Front Range Seed Analysts
1997 Seed Forum Volume 11 Number 1
ASCO Seed Testing Metamorphoses Into Precision Seed Testing
Jane Hall, 53 10 Vivian St. , Arvada, CO 80002 Phone:(303)
431-7333 FAX: (303) 467-7886
There is a "new" seed laboratory in Colorado, well actually, a new location and name for an established lab.
ASCO Seed Testing, long associated with Applewood. Seed Company, has moved, with the bulk seed division, across a vacant lot to a larger facility. The moving process presented the opportunity to evaluate what is needed for the proper functioning of a laboratory. The following are a few of the areas that needed to be considered; flooring/carpet vs. concrete, number of outlets needed/17, benchwork configuration and work flow requirements, venting, storage space, automatic dishwasher vs. hand washing, and computer needs. Of course all this, and more, needed to be within budget.
After completing a laboratory computer program in the fall of '96, and converting totally to its use, we found ourselves somewhat lost without it when there were delays in the installation of computer lines. It is amazing how quickly one becomes dependent on technology especially when it works so well!
Now that we are all moved in, the new seed lab feels very spacious and everything we need is at hand. There is even a north window for light and connection to what the outside world is doing.
The move seemed like the ideal time to make a name change and update to a more descriptive title, thus Precision Seed Testing. Jane Hall continues to be lab manager, with Billie McKenney working as lab assistant.