March 19, 2013

Welcome to the electronic newsletter of the American Seed Trade Association(ASTA) 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 Loren Deibler at ASTA.

In This Issue • The Guide to Seed Treatment Stewardship to Launch In Advance of Corn Planting Date • Lowell Catlett to Give Keynote address at ASTA Annual Convention in Nashville (June 15-19) • Environmental & Conservation Seed Committee Goes to Washington • Seed Pioneer Paul Thomas Dies • Johnny’s Selected Seeds Commemorates 40th Anniversary • ASTA Welcomes New Members! • Review and Update Your ASTA Membership Profile Through Our New Portal

The Guide to Seed Treatment Stewardship to Launch In Advance of Corn Planting Date 

YOU STILL HAVE A CHANCE TO WIN $500!

ASTA and CropLife America’s jointly produced "Guide to Seed Treatment Stewardship" website will go live on Friday, March 22nd, but those who register in advance are eligible to win one of two $500 prizes. Visit www.seed-treatment-guide.com to register! The Guide is the result of an industry-wide initiative (and the year-long efforts by ASTA’s Lisa Nichols and an Expert Working Group) to promote the safe handling and management of treated seed.

Endorsed by the National Corn Growers Association, the Farm Bureau and the American Soybean Association, the Guide provides farmers and seed companies with critical information and up-to-date guidelines for managing treated seed effectively to minimize the risk of exposure to non-target organisms.

Lowell Catlett to Give Keynote address at ASTA Annual Convention in Nashville (June 15-19)

Nationally renowned agricultural economist and Dean of the College of Agriculture and Home Economics, New Mexico State University Lowell Catlett kicks off the convention programming at the Opening General Session and breakfast. Catlett works nationally and internationally with corporations and organizations, as well as the U.S. Departments of Agriculture, Labor, Interior, Defense, Education, Energy and the World Bank, doing futuristic planning concerning the impacts of technology on careers, lifestyles and the economy.

"Sing A Song About the Heartland" is the theme for our 130th Annual Convention in Nashville. Online registration is open and exhibit and sponsorship opportunities are still available. Click here for more information.

Environmental & Conservation Seed Committee Goes
to Washington

While meetings with congressional members were thwarted by the "Snow-questration" in Washington, DC (aka "a slushy day during the budget crisis"), members of ASTA’s Environmental and Conservation Seed Committee and host Pat Miller, ASTA Director of State Government Affairs, spent their time developing legislative strategies and priorities and listening to the insights of:

• Bruce Knight, former Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs at the USDA and Chief of Natural Resources Conservation Service, who led a discussion on maximizing business with the government;
• Kevin Morris, Executive Director, NTEP, who spoke on "National Turfgrass Evaluation Program on Native Grasses;" and
• John Englert, National Plant Materials Program Leader, USDA-NRCS, who discussed "Agency Initiatives."

Seed Pioneer Paul Thomas Dies

Seed industry leader Paul Thomas passed away peacefully in his sleep at age 84 on March 9 in Woodland, California with his wife, Mary Anne, at his side.

Paul started his career in 1950 and became a pioneer in hybrid vegetable seed breeding for disease resistance and is credited with the development of 73 new hybrid vegetable introductions, including seven All America Winners.

In 1984, Paul was awarded the Silver Medallion by the All America Selections Committee from the American Seed Trade Association for his contributions to horticulture.  In 1992, Paul was elected Fellow of the American Society for Horticultural Science and in 2012, the All America Selection Committee awarded Paul the Breeder Cup Award.

Paul served on several boards including the Board of Directors of the All America Selection Committee and the California Pepper Commission as Commissioner representing the California Seed Trade.

Johnny’s Selected Seeds Commemorates 40th Anniversary

Today, Johnny’s has grown from a fledgling business in a farmhouse attic to a national and international multichannel retailer that employs over 130 full-time and more than 50 seasonal employees. The company now regularly ships seed to commercial growers and home gardeners across the United States, and regularly supplies seed to over 50 countries around the world. The Albion farm remains the center for research and continues as a working farm, with more than 40 acres under cultivation. 100% employee-owned company and been an ASTA member since 1980.

ASTA Welcomes New Members!

Fertilec
Maize Properties, Inc.
DSM Exports

Amerland Seeds, LLC
Danny Boy Seeds
West Coast Seeds Ltd.
Global Green Seeds
XiteBio Technologies Inc.
JBM Packaging
S.A. Flick Seed Company

Review and Update Your ASTA Membership Profile Through Our New Portal 

The American Seed Trade Association is excited to launch the first phase of its new "Members Only" section. Please keep in mind that this section will continue to grow in terms of features and members-only benefits. We ask for your patience as we continue to make it more robust.

Steps to Login:

1. Go to the www.amseed.org.
2. Click the "Members Only" button (will take you to the members only portal login page).
3. Click on the LOGIN button to the left of the page
4. If you have already set up a password, enter your username and password and select "Go"
5. Members who have not yet logged-in to the new members only portal: –Username is your primary business email address –Default password is "Password1"
6. After logging in for the first time, you will then be prompted to create a new password (must be at least 6 characters).

Once you are logged-in, you will be able to:

• View and manage your profile;
• Update your contact information;
• Search the membership and individual directory;
• Stay up-to-date on association activities;
• Register for events and much more. 

Thank you for your support and participation. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact the ASTA office at 703-837-8140 or info@amseed.org. 

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.