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December 2015 SEEDWORLD.COM C O L L E C T O R S E D I T I O N 100 YEARS FEATUREFOUNDERS In celebrating its centennial anniversary Seed Worlds editorial team set out to recognize the seed industrys 100 most transformational people during the past 100 years. To-date weve recognized pictured L-R Bernice Slutsky Robb Fraley Norman Borlaug Owen Newlin Mary-Dell Chilton and Harry Stine. To see who else made the list check out page 52. 4 SEEDWORLD.COM DECEMBER 2015 CELEBRATING 100 YEARS OF INGENUITY 2015 MARKS SEED Worlds centennial milestone. Thats 100 years of covering the business news regulatory news people news product news and issues of the seed industry. What a remarkable milestone One-hundred years ago there were no computers no biotechnology no bioinformat- ics no sensors for sorting and certainly no Internet. In fact a great deal of the work done in the seed industry was still by hand and the home garden sector accounted for a much larger share of the market than it does today. When I think about the changes weve seen in agriculture and the seed industry during the past 100 years its truly incredible and all due to the perseverance and ingenuity of Americas farmers seedsmen scientists and manufacturers. While the dynamics of the industry have changed along with the tools technology and knowledge the industrys primary mission and issues have not. The goal to provide farmers and ranchers with quality seed that maximizes every acre and helps to improve profitability. And the people who make up the seed industry have delivered. Delivering Innovation As part of the 2015 cover lineup we celebrated six founders of the seed industry. These indi- viduals have made significant contributions and include the likes of Harry Stine January Norman Borlaug February Mary-Dell Chilton and Robb Fraley June Bernice Slutsky September and Owen Newlin October. Perhaps the seed industrys most trans- formational person of the past 100 years is Norman Borlaug. His work to improve wheat varieties in Mexico India an Africa sparked the Green Revolution. Because of his achievements and efforts to prevent hunger famine and misery around the world it is said that Borlaug has saved more lives than any other person who has ever lived. Known for founding one of the first soybean breeding programs outside of a university Stine JULIE DEERING While Julie doesnt date back to 1915 she has a fond appreciation for history as it relates to agri- culture. In fact for extra income after graduation she worked on a 1920s farmstead called Historic Prophetstown helping others understand agriculture now and then. has quietly built some of the most genetically robust and highest-yielding soybean seeds in the industry and industry has noticed. It is reported that more than 80 percent of the soybeans on the market originate from Stines germplasm. Today Stine Seed Farm and its affiliates own more than 800 patents of which 750 are directly related to soybeans. In 1983 Chilton and Fraley who worked independently of each other each conducted groundbreaking molecular research on how plant bacterium could be adapted as a tool to insert genes from another organism into plant cells which could produce new genetic lines with highly favorable traits. This furthered the field of science and helped propel agriculture forward. Thirteen years later Fraley helped to lead the commercial launches of the genetically modified crops Roundup Ready soybeans and Bollgard insect-protected cotton. Today GMOs are grown by more than 18 million farmers in 28 different countries. When it comes to shaping the policy around plant technologies such as GMOs few people have been as influential as Bernice Slutsky. Shes been molding policy and how biotech events are handled from the time they receive regulatory approval for commercial use to how regulatory approvals are to be handled andor maintained once an events patent expires. On the business side of the seed industry Owen Newlin stands as a legend. Through the years he has developed the reputation as a highly-respected leader a philanthropic pioneer and a champion for research and education. He also worked to give farmers a voice helping to establish checkoff programs in eight key corn- producing states. The next 100 years need to be just as remarkable. We need brilliant minds new technologies and the right policies to meet the demands of the world. While I have no doubt the seed industry will deliver on its promise we must continue to build on the successesof these individuals for an even better future. What will your mark be SW LOOK AHEAD WITH CLARITY. Your vision of a successful plant breeding program is important to us. Ag-Biotech offers a robust and ever-growing selection of DNA markers with the objective of facilitating the results you envision. Our high throughput SNP-based procedures are designed to solve challenging trait issues from start-to-nish producing the important and precise data you need to make the right selectionthe right selection. Make Ag-Biotech your go-to source for plant genetic testing or enhance your in-house lab with our expertise and technology. Your vision. Our markers. Visit agbiotech.net to look ahead with clarity and condence. 831 324 0585 www.agbiotech.net B R E E D P R O T E C T R E A P 6 SEEDWORLD.COM DECEMBER 2015 CONTENTSDECEMBER2015 Realignment Looms Its not a matter of if shifts at the top of the industry will happen but when. Giants Views Eye on the Target Shaping strategies to meet the needs of 2050. Giant Biographies Meet the 2015 Giant Views of the industry. Giant Highlights Discover whats top of mind from this years Giants. Giants by the Numbers Leaders let the numbers do the talking. Invest in Decision Support Technology Seed companies expand in- field support using the latest in data science. Perspective from Howard Buffett Productivity and conservation can go hand-in-hand. Access and Benefits Is it time to pay attention to the Nagoya Protocol Varroa Mites on the Rise Honeybee colony losses are forecast to be high this winter. The Top 100 Check out the industrys most transformational people of the past 100 years. The Accidental Entomologist Meet one woman who bugs out in the world of science. Features 14 22 28 30 32 36 40 44 48 52 62 3022 48 3400 109th Street Des Moines IA 50322 800-247-6755 www.bratney.com SOLUTIONSTOHELPYOUR BUSINESSRUNSMOOTHER Increased productivity improved safety assurance reduced downtime and product loss. SEED PROCESSING PACKAGING SYSTEMS DESIGN BUILD SERVICES SEED EQUIPMENT SERVICES Cimbria Cleaners Cimbria Heid Gravity Tables Indents Destoners Cimbria SEA Color Sorters Concetti Bag Hanging Packaging Systems Concetti Palletizers Fischbein Bag Closing Dust Collection Systems Elevators Conveyance CONTACT US TODAY FOR FULL SPECS AND PRICING. Starpack Bagging System Cimbria Color Sorter 8 SEEDWORLD.COM DECEMBER 2015 CONTENTSDECEMBER2015 In Every Issue Microbials Move to Mainstream Beneficial bacteria show promise for the environment bottom lines. Innovate and Protect Education increases awareness of intellectual property. The Science of Predicting Yield Researchers deploy new tools to more accurately predict yield over more acres faster. Plant Pathogens on the Prowl Scientists battle an increasing number of plant pathogens. Plant Breeders Share All Two plant breeders talk about the now and the future. 3MG Goes Counter Culture One Minnesota man works to push conventional yields higher. Trust in a Handshake The Western Seed Association Recognizes Young Seedsman of the Year. Robotic Writers Could your seed catalog be written by a robot Software Allows for Better Breeding Technology can help breeders keep pace with the science. Features continued 62 76 82 86 92 94 96 97 98 Strategy Battling insects with seed-applied technologies and traits. Research Showcase Cross Pollination Regulatory Roundup World Status Industry News Since 1915 58 102 108 110 112 114 120 Columns 72 74 122 The Activist Agenda Mischa Popoff exposes organic activists actions. International Agricultural Development Dennis Thompson shares how two scientists adapt soybeans for increased food security. Giant Views The closer elections are to home the more they matter shares Bryan Gentsch of the Texas Seed Trade Association. 82 WEBWHEREONTHE For bonus content and more information on these issues check out SeedWorld.com. Here youll find videos extra photos and charts and notes from our journalists. Below are just a few highlights from this issue. SeedWorld.comGiantViews Tune in to the Giant Views of the Industry video series and listen to whats top of mind for leaders today and into the future. The series features experts from across sectors and covers a variety of topics from breeding to business and from policy to technology. SeedIPAlliance.com Members of the seed industry have launched the Seed Innovation and Protection Alliance to help educate and increase awareness about the importance of intellectual property. Learn more about the alliance by visiting its website. USTR.gov The U.S. government released a nearly-final version of the Trans-Pacific Partnership which includes language on biotechnology and addresses the issue of low-level presence. Read the text to see how the agreement might impact your business. SEEDWORLD.COM SEEDWORLD.COM SEEDWORLD.COM DECEMBER 2015DECEMBER 2015DECEMBER 2015DECEMBER 2015 SEEDWORLD.COM Let Seed Worlds 2016 Buyers Guide serve as your reference when seeking new products and services to help you do your job better. Regardless of whether youre in an office setting a laboratory or out in the field theres something here for you. SEEDWORLD.COMBUYERSGUIDE BUYERSGUIDESpecial 2016 Buyers Guide 12 SEEDWORLD.COM DECEMBER 2015 DECEMBER 2015 THE INKERS MAIN OFFICE 1395-A S. Columbia Road PMB 360 Grand Forks ND 58201-9907 SUBSCRIPTIONS Seed World is published six times a year. North American subscription rates are one year USD 70 two years USD 120. The international rate for one year is USD 200. To subscribe please email subscribeissuesink.com. WANT MORE SEED WORLD Follow us online at facebook.comSeedWorld twitter.comseedworldmag SeedWorld.com 100YearsOfGrowth.com Q. HOW DO YOU DEFINE SUCCESS AS IT RELATES TO YOUR JOB 1. As defined by Enlightened Wealth wealth is comprised of income impact making a positive difference and inspiration feeling of personal fulfillment. With these 3 elements happening I feel successful. 2. My best measure of success is how much I learn each day. If I havent learned something new I havent been engaged. 3. Success is working as a team to meet common goals. 4. Success is writing the best story I can and knowing that I did all I could to help readers better understand an issue. 5. Success is when the situation or scenario turns out to be a win-win for the customer and our company. Please recycle where facilities exist. No part of this magazine may be reproduced without the written permission of the publisher. Printed in the United States. CIRCULATION Dean French dfrenchissuesink.com CONTRIBUTORS Kari Belanger Adam Gaspar Bryan Gentsch Dick Hagen Sandi Karstens Dick Rogers Dennis Thompson Patty Townsend Brian Wallheimer Frank Zaworski EDITORIAL BOARD R.B. Halaby AgriCapital Betty Jones-Bliss Purdue University John Schoenecker HM.CLAUSE Jim Schweigert Gro Alliance Karen Withers Pennington Seed PUBLISHER Shawn Brook sbrookissuesink.com EDITOR Julie Deering jdeeringissuesink.com STAFF EDITORS Mark Halsall Lindsay Hoffman Shannon Schindle Marc Zienkiewicz MARKETING Craig Armstrong carmstrongissuesink.com Katelyn Daman kdamanissuesink.com Hiten Shah hshahissuesink.com Grayson Smart gsmartissuesink.com CREATIVE Theresa Kurjewicz Lesley Nakonechny DIGITAL Nick Buhr Kyle Dratowany Jill Hollosi Caleb MacDonald Lynne Roy Buckhorn offers an unmatched selection of reusable packaging solutions designed to protect your products and increase your profitability. Buckhorns CenterFlow seed box is the safest most efficient way to transport and dispense all kinds of seed. It stacks four high handles loads up to 2500 lbs. and dispenses seed quickly - in as fast as 30 seconds. Stop by ASTA Seed Expo Booth 313 or visit buckhorninc.com for more information US 1.800.543.4454 Canada 1.800.461.7579 www.buckhorninc.com2015 BuckhornMyers Industries Inc. 040512 BULK BOXES HAND-HELD CONTAINERS IBCs PALLETS SPECIALTY BOXES 14 SEEDWORLD.COM DECEMBER 2015 INNOVATION AND RECORD commodity prices drove continued investment in agriculture during the past decade but the winds have changed. Commodity prices have declined and farmers started scaling back purchases in 2014 and thats continued through 2015 and is forecast into 2016. These cut- backs have made a dent in the bottom lines of agribusiness companies including the seed industry. Looking at the top six seed and agrichemical companies nearly all are trying to scale back. Some are divesting businesses some are buying back shares some are restructuring and some have announced massive layoffs. And some are combining sev- eral of these measures. During the most recent round of earnings announcements Monsanto reported a decrease in net sales of nearly 500 million for its seeds and genomics business in fiscal year 2015. In addi- tion Monsanto announced the company plans to begin global restructuring actions to enhance competitiveness by delivering cost improvement and to support long-term growth. DuPont reported a seasonal operating loss of 210 million due to lower volumes and a 108 million negative currency impact. We saw significant negative impacts from currency as well as market weakness in agriculture emerging market industrial pro- duction and oil and gas says Nick Fanandakis DuPont execu- tive vice president and chief financial officer. For Dow sales were 12 billion down 16 percent year over year. The company attributed the decrease to pricing and cur- rency. Volume rose 2 percent excluding the impact of divesti- tures and acquisitions. Gains were reported in most operating segments excluding Agricultural Sciences. There will be consolidation among seed and agchemical companies at the top experts agree. Julie Deering BASF reported a sales decrease of 5 percent in the third quarter compared to the same period in 2014. And Syngenta reported sales for the third quarter were 12 percent lower due to depreciation of most currencies against the dollar. Bayer might be the best-positioned company as its Crop ProtectionSeeds posted a slight sales increase in a weaker market environment particularly in Latin America. The subgroup achieved its highest sales growth in the AsiaPacific region at 7.2 percent. Business expanded by 4.3 percent in North America and 3.1 percent in Europe. By contrast sales in the Latin AmericaAfricaMiddle East region moved back 1.2 percent. The Inevitable Consolidation is inevitable with the cost of research and the need for return says Bill Goodbar president of the Goodbar Group. Thats going to be the driving force he says. Monsanto proved you can make good money off of traits but its getting harder and more competitive. The auto industry went through it and so did the pharmaceutical industry. Its big money with big research and development budgets and expenses. Dean Cavey managing partner at Verdant Partners LLC attributes the current business environment to decreased com- modity prices and the need to diversify product offerings. There are two things that have thrust this subject into the spotlight during the past few weeks Cavey says. The first is that commodity prices have decreased to levels that make it dif- ficult to justify a continued high level of research related to seeds and traits. The second is larger companies are looking to expand their footprint in the global agricultural markets. For example Monsantos run at Syngentas chemistry platform Monsanto is looking to reach more farmers with a more complete offering of products around the world and do it more efficiently. This has then prompted other companies to evaluate how they will compete in this space he says. All the major players are looking at new and better ways to compete. Both Cavey and Goodbar believe there will be an announcement in the coming months but where it comes from and which companies are involved remains to be seen. Realignment Looms 2015 Bayer CropScience LP 2 TW Alexander Drive Research Triangle Park NC 27709. Always read and follow label instructions. Bayer the Bayer Cross Liberty LibertyLink and the Water Droplet Design are registered trademarks of Bayer. For additional product information call toll-free 1-866-99-BAYER 1-866-992-2937 or visit our website at www.BayerCropScience.us. High-performingGenetics Excellent Weed Control Real Yield In the real world missed weeds compromise real yield. The LibertyLink system is simply a better solution that ensures you dont lose yield from missed weeds. Choose LibertyLink and Liberty to maximize real yields with high-performing genetics and better weed control. Play the game at RealYieldGame.com for a chance to instantly win a John Deere combine. 16 SEEDWORLD.COM DECEMBER 2015 1600 N. Chestnut St. Wahoo NE 68066 800-955-3011 BURKLEY ENVELOPE Packaging Envelope Manufacturing Family Owned and Operated Since 1891 GrowYour BusinessWith Burkley Envelope Company Seed Packets Grain Storage Envelopes and More Seed Packet Options Include Many PaperVarieties and Colors Standard and Custom Sizes Printed or Plain Envelopes Self Seal Adhesives Custom Perforations and Holes Waterproof Seam Adhesive Burkley is your source for quality envelopes packaging and more all manufactured and printed in our Midwest facility. Get Your Free Sample Kit by Visiting Us at www.burkley.com For a catalog call 303.431.7333 salesapplewoodseed.com applewoodseed.com Seeds of Wildflowers Garden Flowers Since 1965 Regional Special Use Custom Mixtures Hundreds of Species in Stock Cavey says there are lots of rumors regarding acquisitions in this space. It can be hard to separate fact from fiction he says. But in the coming months there will be a realignment in the seeds and ag chemical sector. Its so expensive to develop seed traits and chemistries Goodbar says it just makes more sense to have three or four companies doing this work versus six. When looking at the Top 6 Goodbar says there are some combinations that could work while others simply wont due to anti-trust issues. For example a Monsanto and DuPont com- bination wouldnt work as it would put market share for seeds around 70 percent. Bayer has traits chemistries and some seed but not enough says Goodbar noting that the company could look to invest there. He says Monsanto is going to look to buy chemistry as evi- denced by their bids for Syngenta. While a merger or acquisition is one option another might be that two companies could spin off their agriculture or seeds businesses and then they would join forces under a new name Goodbar says. Syngenta is the precedent for that stemming from Novartis and AstraZeneca merging their agribusinesses in 2000. Publicly traded companies must respond to shareholder needs. Cavey says theres not an overwhelming sense of urgency but they are anxious to find a strategy that respects shareholders wishes. With six companies dominating this space theres certainly competition amongst them to find the best fit and strategic part- nerships as options are limited he says. Once they determine a strategy they will move forward promptly and swiftly. Overall Cavey says the seed industry is a pretty healthy place today even with lower commodity prices. There are a lot of mid- and small-size companies that pro- vide excellent genetics and competitive services he says. The big unknown is how the realignment at the top if it happens will affect independents. Cavey doesnt expect any changes at the top to make an impact in the near term. If there are any changes it will be in the long-term he says. These mid- and smaller-size companies have been incredibly resilient in spite of rapid consolidation and I dont expect that to change any time soon. SW Monsanto proved you can make good money off of traits but its getting harder and more competitive. Bill Goodbar www.meridianmfg.com 2015 Meridian Manufacturing Inc. Registered Trademarks Used Under License. World Class Quality. Locally Made Relationships. Watch Our Videos Online meridianmfg.comvideos Find your nearest dealer meridianmfg.comlocator Or call 800 437-2334 First in Innovation. First in the Industry. Celebrating fifty years of innovative storage solutions with Meridian Smoothwall Bins. Meridians SmoothWall and hopper design revolutionized on farm storage of feed grain seed and fertilizer. Meridian Seed Tenders were first in the industry and we continue to be first in innovation. Meridian offers the largest selection of seed tenders in the seed handling industry and can accommodate any farming operation. We take the work out of loading seed into your planter or drill - decreasing downtime in the field in order to keep your tractor and planter moving. Meridian SmoothWall bins Seed Tenders 18 SEEDWORLD.COM DECEMBER 2015 AGIANTPERSPECTIVE DECEMBER 2015 SEEDWORLD.COM 19 20 SEEDWORLD.COM DECEMBER 2015 DECEMBER 2015 SEEDWORLD.COM 21 Source DURING THE PAST CENTURY crop yields have increased substantially thanks to the efforts of plant breeders and the seed industry. Corn yields have increased the most followed by cotton soybeans and wheat according to the U.S. Department of Agricultures Economic Research Service. Looking at corn USDA reports that average per-acre yields in the United States rose from 20 bushels in 1930 to about 70 bushels in 1970 and reached 140 bushels in the mid 1990s. Soybeans and wheat follow the same upward trajectory just not quite to the same degree. While a number of factors such as improved pest management mechanization and fertilizer use contributed to these yield increases studies conclude that 50 percent or more of the overall yield gain for corn soybeans and wheat can be attributed to genetic improvements in plant varieties. Its known that U.S. agriculture is the gold standard for producing an abundant supply of affordable safe and nutritious food. This is not changing but the demands are. Food is becoming a pressing issue says Stephen Baenziger a University of Nebraska Lincoln professor and plant breeder. Norman Borlaug thought that the Green Revolution would buy us about 30 years and weve lived on it probably 40 to 45 years. Its coming back and we are going to need that second Green Revolution. Robert Robb Fraley executive vice president and chief technology officer for Monsanto is optimistic about the future of agriculture. This has got to be the most exciting time to be in agriculture and I would argue probably the most important time Fraley says. Today we are beginning to see brand new platforms with data science and the ability to map fields and subdivide them into small segments to farm meter-by-meter and really start to optimize yields and productivity. I believe that with the advances in biology and the advances in data science we will see another Green Revolution. This should be comforting given the task facing those in agriculture to increase food production by 70 percent by 2050 to meet the needs of the expected 9.1 billion people inhabiting the earth according to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations FAO. But while food production must increase agricultures environmental footprint must decrease and the seed industry and scientists around the world are shifting their atten- tion to soil quality old-world crops and biologicals to hit the bulls eye set for 2050. Increasing food production while decreasing agricultures foot print thats the target todays seed industry leaders are required to hit. Julie Deering Giant Views Industry EYE ON THE TARGET 22 SEEDWORLD.COM DECEMBER 2015 OF THE Grain Sorghum BMR Sorghum Sudangrass Forage Sorghum www.GaylandWardSeed.com 800-299-9273 Hereford Texas carsongaylandwardseed.com 24 SEEDWORLD.COM DECEMBER 2015 To help increase the awareness of soils role in sustainably advancing yields the FAO named 2015 as the International Year of Soils. The amount of arable soil on the planet to increase agricultural produc- tion will not expand says Wilson Hugo an FAO agriculture officer in the Plant Production and Protection Division with a focus on genetic resources seed policy and seed industry development. It will probably contract if we keep having issues of erosion. FAO reports that soils host one-fourth of the planets biodiversity but are in danger due to erosion degradation and expanding cities. Experts estimate that theres only 60 years of topsoil left if cur- rent trends continue. Armed with this information a number of farmer-led organizations and compa- nies including Monsanto have invested into the Soil Health Partnership. The part- nership focuses on innovative soil man- agement practices that reduce tillage use cover crops and apply plant nutrients differently all with the goal of growing more food while protecting the environ- ment. As such Monsanto has made a five-year funding and in-kind technical support commitment to the Soil Health Partnership. Sighting In One company thats focused on using whats already in the soil is BioConsortia. Its an area that is garnering a lot of interest right now not just from the big companies but by mid- and small-size companies too says Marcus Meadows- Smith BioConsortia CEO. We are using multiple tools to identify the best micro- bial teams. He explains that these tools include a microbiome analysis which looks at what microbes increase in response to another input and DNA sequencing. We look for high-performing plants under selective pressure so we have a very efficient model for screening Meadows-Smith says. The team at BioConsortia recently marked a milestone when the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office granted the com- pany a patent for its Advanced Microbial System late this year. The first wave of products Meadows- Smith looks to bring forward are gen- eralists that have the specific target of improving yield. His researchers also have some trials out that look at nitrogen use efficiency for corn soybeans and wheat. In the mid- to long-term we are talking to partners about filling a spe- cific need Meadows-Smith says. For example if a company is working on a drought tolerant hybrid we would work at developing something specific for them and that geography. Others include water use or dealing with a pest. Some resistance is starting to develop to the genetically-modified Bt crops farmers could look to add another GM or Bt trait or a microbial insectide seed treatment. Meadows-Smith says hes been sur- prised by the level of interest from the fer- tilizer industry and their desire to improve fertilizer use efficiency. Theres a growing awareness that a large amount of fertilizer applied has not hit the target and resulted in denitrifica- tion and leaching he says. Basically its getting lost in the environment. In addition to seed-applied microbials BioConsortia researchers are investigating in-furrow application which means the microbes go in the furrow and are applied over the top of the seed at planting along with the fertilizer and other starters. One of the benefits of in-furrow products is that it allows more chemistry to be added than what can be put on the seed Meadows-Smith says. The BioAg Alliance Monsantos part- nership with Novozymes just announced a 2025 acreage target that will guide its microbials business for the next decade. The target its microbial products will be used on 250 million to 500 million acres globally by 2025. This is equivalent to 25 percent to 50 percent of all U.S. farmland. Emerging agricultural biological tech- nologies can supplement every farmers toolbox Fraley says. These products complement the integrated systems approach that is necessary in modern agriculture bringing together breeding biotechnology and agronomic practices to improve and protect crop yields. Microbial-based solutions are derived from various microbes such as bacteria Emerging agricultural biological technologies can supplement every farmers toolbox. Robb Fraley DECEMBER 2015 SEEDWORLD.COM 25 and fungi. There are approximately 50 million microbes in 1 tablespoon of soil and making use of and preserving this biodi- versity is important. Preserving Biodiversity Its not just preserving the biodiversity of the soil that scientists are honed in on theyve also got their eyes on crop biodiversity. We are depending more and more on fewer and fewer spe- cies Hugo says explaining that theres a very small group of species that is responsible for providing 80 percent of the energy that keeps the 7.1 billion people on the planet alive. That is scary. Hugo says there are many underutilized species that could be used and quinoa is one of them. Its beginning to get some awareness but those crops for whatever reason have failed to become a worldwide recognized crop he says. Perhaps the highest impact thing we can do from a seed sector standpoint is to get the necessary increase in agricultures biodiversity. Baenziger agrees with Hugo. We need diversity and we need our staple crops the ones that feed us he says. Thats wheat and one does not live by bread alone. You need things like beer and barley and for agriculture we need things like triticale. He says barley is being pushed out of its traditional areas due to an influx of diseases and as a result theres a resurrection of winter barley. Triticale too is being used in new ways as a cover crop as a biomass and as a feed grain. Its developing into a really interesting utility crop Baenziger says. Returning to wheat Wheat provides 20 percent of the worlds protein and it provides 20 percent of the worlds calories Baenziger adds. And advancing wheat yields is another target the seed industry and plant breeders have zeroed-in on. Wheat is the most exciting story ahead of us as an industry says Kamel Beliazi regional head of Bayer EMEA Europe Middle East and Africa for Seeds. In recent decades wheat has really been an orphan crop compared to corn and soybeans in terms of companies making investments in yield gains Beliazi explains. If you look ahead with the growth of the population and change in dietary needs things will have to happen in wheat in a similar way as if you look at corn and other crops he says. Thats No. 1. Theres significant excitement from the industry to bring innovation to wheat. To facilitate this Bayer has significantly invested in EMEA for breeding wheat with a wheat breeding hub in Germany and hap- loid labs in France. In 2015 Bayer completed the expansion of its European Wheat Breeding Center in Saxony-Anhalt in Germany tripling the capacity of its complex. Investments in the complex surmount to about 15 million euros. One way of driving yields and bringing innovation to wheat is through the development of hybrid wheat which is a long- term investment. Hybrid wheat is big Beliazi says noting that is promises markedly enhanced yield stability. The company anticipates it wont be available until after 2020. Baenziger who has been working with wheat since 1976 compares the efforts to develop hybrid wheat to that of rice. For 30 years people worked in the wilderness on hybrid rice and now its on about 17 million hectares he says. There never was a public sector investment in hybrid wheat the way there was in hybrid rice. These long-term investments I can tell you a number of times that programs were told they should close their doors ... and give it up and they stayed on. What we need in the public sector is a foundational program to build the basis for hybrid wheat. And theyll have to partner with industry because they are the only ones who will develop the hybrid wheats and bring it to market. Back at home in Nebraska Baenziger says there are four traits wheat must have. It must survive our winter because we are winter wheat he says. It must have stem rust resistance. Its rare but we want to keep it rare when it comes its like lighting a match in a fireworks plant. It must have good agronomics yield and standability. And it must make a good loaf of bread or bowl of noodles. Baenziger explains that Nebraskas contribution to the global wheat enterprise is that it has some of the most winter- hardy wheat which goes right into West Asia where they need winter hardiness. We have very good stem rust resist- ance he says. Our end-use quality is good and our agronomics thats always based on where you are. He says that also holds true for barley and triticale. We are probably among the worlds best for winter hardiness in barley Baenziger says. As barley expands or contracts into new areas our germplasm becomes very important to other people. Serving Others And serving the needs of others is para- mount be it here in the United States or across the worlds vast oceans. In serving under-developed nations the FAO is taking much more of an integrated approach than in the past. For instance Hugo says within a country pro- file the priority might not be to develop the seed sector but to improve the qual- ity of life the reduction of poverty and hunger. Then inside those macro projects is the strategy on genetic resources and seed production component. 