b'IPSA Field Trials Give Membersan Edge in the IndustryThe association provides members with quality, independent information on seed treatment, biologicals and enhancements through the IPSA Field Trials.Ally RodenESTABLISHED IN 1989by seed producers who identifiedshe says. We highly encourage these companies to become the need for independent seed company representation, themembers to build great relationships with the current IPSA Independent Professional Seed Association (IPSA) was formedmembers. They are able to showcase their newest technology to to promote the interests of family-owned companies. Now thea group of companies that will quickly deploy it as soon as they association tackles research and biotechnology issues, enhanc- understand the benefits to farmers.ing the industrys media presence to keep members in the loopThe field trials are just another piece of the puzzle that guides of an ever-changing and increasingly competitive businessmembers of the association to success. Since the program was climate. established, IPSA has conducted hundreds of trials. To date, the One initiative the association has employed to make this pos- program has been consistently rated as one of the most crucial sible are the IPSA Field Trials. More than 15 years ago, membersmember services provided by IPSA.expressed the desire for independently verified and owned data.We want to make sure that we always have the highest qual-Launched in 2013, the field trials answered that demand, as IPSAity and highest integrity in our data, says Frans.wanted to ensure that seed companies had access to independ- The trials are tested in two separate regions: the northern ent information pertaining to seed treatment, seed biologicalsCorn Belt and the central Corn Belt, with each region contain-and seed enhancements for corn and soybeans. The programing 12 locations. When a participant of the trials commits to a has now refocused to improve data type and quality, accordingregion, their product will be tested at all 12 of the locations. North to Cat Frans, executive director for IPSA, in an interview withDakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin and Michigan fall Seed World.under the northern region, while Nebraska, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana We give companies a direct platform to meet and talk to theand Ohio belong to the southern region. Each location accepts regular members of IPSAthe independent seed companies,three replications for each treatment submitted.4/ SEEDWORLD.COMJANUARY 2023'