Ames, Iowa, USA
May 27, 2026
As the global seed industry faces growing pressure to improve food security, sustainability, and agricultural innovation, one question becomes increasingly important: What motivates professionals to pursue advanced education in seed science?
A newly published study from Iowa State University’s Seed Science Center offers insight into that question and the answers may help shape the future workforce of the seed industry.
The article, “Intrinsic and Extrinsic Motivations for Pursuing a Graduate Program in Seed Science, Technology, and Business (STB),” was recently published in Natural Sciences Education by Cynthia Hicks, communications specialist at the ISU Seed Science Center, along with co-authors Dr. Shuyang Qu, Dr. Nancy Grudens-Schuck, and Dr. Lulu Rodriguez.
The study surveyed current students and alumni from the STB program and found that today’s seed professionals are motivated by much more than promotions or salary increases. While career advancement remains important, the strongest motivators were deeply personal: developing potential, advancing personal growth, and fulfilling personal goals.
“Many people in the seed industry are passionate about making a meaningful contribution to agriculture and global food security,” said Hicks. “What surprised us was how strongly personal growth and self-fulfillment ranked alongside professional advancement. These students are not just pursuing degrees for a title; they genuinely want to make an impact.”
The findings reflect a changing professional landscape within agriculture, where lifelong learning and specialized expertise are becoming increasingly valuable. The average respondent in the study was a mid-career professional balancing work, family, and educational commitments.
According to the study, the top intrinsic motivators included:
- Developing personal potential
- Advancing personal growth
- Fulfilling personal objectives
Top external motivators included:
- Increasing job opportunities
- Performing better at work
- Improving current job conditions
“These results tell us that seed professionals are highly mission-driven,” Hicks said. “The industry attracts people who care deeply about solving real-world challenges. Programs like STB help provide the technical and business skills needed to lead in a rapidly evolving agricultural environment.”
Another significant finding involved the role of employer support. More than 90% of respondents reported receiving some form of financial assistance, and nearly three-quarters said financial support played a major role in their decision to enroll.
“Employer tuition reimbursement is making a real difference,” Hicks said. “Companies that invest in employee education are not only supporting workforce development, but they are also helping strengthen the future of the seed industry as a whole.”
Interestingly, the study found few significant differences in motivations between men and women or between domestic and international students. Researchers say this suggests that professionals across cultures and backgrounds share a common commitment to advancing agriculture and improving food systems worldwide.
The STB program at Iowa State University was designed specifically to bridge science and business within the seed industry, an increasingly critical need as companies seek professionals who understand seed biology, production, quality, regulations, marketing, and global trade.
“The seed industry is incredibly complex and global in nature,” Hicks said. “Today’s professionals need both technical expertise and business knowledge. This research reinforces that people are seeking programs that help them grow personally while preparing them to tackle industry-wide challenges.”
The authors hope the findings will help seed companies, universities, and industry organizations better understand how to recruit and support the next generation of seed professionals.
“Ultimately, investing in education is investing in the future of agriculture,” Hicks said. “The professionals entering these programs today will help shape how the world produces food tomorrow.”
Topics
Species
