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GermiNation

Cindy Hicks/ISU Seed Science Center

Welcome to GermiNation—the podcast where seeds tell their stories. Brought to you by the Iowa State University Seed Science Center, a global leader in seed research, education, and outreach, and Seed Today, the premier publication that connects seed industry leaders across the United States and Canada with practical insights, equipment information, and resources to improve operations and grow their businesses.

Each episode, we explore the beauty, wonder, and science of seeds—tiny powerhouses at the heart of agriculture, biodiversity, and global food security. Through conversations with scientists, farmers, industry leaders, and changemakers worldwide, we explore how seeds connect us, sustain us, and shape our future.
This is GermiNation—where every great story starts with a seed.

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  • 20 episodes
  • Avg 37 min
  • English

Episodes 20

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  • #23
    Friday · 1 hr 38 min

    GermiNation S2E11 (Audio only) The Next Field Test: Where AI, Automation and Seed Science Meet

    A former diesel mechanic uses artificial intelligence to build a solution for an autonomous tractor. A planter designer questions why placing a seed requires so much horsepower. Soil scientists turn layers of field data into information that could help farmers make better decisions. For the six agricultural entrepreneurs participating in a Seed Science and Technology panel discussion with seed industry professionals, the future of farming is already taking shape through practical tools and AI is helping accelerate their development. seeds.iastate.edu 2027 Seed Science Center seed conditioning workshops and Seed Quality short courses: 2027 Seed Conditioning Workshops Workshop Dates Commercial Grade Popcorn Conditioning May 17–19 Color Sorting with SATAKE June 8–10 Soybean & Small Grain Seed June 13–15 or July 27–29 Seed Treatment June 16–17 Seed Corn Conditioning June 22–24 or August 3–5 Gravity Separation July 20–21 Specialty Seed Conditioning Workshop August 10–12 2027 Seed Quality Short Courses Short course Dates Beginner Seed Quality Testing May 17–19 AOSA Purity Testing June 21–24 AOSA Germination Testing July 26–29

  • #22
    October 19 · 41 min

    (Audio Only) GermiNation S2E10 Old Genetics, New Possibilies

    Could old seeds hold answers to agriculture’s newest challenges? Host Cindy Hicks joins ASTA President and CEO Andy LaVigne and Jord BioScience CEO Keri Carstens to explore USDA’s $180 million investment in the National Plant Germplasm System. Discover how America’s “living plant library,” paired with modern genomics and strong partnerships, could accelerate breeding, expand opportunities for seed companies of all sizes and help farmers grow more resilient crops. This podcast is brought to you by Iowa State University Seed Science Center in partnership with Seed Today.

  • #21
    October 19 · 41 min· Video

    GermiNation S2E10 Old Genetics, New Possibilies

    Could old seeds hold answers to agriculture’s newest challenges? Host Cindy Hicks joins ASTA President and CEO Andy LaVigne and Jord BioScience CEO Keri Carstens to explore USDA’s $180 million investment in the National Plant Germplasm System. Discover how America’s “living plant library,” paired with modern genomics and strong partnerships, could accelerate breeding, expand opportunities for seed companies of all sizes and help farmers grow more resilient crops. This podcast is brought to you by Iowa State University Seed Science Center in partnership with Seed Today.

  • #20
    September 11 · 37 min· Video

    GermiNation S2E9 Seeds After the Storm: Helping Jamaica Grow Again

    After Hurricane Melissa devastated Jamaica’s agriculture, farmers urgently needed quality seed to rebuild. Discover how Jamaican agricultural leaders, High Mowing Organic Seeds, and the Iowa State University Seed Science Center worked across borders to overcome testing and regulatory barriers, safely deliver donated organic seed, and plant the foundation for a more resilient food system.

  • #19
    August 25 · 37 min

    Audio only: GermiNation S2E9 Seeds After the Storm: Helping Jamaica Grow Again

    After Hurricane Melissa devastated Jamaica’s agriculture, farmers urgently needed quality seed to rebuild. Discover how Jamaican agricultural leaders, High Mowing Organic Seeds, and the Iowa State University Seed Science Center worked across borders to overcome testing and regulatory barriers, safely deliver donated organic seed, and plant the foundation for a more resilient food system.

