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May 28, 2008
Historical Countdown to the 125th Anniversary Annual Convention (Part 4 of 5). As ASTA continues to prepare for its 125th Annual Convention this June, a celebration 125 years in the making, this special Seed E-News series highlights the Association's rich history. ASTA's first pictorial history book, 125 Years of the American Seed Trade Association, will debut at the convention, within which the Association's 125 years are segmented into five 25-year periods. In this fourth installment, the fourth chapter of this rich history is featured, leading up to a grand retrospective celebration at the convention itself. To register for ASTA's 125th Anniversary Annual Convention, click here.
Part Four: Deepening Roots 1933 - 1958 By the 75th anniversary of the association, held in St. Louis, Mo., ASTA membership had reached 731 companies. This next chapter brought the arrival of a massive increase in food production referred to as the Green Revolution, as use of hybrid breeding techniques pioneered by Norman Borlaug, a Nobel laureate and later an ASTA convention speaker, were widely adopted, drastically changing the industry. With this widespread use of hybrids came issues surrounding intellectual property rights.
Annual Convention Registration Deadline This Week. The most favorable registration rates expire this week on May 31 for ASTA's 125th Annual Convention, being held June 21-25, 2008, at the Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center in Orlando. As of June 1, registration fees increase by $100 per person (youth registration increases by $50). Be sure to register your final list of attendees by May 31 for the best savings on your trip to Orlando! In addition to celebrating ASTA's 125th Anniversary, the schedule features in-depth discussions on biotechnology, intellectual property rights, stewardship, organic, state and regional affairs, member services, and more. This convention is expected to deliver more to its members than any in the history of the ASTA Annual Convention. To register for ASTA's 125th Annual Convention, click here.
ASTA's 125th Annual Convention will feature a series of special displays as well as industry exhibitors who will greet attendees in the main registration foyer with a host of information about valuable goods and services and the history of the seed industry. Special exhibits include an accreditation service booth operated by the USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, a cooperative presence from the Independent Professional Seedsmen's Association and the Indiana Crop Improvement Association, the debut of ASTA's First the Seed Foundation, a flower bed display featuring flowers grown from member companies' seeds to form the ASTA logo and the ASTA "Walk Through Time" which will chronicle the association's history over the past 125 years. Other favorite exhibits are returning, such as Becker Underwood, Doriane, Management Recruiters of Iowa City, SGS Mid-West Seed Services, Inc., Pacifica Research and the trade publications Seed Today and Seed World, who are each distributing special ASTA anniversary editions of their magazines. Equipment exhibitors will also be on hand, including A.T. Ferrell Company, Inc., Cablevey Conveyors and Oliver Manufacturing Company, while science and technology partners, AgBiotech, Inc., TJ Technologies, Weather Bill and Zeltex, each offer unique services for seed companies. To register for ASTA's 125th Annual Convention, click here.
Walt Disney World Golf Course Executive to Highlight Upcoming Lawn Seed Division Meeting at ASTA's Annual Convention. Gary Myers, manager of golf course maintenance operations at the Walt Disney World Resort, will serve as the guest speaker at the upcoming Lawn Seed Division meeting on Tuesday, June 24 at 1:00 p.m. Myers, a Certified Golf Course Superintendent, will provide his perspective on golf course trends, challenges and opportunities especially focusing on turf grass. In addition to his presentation, there will be an opportunity for a dialogue between turf grass seed executives and this executive from an important market segment. The meeting will also feature a spattering of information on key issues, including updates on the Federal Seed Act by Dr. Richard Payne, chief of the USDA Seed Regulatory and Testing Branch, on RUSSL by David Buckingham, president of the American Association of Seed Control Officials, on Phytosanitary issues by Dr. Ric Dunkle, ASTA senior director of seed health and trade and on state issues by Pat Miller, ASTA director of state affairs. For more information about the upcoming Lawn Seed Division meeting, contact Jason Laney.
FuSE Sponsors Eight Outstanding Students to Attend Annual Convention. 
