Gravity Separation Workshop
Seed Science, 2115 Osborn Drive, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa
Dates: July 22-23, 2026
Cost: TBD
Be the first to learn when registration opens!
About the Workshop
A detailed review of the operation, adjustment, and effectiveness of the destoner and gravity table for removing foreign material and upgrading seed quality. The primary focus will be on typical seed corn and soybean separation issues with an additional discussion regarding other seed and food-grade applications.
Location
The workshop will start each morning at the Seed Science Center on Iowa State University’s Campus
2115 Osborn Drive
Ames, IA
50011
Schedule
Each workshop is scheduled from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Check-In is from 7:30 to 8:00 a.m. on the first day of workshop. Lunch and refreshments are provided each day.
What to Bring
We will provide all materials you may need for the workshop. You may want to bring a notebook and pen for note taking. If you’d like to bring your own seeds to work with on specific machinery, please connect with Alan Gaul, agaul@iastate.edu.
Lodging
There are a number of hotels available throughout Ames. Find hotels in Ames on the Convention and Visitors Bureau website. We recommend the Gateway Hotel & Conference Center or the Best Western Plus University Park Inn & Suites because they are close to campus.
Parking
Participants in the workshop are not exempt from campus parking regulations.
Attendees will need to find their own way to campus and purchase parking permits ahead of the workshop. Parking permits are $5 a day and available on the Iowa State website.
Permits are for any of the staff parking lots, though Lots 41 and 79 are closest to campus (see the attached map).
TO RESERVE A VISITOR’S PARKING PERMIT:
- Create an account through the portal and “register” your vehicle through the Parking Portal. parking.iastate.edu/visitor
- If you are driving a rental car, please email parking@iastate.edu once you’ve registered with your license plate to let them know you’re a rental car so they’re aware.
- You’re done!
You will be able to reserve your permit Tuesday morning if needed, there will not be any issues with the system recognizing your car.
Note: If you park in the wrong lot, you will be fined a $50 parking ticket. Please take care to park in the correct lot – either by the greenhouses, or the horse barn.
Lunch Provided
We will provide lunch for participants on each day of the workshop. A light breakfast and afternoon snacks are provided as well. If you have any dietary requirements or restrictions, please email Calli Sandahl, msandahl@iastate.edu as soon as possible to make arrangements in advance.
Weather
Weather in Iowa can be quite warm, and at times rainy. Please dress accordingly as some of the campus parking lots fill up quickly and it can be a 3-5-minute walk from the SSC.
Please wear closed-toe shoes for tours.
In case of inclement weather, the workshop will be delayed or cancelled only if classes on the Iowa State University campus are delayed or cancelled. Please check your email for any notices from staff.
Questions?
Please contact Alan Gaul, Lead Presenter (agaul@iastate.edu) or Calli Sandahl, Event Coordinator (msandahl@iastate.edu)
Sponsors
Seed Science Center
Seed Laboratory
Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering
Iowa State University Extension and Outreach
WORKSHOP INSTRUCTORS
Alan Gaul is the seed conditioning specialist at the Iowa State University (ISU) Seed Science Center. He is a northeast Iowa native and a graduate of the ISU Agricultural Engineering program. His experience includes student work with the ISU Ag Engineering grain quality program and later with the ISU Seed Science Center. Subsequent work included 22 years in seed related machine development, plant design, and project management with Seed & Grain Systems and later AEC Enterprises near New Virginia, Iowa. His responsibilities at Iowa State University include coordinating extension seed conditioning workshop and laboratory programs and conducting research on seed conditioning topics. He has run the seed conditioning research and teaching program since late 2005, as well as coordinated the summer workshops for 12 seasons. He has worked extensively with multiple academic programs, including the ISU online Seed Technology and Business graduate program STB-539 course and lecture/lab sessions for courses in Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering (ABE), Agronomy, Plant Pathology, and Horticulture.
Calli Sandahl serves as the event coordinator for all Seed Laboratory events. Have questions about your registration, meals, or other event needs? Contact her directly at msandahl@iastate.edu.