Last week, I had the pleasure of traveling to the University of Nebraska for a Seed Your Future board meeting, and it was nothing short of inspiring. I’m always in awe of the incredibly talented individuals on this board, each making a significant impact on the horticulture industry in their own way. From educators and researchers to industry leaders, everyone brings a unique perspective, and together, we’re working to shape the future of horticulture and plant science.
The University of Nebraska–Lincoln offers a comprehensive horticulture program within its Department of Agronomy and Horticulture. Their undergraduate major in Plant and Landscape Systems includes a Horticulture option covering areas like plant propagation, physiology, genetics, and specialty crop management. Students are trained to manage crops in field, landscape, and greenhouse systems, gaining the skills to develop healthy food and landscape ecosystems that benefit communities and economies.
One of the highlights of my trip was touring the university’s state-of-the-art greenhouses. The level of technological advancement here is remarkable. It’s not just about growing plants; it’s about studying their life cycles, understanding how to extend their longevity, and finding innovative ways to improve the efficiency of crops. The research being conducted here is paving the way for breakthroughs in nurturing and cultivating plant life. From climate-controlled systems that simulate varying conditions to advanced sensors monitoring growth patterns, it’s exciting to see how technology and horticulture work together to push boundaries.
During my visit, I also had the opportunity to meet some of the university’s students and staff. Hearing their stories, learning about their experiences at the University of Nebraska, and listening to their dreams for the future was a reminder of why our work at Seed Your Future is so important. These students are the future of our industry, and they’re eager to make their mark. Whether they plan to work in floriculture, landscape design, or plant research, they all share a passion for horticulture that is truly inspiring.
We wrapped up our final night of the Seed Your Future meeting with a fun and lively bowling session at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln's campus. It was a fantastic opportunity to unwind and strengthen bonds with fellow industry leaders in a relaxed environment. The energy was high, with friendly competition, laughter, and shared conversations that helped forge even deeper connections.
If you’re as excited as I am about the future of horticulture, I encourage you to check out some of the amazing initiatives we’ve been working on at Seed Your Future. Recently, we hosted a masterclass with Jazmin from Seed Your Future, where she shared valuable insights into her work and the importance of engaging with young talent. You can find more about that in our September Details University Session, which dives deep into her experience and the mission behind Seed Your Future.
We also recently published a blog about Green Career Week, a fantastic opportunity to promote careers in horticulture. If you haven’t had a chance to read it, I highly recommend checking it out and exploring ways to support the next generation of green leaders.
Being part of this journey, from board meetings to greenhouse tours, reminds us of how vital our industry is—and how bright its future looks, thanks to the dedication of so many talented people.