Agriculture Podcasts - GermiNation

GermiNation S2E9 Seeds After the Storm: Helping Jamaica Grow Again

After Hurricane Melissa devastated Jamaica’s agriculture, farmers urgently needed quality seed to rebuild. Discover how Jamaican agricultural leaders, High Mowing Organic Seeds, and the Iowa State University Seed Science Center worked across borders to overcome testing and regulatory barriers, safely deliver donated organic seed, and plant the foundation for a more resilient food system.

September 11 • 37m 49.4s

Audio only: GermiNation S2E9 Seeds After the Storm: Helping Jamaica Grow Again

After Hurricane Melissa devastated Jamaica’s agriculture, farmers urgently needed quality seed to rebuild. Discover how Jamaican agricultural leaders, High Mowing Organic Seeds, and the Iowa State University Seed Science Center worked across borders to overcome testing and regulatory barriers, safely deliver donated organic seed, and plant the foundation for a more resilient food system.

August 25 • 37m 49.4s

Getting to the Root of the Fertilizer Problem: How Nitrogen-Efficient Flax Could Help Farmers Grow More with Less

Can crops produce strong yields with less fertilizer? As fertilizer prices rise and concerns grow about nutrient runoff and greenhouse gas emissions, researchers are looking to plant genetics for solutions. In this episode of GermiNation, host Cindy Hicks talks with Dr. Bourlaye Fofana, a research scientist with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada. Dr. Fofana and his collaborators identified more than 1,000 genes involved in how flax responds to nitrogen stress. Their findings could help breeders develop varieties with stronger root systems that use nitrogen more efficiently. Discover how nitrogen-efficient flax could reduce farmers’ input costs, lessen agriculture’s environmental footprint and provide insights that may ultimately benefit other crops. GermiNation is produced by the Iowa State University Seed Science Center, where every great story starts with a seed.

August 19 • 22m 13.9s

GermiNation S2, E7 One Acre, Two Paychecks: The Promise of Relay Cropping Part 2 of 2 (Audio only)

Today's episode is Part Two of our special series from the Relay Cropping Field Day at Iowa State University's Sorenson Research Farm. In Part One, we learned about the promise of relay cropping from Dr. Shrishail Navi and heard firsthand how sixth-generation farmer Jason Russell of Big Boulder Farms is putting these conservation practices to work on his operation. Today, we continue that conversation by looking at what's next. You'll hear from Matt Leavitt, an agronomist with the Forever Green Initiative, and Anna Teeter of Cargill about the growing opportunities surrounding winter camelina, an emerging oilseed crop creating new markets for farmers. Then we'll take to the skies with Dr. Fernando Mauri Marcos of Iowa State University's Remote Sensing and Imaging Lab to explore how drone technology is helping researchers, and soon, family farmers, collect the data needed to make smarter, more informed management decisions.

July 9 • 43m 7.8s

GermiNation S2, E7 One Acre, Two Paychecks: The Promise of Relay Cropping Part 2 of 2

Today's episode is Part Two of our special series from the Relay Cropping Field Day at Iowa State University's Sorenson Research Farm. In Part One, we learned about the promise of relay cropping from Dr. Shrishail Navi and heard firsthand how sixth-generation farmer Jason Russell of Big Boulder Farms is putting these conservation practices to work on his operation. Today, we continue that conversation by looking at what's next. You'll hear from Matt Leavitt, an agronomist with the Forever Green Initiative, and Anna Teeter of Cargill about the growing opportunities surrounding winter camelina, an emerging oilseed crop creating new markets for farmers. Then we'll take to the skies with Dr. Fernando Mauri Marcos of Iowa State University's Remote Sensing and Imaging Lab to explore how drone technology is helping researchers, and soon, family farmers, collect the data needed to make smarter, more informed management decisions.

