Shark farming in Illinois. I didn’t find much about that on Google. Google knows everything of course. But I did meet the Shark Farmer, Rob Sharkey, this week at the 2016 Cultivate & Connect Conference in KC, MO. Rob actually produces a regular podcast on Tuesday’s called Sharkfarmer Podcast. It’s not only a play on his name but he started …
ASTA Chair Optimistic for 2017 at #ASTACSS
AgReliant Genetics president and CEO Mark Herrmann took over as chairman of the American Seed Trade Association this past summer at the annual meeting and we had the chance to sit down and talk about priorities for the organization in 2017 during the ASTA CSS & Seed Expo this week. “Unnecessary regulation in the seed business can either completely stall …
Beck’s & Benson Hill Partner for Corn Genetics
Beck’s Hybrids is one of the largest retail seed companies in North America, and now thanks to a partnership with agriculture technology company Benson Hill Biosystems, they’ll be able to accelerate their corn breeding program in the future. Using Benson Hill’s CropOS cognitive platform, Beck’s will gain yet another tool to enhance the ability to offer farmers improved traits. The …
BASF Proud to Support FFA at #ASTACSS
BASF Ag Products has been a proud sponsor of the American Seed Trade Association (ASTA) for many years now, particularly the annual CSS and Seed Expo. This year at BASF used its presence at the event to raise money for the FFA, a cause which corn and bean communications specialist Colby Mower is very passionate about. “We’re committed to the …
Everyday Advocate at #ASTACSS
Earlier this week we got to see ASTA’s latest video project with plant breeder and mother, Jessie Alt. Today I got to sit down with her to talk about her role connecting consumers with plant science. As a research scientist for DuPont Pioneer, Jessie’s day job is to develop new soybean varieties for farmers, but off the clock she’s a wife and …
#Seed is Focus of New @BASFAgProducts R&D Center
BASF’s new Research and Development facility in Limburgerhof, Germany that just opened this year has brought a new center of expertise into the growing world of biological crop protection and seed solutions. Nathan Froese with BASF R&D Seed Solutions for the Americas was at the ASTA CSS & Seed Expo this week to highlight some of the work being done …
Creating Disney Magic At #ARA2016
The Agricultural Retailers Association (ARA) Conference had a magical closing statement to end this year’s sessions with Lee Cockerell, retired Executive Vice President of Walt Disney World giving a closing address titled “You Can create Disney Magic Too.” Cockerell’s address focused on the factors he believes are the key to running a successful business: “It’s not magic that makes Disney …
Evolution of Plant Breeding in Focus at #ASTACSS
ASTA CSS in Chicago this week brought together a panel of experts to talk about the future of gene editing and it’s role in the agriculture industry. “Plant breeding is an evolving practice. It’s an evolving science.” said American Seed Trade Association President and CEO Andy LaVigne. “Plant breeding builds upon itself.” LaVigne outlined the milestones in plant breeding, beginning …
The Ag Outlook at #ASTACSS
The perennial highlight of the ASTA CSS & Seed Expo is Dan Basse with Ag Resource Company with his global ag outlook. No one can cram as much information into a one hour presentation as Dan Basse! Despite the downturn in the farm economy domestically, Basse says it was better on a global scale. “If you’re sitting in Brazil, Russia, …
Measure, Model, Fix – Big Data’s Role in Animal Ag
When the term ‘big data’ is used in agriculture, we generally think crops. However, we are hearing it more and more in animal agriculture circles. “Big data and models: Are they really useful in disease management?” turned the conversation towards swine health at the 2016 North American PRRS Symposium as Dr. Jim Lowe, University of Illinois, took the stage during …