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July 29, 2009
ASTA Publishes New Guide to Assist Retailers of Lawn Seed The ASTA Lawn Seed Division recently published a paper titled, "Retailers Guide for Proper Handling and Storage of Lawn Seed Products." The guide provides direction to the retailer on how to properly handle and store lawn seed in a retail store environment. This resource will assist the retailer with the regulatory requirements (i.e. labeling, lot numbers and over-stickers), as well as provide direction to the retailer when dealing with state seed control agencies (i.e. responding to Stop Sale Notices). The paper is now posted here on the ASTA Web site. The motto of ASTA, "First the Seedâ," expresses the basic premise that underlines the seed industry - there is no substitute for quality seed. As a perishable product, seed, including lawn seed, must be properly handled in order to maintain the integrity of the seed's quality and performance for the customer. Retailers of lawn seed, from the locally owned retail outlet to a large box store, can use the guide to understand how to better handle their lawn seed inventory as well as meet the regulatory requirements intended to ensure a product's viability. Seed industry members are encouraged to utilize and promote the guide when discussing lawn seed handling and storage in a retail environment. "ASTA is excited to launch this guide as a resource for both lawn seed companies and the retailers who sell the seed directly to consumers," commented ASTA President and CEO Andy LaVigne. "This is just one of many initiatives ASTA has launched to assist companies in providing high quality seed to both growers and consumers alike." Representatives of ASTA's Lawn Seed Division, the USDA's Seed Regulatory Testing Branch, the Association of American Seed Control Officials (AASCO) and many other regional seed associations developed the guide through a collaborative effort. Secondary to making this information available in an easy to use resource, state inspectors will be able to utilize the guide to help train lawn seed retailers about proper handling and storage to reduce any stop sales and potential product losses. "The collaborative effort in putting together the "Retailers Guide for Proper Handling and Storage of Lawn Seed Products" was critical in developing a thorough and comprehensive tool to be used by retailers, seed companies and state officials," stated Kris Mantey with The Scotts Company, who spearheaded the effort for ASTA. "We are confident that the guide will help to continue to bring the high quality seed consumers have come to know." Sponsorship and Exhibit Opportunities Available for the First Time at Farm and Lawn Seed Conference A new menu of sponsorship and exhibit opportunities has just been added for ASTA's Farm and Lawn Seed Conference, held in conjunction with the Western Seed Association's Annual Convention each November in Kansas City. The addition of sponsorship and exhibits is a joint effort by both ASTA and the Western Seed Association to respond to several requests from companies to have the opportunity to market their company or product to this target audience, consisting largely of those in the lawn and turf seed industry. The meeting consists typically of close to 600 seed industry professionals and features four days of heavy networking and trading opportunities. For more information on the opportunities available, visit the conference's Web site or contact Jennifer Lord.
Make History in the ASTA Legacy Garden! Next year's 127th Annual Convention is being held at the new J.W. Marriott San Antonio Hill Country, a property still under construction and due to open in January 2010. As part of the hotel's founding year of convention groups, ASTA has been given the honor to create an ASTA Legacy Garden on the resort grounds to grow flowers and herbs. The resort is unprecedented in its plans for growing 90% of its own ingredients for its upcoming menu offerings, possibly to include some of the herbs that are grown in the ASTA Legacy Garden, which should have reached maturity by the ASTA Annual Convention, scheduled for June 26-30, 2010. If your company would like to provide seeds for plants in the ASTA Legacy Garden, with an accompanying recognition of contributing companies at the 127th Annual Convention, contact Jennifer Lord. (Picture taken in Sept. 2007: Appearing left to right - ASTA Director of Meetings & Services, Jennifer Lord, ASTA Director of State Affairs Pat Miller, ASTA Chairman and First Lady Jerry and Pam Monk stand in the spot of the future lobby of the J.W. Marriott San Antonio Hill Country, home of ASTA's 127th Annual Convention.)
