Ag Digest (May 22, 2015)

NDSU concerned popular seed being sold illegally

The North Dakota State University Research Foundation is concerned that Elgin-ND, an NDSU-developed hard red spring wheat, is being sold illegally.

Elgin-ND is becoming a popular variety in the U.S. because of its high yield and quality potential.

But U.S. seedsmen and others may be trying to sell certified Elgin-ND seed in Canada, according to a NDSU news release.

Elgin-ND is owned by the NDSU Research Foundation and is protected by Plant Variety Protection. Because of the ownership and protection, Elgin-ND can only be sold as a class of certified seed and by variety name. The seeds cannot be exported or imported without the foundation's approval.

FP Genetics Inc. is the sole and exclusive licensee and distributor of Elgin-ND in Canada, so seed exports into Canada must be completed through FP Genetics Inc.

Exporting or importing seeds without written permission can result in penalties.

"NDSURF will prosecute any known infringement of its PVP rights," said Dale Zetocha, the foundation's executive director. "Anyone violating the export, import or unauthorized sale of Elgin-ND hard red spring wheat could face triple damages. Also, violators are subject to the collection of attorney fees, other costs and harvested material. The court could, upon request, order the infringer to immediately cease the growing and/or sale of all NDSURF-protected varieties."

Producers who are approached to sell Elgin-ND seed in Canada by anyone other than an FP Genetics Inc. representative should contact Ron Weik at (306) 791-1045.

Crop insurance deadline looming

Producers seeking federal crop insurance must have their Highly Erodible Land Conservation and Wetland Conservation Certification form, commonly called form AD-1026, on file with their local U.S. Department of Agriculture service center by June 1.

Many farmers have their certification form on file meeting conservation compliance provisions since it's required for participation in other USDA programs, including NRCS conservation programs. But producers, like specialty crop growers who receive federal crop insurance premium subsidies and do not participate in other USDA programs, must now file a certification form with USDA's Farm Service Agency, according to the USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service.

Producers who file their forms by the deadline will be eligible for federal crop insurance premium subsidies during the 2016 reinsurance year, which begins July 1. The June 1 deadline does not apply to producers seeking benefits from FSA and NRCS programs.

Bioindustry Summit set

The 2015 Bioindustry Summit is set for Thursday in the Memorial Union on North Dakota State University's campus.

The summit will explore changing market, technological and political conditions and their impacts on the region's bioeconomy.

This year's summit will be the first to include a government networking event where innovators, entrepreneurs and investors will be able to visit informally with program specialists from a number of state and federal agencies. There will be a roundtable to discuss opportunities and challenges facing the region's bioeconomy.

A research and development showcase will highlight research from regional scientists. Interested individuals should submit their ideas using the summit's electronic system.

The summit will open with registration and a continental breakfast at 7:45 a.m. U.S. Sen. Heidi Heitkamp, D-N.D., will be the keynote speaker.

The summit is sponsored by NDSU, the NDSU Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering, the Bio Science Association of North Dakota, North Dakota Farmers Union, North Dakota Corn Utilization Council, North Dakota Soybean Council and North Dakota Alliance for Renewable Energy.

The registration fee is $125. The fee for students is $50. Registration includes access to all events, breakfast, lunch and two breaks.

For more information, contact David Ripplinger at (701) 231-5265 or david.ripplinger@ndsu.edu or Ken Hellevang at (701) 231-7243 or kenneth.hellevang@ndsu.edu .

4-H Youth Conference set

The 2015 4-H Extension Youth Conference will be June 15-18 on North Dakota State University's campus.

The conference is open to all North Dakota youths who have completed seventh through 12th grades. Youths do not need to be enrolled in 4-H to attend.

Delegates will participate in workshops and team-building activities, hear from keynote speakers, volunteer in the Fargo-Moorhead community and attend a banquet, all with the goal of becoming great leaders.

The mission of the conference is to energize and empower North Dakota youths with the tools necessary to form partnerships among youths, volunteers, Extension staff and communities.

The registration fee is $225, which includes all meals from Monday evening through Thursday brunch, housing for three nights, an event T-shirt and a photograph of the attending delegates. Using the conference bus system will cost an additional $75.

If you are interested in attending or would like more information, contact your local Extension Service office or the Center for 4-H Youth Development at (701) 231-7251 or NDSU.4-H@ndsu.edu .

N.D. Farm Toy Show celebrating 30th anniversary

The 30th annual North Dakota Farm Toy Show, Auction and Craft Show will be June 20 and 21 in LaMoure. Farm toy exhibits and crafters will set up in the LaMoure school gym. There will also be a kids pedal tractor pull, toy auction, door prizes and a free gift for the first 50 people.

The event starts at 9 a.m. June 20 and goes until 4 p.m. The kids pedal tractor pull is at 1 p.m. The Toy Farmer Museum is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. A barbecue hosted by LaMoure Lions will be at 4:30 p.m. in Sunset Park. The toy auction will be at 6 p.m. at the LaMoure Civic Center.

The craft show will be from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. June 21. The museum is open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Toy Farmer hosts the event, which an estiimated 1,000 people attend each year.

For more information, visit www.toyfarmer.com or call (800) 533-8293.