Webinar Training- Federal Seed Act & Regulations 10/6/2011
AOSA and SCST are pleased to announce the first in a series of free one hour educational webinars.  October 19 at 11:00am EDT Dr. Payne will present the “Federal Seed Act & Regulations: Recent revisions and issues with test reports”.  To register and receive complete information including computer system requirements use this link: https://www3.gotomeeting.com/register/318537078

2011 AOSA Rules  10/6/2011
The 2011 AOSA Rules for Testing Seeds Vol. 1-4 will be sent to all members next week.  Several last minute changes had to be made this week. Updating the Rules is a monumental task that requires a great deal of donated time by volunteers. This year SCST and AOSA members will have the option of downloading the PDF files from a website or having the files emailed to you directly.  The CDs will still be available and printed copies can be purchased along with additional printing and intranet licenses. The objective is to expedite access to the updated AOSA Rules. The proposals adopted in 2011 can be downloaded from the SCST website: http://www.seedtechnology.net/rules_committee.htm

Teaching & Training Survey  10/6/2011
The Teaching & Training Committee has developed a survey to provide information for planning future workshops and educational resources.  Your feedback is necessary to identify and prioritize training needs, including future webinar topics. Please use this link to respond by Friday November 4, 2011: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/Z7SNDSD

Dr. Payne Retirement Announcement  10/6/2011
After more than 36 years of Federal service, Dr. Richard Payne will be retiring at the end of this year.  The SRTD staff is collecting cards, letters, e-mails, pictures, stories, etc. in honor of his hard work and dedication to the Federal Seed Act.  If you would like to contribute to the memory book, please do so by December 1^st:
Karen Sussman                 (karen.sussman@ams.usda.gov)
Management Analyst
Seed Regulatory and Testing Division
801 Summit Crossing Place, Suite C
Gastonia, NC 28054

Items of Interest in Seed Control  10/6/2011
The October 2011 “Items of Interest in Seed” is now available at www.ams.usda.gov/seed or you can go directly to the IOI using this link: http://www.ams.usda.gov/2011IOI

OSU Purity Supervisor Position  10/6/2011
The Department of Crop and Soil Science invites applications for a full-time (1.00 FTE), 12-month, Purity Supervisor position. The objective of the purity unit is to provide accurate, timely, and cost-effective test results to the Oregon Seed Industry customers. The Purity Unit Supervisor leads, supervises and assists the purity staff to achieve quality work and reports at the OSU Seed Laboratory. See the employment webpage for details.  Closing date is 10-15-2011.

Tetrazolium Committee Webpage10/6/2011
The TZ webpage has been updated: http://www.aosaseed.com/TZwebsite/TZcommitteemain.html

Tall Fescue Blowing Point Referee10/6/2011
Please confirm that you would like to participate in this referee by October 15.  The referee consists of  6 samples, three tests for each sample.  Please contact Anita Hall to participate.

ISAA Grant Application 10/6/2011
Idaho Seed Analysts Associations is a non-profit group who meets regularly to discuss issues in seed testing.  This group aspires to further education in seed testing, and holds annual seed workshops.  The purpose of the grant monies awarded through ISAA to deserving individuals is to help persons otherwise unable to attend seed workshops, seed conventions, other seed meetings, seed industry related courses/classes, or purchase seed training materials. Download application