, people often suggest trying other labs, but Mike stays with 20/20 because of the level of service and the responsive, expert team that can help with challenges and provide support. Having an expert team who can quickly address issues is huge, and they are thankful for it.

With his farm and business, Hofer prefers a perspective of learning and growth. 20/20 Seed Labs has helped him navigate bureaucratic paperwork for certificates and programs, which he really appreciates. Moving forward and always growing fits well with the 20/20 motto of “Never Stop Growing.”

 Chiefmountainseeds.com

Beautiful sunrise on the night cut fescue.

Proficiency Testing May at 20/20 Seed Labs

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2020 Seed Labs

Contact Us

support@2020seedlabs.ca

Manitoba
3489 Pembina Hwy
Winnipeg, MB R3V 1A4
Phone: 1-204-261-3755

Alberta
507 – 11 Avenue
Nisku, AB T9E 7N5
Phone: 1-877-420-2099

© Copyright 20/20 Seed Labs Inc. 2024. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy
  • 1-877-420-2099
  • support@2020seedlabs.ca

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How to Submit a Sample
to 20/20 Seed Labs Inc.

  Please use our our ‘3-Step Process’ when submitting samples to be tested.

Take a Representative Sample

Select Your Testing and Enter Your Sample Details

Ship or Drop Off Your Sample To Our Lab

STEP 1: Take a Representative Sample

We provide testing on seeds, plants and soil. Select the type of sample below that you are submitting for sample collection instructions.

  • Seed Samples

    The table below outlines the type of seed test and required sampling amount needed for each test. Be sure to follow the 4 steps indicated to collect your sample.

    Cereals

    Seed Health & Disease Tests
    500 g (2 1/2 cups)
    Purity Tests
    1 kg (5 cups)

    Pulses

    Seed Health & Disease Tests
    500 g (3 cups)
    Purity Tests
    1 kg (6 cups)

    Grasses & Forages

    All Testing
    250 g

    Canola

    All Testing
    250 g
    20/20 Seed Labs - How to Take a Seed Sample
  • Plant Samples

    The sampling cards below outline the steps to collect your required plant samples for testing.



  • Soil Samples

    The sampling cards below outline the steps to collect your required soil samples for testing.


STEP 2: Select Your Testing and Enter Your Sample Details

Select the testing services you will require from the pricing schedule below, then choose how you want submit your sample: 

Option 1:
Submit your sample online: 

Option 2:
Write Your customer number and sample details on the sample bag and prepare the sample for shipping or drop-off.

STEP 3: Ship or Drop Off Your Sample to Our Lab

Mailing Addresses

NISKU, ALBERTA

20/20 Seed Labs, Inc.
507-11 Avenue
Nisku, AB T9E 7N5
Toll Free: 1-877-420-2099

WINNIPEG, MANITOBA

20/20 Seed Labs, Inc.
3489 Pembina Hwy
Winnipeg, MB R3V 1A4
Toll Free: 1-866-540-7333

After Hours Drop Off

There is a locked and secure after hours drop off box in front of both the Nisku, Alberta and Winnipeg, Manitoba 20/20 Seed Labs offices. Please leave your samples in the drop off box if you are dropping off a sample on the weekends, a statutory holiday, or after 4:30 p.m. on a weekday.

Sample Drop Off Locations

agroplus-logo

Agro Plus Inc.

3895-9th Avenue North
Lethbridge, Alberta
T1H 6G8
Phone: 1-403-327-7070

down-to-earth-labs-logo

Down to Earth Labs

3510-6th Avenue North
Lethbridge, Alberta
T1H 5C3
Phone: 1-403-328-1133

ici-logo

Independent Crop Inputs Inc.

Hwy #3, 2.5km East of Barnwell, Alberta
Box 4690, Taber, Alberta
T1G 2E1
Phone: 1-403-223-1325

  • Step 1: Review Requirements

    Requirements for Submitting Samples

    Please submit the correct sample size for the test required.

    Germination and Vigour Tests
    Most tests of this type require approximately 250 grams or 1 cup of seed. For very large seeds such as some types of peas or beans, up to twice as much seed may be required.

    Disease and Seed Health Tests
    The quantity of seed for most disease testing is the same as a germination test. Some tests with special requirements may require larger amounts of seed.

    Purity Tests
    Test volumes for purity and % pure seed vary with crop type and are available on the purity weight form.

