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Seed E-News
November 21, 2007
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Welcome to ASTA's electronic newsletter for members, allies and stakeholders. Please feel free to forward the Seed E-News to others you believe might wish to receive news about the seed industry. Questions, comments and your industry news are welcome — contact Jason Laney at ASTA.
Past issues can be viewed here . |
In the News ...
| Happy Thanksgiving from the ASTA Officers and Staff |
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The Officers and Staff of the American Seed Trade Association wish you and your family a Happy Thanksgiving. Please note that the ASTA office will be closed on Thursday and Friday, November 22-23. If you have an urgent issue that needs to be addressed during those days, please contact Jason Laney. |
New ASTA Staff to Focus on Communications and Seed Health
The American Seed Trade Association (ASTA) is pleased to announce the addition of Ms. Gretchen Flanley and Dr. Ric Dunkle. Ms. Flanley will join ASTA as Vice President for Communications, and Dr. Dunkle will serve as Senior Director of Seed Health and Trade. Both will start with ASTA after the first of the year.
Ms. Flanley comes to ASTA from the U.S. Grains Council where she served as the Director of Biotechnology Programs and was responsible for implementing the Council's efforts related to the acceptance of biotechnology and reducing barriers to trade for grains derived from this technology.
Prior to the Grains Council, Gretchen served as an International Affairs Specialist for the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Agricultural Research Service (USDA-ARS). She focused principally on designing and facilitating cooperative research programs between USDA-ARS and key Latin American countries. In addition, Gretchen brings to ASTA previous experience with USDA-Foreign Agriculture Service and Bunge Corporation. She is a graduate of West Virginia University with a B.A. in International Studies.
Dr. Dunkle will join ASTA following 28 years with USDA and 7 years with the California Department of Food and Agriculture. He has spent the last 8 years as the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) Deputy Administrator for Plant Protection and Quarantine. In addition to his service at the USDA-APHIS, Dr. Dunkle also worked for the USDA-ARS. With a Ph.D. in Entomology from University of California-Davis, Ric brings a great deal of experience with plant and pest disease issues, import/export regulations, and methodologies impacting the movement of agriculture products both domestically and internationally.
"The addition of Ms. Flanley and Dr. Dunkle to the ASTA team will greatly assist us in meeting the directives of the ASTA Board through the association's strategic plan," said ASTA President and CEO Andy LaVigne. "Communicating with the seed industry's core constituencies and improving the ability of seed companies to move seed domestically and internationally are fundamental to the continued success of the American seed industry." For more information, contact Andy LaVigne.
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Don't Miss Fear No Ice at the ASTA Seed Expo Exhibitor Marketplace on Tuesday evening, December 4 starting at 5:00 p.m
Make history at Seed Expo 2007! Be one of the first to attend the new Exhibitor Marketplace on Tuesday evening, December 4. High-energy entertainment featuring Fear No Ice, the world's only performance ice sculpting company, will kick off this free event that opens the convention and exhibit hall. Fear No Ice is proudly sponsored by Agrisure® RW from Syngenta Seeds.
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CSS 2007 Offers a Streamlined, Concentrated Educational Session Schedule
ASTA's CSS 2007 & Seed Expo event, the largest seed industry convention in the world, is just three weeks away. Already participation in the meeting indicates an even bigger convention this year, with large increases in exhibitor and sponsor participation and overall attendance tracking ahead of previous years. ASTA has worked to ensure an increase in regional attendees this year by extending invitations to nearby state and regional seed and agribusiness associations, as well as the Illinois Farm Bureau, who will be conducting their meeting at the Hyatt Chicago leading up to our convention's start on December 4. The new Exhibitor Marketplace event at the Seed Expo, which comprises the grand opening of the hall this year on Tuesday, December 4 at 5:00 p.m., will be free for all attendees that evening and these regional groups are expected to take part.
