New Sample Number Format

Our last billing for fiscal year 2024 will take place on June 24th. After the billing is complete, we will be moving to a new sample number format starting on June 25th.This change will allow us to include our current fiscal year in our sample numbers going forward. The new samples numbers will display as follows on the reports:

Health Samples – 25-H10001 consecutively

Quality Samples – 25-Q10001 or 25-T10001 consecutively

When calling or emailing for information on a sample, you need to only inform staff of the 6 digit sample number after the 25- (H10001 or Q10020). Staff can still locate the sample this way.

Recent Sample Number Issue

Customers have notified the lab of an issue with the “H” not printing in front of their sample numbers on their Seed Health testing reports. Others noticed that a “Q” was added to their Quality sample numbers. Through review, it was found that this glitch in our system happened around June 6th. As of June 14th, this issue should be resolved. We are sorry for any inconvenience this may have caused.

Dr. Steve Harris, New Seed Science Center Interim Director

Daniel Robison, Dean of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, has announced the appointment of Dr. Steven Harris as interim director of the Seed Science Center. Dr. Harris, who concurrently chairs ISU’s Plant Pathology, Entomology, and Microbiology department, brings a wealth of experience and a forward-thinking vision to his new role.

The Seed Science Center thrived under the exceptional leadership of Dr. Manjit Misra, who served as director for 30 years, followed by Dr. Lulu Rodriguez’s interim directorship over the past year. Dr. Harris acknowledges the solid foundation they have laid and the high standards maintained by the Center.

Dr. Harris expressed his enthusiasm for the opportunity to lead the Center during this transitional period.

“I am most excited about helping to position the Center for a vibrant future that integrates the vital service that it provides to the seed industry with the research and teaching activities that are so important to all of our stakeholders,” he said. “This includes helping to establish a vision for the future that builds from our upcoming external review and sets the stage for the arrival of a new permanent Director.”

New Customer Care Hours

As of May 13th, the hours for the Customer Care office have changed to:

7:30am to 4:00pm, Monday through Friday.