As she prepares to retire, Susana Goggi reflects on a remarkable career shaping the science—and the people—behind seed technology.

In this episode of GermiNation, Dr. Goggi shares how she found her way into seed physiology, the evolution of the field, and why seed scientists are more critical than ever in the face of climate change and global food security challenges. From ensuring seed quality to understanding the full journey from breeder to farmer, she explains why seed science remains the foundation of agriculture—even in an era of AI and biotech.

The conversation also highlights a pressing concern: while more students are entering the industry, fewer are pursuing careers in academia—creating a growing gap in training the next generation of seed experts.

Plus, hear directly from Iowa State students as they share what excites them about the seed industry, what they’re looking for in their careers, and why mentorship and purpose matter more than salary.

This episode is a powerful reminder that behind every harvest is a seed—and behind every seed is a scientist.

As she prepares to retire, Susana Goggi reflects on a remarkable career shaping the science and the people behind seed technology.

In this episode of GermiNation, Dr. Goggi shares how she found her way into seed physiology, the evolution of the field, and why seed scientists are more critical than ever in the face of climate change and global food security challenges. From ensuring seed quality to understanding the full journey from breeder to farmer, she explains why seed science remains the foundation of agriculture even in an era of AI and biotech.

The conversation also highlights a pressing concern: while more students are entering the industry, fewer are pursuing careers in academia, creating a growing gap in training the next generation of seed experts.

Plus, hear directly from Iowa State students as they share what excites them about the seed industry, what they’re looking for in their careers, and why mentorship and purpose matter more than salary.

This episode is a powerful reminder that behind every harvest is a seed and behind every seed is a scientist.

What does it take for a family seed company to thrive for more than 80 years in an industry increasingly dominated by global giants?

In this episode of GermiNation, host Cindy Hicks sits down with Jim Schweigert, President of Gro Alliance and new Adjunct Instructor and an alumnus of Iowa State University’s Seed Technology and Business (STB) graduate program. Jim shares the story of Gro Alliance, a third-generation family business founded in 1941 on a small Wisconsin farm, and how the company has continued to grow by adapting, innovating, and partnering across the seed industry.

Jim reflects on the value of continuing education in agriculture, explaining how combining real-world industry experience with advanced training helped him better understand the broader seed sector. He also discusses how Gro Alliance invests in employee professional development and why staying curious and engaged in industry learning is essential in a rapidly evolving global marketplace.

The conversation also explores the realities of operating a smaller seed company alongside multinational corporations. Jim explains why collaboration between large and small companies is often key to success, and how independent seed businesses can leverage agility, long-term thinking, and customer-focused solutions to stay competitive.

From the early days of planting just two acres of hybrid seed corn to becoming a global partner in seed production, the Gro Alliance story offers insights into leadership, legacy, and the importance of continuous learning in the seed industry.

Tune in to hear how education, adaptability, and entrepreneurial thinking continue to shape the future of seed.

GermiNation: where every great story starts with a seed.

What does it take for a family seed company to thrive for more than 80 years in an industry increasingly dominated by global giants?

In this episode of GermiNation, host Cindy Hicks sits down with Jim Schweigert, President of Gro Alliance and new Adjunct Instructor and an alumnus of Iowa State University’s Seed Technology and Business (STB) graduate program. Jim shares the story of Gro Alliance, a third-generation family business founded in 1941 on a small Wisconsin farm, and how the company has continued to grow by adapting, innovating, and partnering across the seed industry.

Jim reflects on the value of continuing education in agriculture, explaining how combining real-world industry experience with advanced training helped him better understand the broader seed sector. He also discusses how Gro Alliance invests in employee professional development and why staying curious and engaged in industry learning is essential in a rapidly evolving global marketplace.

The conversation also explores the realities of operating a smaller seed company alongside multinational corporations. Jim explains why collaboration between large and small companies is often key to success, and how independent seed businesses can leverage agility, long-term thinking, and customer-focused solutions to stay competitive.

From the early days of planting just two acres of hybrid seed corn to becoming a global partner in seed production, the Gro Alliance story offers insights into leadership, legacy, and the importance of continuous learning in the seed industry.

Tune in to hear how education, adaptability, and entrepreneurial thinking continue to shape the future of seed.

GermiNation: where every great story starts with a seed.

What does it really take to become a Registered Seed Technologist (RST), and why does the credential matter more than ever?

In this episode of GermiNation, we sit down with two leaders who know the RST journey inside and out: Jessica Blake, Seed Quality Labs Manager at the Iowa State University Seed Science Center, and Quinn Gillespie, President of the Society of Commercial Seed Technologists.

Together, they break down the path to becoming an RST, from early training and hands-on experience to preparing for certification exams, and share practical advice for technicians just starting out. They also discuss how foundational skills in seed purity and germination testing build confidence, open doors across the seed industry, and support a career rooted in quality, accuracy, and trust.

Whether you’re new to seed testing, considering certification, or mentoring the next generation of seed professionals, this conversation offers insight, encouragement, and a clear roadmap for growing your career in seed science.

Because every great seed analyst starts somewhere, and the path matters.

What does it really take to become a Registered Seed Technologist (RST), and why does the credential matter more than ever?

In this episode of GermiNation, we sit down with two leaders who know the RST journey inside and out: Jessica Blake, Seed Quality Labs Manager at the Iowa State University Seed Science Center, and Quinn Gillespie, President of the Society of Commercial Seed Technologists.

Together, they break down the path to becoming an RST, from early training and hands-on experience to preparing for certification exams, and share practical advice for technicians just starting out. They also discuss how foundational skills in seed purity and germination testing build confidence, open doors across the seed industry, and support a career rooted in quality, accuracy, and trust.

Whether you’re new to seed testing, considering certification, or mentoring the next generation of seed professionals, this conversation offers insight, encouragement, and a clear roadmap for growing your career in seed science.

Because every great seed analyst starts somewhere, and the path matters.

In this episode of GermiNation, we bring together two influential voices in the global seed industry. We sit down with Andy LaVigne, President and CEO of the American Seed Trade Association (ASTA), and Diego Risso, Executive Director of the Seed Association of the Americas, for conversations on leadership, collaboration, and the future of seed systems. From policy and innovation to workforce development and international trade, this episode explores how seed associations are working across borders to strengthen agriculture and ensure farmers have access to high-quality seed.

On this episode of GermiNation, we’re joined by a scientist working at the forefront of molecular seed diagnostics: Jeffrey Williams, research scientist at Iowa State University’s Seed Science Center.

Jeffrey’s background spans deep expertise in microbiology and hands-on experience in plant diagnostics, sharpened during his years at Corteva’s Plant Diagnostic Clinic. Now at the Seed Science Center, he plays a critical role in advancing molecular seed quality testing—especially in support of the USDA National Seed Health System, which ensures U.S. seed exports meet strict international phytosanitary standards.

His work fuels global seed trade, strengthens agricultural sustainability, and reinforces the trust farmers place in the seed they plant.

In this episode, we explore Jeffrey’s career path, the molecular puzzles behind seed health, and the curiosity and commitment that drive his research every day.