Customer Focus and Superior Products Highlighted at Future Seed Executives (FuSE) Educational Unit Hosted by Beck's Hybrids
The first FuSE Educational Unit of the year took place on July 16 at Beck's Hybrids in Atlanta, Ind. There were 15 participants from various regional organizations, representing multiple functions within each company, creating a diverse group of young and new executives in the seed industry. The agenda included a tour of Beck's facility, greenhouses, conditioning towers and practical farm research plots. At the conclusion of the tour the group was treated to a question and answer session with the management team of Sonny Beck, Scott Beck, Kevin Cavanaugh and Lee Rulon. This was an amazing opportunity to speak with true leaders in the seed industry who have maintained their focus for over 70 years. During the afternoon session a presentation was given by Dr. Scott Downey, assistant professor of agricultural economics and consumer sciences and retailing at Purdue University. Downey explored how to better understanding different buyer types in the industry and their motivation behind the decision to buy. The presentation was followed by a case study entitled, "Identifying and Communicating Value in Complex Farm Relationships." The day had a multitude of positive experiences. Peter Bratney of Bratney Companies shared his thoughts, "The Ed Unit was a great experience. The tour, the networking, the question and answer session with Sonny and Scott Beck, and the afternoon case study with Professor Downey would have each independently justified the trip. Along with the new seed industry friends and contacts I had the chance to make, my biggest take-away was the success story of Beck's and how they became the largest independent seed company in the world through their focus on quality employees and products and maintaining a long-term outlook on customer and market development. It's clear that their family's success in the seed industry is no accident." FuSE has two more Educational Units slated for 2009; the next being hosted by The Scotts Company in Gervais, Ore. on Aug. 27 and then Harris-Moran Seed Company in Davis, Calif. Oct. 23. For more information regarding FuSE, Educational Units, Round Table Discussion Groups and other programs/opportunities visit www.futureseedexecutives.com. Don't Miss the Upcoming Future Seed Executives (FuSE) Educational Unit at The Scotts Company Highly popular with participants, FuSE Educational Units provide one-day educational and networking opportunities hosted by ASTA member companies. Each Educational Unit features a company overview, sessions on various seed industry topics and a facility tour. "The Ed Unit that I attended was a great opportunity to meet, interact and share ideas with other industry professionals," said Ryan Parkin of Beck's Superior Hybrids. The next unit will be held at The Scotts Company in Gervais, Ore., on Aug. 27. Highlights of the agenda include: a tour of the Scotts research operations at the field station, an overview of the Scotts Company, grass seed breeding and production, discussions on seed testing, regulatory and government affairs, grass seed marketing and an update on professional association activities by Risa DeMasi, ASTA northwest regional vice president. There will also be an optional social networking event on the evening of Aug. 26 in Salem, Ore. A corporate rate is available at the Phoenix Grand Hotel in Salem, Ore. Participants can call the hotel directly at 503-540-7800, identify themselves as a visitor of The Scotts Company and request the corporate rate of $129. You do not want to miss this exciting educational and networking opportunity. Please forward this information to the young professionals in your company. Should you have any questions about the upcoming Educational Unit, please contact Jason Laney. Click here to register for this unit. ASTA Participates in 6th Annual North Central Seed Conference (NCSC) The 6th NCSC was held in Winnipeg, Canada, July 22-24. ASTA Vice President for Government Affairs Leslie Cahill participated in the conference which brought together seed representatives from the north central region. Participants heard updates on ASTA activities, research updates, bioenergy and seed testing. In addition, the trade show featured numerous booths and opportunities to network and learn the latest on seed technology and support. The Field Seed Institute also conducted its annual meeting along with the South Dakota Seed Trade Association. ASTA Staff Participates in Fly-In On July 20, ASTA staff participated in the 2009 fly-in hosted by the Agricultural Retailers Association, the Biotechnology Industry Organization and The Fertilizer Institute. ASTA joined the effort that brought together nearly 50 representatives from Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Montana, New York, and South Dakota. The group heard from several key Congressional staff, including representatives Senators Kit Bond (R-MO) and Mike Crapo (R-ID) and Congressman Tom Latham (R-IA). Congressman Jerry Moran (R-KS) and USDA Assistant Secretary for Congressional Relations Krysta Harden also briefed attendees on the critical issues facing Congress and initiatives being advanced by the Administration. Members heard the latest on health care reform and cap and trade. Participants visited their respective representatives and senators on July 21. As a sponsor, ASTA presented an update on Association activities and seed industry priorities. ASTA routinely works with these associations and others in Washington, D.C. along with their state affiliates on numerous issues and concerns affecting agriculture and rural issues. Correction: In the July 15 Edition of Seed E-News, the update on activities in Arizona was not quite accurate. The Arizona Department of Agriculture