What researchers learn from a specific rice gene could one day help to reduce crop damage from flooding that occurs after planting. Understanding the genetics of various seed characteristics can uncover a new world of potential for stress-tolerant crops. Some of the biggest advances on this front involve the development of “flood-proof” rice. Although traditional […]

Can we build a better bee that is designed to withstand stressors, such as the Varroa mite, American foulbrood, Nosema ceranae and even extreme weather conditions, through genetics? In many management aspects, honeybees are considered to be similar to traditional livestock such as pigs, sheep and cattle; however that is not the case when it […]

When it comes to expanding in international markets, experience and a good business plan can mean the difference between failure and success. Expanding into a market outside your country’s borders can be a source of anxiety, and rightly so. Selling seed abroad comes with risks and challenges. The No. 1 mistake seed companies make is […]

Regional, independent seed companies are thriving. Mark Twain is quoted as having said “the rumors of my death have been greatly exaggerated.” Rapid consolidation in the seed industry during the past two decades could cause some regional, independent seed companies to feel the same way.  However, I’m proud to report that regional, independent seed brands […]

While it’s critical to look ahead, it’s also important to remember our history and reflect upon the progress that’s been made. Discover the faces behind that progress and today’s seed industry. To say that the seed industry has experienced change since the inception of Seed World is a gross understatement. One hundred years ago, there […]

Companies dedicate resources to help educate youth about the importance of science and technology, as well as the opportunities within agriculture. Losing generations of farmers isn’t just a problem for small towns and family operations; it’s also a challenge for the industries charged with feeding the exploding population. To meet the needs of more and […]

Not all stories are as dramatic as that of Miatta Sirleaf, Aloysius Tamba or Anne Kumeh in post-war Liberia. While very different, they share a commitment to reducing food insecurity. Fleeing repeatedly into the forest trying once again to simply escape the vengeance of rebel fighters when vehicles roar into the village was commonplace for […]

A featured segment designed to share business-critical information to seed-selling professionals. Visit SeedWorld.com to download this department and other tools to help you sell seed to farmers. Farmers might be asking more questions this year about the need for seed treatments. Discover how seed treatments have evolved during the past 20 years and what can […]

Seed industry analysts say the business climate remains strong and stable. Despite a few dips, observers say the U.S. and international seed markets remain strong going into 2015 and that the future looks promising. “The seed industry today is very sound and growing in many ways,” says Thomas “Bud” Hughes, a partner with Verdant Partners, […]

This article is part of a series designed to explore the world of biologicals, from the very basics of what a biological is, or is not, to how they are regulated and from today’s marketplace to their role in the future of agriculture. Discover the world of biologicals at SeedWorld.com/biologicalbreakdown. The seed industry has made […]

Companies are deploying new precision technologies to collect more data and help farmers make better business decisions The world’s global population is projected to balloon from 7.2 billion to 9.6 billion by 2050, according to the United Nations. Much of that growth will take place in developing countries, with about half of the growth occurring […]

If you haven’t already, check out the You Tube video called “Farm Forward.” I recently played this video for a group of Dakota State University business technology students during a tour of our seed plant facility in Madison, South Dakota. It was a normal tour with a guided walk of our seed plant followed by […]

Research in space brings home real benefits to agriculture and the seed industry. Explore the possibilities. Outer space and seeds are not often thought of as going hand-in-hand, but new technologies developed for space exploration are increasingly having an important influence on agriculture and its industries. How soon humans will colonize Mars is debatable, says […]

HM.CLAUSE Creates a “Green” Greenhouse HM.CLAUSE, Inc., a leader in the development, production and sale of vegetable seeds, announced that its recently completed, state-of-the-art greenhouse facility has qualified for more than $25,000 in energy rebates from Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E). Lincoln Moehle, HM.CLAUSE director of global research and development operations, and the project’s […]

National MONSANTO AND WHEAT FARMERS SETTLE After a number of lawsuits related to the May 2013 discovery of genetically-modified wheat on a farm in eastern Oregon and temporary limits on certain exports of soft white wheat, Monsanto Company has entered into a settlement agreement with soft white wheat farmers in the Pacific Northwest. Under the […]

A number of countries face opposition by the public toward seed and seed-applied technologies. Two such countries include Canada and Ghana. Meanwhile, Pakistan is pleased to have leadership at the regional seed association. STATUS CANADA During the last week of November, the government of Ontario proposed regulations to curtail the use of neonicotinoid seed treatments […]

A MOMENT IN TIME Dessert Seed Company of El Centro, California, sent these photographs of new onion varieties that the company had developed. Accompanying the pictures and descriptions was a note from A.M. “Archie” Dessert stating that their three new onions were distinct types of Yellow Sweet Spanish Onions and that each new variety had […]

The issue of seed testing uniformity is a complex and convoluted problem with many players and facets involved. There’s thousands of seed species, nearly a hundred labs, multiple testing methods, governance and compliance. After having been in the seed testing industry for 34 years, I’ve seen just about everything. While I applaud the Association of […]