July 9 • 43m 7.2s

Audio only: GermiNation S2E7 - One Acre, Two Paychecks The Promise of Relay Cropping (Part 1 of 2)

Today on GermiNation, we're exploring one of the most innovative approaches in modern crop production: relay cropping. Researchers at Iowa State University are studying how farmers can maximize productivity by growing multiple crops in the same season while improving soil health and creating new revenue streams.

June 10 • 33m 35.9s

GermiNation S2E7 - One Acre, Two Paychecks: The Promise of Relay Cropping (Part 1 of 2)

Today on GermiNation, we're exploring one of the most innovative approaches in modern crop production: relay cropping. Researchers at Iowa State University are studying how farmers can maximize productivity by growing multiple crops in the same season while improving soil health and creating new revenue streams.

June 10 • 33m 35.9s

Audio only: GermiNation S2E6 - Planting Policy: How the Farm Bill Impacts the Seed Industry with Janae Brady

What does the new Farm Bill mean for the future of the U.S. seed industry? On this episode of GermiNation, host Cindy Hicks sits down with Janae Brady, Vice President of Government Affairs for the American Seed Trade Association (ASTA), to break down one of the most important policy discussions impacting agriculture today. Brady shares insights from her experience working on Capitol Hill and helping negotiate portions of the 2018 Farm Bill, while discussing how the latest legislation could affect agricultural research, innovation, seed trade, conservation programs, crop insurance, biotechnology regulation, and food security. She also explains why strong federal support for research, seed health, and phytosanitary systems is critical to the future of agriculture and global seed movement. The conversation also explores how ASTA advocates for the seed industry in Washington, D.C., the importance of the National Plant Germplasm System, and why policy decisions made today will shape the future of farming and food production for years to come. Whether you work in agriculture, seed science, policy, or simply want to better understand how the Farm Bill impacts the food system, this episode offers valuable insight into the policies driving the future of American agriculture.

May 18 • 22m 15.7s

GermiNation S2E6 - Planting Policy: How the Farm Bill Impacts the Seed Industry with Janae Brady

What does the new Farm Bill mean for the future of the U.S. seed industry? On this episode of GermiNation, host Cindy Hicks sits down with Janae Brady, Vice President of Government Affairs for the American Seed Trade Association (ASTA), to break down one of the most important policy discussions impacting agriculture today. Brady shares insights from her experience working on Capitol Hill and helping negotiate portions of the 2018 Farm Bill, while discussing how the latest legislation could affect agricultural research, innovation, seed trade, conservation programs, crop insurance, biotechnology regulation, and food security. She also explains why strong federal support for research, seed health, and phytosanitary systems is critical to the future of agriculture and global seed movement. The conversation also explores how ASTA advocates for the seed industry in Washington, D.C., the importance of the National Plant Germplasm System, and why policy decisions made today will shape the future of farming and food production for years to come. Whether you work in agriculture, seed science, policy, or simply want to better understand how the Farm Bill impacts the food system, this episode offers valuable insight into the policies driving the future of American agriculture.

May 18 • 22m 15.7s

Seeds of Resilience: Strengthening Africa’s Future with African Seed Trade Association Secretary General Yacouba Diallo

In this episode of GermiNation, host Cindy Hicks sits down with Yacouba Diallo, Secretary General of the African Seed Trade Association, to explore the powerful role of seed systems in shaping the future of agriculture across Africa. Diallo shares his journey from working with smallholder farmers in Burkina Faso to leading continental efforts to strengthen seed systems and expand access to quality seed. He discusses the biggest challenges farmers face today, from fragmented regulations and limited distribution networks to financial barriers and climate pressures, and offers insight into how these obstacles can be overcome through innovation, education, and collaboration. This conversation explores the critical link between seed access and farmer success, highlighting how high-quality seeds can boost yields by up to 50%, improve nutrition, and create economic opportunities. Diallo also emphasizes the importance of combining traditional farming knowledge with modern science, empowering youth through agricultural education, and leveraging digital tools to expand reach and impact. Looking ahead, he outlines emerging opportunities in plant breeding, biotechnology, and agribusiness entrepreneurship, while calling on global leaders and the seed industry to invest in policies, partnerships, and accessible technologies that support farmers on the ground. From resilience in rural communities to the promise of innovation, this episode reveals how stronger seed systems can transform livelihoods and why the future of agriculture in Africa starts with a seed.