  • #18
    August 19 · 22 min· Video

    Getting to the Root of the Fertilizer Problem: How Nitrogen-Efficient Flax Could Help Farmers Grow More with Less

    Can crops produce strong yields with less fertilizer? As fertilizer prices rise and concerns grow about nutrient runoff and greenhouse gas emissions, researchers are looking to plant genetics for solutions. In this episode of GermiNation, host Cindy Hicks talks with Dr. Bourlaye Fofana, a research scientist with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada. Dr. Fofana and his collaborators identified more than 1,000 genes involved in how flax responds to nitrogen stress. Their findings could help breeders develop varieties with stronger root systems that use nitrogen more efficiently. Discover how nitrogen-efficient flax could reduce farmers’ input costs, lessen agriculture’s environmental footprint and provide insights that may ultimately benefit other crops. GermiNation is produced by the Iowa State University Seed Science Center, where every great story starts with a seed.

  • July 9 · 43 min

    GermiNation S2, E7 One Acre, Two Paychecks: The Promise of Relay Cropping Part 2 of 2 (Audio only)

    Today's episode is Part Two of our special series from the Relay Cropping Field Day at Iowa State University's Sorenson Research Farm. In Part One, we learned about the promise of relay cropping from Dr. Shrishail Navi and heard firsthand how sixth-generation farmer Jason Russell of Big Boulder Farms is putting these conservation practices to work on his operation. Today, we continue that conversation by looking at what's next. You'll hear from Matt Leavitt, an agronomist with the Forever Green Initiative, and Anna Teeter of Cargill about the growing opportunities surrounding winter camelina, an emerging oilseed crop creating new markets for farmers. Then we'll take to the skies with Dr. Fernando Mauri Marcos of Iowa State University's Remote Sensing and Imaging Lab to explore how drone technology is helping researchers, and soon, family farmers, collect the data needed to make smarter, more informed management decisions.

  • #17
    July 9 · 43 min· Video

    GermiNation S2, E7 One Acre, Two Paychecks: The Promise of Relay Cropping Part 2 of 2

    Today's episode is Part Two of our special series from the Relay Cropping Field Day at Iowa State University's Sorenson Research Farm. In Part One, we learned about the promise of relay cropping from Dr. Shrishail Navi and heard firsthand how sixth-generation farmer Jason Russell of Big Boulder Farms is putting these conservation practices to work on his operation. Today, we continue that conversation by looking at what's next. You'll hear from Matt Leavitt, an agronomist with the Forever Green Initiative, and Anna Teeter of Cargill about the growing opportunities surrounding winter camelina, an emerging oilseed crop creating new markets for farmers. Then we'll take to the skies with Dr. Fernando Mauri Marcos of Iowa State University's Remote Sensing and Imaging Lab to explore how drone technology is helping researchers, and soon, family farmers, collect the data needed to make smarter, more informed management decisions.

  • #15
    May 18 · 22 min

    Audio only: GermiNation S2E6 - Planting Policy: How the Farm Bill Impacts the Seed Industry with Janae Brady

    What does the new Farm Bill mean for the future of the U.S. seed industry? On this episode of GermiNation, host Cindy Hicks sits down with Janae Brady, Vice President of Government Affairs for the American Seed Trade Association (ASTA), to break down one of the most important policy discussions impacting agriculture today. Brady shares insights from her experience working on Capitol Hill and helping negotiate portions of the 2018 Farm Bill, while discussing how the latest legislation could affect agricultural research, innovation, seed trade, conservation programs, crop insurance, biotechnology regulation, and food security. She also explains why strong federal support for research, seed health, and phytosanitary systems is critical to the future of agriculture and global seed movement. The conversation also explores how ASTA advocates for the seed industry in Washington, D.C., the importance of the National Plant Germplasm System, and why policy decisions made today will shape the future of farming and food production for years to come. Whether you work in agriculture, seed science, policy, or simply want to better understand how the Farm Bill impacts the food system, this episode offers valuable insight into the policies driving the future of American agriculture.

  • #14
    May 18 · 22 min· Video

    GermiNation S2E6 - Planting Policy: How the Farm Bill Impacts the Seed Industry with Janae Brady

    What does the new Farm Bill mean for the future of the U.S. seed industry? On this episode of GermiNation, host Cindy Hicks sits down with Janae Brady, Vice President of Government Affairs for the American Seed Trade Association (ASTA), to break down one of the most important policy discussions impacting agriculture today. Brady shares insights from her experience working on Capitol Hill and helping negotiate portions of the 2018 Farm Bill, while discussing how the latest legislation could affect agricultural research, innovation, seed trade, conservation programs, crop insurance, biotechnology regulation, and food security. She also explains why strong federal support for research, seed health, and phytosanitary systems is critical to the future of agriculture and global seed movement. The conversation also explores how ASTA advocates for the seed industry in Washington, D.C., the importance of the National Plant Germplasm System, and why policy decisions made today will shape the future of farming and food production for years to come. Whether you work in agriculture, seed science, policy, or simply want to better understand how the Farm Bill impacts the food system, this episode offers valuable insight into the policies driving the future of American agriculture.

