b'SEED EDUCATIONBuilding the Future: Seed Professionals and Educators NeededLORI YOUNGBERG STB Program Specialist IIIlyoung@iastate.eduseedgrad.iastate.eduWALK INTO ANYag-focused classroom, seed testing lab,become thought leaders in the field. or production field, and youre likely to hear the same thing:That matters, because without strong leadership in seed sci-Were losing people faster than we can replace them. Acrossence, we risk losing institutional knowledge and stalling innova-the seed industry, a generation of professionals are nearingtion. We need professors who can teach the next wave of seed retirementand there arent enough trained experts ready toanalysts, pathologists, breeders, and business managers. We step into their roles.need researchers who can ask and answer the big questions Its not just a workforce issue. Its a knowledge gap. Seed sci- around seed health, technology and policy. And we need prac-ence is a highly specialized field that plays a critical role in globaltitioners who understand both the science and the systems that food security, sustainable agriculture, and economic develop- carry it to the field. ment. And yet, its often overlooked in broader conversationsIn a recent survey, nearly three-quarters of STB alumni about agricultural education and research. reported a promotion or pay increase after graduation, and 96 The gap is also apparent in academia. As experienced seedpercent said the program helped them professionally. Beyond scientists and professors retire, theres a growing urgency to traincareer advancement, many spoke about the deep level of knowl-the next generation of practitioners, educators and researchersedge gained in all aspects of the seed industry, the importance who will prepare future professionals. of peer learning and networking and how pivotal this knowledge One way Iowa State Universitys Seed Science Center ishas been in their day-to-day professional lives. responding to this challenge is through its Graduate ProgramThe industry cant afford to wait. Whether its through gradu-in Seed Technology and Business (STB). The STB program isate certificates, a masters degree, or future faculty development, designed with working professionals in mind, offering onlinewe need to invest now in building that pipeline. Because at the flexibility and a mix of science and management courses. Theend of the day, seed science isnt just about plantsits about courses increasingly serve as a training ground for people topeople. And we need more of them.Join the Seed WorldCommunity Today!Subscribe now for exclusive insights, breakthrough trends, and expert analysis delivered directly to your inbox. seedworld.com/subscribe46/ SEEDWORLD.COMJUNE 2025'