Melissa Nelson
Melissa Nelson is an accomplished agricultural scientist and entrepreneur, serving as Owner and Field Scientist at Performance Crop Research, LLC, and Co-Owner of South Bend Industrial Hemp. Based in Great Bend, Kansas, she leads innovative crop research initiatives across multiple locations in the state, leveraging over 10,000 acres for both small and large-scale trials. With expertise spanning dryland and irrigated systems, greenhouse studies, and a variety of crops including industrial hemp, corn, wheat, sorghum, and more, Melissa and her team deliver high-quality, timely research with precision and attention to detail.
Melissa’s professional journey reflects over a decade of experience in field research, including roles as GLP Project Manager and Research Scientist with companies such as Diamond Ag Research and Eurofins Agrisearch Australia. She brings deep technical knowledge in efficacy studies, residue trials, and GMO/regulated work, and is proficient in ARM program protocols. Her leadership extends to mentoring research teams and interns, ensuring that Performance Crop Research remains at the forefront of scientific rigor in agricultural innovation.
In addition to her work in research, Melissa is a passionate advocate for the industrial hemp industry. Through South Bend Industrial Hemp and its processing facility—the first decortication facility in the Midwest—she supports sustainable agricultural practices and the growth of hemp for grain, fiber, and CBD products. Melissa is an active member of the Global Hemp Association, KAICC, and NAICC, and contributes to the broader community through volunteer efforts with organizations such as the American Cancer Society. She holds a Master’s degree in Agriculture from Colorado State University and a Bachelor’s in Biology from Fort Hays State University.
• Colorado State University - M.S.
• First Team All-Academic Team - 2009, 2010
• Team Captain
• KAICC
• Barton County Farm Bureau
• NAICC
• American Cancer Society
• The Humane Society of the United States
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my passion for research and development. I have been fortunate to turn this passion into action by founding and running two companies, both focused on advancing the agricultural industry.