Innovation and new technology are what have enabled farmers to continue feeding a growing population throughout history, and BASF Plant Science President Peter Eckes says that is what will take us into the future. “Ag is a great place to be and I think if you look at the last 100 years, technology has driven that,” said Eckes. “That has …
Top Researchers Share Insights on Food Security
Two World Food Prize winners shared their insights and experiences during a general session at the 131st American Seed Trade Association’s Annual Convention. Each shared what the seed trade industry can do to help feed the growing global population while sitting on a panel and taking questions from attendees. Professor Emeritus of Food Science at Purdue University, Dr. Phillip Nelson, …
New ASTA Chairman Focused on Advocacy
John Schoenecker of HM Clause moves into the chairmanship of the American Seed Trade Association (ASTA) after elections were held at the annual meeting in Indianapolis Thursday. “As I become chair, one of my focuses will be advocacy,” Shoenecker said in an interview. “That’s part of our strategic plan, something we need to do to get the word out on …
Academy – New Summer Courses!
With planting season in full swing, growers and dealers alike are working around the clock to get the crop planted. At the Ag Leader training center, folks are staying plenty busy as well, as they prepare for the summer training season. In the midst of planting most do not think of harvest. However, Ag Leader is excited to announce that …
Seed Industry Revved Up at ASTA Meeting
American Seed Trade Association (ASTA) outgoing chairman Craig Newman of AgReliant Genetics is pleased with the turnout and the mood of at the 131st ASTA annual convention this week in his home town of Indianapolis. “First time it’s ever been in Indianapolis and this is kind of the crossroads of America, plus it’s the crossroads of American Seed Trade Association …
BASF Ag Moving into Next Century
BASF itself will be 150 years old next year, but the ag products sector of the company is just a century old this year. “So we are the younger part of BASF but it’s obviously two important milestones for BASF,” said Markus Heldt, president of the global crop protection division, who adds that the future is very bright as BASF …
Understanding Farmer Attitudes
The Seed Leadership Program was held just before the start of the 131st Annual American Seed Trade Association Annual Meeting in Indianapolis. During today’s Green Flag Session, Brent Gloy, Purdue University professor discussed the key themes from the 2013 Large Commercial Producer survey. He says they survey helps both farmers and agribusinesses better understand where the commercial farm segment is going. …
ASTA Annual Meeting Kicks Off
Industry leaders and seed experts are in Indianapolis this week for the 131st American Seed Trade Association’s Annual Meeting. ASTA CEO Andy Lavigne says much of the discussion this week will focus on innovation and technology in the seed industry. The meeting kicks off Thursday morning with Purdue University president Mitch Daniels. Lavigne says Daniels will focus on innovation and that will set …
BASF Ag Solutions Through Innovation
BASF – The Chemical Company – will be celebrating a pretty significant milestone next year. The company was established in 1865, which means it will be 150 years old in 2015. Andreas Kreimeyer, member of the board and Research Executive Director for BASF, says innovation is the reason they have survived so long. “Innovation is our life blood,” he said …
BASF Highlights North American Investment
At the BASF Ag Media Summit today, BASF North America Crop Protection Senior VP Nevin McDougall outlined the continued R&D investment his company is making to bring new agricultural products to market. “Our global investment is upwards of $2 million a day in agricultural research,” said McDougall. “Many of those research projects have direct application to North America.” That translates …