Hunter acquired Ransom Seed Laboratory in 2026 and oversees its day-to-day operations as President, continuing the lab’s long tradition of accurate, trusted seed testing for growers, dealers, and seed companies. Before taking over the lab, he spent five years working at a seed company, then founded Onda Software Solutions, which builds software for the seed industry. Hunter brings that industry experience and a focus on technology to the lab while keeping its commitment to quality and service.

“I hold agriculture, and the seed industry in particular, in very high regard, and I’ve made it my life’s mission to serve this industry as best I can. No two days in the lab are the same. I enjoy learning something new every day about all kinds of seeds, and I’m always growing from the new challenges we face.”

Aleta, the lab’s longtime President and CEO, now serves as a consultant and remains a trusted voice in how the lab is run. She has been actively involved in seed testing, laboratory management, training, teaching, and several related industry committees since 1968. After graduating from U.C. Santa Barbara in 1970, she earned her Registered Seed Technologist (RST) certification in 1971. Her service to the Society of Commercial Seed Technologists (SCST) includes serving as Co-Chairperson of the joint SCST/AOSA Flower Seed Committee from 1983 to 2003, membership on the ISTA Flower Seed Committee, and a term as SCST Director at Large from 2002 to 2005. In 1994, she received the SCST Meritorious Service Award.

"I enjoy my days at the lab, always full of challenges and invigorating projects. The lab tests a wide variety of species, and we try to keep up with new technologies, ever-changing workloads, in-house quality control and employee training and relationships. Each day adds to my knowledge and enjoyment of the plant kingdom and to my sense of personal fulfillment. Many thanks to the seed Industry for continual support and for giving me the opportunity to maintain an independent seed testing laboratory. It has been an adventure to carry on the business that my mother, Betty Ransom Atwater, started in 1933."

Our Administrative Assistant Taylor joined the lab in 2021 after receiving her B.S. in Business Administration at California State University, Channel Islands. She oversees much of the admin work, and is often on the other end of the emails with customers each day.

“I really enjoy working in a peaceful environment with like-minded people.”  

Michael received his B.A. in Biology from University of San Diego. and a M.S. in Phytopathology from UC Riverside in 2000. He began working for Ransom in 2001 and became a Registered Seed Technologist in 2007. Currently he performs many TZ tests on horticultural species and vigor tests. He is a co-chair of the AOSA/SCST TZ subcommittee.

Maribel joined the lab staff in the fall of 2006. Her job includes purity and germination testing, and assisting in laboratory management. In May, 2019, she became a Registered Seed Technologist and has participated in seed schools in Iowa, North Carolina, and Idaho.

“I enjoy being part of this team at Ransom Seed Lab. It is a perfect working environment; friendly people and a great ocean view.”

Antonia has been with the lab since 1997. Her duties include cleaning and planting the seed. 

“It has been a great experience for me to learn about all the different types of seed. I really enjoy the people I work with and the way they make me feel welcomed into the group.” 

Romelia began working for Ransom Seed Lab in September of 2017 after working for another seed laboratory for nine years. Her job includes planting the vast variety of crops we receive into our lab. She is also learning how to evaluate first counts.

“I love coming to work every day and enjoy planting different kinds of seeds.”