    Rhizobia Test
    Small seeded legumes require a 1 cup sample. Large seeded legumes require a minimum 2 cup sample. Inoculant, loose peat, granules, and liquid  should be tested in the original sealed container size.

    Canadian Seed Institute Samples
    Follow the CSI instructions for the crop type and the weight to be submitted. Example: Wheat, Purity = a minimum of 1 kg of seed.

    APHIS Samples
    Quantities of seed to be tested for an APHIS certificate for export to the US vary with crop type. Please contact us for the correct volume required.

    Soil Samples
    We test soil for clubroot and for a weed check analysis. It is preferable to have a minimum 2 cup or 1 kg sample size.

    Plant Specimens
    Root samples for clubroot analysis should have only one plant per bag and other plant or leaf samples should contain an adequate amount for representation of the tissue. Please pack fresh samples with moist paper towel and drop off at lab or ship by overnight courier only. Pack in a cooler with ice packs if possible. Do not allow sample to contact ice directly.

    FLAX / TRIFFID Tests
    This test requires either 1 or 2 kg of seed. Please CLICK HERE to use the FLAX SAMPLE SUBMISSION FORM for all samples and to confirm the exact amount of seed required.

    If you’re still unsure of the sample size required for your test, please contact us.

  • Step 2: Packaging

    Packaging

    Printed Sample Bags

    20/20 Seed Labs Inc. provides printed sample bags to all of our customers so they may submit samples with all the information clearly noted. As well, you can use packaging or bags from other labs if necessary.

    Special Requirements

    Some samples require special packaging to ensure the sample’s integrity is not compromised during shipping. Please determine if your sample may require any of the following procedures to keep the sample in proper condition.

    Ice Packs

    For samples that need to remain cool during shipping, such as seed or inoculant samples for rhizobia testing.

    Heavy-duty Sealed Poly Bags

    Samples requiring moisture testing should be in a container that will reduce the risk of moisture loss that could cause a change in the sample quality from time of shipping to the time of testing.

  • Step 3: Submit Your Sample

    Guide to Submitting Your Sample Online

    1. Login or sign up for a 20/20 account
    2. Click the “create sample” button
    3. Pick a crop
    4. Choose the number of similar samples for a crop
    5. Enter the information about the seed lot(s); lot numbers, sampler, processor, etc.
    6. Enter the packages or tests you require. (Click here to download a list of our testing packages)
    7. Choose method of printing a bar-coded label (Either a small self-adhesive label or a regular paper label)

    LOG IN NOW | CREATE ACCOUNT

    Other Submission Options

    Submit Your Sample by Mail

    20/20 Seed Labs Inc. receives shipments from all couriers, bus and mail services on a daily basis. You should determine the best method of shipping your samples to ensure it meets your requirements for timeliness and sample integrity upon arrival. We process all samples on arrival and customers with a user name and login can monitor the status of their sample online to determine when it arrived, estimated completion date and check test results.

    Submit Your Sample In-Person

    You may bring your samples directly to our lab, or the after hours drop-off slot. Please call if you have any questions:

    Toll Free: 1-877-420-2099

    In Alberta:
    20/20 Seed Labs Inc.
    507 – 11th Ave
    Nisku, Alberta, Canada
    T9E 7N5

    In Manitoba:
    20/20 Seed Labs Inc.
    3489 Pembina Hwy
    Winnipeg, MB R3V 1A4
    Phone: 1-204-261-3755

X

STEP 3: Ship or Drop Off Your Sample to Our Lab

Mailing Addresses

NISKU, ALBERTA

20/20 Seed Labs, Inc.
507-11 Avenue
Nisku, AB T9E 7N5
Toll Free: 1-877-420-2099

WINNIPEG, MANITOBA

20/20 Seed Labs, Inc.
3489 Pembina Hwy
Winnipeg, MB R3V 1A4
Toll Free: 1-866-540-7333

After Hours Drop Off

There is a locked and secure after hours drop off box in front of both the Nisku, Alberta and Winnipeg, Manitoba 20/20 Seed Labs offices. Please leave your samples in the drop off box if you are dropping off a sample on the weekends, a statutory holiday, or after 4:30 p.m. on a weekday.

Sample Drop Off Locations

agroplus-logo

Agro Plus Inc.

