During its annual convention in Portland, Oregon, the American Seed Trade Association recognized three individuals for their outstanding leadership and commitment to the seed industry — Larry Nees, Office of the Indiana State Chemist; Mike Gumina, RiceTec, Inc.; and Owen Newlin, DuPont Pioneer (retired).
ASTA’s Distinguished Service Award recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to the association and the seed industry. This year it was given to Nees for more than 35 years of service to the industry. He has served as the seed control official for Indiana and been responsible for enforcement and administration of the Indiana Seed Law, the Indiana Seed Arbitration Law, the Indiana Legume Inoculants and Plant Growth Substances Law and the Inspections Under Seed Contracts Law.
The Honorary Membership Award, one of the highest awards given out by ASTA, recognizes an individual for their untiring service to the association as well as the seed industry. An active participant for years and former chairman of the board (2011-12), Gumina was awarded honorary membership. He served as a key creator of ASTA’s strategic plan. Furthermore, he has served as the International Seed Federation’s representative to the ASTA board and remains a key international figure in forwarding the interests of the U.S. seed industry.
Additionally, this was the first year the association presented a Lifetime Industry Achievement Award, which was presented to Newlin. This award acknowledges exceptional professionals whose career contributions to the seed industry span more than 50 years. Newlin is active in and out of the seed industry. A longtime ambassador and advocate for Iowa State University, he has served as a member of the Board of Regents, State of Iowa, for 12 years, with eight years as president. He was also president of the American Seed Research Foundation from 1982-84 and remains an active ASRF Board Member. Add to that, Newlin is the longest running ASTA past president still active on the board of directors.