80of the human diet is provided by plants. 60of energy intake for the worlds population is provided by five cereal crops. Source FAO. If you look ahead with the growth of the population and change in dietary needs things will have to happen in wheat in a similar way as if you look at corn and other crops. Kamel Beliazi 26 SEEDWORLD.COM DECEMBER 2015 At the request of governments the Seed and Plant Genetic Resources team helps develop seed policies on all aspects related to seed industry development. When we go to countries to provide support the most common thing we find is that farmers havent adopted new vari- eties or technologies Hugo says. In most cases the scenario will be that a list of new varieties has been released. Then we search in rural areas and speak with small farmers in communities only to learn that farmers have not been using them. That bridge is extremely difficult to build he says. You need to work within a sustainable system of seed production and distribution of seed of best-adapted varieties to small seedholder enterprises at the beginning. Theres no way of initiat- ing that with a big company arriving into the country. It would not work for them. That is a major challenge. Hugo says the biggest opportunity for change is to show the yield differ- ences because that is directly related to food security. Like Hugo Beliazi works across a very wide region with many different languages and cultures. Each and every country is a formidable challenge that I like to embrace with EMEA Seeds and developing our portfolio Beliazi says. EMEA by nature is a different society than North America Latin America and so on. We need to find the right innova- tion to bring to the market along with our channel partner to help growers develop healthier crops and face the challenge of feeding a hungry world. On this front Beliazi says Bayer is making major investments in oilseeds. We entered into the market in 2012 and we have invested significantly in infra- structure in breeding and seed processing in Germany he says. We have assets in Belgium that are working to deploy inno- vation resources across EMEA. The second one is really working closer with the channel partner to develop integrated solutions with our crop protec- tion colleagues to bring on the farm as well as agronomic services and tailor made solutions that will really make a difference at the grower level. These are the two angles we are working on. In the United States Terry Schultz president of Mustang Seeds as well To view the Giant Views of the Industry video series visit SeedWorld.com. With new interviews posted throughout the year from conferences trade shows and other industry events the video series covers topics ranging from breeding to business and from policy to technology. as the Independent Professional Seed Association says one of the reasons independent seed companies are thriving is because of the relationships developed with farmers. Its a relationship business says Schultz who is based out of Madison S.D. Our customers know we have their best interest at heart. We report to our customer not to Wall Street. They know we have access to the best traits and genetics and anything they need on their farm as far as seed products we have it available to them. Schultz works through his 200-dealer network to deliver seed products to farm- ers across five states. They know Mustang Seeds is a family business and they enjoy that aspect as most producers are family farmers he says. And many times they get a black eye in the community or media because they are corporate farms. But these corporate farms have four families living on them. Yes they are a lot larger by economy of scale but at the end of the day they are still a family business and so is Mustang Seeds. Meadows-Smith knows the impor- tance of relationships. As a research and development company his business model relies heavily on partnerships. In the past 18 months weve devel- oped a very strong research and devel- opment team with 30 scientists and we are still growing Meadows-Smith says. We look to be a big player in the micro- bial space but we are in the business of research and development not sales and marketing. Thats why partnerships are pivotal. We want to partner with seed compa- nies fertilizer companies retailers and distributors. Meadows-Smith notes that smaller companies are more agnostic as to where the product comes from and thats important to realize. Our goal is to help farmers deal with challenges such as overcoming drought nematodes and other factors he says. We are looking to put multiple solutions into the hands of farmers to help increase yields and profitability. The key he says is to be focused. Meeting the Needs While 2050 might seem far away industry has their sights set on meeting the needs of that time. Industrys efforts to improve soil health preserve biodiversity and build relationships will help to achieve this goal. Fraley believes that as yields and pro- ductivity improve by the time 2050 hits agriculture will have the opportunity to convert some of the lands farmed today back into forests and pasture. I think we can be that efficient he says. I know we have the tools the challenge is will we be able to use them SW WEBWHERE ONTHE Its a relationship business. Our customers know we have their best interest at heart. We report to our customer not to Wall Street. Terry Schultz Understanding Trichoderma takes a little digging . . . Rooted in superior genetics ABM has selected and developed strains that are unparalleled in the industry. To dig up the benefits of ABM Trichoderma and our other biological seed treatments contact an ABM representative today. Biological Enhancements for Agricultural Crops TechnologyiGETInduced Gene Expression Triggers An American Company Producing Global Results for Agriculture. TM SELECTION S TM SMART 28 SEEDWORLD.COM DECEMBER 2015 and works in southern Africa Central Asia Eastern Europe and Central America. Hugo began his career with the National Agriculture Research Institute in Uruguay in the Seed Unit and also farmed. He also worked as manager of business units for multinational companies that deliver inputs for farmers in Uruguay for seven years and was a member of the board of directors for the Uruguayan Seed Chamber during that time. Marcus Meadows-Smith Marcus Meadows-Smith joined BioConsortia in February 2014 as chief executive officer. He has been tasked with leading BioConsortia through the business development and commer- cialization phase for its Advanced Microbial Selection products. Prior to joining the company Meadows-Smith served as CEO for AgraQuest a 10 million biopesticides company which he turned around and sold to Bayer CropScience for nearly 500 million in 2012. This started an explosion of acquisitions and heavy investment in the biological products category. Meadows-Smith also spent 14 years at Chemtura where he was executive vice president responsible for 2 billion in crop protec- tion consumer products and plastic additives businesses. Terry Schultz As president of Mustang Seeds in Madison S.D. Terry Schultz manages the family-owned seed company that delivers corn soybeans alfalfa cover crops grasses and small grains to farm- ers in a five-state area. This year Schultz has served as president of the Independent Professional Seed Association and helped to lead it through a leadership transition with the hiring of a new CEO. Schultz is a graduate of South Dakota State University and studied agricultural business management. SW GIANTBIOGRAPHIESJulie Deering Stephen Baenziger Stephen Baenziger is the primary small grains breeder at the University of Nebraska Lincoln with a focus on developing improved cultivars and germplasm of wheat barley and triticale. His primary research goals are developing improved breed- ing methodologies emphasiz- ing biotic and abiotic stress tolerance and the use of biotechnology. For more than 40 years Baenziger has been contributing to the advance- ments of plant breeding and was recently recognized with the National Association of Plant Breeders Lifetime Achievement Award. Hes not just contributed to the field of research but to the field of teaching. Baenziger is recognized at the univer- sity as the former Eugene W. Price Distinguished Professor and is the Nebraska Wheat Producers Presidential Chair. He also sits on the Board of Trustees of the International Rice Research Institute. Kamel Beliazi As regional head of Bayer EMEA Europe Middle East and Africa for Seeds Kamel Beliazi is responsible for the seed business in Europe Africa and the Middle East a role he started in at the beginning of 2015. Prior to this Beliazi led the Canadian business as president and CEO and previously held a number of roles throughout his 24 years with Bayer. These included positions in sales and marketing in Portugal France and Germany as well as country division head in Vietnam and Mexico. Robert Robb Fraley Robert Fraley is execu- tive vice president and chief technology officer at Monsanto. He has been with the company for more than 30 years and oversees the global technology division which includes plant breed- ing plant biotechnology ag biologicals ag microbials precision agriculture and crop protection. Fraley is recog- nized as the father of agricul- tural biotechnology. He has authored more than 100 pub- lications and patent applica- tions. Fraleys discoveries and applications of science are also routinely recognized for the impact theyve had in sup- porting farmers. His honors include World Food Prize Laureate 2013 the National Medal of Technology from President Clinton 1998 the National Academy of Sciences Award for the Industrial Application of Science 2008 among others. Wilson Hugo Wilson Hugo serves as an agriculture officer in the Plant Production and Protection Division of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations with a focus on seed seed industry development and seed policy. Based in Rome Italy Hugo works to provide technical advice to help governments estab- lish national seed policies Clockwise from top left Stephen Baenziger Kamel Beliazi Robb Fraley Wilson Hugo Marcus Meadow-Smith and Terry Schultz. Strong Seed. Healthy Grain. PETKUS. The new Optoselector OS 900 Quality delivered by an innovative self-learning combination of true RGB colour and geometric recognition technologies. www.petkus.com InnovaTIon TEcHnoloGY EnGInEErInG SErvIcE Available in North America The Need for Seed Treatments Regardless if its IPSA Independent Professional Seed Association or any other seed trade association we need to advocate for our industry. There are a number of issues causing colony collapse be it the Varroa mite or the linear genetic path of queen bees. There are a number of things it could be but we need to advocate that we need neonicotinoids. We need to let others know what seed treatments do for our industry. Neonicotinoids provide a lot of value for American farmers. We empathize with beekeepers and want to work with them to solve the problem because bees are essential in the food chain. There isnt a seed company out there that isnt reliant on bees and what they do for agriculture. But there are a number of other items that are causing bee numbers to drop. If you dont have access to seed treatments you revert to foliar applica- tions which could further hurt the bee populations. We are good stewards of the land. We put polymers on our seed treatments and we put that insecticide in a place that doesnt actually hurt the bees. Terry Schultz president of Mustang Seeds and the Independent Professional Seed Association A Call for Effective Communication Back in the 90s ... we had the belief that the sci- ence would speak for itself. Then we realized that there was a lot of work to be done to communicate to growers and get the technology adopted. That part has gone really well ... but we are still addressing questions around consumer acceptance. We should have put more effort back then in talking to the public. We have a Our Giants of the Industry share what theyve been working as well as their advice and expertise from how to better communicate about science and technology to attracting the best talent. Julie Deering responsibility to address the publics questions and were doing that. Unfortunately its a little late. There are extreme voices on both sides of this debate. There are critics who will never like new ag technologies or GMOs and there are advocates. But theres a group in the middle ... who are just interested in learning more about food. Thats the group we need to speak to. When I see us doing that we can change views we can change attitudes and people understand. When we are having those conversations as a scientist its hard for me to say but science is second. This is about trust and ... finding a common ground. Some people care about food nutrition and affordability for their families and thats a great conversation. Some think about a growing world and feeding people who are not as fortunate and thats a great basis for a conversation. Others really focus on the environment and how we can use technologies to minimize the impact of agriculture. It is so important to find that common ground and build on that. Then talk about the science. Robb Fraley Monsanto executive vice president and chief technology officer When Disaster Strikes The most important thing that the interna- tional seed industry can do for increasing the preparedness in countries where disasters might strike is to part- ner with FAO to work in the harmonization of rules for seed production and trade and in the mutual rec- GIANTHIGHLIGHTS 30 SEEDWORLD.COM DECEMBER 2015 DECEMBER 2015 SEEDWORLD.COM 31 YOU HAVE AN IDEA. WE HAVE THE SOLUTION. Concept to Completion Since 1960 Every idea is unique so we customize every solution to meet your needs. Packaging and Container Handling Equipment is what we know no matter how large or small your line. Tell us what you intend to accomplish and well make sure all the pieces fit. Custom Packaging and Container Handling Equipment taylorproducts.com 888.882.9567 2015 CSS Seed Expo Booth 503 ognition of varieties from one country to another. In moments when disaster strikes it would be excellent to have a list of vari- eties that perform similar to the ones we need to find. As a rule we never use a moment of emergency to try new varieties. The objective is to reinstall the agriculture that these farmers had a few moments ago and finding that same variety in many cases is not possible. We need to be able to find the most similar varieties. Having them pre-evaluated harmonized and described for countries in one region would help a lot. Wilson Hugo FAO agriculture officer in the Plant Production and Protection Division Advancing Africa Any company that has a global ambition ... has to be present in Africa. This is where most of the population is going to come from. We have decided to significantly increase our footprint in Africa not just as part of seeds but as part of the Bayer Group. For us that means bringing innovation to the grower and raising income on the farm. If you look at society a lot of the developments have started by raising farm income. This is how you start and generate extra wealth for a country. Then you can develop education and infrastructure. Thats what weve taken a commitment to do in Africa. Kamel Beliazi regional head of Bayer EMEA Europe Middle East and Africa for Seeds Getting Started We are lucky to be well-funded by two long-term investors. The key is to be focused which is why weve targeted corn soybeans and wheat. We are working on other crops with partners but our partners are funding that work. Investors are looking to see good field trials and growth. The ultimate goal is to get a product launched in 2017. We are in a very different position than most commercial companies. Today investors are extremely happy with the progress weve been making. Marcus Meadows- Smith BioConsortia CEO Recruiting the Best and Brightest To attract the best and brightest we have to tell our story. I wouldnt trade being a plant breeder for anything the doors its opened the places Ive been and the things Ive been able to do have just been phenomenal. We have to tell our story. Its helpful when we have great leaders. Im one of the ones who came in when Norm Borlaug had just won the Nobel Prize. I left high school in 69 and we expected massive famines. The Green Revolution occurred and it never happened. We have to have those kinds of people the visionaries. I think thats going to happen more frequently in agriculture in the future because food is becoming a pressing issue. The second thing we have to do is to create career paths where people want to do what you do. When I ask how many want to be an academic plant breeder out of 20 or 30 students maybe only three hands go up. Ive worked for 30 years in aca- demia almost three years in industry and seven-to-eight years at USDA. It hurts ... that we have created a field that I love and a role that I love and yet we have not made the sale. Weve got to make better careers so these students are excited about what they can do. We will surely need them. Stephen Baenziger University of Nebraska Lincoln professor and small grains breeder 32 SEEDWORLD.COM DECEMBER 2015 Amount of the worlds agricultural reserve is estimated to belong to Africa. With nearly 500 million acres of arable land uncultivated its potential remains unexploited. With one of the fastest growth rates of gross domestic product an increasing life expectancy and infrastructural projects changing the social and economical landscape the outlook is impressive. Any company that has a global ambition as we do has to be pre- sent in Africa says Kamel Beliazi regional head of Bayer EMEA for Seeds. Giant Numbers Time it takes to deliver a biological seed treatment to the market. In seeking to help protect seeds and improve their yield potential companies turn their focus to bio- logical products. In less than a year we can have a product ready for field testing says Marcus Meadows-Smith CEO of BioConsortia. Then theres two years for proof of concept. If it goes through the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency theres another 18 months he explains. This four-year timeline to get a product to market costs anywhere from 10 million to 20 million from research and development through to the products launch. The shorter timeline and reduced costs allow us to develop very specific products for different purposes in a cost-effective way. 4YEARS 2BILLION Number of people around the world that will join the middle class. Not only is the worlds population expected to grow from todays 7.2 billion people to 9.5 or 10 billion by 2050 but also more people will be joining the middle class. The combination of more people and more personal wealth will create the need for doubling the food supply says Robb Fraley Monsanto executive vice president and chief technology officer. We have to double the food supply in the next 35 years. Its an incredible challenge but given the tools I have no doubt that we can meet the food security needs of the future. Number of 5 kilogram about 11 pounds bags of rice seed distributed to the most vulnerable farmers following the earthquakes in Nepal earlier this year. The seed was distributed in advance of the monsoon-planting season. Additionally the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations distributed 30000 durable grain and seed storage bags with 40000 more to follow as of Oct. 25 and the vegetable seed packet distribution recently reached 50000 households. The earthquakes struck April 25 and May 12 during wheat harvest and maize planting with rice sowing expected to start in late May. Agriculture is the main source of livelihood for about two- thirds of Nepalese including many subsistence farmers. 42000 Year Stephen Baenziger entered the plant breeding profession. I remember when I worked with a computer that had a 4k thats kilobyte RAM and we had to use cards says Baenziger a University of Nebraska Lincoln plant breeder and professor. I remember when there were manual calculators and you could do 9x9 lattices. Now your smart phone can do more than all of that. Today every tractor I have has GPS and every planter trips by a satellite. We now sequence 2000 lines a year. When we do a diversity study we have 16000 markers out of many many more markers those are just the ones that look good. You know the highest tech jobs in many parts of the world are now agricultural jobs. 1976 Number of states where Mustang Seeds distributes corn soybean alfalfa cover crop grass and small grain seed. With more than 200 dealers the family-owned company works with farmers in South Dakota northwest Iowa northeast Nebraska western Minnesota and North Dakota. Right now the independent seed sector has seen wonderful growth says Terry Schultz president of Mustang Seeds. Weve put up three locations of bulk sites to help our growers get better access to our seed products and also our dealer system. 545PERCENT 10987654321 12345678910 10987654321 12345678910 The regulatory challenge Many of todays seed treatment products are faced by the challenge of complying with proposed regulatory requirements. This means for example for upcoming registrations of a seed treatment product in the 28 countries of the European Union EU that the industry has to demonstrate that 90 of seed treatment sites using the product to be registered meet the Heubach dust values set by the regulators for this use. In other words 450 of Europes approx. 