Iowa Crop Improvement Association

In 1902, an organization called the Iowa Corn Growers Association came into existence with the purpose of organizing grain and livestock judging schools in an effort to improve the economic conditions for farmers through better agriculture. In addition, the organization sponsored an annual corn show to better promote better corn production. In 1909, a similar group for small grains, the Iowa Small Grain Growers Association, was formed and hosted an annual small grain show similar to the corn show. The two associations merged in 1913 and became the Iowa Corn and Small Grain Growers Association. Over time the corn and grain shows were phased out, but in 1920 the Association started conducting corn yield tests which recognized farmers for high yielding corn crops.

In 1912 the Iowa Agricultural Experiment Association was organized at Iowa State College (University) for the purpose of promoting research in farm crops and assisting in the distribution of seeds, plants, and fertilizers for experimental use. The Association also worked closely with the Agricultural Experiment Station at Iowa State to conduct experiments on hybrid crops, crop varieties, and new crops of potential value. The Iowa Agricultural Experiment Association first certified crops in 1921 and certified and registered seed in 1923. Standards for hybrid corn certification were established by the Association in 1931. In 1942, the Iowa Agricultural Experiment Association was recognized as the official seed certifying agency for the State of Iowa.

The Iowa Agricultural Experiment Association changed its name in February 1950 to become the Iowa Crop Improvement Association (ICIA). By June, 1951, the Iowa Corn and Small Grain Growers Association was absorbed by the Iowa Crop Improvement Association. The purpose of the new organization remained the same as the original associations: to conduct experiments in regards to seeds, plants, and fertilizers and to make known the sources of such good seed by means of certification.

With over one hundred years of history, the ICIA continues to be a resource for Iowa's agriculturalists by providing quality seed production and crop performance testing services. The ICIA continues to work closely with the College of Agriculture at Iowa State University to conduct experiments on new crops and hybrids and varieties. On top of conducting domestic and international seed certification and quality assurance programs, ICIA also helps influence public policy regarding crop improvement.