Craig Anderson Named CEO of Ag Alumni Seed

By Andi Anderson

Craig Anderson has been appointed Chief Executive Officer of the Agricultural Alumni Seed Improvement Association Inc. (Ag Alumni Seed), bringing over 35 years of experience in the seed industry to the role.

His appointment follows the retirement of Jay Hulbert, who led the organization for 12 years and helped establish strong growth, global partnerships, and collaboration with Purdue University.

Under Hulbert, Ag Alumni Seed launched several successful international initiatives and enhanced its relationship with Purdue Agriculture, which remains a key factor in the company’s continued progress.

Anderson will now build on that legacy by exploring new global market opportunities, supporting ongoing genetic advancements, and overseeing facility improvements to ensure sustained success. He emphasized his commitment to maintaining the strength of Ag Alumni Seed’s long-standing popcorn breeding program, which is recognized for its history of innovation.

“Ag Alumni Seed is already a successful company,” Anderson said. “My focus will be on supporting the team and investing time and energy into areas that offer the most growth potential.”

Ag Alumni Seed maintains a close relationship with Purdue University, reinvesting returns into the College of Agriculture while benefiting from advanced infrastructure and research tools, including the Ag Alumni Seed Phenotyping Facility. This partnership fosters innovation and shared growth.

Bernie Engel, Purdue’s Dean of Agriculture, expressed enthusiasm for Anderson’s leadership, saying he looks forward to expanding the collaboration that supports crop production advancements.

Anderson’s career began with L. Herried Seed, part of AgReliant Genetics LLC, where he rose through sales and operational roles to become COO. He later joined Dryland Genetics, a startup focused on proso millet research, also serving as COO.

Excited to return to Indiana’s ag sector, Anderson highlighted the global potential of popcorn markets and the value of Ag Alumni Seed’s international partnerships.

“Craig’s strategic leadership will help us continue our growth in both domestic and international markets,” said Marshall Martin, board chair of Ag Alumni Seed.

Photo Credit: purdue-university