Seed Companies
GDM Seeds
1122 East 19th Street
Westfield, Indiana
(317) 896-5552
https://agreliantgenetics.com
AgReliant Genetics is one of the largest North American seed companies, specializing primarily in corn hybrid development. It has recently joined GDM, a global genetics company. It focuses on delivering one-of-a-kind, high-performing hybrids. Founded in 2000 by global seed companies KWS and Limagrain, AgReliant benefits from direct access to a global corn germplasm pool and a top-four corn research program. Through its seed brands—AgriGold® and LG Seeds in the U.S., and PRIDE® Seeds in Canada—AgReliant serves farmers who grow corn, soybeans, sorghum, and alfalfa.
Albert Lea Seed
1414 West Main Street
Albert Lea, Minnesota
(800) 352-5247
https://alseed.com/
Albert Lea Seed is a locally owned and independent farm seed company founded in 1923 by Lou Ehrhardt, whose family has owned and operated the business for three generations. Current co-owners Mac, Tom, and Margaret Ehrhardt took over operational control in 2000.
Committed to sustainable farming, Albert Lea delivers high-quality organic and non-GMO farm seed to its customers. It maintains professional memberships with the Minnesota Crop Improvement Association, the American Seed Trade Association, the Western Seed Association, the Sustainable Farming Association, both the National and the Minnesota Corn and Soybean Growers Associations, and the Independent Professional Seedsmen Association. In addition, the company is a Certified Organic Processor, meeting the National Organic Program standards for processing organically raised grains, soybeans, and other field crops. The company is known for non-GMO and regionally adapted seed mixtures.
Bayer Crop Science
700 Chesterfield Parkway W
Chesterfield, Missouri 63017
1-866-992-2937
https://www.cropscience.bayer.us/
Bayer Crop Science is a global leader in agricultural innovation, offering an integrated portfolio of seeds, traits, crop protection, and digital farming solutions. Following its acquisition of Monsanto, Bayer significantly expanded its leadership in the global seed industry and now holds a substantial share of the commercial seed market. It develops a wide range of row crops and vegetable seeds, integrating biotechnology and traits such as pest resistance and herbicide tolerance. It offers a wide selection of seed—corn, soybean, silage, sorghum, cotton, spring canola, and wheat.
Bayer’s seed division operates through a combination of globally recognized brands and advanced biotechnology platforms. Seeds are developed and marketed alongside crop protection products and digital tools (e.g., precision agriculture platforms), enabling a full-system approach to crop production.
Bayer’s seed business is characterized by large-scale R&D investment, global germplasm access, and strong integration of genetics with crop protection and digital agriculture, making it one of the most technologically advanced seed platforms in the world.
Beck’s Hybrids
6767 E. 276th Street
Atlanta, Indiana 46031
(800) 937-2325
https://www.beckshybrids.com/
Beck’s is the largest family-owned seed company in the U.S., specializing in corn hybrids and soybean varieties. It grew from a small 80-acre farm into the third-largest seed brand in the U.S. The company is known for its extensive on-farm research and close engagement with farmers. In 2001, Beck’s was the first to market 100% of its seed corn with a seed-applied insect control system. From the beginning, FaSTart® came standard in every bag of seed corn. In 2004, Beck’s made Sure Gro™ standard in every bag of soybeans, claiming that farmers could plant 10% less and still see better stands and yields with the use of Sure Gro™. In 2009, Beck’s scored another first by developing a unique set of yield-enhancing products called Escalate®, and making the coating standard in every bag of seed corn, soybeans, wheat, and elite alfalfa.
Beck’s President’s Club is made up of farmers who order 100% of their seed corn from Beck’s. In 2009, the company launched its Beck 300 Challenge with the President's Club. This 300 Challenge sought to spread the realistic possibility of 300-bushel-per-acre corn yields by partnering with growers to help them aim for that ambitious mark. The 2011 top five participants in the program achieved an average increase of 45.6 bushels per acre over their historical yields.
Corteva Agriscience
7000 NW 62nd Ave.
Johnston, Iowa
833-267-8382
https://www.corteva.com/
Corteva Agriscience is a global leader in seed and crop innovation, formed from the agricultural divisions of Dow and DuPont. With a strong presence in both developed and emerging markets, Corteva delivers advanced seed genetics, crop protection solutions, and digital tools designed to enhance productivity and resilience in modern agriculture. Its Pioneer brand is widely recognized for corn and soybean genetics, supported by advanced breeding and biotechnology platforms.