For the second year in a row, ASTA's Future Seed Executives (FuSE) initiative is providing grants to undergraduate students to attend the ASTA Annual Convention. The FuSE Campus Connections program is excited to sponsor a diverse group of eight future industry leaders who hail from six of the top agricultural programs in the country. The undergraduate students will be paired with senior industry leaders who will serve as mentors during the event. FuSE encourages all convention attendees to attend the joint Management Skills and FuSE Committees Meeting on Tuesday, June 24 at 2:30 p.m. to meet the Campus Connections participants as well as the graduate students who are taking part in the American Seed Research Foundation's (ASRF) Operation Student Connection. Both Campus Connections and Operation Student Connection seek to introduce to the seed industry accomplished students in agricultural fields. Campus Connections is just one of many FuSE student outreach programs including resume posting opportunities at all ASTA meetings, free student registrations for Educational Units, and access to the FuSE Lounge at the December Corn & Sorghum and Soybean Research Conference which features the graduate student poster displays. Be sure to meet the following Campus Connections participants at the Annual Convention: Jacob Bates and Bianca Beatrice, University of California-Davis, Jami Cate, Oregon State University, Katie Hardy, Purdue University, Katie Hurder, Virginia Tech University, Keaton Krueger and Josh Oehlerking, Iowa State University, and Bryan Parr, University of Wisconsin- Platteville. For more information on Campus Connections, contact Jason Laney.
Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD) could have Significant Impacts on Seed Company Breeding and Production Systems. In May, ASTA hosted a Future Seed Executives (FuSE) roundtable discussion group conference call which focused on the impact of CCD on the seed industry. CCD was the term given to the phenomenon of significant losses by some beekeepers of their hives, which does not have a recognizable underlying cause. Several scientific papers and popular press articles on CCD were distributed to participants prior to the call. Many aspects of CCD were discussed including causes, distribution, impacts, research activities and needs and why companies need to be concerned. The group concluded that there is a tremendous amount of misinformation and conflicting information about CCD that is in the public domain: what causes it, which crops need bees for pollination (soybeans, for example, do not!), how many hives are infected or destroyed by CCD and what degree bees are in short supply. When asked what role ASTA could play in the CCD arena, the group thought ASTA could provide its members, as well as the public, factual information about CCD, influence policy makers to develop stronger research and management programs and explore targeted regulatory approaches where appropriate, and serve as a catalyst to bring key scientists and other experts together with seed and bee industry leaders in workshop settings to develop effective strategies to better manage CCD to minimize its impacts. "It looks like we have a lot of work to do as this problem continues to escalate" said Ric Dunkle, ASTA's senior director for seed health and trade. The issue will be discussed at the upcoming ASTA Annual Convention during both the Farm Seed Division and Vegetable and Flower Seed Division meetings.
Register Now for Second FuSE Educational Unit at AgReliant Genetics. ASTA is pleased to announce that registration is now open for the next Educational Unit of its Future Seed Executives (FuSE) initiative. The next Educational Unit will be held at AgReliant Genetics in Champaign, Ill., on July 23. FuSE focuses on educating and supporting future seed industry executives, defined as those with fewer than seven years of seed industry experience, and students who are pursuing a career in the seed industry. Highly popular with participants, the Educational Units provide one-day educational opportunities hosted by ASTA member companies in conjunction with a local university. During the seminar, the host company provides an overview of its business, gives a facility tour and engages participants in a discussion around tools it employs to be successful in the seed industry. Following the company presentations, a university facilitator then leads participants through an interactive case study associated with either the host company or key business tools. To register for this upcoming Educational Unit, please click here. For more information on FuSE, please contact Jason Laney.
ASTA Waits for Federal Seed Act Revisions. The Federal Seed Act (FSA) regulations are in the process of being revised. The FSA is the law that regulates agricultural and vegetable seed shipped and advertised in interstate commerce. Compliance to the FSA and state laws and regulations are included in ASTA's bylaws. ASTA staff has confirmed that the proposed changes are in the final review stages at USDA. Dr. Richard Payne, chief of the Seed Regulatory and Testing Branch, will be on the programs for the joint Corn, Sorghum & Soybean Division meetings and the Legislative and Legal Concerns Committee to brief convention attendees on the status of the proposed changes. Once cleared from USDA, a Federal Register notice will detail the changes and provide a comment period. ASTA will submit comments on the changes to reinforce the Association's commitment to compliance, as well as support for a number of the changes. There are nine specific changes being proposed. A number are routine and administrative in nature, correcting punctuation and minor errors. The remaining address:
ASTA's Board of Directors approved a revised position statement on the importance of variety and brand name labeling in 2007. Policy from that statement as well as other member input will be included in the official ASTA comments. Members will be kept up to date on progress of the proposed regulations.
