Board of Directors
IPSA’s nine-member 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.
Chris Latham
President
Latham Seeds
Colin Steen
1st Vice President
Leagacy Seed Companies
Scott Sanders
2nd Vice President
Peterson Farms Seed
Chris Cornelius
Board Member
Cornelius Seed
Terry Schultz
Board Member
Mustang Seeds
Matt Goetz
Board Member
Wyckoff Hybrids, Inc.
Aaron Conaway
Total Seed Production
Board Member
Ben Green
Board Member
Purple Ribbon Seeds
Jeff Renk
Board Member
Renk Seed Co.
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 & 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.
About IPSA
The Independent Professional Seed Association (IPSA) was formed in 1989 by a group of seed producers who recognized the need for an organization to represent the unique needs of independent seed companies. Six seedsmen funded a mailing to identify interest in forming an association dedicated to promoting the interests and capabilities of family-owned companies. In 1989, a founder’s meeting was held with 80 charter members.
The Association addresses research and biotechnology issues and increases the media presence of the industry in an increasingly competitive and dynamic business climate.
Organizational Benefits
ANNUAL MEETING
IPSA’s annual meeting takes place each January. The three-day meeting includes the IPSA Business Meeting, business management seminars, concurrent educational workshops and summaries of IPSA member-funded research projects. The IPSA 34th Annual Conference will take place in Tuscan, AZ – January 23-26, 2023.
COMPETITIVE RESEARCH
IPSA’s research program has evolved during the past 20 years. Initially, Members subscribed to research projects from a list of several programs conducted each year. Projects have studied seed treatment efficacy, hybrid and inbred interaction with herbicides, disease screening and more
Today, IPSA’s research program evaluates seed treatment and other seed enhancements, with research locations on member and third-party sites throughout the country. All regular members receive project results each year.
EDUCATIONAL OFFERINGS
IPSA works with its members to enhance professionalism in the seed industry. Each year, IPSA sponsors seminars on business topics, such as employee/customer relationships, marketing, leadership, communications, employee motivation and succession planning. IPSA members have enthusiastically supported these seminars in field days throughout the year, and during the Annual Conference.
MEMBER SERVICES
IPSA also proactively seeks and develops programs that provide direct benefits to its members. Projects range from group buying programs for widely-used products, to services that meet the needs of regional, independent seed businesses.
ORGANIZATION
IPSA’s nine-member 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.
The Association addresses research and biotechnology issues and increases the media presence of the industry in an increasingly competitive and dynamic business climate.