b'SEED EDUCATION BIOLOGICALSSeed Quality Testing in the Busy Season Biologicals and Big Leaps: Policy That Powers InnovationJESSICA BLAKE Seed Quality Lab ManagerIowa State Seed Science Centerjdwilker@iastate.eduseeds.iastate.edu KERI CARSTENS Jord BioScience CEOkeri.carstens@jordbioscience.comjordbioscience.comcompany/jord-bioscienceWITH THE BIOLOGICALSmarket growing and resilience nowcate and perform reliably.a non-negotiable on every farm, agribusinesses face a defining2. Prioritize Consistency and Scale: Using these insights, Jord moment. Growers demand solutions that deliver field-provenBioScience develops superior, scalable biofertilizers and biopesti-returns, regulators are raising the bar, and market competition iscides in partnership with industry leaders.fierce. For seed leaders aiming to earn the trust of tomorrows3. Lead with Transparency and Data: Jord develops tailored farmer, the product development process just isnt enough. microbial blends that cooperate for stronger colonization, per-Thats why at Jord BioScience, our expertise in the microbi- sistence and performance. By focusing on results, collaboration ome helps the industry leap forward with greater confidence.and openness, our industry can bring top biological and chemical Our proprietary process creates winning combinations thatinnovations from petri dish to planter faster.consistently produce superior performance across geographies,Innovation thrives when the game rules are clear. Regulatory seasons, and real-world conditions. Jords multi-year, multi-stateclarity is the backbone of our ability to deliver better outcomes field trials prove the inherent power of partner microbes to liftfor both growers and the environment. Im tremendously grate-yields 11-25%, with solutions beating standard biologicals andful to serve on ASTAs Board and to witness the unmatched work chemicals more than 80% of the timeeven when the weatherASTA doesinforming, educating, and advocating for science-throws a curveball.driven, practical regulations that move our industry forward.Agriculture is at a defining moment. If youre not part of it yet,Looking ahead, I see enormous potentialnot just for prod-heres how you can ensure you arent left behind: ucts, but for partnerships. Its how well continue to deliver new 1. Create a winning team: Jords 30 years of bioprospectingtools, whether biological, chemical, or a combination of both created a microbial library of partners that collaborate, communi- from lab to farmgate.PRODUCTION SEED COATINGAI is Improving Your Competitors Seed: Heres How You Can Catch Up Shaping the Future of Seed CoatingsBefore the Regulations Shape It for YouJIM SCHWEIGERT President, Gro Alliancejim.schweigert@groalliance.comgroalliance.com@GroAlliance RICK MICHELMAN President & CEOMichelmanmichelman.cominfo@michelman.comAT MICHELMAN,weve built our reputation by creatingcoating polymers that exceed the performance of conventional innovative, sustainable solutionslong before sustainabilityproducts while meeting cost expectations.became a buzzword. Our core strength lies in applying deepWe know from experience that every detail matters. For agri-technical expertise and a proactive mindset across industries.cultural coatings, this means performance across a wide range of We dont just adapt to change; we anticipate it and help shapeapplication temperatures, the ability to adhere to corn, soybean, it. Our purpose is to innovate a sustainable future, and that fuelsor wheat seedeach with very different surface characteristics every decision we make. We are committed to developing and and compatibility with multiple types of treaters, chemicals, delivering new technologies that help our customers stay aheadand slurry rates. Our new solutions are just one component of anot scramble to catch up. complete seed coating, and they must integrate seamlessly with This isnt unfamiliar territory for us. Weve spent decadesall other products, work reliably in all equipment, and adhere to developing advanced coatings that can adhere to just about anyall seed types.surface and withstand challenges like abrasion, moisture, andThe challenge for the seed industry is one of mindset. Too environmental stress. The same kinds of scientific breakthroughsoften, change is reactivetriggered by regulations or market weve achieved in other industriessuch as packaging, automo- shifts. At Michelman, we believe the industry can lead the change tive, and compositesalso work for agricultural coatings likeinstead of being forced into it. With our cross-industry experi-those used on seed. By leveraging our expertise in dust control,ence, global footprint, and commitment to innovation, were adhesion, wet flow, and dry flow, we are bringing new levels ofready to help farmers, seed companies, and the environment performance to the seed industry. succeed together.One area of intense focus is the future of microplastics inThe real question is: will the industry act now to shape its own seed coatings. While current products are effective, governmentfutureor wait until outside forces do it for us?regulations are inevitable. We believe the right time to innovate is before the rules changenot after. Thats why weve invested years into developing naturally occurring, microplastic-free seed DECEMBER 2025SEEDWORLD.COM /39'