Congress Considers Agricultural Labor with Immigration Reform. The Senate Appropriations Committee passed on May 16, bipartisan legislation sponsored by U.S. Senators Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) and Larry Craig (R-ID) that would have provided emergency relief to the nation's current agriculture labor shortage. ASTA members were advised in an action email from President/CEO Andy LaVigne to contact their Senators and to ask for their support. This event marked the first positive and substantive action in this ongoing and politically sensitive issue. Shortly after inclusion in a supplemental appropriations package, ASTA and scores of agricultural stakeholders learned that the measure was stricken from the bill, due to intense opposition from the Administration and other groups. ASTA and the broad coalition still maintain that action is needed by Congress and that addressing a growing agriculture labor shortage demands attention and conviction by elected leaders. The Emergency Agriculture Relief Act for Farms and Farm Workers represented the best opportunity to date to advance a reasonable and proactive plan. The Act did not provide a path to citizenship or amnesty. Rather, it provided emergency relief to sectors, like the seed industry who depend on seasonal workers. ASTA will remain engaged in this issue and keep the membership updated as events warrant.
Vermont Finalizes Amendments to the State Seed Regulations. ASTA provided technical assistance and procedural comment for the six-month process through discussions with the Vermont Office of the Attorney General, the agency which conducted the review for the Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets (VAAFM). In a follow-up letter addressed to ASTA President and CEO Andy LaVigne from the state's attorney general, the definition of genetic engineered seed was clarified to interpret the Legislature's intent as "only genetically engineered seed which convey or contain in-plant tolerance to herbicides or convey insecticidal proteins." The rule was also amended to change the labeling requirements for genetically engineered seed to require the statement "contains genes that confer tolerance to glyphosate" from simply "contains genes." Under the rule passed by the Legislature, the manufacturers or processors of genetically engineered seed (per this definition) sold in Vermont must now file an annual report of sales to the VAAFM. Other items, including the adoption of a 15-month sell-by date notation allowance for cool season grass seed, were clarified in the rule-making process. For a copy of the letter sent to ASTA, and full details, contact ASTA Director of State Affairs Pat Miller.
The convention took place in Carefree, Ariz., on May 15 and 16. STAA President Barry Case, of Imperial Vegetable Seeds, put together an excellent program entitled "What's Growin' on?" featuring presentations by representatives of the Arizona Department of Agriculture, Director Donald Butler; and Director of Government Affairs Joe Sigg, as well as Hank Giclas, vice president of strategic planning, science and technology for Western Farm Growers; and Dr. Gene Hookstra, general manager of genetic services for STA Laboratories. Bud Hughes, president of the Southern Seed Association and Pat Miller, director of state affairs for ASTA, both presented a report on the activities of their respective organizations. As part of the presentation, ASTA, in partnership with STAA, co-sponsored a $1,000 scholarship presented to Jessica Marie Jones, a graduate student in Environmental Science at the University of Arizona. STAA Treasurer Al Simons was awarded an Honorary Lifetime Membership in the organization in recognition of his comprehensive efforts for the association. Rod Berens, Synergene Seed and Technology, was elected president for the coming term.
