// Who we are
A little about what drives us, who we are, and why we care about plants.
// Our story
The Plant Breeding Club was founded in 2025 by a cohort of graduate students in the Plant Breeding & Plant Genetics (PBPG) training program at the University of Wisconsin–Madison. The founding members were united by a shared passion, initiative, and a vested interest in creating a community that fosters active teaching and learning.
Our primary purpose is to further the education and interests of our members through student-led activities and lectures covering various plant breeding topics — from hands-on skill-shares in cultivated crop systems to farm tours of active breeding operations.
We celebrate diversity, peer-driven learning, and inclusion. We're open to grad students, postdocs, faculty, staff, alumni, and anyone with a genuine interest in plant breeding. No dues, no barriers — just plants.
// By the numbers
// What we're about
From field trips to speaker series, we keep things fun and relevant.
Hands-on events focused on cultivated cropping systems — getting practical experience across diverse crop types and breeding methods.
Student-led and expert-led presentations on plant breeding topics, research techniques, and the latest from the field.
Organized visits to active farm operations so members can see real breeding programs in action outside of the classroom.
Graduate student-led breeding programs where members get to design crosses, make selections, and manage a real crop together.
Events focused on career readiness, networking, and preparing members for careers in academia, industry, and beyond.
Casual get-togethers during the fall and spring semesters — because plant breeders are more fun outside the growth chamber.
A collaborative space for plant breeders to work through coding challenges together — whether you're learning R, Python, or just debugging something stubborn.
// Who can join
There are no dues — ever. Here's how membership works:
Current PBPG graduate students who attend at least 3 meetings per semester and participate in at least one club activity. Active members can vote and hold office.
Any PBPG-affiliated person who joins the email list — postdocs, faculty, staff, alumni, and spouses. Community members are welcome at all events but cannot vote or hold office.
Anyone in or associated with the PBPG program at UW–Madison. All program members are welcome at PBC events — no sign-up required.
// Leadership
The club is run by four elected officers. Elections are held each December.
Presides over meetings, coordinates the organization, appoints committees, and casts the deciding vote in case of a tie.
Manages club finances, budgets, and reimbursements. Stands in for the Executive Chair as needed and oversees all committees.
Organizes and communicates scheduled events, secures speakers for meetings, and maintains detailed meeting notes.
Plans and manages any crops the club grows — from selecting crosses to organizing planting and care workdays with members.
// Get involved
Come to a meeting. Grab some free food. Meet some plant people.
See Upcoming Events →