Leadership was always a part of Nathan Boardman and who he was. His leadership began at an early age in Lamesa, Texas, by being President of his Junior and Senior class in high school. He was also an FFA officer which led him to choose Texas A&M University. While at Texas A&M he served as Company Commander his senior year, which was no easy task. After college, he made his way back to West Texas and settled in Crosbyton, Texas and started Crosbyton Seed Company which became a well-respected and distinguished company in the seed industry. The main crop was hybrid sorghum seed. At one time, Crosbyton Seed Company exported 20 percent of the nation’s grain. Nathan was always involved in the industry’s professional organizations. He was the youngest man to become president of the Texas Seed Trade Association at the age of 36. This began a long history of service on various boards and leadership throughout the United States and beyond. He excelled on the boards of the Texas Grain Sorghum Producers and the U.S. Feed Grains Council. He was a member of the U.S. Feed Grains Council for 40 years and was recognized for his commitment and dedication.…Read More

Wayne Skidmore was a visionary leader whose career was marked by dedication, innovation, and unwavering commitment to the agricultural industry. Born in Lucas, Iowa, he cultivated a lifelong passion for business and leadership, earning his degree in accounting from Drake University in 2933 before furthering his education at Harvard University’s Advanced Management Program in 1955. His journey with Pioneer Hi-Bred Corn Company began in 1934, where he held numerous positions that ultimately led to his appointment as President and Chairman of the Board in 1970. Under his leadership, Pioneer flourished, embracing new advancements in seed technology and expanding its reach globally. A tireless advocate for the industry, Wayne served as President of the American Seed Trade Association (ASTA) in 1976 and was instrumental in shaping agricultural policy through the ASTA International Committee. His work with the ASTA/USDA European Team was recognized with the prestigious ASTA Distinguished Service Award, a testament to his dedication to progress and collaboration. Wayne Skidmore’s impact was felt far beyond his business acumen. He fostered relationships, mentored future leaders, and ensured that Pioneer Hi-Bred remained at the forefront of agricultural innovation. His commitment to the farmer-salesmen program laid the foundation for a thriving network that strengthened…Read More

Born in Georgia, earning undergraduate and graduate degrees, Loden served in WWII. After the war, he was assigned to manage the Agriculture Experiment Stations in South Korea. Loden earned a PhD in Plant Genetics at Texas A&M in 1949. He worked first as a cotton breeder for Anderson, Clayton & Company, eventually being named General Manager. He served as President of ASTA in 1968 and was named an Honorary Life Member in 1971. Dr. Loden served ASTA as Executive Vice President of ASTA from 1973-1983. ASTA experienced significant growth and accomplishments during his tenure. He and his staff organized and managed ASTA’s 100th Anniversary June meeting in 1983 when a record attendance to that time of 1100 was recorded. Retiring from ASTA, Loden formed HDL Agricultural Consultants. In 1986, he became the second American in history to receive Honorary Life Membership in the International Seed Trade Federation. Dr. Loden’s lifelong commitment to the seed industry and his contributions to ASTA qualify him for the post humous Heritage Award.

Dick Crowder has spent more than 50 years in senior executive and policy positions in the food and agriculture industry, advancing the interests of farmers, ranchers, and the industries that produce food and fiber. He earned B.S. and M.S. degrees from Virginia Tech and a Ph.D. from Oklahoma State University in Agricultural Economics. Before joining the U.S. Trade Representative office, he served as CEO of the American Seed Trade Association. His 30 plus years of domestic and international private sector experience includes senior management positions in a number of companies throughout the food industry including The Pillsbury Company, Armour-Swift Eckridge, DEKALB Genetics and Wilson & Co. From January 2006 until May 2007, he served as the U.S. Chief Agriculture Negotiator where he was responsible for directing all U.S. agriculture negotiations worldwide including multilateral negotiations in the WTO as well as regional and bilateral negotiations. He served as a senior advisor to the United States Trade Representative from May 2007 until April 2008. He served as Under Secretary International Affairs and Commodity Programs for the United States Department of Agriculture from 1989- 1992. In this role he was responsible for all USDA agencies dealing with international trade and development as well…Read More

Harry Collins’ career began to flourish when he went to work as a Soybean Breeder for Delta and Pine Land Company (D&PL) in Scott, MS in 1974. He participated in the development and release of many southern soybean varieties, most notably. “Deltapine 105”, which was a widely grown group 5 variety for nearly 10 years. He was responsible for research associated with cotton, soybeans. sorghum and corn, including the then revolutionary development of cotton and soybean varieties with transgenic technology. Dr. Collins never shied away from controversy, and proudly represented the technology that many called “The Terminator.’’ His steadfast allegiance to scientific advancement, devotion to agriculture and good humor held him in good stead even as the nickname was applied directly to him upon occasion. Friends at the company and throughout the industry fondly called him “The Sheriff” for his dedication to intellectual property and active protection of proprietary seed. He was President of the National Council of Commercial Plant Breeders (NCCPB) from 1986-1987 and served on the Board of Directors from 1981-1983. He also served as Chairman of the Board of the American Seed Trade Associations in 2006-2007.