Advanced Biological Marketing (ABM) announces the issuance of U.S. Patent No. 8,716,001 for a Trichoderma strain that induces resistance to plant diseases and increases plant growth. The patent was issued to Cornell University and ABM has exclusive worldwide rights. The patent covers the technology that induces gene expression triggers for healthier and more productive plants. The Trichoderma works by first … Read More
Replant Flooded Land to Prevent Erosion
Don’t wait to develop a restoration plan for land devastated by recent floods. Quick action can prevent erosion and maintain soil health, said Matt Fenske, vice president of Business Development for Millborn Seeds, a quarter century old grass seed company located in Brookings and North Sioux City, S.D. “I know it’s an overwhelming mess today, but if nothing is done … Read More
Hick Chick Chat with Ag Leader Technology
This week, I attended Ag Leader Technology’s field event, Where Technology Meets Dirt Road Tour. It was a beautiful and hot day, which was perfect for growers to come and see the live demonstrations and learn about seed, fertilizer, water and data. During Ag Leader’s Tech Meets Dirt event near Peoria, I caught up with Matt Wolf, territory manager for … Read More
New Opportunities for WestBred® Wheat & Partners
Monsanto Company has announced changes to its WestBred® wheat seed distribution model designed to enhance business and expand opportunities for its seed partners and their growers. “Wheat is a vital, global crop planted on over 500 million acres and supplying 25% of the world’s calories,” said Jeff Koscelny, Monsanto U.S. Wheat Commercial Lead. “Experts agree production must increase by 40% … Read More
Bayer CropScience Introduces Credenz Soybean Seed
Offering growers a new level of choice and performance, Bayer CropScience announced the introduction of Credenz, the company’s first global soybean seed brand, commercially available in U.S. markets this month. Delivering a wide range of varieties and traits, Credenz builds on Bayer CropScience’s substantial technology platform, integrating smart genetics, traits and varieties to maximize yield performance. The new brand will … Read More
ASTA Committee on Innovations and Policy
The American Seed Trade Association has had a Biotechnology Committee for two decades, but as it is now the Innovations and Policy Committee. Pictured here from the ASTA annual meeting are immediate past committee chair Keith Newhouse with Winfield Solutions and current chair Mark Krieger of Dow AgroSciences who presided at the first meeting of the committee under the new … Read More
ASTA Urges Congress to Ratify Plant Treaty
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
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