About IPSA

IPSA’s Board of Directors

IPSA’s Board of Directors guides the policies and activities of IPSA. Board members play active roles with “hands-on” duties within the various committees. An individual may hold office for two consecutive three-year terms on the board.

Members of IPSA’s three committees, the Education Committee, the Member Services Committee and the Business Development Committee, actively participate in the work of their committee, providing thoughtful input to committee deliberations, and focusing on the best interests of the association and committee goals.

  • Scott Sanders

    IPSA President, Peterson Farm Seed

  • Aaron Conaway

    IPSA 1st Vice President, Total Seed Production

  • Ben Green

    IPSA 2nd Vice President, Purple Ribbon Seed

  • Shane Ohlde

    Ohlde Seed

  • Jeff Renk

    Renk Seed

  • Colin Steen

    Legacy Seed

  • Seth Hill

    Champion Seed

  • Chris Latham

    Latham Hi-Tech Seeds

  • Jim Robinson

    Rob-See-Co

  • Kevin Cavanaugh

    IPSA Associate Director, Peterson Corn Genetics

  • Matt Shipton

    IPSA Associate Director, MayerSeedLine

  • Jim Schweigert

    IPSA/ASTA Liaison, Gro Alliance

IPSA Core Values

Independence: IPSA values and promotes the independence of its member seed companies. We recognize the significance of maintaining autonomy and preserving the unique perspectives and contributions of independent seed companies.

Integrity: IPSA upholds the highest ethical standards and integrity in all of our activities. IPSA prioritizes transparency, honesty, and accountability, fostering trust among our members – both regular seed companies and associate/affiliate members, and the broader agricultural community.

Innovation: IPSA recognizes the critical role of innovation in the seed industry. We actively support and promote research and development initiatives, encourage the adoption of new technologies and practices, and facilitate knowledge exchange to drive continuous improvement within our membership.

Professionalism: We are committed to maintaining a high level of expertise and knowledge in the seed industry. We aim to provide professional guidance, resources, and opportunities for our members to grow and excel.

Partnership: We believe in the power of collaboration and partnership. We work towards fostering an environment where members can collaborate, share knowledge, resources, best practices. and form partnerships that help advance the seed industry.  We believe that collective collaboration leads to better innovation, efficiency, and overall success for all members.

Sustainability: IPSA recognizes the importance of sustainable agriculture practices. We promote environmentally responsible approaches to seed production, emphasizing the preservation and conservation of natural resources for future generations.

Advocacy: IPSA is committed to advocating for the interests of its members. We serve as a strong voice within the agriculture industry, championing policies and initiatives that support independent seed companies and their contributions to the agriculture community.

Now and the Future

Today, IPSA represents nearly 100 seed companies from more than 25 states, Canada and Mexico, who produce corn, soybeans, small grain and forage seeds. The Association also has over 100 associate and affiliate members, representing all facets of the seed industry.

IPSA remains committed to those independent seed companies who are members of the Association, as well as those companies we consider to be our “future members.” The future remains bright and independent seed companies are optimistic about their success in an increasingly competitive marketplace. IPSA will work hard to represent these companies as their businesses grow and prosper.

IPSA has raised cooperative funding for applied research – leading to enhanced product information for its members. To date IPSA has funded over $1,500,000 in private and public research projects.

In 1995, a Business Development Committee was established to involve and exchange ideas with IPSA’s Associate Members, by enhancing communications, education, and information exchange abilities with those who provide valuable services and production to the seed industry.

IPSA is a member of the American Seed Trade Association, the Canadian Seed Trade Association, and various state and regional seed associations to exchange information and develop relationships with seed producers throughout the world.

The Association addresses research and biotechnology issues and increases the media presence of the industry in an increasingly competitive and dynamic business climate.