ASTA Makes Progress on Sorghum Ergot. Earlier this May, an ASTA delegation led by Second Vice Chairman Jerry Monk, Warner Seeds, met in Mexico City with Dr. Javier Trujillo, director of SANIDAD VEGITAL, and Nick Gutierrez with International Services of USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) to discuss the sorghum ergot issue and possibility of repealing or changing Mexico's quarantine regulation (NOM 078). Also discussed was the possibility of Mexico shifting to the acceptance of the dry test method without the need for additional re-sampling and re-testing of sorghum seed shipments at the border. Mexico expressed its current policy that aims to harmonize to the greatest extent possible regulatory actions at the border between Mexico and the U.S., and therefore, should be equivalent. Currently, ergot is considered a quarantine pest in Mexico, but not in the U.S. ASTA is working with both U.S. and Mexican scientists and its members and stakeholders including the Mexican Seed Trade Association (AMSAC) to provide technical information to Mexico to support acceptance of testing results from the dry method in the short term, and repealing NOM 078 in the longer term. Revision of the testing protocols could happen as early as this summer, while changes in NOM 078 must be adopted through formal notice-and-comment rulemaking procedures. "I am more optimistic than ever that we will get this finally resolved both to the satisfaction of our industry and the Mexican government," noted Monk. "We see light at the end of the tunnel." Biosafety Protocol 4th Meeting of the Parties (MOP-4) Concludes in Bonn. Progress was made on several issues important to the seed industry at the Conference of the Parties, serving as the fourth meeting of the Parties to the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety (MOP-4) held in Bonn, Germany, from May 12-16, 2008. On the issue of liability and redress, the Parties did not come to an agreement on substance, and therefore, did not make a decision that would have created a legally-binding civil liability regime. An ad hoc technical expert group on risk assessment and risk management was created and a roadmap was developed on the necessary steps to conduct a risk assessment in accordance with Annex II of the Protocol. With respect to documentation requirements under the Protocol, the Parties recognized the work on sampling and detection methods being done by international organizations such as the Codex Alimentarius and the International Organization for Standardization. There was also recognition that existing guidance on shipment of living modified organisms intended for contained use and for intentional introduction into the environment is working well and should continue to be implemented as they currently stand. This recognition means that there will be no new documentation requirements for seed until the next discussion on this topic in 2012. The Global Industry Coalition held a side event at the MOP to educate participants on the stewardship efforts of industry. At this side event, ASTA made a presentation on its Guide to Seed Quality Management Practices. Seed Association of the Americas Holds Board Meeting in Prague. The Seed Association of the Americas (SAA) Board of Directors held a meeting May 24 in Prague, Czech Republic prior to the commencement of the 2008 International Seed Federation (ISF) World Seed Congress. The SAA meeting, representing Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Mexico, Uruguay and the U.S., was well attended and productive. Most notably, the Board discussed the upcoming SAA Phytosanitary Workshop hosted by the Brazilian Association of Seed Producers (ABRASEM) and SAA in Brasilia, Brazil September 29-30, 2008. ASTA, a member of the organizing and steering committee for this program, is very supportive of this initiative. The purpose of the workshop is to gather public and private sector representatives from each of the seven SAA member countries and to provide a forum for information exchange on each country's phytosanitary requirements and regulatory processes. The outcome of this workshop will provide a transparent platform for government-to-government and industry-to-government exchange. In addition to other general business, the 2009 Bi-Annual SAA Congress was also discussed. Brazil's offer to host the second Congress was accepted by the Board. The congress will be held in late summer of 2009, and the central topic of the congress will be phytosanitary issues. The first SAA congress, held in Buenos Aires in 2007, was a great success for SAA and focused on intellectual property rights. "The continued progress being made by the SAA will prove beneficial to the seed companies operating in the Western Hemisphere," said ASTA President and CEO Andy LaVigne. "We look forward to the workshop later this year and the follow-up at the SAA congress in 2009."