500 hybrid corn seed treatment sites will have to prove full compliance with the required quality standard. How can the industry meet this regulatory challenge A voluntary industry-driven certification scheme covering these requirements is undoubtedly better than regulations imposed by authorities because it is less bureaucratic less costly more supportive of best manage- ment practices and enables the seed industry to drive quality stan- dard developments. The first move in preparing for certification is to appoint a quality control manager. His or her first step will be to define process measurements in order to assure process and product quality. The defined processes then have to be controlled as the basis for the risk analysis procedure described above. Other key steps are to review production records prepare staff job descriptions and develop problem resolution proce- dures. To obtain ESTA Certification seed treaters need to prove their good practices to an independent certifying body by means of written procedures and comprehensive records. ESTA certification is granted on the basis of successful audits con- ducted by authorized certifying bodies. Those approved by ESA are accredited for EN 45011ISO 17065 and have proven experience in the field of agriculture. The audits themselves are carried out on site by qualified seed auditors. ESTA also allows certified treatment sites to use other facilities for specific tasks e.g. packaging or repackaging treated seed but in order to maintain the main sites ESTA-certified status the external facilities also have to have ESTA certification for the same crop. Why certification In the final analysis certification makes good business sense for a seed treater. A certification logo is a sign of quality supports a strong brand image and symbolizes a sustainable solution for seed treaters and their customers. As farmers become more aware of sustainability issues the demand for seeds treated in a certified facility will increase Certification a Game-Changing Enabler The certification of seed treatment sites is a key stewardship measure. Its not just that certification enhances the professionalism of the seed treatment industry by increasing transparency and ensuring stewardship measures are monitored. Certification actually helps to maintain the industrys license to sell by strengthening the confidence of public authorities and civil society and by optimizing seed treatment practices for the benefit of sustainable agriculture. That is why Bayer CropScience fully supports its customers in fulfilling the requirements of certifying bodies. The game-changing path to true professionalism in seed treatment is certification. The path to true professionalism in seed treatment CERTIFICATION CHECKLIST Working through the following checklist can prove very helpful in preparing for an on-site certification audit Seed receipt transportation and storage Documentation of crop variety and origin moisture content Delivery to treater Purified seeds cleaning system air separatoraspiration system regular calibration of weight station and flow meter Seed treatment equipment Number detailed description dust aspiration system Formulation Use of quality productscertified recipies qualified equipment operator Dosage of seed treatment products and additives regular control and documentation of calibration Treated seed samples Use of automatic sample takers for every batch minimum storage period of retain samples Quality checks Heubach test loading test Work order Documentation of work order necessary information on seeds Packaging Dust aspiration before packaging labeling of treated seeds in line with legal requirements Treatment of failures Procedures to handle improper treatments e.g. too high Heubach dust values Employee training Certificates of competence knowledge levels refresher courses Proper storage transportation and disposal of seed treatment products Proper storage and transportation of treated seeds significantly. There is also a longer-term perspective for the seed treater. Certification supports improvements in internal processes and the implementation of best management practices. Certification proves that seeds are being treated professionally and sustainably thus ensuring the long-term future of seed treatment. ESTA the badge of quality ESTA European Seed Treatment Assurance is a pioneering quality assurance scheme for seed treatment processes and treated seed that was developed by the seed industry for the seed industry and is managed by the seed industry. ESTA the brainchild of the European Seed Association ESA is a quality control system in which individual seed treatment sites are audited by independent certifying bodies. Continual improvement is made possible by an annual assessment procedure. Treated seed from ESTA-certified facilities is entitled to carry the ESTA logo as a badge of quality. The ESTA certification process The ESTA quality assurance scheme is based on four key aspects first a sound quality management system including for example written procedures a tracking and tracing system and mitigation of non- conformities second risk analysis involving a description of processes identification of risks and management of identified risks third business-specific requirements e.g. proven reliability of seed treat- ment recipes and records of the amount of seed treatment used per seed lot and fourth the proven competence of a seed treaters personnel e.g. formal records of qualifications training measures etc. Bayers global commitment Bayer provides its customers with advice guidance training and an- alytical capacities to fulfill the requirements of the various regional certification schemes. Bayer began by supporting the implementation of certification schemes in Europe where they were most urgently needed and is continuing to do so in other regions. In Canada for example the Accredited Seed Treatment Operation Standards created by CropLife Canada of which Bayer is a member focus on environ- mental health and safety practices for the storage and handling of designated seed treatment products. Brazil and the US have also commenced activities in this field and certification efforts in those two countries are expected to have a positive impact in the near future. Is certification really worth the effort The certification process may be rather involved or even laborious but the effort is certainly worthwhile. Compliance with the ETSA scheme for example proves that a specific seed treatment process and the resulting treated seed meet besides other standards the operator- and environment-related quality and safety standards required by regula- tors and the industry. One ESTA quality criterion for example is the Heubach dust values grams of dust per unit of treated seed. Certi- fication reassures a seed treaters customer that the treated seeds sold adhere to the lowest dust values required under the scheme. Moreover numerous improvements in the treatment processes and indeed the quality of treated seeds are being achieved by implementing certification schemes such as ETSA. In the final analysis the outcome of widespread certification of seed treatment sites will be an indus- try that is competitive quality-conscious continuously improving and genuinely sustainable. For more information go to www.seedgrowth.bayer.com Heubach dust analysis with rotating drum and filter entity ESTA CERTIFICATION PROCESS 1. Seed cleaning 2. Product recipes and formulation 3. Preparation and application of slurry 4. Storage and distribution 5. Usage of treated seed 36 SEEDWORLD.COM DECEMBER 2015 Seed companies expand in-field support using the latest in data science. Maria Brown INVESTING IN DECISION SUPPORT TECHNOLOGY OPTIONS ABOUND IN the world of precision agriculture with many of the latest technology and tools bearing the same company logos as the seed and inputs farmers purchase. Some decision support programs are more than a decade old while others are still in their infancy but regardless of their age all seek to seamlessly evolve as technology and agricultures needs change. Seed companies recognize that helping custom- ers gather and analyze data from the sky in the tractor and within the soil benefits everyones bottom line. Climate Field View The Climate Corporation From the most basic to complex of agronomic needs farmers can customize their precision agriculture services with help from The Climate Corporations Climate FieldView offerings. Wes Hays commercial product director for agronomic ser- vices says their web and mobile tools launched in the spring of 2014 allow growers to collect and use farm data all in one place. Climate FieldView Prime serves as the base for the technol- ogy. This free service delivers weather and scouting informa- tion at the field level and allows users to collaborate with team members and advisors. Currently farmers use this program on 75 million acres in the lower 48 states. Our Prime program is a really nice technological tool that helps farmers decide where do I spend my time today Hays notes. Climate FieldView Plus a subscription service gives users multiple means of recording and displaying planting and harvest data in real-time allowing them to efficiently analyze results and make comparisons. In 2016 the company plans a limited release MS-MBA INFOODANDAGRIBUSINESSMANAGEMENT Choosing a graduate school is tough but the quality of our program makes it easy. In 27 months you can earn an MBA from the Indiana University Kelley School of Business and an MS in agricultural economics from Purdue University. YOURDECISION. JANA HAGEMAN CLASS OF 2012 85 ONLINE2 DEGREES NO THESISORDISSERTATION 5ONE-WEEKRESIDENCIES 27 MONTHS NO. 12 GLOBALLYFORGRADUATEEDUCATIONIN AGRIBUSINESSANDFOODINDUSTRYMANAGEMENT AGRIBUSINESS.PURDUE.EDUDEGREES EAEOU Contact Taryn Nance 765 496-2447 tnancepurdue.edu 38 SEEDWORLD.COM DECEMBER 2015 of Climate FieldView Drive a device that helps farmers easily transfer their data from the field to the cloud. The top tier offering is Climate FieldView Pro which is com- prised of three services Nitrogen Advisor Field Health Advisor and Script Creator. The Nitrogen Advisor as the name suggests is a modeling system that helps farm operators monitor avail- able nitrogen at the field level on any particular day Hays says. The Field Health Advisor uses satellite imagery to zero in on plant health and potential disease or pest problems. Script Creator offers manual seeding rate prescriptions that can be executed from within the tractor cab. The subscription cost for FieldView Pro is 3 per acre with the first 120 acres free for new users. Hays says the Climate FieldView products will continue to evolve as The Climate Corporation fields customer feedback and pushes ahead with research. Our end goal is to create seamless platforms that farmers can use to make their operations more profitable Hays says. This fall The Climate Corporation announced Deere and Company had acquired the equipment business Precision Planting LLC and per an agreement between the two would offer near real-time connectivity with select John Deere equip- ment and the Climate FieldView platform. AgriEdge Excelsior Syngenta Providing farmers with a spectrum of tools both in the form of technology and human expertise just makes good business sense thats what customers get from the AgriEdge Excelsior program says Steve Gomme national AgriEdge manager. The success of Syngenta is dependent on the success of farmers Gomme says. AgriEdge Excelsior is focused on helping farmers fully understand their business so they can make better decisions and investments. First introduced to cotton growers the program is available nationally for all crops. AgriEdge Excelsior offers whole-farm management through Land.db software complemented with on-farm support from specialists and Syngentas full line of seed crop protection and seed treatment products. Gomme notes that all program data is secured within the Microsoft Windows Azure cloud and controlled by the farmer. Our ultimate goal is to grow mutually through AgriEdge Excelsior and to partner with other companies who provide additional expertise and technology that help growers reach their goals he says. Management will play an important part in increasing productivity on every acre. Eric Boeck DECEMBER 2015 SEEDWORLD.COM 39 Growers who spend a minimum on Syngenta products qualify to use AgriEdge Excelsior without any additional fees for services or software. Gomme says users appreciate how com- prehensive the program is as evidenced by a 95 percent return rate each growing season. Encirca DuPont Pioneer Maximizing crop yields and reducing risk thats the primary objective of DuPont Pioneers Encirca program. Additional yield gains will not come from biotechnology and seed genet- ics alone says Eric Boeck director of marketing for Encirca services. Management will play an important part in increasing productivity on every acre. Customers started using Encirca View and Encirca View Premium in early 2014 and the company has since introduced three new components. Encirca View is a mobile application that lets growers document crop observations and organize and share that information. Encirca View Premium delivers real-time field level weather data news and commodity markets. The newest Encirca offerings include Yield Nitrogen Management Service Yield Stand Service and Yield Fertility Management Service. The nitrogen tool helps farmers match application rates to different productivity areas in fields and provides recommenda- tions based on weather conditions. Yield Stand Service provides variable-rate seeding prescriptions and serves as a risk analysis tool while the Yield Fertility Management system generates modeling for phosphorous potassium and lime inputs. In addition to the software technology Encirca services are delivered through a certified services agent who provides in-person expertise to help a grower simplify data into actionable decisions that improve profitability Boeck says. The cost for Encirca services range from 4-10 per acre with the option of bundling discounts. More than 1 million acres were enrolled in this program in 2015. FARMserver Becks Hybrids Giving growers complete control of how and with whom they share their farm data is a hallmark of Becks FARMserver pro- gram. Available since August 2014 the product offers security mobility compatibility with all equipment and in-field support. By storing their data year after year our customers will start to build a foundation which will allow them to maximize their yield and make more profitable decisions by managing their fields acre by acre according to Becks. Company officials say FARMservers technological tools are easy to use but growers can lean on the expertise of field advi- sors to parse the data theyre collecting. Becks believe that its team of knowledgeable field advisors is what sets it apart from the competition. Customers have the option to use them as much or as little as they need. FARMserver complements many of the companys other precision agriculture offerings such as monitor and equipment calibration weather station installation field boundary creation and prescribed applications for planting and fertilization. The cost for a one-year premium FARMserver membership is 599. SW 40 SEEDWORLD.COM DECEMBER 2015 A S THE WORLDS population balloons its way to 9.5 billion by 2050 the challenge of feeding these hungry people will require a stew of techniques and methods that will coax more productivity out of limited agricultural resources. Improved seeds and more efficient use of fertilizers will be critical to our future production says Howard Buffett chairman and CEO of the Howard G. Buffett Foundation. However we need to be smarter about how we use our limited natural resources particularly our soil and water. The land available in the world that is not currently farmed is not farmed for a good reason it is primar- ily protected land urban areas deserts or poor quality soil. Therefore our only long-term option is to improve productivity while conserving resources. Howard Buffett active farmer and son of legend- ary investor Warren Buffett formed the Howard G. Buffett Foundation in 1999. Since then the foundation has worked in nearly 80 countries focusing their work in three geographic regions Latin America Africa and the United States. In Latin America work is concen- trated in El Salvador Guatemala Honduras Nicaragua and Mexico. In Africa most of the foundations work is done in the Great Lakes Region Ghana Sierra Leone Liberia and agricultural research in South Africa. Buffett told Seed World that to accomplish the goals of improving productivity while conserving resources we must focus on soil health through the adoption of conservation agricultural practices. Most of the worlds millions of farmers are small- holders who are often poor and living harvest to harvest they dont have options they are living to survive and feed their families Buffett says. You will never convince a hungry person to worry about preserving biodiversity. However demonstrating to farmers who do not have credit and who have limited Improving productivity while conserving resources is key to feeding a hungry world. Frank Zaworski Howard Buffett Provides Perspective incomes that there are better farming techniques they can afford is an important option. Conservation agriculture can work for all farmers large and small. We have been practicing conservation farming on our farms in the United States for 30 years and in South Africa for the last decade he says. As a result we see improved soil organic matter better water management less soil erosion and better weed control. Conservation agriculture is a critical component of the solution to balancing biodiversity with growing demands on global food production. The foundations food security work focuses on agricultural resource development for smallholder farmers and supports a range of interven- tions from research on improved inputs and practices to advocacy to promote the best ideas that will have the broadest impact. In the North Kivu Province of the Democratic Republic of the Congo DRC the foundation is supporting the testing release multiplication 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0 1950 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2010 2020 2030 2040 2050 3 Billion 4 Billion 5 Billion 6 Billion 7 Billion 8 Billion 9 Billion Populationbillions Year Source U.S. Census Bureau International Data Base July 2015 Update. World Population 1950-2050 The Place for Seeds Your reliable partner in the southern hemisphere with more than 30 years delivering high quality seed to the world. www.anpros.cl Phone 56-223353686 23353687 Nueva Los Leones 07 Of 1301 Santiago. SEEDS FROM CHILE Chilean Seed Association 42 SEEDWORLD.COM DECEMBER 2015 The Best Seed Bags No matter the size or style El Dorado has your bags in quality and quantity with the added advantage of quick turnarounds. 8 Color Printing Producing High Quality Graphics Ribbed Paper Options Available Minimum Short Runs of 5000 Full Coverage Printing Available Plain Bags Bulk Bags In Stock 8 Color Printing Producing We offer a full line of industrial and consumer multiwall bags including woven polypropylene shipping sacks and flexible intermediate bulk containers FIBC along with the flexibility and connections to get the bag you need when you need it . marketing and sale of a range of improved varieties at affordable prices. Improved varieties of North Kivus principal food crops include maize beans rice soy- bean sweet potato and cassava. Experience from around the world and now in a large number of African countries has shown that the development of a vibrant competitive seed sector is critical to the sustainable delivery of high-quality seed to farmers leading to higher crop yields and the development of the broader agricultural sector Buffett says. Seed aid currently includes many projects aimed at improving the lives of smallholder farmers in the DRC. However strategies for seed supply historically have been almost exclusively based on free seed dis- tribution by government international relief agencies and local non-governmental organizations NGOs to farmers affected by conflict or natural disasters according to the foundation. We view the prolonged dependence on free top- down seed supply managed by aid agencies as detri- mental to farmers long-term interests Buffett says. The Foundation has worked with Partners for Seed in Africa PASA to develop an approach for seed sys- tems development in Africa that has proven effective in giving choice back to farmers and simultaneously building a more sustainable and more dependable supply system. The approach is based on managing a seed value chain including farmer participa- tory breeding of new crop varie- ties the training of scientists and technicians in practical skills as well as developing local private sector seed companies and linking them to agro-dealers operating at the local level. According to the founda- tion this approach changes the scenario for farmer access to improved seed and associated technologies including ferti- lizer lime seed inoculants and improved crop management prac- tices. It shifts the system from one in which farmers wait to see what development agencies and gov- ernments will offer them to one where their decisions and prefer- ences drive the supply market in line with the needs of the rural farming population. SW We view the prolonged dependence on free top- down seed supply managed by aid agencies as detrimental to farmers long-term interests. Howard Buffett Agricultural conservation and agricultural development can go hand-in-hand as evidenced by Howard Buffett. Grow with Sensient Colors Sensient Colors introduces SensiCoat a new seed color coating system customized to your product for strong brand identification. As a leading global manufacturer and supplier of dyes pigments and polymers for seed coating solutions Sensients proprietary color system can revolutionize your seed.The robust palette of colorants offered by Sensient Colors complies with the inert ingredient regulations for seed coatings required by EPA regulation 40 CFR 180 does not contain APE and is GMO-free. Discover how Sensients seed coating colorants can differentiate your seed flow appearance and performance. SENSIENT INDUSTRIAL COLORS A unit of Sensient Technologies Corporation a leading global manufacturer of colors avors and fragrances 2515 N. Jefferson St. Louis Missouri 63106 800.325.8110 Oldmedow Road Kings Lynn Norfolk PE30 4LA UK 44 0 1553 669 444 2015 Sensient Colors LLC all rights reserved. THE SENSIENT trademark the Sensient Technologies Corporation logo are all owned and registered by Sensient Technologies Corporation. All rights in trademarks are reserved. www.sensientindustrial.com Visit us at Booth 435 at ASTAs CSS 2015 Seed Expo 44 SEEDWORLD.COM DECEMBER 2015 THEY HAVE BEEN in existence for some time and they have been signed and ratified by a growing number of countries around the world. However the Convention on Biological Diversitys CBD Nagoya Protocol on Access and Benefit Sharing and the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture the International Treaty have always seemed to exist in the mysterious realm of international poli- cymakers far away from the everyday business of the seed industry. Is it time for the seed industry to pay attention According to Tom Nickson interna- tional policy lead for Monsanto it has always been time for industry to pay attention. When you look at a technology- based company it is striking to see how important genetic resources are to virtu- ally every aspect of our business and product development he says. In the early 1950s plant breeders began to use the term genetic erosion to describe the loss of genetic diversity both of specific traits within varieties and of entire varieties and species. According to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization more than 75 percent of global crop diversity has been lost irrevocably over the 20th century. Recognizing the importance of con- serving genetic diversity the international community took action. The Nagoya Protocol and the International Treaty are formal international agreements designed to conserve sustainably use and equi- tably share the benefits of genetic resources. The International Treaty applies specifically to genetic resources used for food and agriculture while the Nagoya Protocol covers all genetic resources plant animal and microbial and tradi- tional knowledge associated with them. The Nagoya Protocol recognizes existing treaties on Access and Benefit Sharing ABS. So for the most part plant breeders and researchers who wish to access genetic resources should be able to do so using the provisions of the International Treaty including the Standard Material Transfer Agreement. However according to Nickson the lines are blurry. Much depends on how countries choose to implement. And he says there are implications for seed busi- nesses. Many current national ABS regimes create so much legal uncertainty leading to significant additional costs incurred while sorting out how businesses must operate to comply legally he says. What is the Nagoya Protocol The CBD which came into force in 1993 includes a general requirement that its parties create conditions that will facili- tate access to genetic resources by other parties and implement measures to equi- tably share the benefits of their use. Its Nagoya Protocal came into force in 2014 designed to set minimum guidelines and rules for fulfilling that CBDs requirement. At this time 62 countries are parties to the Protocol. Under the framework of the Protocol those seeking access to genetic resources must obtain the Prior Informed Consent of the party holding the genetic resource Is it time for the seed industry to pay attention Patty Townsend Access and Benefit Sharing Increase Your Success in developing superior hybrids and varieties with the global software solution for plant breeding and agronomy Providing software solutions for plant breeders since 1990 Is your data in a secure database or across spreadsheets AGROBASE Generation II is a comprehensive flexible powerful relational database system developed for the management and analysis of plant breeding data. Accompanied by AGROBASE Tablet it is more mobile versatile and powerful. Find out why plant breeders at seed companies universities and government research organizations in over 40 countries across the world trust our software. Our unique Learning Centre now with over 120 tutorials assures the best return on investment. Feel free to view the Discovery Tutorials for an immediate overview. With three PhDs as part of our growing software development and support team as well as alliances with companies in China Europe India and South Africa we are strongly positioned to help our clients worldwide. Agronomix Software Inc. Winnipeg Manitoba Canada Phone 1-204-487-4245 Email infoagronomix.com Registered trademarks cited are the property of their trademark owners. Learn more from our Discovery Tutorials and 3-minute movie at www.agronomix.commovie Used worldwide when success counts Is Your Working For You Plant Breeding Software Are you going to the ASTA CSS 2015 Seed Expo in Chicago Illinois Visit us at booth 115 December 7-11 2015 for more information and a demonstration of AGROBASE Generation II and AGROBASE Tablet. 46 SEEDWORLD.COM DECEMBER 2015 and negotiate Mutually Agreed Terms which include the sharing of the benefits derived from the genetic resource. Benefits can be shared with a financial payment in a non-monetary form e.g. sharing research results or in any way that is chosen by the country or party that holds the genetic resource. To make the process operable and transparent member countries are required to designate National Focal Points to provide information on how to access genetic resources and negotiate Mutually Agreed Terms. Parties must also identify Competent National Authorities which acting in accordance with national laws negotiate terms of access grant access and document that all of the requirements for access have been met. National Focal Points and Competent National Authorities are listed in the Protocols Access and Benefit Clearing House. The Protocol also requires that coun- tries put in place monitoring systems and check points to ensure that the users of genetic resources have obtained consent and have negotiated Mutually Agreed Terms. At check points which can be established anywhere from research to commercialization plant breeders and others who wish to use genetic resources from a party to the Nagoya Protocol will have to present an internationally recognized certificate or a recognized equivalent issued by the Competent National Authority that identifies the genetic resource its source and how it will be used confirms that Prior Informed Consent was obtained and Mutually Agreed Terms were established and iden- tifies to whom the consent was granted. Uncertainty in the Unknown The relationship between the International Treaty and the Nagoya Protocol is not completely clear. The International Treaty defines its scope as applying to plant genetic resources for food and agriculture held in collections e.g. gene banks of its parties. It defines genetic resources as any genetic mate- rial of plant origin of actual or potential value for food and agriculture. Nagoya Protocol International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture Year In Force 2014 2004 Ratified Parties 59 136 Crops Covered All genetic resources 64 Awareness of the benefits provided by public and private breeders to society is alarmingly low. Tom Nickson Some countries like Canada maintain that this covers all plant genetic resources for food and agriculture. However only 64 crop kinds are listed in Annex 1 of the Treaty. Some countries maintain that access and benefit sharing of genetic resources of crops not included in Annex 1 and all that are not held in collections e.g. in the wild would be purview of the Nagoya Protocol where the process is not as clear. Some important agricultural crops such as soybeans tomatoes pep- pers sugar cane ground nuts and some fruits are not included in Annex 1. Sharing benefits is also a source of concern. Under the International Treaty those who access genetic resources agree to freely share any new devel- opments from the accessed genetic resources with others for further research and plant breeding. If they want to restrict access with patents or by contract they are required to pay a percentage of the commercial benefits derived from that development to the benefit-sharing fund. The current requirement is 1.1 percent of sales less 30 percent of the product or products resulting from the use of the genetic resource. However the Nagoya Protocol is not that clear stating only that sharing of benefits is subject to Mutually Agreed Terms. According to Nickson there is little recognition of the non-monetary ben- efits of plant breeding. Awareness of the benefits provided by public and private breeders to society is alarmingly low he says. Furthermore within international ABS negotiations the industrialized breeding sector is viewed by a signifi- cant number of negotiators solely as a source of cash and those businesses have a moral obligation to pay for the profits enjoyed. The products seem irrelevant. Given the complexity of plant breeding obtaining Prior Informed Consent from DECEMBER 2015 SEEDWORLD.COM 47 the country of origin is a challenge that brings substantial risk to plant breeders and the seed industry. Under the Protocol a Party could claim rights over a genetic resource claiming to be a country of origin. In a presentation prepared by the Dutch Plant Breeders Association Plantum uses apples as an example. Individual villages in Western Europe claim their own apple varieties. Are the individual villages the origin Is the country Or is it the near east where all apples are thought to have originated If so what country Nickson says with uncertainty of origin comes risk. There are real threats to corporate reputation based in allegations of biopiracy that exist today and require attention. Another question is the cost for breeding programs to develop varieties using genetic resources accessed under the Nagoya Protocol. Modern plant varieties are an amalgamation of thousands of functional units of heredity and all can be consid- ered of actual or potential value as defined in the CBD. Imagine that in the case of this pedigree each owner asks 1 percent of the sales of the variety. According to Nickson many the current regimes are creating legal uncertainty and the costs to sort out how to comply are escalating along with the risk of being accused of bio-piracy. He says if the regimes cannot be sorted out everyone will be impacted. It will take longer to develop products Nickson says. Some products will not be developed because costs will be too great or resources will simply not be made available and SEPARATION TECHNOLOGIES Seed Cleaners Genuine Clipper Screens Parts Over 20 Models Available www.clipperseparation.com Phone 800 248-8318 infoclipperseparation.com Fax 260 824-5463 Manufactured by A. T. Ferrell in the great state of Indiana BOOTH NUMBER 308 ASTA CSS SEED EXPO some products may be pulled from the market based on legal challenges. My biggest concern is that countries may develop crippling policies with devastating effects. In these cases the poorest and most vulnerable will be unnecessarily disadvantaged. Some seed markets will be unattractive to most needed investment. He says plant breeders and seed companies can help. The effective action to improve the current state of affairs must take place at the national level. Public and private breeders need to engage with national negotiators and become part of the solu- tion within ABS negotiations. SW My biggest concern is that countries may develop crippling policies with devastating effects. In these cases the poorest and most vulnerable will be unnecessarily disadvantaged. Tom Nickson THERES NOTHING I enjoy more than getting out in the field and investigating honeybee colonies. All right maybe there are a few things I enjoy more but I consider it a win any time I get out of the office to work with bees During these late summer and early fall inspections which involve evaluating up to a 150 samples taken from differ- ent hives across the country Ive gotten pretty good at predicting the rate of winter survival of colonies beekeepers can expect. What Ive seen so far this year really concerns me. Since 2013 U.S. beekeepers have been doing better at reducing winter honeybee colony losses. Part of this success comes from better management of a principal cause of these losses the Varroa mite. However during my 2015 hive evaluations I was disturbed to find the vast majority of hives contained mite infestations well above the threshold level of concern. In the almost 30 years since Varroa was introduced to North America Ive learned A HARD WINTER FOR HONEYBEESThe Varroa mite is expected to hit honeybee colonies especially hard this winter. 