Kristi Bruner
2018 Graduate,
Seed Science & Technology Certificate

Boscobel, WI
Biddick, Inc.

Our online graduate students enroll in the program for all kinds of reasons. Here is what we found out from Seed Science and Technology graduate certificate alumni, Kristi Bruner, about why she chose to enroll in the STB program.

Tell us your story, what made you interested in working in agriculture and the seed industry?
I grew up on a small dairy farm, where my two older sisters and I were the “hired help”.  I fell in love with farming and the dairy industry and decided to go to the University of Wisconsin-Platteville to get a degree in Animal Science.  After my undergrad, I worked on a 2,000 cow dairy farm, but after having my oldest son, I realized I needed set hours and took a customer service representative position at Trelay Seeds.  When the Trelay Brand was retired by Monsanto, I then took a position at Biddick, Inc.

How has the program helped you professionally?
All the different courses within this program helped show me the diverse ways things are done in the seed industry, with not just corn and soybeans, but other crops.  It has also helped explain things that I don’t work with on a day-to-day basis to help understand the why’s and how’s of the entire seed production process.  Getting to see how things are done, and learning “the why,” prompted me to go to my bosses and start asking questions to better understand how and why we do things the way we do at Biddick.

Tell us how online learning worked for you.
I’ve really appreciated being able to watch class lectures when it fits my schedule.  Whether it was while I’m waiting for my kids during practices or swimming lessons, or by being able to get up early in the morning, I’ve had the flexibility to fit the program into my busy schedule.

What advice do you have for someone who is considering applying to the program?
You can do it! Just make time for classes and don’t be afraid to ask for help in other parts of your life.  Having the support of family and friends to take my kids for a few hours so I could write papers or prepare for exams helped keep me on task.  On the other side, don’t forget to make time for your family and friends.  I found by staying on time or ahead with assignments gave me the chance to enjoy life and helped me not miss out on my kid’s lives.

Kristi, along with her coworker Shannon, joins us from an independent seed company, Biddick Inc, located in Wisconsin. The Graduate Program in Seed Technology and Business has something for everyone, no matter what area of the seed industry you find yourself.

Become a #seedleader today!