It’s Fertilizer and Seed Season – Help Us Help You – Morning Ag Clips

Report on Fertilizer and Seed Inspection by the Montana Department of Agriculture

Introduction

In June 2025, the Montana Department of Agriculture (MDA) conducted an educational fertilizer and seed inspection in Havre, Montana. This inspection was led by MDA Director Jillien Streit alongside Agricultural Sciences Specialist Dawn Bales. The inspection highlights the department’s commitment to sustainable agricultural practices aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), and SDG 15 (Life on Land).

Role of the Agricultural Sciences Division

The Agricultural Sciences Division (ASD), the largest division within the MDA, includes the Commodity Services Bureau (CSB). The CSB is responsible for conducting fertilizer, seed, and feed inspections statewide. These inspections ensure compliance with licensing, labeling, and verification of label claims, thereby protecting consumers and promoting sustainable agriculture.

Objectives of Fertilizer and Seed Inspections

• Protect consumers and their investments in agricultural products (SDG 12).
• Ensure the accuracy of product labeling to promote responsible use of fertilizers and seeds (SDG 2, SDG 12).
• Prevent the spread of noxious weeds and maintain seed purity to protect ecosystems (SDG 15).

Licensing Requirements

Businesses selling agricultural fertilizer or seed within Montana must obtain appropriate licenses. Exceptions include lawn, garden, turf, and nursery products. Licensing supports regulatory oversight and sustainable agricultural practices.

Inspection Procedures

Inspections are conducted randomly or in response to public complaints. The typical inspection process includes:

1. Introduction by the inspector.
2. Verification of the business’s license status.
3. Warehouse and storage area walkthrough.
4. Identification and resolution of issues such as improper labeling, cleanliness, and commingling risks.
5. Sampling of products, including bagged and bulk fertilizers or seeds.
6. Verification of registration status for specialty fertilizer products.

Sampling and Laboratory Analysis

During fertilizer inspections, inspectors collect multiple samples from fertilizer piles to ensure representative testing. Bags marked with “Sampled for Analysis by the Montana Department of Agriculture” confirm inspection. Samples are sent to the MDA’s Analytical Laboratory (for fertilizers) or the Montana State Seed Lab (for seeds) for detailed analysis.

• Fertilizer samples are tested for nutrient content accuracy, such as nitrogen percentage, to ensure compliance with label claims.
• Seed samples are analyzed for purity, presence of weed seeds, other crop seeds, inert matter, and germination rates.
• Germination tests have validity periods of 12 months, extended to 15 months for lawn, landscaping, or ornamental grass seeds.

Impact on Sustainable Development Goals

• SDG 2 – Zero Hunger: Ensuring high-quality seeds and fertilizers supports crop productivity and food security.
• SDG 12 – Responsible Consumption and Production: Accurate labeling and product quality control promote responsible use of agricultural inputs.
• SDG 15 – Life on Land: Preventing the spread of noxious weeds and maintaining seed purity protects biodiversity and land health.

Conclusion

The Montana Department of Agriculture’s fertilizer and seed inspections play a critical role in safeguarding agricultural sustainability and consumer protection. By enforcing licensing, conducting thorough inspections, and ensuring product quality, the MDA supports Montana’s agricultural prosperity in alignment with global sustainable development objectives.

For further information on MDA programs and services, visit https://agr.mt.gov/.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 2: Zero Hunger
   • The article focuses on fertilizer and seed inspections which are critical to ensuring agricultural productivity and food security.
2. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
   • Ensuring accurate labeling and quality of fertilizers and seeds promotes responsible production and consumption practices.
3. SDG 15: Life on Land
   • Preventing the spread of noxious weeds and protecting soil health through proper seed and fertilizer management supports sustainable terrestrial ecosystems.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs

1. SDG 2: Zero Hunger
   • Target 2.3: By 2030, double the agricultural productivity and incomes of small-scale food producers through secure and equal access to inputs such as quality seeds and fertilizers.
   • Target 2.4: Ensure sustainable food production systems and implement resilient agricultural practices.
2. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
   • Target 12.6: Encourage companies to adopt sustainable practices and integrate sustainability information into their reporting cycle.
   • Target 12.4: Achieve environmentally sound management of chemicals and all wastes throughout their life cycle.
3. SDG 15: Life on Land
   • Target 15.1: Ensure the conservation, restoration, and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems and their services.
   • Target 15.8: By 2020, introduce measures to prevent the introduction and significantly reduce the impact of invasive alien species on land and water ecosystems.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. SDG 2 Indicators
   • Proportion of agricultural area under productive and sustainable agriculture (implied by inspections ensuring quality inputs).
   • Crop yield per hectare (implied through ensuring seed germination quality and fertilizer content).
2. SDG 12 Indicators
   • Number of companies complying with licensing and labeling regulations (implied by licensing and inspection processes).
   • Percentage of fertilizers and seeds tested for compliance with label claims (directly mentioned through sampling and lab analysis).
3. SDG 15 Indicators
   • Extent of invasive species spread (implied by efforts to avoid noxious weeds and poorly cleaned seed).
   • Number of inspections conducted to prevent contamination and spread of invasive species.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: morningagclips.com