48 SEEDWORLD.COM DECEMBER 2015 Dick Rogers principal scientist and entomologist at the Bayer Bee Care Center that a hive containing three Varroa mites per 100 bees suggest that the colony is in trouble. While three mites may not seem like a big deal remember that a typical colony may contain 40000 bees and that equates to more than a 1000 para- sites which weaken bees through their feeding and disease transmission activities. This year Im finding at least two-thirds of the hives Ive examined contain mite counts above that threshold and many have exceeded seven mites per 100 bees a level that is almost certain to result in colony failure this winter. I checked with other honeybee experts to get a sense of what theyre hearing and seeing regarding Varroa infestations this fall and theyve confirmed my worst fears. Recent scientific presentations at bee health conferences indicate that the U.S. Department of Agriculture is finding infestation levels up to eight mites per 100 bees this fall which agrees with our own assessment. This does not bode well for honeybee colonies going into winter. So whats causing this 50 SEEDWORLD.COM DECEMBER 2015 Universal Coating Systems is dedicated to your seed coating needs. OVER 30 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE with equipment design manufacturing and installation on every continent on the globe. From the smallest laboratory system to complete large-scale seed coating plants. For all your seed needs weve got you covered. Universal Coating Systems is dedicated to your seed CONTACT Dave Waldo c 503-507-3499 p 503-838-6568 e daveuniversalcoating.net www.ucoatsystems.com Dave Waldo POLYMERS COLORANTS Seed coating polymers that provide a smooth even coverage Many color offerings. Give your coated seed a natural appearance with UNICOAT NUDE Custom blending We know that when honeybees are doing well large infesta- tions of Varroa mites are never far behind. The rule of thumb is that Varroa does best in strong colonies but even so there may be more happening here. For years management-minded beekeepers have relied on Apivar amitraz strips to keep mite infestations in check. This year were hearing widespread reports that suggest this treatment isnt working as well as it has in the past. Our testing suggests that Apivar is still the most effec- tive product out there but we have seen control failures when re-infestation pressure is high as well as some tests that show efficacy is lower than expected. Since there are few effective treatments for Varroa and these mites are prone to develop resistance the potential loss of this acaricide from our manage- ment toolbox is very concerning. Whats most troubling about this unwelcome news is that it should be no surprise since Varroa has caused massive colony losses before most recently during the winter of 2012-2013. Since Varroa first became established in North America during the latter half of the 1980s beekeepers have been playing catch-up in their efforts to manage this parasite. Just a few years ago the National Honey Bee Health Stakeholder Conference identified Varroa as the single most detrimental pest of honeybees and other scientists have shown that it remains a leading cause of colony failure. And despite all the attention focused on honeybee health in the past decade we seem no closer to solving this par- ticular problem or preventing these cyclic colony losses. There Is Hope This year I had the pleasure of working alongside Dewey Caron and other experts associated with the Honey Bee Health Coalition to release a new Varroa Management Guide which offers beekeepers practical effective methods of monitor- ing and controlling this invasive pest. At Bayer we are seeking and testing new varroacides as well as more efficient delivery systems to better manage infestations. Complementing this research is our Smart Hives initiative which is designed to moni- tor honey bee colonies remotely and non-invasively using digital sensor technology to provide real-time alerts that can allow for rapid responses and more effective management practices. Additionally other scientists are looking to improve honeybee genetics to increase the bees tolerance to the Varroa parasite. For now there is little beekeepers can do to change the hand theyve been dealt. Winter normally is a stressful time for colo- nies but high mite infestations make this years situation particu- larly challenging and I am expecting the worst. I hope Im wrong about the consequences associated with the levels of Varroa were seeing. Regardless the two things Im sure of is that hon- eybees are not at risk of going extinct and that beekeepers are an extremely resilient group. I know the bee industry will bounce back as beekeepers adapt and reach new levels of expertise to address what is the new normal in apiculture. As a scientist and beekeeper Im frustrated that no silver bullet has yet been found to consistently manage the Varroa mite. What I can tell you is that Bayer and other members of our industry wont stop working until we finally rid ourselves of the damage caused by this destructive pest. SW TURNKEYto PRODUCTIVITY. EES Companies 2202 Wolf Way Suite 1110 West Des Moines IA 50265 P 515.276.2588 eescompanies.com PETKUS North America Powered by EES Companies CSS 2015 Seed Expo Booth 208 52 SEEDWORLD.COM DECEMBER 2015 FOUNDERSSERIES PART6OF6 THESE ARE THE individuals who have provided leadership during trying times insight to complex issues and a com- mitment to something larger than self. The 100 founders of the seed industry that weve chosen to represent the dramatic changes during the past century have all left a tremendous mark be it in plant breeding technology business or the policy arena that impacts the seed indus- try. As a group they represent the industrys diversity and hail from all over the world. We know the progress and advancements realized today have not been accomplished by just 100 people. It has required hundreds of thou- sands of dedicated individu- als throughout this rich and highly textured industry as well as the creativity drive and fortitude of people like you. B.R. Barwale Founded Maharashtra Hybrid Seed Company After getting access to some high-yielding okra seeds Barwale was impressed with the improved performance of the new hybrids and decided to start Maharashtra Hybrid Seed Company known as Mahyco in India. More than 50 years after Barwale sold 2015 Top 100 Founders his first batch of okra seeds to his neighbors his com- pany contracts with more than 100000 growers. Since then seed distribution in India has grown 40-fold. In 1998 he received the World Food Prize award and invested that money into research pro- grams for hybrid rice varieties. Henry Beachell Creator of IR8 Rice Today most of the rice grown in the world comes from plants that build on Beachells work. From 1931 to 1963 he worked for the U.S. Department of Agriculture to improve rice varieties in the United States. Upon retirement he took a posi- tion at the International Rice Research Institute where his breakthrough IR8 rice variety revolutionized the crop in the 1960s. Instead of 1 to 2 tones of grain per hectare growers started averaging 4 or 5 tons and some saw as much as 10 tons. Beachell worked all his life consulting with Rice-Tec the first company to commer- cialize hybrid rice seed in the United States. Norman Borlaug Father of the Green Revolution He devoted his life to crop improvement. It was on research stations and farmers fields of Mexico that Borlaug developed successive generations of wheat varieties with broad and stable disease resistance broad adaptation to growing con- ditions across many degrees of latitude and with exceedingly high yield potential. These new wheat varieties and improved crop management practices transformed agricultural produc- tion in Mexico during the 1940s and 1950s and later in Asia and Latin America sparking the Green Revolution. Because of his achievements and efforts to prevent hunger famine and misery around the world it is said that Borlaug has saved more lives than any other person who has ever lived. Kent Bradford Launched the Seed Biotechnology Center Through workshops and courses the Seed Biotechnology Center at the University of California Davis has kept more than 2000 profession- als connected to the latest scientific advances that affect the seed indus- try. One of the most prominent is the Plant Breeding Academy which hosts workshops in the United States Asia Europe and Africa training seed industry personnel to become plant breeders and filling a shortfall in the profession. Robert Chandler Jr. Supported the Green Revolution Chandler lead the International Rice Research Institute and rounded up prominent scientists to lead a portion of the Green Revolution. During his decade at IRRI several new rice varie- ties were developed including Henry Beachells IR8 lauded as miracle rice. IRRI increased rice production by two-thirds in Asia outpacing population growth. Mary-Dell Chilton Helped Create the First Transgenic Plant Best known for producing the first transgenic plant in 1983 Mary-Dell Chiltons achievement has furthered the field of sci- Whether its in plant breeding or business policy or marketing sales or education leadership in the seed industry takes many forms. Meet the most transformational men and women in the seed industry during the past 100 years. From all across the globe they shape your world. Kent Bradford CELEBRATING 75 YEARS OF SERVICECELEBRATING 75 YEARS OF SERVICECELEBRATING 77 YEARS OF SERVICE 54 SEEDWORLD.COM DECEMBER 2015 ence and helped to propel the world of production agri- culture forward. Transgenic or biotech crops are grown on 488 million acres in 28 countries by more than 18 mil- lion farmers. Today her work at Syngenta focuses on gene targeting. Gebisa Ejeta Developed Striga Resistant Sorghum While working at the International Crop Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics Ejeta developed drought-tolerant and high- yielding varieties of sorghum that doubled yields. Later he developed another drought- tolerant sorghum variety that increased yields four to five times the national aver- age in Niger. In the 1990s he conquered Striga a parasitic weed that plagued African sorghum farmers. Robb Fraley Helped Create the First Transgenic Plant After leading groundbreak- ing molecular research on how plant bacterium could be adapted as a tool to insert genes from another organ- ism into plant cells Fraley lead the commercial launches of the first genetically modi- fied crops Roundup Ready soybeans and Bollgard insect- protected cotton. David Garst Owner Garst Seed Company Under Garsts direction the brand flourished and went on to bring many innovative corn solutions to the market. It led the way in developing herbicide-tolerant hybrids including the first IMI-corn. It also was among the first seed companies to offer European corn borer Bt control and herbicide tolerance together in one corn hybrid. Garst was acquired by Syngenta in 2004. J.C. Hackleman Soybeans Greatest Missionary Hackleman was responsi- ble for explosive growth of soybean as a crop in Illinois as well as educating count- less farmers on methods for increasing their yields. Monty Jones Bred NERICA Rice Varieties As head of the West Africa Rice Development Agencys Upland Rice Breeding Program Jones was among the first agricultural scientists to understand that Africa needed to do its own research and develop technologies adapted to its specific condi- tions. In 1994 he and his team succeeded for the first time in producing fertile progenies New Rice for Africa later dubbed NERICA. Thanks to NERICAs ability to increase farmers harvest by 25 to 250 percent Africa was cata- pulted almost overnight from relative obscurity among the international rice research and development community into the limelight. Gurdev Khush Creator of IR36 Rice Mentored by Henry Beachell Khush was head of plant breeding at the International Rice Research Institute and built IR36 off of IR8. IR36 is considered the most widely planted food crop in the world. Since its creation rice production increased from 257 million tons to 686 million tons per year. Khush is consid- ered on of the fathers of the Green Revolution. Yuan Longping The Father of Hybrid Rice Longping born in Beijing is responsible for developing the genetic materials and technologies essential for breeding high-yielding hybrid rice varieties. He was the first scientist to successfully alter the self-pollinating charac- teristics of rice and facilitate large-scale production of hybrid rice which has 20 percent more yield than elite varieties. His research institute has trained more than 3000 scientists from more than 50 countries and farmers around the world continue to ben- efit from his techniques with the spread and adoption of hybrid rice throughout Asia Africa and the Americas. Marc Van Montagu Helped Create the First Transgenic Plant From 1996 to 2013 global farmer income gained from biotech crops was an esti- mated 133.5 billion accord- ing to PG Economics. Owen Newlin Industry Leader As senior vice president of Pioneer Hi-Bred International Julie and Norman Borlaug Robb Fraley From the world market to the farmers market we breed produce and sell vegetable seeds to growers in every corner of the planet. Combining global expertise with local experience we continue to lead the development of the highest quality seeds in the world. Global Reach. Local Touch. www.hmclause.com To learn more visit www.hmclause.com HM.CLAUSE Inc. 260 Cousteau Place Suite 100 Davis CA 95618 USA 1.800.320.4672 www.hmclause.com 56 SEEDWORLD.COM DECEMBER 2015 WHEREON THE WEB We have too many names to list in such a short space. Check out the full list of Founders online at SeedWorld.com100Founders. Inc. Newlin served as a cham- pion for the industry and gave farmers a voice helping to establish checkoff programs in eight key-corn producing states. He served on numer- ous boards and raised infinite amounts of money for various agricultural projects. Eda Reinot Pioneer of Inoculants Reinot and her team are responsible for the creation of products such as Vault HP Integral and Flo Rite that are available in the United States. Bernice Slutsky Leader in Biotech Policy Shes been influencing policy and how biotech events are handled from the time they receive regulatory approval for commercial use to how regulatory approvals are to be handled andor maintained once an events patent expires. O.J. Sommer Founder of Sommer Brothers Seed Company An innovative seedsman who tested new selection and drying methods through his company he was selected to be the first president of the newly formed Illinois Crop Improvement Association in 1922. He led the group that has played for nearly a century a significant role in preserving the purity of seed and certifying seed through- out the state. Harry Stine Owner Stine Seed Company Stine started one of the first soybean breeding programs outside of the university and was one of the first to patent the genetics of soybean seeds in the industry. As a businessman he negotiated deals licensing the genetics to companies such as Monsanto and DuPont. Its reported that more than 80 percent of the soybeans planted in the U.S. can be traced back to Stines germplasm. Today the company employs nearly 400 people in 16 states with a focus on corn and soybean genetics. M.S. Swaminathan Facilitated Adoption of Improved Wheat Varieties He converted a generation of farmers in India to new plant technology and high-yielding crop varieties. Having learned of Norman Borlaugs new dwarf Mexican wheat varie- ties Swaminathan invited him to India to help develop varie- ties that would work there. He set up test plots to bring farmers up to speed. After four crop seasons wheat pro- duction grew from 12 million to 23 million tons ending the need for grain imports. Surinder Vasal Co-Creator for Quality Protein Maize Combining cereal chemistry and plant breeding tech- niques Vasal worked with Evangelina Villegas to com- bine conventional maize with genetic modifiers. Throughout the 1970s they produced and analyzed germplasm at an astonishing rate sometimes processing up to 25000 sam- ples a year. By the mid-1980s the team had produced a QPM germplasm with hard kernel characteristics and taste similar to the traditional grain and with much higher nutritional content. Evangelina Villegas Co-Creator for Quality Protein Maize Along with Vasal Villegas was charged with developing a quality protein maize germ- plasm with much higher nutritional value than conven- tional maize. In the 1990s the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center gained the international support and funding to promote the QPM maize variety in Africa. Since then QPM has also saved lives in China Mexico and Central America. Henry Wallace Introduced the Concept of Hybrid Vigor He developed the first com- mercial hybrid corn in 1923. Confident that hybrid seed corn was the future Wallace went on to form the Hi-Bred Corn Company in Des Moines Iowa in 1926. By the early 1930s farmers were taking notice about 1 percent of the corn planted in Iowa came from Wallaces hybrid seed. By the mid 1960s almost the entire U.S. corn crop came from hybrid seed corn. The company is what we know today as DuPont Pioneer. James Watson and Francis Crick Determined the Structure of DNA The discover did not immedi- ately revolutionize agriculture but it did eventually lead to modern methods of selecting desirable traits. SW Bernice Slutsky since 1900 Quality. 866.899.2518 - www.indianacrop.org866.899.2518 - www.indianacrop.org For over 100 years we have built a strong foundation by providing a sound scientific approach to testing. We are proud to be an ISO 90012008 certified organization.ISO 90012008 certified organization. From innovative genetics to the latest in molecular technology we have an uncompromising commitment to method validation and statistical integrity. We are proud to offer Seed Certification Field Inspection Services Identity Preservation IP Laboratory Testing Conventional Seed Tests Genetics andGenetics and Trait Testing Bioassay Herbicide Testing More Thorough. More Data. More Value. STRATEGY A featured segment designed to share business- critical information to seed-selling professionals. Visit SeedWorld.com to download this department and other tools to help you sell seed to farmers. Battling Insects The Never-Ending Fight With the ever-evolving nature of insects companies are challenged to come up with an arsenol of traits and seed-applied technologies to help farmers win the battle season after season. WITH MORE THAN 88 million acres of corn planted in 2015 insects that feed on this staple crop had plenty to sink their chewing mouths in. While much of farmers focus these days is on get- ting herbicide-resistant weeds under control experts remind not to forget about develop- ing a management plan for insects as well so as not to end up in a similar situation. When coming up with an insect management plan its important for agronomists crop advisors and farmers to consider both above- and below-ground insects. These include European corn borer corn earworm cutworm and corn rootworm. This year European corn borer has been a really big issue says Iris Tzafrir Syngenta commercial traits lead for corn noting that 2015 might have seen some of the worst population numbers in the past 15 years. Reports have been particularly bad in Minnesota and South Dakota. European corn borer dam- ages corn when the boring disrupts the plants vascular tissues and interferes with the internal transfer of water sugars and nutrients accord- ing to Iowa State Universitys Department of Entomology. Additionally some infectious diseases can establish after borer damage. Tzafrir says growers have been making use of Bt traits but due to lower commodity prices might have opted to plant conventional varieties this year. She explains that because traited products have been so successful in protecting the seed and corn plant from insect damage growers might have had a false sense of security and not realized the pest pressure that exists in their fields. Bt traits have been doing a tremendous job on the market Tzafrir says. She cautions growers and says just because you cant see it and its not an issue today doesnt mean that its not going to be an issue in the future. We need to manage with this in mind she says. If we The larva of a mature European corn borer is about 1 inch long and creamy to grayish in color and marked by inconspicuous rows of small round brown spots running the length of its body. 58 SEEDWORLD.COM DECEMBER 2015 Female moths are pale yellow- brown with irregular darker bands running in wavy lines across their wings. Male moths are distinctly darker and usually smaller. dont start developing long- term management plans what we are seeing with European corn borer and farmers deci- sion to purchase conventional hybrids for a cost savings could end up costing them more in the end because of crop damage and yield loss. We advise growers to really tailor their product selections to the problems or insects they have in their field. There are options that allow for more flexibility when it comes to pricing. For exam- ple theres a price difference between structural refuge and integrated refuge she says. They are both good products that help to protect yield she shares noting that the integrated refuge is con- venient but the convenience costs a little more. In fields that have high insect pressure choose a product with multiple modes of action for above- and below-ground insects. In managing this years pests it is also important to think about what might be a problem next year. You need to understand whats going on in a field and plan accordingly. Every field is different and every operation has different needs she says. Thats how we as an industry need to think about helping growers address needs. In addressing needs for the 2016 growing season Ken Ostlie a University of Minnesota Extension ento- mologist says the first thing to consider when selecting a corn hybrid is yield potential. Bt traits only provide a yield benefit when targeted insects are above economic levels he says. When insect pressure is low any potential yield gains of newer trait- protected hybrids have to be balanced against their higher costs. A more important consid- eration may be limited avail- ability of high-yielding non-Bt or single Bt trait corn hybrids. Ostlie says pressure from corn borer might be higher in areas where significant amounts of corn without Bt corn borer traits were planted. Experts at Iowa State University report that when European corn borer is present its usually not the only pest. However he says risk can be reduced with scouting and applying a labeled insecticide where needed. To determine if treat- ment of European corn borer is economically justified John Obermeyer a Purdue University Extension entomol- ogist recommends using the following steps 1. Calculate preventable yield loss anticipated yield multiplied by yield loss figure from the table multiplied by the level of infestation multi- plied by the level of control. It is probably impractical to expect 100 percent control. A good estimate of control might be 75 percent he says. 2. Calculate preventable dollar loss per acre prevent- able yield loss multiplied by market value. 3. Compare preventable dollar loss per acre to the cost of insecticide application to determine if treatment is war- ranted. In the Corn Belt most growers have experienced light corn rootworm pressure. The other thing to remem- ber according to Tzafrir is that pests are not gone they need to be continuously scouted for and managed. In the case of corn root- worm she recommends assessing beetle populations in the fall which are a good indicator of what the pres- sure might be in the following growing season. She encourages those who work with growers to think about how to best manage for a three- to five-year period versus managing pests year- to-year. This is not so easy to do she says. If a farmer has high pressure this year next year could be different. Traits protect your invest- ment in genetics. You really want to protect the genetics and that means yield potential and profit potential. Syngenta started offering traits in 2004 and has since come a long way. DECEMBER 2015 SEEDWORLD.COM 59 Yield Losses Caused by European Corn Borers for Various Corn Growth Stages Percent yield loss number of borers per plant Plant Stage 1 2 3 Early whorl 5.5 8.2 10.0 Late whorl 4.4 6.6 8.1 Pre-tassel 6.6 9.9 12.1 Pollen shedding 4.4 6.6 8.1 Blister 3.0 4.5 5.5 Dough 2.0 3.0 3.7 These percentages are based on physiological stresses and do not include losses due to stalk breakage andor ear dropage. For more than 3 borers per plant use percent yield loss figures for 3 borers or adjust the loss slightly upward. Source Purdue University. 