Industry Marks Loss of Seedsman. Armon Lauderback, 78, passed away Tuesday, May 20, 2008, in Lubbock, Texas. Born in Elida, N.M., to Francis and Caroline Lauderback, Lauderback married Arvella Tucker on August 21, 1954, in Hobbs, NM. He served honorably in the U.S. Army as a sergeant during the Korean Conflict. Lauderback was an owner and operated WAC Seed Company, now Agri Pro Seed Co. in Hereford for several years. He was instrumental in the export of corn, wheat, milo and other seed varieties to Central and South America. Also part of the cattle feeding industry, his family was heavily involved in introducing the first Registered Hereford Cattle to Eastern New Mexico. He was a member of the Texas Cattle Feeders Association. Lauderback contributed to ASTA, particularly on international issues, and also served as a leader in the association. Active in his community, he was a past president of the Hereford Kiwanis Club and the Texas Seed Trade Association as well as served on many boards in Hereford, including the Hereford City Zoning Board, Hereford Senior Citizens and was an advisor for the Hereford High School Key Club. After his retirement, Lauderback served as a part time enumerator for the Texas Department of Agriculture Statistics Department. He is survived by his wife; two sons, Lynn Lauderback and wife, Mary, of Lubbock, Texas, and Donny Lauderback of Dallas, Texas; two sisters, Geraldine Offutt of Clovis, N.M., and Eyvonne Collins and husband, Charles, of Las Lunos, NM; two grandchildren and 94 first cousins. He was preceded in death by a brother, Jack Lauderback. The family request memorials to the High Plains Children's Home, 11451 S. Western St., Amarillo, Texas 79118. ASTA and its members extend our deepest condolences to his family.
Two Leaders of Agriculture Industry Pass. John Richard "Jack" Simplot, 99, an Idaho farmer who dominated the state's business and political landscape for 70 years, died at home on May 25, and William W. Veazey, 59, senior vice president, chief financial officer and member of the Board of Directors of Cargill Corporation, died May 16 unexpectedly at his home in Minnetonka, Minn. Simplot left home at age 14, going into business for himself, where he revolutionized the Idaho potato market by planting certified seeds and creating the market for dehydrated and frozen potatoes. An arrangement with McDonald's founder Ray Kroc in 1967 made Simplot the major supplier of McDonald's french fries. Still family owned, the company resulting from his efforts, J.R. Simplot Co., is an international conglomerate, which includes manufactural agriculture, horticulture and turf fertilizers; animal feed and seeds; food products such as fruits, potatoes and other vegetables; and industrial chemicals and irrigation products. In 1980, Simplot moved into the computer chip industry investing in maker Micron Technology Inc., which became a major producer of DRAM memory chips used to store information in personal computers. Last year, he ranked 89th on Forbes' 100 wealthiest people in the world. A major supporter of Idaho and the Boise area, he acted as a local philanthropist through financial contributions and service. Simplot left behind his wife Esther, two sons, a daughter and 18 grandchildren. The Simplot family asks that, in lieu of flowers, donations are sent to the Esther Simplot Performing Arts Center, the Ronald McDonald House or the Boise Downtown YMCA. A native of Montana, Bill Veazey, known as an exceptional family man and devoted to his family, earned his Bachelors degree in Economics and his MBA from the University of Montana. He married Kathryn Jean Caras in 1970. Together they raised three exceptional children Katie, Thomas, and Michael. Veazey began his career with Cargill in Minneapolis in 1975. He held various positions that sent him to Brazil, England, and finally back to Minneapolis where he became CFO in 2005. He is survived by Kathy, Katie, Thomas, and Michael, his brother Ted (Nancy), and his sister Mary Ann Albee (Bob) and their families, the Caras families, Jim (Donna) and Bill (Laurie), and cousins including Gerilyn, Tom (Sarah) and Paul Giel Jr. and their families, the Clark family, the Meaghers and Gerry Lynn and Bill Gilboe. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorial contributions be sent to The Bill Veazey Youth Development Fund, c/o US Bank Ridgedale Office EP-MN-2478 1817 Plymouth Road South, Minnetonka, MN 55305. Both J.R. Simplot Co. and Cargill Corporation are members of ASTA. ASTA extends our condolences to their families.
Seed Industry Editor Featured in Grainnet Webinar. On June 17, Joe Funk, editor of Seed Today, will lead a Webinar to share photos and provide a narrative review of his September 2007 visit to Hungary to four seed corn production facilities and a large research facility. The program, scheduled at 2:00 p.m. CST will include a 30-minute PowerPoint presentation followed by time for Q&A. Funk will use photos, maps and acreage charts to describe Hungary's transition from Communist-era agricultural production to modern, world-class seed production. Some of Europe's oldest seed laws were implemented in Hungary. Please click here for more detailed information on the event and registration.
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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Grain Handler's Database • Seed Quality Management • CSS 2008 & Seed Expo • 48th Vegetable & Flower Seed Conference • 125th Annual Convention |