b'New WSA President Aims to Inspire the Seed Industrys Next Generation As the new president of the Western Seed Association, Stephanie Breckenridges journey from receptionist to industry leader highlights a path of unexpected opportunity. By Aimee Nielson, Seed World U.S. EditorI SAT DOWNwith new WSA presi- warehouse and now I manage our inven-dent Stephanie Breckenridge at thetory operations. I wear a lot of hats. We recent WSA convention in Kansas City.have about 80 full-time employees now, Shes only the second woman to holdand I help manage both our own inven-the office in the 2000s. She didnt settory and the inventory we purchase, as out to work in agriculture. With a sociol- well as planning what we need to plant to ogy degree and no plans to dive intomeet production goals for our customers.the world of seeds, her career started by chance when she took a job as aSW: And you went to school for receptionist at Ernst Conservationsomething completely different?Seeds. Nearly three decades later, shesBreckenridge: Yes, my degree is actually become an integral part of the industry.in sociologynowhere near agriculture. Breckenridges story is a testament to theI didnt expect to end up in this industry possibilities in the seed sector, and herat all. For anyone out there who isnt sure new role is focused on inspiring the nextwhat they want to do, you never know generation to explore unexpected paths. what path you might find yourself on. Sometimes, you just stumble into some-SW: Thank you so much for sittingthing you love.down with me, Stephanie. Im excited to learn more about you.SW: One of your priorities asStephanie Breckenridge is the new WSA Could you tell me a little about yourpresident of the Western SeedPresident.work and your company? Association is motivating the next Breckenridge: I work for Ernstgeneration to get involved in thewith a lot of modernization and tech Conservation Seeds in Meadville,seed industry. What would you sayadvancements, especially in areas that Pennsylvania. Were a native seed com- to young people who arent quitedraw younger generations. We just need pany that produces and sells seeds acrosssure what they want to do? to help them see how they can apply their the eastern United States. We growBreckenridge: Just be open to trying newtalents here. Theres so much potential.more than 200 species and farm aroundthings and doing your best. You might 10,000 acres in our area. not know exactly what you want to do,SW: Is there anything youre but there are so many opportunities outparticularly looking forward to over SW: Your start in the seed industrythere, especially in the seed industry.the next year of your term?wasnt exactly conventional, was it? There are a lot of companies, a lot of dif- Breckenridge:Im looking forward to con-Breckenridge: No, it wasnt. A lot offerent areas to work in, and you can findtinuing the relationships we have. Thats people in agriculture have been involvedyourself just about anywhere in the world.one of the most important things about in the industry for a long time, but my sto- The possibilities are endless. attending these meetingsthe relation-rys a bit different. Robin Ernst bought theships you build over the years. Ive been farm next to my grandparents dairy farm,SW: Why do you think young peoplecoming to the Western Seed Association and when I was fresh out of college, theyarent getting into the seed industrymeetings since 2006 or 2007, and its all were looking for a receptionist. I inter- as much as wed like? about reconnecting and growing those viewed and got the jobthat was back inBreckenridge: I think theyre out there,friendships. Zoom is great, but it just 1996. Over the years, Ive had the chancebut we need to encourage them anddoesnt compare to seeing people face-to grow within the company. I startedshow them that theres room for growthto-face. Theres something irreplaceable answering the phones, then moved to thein this industry. Agriculture is evolving,about that personal connection.SW72/ SEEDWORLD.COMDECEMBER 2024'