Identity elements
Reference code
Name and location of repository
Level of description
Records
Title
South Dakota Crop Improvement Association Records
Date(s)
- 1923-1973, 2000, undated (Creation)
Extent
3.46 linear feet (1 record boxes, 1 document case, 1 flat box]
Name of creator
Administrative history
The South Dakota Crop Improvement Association began as the South Dakota Corn Growers and Corn Breeders Association in September of 1906. It was originally intended to be a temporary organization to improve corn cultivation in South Dakota. However, after the first crop show, the members decided to make the organization permanent, and A.E. Chamberlain of Howard was selected to be the first President. / In 1909, the name was changed to the South Dakota Corn Growers and Grain Growers Association due to the organization’s new focus on improving all grain types grown in South Dakota. In 1924 they decided to merge with the South Dakota Experimental Association, an organization created to test and disseminate new crop varieties, and in 1925, the entire group was renamed the South Dakota Crop Improvement Association. / Since 1925, the SDCIA has continued to work towards the improvement of South Dakota’s seed crops. They have created various groups and committees to work on the testing and certification of seed, such as the Seed Council of South Dakota in 1928 and the Foundation Seed Stocks Corporation in 1944. A state crop show and membership meeting is held annually by the organization to help farmers learn about new seed varieties and farming practices. They have also helped create many county-level associations of the SDCIA to help with agricultural education and the maintenance of pure, certified seed.
Content and structure elements
Scope and content
Consists mainly of minutes and agendas from meetings of the SDCIA, along with the programs, letters, reports and pamphlets that were dealt with in each meeting. The minutes include minutes from the annual meetings, board of directors meetings, committee meetings and district meetings. There are programs for the annual meetings, crop shows and banquets. The letters include correspondence with members of the Crop Improvement Associations of other states and with the national Association of Official Seed Certifying Agencies, as well as between SDCIA members. The reports include financial reports and statements, and also reports on the activities of the organization. The pamphlets include the SDCIA newsletter (The Crop Improvement Reporter), CIA newsletters from the surrounding states, booklets of weed laws, and seed certification manuals. In addition there is a history article that was prepared for the agency’s 75th anniversary in the year 2000.
The collection also contains photographs. These are primarily photos of the various crop shows and field days held by the SDCIA.
System of arrangement
Conditions of access and use elements
Conditions governing access
Open. Items in this collection do not circulate and may be used in-house only. Researchers conducting extensive research are asked to make an advance appointment to access archival material. Please call or e-mail prior to visiting the collection and indicate as much detail as possible about a particular topic and intended use.
Physical access
Technical access
Conditions governing reproduction
South Dakota State University supports access to the materials, published and unpublished, in its collections. Nonetheless, access to some items may be restricted as a result of their fragile condition or by contractual agreements with donors.
Languages of the material
- English
Scripts of the material
Language and script notes
Finding aids
Custodial history
Immediate source of acquisition
Appraisal, destruction and scheduling information
Accruals
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Existence and location of copies
Related archival materials
Related descriptions
Notes element
General note
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Specialized notes
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ID
ID
Description control element
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Sources used
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Digital object metadata
Filename
MA029_0002.jpg
Media type
Image