is selling the building where the seed testing laboratory has been located and is attempting to move it into another state-owned building. Also, some of the seed analytical staff has been laid-off. This reorganization is not related to the check-off fund lawsuit, in which an Arizona Superior Court ruled that state officials erred last year when they redirected $160,000 from specialty program funds (grain, lettuce and citrus) devoted to agricultural research and promotion to help balance the state budget. State Operating Budgets Challenge Legislatures Around the Country As a result of reduced income from sales, property and income taxes, states are under the gun to reduce spending. The reduced income levels are expected for another couple of years, thus exacerbating the problem. California has been in the national spotlight recently in their attempt to solve their budget woes, but most of the other states are undergoing similar issues. Those states with balanced-budget mandates have been spared slightly, but all states are looking at ways to reduce their services as raising taxes in this poor economy would not be a popular solution. Structural changes in state government can be anticipated during the next few years, including those affecting the seed industry regulatory programs. ASTA Meetings in China a Success An ASTA delegation traveled to China, July 14-21 for meetings with the Government of China and to attend a seminar on technology transfer, jointly hosted by USDA's Foreign Agriculture Service (FAS) and China's State Intellectual Property Organization (SIPO). The ASTA team included ASTA President and CEO Andy Lavigne, Vice President for Science and International Affairs Bernice Slutsky and ASTA members, Tim Johnson, Illinois Foundation Seeds, Jeff Rowe, Pioneer, a DuPont Company, and Stevan Madjarac, Monsanto Company. ASTA played a significant role in the technology transfer seminar, with Andy LaVigne providing the keynote address and Tim Johnson and John McClean (also with Monsanto Company) presenting. ASTA met with China's Ministry of Agriculture (MOA) Plant Variety Protection (PVP) Office and SIPO. The focus of the government meetings was to discuss the implementation of plant variety protection in China and the revised patent law. Meetings were also held with other industry groups involved in intellectual property rights in China. Following the seminar, the ASTA delegation traveled to Jilin Province, one of China's largest corn producing provinces. Building upon two prior visits to Jilin, ASTA is focused on working with the provincial government on variety registration and DUS testing under the PVP process. In late August/early September a group from MOA and Jilin province will travel to the U.S. to participate in a mini-course on seed intellectual property rights, sponsored by ASTA in coordination with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and the U.S. PVP Office. The group from China will also visit a number of DUS testing sites of ASTA members. ASTA Sponsors Training on Pest Risk Assessment (PRA) for Brazilian Risk Assessors About one to two times a year USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) offers training on PRA methodology to foreign risk assessors as part of a capacity building program. This is an intensive two-week session that covers the principles, concepts and methods for assembling comprehensive, science-based PRAs that are then used to make regulatory decisions regarding imports of agricultural commodities. ASTA recently partnered with APHIS to sponsor two risk assessors from Brazil to participate in this training, and then to remain two extra days after this training to work on a PRA for the importation of Brassica seed into Brazil. This PRA has been under development for the last several years in Brazil. For this part of the program, two seed industry experts, Tom Moore from Enza Zaden North America and Phil Brown from Alf Christiansen Seed Co., were invited to participate as technical resources for the Brazilians. Ric Dunkle, ASTA's senior director for seed health and trade, also participated. APHIS made their risk assessors, electronic databases and other resources available as well. Intensive technical discussions ensued to clarify the potential pests involved, evaluate the role of seed as a pathway for their dissemination (many pests were removed from the list based on these discussions), review and update literature references, document seed production areas in the U.S. and evaluate phytosanitary protocols and practices used in the industry to ensure clean seed. These meetings resulted in an action plan that included assignments and targeted deadlines for the industry, APHIS and the Brazilian representatives. "This was a unique opportunity for our industry to work together with government officials to make major progress on an important PRA," noted Dunkle. "We got more done in those two days than what has been accomplished on this PRA in the last two years. This approach could serve as a model for similar projects in which PRAs are needed to open new markets for seed." There is another potential benefit - if ASTA members are interested, APHIS will consider offering similar training to industry technical personnel tailored in length and depth to the particular needs of the seed industry. Those interested should contact Ric Dunkle. July 11-14. Jennifer Lord, ASTA's director of meetings and services, attended the World Education Congress of Meeting Professionals International, held in Salt Lake City, Utah. The congress included cutting-edge technologies and trends in the meeting industry and a trade show of hotels, convention destinations and convention industry suppliers. As a result, new ideas and programs are already being formulated and implemented for ASTA's roster of conventions