_{By Kara Berg, ISRC}

Mike Peterson is the president and owner of Peterson Genetics, Inc., based in Cedar Falls, Iowa. He serves as Peterson Genetics’ representative on the ISRC’s Industry Advisory Council. Peterson Genetics is known for providing high quality soybean genetics to seed companies for more than 45 years. Peterson Genetics is the leading provider of soybean germplasm to the North American soybean seed trade with a focus on research and development.

Peterson said he is fortunate to work with an outstanding and dedicated group of employees that focus on bringing their customers (retail seed companies) the very best in soybean genetics. His team uses several proprietary data analysis tools to assist in understanding exactly where and why a soybean variety excels. “I still enjoy getting out in the plots every late summer/fall to see the new release candidates, and understand the products.  We believe strongly in good science.  Good data, with high integrity, conducted correctly leads to good decisions on advance candidates,” said Peterson.

Of his interactions with the Iowa Soybean Research Center, he said, “The ISRC can play a valuable role in the commercial production of soybeans.  Whether it’s an agronomic issue such as the Continuous Soybean project, sorting through the myriad offerings of seed treatments or understanding disease and pests, there is lots of work to do.”

Peterson explained that his father, Larry, and his two brothers initially ran Peterson Seed Company in the 1960s and early 70s selling soybean seed and alfalfa retail. They went on to sell the company to Pioneer Hi-Bred in 1973, which Peterson said is how Pioneer got into the soybean seed business. Larry was president of Pioneer’s soybean division for several years, then left to start his own soybean genetic licensing business (the precursor to Peterson Genetics) in 1976 along with Harry Stine.

“Unfortunately, my dad passed away at a young age and I took over,” said Peterson. “My career licensing soybean genetics started during my senior year of college.” He graduated from Iowa State University in 1984 with a degree in Agricultural Business. As a student, he especially enjoyed the various macro, micro and agricultural economics courses and was involved in ISU’s Agriculture Business Club. The club recognized him as an “Outstanding Alum” in 2014.

Peterson is a past president of the Iowa Seed Association, past chair of the Soybean Division of the American Seed Trade Association, and past chairman of the American Seed Trade Association.