Corteva’s seed business is anchored in globally recognized brands and a robust research and development platform. It boasts an extensive global breeding network with advanced phenotyping and data-driven selection. Its highly coordinated global seed production system is distinguished by its deep investment in genetics, farmer-focused product development, and integration of breeding with agronomic insights, making it a key driver of innovation in the global seed sector.
Latham Hi-Tech Seeds
131 180th Street
Alexander, Iowa 50420
(641) 692-3258
https://www.lathamseeds.com/
Latham Seeds was founded in 1947 in Alexander, Iowa, by Willard Latham, a farmer and innovator, and his wife, Evelyn. Willard retrofitted a piece of equipment that helped clean and preserve oats against disease. Word spread to farmers in the area, and Latham Seeds was born. Meanwhile, Evelyn ran the “office” from their kitchen.
Latham Seeds began by offering certified seed oats and later transitioned into soybean production. Three of Willard’s sons joined the business in the 1960s-70s, and they added a dealer sales component to the company’s production efforts. The third generation of Lathams added hybrid corn and Hi‑Tech forage to the product lineup, providing farmers with even more choices for their fields. For over 75 years, Latham’s strong expertise in Midwestern growing conditions has remained, delivering superior, regionally adapted soybean, hybrid corn, and alfalfa seed varieties.
Remington Seeds
PO Box 9 4746 W US24
Remington, Indiana 47977
(219) 261-3444
https://remingtonseeds.com
Remington Seeds is one of the largest third-party seed producers in the world. From a small enterprise founded by two farmers in 1984 to produce high-quality hybrid corn seed, Remington now has upwards of 40 locations across the Midwest. In the 1990s, it added soybeans and wheat to the list of crops it services. Today, this list has expanded to include sunflower and sorghum. Remington’s facilities have also expanded into California and Texas, as well as into Europe and Mexico.
Remington Seeds specializes in contract seed production, supporting major seed brands through high-quality seed multiplication, conditioning, and supply chain services. In 2018, Remington partnered with Satus Ager, a seed production company based in Argentina, to expand its reach to South America.
Renk Seed Company
6809 Wilburn Road
Sun Prairie, Wisconsin 53590
https://renkseed.com/
Renk Seed is a family-owned company focused on corn and soybean genetics, emphasizing performance, reliability, and adaptation to Midwestern environments. It began in 1846, when Joseph and Katherina Renk left Germany to farm in Wisconsin. Over the years, their farm slowly grew so that by 1936, the farm, under the ownership of William (Joseph’s grandson) and William’s two sons, Walter and Wilbur, was incorporated as William F. Renk and Sons. This was the first family farm to be incorporated in the U.S.
Another son, Robert, joined the company in the early 1930s, when universities began promoting the benefits of hybrid corn. Renk Seed was in the forefront, growing and selling hybrid seed corn, the cornerstone of its business today.
Renk Seed breeds and tests across its sales area, relying on research plots, dealer plots, and state trial plots to ensure its products perform on the farm. Renk grows and processes the vast majority of its seed. Its Sun Prairie facility has two processing towers that can process 400 bushels of corn and over 600 bushels of soybeans per hour. Renk also has bulk storage capacity of over 650,000 bushels and warehouse space for 500,000 bushels of bagged seed. Seeds are moved using belt conveyors, bucket elevators, and let-down legs. The plant has a full complement of machinery, including color sorters, to clean out debris and damaged seed and to accurately size seed. The warehouses are all heavily insulated to maintain germination until the seed is ready for delivery.
Stine Seed Company
22555 Laredo Trail
Adel, Iowa
https:/www.stineseed.com
William and Sarah Stine (with their oldest child, Ira Cloyd) arrived in Adel, Iowa, from Pennsylvania to farm 30 tillable acres of their original 160-acre farm. Ira Cloyd marries Lydia Sheaffer, with whom he had four sons. All four boys farmed together as I.C. Stine and Sons until shortly after World War II.
Bill Stine then established Stine Seed Farm, which began cleaning certified oats and public variety soybean seeds with a portable cleaner.