60 SEEDWORLD.COM DECEMBER 2015 Theres been an enormous amount of productivity when it comes to offering traits and thinking how can we support growers Tzafrir says. On this note Syngenta launched Agrisure Viptera a trait that addresses above- ground insects. This trait features a unique protein generated by bacteria in its vegetative growth stage. This protein was first isolated from spoiled milk. Since its launch Agrisure Viptera has been incorpo- rated into a suite of prod- ucts. Tzafrir says it protects against a number of pests and is also known for pre- serving grain quality because it reduces the amount of aflatoxin in the grain by controlling insects whose feeding opens the door for mycotoxin development. Its not just about quan- tity but quality she says. Looking to the future Tzafrir says researchers are working on a number of projects that are still 10 to 15 years out the early stages of pipeline development that will address these pests. Some of these include new proteins and other biological approaches such as rNAI. Seed Treatments Traits arent the only tool available to farmers to pro- tect yield. Seed treatments also help protect yield by ensuring plants are protected during the early stages of development. One of the newest seed treatments to hit the market in this area is Bayer CropSciences Poncho VOTiVO which is designed to protect the whole plant above and below ground. It uses a biological mode of action with a bacteria strain that lives and grows with the young roots creating a living barrier that prevents nema- todes from causing damage. It also has a systemic agent thats absorbed by new roots and provides control of many early-season insects. It has been approved for use on corn to control wireworm Southern corn rootworm a host of nema- todes seedcorn maggot corn flea beetle corn leaf aphid among many others. According to Bayer over a four-year trial Poncho VOTiVO delivered a 5.4 bushel per acre yield increase compared to Poncho 250. A Future in Biologicals While both Bt and Poncho VOTiVO are considered biologicals Brad May Bayer CropScience SeedGrowth strategic business lead says that this is only the beginning. Biological seed treat- ments have so much poten- tial he says. We are just beginning to understand what they are capable of doing. Biologicals are one more option that seed and chem- istry companies can look at to add solutions to a growers toolbox. The more options a grower has the better May says. Biological seed treat- ments could diversify the current integrated pest man- agement toolbox and even provide unique advantages over traditional crop-protec- tion products. For example biologicals target a single group or spe- cies of pests but have a low environmental impact. Some biologicals have the ability to live and grow with the plant extending pest protection. As seed treatments and crop protection products come under increased scru- tiny those within agriculture must adapt and look for innovative solutions to main- tain the yield gains realized to date. SW Traits protect your investment in genetics. You really want to protect the genetics and that means yield potential and profit potential. Iris Tzafrir PROUDLY SPONSORED BY THURSDAY JAN. 14 2016 1 P.M. EASTERN Register for the Upcoming Seed World Strategy Webinar at seedworld.comwebinar BATTLING INSECTSTHROUGH TRAITS AND SEED-APPLIED TECHNOLOGIES 62 SEEDWORLD.COM DECEMBER 2015 I T WAS AN inauspicious beginning. Laura Higgins now a leading research scien- tist and entomologist in her 24th year at DuPont Pioneer did not grow up playing with bugs in fact her first insect memory could have nudged her off the entomology path altogether. I was running through my moms sweet corn patch and an enormous bug the size of a Volkswagen beetle went into my mouth and I swallowed it she says. I remember being completely horrified. I spent the rest of the day in my room crying and waiting for death. If only somebody had told me that a large proportion of the worlds population uses insects for food then I could have been more at ease with the whole incident. All of that changed in 1992. After leaving her home state of Ohio and her position as an IBP beef merchandiser in Nebraska Higgins answered an ad for part- time employment with Pioneer Hi-Bred International in Johnston Iowa. A couple of research projects later she chanced upon a summer project with a group of Pioneer entomologists in 1993. I ran into people almost by accident who worked in that field Higgins says. They were so pas- sionate so excited and so driven about the good they could do in the world. It was absolutely contagious you couldnt help but be inspired by what they were working on. I am an accidental entomologist. Im prob- ably an accidental scientist. The Accidental Entomologist She may be an accidental entomologist but this scientists new leading role in DuPont Pioneers Hybrid Wheat Program is no accident. When it comes to trait characterization and development Laura Higgins is a force to be reckoned with. Kari Belanger Hybrid Wheat Leader Nearly 24 years after answering that fortuitous ad Higgins passion for entomology and learning is being directed toward DuPont Pioneers Hybrid Wheat Program. As trait characterization and development hybrid wheat lead she is responsi- ble for the strategy and execution of trait characterization and devel- opment for the program. Wheat is one of the most impor- tant cereal grains in the world and we have some tools in our toolbox these days that will allow us to make significant improvements in wheat yields Higgins says. Im excited about being part of a team that can move it forward. We have clear goals to deliver on and I love execution that delivers grower value. Although working for Pioneer has afforded Higgins many chal- lenging and fulfilling roles such as research director for Insect Trait Development program leader of the DuPont Agricultural Biotechnology Group and envi- ronmental safety leader for the Regulatory Science and Registration Group she consid- ers her position as the Optimum AcreMax implementation lead for the Trait Characterization and Development Group one of the high points in her career. The project focused on devel- oping an improved way to deploy refuge for Bt corn growers. Over- coming technical hurdles in-depth research and a deep understanding of the relationships and biology of the insect and refuge function Already armed with a Bachelor of Science in agri- culture Higgins hit the books at Iowa State University taking an entomology course so she could talk the talk and walk the walk with her colleagues. Once more inspired by the people around her Higgins completed a Master of Science while working full time. A few years later driven by her desire to contribute at a higher level to the entomology field and an innate love of learning plus some friendly prodding by her academic contacts Higgins fit more studies around regular work duties a growing family and community commitments to complete her doctorate. That love of learning would carry her far. Higgins was often offered projects with steep learning curves on which she thrived. It wasnt always easy she says and balancing work and family meant walking a fine line but support and guidance from informal mentors and colleagues helped smooth her career path. These were people who intrinsically cared about my future gave me good advice and could help me see past the near-term struggles for the long-term benefits she says. As part of Earth Day 2015 Laura Higgins a DuPont Pioneer scientist joined 1200 other volunteers to clean up the Des Moines Iowa area including waterways. D U S T M E T E R 64 SEEDWORLD.COM DECEMBER 2015 allowed the AcreMax team to take an integrated refuge approach for corn rootworm that hadnt been brought forward in such detail before Higgins says. It was a challenging project but it was one we successfully accom- plished she adds. It delivered a great deal of value from an insect resistance management perspec- tive as well as eased the complexity of IRM compliance for the grower. It was very much based on the research our team developed over the years and it was gratifying to bring it to market. Stepping through Pioneers doors every day adds vitality to Higgins life because she believes the research she carries out makes a difference. I get a tremendous amount of energy from coming to work every day she says. Most of us walk in the door thinking we can change the world. Thats a very inspiring way to live your life. Developing technologies and strategies that enable growers to control insects in more effective safer and more convenient ways is game changing. Weve been competing with and trying to control insects for as long as weve been cultivating crops Higgins explains. The challenges are real and theyre constant as many tools as we develop for insect control they figure a way to adapt. Its a little bit of a chess game. Luckily Higgins doesnt have to go it alone when battling bugs. Input from colleagues other experts as well as contributions from scientists past help inform todays research. The scientists of today stand on the shoulders of the scientists who came before us she says. Well learn things that the people Im hiring today will take even further. I love the iterative nature of science and thats what changes the world. Pay it Forward If changing the world isnt enough changing lives happens to be another outlet for the entomologist. I get a tremendous amount of energy from coming to work every day. Most of us walk in the door thinking we can change the world. Thats a very inspiring way to live your life. Laura Higgins Most importantly take time to immerse yourself in science and nature. To me the fabulous thing about science whether youre a scientist or you work outside a sci- ence-related field is the amazing sense of wonder that exists in the world she says. You see kids get excited all the time about things they see outside. As scientists and as adults we are continually exposed to this wow factor thats all around us every day in biology and in our environment. If theres one thing to take away from science its to remember to be amazed. Were surrounded by things yet to be discovered. Sometimes we get too fixated on other things and forget to appreciate how amazing nature is. SW As a member of the Science Center of Iowas SCI board of directors a science technology engineer- ing and math STEM mentor for many outreach programs and a Girl Scout leader Higgins serves as a role model for many burgeoning scientists especially young girls. Last year she received the inaugural SCI Girls in Science Scientist of the Year Award which recognizes a local scientist who best exemplifies the organizations goal to empower and equip girls in science technology engineering and math. Girls need role models and mentors Higgins says. They need to talk to and see someone who is involved in science as a career then they can visual- ize themselves in that role. There are many ways we interact with the public as scientists and its our responsibility not to simply give people a position on scientific topics but to help mentor the public about how to find answers to their own questions related to scientific issues. According to Higgins living an inspired life is simple surround yourself with people who are passionate about what they do and put your time where you find the most value. Being able to balance work and family is a priority for DuPont Pioneers Laura Higgins who is pictured here with her husband David and their two daughters Emma and Ella. CALL TODAY toll-free in the U.S. Or contact Part and Service Sales Manager Glenn Lewis directly at 608-576-6250 or glennlewishughesequipment.com. 866-535-9303 HUSKER ROLLS Precision Fit For Major Husker Brands HUGHES YOUR STRATEGIC PARTNER FOR Food Processing Equipment and Replacement Parts Hughes Husker Manufacturing and TechnologyInnovationSince1961 hughesequipment.com COUNT ON HUGHES EQUIPMENT for the perfect hand-off. Readily available husker rolls to keep your sweet and seed corn huskers running cost effectively and at peak performance. Spiral Rolls Maxi Rolls Low Profile Rolls High Profile Rolls Select rolls available with and without cutting blades Spiral Rolls Maxi Rolls Low Profile Rolls Select rolls available SEE MORE ONLINE AT hughesequipment.comhusker-rolls 66 SEEDWORLD.COM DECEMBER 2015 F ARMERS GROWING SOYBEANS in the 1800s would notice that the crop did quite well in certain fields while struggling in others. Water climate and other variables the same they assumed there was something about the soil and they were right. Invisible to the naked eye and unbeknownst to those farmers microbes rhizobia in particular were interacting with soy- beans and significantly increasing the amount of nitrogen taken up from the soil by the plants. Its one of the first instances of the agricultural world coming to understand the role microbes play in improving crops. Farmers inoculated their own soil then. They would spread soil known to lead to nitrogen-fixing nodules from one field to other fields that did not lead to nodules on soybean roots according to the book History of Soybeans and Soyfoods in the United Kingdom and Ireland 1613-2015. These are symbiotic relationships that have been going on since the beginning of time. The plant feeds the microbe and the microbe is giving the plant some benefit says Marcus Meadows- Smith chief executive officer at BioConsortia Inc. a research and development company based in Davis California that focuses on agricultural microbes. What the agricultural world would come to understand is that these microbes the bacteria and fungi present in abundance in soil werent only responsible for the blights mildews cankers leaf spots rots and other diseases that farmers fight against come from microbes. They were always there in the soil doing unseen good increasing root size warding off pests and increas- ing plants abilities to pull needed nutrients from the soil. Theyre all natural and native to the environment says Robert Shortell vice president of global marketing at Houston- based Stoller Group a company that produces products aimed at increasing crop yields. Were just starting to learn about these things. A lot of our newer molecular techniques allow us to iden- tify the positive ones now. Estimates vary but there are more microbes in one gram of soil just a fraction of an ounce than people on the planet pos- sibly several times more. And many of those billions of organ- ism are in some way affecting the plants with which they come into contact. They all interact with the plant in some way. Were looking at utilizing what nature gave us identifying and singling out the microbes that have a benefit on certain crops in certain condi- tions says Colin Bletsky vice president of the BioAg Team at Novozymes a biotechnology company based in Denmark. There are billions of opportunities. Those beneficial microbes as we now understand are a part of a complex mix that compete underground for survival much like crops and weeds compete on the surface. On the surface farmers are constantly stacking the deck in favor of the crops by spraying herbicides and promoting faster growth for the crops to outcompete the weeds. And in the same way companies and researchers are finding ways to increase the likelihood of beneficial microbes coming into play with crops and keeping the negative ones at bay. Our entire history of agriculture has been spent on killing negative pathogens Shortell says. We are creating less food and space for the bad ones to survive. Symbiotic Relationships When those 19th-century farmers moved good soybean soil into their fields what they were really doing was transferring rhizobia. As soybean seeds germinate their roots send out nutrients that trigger chemical reactions in nearby rhizobia bacteria. The bacteria bond with the root hairs and the roots form nodules around the bacteria. Beneficial bacteria show promise for environment bottom lines. Brian Wallheimer Microbials Becoming Mainstream Colorful microbes form consortia in this slide. PHOTOBIOCONSORTIA. 68 SEEDWORLD.COM DECEMBER 2015 The rhizobia then enter plant cells and convert atmospheric nitrogen which would be unusable by the plant into ammonium which is available to the plant. In exchange the soybean plants feed the bacteria. Its a very specific relationship that doesnt happen with other microbes says Matthew Doering research associate with XiteBio Technologies a Winnipeg Canada based biotechnology com- pany. And it keeps farmers from adding nitrogen to the soil in soybean-planting years. The bacteria is a cost-efficient and good way to capture nitro- gen necessary for those plants Doering says. Legumes that could form this symbiotic relationship had a distinct advantage over legumes or other types of plants that could not fix atmospheric nitrogen. And rhizobia that were able to attach to soybean roots had an advantage over microbes that were not feeding off plants. Other microbes increase the amount of soluble phosphorus available to plants. Phosphorus added to soil as fertilizer is soluble but as it comes into contact with soil moisture most of that phosphorus as much as 80 percent converts to an insoluble form making it unavailable to plants and at risk of moving with eroding soil into nearby water. Certain microbes such as Penicillium bilaii can be added to soil and attach to a plants root system. The microbe lives on the plant for the entirety of the growing season and sends compounds into the soil that release insoluble phosphate from the soil making it available to the plants. It helps a plant access some of this soil-bound phosphate Bletsky says. Phosphorus is a finite resource. As a farmer you can reduce your phosphate use or get more benefit from the phos- phate thats already in the soil. Much like rhizobia with soybeans there is evidence that some microbes could help corn fix nitrogen. Rhizobia is probably not the only crop or the only microbial that can fix nitrogen Shortell says. Some microbes are able to live on a grass plant instead of a legume. By having this in a grass plant we may be able to have corn fix nitrogen. Shortell adds that its also possible to simply feed specific microbes that are naturally occurring in fields giving them an edge over competitors. Were able to spike the system with what the microbes need and the output from those microbes is beneficial to the plant Shortell says. And there are still more microbes that are helping pro- tect against pests. Bacillus firmus is paired for example with Clothianidin an insecticide in Bayer CropSciences Poncho VOTiVO a seed treatment marketed as protecting against early season pests in corn soybeans and cotton. Meadows-Smith says his company has evidence that there are microbes that can upregulate genes that control sugar produc- tion in some plants a finding that could help boost plant sizes and yields or lead to improvements in nutritional content. You can imagine in wheat for example adding protein would be a huge benefit or adding sugar to sugar cane Meadows- Smith says. Those discoveries are coming quickly and the pace shows no signs of slowing as new technologies make it cheaper and faster to identify the microbes affecting plants. If you look at how we analyze microbes 20 years ago it would have taken us years to do some of the testing. Now we can do some of these in a matter of hours Bletsky says. And as companies delve into the microbial world and compe- tition thickens they promise innovation and new methods. Meadows-Smiths company is pioneering a new method for identifying beneficial microbes. Bioconsortia will test plants in the same type of soil sampled from different locations. Some plants will do as expected others will do poorly but some will excel and the company can then isolate the types of microbes that differ and determine whether they might be candidates for new products. The only varient is the microbes that are in the soil and inter- acting with the plant Meadows-Smith says. There is a whole toolkit that has only been cost-effective for about five years now which is why were seeing a rapid increase in the products on the market. Stewardship In some cases such as rhizobia and soybeans microbes are a clear advantage over any type of chemical a farmer would be able to spread onto fields. In other cases those chemicals are light years ahead of anything microbials are known to do. Its possible that microbials will one day replace some chemi- cals but its important Bletsky says to think about microbials as tools in a growing toolbox. A lot of the microbial products on the market are good but theyre not as good as the chemistry where with herbicides youll have 95 percent control. The biologics doesnt have those results yet Bletsky says. But if we can reduce the amount of Plants are grown in chambers and tested at BioConsortia. PHOTOBIOCONSORTIA. 2015 Bayer CropScience LP 2 TW Alexander Drive Research Triangle Park NC 27709. Always read and follow label instructions. Bayer the Bayer Cross ILeVO Poncho and VOTiVO are registered trademarks of Bayer. Not all products are registered for use in all states. For additional product information call toll-free 1-866-99-BAYER 1-866-992-2937 or visit our website at www.BayerCropScience.us. Worry about equipment. Worry about weather. Dont worry about SDS. New ILeVO seed treatment from Bayer CropScience is the first and only seed treatment proven to control Sudden Death Syndrome in soybeans with activity against all nematodes including Soybean Cyst Nematode. So choose ILeVO to control SDS and youll have one less thing to worry about. Pair ILeVO with Poncho VOTiVO for triple-action protection against SDS nematodes and insects. Learn more at ILeVO.Bayer.com 70 SEEDWORLD.COM DECEMBER 2015 MIDCO GLOBAL INC. 145 GRAND AVENUE KIRKWOOD ST LOUIS 800-264-8785 314-965-6300 midcoglobal.com PACKAGING SOLUTIONSFOR AGRICULTURE RESEARCH AND PRODUCTION INDUSTRIES STOCK AND CUSTOM SEED PACKETS MONOFILAMENT MESH BAGS P4 PACKET PRINTER P4 UPGRADE TO GARDEN STAKE PRINTER SEED TREATERS SEED COUNTERS TISSUE PUNCHES CUSTOM BOXES nitrogen by 20-30 percent with a microbe that would have a huge environmental impact. Microbials then become a key part of environmental stew- ardship something that has always been important to farmers and is now coming in the form of government regulation. If you look at government regulation in fertilizers and there has been so much pressure on chemicals used farming does not always have a good public image on sustainability but microbes can help Bletsky says. For us to maintain food production with a regulatory environment and public perception it will be impor- tant to have biological agents replacing chemistries. Concerns about the effects of phosphorus and nitrogen find- ing their way to water decrease as growers need to use less of the fertilizers. Its also a cost-savings to those farmers who would need to use less on their fields. The bacteria is a cost-efficient and good way to capture nutrients necessary for those plants Doering says. Microbials also may cut into the need to spray as many pes- ticides which is both a cost-savings and helps with agricultures public image. If you got back to our grandparents chemicals these were broad-spectrum. As pesticides evolved they became more and more specific Shortell says. Over time we see a decrease in toxicity and an increase in specificity. Microbials are a step in that direction he says. Big Players While agriculture is experiencing the infancy of microbial prod- ucts there are signs that the industry could grow up quickly. Bayer CropScience purchased California-based biological pest management company AgraQuest Inc. in 2012. The com- panys CEO at the time Meadows-Smith was for a time Bayers head of biologics. That same year Syngenta purchased Florida-based Pasteuria Bioscience Inc. a company that Syngenta had been partner- ing with to develop and commercialize biological pest-control products. And the following year Monsanto purchased California-based Agradis Inc. a company focusing on microbial products for crop improvement. Monsanto is also partnering with Novozymes in the BioAg Alliance. The alliance pairs Novozymes expertise in microbial discovery and development with Monsantos research testing and commercial abilities. Bletsky says these partnerships and acquisitions give some lesser-known companies doing groundbreaking work the reach and credibility of the largest players in the agricultural world. The microbial industry had a big impact before the big com- panies came in but there is a lot of ways for these larger com- panies to help educate the public and deliver products that can make a change globally Bletsky says. The pace of discovery also stands to benefit from the inter- est microbes have drawn from the large players because of their research and development budgets as well as their expertise. Youve now got companies with big RD budgets look- ing into microbials. Were at the beginning of this process Meadows-Smith says. The potential over time is huge. SW REGISTER TODAYamseed.org SEED CONFERENCE ANAHEIM 2016 ORLANDO 2017 JOIN US IN ANAHEIM TO Global Business Networking Educational Opportunities Exclusive Disneyland Tours G ROW SOMETHING MAGICA L DISNEYLAND RESORT 72 SEEDWORLD.COM DECEMBER 2015 ORGANIC ACTIVISTS WOULD like you to believe their brand preexists in nature the way fresh air and clean water do. It does not. Organic food only exists because we have come up with a legal framework by which to define it a mind- numbing legal framework... just ask any organic farmer whos behind on his paperwork. If we were to decide tomorrow that certain GMOs would be acceptable as organic as President Clinton suggested we could rewrite the law. Or we can leave things the way they are embroiled in controversy. Its up to humans to define what organic means either way. Then theres the notion that GMOs contaminate organic crops as if were talking about dumping efflu- ents into a pristine stream full of brook trout. Were not. Were talking about politics plain and simple. GMOs are completely safe. So if politicians should ever decide to agree that GMOs actually contaminate organic crops it will be a political decision to devise a legal construct saying so not a scientific decision. So why is the idea of GMO contamination embraced so fervently by organic activists Simple. Their aim is to sideline agricultural genetic engineering and thereby prevent GMO farming from moving forward. Yes the USDA National Organic Program does stip- ulate how and when organic crops can become con- taminated by synthetic pesticides. But there is nothing in Americas or Canadas standards that explains how GMOs contaminate an organic crop. Organic farmers are only prevented from making use of GMOs due to a political aversion to this science that exists in urban organic circles. Lets be clear. Not a single organic crop anywhere in America or Canada has ever been decertified as a result of pollen or plant-material drifting onto it from a GMO crop. Not one. And yet even the proponents of GMO farming have come to believe that GMOs contaminate organic crops wondering how they can help prevent it and most absurdly how to insure organic farmers against it. Apocryphal stories abound of organic shipments being rejected by buyers who we are told insist on absolute genetic purity. But 43 percent of American organic food tests positive for prohibited pesticides a number thats even higher in Canada. Why dont organic buyers ever reject those loads Simple. Organic stakeholders no longer care about synthetic pesticides or synthetic fertilizer even when used fraudulently by organic farmers. They have concluded erroneously that the only way forward for organic farming is to ban all new GMO crops. Nice try but the jig is up. And no it is not inflam- matory or mean-spirited to point any of this out. Its the law. Organic standards were written by organic stake- holders so there is absolutely no excuse for ignoring them. Theres been peaceful coexistence between organic and GMO farmers since GMOs were first introduced two decades ago. And there is in point of fact no basis for a GMO free definition of organic. The whole premise of being organic is after all pure artifice from start to finish. The time has come to stop organic activists from creating controversy where none exists. We should strengthen the peaceful coexistence that has always existed between organic and GMO farmers wherever GMOs are grown and look forward to the day when we might even see the worlds first certified-organic genetically-modified crop. In fact it would be mean-spirited to do otherwise. SW Organicum Politica Artificiales MISCHA POPOFF policy advisor for The Heartland Institute and former USDA contract organic inspector Organic farmers are only prevented from making use of GMOs due to a political aversion to this science that exists in urban organic circles. Micscha Popoff 74 SEEDWORLD.COM DECEMBER 2015 DENNIS THOMPSON is dedicated to delivering solutions and empowering people and organiza- tions to solve complex problems related to international agricul- tural development and global food security. His career experience and international credentials include Extension educa- tion agronomy and administration. WHEN SOYBEANS WELL adapted within a given temperate zone are grown in low-latitude areas the tropics the shortened day doesnt allow for proper plant development. Simply put plants flower too early and dont produce enough pods to harvest a decent crop. It is thought that understanding the long juvenile trait can help with this common phenomenon. Soybeans originated in the temperate regions of China thousands of years ago and just within the past 100 years found their way to North America. Several decades later they were adopted in the temperate and sub-temperate zones of South America. The vast majority of globally available genetic material is specifi- cally adapted to temperate regions and is negatively affected by the short daylong night patterns associ- ated with low-latitude areas. In low-latitude regions the long juvenile trait in soybeans is desired to overcome these yield-limiting adaptation issues however understanding the trait and how it can be employed is challenging. Nevertheless its important to improving food security in sub- Saharan Africa and a priority for Kristin Bilyeu who serves as a principal investigator on the U.S. Agency for International Developments USAID Soybean Innovation Lab and a U.S. Department of Agriculture Agricultural Research Service research molecular biolo- gist based at the University of Missouri. Her research focuses on improving soybean seed composition for enhanced nutrition for food and feed. Bilyeu explains that the long juvenile trait impacts how the gene interacts with the environment. The long juvenile trait delays flowering which is triggered by day length and allows for more vegetative development. Where theres only 12 hours of daylight Bilyeu and her team believe that by delaying flowering they can achieve vegetative growth equivalent to that of a two- to three-week period here in the Midwest. Much of this growth is evidenced by an increased number of pods and more pods means more soybeans. Bilyeus team member Carrie Miranda a University of Missouri Plant Breeding Genetics and Genomics doctoral student is also working on low-latitude soy- bean adaptation as well as low-processing and low- phosphorous variety development. She is preparing for a fellowship with Nicholas Denwar at the Savanna Agricultural Research Institute in Ghana. Here she will conduct field investigations for two growing seasons to better understand how maturity long juvenile and stem architecture traits influence the adaptation of soybean to low-latitude areas. To ensure the best results possible Bilyeus team will assemble a significantly larger and more diverse soybean population than might typically be used in sub-Saharan Africa soybean breeding programs. The magnitude of and diversity within popula- tions that underlie a given breeding program might be the greatest single limiting factor in making improve- ments Bilyeu says noting that breeders should strive to get this right from the onset. Further hampering variety development is most of the initial observations in Africa of varieties adapted to low-latitude environments took place without the knowledge of pedigrees or genes. The literature is sparse and findings are of limited value. Documenting Observations Mirandas study will focus on three genes E1 DT1 and LJ. The first two are known and cloned and the third LJ completes the triad under investigation. Maturity is the endgame for every soybean plants growth and development. Plants must reach maturity to produce an abundance of fully developed seeds. Thus the maturity gene E1 is of great importance. The stem architecture gene DT1 is relevant to the investigation as African varieties typically express determinate growth habits meaning they stop growing when flowering begins limiting further pod develop- ment and ultimately seed production. The long juvenile gene LJ is not as well-known and its not fixed. However Bilyeu says it is linked to a marker that is expected to be somewhat predictive in nature. This is the crux of the investigation Can indeterminate varieties be developed for low-latitude adaptation that will express greater yield potential than might be obtained from determinant varieties Bilyeu and Mirandas research efforts in Ghana will certainly contribute to this overall body of knowledge. The world awaits an answer. SW Soybean Research Aims to Boost Food Security INTERNATIONALAGRICULTURALDEVELOPMENT . . . EVEN in the TOUGHEST CONDITIONS. BREDfor SUCCESS As the leader in breeding high-yield salt tolerant alfalfa varieties for over 35-years SW Seed is a company on a mission. We cut our teeth on the toughest stressors much of our initial RD took place around the base of the former Tulare Lake in Central California where soil conditions are high in salinity and subject to blistering heat drought and pests leading to the creation of varieties with exceptional agronomic performance and able to withstand the rigors of these and other demanding conditions. Today worldwide breeding production and distribution teams allow us to provide farmers with the very best alfalfa seed varieties producing high quality alfalfa yields even in the most challenging environments. Maximize your yields and prots with these salt tolerant varieties SW8421S SW9720 or SW9215. Call 559.884.2535 for a dealer near you. www.swseedco.com unparalleled yield in sub prime soils high protein content forage production new variety breeding for salt tolerance Great products. New technologies. From the folks who focus on alfalfa. 