to better connect, convene and inform ASTA members. July 12-14. ASTA Chairman Jerry Monk and Director of State Affairs Pat Miller attended the Georgia and Alabama joint Annual Convention in Destin, Fla. This is the second year the two groups have met together, and the synergy between the groups made for a very successful meeting. July 16. Lisa Nichols, ASTA's representative to the U.S. Agriculture Exports Council (USAEDC) Board of Directors, attended the semi-annual USAEDC Board of Directors Meeting in Bethesda, Md. July 20. ASTA Vice President of Communications Gretchen Flanley provided an overview of the seed industry and quality management practices related to commercial seed production to a delegation of representatives from the Korea Food and Drug Administration and related academics. ASTA participated along with other agriculture industry representatives along the value chain from biotech developer to grower to grain handler to processed products. The event was held to provide the delegation with an understanding of the commodity grain chain in the U.S. as they consider options for implementation of Korea's biotech labeling law. July 20-23. Pat Miller, ASTA director of state affairs, attended the Association of American Seed Control Officials Annual Meeting in Scottsdale, Ariz., and presented an ASTA activities update during the session. The conference is an opportunity for state seed control agency officials to meet to discuss issues and ideas for their regulatory roles. Ron Pence from Oregon will be the organization's president for the next two years. July 27. ASTA Director of Membership Services Jason Laney attended the North Carolina Seedsmen's Association meeting in Wilmington, N.C. The business session featured reports from ASTA and the Southern Seed Association, an update on soybean and wheat breeding programs at N.C. State University, and a presentation on the state of the economy in North Carolina and the U.S. ASTA also had an information booth at the meeting highlighting the Association's programs and initiatives. Registration Open for 2nd Seed Congress of the Americas The Seed Association of the Americas (SAA) together with the Brazilian Association of Seed Producers (ABRASEM) is organizing the second congress which will be held Sept. 28-30, 2009 in Atibaia, Brazil, located only 45 minutes from Sao Paulo. In additional to the normal trade tables, the congress will focus on phytosanitary issues affecting seed movement across borders, intellectual property protection and biotechnology. To view more information on the Congress and to register, please click here. Former Executive Director of Wisconsin Crop Production Association Passes Mike Turner, former executive director of Wisconsin Crop Production Association (WCPA) passed away on July 22, 2009, after a long battle with cancer. Mike is survived by his wife Brenda, children Kyle, Briana, Mikala and Natalie. Mike made many changes throughout his tenure at WCPA. Changing its name from Wisconsin Fertilizer and Chemical Association to the Wisconsin Crop Production Association opened the association to include a broader membership. Some of the other instrumental changes Mike initiated were the Ambassador Program, the Custom Applicator Program, the WCPA Web site, the Members Meeting and Seminar and the Agronomy Manager Assessment Center. Mike also served on the Ag Retailers Association Board of Directors and many other industry related committees including the Ag Coalition, the Natural Resources Conservation Service's State Technical Committee, the Pioneer and Discovery Farm Steering Committee and the Agricultural Chemical Cleanup Committee. Mike will be remembered for the important role he played in the industry. ASTA and its members extend our condolences to his family. President and CEO of the Agricultural Retailers Association (ARA) Passes Jack Eberspacher, president and CEO of ARA, died peacefully in his sleep on July 5, 2009, in Reston, Va. Eberspacher was appointed president of ARA, in July 2001, by the association's board of directors. Prior to joining ARA in 1991, Eberspacher served as CEO of the National Association of Wheat Growers (NAWG), as well as the National Grain Sorghum Producers Association. In February 2002, Eberspacher was the only commodity leader invited to speak to the National Governors Conference, where they discussed the state of agriculture economy and the 2002 farm bill. He was also appointed to the Bush/Cheney Agricultural Transition Team. "Jack was a true leader in our industry. He has done a fantastic job of raising the awareness and involvement of the ag retailer community and ensuring that the direction of the association was guided by the members of ARA. He will be sorely missed and our thoughts and prayers go out to his wife and children," stated Andy LaVigne, ASTA president and CEO. Eberspacher was born in Nebraska and received a bachelor's degree in animal science from the University of Nebraska. He is survived by his wife, Jinger, and two children, Sam and Maggie. Former ASTA First Lady Passes at Age 95 Marian Genevieve Ingersoll, wife of former ASTA President Floyd Ingersoll passed on July 22, 2009. Born in Sait Joseph, Mo., on Aug. 21, 1913, She received a bachelor's degree from the University of Missouri at Columbia, where she met her husband. They married in 1935 and were together for over 59 years. Marian and Floyd had three daughters, Julie Wall, Genie (Earl) Vuagniaux and Carroll (Thomas) Cranch, 22 grandchildren and 24 great-grandchildren. In 1948, Floyd became manager of Illinois Foundation Seeds and served as ASTA president from 1967-1968. Marian often traveled with him, meeting and becoming friends with fellow members and their families. She later received a master's degree in communications from the University of Illinois and She wrote a