Today, Stine Seed is the largest independent seed company in the U.S., widely recognized for its leadership in soybean genetics and strong corn breeding program. Stine has built a strong reputation for innovation, particularly in developing high-yielding soybean varieties used widely across the industry. Stine operates one of the largest private soybean breeding programs globally. It is a developer of elite soybean germplasm licensed to numerous other seed companies. It is expanding its presence in corn hybrid development, focusing on yield performance and adaptability. Unlike many of its competitors, Stine licenses its genetics broadly, meaning its soybean varieties are often embedded in other brands.
Stine and its affiliated companies own more than 800 seed and technology-related patents, at least 750 of which are directly related to soybeans. Stine’s network of employees and sales agents has grown to nearly 800 people in 30 states. It is one of the largest privately owned seed companies and the fourth-largest soybean seed brand in the United States. It remains the industry leader in offering the broadest lineup of Enlist E3 soybeans and the most advanced high-density/short corn genetics. Stine continues to expand its global reach, with operations in the United States, Latin America, and the European markets.
Gro Alliance
613 N Randolph Street
Cuba City, Wisconsin
https:/www.groalliance.com
Gro Alliance specializes in high‑quality contract growing and supply chain services for the agricultural seed industry. Founded in 1941 and headquartered in Cuba City, Wisconsin, it has grown into one of the nation’s largest independently owned producers of seed corn and soybean seed, with a network of production facilities across multiple states. The company works with seed developers, breeders, and agricultural businesses to produce a wide range of seed types—including GMO, non‑GMO, organic, popcorn, and other specialty seeds—and offers comprehensive seed services that extend beyond production to include customized inventory programs and supply chain solutions.
Gro Alliance also engages in strategic collaborations and joint ventures, such as its partnership in CIS Alliance in Chile, which provides nursery services for row crops, cereals, and vegetables in counter-season environments, helping breeders advance new varieties year‑round. In addition to its core production operations, the company has pursued sustainability initiatives and worked with technology partners to integrate advanced seed-sorting and quality-enhancement tools that improve germination and purity for seed customers.
Wyffels Hybrids
13344 U.S. Highway 6
Geneseo, Ilinois
(800) 369-7833
https://www.wyffels.com
Born to Belgian immigrants, Bill Wyffels Sr. and his wife Alma were married in 1941. By the mid 40s, they purchased a 160-acre farm in northern Henry County, Illinois, where they established their farming operation and started
to produce higher-performing seed for neighbors and friends. Since then, Wyffels Hybrids has relentlessly focused on one thing: developing top-performing corn products that yield better for farmers across the Corn Belt. Soon, this independent, family-owned seed company became the fastest-growing seed corn brand in the Midwest.
In 1980, Wyffels Hybrids moved from the family farm to a new production facility in Atkinson, Illinois, led by a second generation of the Wyffels family that continued to distinguish itself through research, testing, production, and customer service. A new research facility opened in Geneseo, Illinois, in 1993. In 1995, Wyffels launched elite Wyffels products with herbicide-tolerant and insect-resistant traits, and introduced Wyffels high oil corn products to the market.
It opened a new production and research site near Ames, Iowa, in 2024. In addition to storage and distribution capabilities, the site includes research and agronomy test sites available to Wyffels sales team members, seed representatives, and customers for tours and agronomy days. Future expansions include seed corn production capabilities, enhanced research and corn breeding functions, and meeting and training resources. Wyffels Hybrids remains the largest corn-focused seed brand in the nation. Focusing strictly on developing and marketing elite corn hybrids, the company serves corn growers in Illinois, Iowa, southern Wisconsin, southwest Minnesota, and southeast South Dakota
Research and Education Centers
Donald Danforth Plant Science Center
975 N Warson Road
St. Louis, Missouri
(314) 587 1000
http://www.danforthcenter.org/
The Danforth Center is a leading independent nonprofit institute dedicated to improving the human condition through plant science. Founded in 1998, it focuses on enhancing food security, developing resilient crops, advancing human health through plant-derived solutions, and supporting environmental sustainability. The Center combines fundamental and applied research in areas such as crop improvement, bioenergy, and plant-environment interactions, supported by state-of-the-art facilities for phenotyping, bioimaging, and plant transformation. Beyond research, it fosters innovation and entrepreneurship through partnerships and the adjacent BRDG Park innovation district, while also engaging the public through tours, seminars, and educational programs. In sum, the Danforth Center is a globally recognized hub advancing plant science to address critical challenges in agriculture, health, and the environment.
