Seed Testing Information for Farmers

The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture Seed Testing Lab offers seed testing services for farmers that use their own seed and want to know the germination and purity of it before they plant it. The current fee for a combined purity and germination test for barley, wheat, rye or oats (without inflorescence) is $15.00;. An analysis can only show the quality of the sample submitted; therefore, the submitted sample should be taken so as to represent the bulk of the seed to be tested. Two pounds of small grains is the minimum weight of a representative sample of seed to be submitted for purity analysis and germination tests. A Pennsylvania noxious weed examination is included with a purity analysis. Seed samples treated with any material will not be tested unless the name of the substance is plainly marked on the container. Along with the sample, include your name, address and telephone number. A statement must accompany the seed stating the kind of test desired. The fee payment may accompany the sample, or can be billed. Checks should be made payable to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

Samples must be enclosed in sturdy containers addressed to:

Seed Laboratory

PA Department of Agriculture

2301 North Cameron St.

Harrisburg, PA 17110-9408

Turnaround time from when the lab receives the sample is about ten days. Call the seed lab (717-787-4894) for other questions on submitting and testing samples.

 Link to PDA seed testing lab page.