CONTACT

Thanks for Setting the Stage – Jane Bachmann

Jane Bachmann is the Global Head of Seed Business Communications at Corteva Agriscience, where she leads strategic communication efforts for the company’s global seed business. With extensive experience in agriculture and corporate communications, she has played a key role in shaping messaging and outreach strategies within the industry. Passionate about sustainable agriculture and leadership development, she actively collaborates with institutions like Iowa State University and mentors young professionals through organizations such as the Public Relations Society of America.

WCI Welcomes David Hoekstra as its Interim Executive Director

Western Crop Innovations (WCI) has announced the appointment of David Hoekstra as its interim executive director. Hoekstra brings extensive leadership experience in agricultural research, business development, and strategic advisory roles. […]

A Digital Breakthrough in Soil Permeability Measurement 

Brazilian researchers have developed the country’s first automated digital permeameter, SoloFlux, a groundbreaking device designed to measure soil hydraulic conductivity—its ability to absorb and retain water. This innovation emerged from […]

Performance Reviews Worth Having

Most performance reviews tend to revolve around whether goals were met or why an “exceeds expectations” rating wasn’t achieved. Such meetings rarely leave us feeling invigorated. In essence, the most […]

That’s Where Women Belong

Seed World continues a month-long celebration of women with our own Madeleine Baerg, Seed World Group EVP of Operations. Madeleine Baerg is a seasoned agriculture expert with more than 15 […]

In Fifty Years … Seed World Celebrates Women

​Lisa Scebbi is a seasoned global food and agricultural marketer with a fervent commitment to sustainable, nutrient-dense food production. In September 2024, she embraced the role of Senior Director of Marketing at Tidal Grow AgriScience, where she leverages her extensive expertise to drive innovative marketing strategies in the agricultural sector. Her passion for soil health and regenerative farming practices underscores her dedication to advancing sustainable agriculture.

Seed Innovation is Fighting Back a Growing Threat in Corn

corn leaf, tar spot, corn disease

For nearly a decade, corn seed developers have been addressing the rise of a new disease threatening the Midwest’s corn yields. Tar spot, a fungal disease caused by Phyllachora maydis, has emerged as one of the most significant challenges for corn production, presenting both risks and opportunities for seed companies to innovate and provide solutions.

Diversity Ensures a Bright Future

As the global seed industry increasingly evolves to embrace international collaboration to develop varieties adapted to diverse climates, consumer needs and agricultural practices, Agronomix has experienced an evolution of its […]

Scientists Identify Genes That Could Grow Bigger Tomatoes and Eggplants

“Having full genome sequences for these species is like having a new treasure map,” said Katharine Jenike, a researcher who helped assemble the genome sequences. “They allowed us to find size-related genes in a really unexpected place.”

By leveraging knowledge from tomato genetics, the team was able to accelerate research on African eggplants. This approach, known as pan-genetics, offers a way to enhance a wide range of crops and introduce new varieties to global markets.

A Place in the Industry: Victoria Buxton

Victoria Buxton is a seasoned communications professional with 19 years of experience shaping corporate messaging and brand strategy. She currently serves as the Global Corporate Communications Manager at Agrality, where she leads strategic communication efforts across key markets, including Argentina, Brazil, and the United States. Based in Pergamino, Buenos Aires, she is responsible for building and maintaining Agrality’s global presence, managing media relations, and ensuring consistent messaging that aligns with corporate objectives. Her expertise in strategic planning, crisis communication, and stakeholder engagement has been instrumental in strengthening Agrality’s reputation within the agricultural sector. Notably, she played a key role in Agrality’s expansion into Brazil, supporting the company’s acquisition of a new processing plant and enhancing its international visibility.

USDA Layoffs Disrupt Seed Research and Regulations — Is a Temporary Reinstatement Enough to Keep us Going?

Washington D.C., USDA building

In mid-February 2025, approximately 6,000 probationary employees were dismissed, affecting key research units. For instance, Farm Progress reported that the Forage Seed and Cereal Research Unit in Corvallis, Oregon, lost three of its eight scientists, including experts in research genetics and molecular biology. These layoffs disrupted ongoing projects aimed at improving crop resilience and productivity.

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