b'SEED SCIENCE AND EDUCATIONA Real and Profitable Need: Your Path to Becoming a Registered Seed Technologist (RST)JESSICA BLAKE ISU Seed Science Center Senior Seed Quality & Operations Specialist jdwilker@iastate.eduseeds.iastate.eduYOURE EARLY INyour career, motivated, and looking foranalysts and supporting professionals as they move toward something more than just a job. You want a profession, onecertification. We understand the challenge youre facing: gaining that offers stability, respect, and long-term opportunity. Acrossexperience, building confidence, and navigating the path to RST the seed industry, a quiet challenge is emerging: the number ofstatus while balancing real-world job demands. trained seed technologists is declining, while demand continuesOur role is to help make that journey clearer and more attain-to grow. able.Ive spent my career in seed testing, and I can say withoutOne way we do this is through industry-focused training hesitation that becoming a Registered Seed Technologist opensopportunities designed for working professionals. In 2026, Iowa doors. Its a credential recognized across the industry, signalingState University will host three key workshops on the RST journey:technical expertise, attention to detail, and commitment to quality. AOSA Germination Testing Workshop, April 2730, 2026RSTs are not easily replaced, and that translates to job security, AOSA Purity Testing Workshop, May 47, 2026advancement opportunities, and long-term value to employers.Beginner Seed Quality Testing Workshop, August 10-12, 2026 This is where your journey begins. These workshops provide hands-on instruction, expert guid-Seed quality testing is essential to agriculture. Farmers relyance, and direct preparation for certification, turning uncertainty on it. Companies depend on it. Global trade requires it. But theinto confidence. Also, in 2026 we are designing a Registered workforce needed to support this system is shrinking. That gapSeed Technologist training program, so if interested in this pro-creates uncertainty for the industry, but for you, it creates oppor- gram please contact me with any questions.tunity. RSTs are in high demand, difficult to replace, and critical toIf youre looking for a career with purpose, security, and every seed operation. Choosing this path means stepping into aupward momentum, this is your call to action. The seed industry role where your skills truly matter. needs heroesand with the right guidance, you can become At Iowa State University, weve spent decades training seedone of them.Elevate your business with the knowledge you need.Subscribe now for exclusive insights, breakthrough trends, and expert analyses delivered directly to your inbox. Join the Seed World community today!seedworld.com/subscribe34/ SEEDWORLD.COMFEBRUARY 2026 2025-12-02 10:43AMSW_SW2025Newsletters_HP.indd 1'