column for the Champaign News Gazette and hosted a local television interview program. She was active in a many clubs and charities, as well as her church. She was also a lifetime member of the Catholic Daughters of America. In 1997, Marian chose to share her life with Mr. Charles Bruns (Chick) a decorated veteran of WW II. ASTA and its members extend our condolences to her family. Passing of Known Entomologist, Dr. Earle S. Raun Dr. Earle S. Raun passed away in Lincoln, Neb., on July 6, 2009, at the age of 84. A native of Iowa, he received his doctorate in entomology in 1954 from Iowa State University. Earle was a board certified entomologist and a certified professional crop consultant. From 1983 to present he was the owner and operator of the Pest Management Company. Previous to that he worked for DELPHI Inc., Pest Management Consultants, Inc., Nebraska Cooperative Extension Service, USDA and was also a faculty member in the Department of Entomology at Iowa State University. He was inducted into the Nebraska Hall of Agricultural Achievement in 2008, a recipient of the Service to National Alliance of Independent Crop Consultants (NAICC) Award in recognition of outstanding contributions and dedicated service to agriculture and its independent practitioners and named Consultant of the Year for superior entrepreneurial spirit, creativity, innovation, and community involvement by an agricultural consultant by National Alliance of Independent Crop Consultants in 2005 among many other awards. He wrote 91 scientific publications on crop and livestock pest management, corn insect pathology, rearing, and biology; three book chapters and two teaching guides. Earle was an active member of many professional societies and the Crestwood Christian Church. Family members include wife, Georgia; daughters: Michele A. Womontree and Deb Skirvin; Nancy L. Raun and Richard Doll; Patricia A. Raun and Alan Weinstein; and two grandchildren along with many siblings and their spouses. ASTA and its members extend our condolences to his family. Two ASTA Members Honored for Their Service Dr. Owen J. Newlin was honored for his 40 years of service to the U.S. Grains Council (USGC) at their 49th Annual Board of Delegates Meeting. Dr. Newlin was chairman of the USGC Board in 1979 and has participated in many USGC activities and missions over the past 40 years. He took part in the Grain Export Market (GEM) Mission to Australia in 2003; the GEM Mission to Russia, Hungary and Italy in 2002; the Pioneer International Agricultural Trade Fellowship Mission to Argentina and Brazil in 1992 and again in 1996 to Japan and China. Owen also serves as the ASTA voting representative to USGC. Retired from Syngenta, Neil Strong was also honored with the USGC Lifetime Achievement Award. Strong has been a supporter of USGC for 12 years. He has participated as a delegate and Advisory Team leader. INCOTEC Hires Two New Account Managers for the Midwestern States INCOTEC, Integrated Coating and Seed Technology, Inc., announced the addition of seed professionals William Olson and Robert Bischoff as account managers for the Midwestern states. Olson has extensive experience in the corn and soybean seed business, and during the past 22 years, he has held positions as district sales manager, product specialist and product manager with companies such as Wilson Genetics, Syngenta Seeds and Hoegemeyer Hybrids. He is originally from Nebraska and is a graduate of the University of Nebraska, Lincoln, with a bachelor's degree in agronomy and crop production. He will be based in Omaha, Neb. Bischoff, from Westfield, Ind., will be working in sales and marketing for INCOTEC's Eastern Midwest Region. Bob has worked in the industry since 1982 and has been employed with organizations such as AgriPro COKER/Syngenta Seeds, Countrymark Co-op Inc., Land O'Lakes Inc., Midland-Impact LLP, and as an independent consultant for seed businesses. Bischoff is a graduate of Terra Community College in Fremont, Ohio, and holds certification from the University of Missouri's Graduate Institute of Cooperative Leadership and ASTA's Management Academy. He is on the board of the Indiana Crop Improvement Association, Illinois Wheat Growers and the Indiana Seed Trade as second vice-president. Kansas State University to Hold Third Master of Agribusiness (MAB) Professional Development Conference. The Kansas State MAB is hosting an opportunity to hear from experts in the agribusiness industry on economy, markets and climate change. The meeting will be held Aug. 27-28, 2009, in Kansas City, Mo., at the Embassy Suites Kansas City - International Airport. The agenda will cover key topics of the agribusiness industry: effects of climate change regulation, issues with economic recession and managing risk in a volatile commodity market. The event is geared towards agribusiness professionals interested in learning more about the current issues affecting the global agriculture industry. Registration fee for the conference is $200 and includes meals and materials. Registration and hotel reservations can be made online at www.mab.ksu.edu. This event is co-sponsored by www.AgCareers.com.
Government Reports USDA
USDA/AMS USDA/ARS
USDA/APHIS USDA/ERS USDA/FOREST SERVICE
Click here for a schedule of additional industry events ASTA prohibits discrimination in all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, and where applicable, sex, marital status, familial status, parental status, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, political beliefs, reprisal, or because all or part of an individual's income is derived from any public assistance program. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact ASTA at (703) 837-8140.
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2nd Seed Congress of the Americas • 127th Annual Convention |