76 SEEDWORLD.COM DECEMBER 2015 FOR THE PAST year and half James Weatherly a patent attorney in Denver Colo. has been working to give legs to the seed industrys new education and outreach arm the Seed Innovation and Protection Alliance SIPA. The group formally got its start in July 2014 with the first board meeting representing 11 founding members. Weatherly now SIPAs executive direc- tor explains that the first several months really laid the ground work for the alliance as he worked with the board to develop the membership structure code of con- duct mission statement and website. With such a diverse membership we wanted to make sure everyones views were incorporated into the mission state- ment Weatherly says. The mission of SIPA is to promote the understanding and value of seed innova- tion as well as facilitate and promote the respect of intellectual property rights for the benefit of members growers industry associates consumers and the agricultural community. All that legwork is starting to pay off. The alliance now has 33 members repre- senting all facets of the seed industry and is preparing to host its second educa- tion unit with five more planned for 2016. Members include seed companies service providers dealers and brokers seed associations and educational institutions. The first workshop was held in Tampa Fla. in conjunction with the American Seed Trade Associations annual vegetable and flower seed conference. Participants learned about economic espionage the intellectual property IP environment in Mexico and IP as it relates to seed. The workshops are not just for plant breeders. They are for company leaders Members of the seed industry unite to educate develop best management practices and help increase awareness about the importance of intellectual property. Julie Deering INNOVATE and PROTECT and those in sales and marketing as well as research and development. As we look to increase awareness and educate growers its important that we are internally aligned as everyone has a different way of managing their innova- tion pipeline says Eloy Corona a founding SIPA board member representing Bayer CropScience. We want to make sure members are educated about the various forms of IP and able to articulate that to farmers in a consistent manner. A Better Understanding While many are most familiar with farmer saved seed investigations IP violations can occur within seed companies aca- demic research institutions and others. Having worked with agricultural compa- nies for more than nine years Weatherly says hes noticed a distinct difference in the understanding of IP among them. Some are well-versed experts while others have a very basic knowledge he says. Weatherly explains its important to Its important that we are internally aligned as everyone has a different way of managing their innovation pipeline. Eloy Corona DECEMBER 2015 SEEDWORLD.COM 77 1 million is what it can cost to bring a new variety to market. 100 million is what it can cost to bring a new seed technology to market. 300000 - 500000 is what an individual intellectual property violation can cost the industry. Depending on the scale of the infraction and specific technology that number can be more than 1 million. note that SIPA is focused on creating a better understanding of the value of inno- vation to all those who benefit from seed companies to growers to the various distribution networks and ultimately the growing population of consumers. The worlds population will be 9 billion by 2050 and the technologies we have today are not sufficient to feed the world Weatherly says. We need to develop new technologies to help farmers provide the food feed fuel and fiber demanded by the world and innovation in the seed industry helps to increase genetic gain. Lets look at lettuce. Innovations in the past 20 years have allowed for a yield increase of 209 percent from 1992 to 2007 according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture while addressing labor and disease and insect pressure. The annual value of lettuce seed in 1995 was estimated to be 31 million today its about 105 million. Thats a huge increase but theres also been an increase in annual research and development estimated to be from 16 percent to 23 percent which has increased the value of what growers are producing. Ton van der Velden SIPA chair and Enza Zaden North America president and CEO says he has worked his whole life in the seed industry and has always been concerned about being able to invest research and development dollars into open-pollinated crops such as peas beans lettuce wheat and grass seed. To enable innovation and research and development there must be reason- able compensation so we can continue to invest van der Velden says. Innovation Provides Value Weatherly notes the message is the same across the board no matter what sector of the industry one might examine. Innovation provides value back to the industry and growers he says. In addition to providing education BY THE NUMBERS Buhler Inc. T 209.983.8400 sortexsalesbuhlergroup.com www.buhlergroup.com Superior detection for maximum yield. The SORTEX A MultiVision ensures ultimate quality and yield for agricultural seeds including field crops vegetable seeds lawn seeds and many others. Utilizing its advanced MultiVision inspection system and broadband LED illumination the sorter is exceptional in the removal of contaminants and foreign materials such as discolored broken split spot defects and mud-stained product bird excreta glass stones and other seeds. The advanced inspection system can even detect the most challenging applications such as reduction of mycotoxins oblong soybeans dent corn from sweet corn and refuge-in-a-bag corn separation. Visit booth 140 at the ASTA CSS 2015 Seed Expo to see the SORTEX A optical sorter. Clean Seed. Productive Seed. BSOC 155XXX Seed World_ Advt_Nov 2015.indd 1 11172015 15853 PM 78 SEEDWORLD.COM DECEMBER 2015 Designed to set the standard for plant growth the Percival LED Series offers research chambers that allow for specific control over the one research variable that has eluded precision light MULTI-SPECTRUM LAMP BANK The LED Series provides the correct spectral quality at the correct irradiance with exceptional environmental control every time Helping You Create Better Science www.percival-scientific.com Featuring LED Multi-Spectrum Lamp Bank LEDLEDLEDLEDLEDSeries THE SIPA has set up an anonymous tip line that allows companies or growers to call and report the suspicious use of seed. Weatherly explains that the tip comes into SIPA and then is forwarded to the appro- priate stakeholders who might be inter- ested in the information provided. SIPA has two divisions a Flower and Vegetable division and a Field Crop Division. The alliance is also looking to add a grass division. The first set of educational materi- als will focus on IP around leafy greens soybeans and wheat. Materials will include brochures electronic PDFs and presen- tations that can be used by members or passed down the value chain to growers. How lettuce is developed and grown is totally different than soybeans and the value of innovation associated with let- tuce is different than that of field crops Weatherly says. SIPAs focus on education is not only designed to reduce infringement incidents but also to help companies improve their individual business practices and resolve matters around compliance. SIPA will work with member companies to help them identify resources that can help resolve WHEREON THE WEB To learn more about SIPA and its work visit seedipalliance.com. SIPA FOCUSES ON EDUCATION The Seed Innovation and Protection Alliance SIPA seeks to provide education about intellectual property IP for company leaders and those in sales and marketing as well as research and development. In meeting its mission the alliance will host technical education units Dec. 8 in Chicago Ill. and Feb. 2 in Anaheim Calif. For the Dec. 8 educational unit participants will learn about the identification of innovation procuring protection for an innovation and how to maintain IP. Speakers include Cecilia Chi-Ham of HM.CLAUSE John Schillinger of Schillinger Genetics and Dana Rewoldt of Iowa State University and several others. Registration is due Dec. 1. The Feb. 2 educational unit will hone in on the America Invents Act patents and plant variety protection labeling trademarks and plant varieties and licensing. Registration is due Jan. 15 2016. To register contact James Weatherly SIPA executive director at jameswseedipalliance.com or 303-861-2900. compliance allegations. In additional to van der Velden and Corona SIPA board members include Andy LaVigne ASTA Mark Overduin Bejo Seeds Susan Jayne Dow AgroSciences Brad Kurtz DuPont Pioneer John Schoenecker HM.CLAUSE Mimi Ricketts Monsanto Rick Falconer Rijk Zwaan Nederland B.V. Corinne Marshall Sakata Seed America and Tom Hamilton Syngenta. SW Distributed to nearly 9500 professionals in the U.S. and international seed industries Seed World magazines highly sought-after content dives deeper into the news and issues that affect and shape the U.S. seed industry. SEEDWORLD.COM January 2015 CAN WE BUILDA BETTERBEE PRIORITIESFOR 2015 INTHECLASSROOM BUSINESSCLIMATE MAINTAINS MARKETMOMENTUM P R O U D LY I N D E P E N D E N T CE L E B R AT I N G 1 0 0 Y E A R S O F G R OW T H SECRETS MOST INNOVATIVEPEOPLE OF THE SEEDWORLD.COM FLO RITE SEED WORLD FP 4C JOB NO. FLC140030 DATE 11.7.14 INITIALS DATECD Dave D. ADDesigner Dave D. Writer Greg B. Layout Designer Account Mgr. Alissa A. Project Mgr. Gloria V. Print Prod. CLIENT BASF HEADLINE Flo Rite Sample Ad-SeedWorld AdFILE NAME FLC140030_FloRite_SeedWorld_FP4C ROUND 1 STAGE FINAL LIVE 7.875 x 9.75 Publication SeedWorldTRIM 9 x 10.75 MAGAZINE NEWSLETTER BLEED .125 MEDIA COLOR CMYK C M Y K Keep the activeingredients active. Flo Rite advances seed-coating technology with state-of-the-art science that delivers agronomic value for growers and seed companies alike. It keeps seed treatments where they belong on the seed enhancing their value. It reduces dust-off which helps provide greater worker safety. And it improves seed ow through the planter increasing seed drop accuracy which gives growers better plant population management to help maximize yield. Plus its rhizobia-friendly and compatible with many major fungicides insecticides inoculants and colorants. For more details visit www.agro.basf.com Always read and follow label directions. Flo Rite is a registered trademark of BASF Corporation. 2014 BASF Corporation. All rights reserved. edWorld_FP4C 1 11714 105 PM SEEDWORLD.COM SEEDWORLDJANUARY2015 C.indd All Pages 2014-12-11 322 PM SECRETS MOST INNOVATIVEPEOPLE OF THETHE INSIDE DISCOVER THE NEWEST PRODUCTS THAT WARD OFF CEREAL PESTS October 2015 SEEDWORLD.COM Focus on Innovation Continuity and Consistency Contribute to WSAs Success Achieving Low Maintenance Turf EXAMINE the NATIONAL SEED STRATEGY Genetic Diversity Plays Key Role in Wheat Breeding PIONEER. LEADER. CHAMPION. VISIONARY. TECHNOLOGY DRIVES EVERYTHING EVEN WHEN WE WERE MOVING INTO HYBRIDS AND SINGLE CROSSES AND ITS EVEN MORE SO TODAY. OWEN NEWLIN SEEDWORLD.COM SEEDWORLDOCTOBER2015 2015-10-15 1023 AM Cutting-edge technology and up-to-the- minute progressive content focusing on industry news and trends at SeedWorld.com any time of the day on any device. seedworld.com Print Digital AN EQUATION FOR SUCCESS Our Audience x Highly Relevant Content Your Message RESULTS Our Audience x Highly Relevant ContentOur Audience x Highly Relevant ContentOur Audience x Highly Relevant ContentOur Audience x Highly Relevant Content Complete a needs assessment with a Seed World media expert now. Syngenta and DSM Partner to Develop Biological Solutions for Agriculture Lum enis min preperfero mi oditiatur modigen dignate quam ex est volent is excea duscita tempor aut omni videbit acit dolorro rporesto blaboritiosa none deruptatquas dolute porum es volore sit as aut esequis quosseditio tem nonestrum quam voluptatur abor aliquodit labo. tempor aut omni videbit acit dolorro rporesto blaboritiosa none deruptatquas dolute porum es tempor aut omni videbit acit dolorro rporesto blaboritiosa none deruptatquas dolute porum es. Brand Buzz READ MORE Ut videst ium ut acepe es idebis sa di cus volorecta que doloriat abo. Videnisto qui conse con cum qui cust omnis ditia dollorumet et et ex essi rem doluptiae comnihiItam liqui reperum hitia pa consequi reiumqu idignatur si restrum hari volorun delluptas es non pa voluptaturRemo omnim que porescienis ipis magnatet litiore rruptiat facerum fugiatur repelest maioris is READ MORE YOUR ADVERTISEMENT SeedWORLDDaily Seed World Daily and Seed Week email newsletters receive the highest engagement in open and clickthrough rates providing you with more visibility and opportunities to share your message with 9500 readers. ADVERTISEMENT Custom sponsored posts from Seed World promoting your company. Including images advertisements and links. Seed World oers unique hard-hitting advertising packages including social media digital and print to capitalize on a highly targeted industry audience. Ask your account representative today. Sponsored by YOUR COMPANY NewslettersSocial Media Amplify your brand tell your story and create awareness for your content with Seed Worlds highly engaged and loyal followers. facebook.comSeedWorld SeedWorldMag Establish a successful marketing campaign with Seed World Medias multi-channel communication networks directly targeted to seed industry professionals. Email marketingissuesink.com. 82 SEEDWORLD.COM DECEMBER 2015 THE ABILITY TO predict crop yield is a useful tool and scientists continue to find new methods for determining how much a farmer will gather at harvest. One method that plant breed- ers are currently examining is the use of new phenotyping tools technologies that measure the outward appearance of the plant as an indicator of how much it will produce. The factors that go into predicting yield are many so researchers separate out the parts into smaller traits that can bemeasured more easily. One agronomist examines plant health and canopy development in soybeans as well as what can be inferred from different canopy images. Katy Rainey a Purdue University assistant professor of agronomy says that technology helps tremendously with her work. Drones take pictures of the canopy and help to quantify its develop- ment allowing her to quickly measure thousands of plots. When we try to measure crop performance its not easy to measure yield Rainey says. Yield is an endpoint measurement and the information is gathered at harvest. If you want additional informa- tion about how crop development produces yield you can only do it with high-throughput tech- niques. You need to measure many plots quickly. Drones Deliver Drones can measure 2000 to 5000 plots in less than an hour. Through the use of drones new types of data can be collected. Measuring phenotype from a drone is indi- rectly measuring what were after Rainey says. Our first target is what is robust or what can we do no matter what What can we directly measure that is valuable Often hard to predict yield sets the foundation for crop improvement and researchers are deploying new tools that measure phenotype with the hopes of more accurately predicting yield over more acres faster. Elise Brown Deploying Technologies to Predict Yield Anthony Hearst a student in Purdues Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering launches a drone over agronomy plots in West Lafayette Ind. PHOTOTOMCAMPBELLPURDUEUNIVERSITY. Your strong partner for eld research technology ZURN Harvesting North America Ltd. toll free 1 800 780 4872 infozurnharvesting.com www.zurnharvesting.com We offer a complete range of products and services for agricultural eld research. We at Zrn all work hard and are dedicated to make these products even better and more tailored to your specic needs. Your demand on service and quality are our everyday benchmark and challenge. Trust in a real partnership with us and benet from over 130 years of experience in manufacturing agricultural machinery. Get more out of your plots The plot combine for the most accurate trial results It was a delight for myself and research technicians to operate. I would highly recommend the ZRN 150 and the after sales service of Zrn to anyone looking for a research combine. Bill Hamann Hamann AG Research Inc. ZRN 130 ZRN 150 ZRN 550 The small plot combine. The universal plot combine. The high-clearance tool carrier. F I E L D R E S E A R C H T E C H N O L O G Y C U T T I N G P L AT F O R M S Made in Germany 84 SEEDWORLD.COM DECEMBER 2015 Even with the use of drone technologies inspecting plants up close is still needed. Raineys students previously used around 70000 images from the ground to aid in this endeavor. Drones are not the only platform for collect- ing new data. Drones are limited by a resolution of 4 centimeters so Rainey also employs vehicles called phenomobiles. These can be hi-boy trac- tors or even golf carts that are fitted with several sensors that can measure phenotypes. Because the phenomobiles are so close to the crop their images can be more accurate than the drones. Along with the images hyperspectral reflec- tance sensors are used. These sensors can detect wavelengths of light that reflect back to the phe- notyping platform whether thats a drone tractor or aircraft. The sensor divides the wavelengths into narrow bands and quantifies each one. These wavelengths provide insight into factors such as plant temperature and chlorophyll content. Even though she focuses on soybean breeding Rainey collaborates with several others in different disciplines. Engineers work with the hyperspectral sensors. Agricultural and biological engineers oper- ate the drone platform and contribute expertise in remote sensing. They also analyze data from drone images and program systems so that information the researchers are seeking can be extracted from the geographic information systems. While Rainey measures phenotypic traits in the field because she is working in the same environ- ment as farmers the research could also be done in growth chambers or greenhouses. Soybean seeds can be phenotyped using near infrared reflectance NIR an industry-wide measurement that provides real time results. The protein and oil content are collected and an algorithm developed for a training set. Rainey notes that her research could be most applicable for Indiana and other I states and that the ability to predict yield using phenotypes in other environments might be limited. In a different zone of adaptation where you have different planting and harvesting dates and production systems yield predictions may be dif- ferent Rainey says. Although these applications are five to 10 years from the farmers field Rainey says that service providers are already measuring crop performance using sensors as part of precision agriculture. There is some uncertainty as to regulations surrounding drones Rainey notes but in the long run being able to predict yield through phenotyping can save time and labor and accomplish tasks more effi- ciently accurately and precisely. We can convert a subjective opinion to a quantitative measurement she says. Were trying something new that was impossible previously. Businesses such as DuPont Pioneer also are researching how phenotype can predict yield. Neil Hausmann senior research manager for breeding technologies says that the most expensive aspect of product development is measuring yield during field testing of its hybrids. Variability in the yield of hybrids across time and space necessitates multi-year and multi- environment testing Hausmann says. Accurate yield prediction could significantly reduce the time needed to develop products thus getting new and improved varieties into the hands of our customers more rapidly. Precision Phenotyping Hausmann points to three areas to demonstrate how Pioneer works with precision phenotyping carefully controlled field trials precision phe- notyping technologies and a modeling system known as EnClass. During carefully managed field trials variations in yield potential and yield stability are measured. Hausmann shares that Pioneer uses several man- aged testing environments in which they precisely control aspects such as irrigation chemical appli- cations and fertilization. Situations that farmers could encounter in the field such as drought nitrogen deficiency or disease can be reproduced. In these simulations genetic lines in the breeding pipeline are monitored to measure how they react. Plant phenotypes that explain genetic and envi- ronmental aspects and determine yield are then measured. Technologies that precisely measure pheno- type are used in field trials to directly measure At DuPont Pioneer researchers use the Boreas wind machine to measure standability traits of different hybrids. Katy Rainey is a Purdue University assistant professor of plant breeding and genetics. Neil Hausmann serves as DuPont Pioneer senior research manager for breeding technologies. PHOTOTOMCAMPBELLPURDUEUNIVERSITY. PHOTODUPONTPIONEER. DECEMBER 2015 SEEDWORLD.COM 85 Batco Belt Conveyors minimize impact damage protecting the grade quality and germination performance of your delicate seed. Batco manufactures Long Conveyors and Field Loaders as well as Low Profile Transfers Pit Stops and custom conveyor options. Handling whats important. 877.667.7421 batcomfg.com MINIMUM DAMAGE MAXIMUM GERMINATION traits that contribute to yield. For example ear photometry technology is used in corn to meas- ure each ears number of kernels rows and rings. This technology can accurately predict yield on an ear basis. From this data researchers develop models to predict hybrid performance. Disease interac- tion between plants and genetic responses to environmental stresses can also be measured and as in Raineys research this data can be collected quickly in a high-throughput system. According to Pioneer the ear photometry system enables better prediction of product performance and allows for targeted selection of genetics showing adaptation to wide ranges of growing environments. It is a key technology used in the continued development of many Pioneer brand corn products. Additionally Pioneer uses EnClass a system that uses crop modeling and historical weather data to estimate long-term weather environments at certain locations to help phenotype plants. This paints a picture of how products will respond to varying environmental conditions. These models are based on scientific under- standing of environmental and physiological factors and how they combine to impact yield Hausmann says. This information guides decisions on bringing products to market seed quantities needed for sales and identifying ways customers can use a new product with the most success. Hausmann says it also helps researchers understand the strengths and weaknesses of each product guiding plant breeders in their efforts to continually improve the product pipeline. Another tool used to measure performance is the Pioneer-developed Boreas wind machine which simulates strong winds with the potential to devastate fields and yields. With the ability to create winds exceeding 100 miles per hour the Boreas wind machine gives researchers the oppor- tunity to see how well Pioneer corn hybrids hold up under intense pressure from wind storms. According to Pioneer estimates wind-related damage can cost corn producers in North America more than 1 billion annually. We use this precision phenotyping tool to screen our genetic lines filtering out hybrids that are likely to snap root or stalk lodge explains Hausmann. We have documented specific impact of the implementation of the Boreas wind machines on the improvement in our product development pipeline. The wind machine helps researchers better simulate rare or difficult-to-reproduce field condi- tions. Prior to the Boreas wind machine scientists had to wait for unpredictable natural storms or conduct mechanical push tests. Now they are able to precisely control the wind factor. Precision phenotyping tools such as drones ear photometry the EnClass system Boreas wind machine and others have real application for seed retailers and marketers. These are important tools because we can explicitly measure and com- municate the strengths and weaknesses of our products as well as deliver products with improved yield stability and agronomic characterization Hausmann says. This should provide competitive products with improved positioning and service support. SW 86 SEEDWORLD.COM DECEMBER 2015 SINCE THE DAWN of agricul- ture pests and diseases have challenged humanitys ability to feed a growing population. Plant pathogens such as fungi bacteria insects and other organisms that cause plant diseases are endemic to all of our planets land masses and frequently cause havoc with mans efforts to produce crops. The movement of pathogens locally regionally and globally is expected to increase because of increasing trade the international movement of seed and plant propagated material and climate change. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization FAO of the United Nations the spread of transboundary plant pests and dis- eases has increased dramatically in recent years. The FAO shares that in addition to globalization trade and climate change reduced resilience in production systems due to decades of agricultural intensification also plays a part. Around the world locusts armyworm fruit flies banana diseases cassava diseases and wheat rusts are among the most destructive plant pests. A host of other foliar root and stem diseases including the troublesome citrus greening and laurel wilt provide monumental obstacles to the pro- duction of optimal yields. Seed companies chemical companies governments and uni- versities mount a significant coun- ter offensive in the war against plant pathogens. Helping lead the charge are plant pathologists whose research on plant diseases and their movements aid in the search for solutions and identifica- tion of pathogens that could be future problems. FRANK ZAWORSKI is a veteran journalist native Minnesotan and former Seed World editor. Frank and his wife Linda live on the shore of the Sea of Cortez. When he is not freelancing he enjoys fly fishing for dorado golf and expanding his search for the perfect carne ahumada. A cadre of these plant pathologists can be found at the University of Floridas Emerging Pathogens Institute. The Emerging Pathogens Institute fuses key disciplines to develop research education and outreach capabili- ties designed to preserve Floridas health and economy and to prevent or contain new and re- emerging diseases. Following the Pathways One of the current studies of economic importance under- way in Florida involves gummy stem blight a big problem for watermelon and other cucurbit producers. Caused by the fungus Didymella bryoniae gummy stem blight was first reported in 1891 in France. It is common in the south- ern United States and in subtropi- cal and tropical areas of the world. As global trade expands and the climate changes experts predict the battle against pathogens will only intensify. PLANT PATHOGENS ON THE PROWL CEO Senior VP CFO Head of Security Treasurer Wepartner withricegrowersliketheLongfamilytoensure our high-yield seed helps their business grow. Growing rice is no small undertaking. In fact its often a family affair. At RiceTec we take pride in advising growers on drill calibration inputs timing and other key decisions that affect crop success. Thats what partners do. Of course were also happy to offer the highest-yielding long-grain rice in America. To find your local RiceTec representative call 877.580.7423 RiceTec.com These statements are not a guarantee of performance nor do they constitute a warranty of fitness for a particular use. 88 SEEDWORLD.COM DECEMBER 2015 Unfortunately D. bryoniae has developed some resist- ance to fungicide. University of Florida plant pathologists Nicholas Dufault and Mathews Paret have been working together with collaborators in China in an effort to understand the evolution of fungicide resistance in D. bryoniae in the United States. We are working with our Chinese collaborators to try and understand how pathogens can move through watermelon seed worldwide and how the movement of isolates from one region to another can influence fungicide resistance in the United States Paret says. Most of the watermelon seeds used in U.S. production systems are imported from six countries one of which is China. D. bryoniae is known as a seed borne pathogen and Dufault and Paret are trying to understand where it comes from and what the future risks might be from increased fungicide resistance. Paret Dufault and other Florida colleagues are also investigating the possibility of another seedborne dis- ease in watermelon caused by Pseudomonas syringae. For the first time in the spring of 2013 a massive out- break of P. syringae occurred in watermelon in Florida. Our first thought was that this looked like angular leaf spot of cucurbits but what we found out was that we had a huge influx of a strain of Pseudomonas that is genetically different from angular leaf spot of cucurbits that can infect watermelons squash Kamloops and pumpkin Paret says. We are looking at where this Pseudomonas syringae strain is coming from. Working with a seed company in the Netherlands we have learned that this strain of P. syringae is seedborne in zucchini there. We are working to see at what level our strains could potentially be seedborne. Researchers in Florida are also looking at water and transplant houses as potential sources of pathogenic inoculums. It is always important to know where your inocu- lum source is coming from says Jeffrey Jones director of the Southern Plant Diagnostic Network at the University of Florida. If the inoculum is coming from vegetative material seed or is just endemic to the location the source is a concern and needs to be eliminated. The mission of the Southern Plant Diagnostic Network is to enhance national agricultural security by quickly detecting introduced pests and pathogens. This is achieved through a functional nationwide net- work of public agricultural institutions with a cohesive distributed system to quickly detect high consequence biological pests and pathogens into U.S. agricultural and natural ecosystems by providing means for quick identifications and establishing protocols for immedi- ate reporting to appropriate responders and decision- makers. The goal of the network is to support a secure regional network for the detection and diagnosis of plant health problems extend and support sound public notices implement rapid and accurate diag- noses and response strategies and provide leadership and training. New virulent varieties of pests are constantly evolving D.P. Weber and others of Exeter University wrote last year in Global Ecology and Biogeography. Their emer- gence is favored by increased sizes of pest populations and their rapid life cycles Hope lies in the implementation of robust plant protection strategies and biosecu- rity measures particularly in the developing world. Whether such precautions can slow or stop this process remains to be seen the authors report. DID YOU KNOW New and virulent varieties of pests are constantly evolving and researchers at the University of Floridas Emerging Pathogens Institute are working to knock them out. More than one-tenth of all pests have reached more than half the countries that grow their hosts Weber says. If current trends continue many important crop producing countries will be fully saturated with pests by the middle of the century. While dispersal increases with host range overall fungi have the narrowest host range but are the most widely dispersed group Weber says. The global dispersal of some pests has been rapid but pest assemblages remain strongly regionalized and follow the distri- butions of their hosts. Erica Goss plant pathologist specializing in pathogen genetics at the University of Florida and a team of scientists have been study- ing the global spread of species of Xanthomonas gardneri which The global dispersal of some pests has been rapid but pest assemblages remain strongly regionalized and follow the distributions of their hosts. D.P. Weber C om e visitthe Arrow C orp Booth 205 atthe 2015 ASTA in C hicago 90 SEEDWORLD.COM DECEMBER 2015 causes bacterial spot of tomato and pepper plants. International trade in seeds is likely affecting distri- bution of all four bacterial spot species Goss and the research team reported in the February 2015 edition of the journal Applied and Environmental Microbiology. It is notable that in Ethiopia Nigeria Tanzania and the SWIO islands three or more different species are found within tomato-growing regions whereas in the United States there appears to be a single dominant species in each region. Goss says the presence of multiple species might be due to the import of seeds or plant material from multiple sources a hypothesis that needs to be tested. Climate Change and Pathogen Movement Rising annual mean temperatures are changing the global climate with significant effects on people and the environments they inhabit. Climatologists report that the increasing severity of weather will continue into the foreseeable future. The U.S. Department of Agriculture USDA states in a report entitled Climate Change and Agriculture Effects and Adaptation that while U.S. agriculture and resource management have long histories of success- ful adaptation to climate variability the accelerating pace and intensity of climate change presents new challenges. USDA reports that climate change will exacerbate the stresses already occurring from insects and disease. Increases in the inci- dence of extreme weather events will have an increasing influence on agricultural productivity. During the next 25 years USDA adds the effects of climate change on agricultural production and economic outcomes for both pro- ducers and consumers in the U.S. are expected to be mixed depend- ing on regional conditions. Beyond 2050 changes are expected to include shifts in crop production areas increases in pest control expenses and greater disease prevalence. While tourists and commercial plant imports from around the world have the potential to carry pathogens to the U.S. from other countries hurricanes add to the problem as wind-borne pathogens can appear or reappear from the Caribbean and Latin America. Differences in weather pat- terns can make pathogens more prevalent says Jeffrey Jones. If you have more storms with lots of New virulent varieties of pests emergence is favored by increased sizes of pest populations and their rapid life cycles Hope lies in the implementation of robust plant protection strategies and biosecurity measures particularly in the developing world. D.P. Weber www.biodiagnostics.net 715-426-0246 507 Highland Drive River Falls WI 54022 WHEN YOU VALUE ACCURACY ABOVE ALL ELSE Product integrity is the most important thing you can offer in todays ultra-competitive seed industry. Thats why our processes for delivering accurate data are unsurpassed whether you need to know about genetic and trait purity germination vigor seed treatment loading rates or adventitious presence. With proprietary services like the Super Cold Test and testing packages like Pure-Production BioDiagnostics delivers confidence efficiently and competitively for unmatched value. Put your seed testing concerns to rest. Contact us today. THERES NEVER A SEED OF DOUBT. www.biodiagnostics.net 715-426-0246 507 Highland Drive River Falls WI 54022 WHEN YOU VALUE ACCURACY ABOVE ALL ELSE Product integrity is the most important thing you can offer in todays ultra-competitive seed industry. Thats why our processes for delivering accurate data are unsurpassed whether you need to know about genetic and trait purity germination vigor seed treatment loading rates or adventitious presence. With proprietary services like the Super Cold Test and testing packages like Pure-Production BioDiagnostics delivers confidence efficiently and competitively for unmatched value. Put your seed testing concerns to rest. Contact us today. THERES NEVER A SEED OF DOUBT. www.biodiagnostics.net 715-426-0246 507 Highland Drive River Falls WI 54022 WHEN YOU VALUE ACCURACY ABOVE ALL ELSE Product integrity is the most important thing you can offer in todays ultra-competitive seed industry. Thats why our processes for delivering accurate data are unsurpassed whether you need to know about genetic and trait purity germination vigor seed treatment loading rates or adventitious presence. With proprietary services like the Super Cold Test and testing packages like Pure-Production BioDiagnostics delivers confidence efficiently and competitively for unmatched value. Put your seed testing concerns to rest. Contact us today. THERES NEVER A SEED OF DOUBT. www.biodiagnostics.net 715-426-0246 507 Highland Drive River Falls WI 54022 WHEN YOU VALUE ACCURACY ABOVE ALL ELSE Product integrity is the most important thing you can offer in todays ultra-competitive seed industry. Thats why our processes for delivering accurate data are unsurpassed whether you need to know about genetic and trait purity germination vigor seed treatment loading rates or adventitious presence. With proprietary services like the Super Cold Test and testing packages like Pure-Production BioDiagnostics delivers confidence efficiently and competitively for unmatched value. Put your seed testing concerns to rest. Contact us today. THERES NEVER A SEED OF DOUBT. DECEMBER 2015 SEEDWORLD.COM 91 Precision Agriculture Starts With The Seed OPTICOUNT ONLINE PROVIDES Fully automatic operation line sampler interface Near real-time feedback to the operator PLC and data system interfaces Also available in manual OptiCount Lab 804-514-9189 processvis.com 281-276-3600 satake-usa.com Counting is fast and reliable with visual verication. OptiCount provides seed-by-seed size shape and color analysis giving you count and data output in less than 30 seconds. PROCESS V I S I O N S E E D S O L U T I O N S Backlit Count Measure Data Color ONLINE Also available in manual OptiCount Lab Also available in manual wind you are going to see pathogens move greater distances. Weber adds that despite ongoing dispersal of crop pests and pathogens the degree of biotic homogeni- zation of the globe remains moderate and regionally constrained but is growing. Fungal pathogens lead the global invasion of agriculture despite their more restricted host range he says. Climate change is likely to influence future distributions. Improved surveillance would reveal greater levels of invasion particularly in developing countries. In 2014 the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service APHIS adopted a Climate Change Adaptation Plan in order to be ready for increasing challenges from pests and diseases. The plan states that climate change will influence the level of risk to food security and human health associated with a suite of animal and plant diseases invasive species and agri- cultural pests. Changes in environmental conditions will increase the likelihood of shifts in the distribution and nature of current domestic diseases and pests as well as influence the dynamics of invasion and establish- ment of exotic disease and pests. The APHIS plan reports that empirical evidence has demonstrated that short term climate disruptions e.g. drought heat and hurricanes can strongly influ- ence pest and disease incursion. These disruptions sometimes exacerbate pest pressure however pest pressure also can be minimized. Climate change is already starting to influence invasion biology pest disease epidemiology and ecosys- tem dynamics which can influence not only the likelihood of arrival but also the potential for establish- ment and spread. APHIS does not anticipate that climate change will require a modi- fication of its regulatory authority. However APHIS believes climate change will likely require new regu- lations and policies as well as inno- vative non-regulatory approaches to address new or shifting pest and disease scenarios. Efforts to Manage With the global climate changing at a rapid pace plant pathogens will likely find it easier to follow both traditional and new pathways to additional environments. The global trade of plant of plant prod- ucts has increased at an unprec- edented rate in recent decades and will continue to expand in the coming years expanding path- ways for plant pathogens to find new hosts. Writing in the European Journal of Plant Pathology S. Savary and B.M Cooke noted that plant disease epidemiologists have become experts in assessing the risk of irruption of novel pathogens in plant communities. The consequences of plant pathogen transport are many on local performances of spontaneous ecosystems and agricultural eco- systems on farmers livelihoods and on local national and regional economies they write. Can the sciences of plant pathology and plant epidemiology coupled with advances in plant microbiology and genetics close the pathways for pathogens and prevent crop disease disasters Not likely. But rigorous and vigorous efforts to monitor pathways and control diseases might make crop production a little more manage- able in this changing world. SW 92 SEEDWORLD.COM DECEMBER 2015 Two plant breeders talk about the now and take a look into the future. Sandi Karstens PLANT BREEDERS SHARE ALL Jennifer Yates As the Latin America plant health and native traits lead for Monsantos global plant breeding program Jennifer Yates is excited about the genetic potential of plants and feels the industry is undergoing a renaissance. Yates has made significant contributions which have extended her passion for plant breeding through notable research discoveries that advance knowledge and bring direct benefits to grow- ers. She also works to enhance the field of plant breeding by attracting and developing talent particularly through the support and mentorship of women in plant breeding. As a soybean breeder she oversaw a highly productive breeding station during its transition to the Roundup Ready 2 Yield platform releasing more than 80 varieties. In her current role she has direct responsibility for the disease and abiotic stress pipeline screening and discovery program for Latin America. Her team develops DNA markers and determines pathogen population shifts identifying changes and resistance to new pathogens so breeders can select for disease resistance earlier in their programs. Lloyd McCall As North America soybean breeding lead for Bayer CropScience Lloyd McCall is responsible for its breeding programs. He is most excited about enhancing the germplasm base and that the future for plant breeding looks to become more precise and more efficient. McCall has managed soybean breeding programs in the mid-south region of the U.S. but also conducted yield and agronomic studies in corn wheat alfalfa and forage grasses and developed product support information for field production and marketing. In 1998 McCall joined Stoneville Pedigreed Seed Company as the Mid-South Research Station manager where he was responsible for breeding conventional cotton varieties and supervising the development of transgenic varie- ties.During that time he also contributed significantly to the establishment of cotton breeding efforts in both Argentina and Brazil. In 2000 McCall was named the U.S. plant breeding manager for Stoneville then in mid- 2003 became the Director of U.S. research and development. During the Monsanto years for the Stoneville group he served as the technology development cotton germplasm manager with responsibility for the evaluation of advanced strains guiding the variety release decisions and supporting the cotton variety marketing efforts.After the Bayer acquisition of Stoneville in 2007 McCall served as the Eastern U.S. cotton breeding manager the director of global cotton breeding and the global director of molecular breeding where he guided supported and directed molecu- lar breeding and native trait research activities for Bayers field crops. MEET THE PLANT BREEDERS DECEMBER 2015 SEEDWORLD.COM 93 Industry plant breeders tell us what theyre excited about how they stay on top of changes what hurdles the industry needs to overcome and more. Q1. What are you working on that youre most excited about right now Yates I am most excited about our ability to further understand GxE or said another way genetic potential of plants in different environments using new tools available in precision agriculture like remote sensing and in soil health. McCall Enhancing the germplasm base. Q2. The evolution of plant breeding techniques seems to be changing at an ever-increasing rate. How do you stay on top of these changes Yates I stay on top of new techniques and changes in plant breeding by reading journals attending conferences and focus- ing on hiring talented students and post-docs who are skilled in these new areas. Realizing that I cant be an expert in all of these areas I utilize other subject matter experts and teams who work in areas like automation for example. McCall It is very difficult but we must devote time for educa- tion and build a network of contacts with expertise. Q3. Theres concern about whether some of these new breeding techniques will eventually be regulated like GMOs. Should they be and why or why not McCall I am not an expert in this arena but have read some. Most of the comments that favor regulation are lacking a sci- entific basis.If there is a solid fact-based reason for regulation then OK if the reasons are politically or emotionally based then no regulation. Q4. What are the biggest hurdles that the plant breeding industry needs to overcome Yates In plant breeding we are always working toward identi- fying and incorporating more genetic variation but it is a long process. To continue delivering value to growers we are chal- lenged to find new ways to improve other components of the genetic gain equation. This is both an exciting proposition but also challenging because it means we have to change the way we have bred crops in the past. McCall The general public does not know what we do or under- stand how important we are to the future security of their food and fiber needs. With an ever-expanding global population and decrease in cultivated land area we must continually increase output and breeding plays a key role. Q5. What are your three biggest concerns for the plant breeding industry Yates One concern is the timing for the recovery of the ag economy and commodity prices. In these challenging cir- cumstances we need to prioritize our research with a greater amount of rigor. A second concern is finding the talent to fill positions in new technology areas. Since these roles are non- traditional agricultural disciplines the industry is facing limited supply of candidates. Finally I am concerned about product differentiation and continuing to drive the genetic diversity of products in an industry which is going through continuous evo- lution and change. McCall 1 Genetic diversity 2 Germplasm access and 3 Lack of young plant breeders. Q6. If you can peer into your crystal ball whats the future of plant breeding look like in the next five to 10 years Yates I believe in addressing the concerns above in the next five to 10 years the outcome of our creativity and innovation will show up as increased value to growers through more custom- ized information about our Asgrow and DEKALB seed products maximizing a growers return across the fields while minimizing inputs. In doing this we will have not only understood the par- ticular GxE affecting yield across a growers field but will have leveraged the environment to produce higher yield. McCall With the progress of science and increased understand- ing of plant biology and genetics plant breeding has become much more precise and more efficient.The art of breeding today is how the different technologies are utilized as a pack- age to develop new productsand not so much the eye of the breeder.However while we are able to do more and more evalu- ationpredictions in the lab materials will still need to be evalu- ated in field conditions thus I anticipate breeders will still need field training and will need to spend significant time in the field. Q7. Whats your advice for students who are interested in pursuing a degree in plant breeding and genetics Yates The field of plant breeding and genetics is undergoing a renaissance. Never before have we had so many tools to understand genetic variation to increase it to select for it and to affect the other parts of the breeding equation to drive yield and performance to the next level. It is a great career. We need creative students who can think outside the box and apply standards and protocols from unconventional disciplines to continue creating innovations in this space. McCall Dont hesitate do it but get a well-rounded education with experience in both lab and field situations. SW GOING JUST THE opposite of the big players in the seed world sounds like a recipe for disaster But not so for 3rd Millennium Genetics 3MG the Olivia Minn. firm which now has a 10-year presence in Puerto Rico doing research and development on new breeding lines that are non- GMO. That means pedigrees 3MG puts into the corn world dont carry any traits for weed control disease tolerance insect resistance etc. Trait- loaded hybrids have been the bread and butter of most seed companies ever since the advent of Roundup Ready seed by Monsanto. Explained Ed Baumgartner Olivia native and founder of 3MG I have trouble with the word traited hybrids because we are talking hybrids with transgenes. For me traits are the basic genetics for developing a new hybrid. Anything you add on like glyphosate tolerance RR is an acces- sory. So I look at GMO traits as accessories not yield builders but yield protectants. And its this added expense of traits which is driving the resurgence of non-GMO hybrids. Farmers have to cut production costs. Non-GMO hybrids are an obvious means. In the seed corn business success is in the numbers. Even though 3MG is counter-culture to the bulk of the seed industry he indicated 3MG currently has 14 hybrids being marketed by other seed firms who have bought non-GMO pedigrees from 3MG. Since Oct. 1 weve added four more hybrids for the 2016 season. When yield data from our 2015 research plots gets plugged into our total pedigree base I think it will generate even more interest within the seed industry to launch even more non-GMO hybrids into the corn world says Baumgartner. Because of its non-GMO program he views 3MG as having both a domestic and a foreign business. There are certain countries especially in Europe where GMO corns are still not permitted to be grown. As a result at this stage we see more potential for our pedigrees with seed companies into overseas markets. One Minnesota man works to push conventional yields higher. Dick Hagen 3MG GOES COUNTER CULTURE 94 SEEDWORLD.COM DECEMBER 2015 Ed Baumgartner is the founder of 3MG or 3rd Millennium Genetics. DECEMBER 2015 SEEDWORLD.COM 95 The U.S. market continues to be dominated with a mind set of trait technologies as their primary objec- tive. Yet I continue to get calls and emails weekly from individuals outside the U.S. We have products being tested in France Germany Austria the Ukraine Serbia Italy Spain and Turkey. Soon we hope to be in South Africa Pakistan Iraq Colombia and Venezuela. Were not looking at the Far East. China is always a difficult market plus I know the big players are already focusing on China. Were a small company. We function better when dealing with smaller markets. Perhaps hes being modest. Current scope of 3MG in Puerto Rico is three farms of 900 acres 30 full-time employees and during the planting and harvesting season upwards of 200 workers. The Olivia head- quarters now has six full time employees with Wade Roemeling and Eds daughter Raechel directing that operation which also includes summer research loca- tions in North Dakota and South Dakota. Developing insect heat and drought tolerant hybrids is a major focus of 3MG. Sure they do plant population studies but they have a different focus on building higher yields. Our primary intent is more production per plant not more plants per acre. Were after better pro- ducing factories rather than more factories says Baumgartner. We work with some corns found in equatorial regions of Central and South America and the highlands of Mexico. Maize is an amazing crop. You can develop interesting new pedigrees which often are spinoffs from some of these unusual corns found in other parts of the world. Why so many acres Even though the research and development of new inbred lines is basic the major business thrust of 3MG is contract research work. He indicated several seed companies are now in the adop- tion stage of some non-GMO products into their marketing. Plus 3MG is remarkably diversified. Baumgartner reported they have worked with 20 different crops. Corn soybeans rice sorghum cotton and sunflower are the majors. Also they do some work with edible beans and sesame seed. Yes last year we were even approached about some breeding work with marijuana but we turned it down basically for the safety of our employees he says. Thats the real test of quality management. Baumgartner is 55. His biggest achievement to date He chuckled Perhaps that were still here after 10 years. Most told us we were crazy to even start this 10 years ago. What Im most excited about currently is to watch the development of our staff in Puerto Rico and here at our Olivia location. The amount of work that gets done is amazing. Actually Baumgartner now has 18 years in Puerto Rico because he worked eight years with Dow AgroScience before starting his own business. Hes not concerned about the reality of more rules and regulations down the road. The crux of our work is developing plants that need fewer pesti- cides less fertilizer less water he says. In essence were building a more efficient corn so if government drives more intense regulations than in a sense we are partners in this quest of a cleaner and better environment while also generating the genetics to produce more food fuel and fiber of a projected world population of 9 billion by 2050. SW 96 SEEDWORLD.COM DECEMBER 2015 A T THE WESTERN Seed Associations Annual Convention Garth Kaste who served as the associa- tions 2014-15 president presented Matt Fenske with the 2015 WSA Young Seedsman of the Year award. Fenske serves as vice president of business development and buyer for Millborn Seeds in Brookings S.D. The award given in honor of Kurt Austermann is designed to recognize young seed industry professionals who have demonstrated those same characteristics that Austermann possessed honesty integrity and a passion for the seed industry. This farm kid took a job with a local seed company during his college years shared Kaste of Kaste Seed Inc. in Fertile Minn. He learned the business from the broom up all the while developing a keen interest and an excitement for the seed business. At first chance Fenske jumped into the seed industry with both feet. He is a past president of the Northern Seed Trade Association and the South Dakota Seed Trade Association. Fenske is a current member of the Western Seed Association the Field Seed Institute of North America and the American Seed Trade Association. His involvement with these organizations continue to con- tribute to the long-term sustainability of the seed trade across the nation Kaste says. His desire to shape policy at the local and national levels makes him a true asset to fellow seedsmen. Most importantly he is a man of integrity and honor. His word and handshake are the only things necessary when making a deal. Fenske strives for excellence in all that he does. I do not sell products he says. I provide solutions for individuals and businesses to move forward profitably and efficiently. In my role at Millborn Seeds Im able to impact many different types of industries and clients with these values. The Western Seed Associations Annual Meeting was held Nov. 7-11 in Kansas City Mo. and brought together 795 seed industry professionals for business meetings networking and education. The meeting