May 5 • 33m 53.6s

Audio only: GermiNation S2E4: The Future of Seeds Starts Here — Dr. Susana Goggi on Legacy, Leadership, and the Next Generation

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.

April 14 • 45m 36.3s

GermiNation S2E4: The Future of Seeds Starts Here — Dr. Susana Goggi on Legacy, Leadership, and the Next Generation

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.

April 14 • 45m 36.2s

Audio Only: GermiNation S2E3: The 80-Year-Old Startup: Jim Schweigert on Education, Agility, and Family Roots in the Seed Industry

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.

March 3 • 21m 8.1s

GermiNation S2E3: The 80-Year-Old Startup: Jim Schweigert on Education, Agility, and Family Roots in the Seed Industry

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.

March 3 • 21m 8.1s

From Seed to Certification: Becoming a Registered Seed Technologist - GermiNation S2E2 Audio Only -

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.

February 2 • 28m 20.5s

GermiNation S2E2 - From Seed to Certification: Becoming a Registered Seed Technologist

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.

February 2 • 28m 20.5s

Germination E1, S2 - Leading the Seed Industry Forward: Insights from ASTA and the Seed Association of the Americas

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.

January 12 • 47m 47.7s

GermiNation S1E5 From days to a day: A testing breakthrough in the battle against Goss's Wilt

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.

December 5 • 23m 34.7s

GermiNation S1E2: The Seeds That Connect Us (Audio Only)

In this episode of GermiNation, We explore the seeds that connect us - we’re taking you to the Seed Savers Exchange annual conference and 50th anniversary celebration for conversations with leaders working to preserve and protect seed diversity: We talk to Bonnetta Adeeb – Founding member of Ujamaa Cooperative Farming Alliance and Ujamaa Seeds, on the importance of African Indigenous seeds. www.ujammaseeds.com Followed by Nicolas Enjalbert – CEO of SeedLinked, discussing groundbreaking research with USDA NIFA, Seed Savers Exchange, and thousands of farmers. www.seedlinked.com We finish the show with Linda Black Elk, an American Indigenous seed expert, sharing stories and wisdom about traditional foodways. www.natifs.org From ancestral knowledge to cutting-edge science, this episode celebrates the seeds that connect us all.

November 20 • 47m 44s

GermiNation E4S1: "The past, the present, and the future of feeding the world one seed at a time."

In this episode of GermiNation, we take you inside the 2025 World Food Prize Borlaug Dialogue — where innovation, legacy, and global collaboration take center stage. I sit down with three inspiring voices in agriculture: Dr. Manjit Misra, former Director of the ISU Seed Science Center and USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture; Julie Borlaug, President of the Borlaug Foundation, granddaughter of Nobel Laureate Dr. Norman Borlaug and passionate proponent of initiatives to end hunger; and we’ll wrap up with Dr. Jean Baptiste Tignegre, Regional Seed Systems Lead for the African Agricultural Technology Foundation. Together, they share insights on the past, the present, and the future of feeding the world: from the Green Revolution to the next generation of “Hunger Fighters."

November 3 • 56m 56.3s

GermiNation E3S1: Let's dig into Corn from Research to Restoration

Dr. Vivian Bernau is a plant scientist, educator, and seed advocate whose work bridges the worlds of academic research and hands-on ecological stewardship. From prairie restoration to empowering communities through seed knowledge, she brings a unique perspective to how we grow, preserve, and connect with plants. Whether you’re a gardener, a grower, or just curious about what lies beneath the surface, you’ll love this conversation. So let’s dig in with Dr. Vivian Bernau!