  • #13
    May 5 · 33 min· Video

    Seeds of Resilience: Strengthening Africa’s Future with African Seed Trade Association Secretary General Yacouba Diallo

    In this episode of GermiNation, host Cindy Hicks sits down with Yacouba Diallo, Secretary General of the African Seed Trade Association, to explore the powerful role of seed systems in shaping the future of agriculture across Africa. Diallo shares his journey from working with smallholder farmers in Burkina Faso to leading continental efforts to strengthen seed systems and expand access to quality seed. He discusses the biggest challenges farmers face today, from fragmented regulations and limited distribution networks to financial barriers and climate pressures, and offers insight into how these obstacles can be overcome through innovation, education, and collaboration. This conversation explores the critical link between seed access and farmer success, highlighting how high-quality seeds can boost yields by up to 50%, improve nutrition, and create economic opportunities. Diallo also emphasizes the importance of combining traditional farming knowledge with modern science, empowering youth through agricultural education, and leveraging digital tools to expand reach and impact. Looking ahead, he outlines emerging opportunities in plant breeding, biotechnology, and agribusiness entrepreneurship, while calling on global leaders and the seed industry to invest in policies, partnerships, and accessible technologies that support farmers on the ground. From resilience in rural communities to the promise of innovation, this episode reveals how stronger seed systems can transform livelihoods and why the future of agriculture in Africa starts with a seed.

  • #12
    April 14 · 45 min

    Audio only: GermiNation S2E4: The Future of Seeds Starts Here — Dr. Susana Goggi on Legacy, Leadership, and the Next Generation

    As she prepares to retire, Susana Goggi reflects on a remarkable career shaping the science—and the people—behind seed technology. In this episode of GermiNation, Dr. Goggi shares how she found her way into seed physiology, the evolution of the field, and why seed scientists are more critical than ever in the face of climate change and global food security challenges. From ensuring seed quality to understanding the full journey from breeder to farmer, she explains why seed science remains the foundation of agriculture—even in an era of AI and biotech. The conversation also highlights a pressing concern: while more students are entering the industry, fewer are pursuing careers in academia—creating a growing gap in training the next generation of seed experts. Plus, hear directly from Iowa State students as they share what excites them about the seed industry, what they’re looking for in their careers, and why mentorship and purpose matter more than salary. This episode is a powerful reminder that behind every harvest is a seed—and behind every seed is a scientist.

  • #11
    April 14 · 45 min· Video

    GermiNation S2E4: The Future of Seeds Starts Here — Dr. Susana Goggi on Legacy, Leadership, and the Next Generation

    As she prepares to retire, Susana Goggi reflects on a remarkable career shaping the science and the people behind seed technology. In this episode of GermiNation, Dr. Goggi shares how she found her way into seed physiology, the evolution of the field, and why seed scientists are more critical than ever in the face of climate change and global food security challenges. From ensuring seed quality to understanding the full journey from breeder to farmer, she explains why seed science remains the foundation of agriculture even in an era of AI and biotech. The conversation also highlights a pressing concern: while more students are entering the industry, fewer are pursuing careers in academia, creating a growing gap in training the next generation of seed experts. Plus, hear directly from Iowa State students as they share what excites them about the seed industry, what they’re looking for in their careers, and why mentorship and purpose matter more than salary. This episode is a powerful reminder that behind every harvest is a seed and behind every seed is a scientist.

  • #10
    March 3 · 21 min

    Audio Only: GermiNation S2E3: The 80-Year-Old Startup: Jim Schweigert on Education, Agility, and Family Roots in the Seed Industry

    What does it take for a family seed company to thrive for more than 80 years in an industry increasingly dominated by global giants? In this episode of GermiNation, host Cindy Hicks sits down with Jim Schweigert, President of Gro Alliance and new Adjunct Instructor and an alumnus of Iowa State University’s Seed Technology and Business (STB) graduate program. Jim shares the story of Gro Alliance, a third-generation family business founded in 1941 on a small Wisconsin farm, and how the company has continued to grow by adapting, innovating, and partnering across the seed industry. Jim reflects on the value of continuing education in agriculture, explaining how combining real-world industry experience with advanced training helped him better understand the broader seed sector. He also discusses how Gro Alliance invests in employee professional development and why staying curious and engaged in industry learning is essential in a rapidly evolving global marketplace. The conversation also explores the realities of operating a smaller seed company alongside multinational corporations. Jim explains why collaboration between large and small companies is often key to success, and how independent seed businesses can leverage agility, long-term thinking, and customer-focused solutions to stay competitive. From the early days of planting just two acres of hybrid seed corn to becoming a global partner in seed production, the Gro Alliance story offers insights into leadership, legacy, and the importance of continuous learning in the seed industry. Tune in to hear how education, adaptability, and entrepreneurial thinking continue to shape the future of seed. GermiNation: where every great story starts with a seed.

