 While this may look like a normal field of beans it isn't. This field is special because the farmer is producing beans for seed instead of for food. You've probably seen farmers planting seeds in the spring but have you ever thought about where those seeds come from? Plant breeders work hard to develop seed varieties that perform well in specific climates and produce feed, food, fiber or other products that we in turn use. A plant of seed that is true to variety takes a lot of special care so farmers know exactly what they are planting. In order to ensure seed purity, quality and yield, federal and state laws provide for a process of certifying seed. The University of Wyoming Seed Certification Service, based at the Research and Extension Center in Powell, serves this mission for Wyoming. Farmers who produce seed crops must meet strict standards in order to be eligible for sale as a class of certified seed. The certification process, done by the Wyoming Seed Certification Service, includes field inspections and laboratory testing. Seed can be certified as foundation, registered or certified seed. Behind me are seed inspectors at work, so the next time you drive by a field of beans or alfalfa or eat cereal made from wheat, consider how much work it took to produce seed for that crop. From the University of Wyoming Extension, I'm Mae Smith, Exploring the Nature of Wyoming.