College students from across the country had the opportunity to enter American Seed Trade Research Foundation’s Operation Student Exchange. The winning student was announced during a Future Seed Executives 10th Anniversary Reception at ASTA’s recent annual meeting.
Leah Ruff’s poster presentation and research was selected this year’s winner and she received the Roger Kruegar Scholarship. The scholarship honors the late Dr. Roger Kruegar from Monsanto Company. His professional career was devoted to seeds, and he passionately advocated the role of science in feeding the world.
Leah is a graduate student at the University of Nebraska where she is studying drought tolerance in soybeans. Listen to her unique approach in my interview with her. [wpaudio url=”http://www.zimmcomm.biz/asta/asta-14-fuse-leah.mp3″ text=”Interview with Leah Ruff, Roger Kruegar Scholarship Winner”]
Jim Tobin, Past Chairman of ASTA and Monsanto’s Channel Engagement Lead, and Glenn Austin, Monsanto’s Sustainability Operation Lead and works with ASTA’s Operation Student Connection, awarded Leah with this honor. They also sat down with me to further explain the importance of engaging young professionals with the industry and guiding them in their research.
Listen to my complete interview with Jim and Glenn here: [wpaudio url=”http://www.zimmcomm.biz/asta/asta-14-tobin-austin.mp3″ text=”Interview with Jim Tobin & Glenn Austin”]
Jim Tobin also received the Lifetime Honorary Member Award during the 131st Annual Convention. Jim’s 29-year career with Monsanto has given him the opportunity to serve in numerous agricultural marketing and commercial development positions. He is currently a trustee of the FarmHouse Foundation and Forest Park Forever. He is also a member of the Farm Foundation Roundtable and serves on the board of the U.S. Grains Council and the U.S. Farmers and Ranchers Alliance.