The convention's two Research Conferences, the 37th Soybean Seed Research Conference on Wednesday, December 5, and the 62nd Corn & Sorghum Seed Research Conference on Thursday and Friday, December 6 and 7, will this year offer a more efficient, linear schedule with no sessions running concurrently and intense, hard-hitting topics, some of which are this year termed "Super Sessions." Sessions will include:
Wednesday, December 5
8:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. |
The Opening General Session kicks off the main educational content of CSS 2007 with a series of timely topics on the seed industry related to intellectual property rights, plant breeders' rights, patent reform, the Farm Bill, stewardship, and more. |
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Wednesday, December 5
10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. |
Soybean Super Session I: Herbicide Tolerance Part 2: The Next Generation
(RR2 Yield, Optimum GAT, Liberty Link)
Moderated by Jack Carlson, Winfield Solutions, LLC, ASTA Soybean Division Chairman
- Innovating for the Future
Robb Fraley, Monsanto
- Next Generation Soybean Technologies - The Optimum GAT trait and Accelerated Yield Technology
Bart Baudler, Pioneer Hi-Bred
- LibertyLink Soybeans - Countdown to Launch in 2009
Jon Fischer, Bayer CropScience
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Wednesday, December 5
1:30 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. |
Soybean Super Session II: Will Food Use Drive the U.S. Soybean Industry?
- From Farm to Fork: What are the Constraints on IP Oils as they Move Through this Value Chain?
Carl Hausmann, Bunge North America
- Will Modified Oils Drive the U.S. Soybean Industry?
Dr. James D. Astwood, ConAgra Foods
- Connecting the Links of the Value Chain
Keith Newhouse, Director, Business Development, Winfield Solutions LLC
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Thursday, December 6
8:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. |
Joint Corn, Sorghum and Soybean Session:
To Eat or to Drive? Feeding into the Food and Energy Markets
Moderated by James Richardson, Texas A & M University
- The NCGA Vision: 15 x 15 x 15
Stephen Richard Tolman, National Corn Growers Association
- Linking Seed Technologies with the BioEconomy
Russ Sanders, Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc.
- Future Directions for U.S. Biofuels Industry
Bruce Babcock, Iowa State University
- Biofuels Opportunities in the U.S.
James S. Blair, Core Venture Renewable Fuels
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Thursday, December 6
1:30 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. |
Corn Session I: Corn Following Corn
Moderated by Emerson Nafziger, University of Illinois
- Making Corn After Corn Work - What Research Tells Us
Dr. Steve Paszkiewicz, Pioneer Hi-Bred International
- Idle Thoughts from a Weed in Your Corn Field
Dr. Chris Boerboom, University of Wisconsin
- IPM is Still Alive for Corn Leaf Diseases - Look Before You Spray
Dr. Gary Munkvold, Iowa State University
- Insect Management in Corn Following Corn - What Have We Forgotten?
Dr. Kevin Steffey, University of Illinois
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Thursday, December 6
4:00 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. |
Sorghum Session, Moderated by Charles Miller, MMR Genetics
- Herbicide tolerance in Sorghum using the Rapid Trait Development System (RTDSTM)
Peter Beetham, Ph.D., Cibus, LLC
- New Herbicide Tolerance Traits in Sorghum
Dr. Mitchell Tuinstra, Purdue University
(Co-authored by Kassim Al Khatib)
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Friday, December 7
8:00 a.m. - 9:20 a.m. |
Corn & Sorghum Session - Genomics
Moderated by Charles Miller, MMR Genetics
- Pedigree Selection Using Markers; Genome Mapping
Geoff Graham, Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc.
- Graphical Genotyping of Sorghum Inbreds:
A tool for retrospective analysis at historical breeding decisions and for future crop improvement efforts
Robert R. Klein, USDA-ARS
- Is Applied Genomics an Oxymoron?
William Dale Beavis, Iowa State University
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Friday, December 7
9:20 a.m. - 11:00 a.m |
Corn Session II - Breeding and Genetics
Moderated by David Gibson, Texas Corn Producers
- Adaptation and Heterosis in U.S. Hybrid Corn
Forrest Troyer, University of Illinois
- Genetic Perspectives on Loss of Diversity in Elite Maize Germplasm
Jode Edwards, USDA-ARS
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FuSE Lounge Unveiled at CSS 2007 & Seed Expo in Chicago
Be sure to stop by the brand new FuSE Lounge on the exhibit hall floor at the 2007 CSS Conference & Seed Expo. This new feature of the exhibit hall will be staffed by FuSE Committee Members who will be able to answer your questions on how FuSE can help you educate the young professionals at your organization. The lounge will also feature Graduate Student Poster Displays, a job and resume posting board, information on upcoming FuSE events, and great FuSE giveaway items.
