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GermiNation: Daily Summaries Delivered
by Cindy Hicks/ISU Seed Science Center
Welcome to GermiNation—the podcast where seeds tell their stories. I’m your host, Cindy Hicks, coming to you from the Iowa State University Seed Science Center, a global leader in seed research, education, and outreach.Each episode, we dig into the beauty, wonder, and science of seeds—those tiny powerhouses at the heart of agriculture, biodiversity, and global food security. Through conversations with scientists, farmers, industry leaders, and changemakers around the world, we explore how seeds connect us, sustain us, and shape our future.This is GermiNation—where every great story starts with a seed.
Latest Episodes
The most recent episodes — sign up to get AI-powered summaries of each one.
- 2 weeks ago22 min
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.
- 2 weeks ago22 min
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 5, 202633 min
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.
- Apr 14, 202645 min
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.
- Apr 14, 202645 min
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.
- Mar 3, 202621 min
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.
- Mar 3, 202621 min
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.
- Feb 2, 202628 min
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.
About GermiNation
Welcome to GermiNation—the podcast where seeds tell their stories. I’m your host, Cindy Hicks, coming to you from the Iowa State University Seed Science Center, a global leader in seed research, education, and outreach.Each episode, we dig into the beauty, wonder, and science of seeds—those tiny powerhouses at the heart of agriculture, biodiversity, and global food security. Through conversations with scientists, farmers, industry leaders, and changemakers around the world, we explore how seeds connect us, sustain us, and shape our future.This is GermiNation—where every great story starts with a seed.
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