b'CONTENTS / JANUARY 2026Features06 Meet the 2025 Insider Of The YearThought leadership, Summit-style.08 A Conversation With IPSAs Incoming President Aaron ConawayA candid look at agility, leadership, and why independents still thrive when they stay willing to change. 08 1212 Dan Basse Warns the Seed Industry About a Future Defined by Abundance, Pressure and PolicyAt ASTAs Field Crop Seed Convention, Basse says record grain supplies and flat demand are making U.S. farmers the high-cost producer.14 Forget ScaleGo Local 14Why the next wave of seed innova-tion is rooted in independent, niche, mission-driven companies. Columns Special Sections20 Inside the Farm Bill Fight: Is There a Case for a Full Five- 04 From Our Desk 22 INSIDERSYear Bill Problems tackling an issue in your ASTA Director of Government32 People-Poweredbusiness? Cant seem to find a crea-Affairs Brandon Pachman briefedLeadership tive solution? Our INSIDERS are here seed professionals on the politics,to provide advice, tackling problems history, and high stakes behind the40 HR Handbook from social media to seed sizing to repeatedly extended Farm Bill. stewardship.48 Giant Views26 From Kenya to the Corn BeltA forgotten maize line from Africa is inspiring new hybrids, new con-versations and a deeper under-standing of how public breedingIn Every Issuelinks cultures across the world. On The Cover42 Industry News34 Editing Gluten WithoutDavid Henze and Breaking Bread 46 World Status John Hoadley UC Davis researchers are advancingof Summit Seed wheat by removing its most reac- Coatings: the tive gluten proteins and maintain- 2025 Insider of ing dough strength, unlocking newthe Year.potential for performance and health.JANUARY 2026SEEDWORLD.COM /1'