ISU Seed Science Center

🌱✨ Happy 100th Birthday to Marilyn Monroe! ✨🌱

In the 1961 film The Misfits, Marilyn delivered a line that may resonate with anyone who has ever planted a seed:

"I never really saw anything grow before. How tiny those seeds were and yet they know they were supposed to be lettuces."

While seeds don't "know" what they're meant to become, they do carry something remarkable... the genetic potential to grow into healthy plants when given the right conditions. From a tiny seed comes food, fiber, fuel, and the future of agriculture.

At the Iowa State University Seed Science Center, we're inspired every day by the incredible journey from seed to harvest. Sometimes the smallest things truly have the biggest impact.

🌱 Here's to 100 years of Marilyn Monroe and to the wonder of seeds that continues to captivate us all.

What motivates seed industry professionals to pursue graduate education? 🌱📚

A new study from the Iowa State University Seed Science Center found that today’s Seed Technology and Business students are driven by more than career advancement... they’re motivated by personal growth, innovation, and the desire to make a meaningful impact on global food security and sustainable agriculture.

The research, authored by SSC Communications Specialist Cindy Hicks and colleagues, also found that employer tuition support plays a major role in helping professionals continue their education while balancing careers and family responsibilities.

As agriculture evolves, the seed industry needs leaders with both scientific expertise and business knowledge. This research highlights the passion and purpose driving the next generation of seed professionals.

Read more about the study and what it means for the future of the seed industry in the comments. Iowa State University ISU Graduate Program in Seed Technology and Business Seed World US Seed Today American Seed Trade Association

This Memorial Day, we pause to honor the brave Iowa Staters and Americans who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country. 🇺🇸

At the heart of Iowa State University Memorial Union stands Gold Star Hall — a powerful tribute to ISU students and alumni who gave their lives defending freedom. Since the Memorial Union opened in 1928, the hall has served as a lasting reminder of courage, sacrifice, and service.

As we gather with family and friends this weekend, we remember those who never made it home.

Take a moment to learn more about the history and meaning behind Gold Star Hall at Iowa State University: https://www.mu.iastate.edu/gold-star-hall

The Gold Star Hall continues to honor Iowa Staters lost in World War I, World War II, Korea, Vietnam, Somalia, Iraq, and Afghanistan.
Iowa State University College of Agriculture and Life Sciences

From Ames, Iowa to Termez, Uzbekistan 🌎🌱

A new international collaboration is taking root as Iowa State University Seed Science Center and Termez State University of Engineering and Agrotechnologies explore a strategic partnership to establish a Seed Science Center at TSUEA modeled after the globally recognized center at Iowa State University.

This partnership represents more than shared expertise — it’s about advancing seed science, strengthening global agriculture, and building opportunities through education, research, and innovation. 🌾🤝

Iowa State University College of Agriculture and Life Sciences

Read more about this exciting initiative via the link in the comments:

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 impa...

Congratulations!

Zachary Utley, graduating senior in agronomy and seed science, is the recipient of the spring 2026 Academic Achievement Award.

"I have spent 6 out of 8 semesters as a teaching assistant, helping with plant physiology, and this is a representation of all that time, as well as my love for helping students learn about plants and agronomy," said Utley.

Read more about Zachary ⬇️
https://www.cals.iastate.edu/news/2026/honoring-spring-2026-cals-council-awardees

Iowa State University Department of Agronomy

Thank you for the warm welcome!

Congratulations to the Iowa State University Class of 2026! 🎓🌱

From all of us at the Iowa State Seed Science Center, we celebrate your hard work, dedication, and achievements. As you take the next step in your journey, we wish you success in all that lies ahead.

Once a Cyclone, always a Cyclone. Congratulations, graduates! ❤️💛