ISU Kent Feed Mill and Grain Science Complex
1873 South State Avenue, Ames, Iowa
(515) 294 2518
https://feedmill.cals.iastate.edu
The Kent Feed Mill and Grain Science Complex at Iowa State University serves as a cutting-edge facility for research, teaching, and industry collaboration in feed manufacturing and grain processing. It provides students and researchers with hands-on experience in feed formulation, ingredient evaluation, and quality control, while also supporting innovation in feed production technologies and grain handling systems. The complex integrates laboratory analysis, pilot-scale production, and full-scale processing, enabling comprehensive studies of feed efficiency, nutritional optimization, and grain quality improvement. Additionally, it functions as an industry resource, offering testing, consulting, and demonstration opportunities that bridge academic research with practical applications in the livestock and grain sectors.
ISU Reiman Gardens
1407 University Blvd.,
Ames, Iowa
(515) 294-2710
http://www.reimangardens.com
The Reiman Gardens at Iowa State University is a 17-acre public garden and educational horticulture facility that serves as both a visitor destination and a living laboratory for teaching, research, and outreach. Featuring more than 20 themed garden areas, indoor conservatories, and a tropical butterfly wing, it showcases a wide diversity of plant species and landscape designs suited to Midwestern conditions.
Reiman Gardens provides a real-world setting where horticultural practices can be tested and demonstrated. Faculty, students, and industry professionals use the gardens to observe plant performance, evaluate new varieties, and showcase best practices in landscape design and management—particularly those suited to Midwestern conditions.
The gardens promote biodiversity and responsible land use by featuring native plants, pollinator habitats, and sustainable landscaping techniques. Through these efforts, the gardens help raise awareness about conservation issues such as habitat loss, climate adaptation, and the importance of plant diversity. The gardens translate academic knowledge into experiences that are accessible to the public.
USDA North Central Regional Plant Introduction Station
1305 State Avenue, Ames, Iowa
(515) 294 2250
https://www.ars.usda.gov/midwest-area/ames/plant introduction research/
The USDA North Central Regional Plant Introduction Station (NCRPIS), located at Iowa State University, serves as a vital hub for the collection, conservation, evaluation, and distribution of plant genetic resources. Its primary role is to acquire and maintain diverse germplasm of crops and their wild relatives, including cereals, legumes, forages, and industrial crops, ensuring that these genetic resources are preserved for long-term research and breeding purposes.
The station meticulously documents and evaluates the traits of its collections—such as disease resistance, stress tolerance, and agronomic performance—providing critical data to plant breeders, researchers, and agricultural institutions worldwide.
NCRPIS also facilitates the distribution of seeds and germplasm to support crop improvement, sustainable agriculture, and global food security. Beyond conservation and distribution, the station engages in research to enhance germplasm management techniques and collaborates with national and international programs to strengthen plant biodiversity and resource sharing.
Regulatory, Advocacy, Research Associations
Iowa Crop Improvement Association
59400 190th St
Nevada, Iowa
(515) 294‑6921
https://www.iowacrop.org/
The ICIA is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing the quality, purity, and performance of crop seeds in Iowa. It serves as a bridge between seed producers, researchers, and farmers by providing certification, quality assurance, and inspection services for seed crops, ensuring that farmers have access to high-quality, true-to-type seeds. The association evaluates and monitors seed varieties for genetic purity, germination, and disease-free status, offering formal certification that meets state and national standards. Beyond certification, ICIA supports research collaborations, variety testing, and educational programs that promote best practices in seed production and management. By fostering rigorous seed quality standards and facilitating communication within the seed industry, the Iowa Crop Improvement Association plays a central role in enhancing crop productivity, supporting sustainable agriculture, and strengthening Iowa’s agricultural economy.