  • #9
    March 3 · 21 min· Video

    GermiNation S2E3: The 80-Year-Old Startup: Jim Schweigert on Education, Agility, and Family Roots in the Seed Industry

    What does it take for a family seed company to thrive for more than 80 years in an industry increasingly dominated by global giants? In this episode of GermiNation, host Cindy Hicks sits down with Jim Schweigert, President of Gro Alliance and new Adjunct Instructor and an alumnus of Iowa State University’s Seed Technology and Business (STB) graduate program. Jim shares the story of Gro Alliance, a third-generation family business founded in 1941 on a small Wisconsin farm, and how the company has continued to grow by adapting, innovating, and partnering across the seed industry. Jim reflects on the value of continuing education in agriculture, explaining how combining real-world industry experience with advanced training helped him better understand the broader seed sector. He also discusses how Gro Alliance invests in employee professional development and why staying curious and engaged in industry learning is essential in a rapidly evolving global marketplace. The conversation also explores the realities of operating a smaller seed company alongside multinational corporations. Jim explains why collaboration between large and small companies is often key to success, and how independent seed businesses can leverage agility, long-term thinking, and customer-focused solutions to stay competitive. From the early days of planting just two acres of hybrid seed corn to becoming a global partner in seed production, the Gro Alliance story offers insights into leadership, legacy, and the importance of continuous learning in the seed industry. Tune in to hear how education, adaptability, and entrepreneurial thinking continue to shape the future of seed. GermiNation: where every great story starts with a seed.

  • #8
    February 2 · 28 min

    From Seed to Certification: Becoming a Registered Seed Technologist - GermiNation S2E2 Audio Only -

    What does it really take to become a Registered Seed Technologist (RST), and why does the credential matter more than ever? In this episode of GermiNation, we sit down with two leaders who know the RST journey inside and out: Jessica Blake, Seed Quality Labs Manager at the Iowa State University Seed Science Center, and Quinn Gillespie, President of the Society of Commercial Seed Technologists. Together, they break down the path to becoming an RST, from early training and hands-on experience to preparing for certification exams, and share practical advice for technicians just starting out. They also discuss how foundational skills in seed purity and germination testing build confidence, open doors across the seed industry, and support a career rooted in quality, accuracy, and trust. Whether you’re new to seed testing, considering certification, or mentoring the next generation of seed professionals, this conversation offers insight, encouragement, and a clear roadmap for growing your career in seed science. Because every great seed analyst starts somewhere, and the path matters.

  • S2 · E2
    February 2 · 28 min· Video

    GermiNation S2E2 - From Seed to Certification: Becoming a Registered Seed Technologist

    What does it really take to become a Registered Seed Technologist (RST), and why does the credential matter more than ever? In this episode of GermiNation, we sit down with two leaders who know the RST journey inside and out: Jessica Blake, Seed Quality Labs Manager at the Iowa State University Seed Science Center, and Quinn Gillespie, President of the Society of Commercial Seed Technologists. Together, they break down the path to becoming an RST, from early training and hands-on experience to preparing for certification exams, and share practical advice for technicians just starting out. They also discuss how foundational skills in seed purity and germination testing build confidence, open doors across the seed industry, and support a career rooted in quality, accuracy, and trust. Whether you’re new to seed testing, considering certification, or mentoring the next generation of seed professionals, this conversation offers insight, encouragement, and a clear roadmap for growing your career in seed science. Because every great seed analyst starts somewhere, and the path matters.

  • #7
    January 12 · 47 min· Video

    Germination E1, S2 - Leading the Seed Industry Forward: Insights from ASTA and the Seed Association of the Americas

    In this episode of GermiNation, we bring together two influential voices in the global seed industry. We sit down with Andy LaVigne, President and CEO of the American Seed Trade Association (ASTA), and Diego Risso, Executive Director of the Seed Association of the Americas, for conversations on leadership, collaboration, and the future of seed systems. From policy and innovation to workforce development and international trade, this episode explores how seed associations are working across borders to strengthen agriculture and ensure farmers have access to high-quality seed.

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