New seed administrator appointed to Indiana State Chemist office

Story by Lindsey Berebitsky

Photo by Tom Campbell

November 13, 2023

Jessica McVay, who has worked as a seed analyst, feed microscopist and laboratory coordinator for the Indiana Seed Regulatory Agency for 11 years, has been selected as the new seed administrator in the Office of Indiana State Chemist. In this role, McVay works closely with seedsmen, state and federal regulators, the seed trade industry, and consumers to monitor the compliance of seeds sold and distributed according to the Indiana Seed Law.

McVay, a certified seed analyst in both purity and germination, worked closely with Don Robinson, the previous seed administrator. She knows that established strong relationships with partners are essential to the Indiana State Seed Lab and plans to continue to develop those relationships in her new position.

Mark LeBlanc, director of the Indiana State Chemist office, remarked on McVay’s experience, “During her tenure with the Office of Indiana State Chemist seed program, Jessica has been a skilled, dedicated and hardworking part of our team. She has regularly gone above and beyond to ensure the efficiency and effectiveness of the seed program. We look forward to her leadership in her new role.”

McVay shared that this position is more than just a job to her. “My grandmother was a seed analyst years before me — I still use the same purity board that she did! She laid a foundation in the seed lab, and it’s been fun to follow in her footsteps. I am excited for this new opportunity within the Office of Indiana State Chemist and the ability to continue to serve and educate the seed industry.”

Featured Stories

Keeping your pets safe during the dog days of summer

As temperatures and humidity rise across the U.S., Candace Croney, director of the Center for...

Eastern hellbender salamanders feeding on bloodworms in their raceway at the Purdue Hellbender the Hellbender lab.

Metazoa Beer to Benefit Help the Hellbender Lab

Metazoa Brewing Company and the Indiana Lakes Management Society have teamed up to collaborate on...

Digital forestry can help mitigate and prevent wildfires

The National Interagency Fire Center reports that, as of this writing, 19,444 fires have burned...

What you can do this summer to reduce the spread of aquatic invasive species

In 2020, an alligator was captured in a lagoon of Chicago’s Humbolt Park. The reptile out...

Researcher uses pipette on parsley plant

Researchers examine nanotechnological methods for improving agriculture

Nanoscale particles could potentially help address agricultural and environmental sustainability...

Fairgoers ride a tractor, sponsored by the Indiana Soybean Alliance, and browse food tents during the 2023 Indiana State Fair. (Purdue Agricultural Communications photo)

Purdue Extension to present engaging art and nature demonstrations at Indiana State Fair

The Indiana State Fair kicks off Aug. 2 and highlights the theme “The Art & Nature of...