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Seeds of Resilience: AFSTA Leader Highlights the Power of Seed Systems on GermiNation Podcast

May 5, 2026

Strengthening seed systems is one of the most powerful ways to transform agriculture, improve livelihoods and ensure food security across Africa, according to Yacouba Diallo, secretary general of the African Seed Trade Association.
Diallo shared his insights during a recent episode of GermiNation, the podcast produced by the Iowa State University Seed Science Center, where he discussed the challenges and opportunities shaping the future of agriculture on the African continent.

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Ukraine Seed Industry Delegation Visits U.S. to Rebuild Domestic Seed Value Chain

May 4, 2026

The Iowa State University (ISU) Seed Science Center (SSC) is hosting a delegation of 16 Ukrainian seed company representatives for a two-week business-to-business study tour across the United States, May 2–16, 2026. The visit, part of the Agricultural Growing Rural Opportunities in Ukraine (AGRO) Activity, brings participants to 18 U.S. seed companies and seed-related organizations across six states to strengthen collaboration and technical expertise in the global seed sector.

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Four ISU Alumni Named Inaugural World Food Prize Alumni Ambassadors

April 27, 2026

Iowa State University (ISU) College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) continues to make its mark on the global stage, with four alumni selected for the inaugural Alumni Ambassador Program by the World Food Prize Foundation.

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New Research Shows Finding the “Sweet Spot” Is Key to Successful Groundcover Systems

April 24, 2026

At Iowa State University, Seed Physiology Ph.D. student Amina Moro is advancing research that could reshape how farmers balance productivity with environmental sustainability. Her work explores how corn responds to nearby perennial groundcover, an emerging system designed to protect soil year-round, offering new insights into how crops perceive and react to competition even before it begins.

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Alan Gaul Honored with CALS Staff Service and Dedication Award

March 10, 2026

The Iowa State University College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) recognized Alan Gaul, assistant scientist and seed conditioning specialist at the Seed Science Center, with the CALS Staff Service and Dedication Award during a ceremony on

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An 80-Year-Old Startup: New STB Instructor, Jim Schweigert, on Education, Agility, and Thriving as a Family Seed Company

March 3, 2026

When Jim Schweigert describes Gro Alliance, he calls it an “80-plus-year-old startup.” It’s a phrase that captures both legacy and forward momentum, and it perfectly frames the conversation in GermiNation Season 2, Episode 3.

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Record Number of Seed Science Scholarships Awarded to CALS Students

February 16, 2026

The Iowa State University (ISU) Seed Science Center (SSC) and Iowa Seed Association (ISA) awarded 16 scholarships to 15 students at the annual Agribusiness Showcase and Conference. The awards included 12 ISA scholarships of $1,000 each, the $1,000 Bill Latham Memorial Scholarship, the $1,000 Lisa Shepherd Jenkins Memorial Scholarship, the $500 Manjit Misra Outstanding Senior Scholarship, and the Iowa Crop Improvement Scholarship. This is the largest number of scholarships ever awarded by the ISU Seed Science Center.

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Build on the Conversation: STB Webinar Series Continues This April

February 5, 2026

As the Graduate Program in Seed Technology and Business (STB) looks ahead to its upcoming Seed Business Management webinars in April, participants are encouraged to revisit, or explore for the first time, the rich content and expert perspectives featured in the November Seed Science and Technology webinar series, now available on demand.

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New GermiNation Episode: Why Registered Seed Technologists Matter More Than Ever

February 2, 2026

There are only 114 Registered Seed Technologists in North America, leading to a quiet but critical challenge that is emerging across the global seed industry: demand for skilled seed technologists is growing, while the number of trained profession

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Want a great job working with great people? Apply here!

January 26, 2026

Position Title: Customer Relations Coordinator II - Seed Science CenterJob Group:
Professional & Scientific
Required Minimum Qualifications:
High School diploma or equivalent and 2 years of related experience

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Honoring George Washington Carver’s Legacy at Iowa State University

January 22, 2026

On February 2, the Iowa State University community comes together to honor the life and legacy of George Washington Carver, one of the most influential agricultural scientists in American history.

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Exploring the Hidden World of Fungi: Microbiology Outreach Partners with Science Bound

January 20, 2026

A group of ninth-grade students recently traded their Saturday routines for lab coats and microscopes as they stepped into the fascinating, and sometimes surprising, world of fungi at Iowa State University. Hosted by the Microbiology Outreach Program in Dr. Silvina Arias’ Seed Science Center lab, the hands-on workshop invited 15 students, in partnership with Science Bound, to explore crucial and different roles fungi play in our world—from beneficial organisms that support plant growth or food fermentation to harmful pathogens that threaten seeds and grains. This immersive experience is designed to spark curiosity and expand access to STEM education.

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Five Workshops in One: Genetic Testing Super Workshop Builds Skills and Confidence at ISU-SSC

January 14, 2026

Registration is open for the Genetic Testing Super Workshop, February 2-6, 2026, at the Iowa State University Seed Science Center.

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New GermiNATION Episode Digs into the Forces Shaping the Future of Seed

January 12, 2026

The latest episode of GermiNATION, the podcast from the Iowa State University Seed Science Center, takes listeners straight to the heart of the global seed industry, from policy and plant breeding innovation to trade, climate resilience, and the u

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A Profession with Purpose: Why Becoming a Registered Seed Technologist Matters More Than Ever

January 12, 2026

Across the seed industry, a quiet but serious challenge is unfolding. The number of trained seed technologists is declining at the same time demand for their expertise continues to rise.

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SSC and ISA to Award 15 Scholarships to Support Future Agricultural Leaders

January 8, 2026

The Iowa State University (ISU) Seed Science Center (SSC) and the Iowa Seed Association (ISA) are proud to announce that applications are now open for multiple scholarships for 2026. These scholarships aim to support students pursuing careers in agriculture and seed science.

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Strengthening Global Seed Security: Chilean Agricultural Leaders Visit Iowa State’s Seed Science Center

November 21, 2025

AMES, Iowa – Representatives from Chile’s National Plant Protection Organization (NPPO) (Servicio Agrícola y Ganadero, SAG), escorted by Corteva representatives, visited the Iowa State University Seed Science Center (SSC) for a st

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GermiNation: “The past, the present, and the future of feeding the world, one seed at a time.”

November 20, 2025

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Iowa State University’s Seed Technology and Business Graduate Program is a Triple Crown Winner for Global Webinar Series

October 30, 2025

AMES, Iowa — The Seed Technology and Business (STB) Graduate Degree Program at Iowa State University’s Seed Science Center has earned international recognition, receiving a Gold Award in the Special Events category from the Council for Advancement

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Safeguarding Seeds, Strengthening Trade: Celebrating 25 Years of the National Seed Health System

October 29, 2025

As the National Seed Health System (NSHS) approaches its 25th anniversary in 2026, its mission remains as vital as ever: ensuring that seeds moving across international borders are healthy, tested, and trusted.

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Seeds of Resilience: AFSTA Leader Highlights the Power of Seed Systems on GermiNation Podcast