You may have never heard about the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture but the multi-lateral agreement is considered crucial in the fight against global hunger and poverty. “The treaty is an international regime where countries decided that we needed to do something about conserving and sustainably using plant genetic resources for food and agriculture,” said … Read More
BASF Schedules Summer Stewardship Training
BASF Ag Products is planning what is expected to be the largest training effort in the company’s history for this summer, reaching 24 states and focusing on weed management, application best practices and overall stewardship of BASF herbicides. “We are committed to ensuring growers’ success with new technologies,” said Luke Bozeman, Technical Market Manager, Herbicides, BASF. “The more knowledgeable growers … Read More
Students Honored for Research at ASTA
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 … Read More
ASTA First and Second Vice Chairs
The new officer slate for the American Seed Trade Association includes first vice chair Risa DeMasi of Grassland Oregon and second vice chair Mark Herrmann with Monsanto’s vegetable seed division. DeMasi has the distinction of being the first woman officer of ASTA and her company is very involved in the development of new cover crop species. With her leadership, ASTA … Read More
Advocacy is Priority for New ASTA Chair
John Schoenecker of HM Clause is the new chairman of the American Seed Trade Association (ASTA) after elections were held at the annual meeting in Indianapolis last week. “As I become chair, one of my focuses will be advocacy,” Shoenecker said in an interview. “That’s part of our strategic plan, something we need to do to get the word out … Read More
BASF Functional Crop Care
Functional Crop Care is the newest division of the BASF agricultural business, broadening what it means for the company to protect crops and help farmers get the most out of every acre. BASF Functional Crop Care Senior VP Dr. Jürgen Huff says the division addresses additional needs beyond conventional crop protection. “Functional Crop Care consists of three segments: soil management, … Read More
FuSE Celebrates 10 Years of Training Young Seed Execs
During the 131st American Seed Trade Association’s Annual Convention in Indianapolis, IN. the Future Seed Executives (FuSE) held a joint FuSE/Management Skills committee meeting focused on the Power of Inclusive Leadership. I spoke with FuSE founder and Vice President, Business Development for Gro Alliance, Jim Schweigert, and he shared what lead him to start this group for young professionals in … Read More
Hick Chick Chat with Rick Tolman of NCGA
This week I had a chance while at the Fuel Ethanol Workshop to chat with Rick Tolman, CEO of the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA). He’s been the CEO since my farm broadcasting infancy and I’ve done several interviews with him over the years. Shortly after speaking with him at Commodity Classic this past spring he announced his upcoming retirement … Read More
ASTA Gets Green Flag at Indy
American Seed Trade Association (ASTA) chairman Craig Newman of AgReliant Genetics is pleased with the turnout and the mood of at the 131st ASTA annual convention this week in his home town of Indianapolis. “First time it’s ever been in Indianapolis and this is kind of the crossroads of America, plus it’s the crossroads of American Seed Trade Association because … Read More
BASF Ag Solutions Through Innovation
BASF – The Chemical Company – will be celebrating a pretty significant milestone next year. The company was established in 1865, which means it will be 150 years old in 2015. Andreas Kreimeyer, member of the board and Research Executive Director for BASF, says innovation is the reason they have survived so long. “Innovation is our life blood,” he said … Read More