On cone receipt, condition within the transport vehicle is inspected, labeling verified and a cone sack count performed. A random sample of cones from each seedlot is taken to perform a cone and seed evaluation. This will identify any problems (i.e. fungi or insects, high moisture content) and aid in prioritizing seedlots for processing. Cones are then moved to a conditioning area. For each seedlot of cones or seed arriving at the TSC, we prepare and forward written confirmation of receipt to the seedlot owner.

Freshly picked mature cones contain considerable moisture, which upon removal causes the cones to flex, expand, and generate heat during the drying process. If this heat is not properly dispersed by field conditioning, it can cause overheating, molding and case hardening (partial or complete loss of cone scale flexing), and therefore damaging the quality of the collection. The most important consideration in cone conditioning is providing good air movement! Cones are conditioned on drying racks in well-ventilated facilities protected from direct sunlight and precipitation. This conditioning period varies from 0 to 12 weeks, depending on the species (see the Guide to Operational Time Requirements) and in some cases, seedlot. The above comments are not as critical for serotinous lodgepole pine that requires high heat to break the bond sealing the cone scales together. This added robustness allows cone sacks to be stacked and decreases the possibility of problems during conditioning. It is still critical that the cone sacks are protected from weather elements during conditioning.

The true firs (Abies spp.) are unique in that a heat treatment is not used in seed extraction. Instead, cones are spread on trays and moved to cool, wind-tunnel conditions where, over a period of several weeks, cones disintegrate as they dry, allowing for the release of seed.