3895-9th Avenue North
Lethbridge, Alberta
T1H 6G8
Phone: 1-403-327-7070

down-to-earth-labs-logo

Down to Earth Labs

3510-6th Avenue North
Lethbridge, Alberta
T1H 5C3
Phone: 1-403-328-1133

ici-logo

Independent Crop Inputs Inc.

Hwy #3, 2.5km East of Barnwell, Alberta
Box 4690, Taber, Alberta
T1G 2E1
Phone: 1-403-223-1325

  • Step 1: Review Requirements

    Requirements for Submitting Samples

    Please submit the correct sample size for the test required.

    Germination and Vigour Tests
    Most tests of this type require approximately 250 grams or 1 cup of seed. For very large seeds such as some types of peas or beans, up to twice as much seed may be required.

    Disease and Seed Health Tests
    The quantity of seed for most disease testing is the same as a germination test. Some tests with special requirements may require larger amounts of seed.

    Purity Tests
    Test volumes for purity and % pure seed vary with crop type and are available on the purity weight form.

    Rhizobia Test
    Small seeded legumes require a 1 cup sample. Large seeded legumes require a minimum 2 cup sample. Inoculant, loose peat, granules, and liquid  should be tested in the original sealed container size.

    Canadian Seed Institute Samples
    Follow the CSI instructions for the crop type and the weight to be submitted. Example: Wheat, Purity = a minimum of 1 kg of seed.

    APHIS Samples
    Quantities of seed to be tested for an APHIS certificate for export to the US vary with crop type. Please contact us for the correct volume required.

    Soil Samples
    We test soil for clubroot and for a weed check analysis. It is preferable to have a minimum 2 cup or 1 kg sample size.

    Plant Specimens
    Root samples for clubroot analysis should have only one plant per bag and other plant or leaf samples should contain an adequate amount for representation of the tissue. Please pack fresh samples with moist paper towel and drop off at lab or ship by overnight courier only. Pack in a cooler with ice packs if possible. Do not allow sample to contact ice directly.

    FLAX / TRIFFID Tests
    This test requires either 1 or 2 kg of seed. Please CLICK HERE to use the FLAX SAMPLE SUBMISSION FORM for all samples and to confirm the exact amount of seed required.

    If you’re still unsure of the sample size required for your test, please contact us.

  • Step 2: Packaging

    Packaging

    Printed Sample Bags

    20/20 Seed Labs Inc. provides printed sample bags to all of our customers so they may submit samples with all the information clearly noted. As well, you can use packaging or bags from other labs if necessary.

    Special Requirements

    Some samples require special packaging to ensure the sample’s integrity is not compromised during shipping. Please determine if your sample may require any of the following procedures to keep the sample in proper condition.

    Ice Packs

    For samples that need to remain cool during shipping, such as seed or inoculant samples for rhizobia testing.

    Heavy-duty Sealed Poly Bags

    Samples requiring moisture testing should be in a container that will reduce the risk of moisture loss that could cause a change in the sample quality from time of shipping to the time of testing.

  • Step 3: Submit Your Sample

    Guide to Submitting Your Sample Online

    1. Login or sign up for a 20/20 account
    2. Click the “create sample” button
    3. Pick a crop
    4. Choose the number of similar samples for a crop
    5. Enter the information about the seed lot(s); lot numbers, sampler, processor, etc.
    6. Enter the packages or tests you require. (Click here to download a list of our testing packages)
    7. Choose method of printing a bar-coded label (Either a small self-adhesive label or a regular paper label)

    LOG IN NOW | CREATE ACCOUNT

    Other Submission Options

    Submit Your Sample by Mail

    20/20 Seed Labs Inc. receives shipments from all couriers, bus and mail services on a daily basis. You should determine the best method of shipping your samples to ensure it meets your requirements for timeliness and sample integrity upon arrival. We process all samples on arrival and customers with a user name and login can monitor the status of their sample online to determine when it arrived, estimated completion date and check test results.

    Submit Your Sample In-Person

    You may bring your samples directly to our lab, or the after hours drop-off slot. Please call if you have any questions:

    Toll Free: 1-877-420-2099

    In Alberta:
    20/20 Seed Labs Inc.
    507 – 11th Ave
    Nisku, Alberta, Canada
    T9E 7N5

    In Manitoba:
    20/20 Seed Labs Inc.
    3489 Pembina Hwy
    Winnipeg, MB R3V 1A4
    Phone: 1-204-261-3755

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