Photo credit: Illinois Seed Trade Association.
The Illinois Seed Trade Association’s Seed Analyst Committee held its annual meeting Aug. 6 at Beck’s Hybrids in Atlanta, Indiana, bringing together 19 participants from eight laboratories across the Midwest.
The annual meeting provided seed industry professionals an opportunity to connect, exchange ideas and discuss issues affecting the future of seed testing and analysis.
A key focus of the meeting was a review of annual International Seed Testing Association Referee test results for corn, soybeans and sweet corn. The 2026 Referee included 24 laboratories, 82 participants and representatives from 13 states, reflecting broad participation across the seed testing community.
Committee members also approved revised bylaws and selected an implementation plan to open two committee seats. Members will vote on nominated candidates Sam Banks of Bayer and Christopher Roberts of Corteva to fill the positions.
The meeting included educational presentations and interactive discussions covering topics including the development of CoverCress as a new winter oilseed, soybean management and emerging issues, hands-on seed identification and soybean hilum color phenotypes.
The event concluded with tours of Beck’s Hybrids’ laboratory and research and development facilities, providing attendees with an inside look at the company’s operations and research activities.
The Illinois Seed Trade Association thanked Beck’s staff for hosting the meeting and providing hospitality for the industry gathering.
Source: Illinois Seed Trade Association, "Seed Analysts Gather in Atlanta, IN for Annual Committee Meeting"