If you know of any graduate or undergraduate students who should attend the upcoming conference, please refer them to the Conference Student Information site. Also, any students who are unable to attend the conference can also have their resume posted by contacting Jason Laney. For more information on the FuSE Lounge or if you would like to post a job listing or resume, please contact Jason Laney.
ASTA Lawn and Farm Seed Divisions Meet in Kansas City
The meeting of the 53rd Lawn and Farm Seed Conference was held in Kansas City November 12. Over 200 members attended the sessions which featured timely updates and accomplished speakers.
The Farm Seed Division had an update on intellectual property rights protection led by Arkansas-based attorney, Michael Murphey Henry. Mr. Henry challenged the group to remain diligent in defending and enforcing plant variety protection certificate and patent infringements. His powerpoint presentation focused on a new initiative, Farmers Yield Initiative (FYI) designed to promote awareness and pursue violators. In addition, members of the Division discussed the farm bill deliberations in Congress. Dr. Richard Payne (pictured at right) of the Federal Seed Branch was on hand to provide a summary of proposed regulation changes to the Federal Seed Act.
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Randy Graff (pictured at left), the guest speaker for the Lawn Seed Division challenged members to keep working on technology and quality for new and improved turf varieties and products. Owner of Graff's Turf based in Colorado, Mr. Graff stressed the need for customer service and technological advancements necessary for today's athletic fields, residential and golf courses. Dr. Payne congratulated Division members for working hard to reduce the number of labeling violations. ASTA and the Seed Testing and Regulatory Branch have been working to increase education and compliance to the Federal and State Seed Laws.
Both Divisions were briefed by ASTA President and CEO Andy LaVigne on the Association's stewardship initiative.
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| Environmental and Conservation Seed Committee Update
Members of the Environmental and Conservation Seed Committee had a full agenda in Kansas City that included a presentation by David Howell, Agricultural Wildlife Services Director for Quail Unlimited. Mr. Howell's powerpoint presentation focused on opportunities in the new 2007 farm bill and ways that the seed industry and Quail Unlimited could coordinate and cooperate.
The members also heard from Corey Dillon, District Director for Missouri Senator Claire McCaskill. Ms. Dillon provided an update on the 2007 farm bill. She was followed by ASTA staff who presented a detailed summary of the House and Senate versions of the bill.
The Committee also reviewed the 2007 workshop at the U.S. Department of Agriculture and conducted a roundtable discussion for the 2008 program. |
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Invasive Species Committee Meets
ASTA's Invasive Species Committee met on November 11 and featured a speaker from the Wisconsin Agri-Service Association. Executive Director John Petty (pictured at right) discussed recent activities in Wisconsin and challenged the group to remain aware and active in state discussions and activities regarding invasive species. Fred Mohr, Chairman of the Committee provided a status report of activities in Pennsylvania and other members shared their respective state activities.
For more information, contact Leslie Cahill.
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State of the States . . .