Iowa Seed Association
900 Des Moines Street
Des Moines, Iowa
(515) 262-8323
https://www/iowaseed.org
The Iowa Seed Association is a trade organization that represents and advocates for the interests of seed producers, distributors, and related businesses throughout Iowa. Its primary role is to support the seed industry by promoting high standards of seed quality, providing educational programs, and facilitating networking and collaboration among members. The association engages in policy advocacy at the state and national levels to advance regulations and initiatives that benefit seed growers and the broader agricultural sector. Additionally, the Association organizes events, workshops, and conferences to disseminate information on emerging technologies, market trends, and best practices in seed production, certification, and marketing. By fostering professional development, industry collaboration, and public awareness, the Iowa Seed Association helps strengthen Iowa’s seed industry. It contributes to the availability of high-quality seeds for farmers and agricultural stakeholders.
Iowa Soybean Association
1255 SW Prairie Trail Parkway
Ankeny, Iowa
(515) 251-8640
https://www.iasoybeans.com
The Iowa Soybean Association is a producer-led organization that represents and advocates for soybean farmers across Iowa, focusing on enhancing the profitability, sustainability, and competitiveness of soybean production. Its core functions include supporting research and innovation in areas such as crop management, pest and disease control, soil health, and biotechnology, helping farmers adopt best practices that increase yield and resilience. The Association also provides policy advocacy at the state and national levels, ensuring that farmers’ interests are represented in legislative and regulatory decisions affecting agriculture. In addition, the association delivers educational programs, market development initiatives, and sustainability outreach, connecting farmers with resources, technical guidance, and new market opportunities. By fostering collaboration, research, and advocacy, the Iowa Soybean Association plays a pivotal role in strengthening the economic and environmental sustainability of Iowa’s soybean industry.
Briefing Note for U.S. Seed Companies Hosting the Ukrainian Delegation
Purpose of the visit
The Seed Science Center at Iowa State University is hosting a delegation of Ukrainian seed companies and representatives of the seed authority as part of a two-week business-to-business (B2B) networking program. The visit aims to strengthen Ukraine’s seed sector by fostering partnerships between Ukrainian institutions and leading U.S. seed companies.
A central objective of the program is to support the development and capacity building of Ukrainian Regional Seed Centers, which are expected to play a key role in rebuilding and modernizing the country’s seed systems.
Role of U.S. industry hosts
Participating U.S. seed companies play an essential role in helping Ukrainian colleagues understand how a modern, competitive seed industry operates. Your insights into business practices, technology adoption, and industry partnerships are invaluable to this effort.
We encourage hosts to share perspectives on how partnerships between Ukrainian Regional Seed Centers and international seed companies could help accelerate sector development.
Suggested messages and themes
1. The importance of strong seed system institutions
Regional seed centers can serve as hubs for seed quality assurance, training, and technology dissemination. U.S. industry experience demonstrates the importance of strong institutional support structures that connect research, regulation, and commercial seed production.
2. Partnerships with industry as a driver of capacity building
Collaboration between public institutions and private companies can help seed centers access modern technologies, professional training, and operational know-how. Long-term partnerships can support joint training programs, technical exchanges, and collaborative problem-solving.
3. Knowledge transfer and workforce development
Seed sector development depends on skilled professionals. U.S. companies may wish to highlight:
- staff training and professional development
- internships and exchange programs
- continuing education for seed technologists and seed analysts
Such initiatives could help strengthen the technical capacity of Ukrainian Regional Seed Centers.
4. Technology transfer and operational best practices
Exposure to modern industry practices can help Ukrainian institutions strengthen their operations. Hosts may wish to share insights on:
- seed conditioning and processing technologies
- quality assurance systems and laboratory testing
- seed storage and inventory management
- digital tools used in seed production and logistics
5. Building sustainable industry–research linkages
Successful seed sectors depend on strong connections among breeders, seed companies, universities, and regulatory agencies. Partnerships between Ukrainian Regional Seed Centers and international companies could help facilitate knowledge exchange and collaborative innovation.
6. Mutual benefits that can be derived from long-term engagement between the two countries to support Ukraine’s seed sector recovery.
While the immediate goal is to support Ukraine’s seed sector recovery, collaboration can also create long-term opportunities for scientific exchange, technology development, and expanded agricultural partnerships.
Your willingness to host this delegation and share your expertise contributes directly to strengthening Ukraine’s agricultural resilience and seed sector development. We greatly appreciate your participation in this important exchange.
Thank you for helping make this visit meaningful and productive.