Media Training for ASTA Members

Leah Guffey

American Farm Bureau Federation director of media and advocacy training Johnna Miller conducted a workshop for members of the American Seed Trade Association during CSS 2014 on how to effectively communicate with the media. Johnna says farmers and ranchers have a great story to tell, but it’s not always easy for them to do. She hopes attendees walk away from …

AFBF, ASTA, Audio, Media, Seed

ASTA Chairs Pleased with CSS 2014

Cindy Zimmerman

The chairman and first vice chair of the American Seed Trade Association (ASTA) are pleased with this year’s turnout at CSS 2014 and Seed Expo and with the direction of the organization. ASTA chair John Schoenecker with HM. Clause of California says the program is exceptionally good this year. “Everything from bee health to cover crops, the international treaty for …

ASTA, Audio, BASF, Seed

ASTA CSS Focus on Pollinators

Leah Guffey

There has been an increasing focus on pollinators lately, but the Pollinator Partnership has been working on pollinator health issues for the past 18 years with a diverse set of partners. Partnership executive director Laurie Davies Adams was on a panel focused on keeping pollinators safe during ASTA CSS in Chicago this week providing an update on the organization’s latest …

Ag Groups, ASTA, Audio, Bees, pollinators, Seed

BASF Talks Emerging Seed Industry Trends at CSS

Cindy Zimmerman

Two main trends emerging in the seed industry are biological crop inputs and seed coatings, according to Mike McFatrich, BASF global seed solutions business director. “I think we have seen a real increase in looking at more sustainable options and being able to do more with less,” said McFatrich at this week’s CCS 2014 and Seed Expo in Chicago where …

ASTA, Audio, BASF, Crop Protection, Seed

Seed Industry to Launch Consumer Education Effort

Cindy Zimmerman

The American Seed Trade Association (ASTA) today unveiled results of new research that shows consumers have a lack of knowledge and appreciation for the importance of seeds and seed improvement, until they are presented with specific examples of the environmental, economic and health benefits of seed. ASTA president and CEO Andy LaVigne briefed members of the media during the CSS …

ASTA, Audio, Research, Seed

Simplot CEO Speaks at ASTA CSS

Leah Guffey

The opening session of the American Seed Trade Association (ASTA) CSS and Seed Expo was highlighted by keynote speaker J.R. Simplot president and CEO Bill Whitacre. Since inventing the first viable frozen french fry the J.R. Simplot Company, has become one of North America’s largest, privately held food and agribusiness companies, with over $4.5 billion in annual sales. Simplot has …

Ag Groups, Agribusiness, ASTA, Audio, Seed

ASTA CSS 2014 and Seed Expo Kicks Off

Cindy Zimmerman

The American Seed Trade Association CSS 2014 and Seed Expo is officially underway in Chicago and possibly may be a record crowd this year. “We have a great participation this year,” said ASTA president and CEO Andy LaVigne. “Beginning of this week, we had over 2700 registrants and that’s almost 100 more than we finished with last year and we …

ASTA, Audio, BASF, Corn, sorghum, Soybean

American Seed Trade Officer at NAFB

Cindy Zimmerman

The first vice chair of American Seed Trade Association (ASTA) was in Kansas City this month for a meeting of the Western Seed Association immediately before the National Association of Farm Broadcasting convention. “It’s the only organization that’s been meeting here longer than NAFB,” said Risa DeMasi with Grassland Oregon, who stuck around for another day to do some interviews …

ASTA, Audio, NAFB, Seed

ASTA CSS 2014 and Seed Expo Coming Up

Leah Guffey

I had a chance to catch up with American Seed Trade Association president and CEO Andy LaVigne at the National Association of Farm Broadcasting convention last week and talk about the upcoming CSS 2014 & Seed Expo coming up just around the corner. The event, being held December 8-12 in Chicago, is America’s largest seed industry conference. Over 2,600 attendees …

ASTA, Audio, NAFB, Seed

Seed Trade Expo Redesigned

John Davis

This year’s American Seed Trade Association’s CSS 2014 & Seed Expo has been redesigned to focus on the most relevant and cutting-edge issues facing the seed industry. Organizers are inviting potential attendees to take a look at the schedule and see the topics for the Dec. 8-12 event in Chicago, Illinois, the largest seed industry conference in the country. Keynote …

ASTA, Seed