October 1 • 17m 29.2s

Germination E2S1: The seeds that connect us

In this episode of GermiNation, We explore the seeds that connect us - we’re taking you to the Seed Savers Exchange annual conference and 50th anniversary celebration for conversations with leaders working to preserve and protect seed diversity: We talk to Bonnetta Adeeb – Founding member of Ujamaa Cooperative Farming Alliance and Ujamaa Seeds, on the importance of African Indigenous seeds. www.ujammaseeds.com Followed by Nicolas Enjalbert – CEO of SeedLinked, discussing groundbreaking research with USDA NIFA, Seed Savers Exchange, and thousands of farmers. www.seedlinked.com We finish the show with Linda Black Elk, an American Indigenous seed expert, sharing stories and wisdom about traditional foodways. www.natifs.org From ancestral knowledge to cutting-edge science, this episode celebrates the seeds that connect us all.

September 1 • 47m 43.9s

Risk, Research, and Return: Dr. Scott Heuchelin’s Path to Lead the ISU Seed Science Center

Today, we’re joined by Dr. Scott Heuchelin, the new director of Iowa State University’s Seed Science Center. An ISU alum with over 20 years of experience in seed health and global regulatory policy, Dr. Heuchelin returns to campus after leading international phytosanitary efforts at Corteva Agriscience. Now, he’s guiding the Center into its next chapter of innovation and global agricultural impact. Music courtesy of Let’s Roll Snowball. Find them on YouTube.

July 25 • 22m 57.7s

Podcasts

GermiNation

Latest Episode

GermiNation S2E9 Seeds After the Storm: Helping Jamaica Grow Again

Episodes

GermiNation S2E9 Seeds After the Storm: Helping Jamaica Grow Again

Audio only: GermiNation S2E9 Seeds After the Storm: Helping Jamaica Grow Again

Getting to the Root of the Fertilizer Problem: How Nitrogen-Efficient Flax Could Help Farmers Grow More with Less

GermiNation S2, E7 One Acre, Two Paychecks: The Promise of Relay Cropping Part 2 of 2 (Audio only)

GermiNation S2, E7 One Acre, Two Paychecks: The Promise of Relay Cropping Part 2 of 2

Audio only: GermiNation S2E7 - One Acre, Two Paychecks The Promise of Relay Cropping (Part 1 of 2)

GermiNation S2E7 - One Acre, Two Paychecks: The Promise of Relay Cropping (Part 1 of 2)

Audio only: GermiNation S2E6 - Planting Policy: How the Farm Bill Impacts the Seed Industry with Janae Brady

GermiNation S2E6 - Planting Policy: How the Farm Bill Impacts the Seed Industry with Janae Brady

Seeds of Resilience: Strengthening Africa’s Future with African Seed Trade Association Secretary General Yacouba Diallo

Audio only: GermiNation S2E4: The Future of Seeds Starts Here — Dr. Susana Goggi on Legacy, Leadership, and the Next Generation

GermiNation S2E4: The Future of Seeds Starts Here — Dr. Susana Goggi on Legacy, Leadership, and the Next Generation

Audio Only: GermiNation S2E3: The 80-Year-Old Startup: Jim Schweigert on Education, Agility, and Family Roots in the Seed Industry

GermiNation S2E3: The 80-Year-Old Startup: Jim Schweigert on Education, Agility, and Family Roots in the Seed Industry

From Seed to Certification: Becoming a Registered Seed Technologist - GermiNation S2E2 Audio Only -

GermiNation S2E2 - From Seed to Certification: Becoming a Registered Seed Technologist

Germination E1, S2 - Leading the Seed Industry Forward: Insights from ASTA and the Seed Association of the Americas

GermiNation S1E5 From days to a day: A testing breakthrough in the battle against Goss's Wilt

GermiNation S1E2: The Seeds That Connect Us (Audio Only)

GermiNation E4S1: "The past, the present, and the future of feeding the world one seed at a time."

GermiNation E3S1: Let's dig into Corn from Research to Restoration

Germination E2S1: The seeds that connect us

Risk, Research, and Return: Dr. Scott Heuchelin’s Path to Lead the ISU Seed Science Center