Genome Editing Panel at #ASTACSS

Cindy Zimmerman

Gene editing is still a relatively new technology but the promise that it holds for future food production continues to grow. It was only four years ago that the American Seed Trade Association (ASTA) featured gene editing at the annual CSS and Seed Expo and held a press conference to introduce the technology to media. This year, ASTA CSS offered …

ASTA, Audio, Plant Breeding, Seed

#ASTACSS Sustainability Panel Features Familiar Iowa Farmer

Cindy Zimmerman

Sustainability is real for Iowa farmer and former National Corn Growers Association president Pam Johnson, a sixth-generation farmer who works with her husband, their two sons and their young families to produce corn and soybeans. “We can see with our own eyes how things have improved and that we’re able to do a better job year after year,” she says. …

ASTA, Audio, Corn, Sustainability

ASTA Hires Senate Ag Veteran Janae Brady

Cindy Zimmerman

The American Seed Trade Association (ASTA) this week announced Janae Brady as the organization’s new Senior Director of Government Affairs. Brady served on staff for Chairman Pat Roberts (R-KS) on the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry during his time as both Chairman and Ranking Member and she will now lead ASTA’s federal government affairs efforts on behalf of …

ASTA, Audio

Outlook for Beef in Trade Negotiations

Carrie Muehling

U.S. cattle producers are poised to recover from challenges during the global pandemic more quickly than their competitors, said Kent Bacus, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) Sr. Director of International Trade and Market Access. “It’s important that we’re able to deliver the greatest profit margin possible to our producers, and any way that trade policy can help in that process …

Animal Agriculture, Audio, Beef, NAFB, NCBA, Trade

Rosy Outlook for Seed Industry From Dan Basse

Cindy Zimmerman

The American Seed Trade Association (ASTA) CSS and Seed Expo has seen a number of changes over the years, but Dan Basse of AgResource Company has given his annual agricultural outlook at the event since 2013, and he was there once again this year in the virtual world. Basse is bullish on agriculture for the year ahead. “In my 40 …

Ag Economics, ASTA, Audio, Seed

Seed Industry Focused on Trade, Innovation and Regulations

Cindy Zimmerman

Trade challenges, regulatory issues, and innovation top the list of seed industry concerns in 2020. Attendees at the virtual American Seed Trade Association (ASTA) CSS and Seed Expo this week have the opportunity to participate in round table discussions on domestic policy and phytosanitary issues as well as innovation and trade. ASTA Vice President of Scientific Affairs & Policy Fan-Li …

ASTA, Audio, Seed, Trade

Syngenta Sets New Goals for Good Growth Plan

Carrie Muehling

After launching the original Good Growth Plan in 2013, Syngenta has met the initial goals and is looking further into the future of sustainability in agriculture. The company has four new commitments they will focus on through the year 2025, including accelerating innovation for farmers and nature. “It’s really around helping farmers deal with some of the extreme weather conditions …

Audio, Sustainability, Syngenta

ASTA CSS and Seed Expo Offers Future Outlook

Cindy Zimmerman

American Seed Trade Association (ASTA) Chair John Latham with Latham Hi-Tech Seeds kicked off the virtual 2020 ASTA CSS and Seed Expo Monday with nearly 1000 attendees from around the world registered to participate. “This virtual format has been great,” said Latham. “I think we really hit it out of the park this week.” Latham talks about how the industry …

ASTA, Audio, Seed

National Ethanol Conference Going Digital

Cindy Zimmerman

One of the very last live, in-person events to be held this year in the agriculture industry was the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) 25th annual National Ethanol Conference in Houston. The 26th annual NEC however, will be an all digital format. Information about the conference can be found on the NationalEthanolConference.com website. In this edition of the Ethanol Report podcast, …

Audio, Ethanol, National Ethanol Conference, Podcasts, RFA

ASTA CSS and Seed Expo Kicks Off Monday

Cindy Zimmerman

The biggest seed industry event of the year kicks off Monday, December 7, as the American Seed Trade Association presents the annual ASTA CSS and Seed Expo with a state-of-the-art virtual format that is almost like being there. The organization has already conducted two virtual member meetings this year and Jennifer Crouse, ASTA Senior Director of Meetings and Services, says …

ASTA, Audio, Seed