Her Story
About Tammy
Tammy Stark has worked in seed testing since 2009. She is the Manager of Quality Labs across three production sites and a distribution center for her local company, where she has been in management since 2022. Her responsibilities include overseeing seed testing for germinations, warms, and colds, analyzing data to ensure compliance with the Federal Seed Act, and managing lab operations. Stark earned her associate's degree later in life and recently obtained her Registered Seed Technologist (RST) certification through the Society of Commercial Seed Technologists. She serves as chair of the Illinois Seed Trade Seed Analyst Committee and is a member of the Association of Official Seed Analysts (AOSA-SCST). In addition to her professional roles, Stark organizes virtual study groups to help seed analysts across the country prepare for certification.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Tammy
01What do you attribute your success to?
My dad always told me you can do whatever you set your mind to. You just gotta follow through. God will find a path for you. You just have to keep going.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Sometimes it's better to ask forgiveness than permission, so if it's your dream, follow it.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Our field is changing with more influential women in ag. The challenge is finding ways to communicate so you can have both a growing career and family life, because both are important and you can't put one on hold.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Need for more registered commercial and regulatory seed testing individuals. Companies struggle with that. Personally, finding balance especially after starting a family.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Honesty is number one - anything we can fix as long as you're honest. Good work ethic. Family values and work-life balance.
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