Missouri
The Missouri Seedsmen's Association met in early-October with about 80 in attendance. After a full day of golf, the members settled in to an evening Awards Banquet. ASTA matched scholarship funding for University of Missouri-Columbia student Jacob Schneider, who received his $1,000 award from ASTA's Director of State Affairs Pat Miller. Three other $1,000 scholarships were presented to students at the event. Linda Krause, the association's administrator for the past several years has resigned to pursue a position with Southwest Airlines. Sharon Oetting has taken over the position's responsibilities. Don Kinkhorst, Allied Seed Inc., will be the MSA President for 2008. |
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Atlantic Seed Association
The association had an outstanding convention in Hershey PA in mid-October. ASA President and ASTA Northeastern Regional VP Fred Mohr, Seedway, along with ASA Executive Director Carrie Bohrer (both pictured) produced a program filled with entertainment and informative sessions. Risa DeMasi, ASTA Legislative and Legal Concerns Committee Chair, received the Seedsman of the Year Award and ASTA's most recent Honorary Life Member and Past Chairman Don Wertman, Seedway, received an Honorary Lifetime Member designation from ASA.Congratulations to both of these deserving members. |
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Texas
The Texas Seed Trade Association held its 75th Annual Convention at the Gaylord Texan Hotel in Grapevine, Texas the first week of November. In addition to golfing, car racing, a special concert by the band Little Texas, and general relaxation at the resort, the association produced fine programming for the attendees. ASTA 2nd VP Jerry Monk offered an update of ASTA activities and ASTA staff members Leslie Cahill, VP of Legislative Affairs, and Pat Miller, Director of State Affairs, presented overviews of national and state legislative activities. Silvia Amaranta Guerro (pictured with Jerry Monk) , Public Relations Manager for AMSAC, reported on the activities of the Mexican seed association. |
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The 2007 Corn Belt Conference held at the Hyatt in Indianapolis last week had outstanding participation, both in attendance and exhibitors. ASTA Chairman of the Board Mike Peterson (pictured at left) presented and overview of ASTA activities at the first luncheon and Pat Miller, ASTA Director of State Affairs presented a legislative update at the second luncheon. The innovative program included panel discussion with major seed company representatives presenting their perspectives of the next five years in the seed industry. That session was followed by presentations on refuge, transportation, and production. The next day, seed distributors reflected on the current state of the business with a panel discussion composed of farmers wrapping things up.
ASTA Central VP Tim Johnson, of Seed Genetics, was awarded an Honorary Membership by the Indiana Seed Trade Association at the event. His wife and daughter were on hand to assist him in accepting the recognition.
Wally Thingelstad, Account Manager, Traits and Germplasm Testing for Dow AgroSciences, was elected as President for the coming term. |
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Vermont
ASTA members and staff met recently with Vermont policy leaders to discuss the proposed changes to the state's seed law. Representing ASTA were Fred Mohr, Seedway; Ted Redman, L.D. Oliver Seed Co.; and Pat Miller, ASTA Director of State Affairs. State leadership in the meeting were Roger Albee, Secretary, VT Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets; Michael Duane, Asst. VT Attorney General; and Tim Schmalz, Plant Pathologist, VT Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets. It was a very positive meeting providing an excellent forum for technical and policy position exchange. More details on the proposed changes will be published in an upcoming State of the States article.
For more information on state affairs, contact Pat Miller. |
Registration Open for 47th Vegetable & Flower Seed Conference to be held January 22-25, 2008 in New Orleans, LA
Click here to register for the 47th Vegetable & Flower Seed Conference to be held January 22 - 25, 2008 at the Sheraton in New Orleans, Louisiana. This year's conference represents a departure from the usual convention pattern (days of the week) of previous years. Traditionally, the conference has been held from a Saturday to Tuesday, but will instead be held Tuesday through Friday in 2008 in an effort to address feedback asking for the convention dates to fall mid-week.
The convention will offer a variety of new elements related to ASTA's presence in New Orleans, including a special community outreach project, a Spouse/Guest Luncheon that travels to a nearby plantation for a tour, a TPC golf course for the ASTA golf tournament, and a variety of conference programming addressing biotechnology, organic, intellectual property, and more.
Click here to register for the conference. Click here to reserve your hotel room at the special group rate. For more information, contact Jennifer Lord.
Reserve Your Room Today at the Gaylord Palms Resort in Orlando, FL for ASTA's 125th Annual Convention
As attendance at this year's 125th Annual Convention is shaping up to be record-breaking, make sure to make your reservations today to stay at the convention hotel, the world renowned Gaylord Palms Resort in Orlando, FL. The luxurious 1,406-room Gaylord Palms Resort, Central Florida's newest destination, celebrates the very best of the Sunshine State inside a spectacular 4.5 acre glass-topped atrium. Resort and guest room themes include festive Key West, historic St. Augustine and the mysterious Everglades.
Innovative dining options are offered in several critically acclaimed restaurants, including Old Hickory Steakhouse, Villa de Flora Marketplace and Sunset Sam's Fish Camp. Other amenities include resort-style swimming pools, nightly entertainment and the legendary Canyon Ranch SpaClub, the most prestigious spa and fitness center in Central Florida. You do not want to miss out on all of the excitement that the convention headquarter hotel has to offer. Click here to reserve your room today at the special ASTA group rate.
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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