2007 ASTA Farm and Lawn Seed Conference
November 10-13, 2007, Westin Crown Center Hotel
Kansas City, MO

General Info | Conference Registration | Schedule

Registration is now open for ASTA’s Farm Seed and Lawn Seed Conference, held once again held in conjunction with the Western Seed Association’s (WSA) Annual Meeting in Kansas City, Missouri, November 10-13, at the Westin Crown Center Hotel.

The ASTA program will begin on Sunday, November 11th with meetings of the ASTA Invasive Species Working Group and the Environmental and Conservation Seed Committee. The Environmental & Conservation Seed Committee will be provided an update on the 2007 Farm Bill and conduct a discussion on the 2008 workshop priorities and Hill program, as well as a representative from Missouri Senator Claire McCaskill’s office and from Quail Unlimited. A State activities update and a report on the issues managed by the National Invasive Species Council are also on the agenda for the ASTA Invasives Species Working Group.

The Farm Seed and Lawn Seed Divisions will meet on Monday, November 12th. Mark Murphey Henry from the Henry Law Firm will speak at the Farm Seed Division. A registered patent attorney who holds a Masters of Laws in Agriculture Law, Mr. Henry will ask, "Do you know which of your seed products are being illegally grown and sold?" He will also challenge participants by asking them if there is a better way to educate farmers about the Plant Variety Protection Act and patent law.

The Lawn Seed Division meeting will feature Randy Graff, of Graff's Turf Farm. Graff's Turf Farms Inc. is a front runner in the sod industry, stressing quality, service and customer satisfaction. The company implements the latest in equipment and technological advancements to produce top quality sod blends that are rich in color, texture and durability. Graff's Turf Farms' products are known for sports turf facilities and golf courses, as well as the residential market. They are the proud provider of the turf at Coors Field, home of the Colorado Rockies, and Folsom Field, home of the University of Colorado Buffaloes. Also on the program is Dr. Richard Payne of the Seed Regulatory and Testing Branch.

A preliminary schedule of events is available.

To reserve a room in the WSA room block at the Westin Crown Center Hotel, please call 816-474-4400 or log on to the Westin web site at http://www.starwoodhotels.com/westin/reservations/index.html the block is listed as the Western Seed Association. The room rate is $116 Single, $126 Double and rooms must be reserved by October 8, 2007.

Your conference registration form should be sent directly to the WSA’s office 2302 East Oakland Ave., Bloomington, IL 61701 or via fax 309-664-0607. For questions regarding the Western Seed Association, please contact Jesse Smart or Susan Smart, 309-664-0606.

We are looking forward to seeing you in Kansas City!