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The seed industry runs on innovation, creativity, hard work, and the people who show up year after year, solve hard problems, and quietly make the system work better for everyone.
This year, the Independent Professional Seed Association (IPSA) is honoring three leaders with Lifetime Achievement Awards. Each personifies decades-long commitment to the independent seed sector: Mike Peterson, Jon Popp and Tim Gutormson.
“The IPSA board looked across the whole of our membership and said, ‘Okay, who has really impacted the industry over the course of the last 37 years?” IPSA CEO Todd Martin says. “We’re really excited that we’re giving out three lifetime achievement awards this year, which is a high for us. We normally give one or two, but there were three individuals that really came to the forefront in everybody’s mind.”
The winners careers span genetics, infrastructure, and seed quality: three pillars that underpin how seed is developed, produced, and trusted across North America. Each has left a mark that will be felt long after this year’s conference ends.
Mike Peterson: Advancing Independent Soybean Genetics
If you work in independent seed, you know Mike Peterson.
As Owner and CEO of Peterson Genetics, Inc., Peterson has spent more than three decades helping independent seed companies compete by giving them access to high-quality soybean genetics and the data to stand behind them. A graduate of Iowa State University, Peterson built his company into a trusted partner for many independent seed firms. That work matters. It preserves choice in the marketplace and gives independent companies the tools they need to serve growers well.
“Mike Peterson has been such a stalwart supporter of independent seed companies across the board,” says Martin. “We’re really thrilled to award him a Lifetime Achievement Award.”
Peterson’s influence reaches far beyond his own business. He has served as President of the Iowa Seed Association, Chair of American Seed Trade Association (ASTA)’s Soybean Division, and Chairman of ASTA: leadership roles that reflect both respect from peers and a willingness to step up for the broader industry.
Mike Peterson’s career blends genetics, field testing, leadership, and mentorship, all grounded in a deep connection to farming and the independent seed community. Along the way, he raised five kids (including triplets) and has completed a dozen and a half marathons. The seed sector appreciates this over-achiever!
“We’ve been doing this for 50 years now, and can’t wait for the next 50,” said Peterson when he accepted his award. “We’re just tickled to work with you all.”
Jon Popp: Engineering What Seed Quality Depends On
Seed quality doesn’t happen by accident.
Jon Popp, founder and president of Popp Engineering, Inc., has spent nearly 30 years designing the systems that make high-quality seed possible. A graduate of the University of Illinois with a degree in Agricultural Engineering, Popp launched his company in 1995 to solve practical, technical challenges in seed production.
Today, Popp Engineering is known across the industry for its expertise in seed facilities, conditioning systems, drying, treatment, and packaging. Popp’s work often happens behind the scenes, but its impact is everywhere — helping seed companies protect genetic integrity, improve efficiency, and deliver consistent quality to customers.
Beyond the blueprints and equipment, Popp has been a generous teacher. He has shared his expertise at industry events for decades, helping seed professionals better understand the mechanics that support modern seed operations.
“Jon really represents someone who has given so much to the industry, and in particular to independent seed companies,” says Martin. “When we talk about historical perspective, he’s someone who has been with us since within a couple years of IPSA’s birth, and yet he still continues to come year after year and supports independent seed companies to such a high level.”
Jon Popp’s legacy is one of problem-solving, precision, service and of building the physical backbone of the seed industry.
“It’s been a pleasure to work with so many different companies in so many different ways to try to bring some creativity and innovation that hopefully makes the business a little more productive and hopefully more profitable,” said Popp when he accepted his award.
Tim Gutormson: Building Trust Through Seed Science
When seed quality needs to be proven, you just might find Tim Gutormson front and center.
As CEO and seed physiologist at SoDak Labs, Inc., Gutormson has spent more than 40 years advancing seed testing, diagnostics, and quality assurance. With degrees in agronomy and a career dedicated to seed science, he has helped shape how seed quality is measured, validated, and trusted.
Under his leadership, SoDak Labs conducts hundreds of thousands of tests each year, across many crops, following ISO and ISTA standards. But Gutormson’s impact goes beyond test results. Through the SoDak Labs Seed Academy and decades of training and mentorship, he has helped raise the level of seed knowledge across the industry.
“Tim absolutely deserves this recognition. The amount of support he’s given to IPSA from the beginning, it’s just huge,” says Martin.
Gutormson’s work strengthens one of the most important assets the seed sector has: confidence. Confidence that seed will perform as expected, that standards mean something, and that data can be trusted. His career is a reminder that strong science and strong systems are inseparable.
“I really appreciate this,” Gutormson said at the award ceremony. It’s always been fun working with seed companies, and I feel like we’re blessed to work with such great people.”
A Legacy Worth Celebrating
Peterson, Popp and Gutormson have built successful careers and, even more importantly, helped shape an industry others could rely on. Their contributions span decades, disciplines, and countless acres. Congratulations to each on winning IPSA’s Lifetime Achievement Award!
More scenes from #IPSA2026
John Latham wins IPSA’s Independent of the year; Todd Martin, Latham and Cat Frans; Seed World’s Madeleine Baerg chats with 2025 IPSA board president Scott Sanders and incoming chair Aaron Conaway about the transition.
IPSA Scholarship Winners; A packed house for Peterson Genetics’ High Yield Happy Hour
Representatives from John Deere Financial (Stephanie Fackler, Sam Kupferschmid and Luke Krueger); Beautiful reception spread; SeedBox Solution’s Sam Terneus and Teale McKinzie; Colin Steen and Erik Steen.
