The Seed World U.S. October issue is in your mailbox and online!
Every fall, the baseball season winds down, but this October Seed World U.S. has a brand-new lineup worth cheering for. I was thrilled to announce the 30 women recognized as this year’s High-Impact Women in U.S. Seed. Each one is truly in a league of her own.
When we launched this recognition, I challenged honorees to step up to the plate with a baseball-themed photo — and wow, did they deliver. From bats and gloves to ballfields and jerseys, these images capture more than spirit; they symbolize what it means to play hard, work as a team and never stop swinging for the fences. I even joined in, snapping a shot at a Texas Rangers game to be part of the fun.
Just like in baseball, the seed industry thrives on resilience, preparation and strategy. Every pitch isn’t a strike, every swing isn’t a homerun, but progress comes when people stay in the game. These women aren’t just players; they’re leaders, innovators, and mentors who make sure others get a chance at bat.
Honoring Impact
Each honoree has carved her own path, bringing unique talents to her company, her community, and the wider seed sector. Some are pushing science forward in the lab, others are guiding businesses through volatile markets, and many are building bridges between farmers, technology, and sustainability. What unites them is a commitment to growing something bigger than themselves.
It’s easy to talk about breaking barriers, but these women live it daily. They’ve turned dugouts into boardrooms, training grounds into labs, and every base hit into a building block for the next generation. Their stories are a reminder that the seed industry, like baseball, is both a tradition and a future.
This Issue’s Lineup
Alongside our recognition of these women, this issue tackles some hot debates and deep science-shaping agriculture today. We dig into the seed oils and beef tallow debate — where science and speculation continue to collide at the kitchen table. We highlight The Alfalfa Revival, exploring how breeders and growers are reinvigorating one of agriculture’s most important forages.
We also look at how switchgrass chemistry shifts in drought could change biofuel production, and we introduce you to the grass that could fly — research pointing to exciting new applications for seed-propagated species.
And don’t miss our visit to Pure Seed in Oregon, where a family-owned business continues to innovate in turf and forage with global reach.
Keeping the Ball in Play
This month’s stories, like our lineup of honorees, remind us that the seed industry is a game of endurance, creativity and vision. Success rarely comes from one swing — it’s built on practice, grit and the courage to take risks.
Here’s to another season of growth, discovery and unforgettable wins.
As always, it’s an honor to partner with you!
Aimee
