#ASTACSS Offers Communications Advice

Cindy ZimmermanASTA, Audio, GMO, seed

Washington Post columnist and Cape Cod oyster farmer Tamar Haspel (@tamarhaspel) provided some good food for thought at the ASTA CSS 2015 and Seed Expo Thursday with a session that focused on science communications and influencing public opinion. In a lively discussion with attendees, Haspel stressed the need for the agriculture industry to be more effective when communicating about science … Read More

ASTA Officers Pleased with #ASTACSS

Cindy ZimmermanASTA, Audio, seed

Officers of the American Seed Trade Association are very pleased with the outcome of the CSS 2015 and Seed Expo last week in Chicago, with great attendance and an informative program hitting on many key industry issues. American Seed Trade Association (ASTA) chair Risa DeMasi of Grassland Oregon was thrilled with how the big session on cover crops turned out. … Read More

Wheat Improvement Panel at #ASTACSS

Taylor TruckeyASTA, BASF, GMO, wheat

During the ASTA CSS & Seed Expo this week, attendees were invited to a panel titled, “Value Chain Engagement in Wheat Improvement” that brought together representatives from across the wheat value chain to discuss needed innovation in the wheat industry. Justin Gilpin, CEO of the Kansas Wheat Commission, focused on the benefit of public/private partnerships as well as work the … Read More

NCCPB Awards Scholarships at #ASTACSS

Cindy ZimmermanASTA, Audio, Education, Research, seed

Three graduate students received scholarships during the ASTA CSS 2015 and Seed Expo this week from the National Council of Commercial Plant Breeders (NCCPB). The organization presents the scholarships annually to outstanding graduate students in the field of basic, applied, or developmental research in genetics and plant breeding. The students recieve $2,500 for their education, plus a travel allowance to … Read More

Seed Treatments Highlighted At #ASTACSS

Cindy ZimmermanAgribusiness, agronomy, ASTA, Audio, seed

The application of seed treatment technologies in agriculture is such a growing and important segment of the industry that it was the very first session at the ASTA CSS 2015 and Seed Expo this week in Chicago. The session on Monday afternoon featured (pictured left to right) Terry Meyer with INCOTEC, moderator Jim Shearl with AgReliant Genetics, and Eda Reinot … Read More

#ASTACSS Taking Cover Crops Mainstream

Taylor TruckeyASTA, Audio, Conservation, Cover Crops, Soil, water

A diverse panel covered the topic of cover crops at the ASTA CSS 2015 and Seed Expo Tuesday, exploring how the practice is starting to hit the mainstream. David Pearl with the CISCO Companies in Indianapolis, who serves as chair of the American Seed Trade Association (ASTA) Cover Crops Working Group, says this was the first full cover crops session … Read More

Panel On Taking Cover Crops Mainstream at #ASTACSS

Taylor TruckeyASTA, Conservation, Cover Crops, Soil, sustainability

During a session on “Taking Cover Crops Mainstream” at the ASTA CSS/Seed Expo this week,, a panel of representatives from across the industry spoke about their experiences with cover crops, the work they’ve done on either their farm or in their business, and the impact cover crops can have on soil health. Two growers who integrate cover crops on their … Read More

Dan Basse Gives Economic Outlook at #ASTACSS

Cindy ZimmermanASTA, Audio, Markets, seed

AgResource Company president Dan Basse presented his economic outlook for agriculture at the opening general session of the ASTA CSS 2015 and Seed Expo on Tuesday for the fifth year in a row. In his fact-filled 90 minute presentation, Basse talked about a “world awash in grain” with record global wheat and soybean crops and second largest corn crop. “We … Read More

#ASTACSS and Seed Expo Underway in Chicago

Cindy ZimmermanASTA, Audio, seed

Seed industry representatives from around the globe are gathered in the Windy City this week for the 70th Corn and Sorghum Seed Research Conference, 45th Soybean Seed Research Conference, and Seed Expo 2015 – better known as CSS 2015 and Seed Expo. “It’s in Chicago and it’s at the end of harvest, so all the seed companies get a chance … Read More

Cover Crops in Focus at ASTA CSS & Seed Expo

Cindy ZimmermanASTA, Audio, NAFB, seed

Cover crops have been around for a long time in agriculture but are now gaining new attention in the conservation arena and the American Seed Trade Association (ASTA) is reflecting that at the CSS 2015 and Seed Expo next month in Chicago with a big new session on Taking Cover Crops Mainstream. “We’re continuing to connect the dots so that … Read More