Nebraska Students Study Science of Seeds

By Scout Nelson

At the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, a new course is helping students connect science, business, and hands-on learning in the world of seed production. The course, Plant and Landscape Systems 391A: Special Topics in Agronomy — Seed Industry Enterprises, focuses on the people and processes behind the seeds that power global agriculture.

The class was designed and taught by Kelsey McCullough, a Nebraska alumna and lecturer in the Department of Agronomy and Horticulture. Drawing from her experience in both online instruction and her family’s seed business, McCullough created an engaging curriculum that allows students to think and work like seed industry professionals.

Through a mix of online lessons, expert guest sessions, field visits, and lab activities, students gain real-world insights into hybrid seed production and management. They also network with industry professionals, shadow mentors of their choice, and experience how scientific research connects with large-scale agribusiness.

McCullough credits Professor Emeritus Don Lee for assisting in course design and leading in-person instruction during her maternity leave. “Don took the lead in teaching for a few weeks after I had a baby boy in mid-September,” she said. “He’s been a great asset, and it’s been great to work with him. The students benefited from his contributions.”

A highlight of the semester was a field trip to the Bayer Hybrid Seed Plant near Waco, Nebraska, where students toured the facility and observed the seed conditioning, treatment, and packaging process. “The Seed Industry Enterprises class gained an appreciation for the engineering and attention to detail we saw from the tour,” Lee said.

The visit emphasized the complexity and precision of hybrid seed production while showcasing the collaboration between growers and agricultural companies. By combining classroom learning with industry exposure, the Seed Industry Enterprises course prepares Nebraska students for careers in a sector vital to the world’s food supply.

Photo Credit:nebraska-extension