is held in partnership with ASTAs Farm and Lawn Seed Conference. SW Matt Fenske Recognized as Young Seedsman of the Year. Julie Deering WSA Honors Young Leader Millborn Seeds Matt Fenske received the Western Seed Associations Young Seedsman of the Year award. Most importantly ... he is a man of integrity and honor. His word and handshake are the only things necessary when making a deal. Garth Kaste NEW ROBOTIC WRITERS could be your solution and help free up employee time to do more useful tasks. Ninety percent of the worlds data has been generated in the past two years said James Wotecki of Automated Insights. New natural language generation software is being used by companies such as the Associated Press Yahoo Edmonds.com AllState and other compa- nies to take data and turn it into stories with a narrative honing into key insights from the numbers. Think about your company earnings reports seed and product guides customer and on-farm information regional agricul- ture data. How do we use and make sense of all this data The answer according to Wotecki is robo-writing. Automated Insights is the first company to patent software in the automated writing space. It is part of the Vista Equity Partners portfolio and operates as a subsidiary of STATS LLC. The company was founded in 2007 in the sports sector. Today it operates in the spaces of finance personal fitness consumer content business intelligence and website analytics. The company takes data sets hones in on key insights from the numbers and writes stories. Clients are able to choose the article tone personality and variability they want the story to convey to readers. We can create narratives that are very rich without a ton of data Wotecki explains. But we always want more data the more the better. In the stories for the AP for example the data set doesnt have to be that huge in order for the stories to be virtually written. Automation is coming and if your job is to crunch numbers and turn them into narratives maybe you should look for something else because automation is coming. Do you have lots of useful data but lack the time to analyze it or compile results into reports Julie Deering One potential application for this is analysis and stories based on the U.S. Department of Agricultures reports. Or a company product guide could no longer need a human editor spending hours pouring over data and coming up with a brief synopsis on each product highlight- ing its features. However Wotecki cautions that the data must be correct. We are only as good as the data he says. Its absolutely funda- mental that you have good data because thats what the software depends on. You can learn more about Automated Insights at automatedinsights.com. SW ROBOTIC WRITERS 98 SEEDWORLD.COM DECEMBER 2015 NOT TO BELABOR a worn out joke but Plant breeding Yes theres an app for that. In fact there are several and theyve become a key part of the breed- ing and selection process for breeders around the world. New technologies in plant breeding bring with them mountains of data that simply cannot be processed and analyzed effectively with older methods. Instead of continuing on with pencils paper and possible spreadsheets breeders are taking advantage of the ability of mobile devices to not only save time and store vast amounts of data but also to cut down on the types of mistakes that could be common with older methods. If youre using pencil and paper if youre using Excel sheets its just going to slow you down says Dieter Mulitze president and chief executive officer of Agronomix Software Inc. based in Winnipeg Canada. Breeders are realizing the limitations of that. A significant part of the digital revolution in plant breeding comes from the advent of genomic tools that make it easier for breeders to see details down to changes in single alleles or a variation of a single gene. Parts of DNA will change by one allele or a single nucleotide polymor- phism SNP. To map that youve got to sequence it Mulitze says. There are new bioinformatic methods being developed all the time. And to keep up software creators are con- stantly adding to the breeders toolbox to ensure that the mountains of data that are recorded can be stored analyzed and used to make the best decisions in the lab and in the field. Mistakes Will Be Made To be clear the average Microsoft Excel user likely has no concept of how powerful a spread- sheet tool they have in that program. Data can be sorted arranged compiled and analyzed through the more technical functions of the program. But for a plant breeder the process of getting the information to those sheets in the first place is fraught with problems. Some breeders will log observations in a note- book with pen or pencil and then sit down at a com- puter at a later time to transcribe that data into the spreadsheets. It opens the breeder to the possibility that a fat finger could turn a five into a six or that Technology can help breeders keep pace with science. Brian Wallheimer Breeding Better Through Software CALL US TODAY 203 262-9400 www.compuweigh.com Visit CompuWeighs Booth 806 at the CSS 2015 Seed Expo in Chicago December 7 - 11 DWC-400 Scale Controller Low cost controller with multiple PLC interfaces available Easily monitor and con- trol all your scale opera- tions in real-time Performance you can rely on Process Hopper Scale Features Designed for continuous weighing of bulk commodities such as grains seeds nuts rice beans etc. Sizes range from 0.5 - 250 TPH Mild steel or 304 stainless steel Pneumatic or hydraulic operation NTEP certied delivering 99.9 accuracy 100 SEEDWORLD.COM DECEMBER 2015 weary eyes could skip a line or two and throw off the observations. Others might have a tablet or laptop on site and record the data to the sheets in the field. But even that can be a time-consuming process since Excel isnt designed for in-field data recording. On top of that those using spreadsheets will find that long-term observations will require mul- tiple tabs and sheets spreading the data out and making comparisons and analysis difficult. And if the breeder wants to take photos to go with the observations that all has to be kept organ- ized so that the photos can be downloaded from a device and later matched with the data recorded. With mobile web-based devices the photos taken in the field can be automatically paired with the data. You have a myriad of files that are very hard to audit and hard to reconcile if you want to analyze data. As a breeder you can spend hours if not days reconciling data before an analysis shares Oskar Laufer vice president of sales and busi- ness development for the Israel-based Phenome Networks Ltd. You would be surprised what com- panies are still using Excel spreadsheets to manage their data. The more sophisticated web-based systems allow those phenotyping the plants to make record observations in the field using a mobile device whether there is an Internet signal or not. Later when the device connects to the web the data recorded that day is uploaded into a database. Breeders could also run into problems if they are part of a collaboration or a company that is pheno- typing plants in multiple locations. If theyre using a system that uses spreadsheets or is not web-based all the data collected from those sites will have to be sorted and combined a painstaking process. Each breeder has his own way of working more or less says Ineke Leidelmeijer a commercial consultant for Netherlands-based Agro Business Solutions B.V. You can do your own tests and record your own data in your own way. If you have to compare it with another breeder it can be a challenge. When youre the only breeder this is OK but when youre working with multiple breeders having one system is essential. As companies become more global in nature and test hybrids at multiple sites around the world that becomes more of an issue. If the breeder is looking for wide adaptation data is collected from numerous locations. Thats really important Mulitze says. Laufer adds that even in the same company breeders in different locations may simply see things differently without a standardized program guiding them along the same path. The more spreadsheets you get the more difficult it is to keep things the same across the company Laufer says. One breeder may define fruit firmness in a different way than another or measure a trait with a different scale. Keep It Simple One of the key features of many of the breeder programs out there is a programs ease of use in the field. Breeders could make tens of thousands of observations per day and their productivity can be tied directly to how long it takes them to do repetitive tasks such as typing in data. Mulitze says his company looks for ways to reduce the number of keystrokes that have to be made in the field. One feature allows users to enter data and forces the cursor into the next data entry point automatically. If you make 10000 observations in a day you could have to press enter 10000 times and thats a waste of time Mulitze says. Barcodes and scanners not only save time but ensure that the data is input in the correct place. And once data is entered it needs to be acces- sible. Search functions with many of the software programs out there make pulling up data and com- paring it side by side much easier than wrestling with columns of data from multiple spreadsheets. The real challenge is to find the data make it comparable and access it Leidelmeijer says. Then you need to interchange it with other field inspec- tions and other observers. Climbing the Mountain There was a time when breeders observed their lines chose plants with desired features and made their crosses. They kept the best of those hybrids and started again. That system alone created a significant amount of data that would have to be sorted and analyzed. Its a lot of data crossing parents results of the offspring they create field observations they do Leidelmeijer says. Today the eye test and intuition certainly still play a role. But the unlocking of genetic codes has supplied breeders with more data than they once could have imagined. Not only are breeders selecting for particular genes they can drill down to SNPs single nucle- otide polymorphisms the difference in a single A G C or T in a plants DNA. Those differences are alleles and they allow breeders to significantly increase the pace and precision with which they create crosses. The amount of data has increased dramatically with the introduction of genetic markers and the industry becoming more global Laufer says. Breeders need to be able to take all that genetic data and relate it to the phenotypic data available. Dieter Mulitze Agronomix Software Inc. Ineke Leidelmeijer serves as a commercial consultant for Netherlands-based Agro Business Solutions B.V. DECEMBER 2015 SEEDWORLD.COM 101 66 This is something thats becoming more and more important for breeders Laufer adds. Not all the breeders we talk with are working with genetic markers but they all say they will be one day. The Possibilities The selling point for the major companies pushing software technology designed for breeders is in the analysis. At the end of the day all that data has to mean something. Once physical traits are recorded breeders can upload genetic analyses of those plants to determine which genes may be responsible for the plants characteristics. Thats not something likely to be done in a spreadsheet or with pencil and paper. They need to be able to take all that genetic data and relate it to the phenotypic data avail- able Mulitze says. It could be that the genes responsible for a particular trait arent known. The programs can identify genetic sequences that could be at play allowing breeders to make new discoveries. We dont have markers for everything Mulitze says. We dont have them all identified. The databased information can also be recalled for long periods or specific conditions allowing breeders to understand how their lines react to different climates for instance. We can pull out all the data for a trait. Heres a couple of plants pull the data for the past five to 10 years for wet years or dry years Mulitze says. Laufer says there are also crossing recommendation tools under develop- ment that will give breeders a glimpse of the likelihood of success of a cross between two parent plants based on an advanced algorithm and machine learning and will help breeders to make better decisions. If there are 1000 parent lines available there are hundreds of thousands of potential crosses available to make. Breeders can use a prediction tool not to replace their skill but to see possibilities that might have been otherwise buried in that mountain of data. You can follow your gut feeling or go on some analysis you have but the possibility that you have a successful cross is small as it is Laufer says. Its not supposed to replace the decisions by breeders but it will help breeders mine the data breeders gathered and make recommendations. What software companies really want to get through to breeders is that there is a world of technology out there that can vastly improve their abili- ties to record store sort and analyze the data they need to create successful hybrids. And using that technology keeps those breeders doing what they do best rather than fiddling with programs that were never designed to do the job in the first place. That technology is also changing as the science involved in breeding changes. When molecular markers became a significant method of identifying the genes responsible for plant characteristics the software companies were able to incorporate that into their technologies. Plant breeding data management and plant breeding software has made huge steps in the past 10 years Laufer says. SW 102 SEEDWORLD.COM DECEMBER 2015 RESEARCH SHOWCASE Welcome to Seed Worlds Research Showcase a new department within the magazine. This department is designed to bring more scientific information to readers as well as showcase the work being done by graduate students and their advisors. Think Twice Before Replanting Soybeans Adam P. Gaspar Shawn P. Conley John M. Gaska Deptartment of Agronomy University of Wisconsin-Madison Introduction Soybean planting date trends have steadily shifted earlier within the Northern Corn Belt while inclement weather insect pressure and disease pressure associated with spring planting can require replanting some years USDA-NASS 2011. Furthermore recent studies have reported sim- ilar yields among reduced plant stands due to the soybean plants compensatory ability Carpenter and Board 1997 and diminished yield potential of replanted or essentially later planted soybeans Conley et al. 2012 De Bruin and Pedersen 2008. Ultimately producers would like to know the potential yield gain or loss from replanting sub-optimal plant stands to help determine if replanting is economical. Therefore the objectives of this study were to Determine the threshold for replanting soybean stands. Evaluate replanting options. Quantify the effect of seed treatments and planting date on replant decisions. This study was conducted in 2012 and 2013 at the Arlington Agricultural Research Station Arlington Wis. Twelve different replant scenarios were planted in 15-inch rows during early May late May and mid-June. The replanted portions of the plots were interseeded between the rows of the initial soybean stand. ApronMaxx RFC and CruiserMaxx Syngenta Crop Protection seed treatments were used to compare a fungicide only seed treatment with one that also contains an insecticide. Determine the Initial Plant Stand The first step in making an informed replant decision is determining the initial plant stand. Soybean stands can be deceiving to the eye sometimes especially in narrow rows Planning Quality Reporting Off-line apps Production Inventory Processing Sales Software solutions for field crops vegetables flowers Agro Business Solutions Het Voert 9 1613 KL Grootebroek The Netherlands www.agrosolutions.nl 104 SEEDWORLD.COM DECEMBER 2015 Hula Hoop Method When determining the plant stand with this method randomly toss any round hoop with a known diameter on the ground and count the number of plants within the hoop. Do this at least five times in different areas of the field and calculate the average then multiply that number by the appropriate multiplier Table 3 to get the number of plants per acre plant stand. Replant Threshold Our study showed that the highest yields were achieved with initial plant stands 100000 plants per acre Figure 1. This is consistent with Lee et al. 2008 who stated soybeans in Kentucky require plant stands above 100000 plants per acre to achieve 95 percent of maximum yield. This is further dem- onstrated by the initial seeding rates of 40000 60000 and 80000 seeds per acre with no replanting which produced final plants stands well below 100000 plants per acre and yielded 10 5 and 4 bushels per acre less than the maximum yield respectively Figure 1. However when these same plant stands were filled in and the final plant stands were subsequently increased above 100000 plants per acre significant yield increases of 7 2 and 2.5 bushels per acre were attained respec- tively Figure 1. Replanting initial soybean stands 100000 plants per acre where replant is not beneficial. Therefore the threshold for soybean replanting is 100000 plants per acre. Replanting Options When below threshold soybean stands arise 59000 plants per acre produced similar or higher yields compared to using tillage and replanting with 220000 seeds per acre Figure 1. Therefore filling in soybean stands below the replant threshold 100000 plants per acre is the best method of replanting and replant seeding rates should be high enough to increase the final plant stand over 100000 plants per acre. Figure 2 depicts a stand with 37000 plants per acre being filled in with 100000 seeds per acre. Seed Treatment and Planting Date Effects on the Replant Decision We observed no effect of seed treatment use on replant deci- sions and therefore should not be a factor considered. However seed treatment use especially insecticidefungicide treatments may help avoid replanting because it is an effective manage- ment practice for increasing initial plant stands stands by 20 percent on average Gaspar et al. 2014. Our study indicated a large yield decline as planting was delayed past the first week in May Figure 3. This yield decline is most likely due to decreased light interception of later planted or replanted soybeans. The earliest planting date yielded 73 bushels per acre Figure 3. We observed a 0.25 bushels per acre per day yield decline between the early May and late May planting dates which then doubled to 0.5 bushels per acre per day between the late May and mid-June planting dates. The average yield decline through the whole planting season was 0.32 bushels per acre per day. However the replant decision was not affected by planting date and therefore the replant threshold 100000 plants per acre method fill-in and seeding rates 100000 plants per acre are appropri- ate until June 20 in southern Wisconsin. Replanting past this date greatly increases the risk of fall frost damage Conley and Gaska 2013. Conclusion and Recommendations The first step in deciding if replanting is required is to determine the initial plant stand. Our study demonstrated that replanting soybean stands below the threshold 100000 plants per acre by filling in the existing stand increased yields regardless of the date May-June 20 and seed treatment use. Below threshold Table 2. Length of row to count for 11000th of an acre at different row spacings. Row Width inches Length of Row 30 No 20 Yes 15 Yes 10 Yes 7.5 No Length of Row 43560 row widthft 1000 Table 3. Multiplier to use based upon the diameter of a round hoop. Hoop Diameter inches Multiplier 18 24662 21 18119 24 13872 27 10961 30 8878 33 7337 36 6165 Multiplier 43560 hoop radius2 x 3.14 144 800-333-9048 AdvantaUS.com USA Argentina India Thailand Indonesia Australia WELCOME TO OUR TEST PLOT 2014 Advanta US Inc. ADV-13-002b SW The only way to tackle the worlds food challenge is by using a global perspective. Thats why Advanta has developed a worldwide network of researchers and test facilities to scour the globe for the best traits and germplasm. Then we bring the worlds most exciting plant traits to North America to help make the planets most productive growers even better. When you partner with a global player like Advanta you open up a whole world of possibilities for your seed offerings. CALL US FOR A TOUR NEAR YOU 800-333-9048 106 SEEDWORLD.COM DECEMBER 2015 NEW NEW NEW NEW NEW Seed Treating Automation Manage Your Entire Treating System from a Tablet Custom Prescriptions for PrecisionTreating USC LLC. 866.729.1623 www.USCLLC.com Features and Benefits Loss in weight scale technology and delayed mixing process at atomizer chamber offers more precise chemical application Manage your entire system from a 10 Android Tablet Included with each system Featuring U-Treat v3.4 the industrys simplest way to manage all your data including customer information chemical and seed profiles bin information and job reports Create custom-blended prescriptions to meet the needs of your individual customers Closed-loop system minimizes chemical handling and eliminates the need for batch mixing Real-time batch reporting and system alarm notifications offer peace of mind knowing your system is performing just as expected Serviced by U-Connect receive automatic system updates and utilize our real-time remote access feature for troubleshooting with your service representative Connect your bulk bins conveyors pump stands and your treater to a single upgradeable automated controller for maximum performance. Main Control Panel plant stands should be filled in with enough seed to bring the final stand above 100000 plants per acre. Using tillage and replanting the entire stand greatly limited yield potential even at replant seeding rates of 220000 seeds per acre. This is due to the entire plant stand being replanted or essentially planted later which reduces yields by 0.32 bushels per acre per day on average. These replant recommendations are applicable through June 20 in southern Wisconsin where replanting after this date is not advised. Traditionally the notion of adequate weed control has led producers to desire higher plant stands to quickly shade out competing weeds. However pre-herbicide use and modern post herbicide technology has essentially eliminated this con- cern. This study only evaluated soybean replanting in terms of yield and did not take into account the economics of a replant decision which include additional seed fuel labor and machin- ery costs along with potential crop insurance replant payments. Producers should consult their crop insurance agent before making any replant decisions. Ultimately the producers efforts should be placed on using this data in conjunction with their own finances to determine if replanting will increase economic return. In addition Gaspar has taken this research and developed a smart phone-tablet app that will guide producers to an informed replant decision based upon a few entered inputs and a pic- ture taken with the app of a fields plant stand. This app will be released spring of 2016. FIGURE 1 DECEMBER 2015 SEEDWORLD.COM 107 REFERENCES Carpenter A.C. and J.E. Board. 1997. Branch yield components controlling soybean yield stability across plant populations. Crop Sci. 37885-891. Conley S.P. and J.M. Gaska. 2013. Considerations for switching soybean maturity groups for delayed plantings. Accessed Feb. 15 2014 from . Conley S.P. E.M. Cullen V. Davis P. Esker and C. Laboski. 2012. Soybean yield limiting factors in Wisconsin. Coop. Ext. Serv. Univ. of Wisconsin-Madison. Madison WI. De Bruin J.L. and P. Pedersen. 2008. Soybean seed yield response to planting date and seeding rate in the upper Midwest. Agron. J. 100 696-703. Gaspar A.P. and S.P. Conley. 2014. Impacts of modern agronomic practices and replanting on soybean seed yield and crop canopy measurements. Crop Sci. in review. Gaspar A.P. S.P. Conley and P.D. Mitchell. 2014. Economic risk and profitability of soybean seed treatments at reduced seeding rates. Crop Sci. in review. Lee C.D. D.B. Egli and D.M. TeKrony. 2008. Soybean response to plant population at early and late planting dates in the Mid-South. Agron. J. 100971-976. USDA-NASS. 2011. Historical soybean percent planted. Accessed Jun. 15 2012 from . Confirmed on Feb. 15 2014. FIGURE 3 An initial soybean stand of 37000 plants a-1 that was not filled in left and filled in with 100000 seeds a-1 right. FIGURE 2 108 SEEDWORLD.COM DECEMBER 2015 Exploring ideas and views on all aspects of the seed industry. JAPANESE AUTHOR CHANGES VIEWS WRITES A NEW BOOK ON GM CROPS Masami Kojima a journalist and former biotech critic recently released Extreme Misunderstanding of GM Crops the first Japanese science-based publication on GM crops. Kojima was an active anti-GM newspaper reporter for one of the three most popular newspapers in Japan. In the book Kojima documents scientific information and benefits of GM crops from credible scientific studies as well as his accounts of seeing farmers fields and taking tours through laboratories in the United States. He apologized for his previous anti-GMO stance and acknowledged he was wrong in writing about GM crops without understanding the truth about the technology. The book also criticizes the media and academia in Japan for disseminating wrong information and urges them to tell stories based on science not politics. Views from various stakeholders including local and foreign farmers are featured and highlight the importance of science-based understanding of GM crops as well as safety tests of crops and foods derived from them. HAVING THIS BIOFUEL CHOICE CREATES COMPETITION AND COMPETITION USUALLY RESULTS IN CONSUMERS PAYING LESS FOR SOMETHING. Tom Vilsack TPP TEXT RELEASED FORMAL APPROVAL PROCESS BEGINS After lengthy negotiations 12 countries came to an agreement on the Trans-Pacific Partnership TPP Oct. 5. One month later the U.S. government released a nearly-final version of the pact. This new information will help stakeholders fully understand the scope and impact of the new agreement and starts the formal process for Congressional approval. With the text now public President Barack Obama also formally notified Congress of his plan to sign the TPP. According to the requirements of the trade promotion authority legislation the administration is required to give Congress 90 days notice to review the agreement before it is signed. After the presidents signature is in place and implementing legislation is introduced Congress can take up to 90 legislative days to review and vote on the agreement. This agreement marks the first time that agricultural biotechnology is covered in a bilateral or regional U.S. trade agreement. The TPP includes provisions on agricultural biotechnology that commit participating countries to foster transparency in their decision-making processes to work together on situations of low-level presence and to promote timely authorization of biotech products. It also creates a working group to address matters related to trade in agricultural biotechnology products. USDA PREPARES TO RAMP UP BIOFUELS INFRASTRUCTURE Toward the end of October U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced a partnership to increase fueling pumps for biofuels in 21 states an investment that will nearly double the number of fueling pumps nationwide that supply renewable fuels to motorists. The Biofuels Infrastructure Partnership BIP looks to double the number of fuel pumps capable of supplying higher blends of ethanol nationwide such as E15 and E85. With federal funding of 100 million and combining that with 120 million in commitments from private industry and state resources Vilsack says the BIP is a 220 million investment thats going to result in new renewable fuel systems available across the United States. Increased domestic production and use of renewable energy paired with growing renewable energy exports has the potential to support hundreds of thousands of jobs in rural communities. Having this biofuel choice creates competition and competition usually results in consumers paying less for something Vilsack said during the announcement in Kissimmee Fla. At the same time there are jobs more stable farm prices and less reliance on foreign oil and cleaner air. agricultural biotechnology is covered in a bilateral agricultural biotechnology is covered in a bilateral AGRA specializes in the complete seed plant facility. We manufacture equipment to help you at every step of the process from our material handling systems to our patented GEN-EL bucket elevators to our high-capacity husk chopper systems to our single-pass double-pass and combination seed corn dryers. Everything we do is tailored to take you efficiently from start to finish through the entire seed production process. From receiving to husk- sort and chopping to drying shelling bulk storage load-out sizing bagging and warehouse storage AGRAhas a custom-designed solution to meet your needs. Design Engineering Steel Fabrication Millwright Erection Equipment Installation Project Management Construction Management Project Assurance Solutions Turnkey from the Ground Up Specialized in Seed Specialized in design-build seed conditioning plants grain- handling equipment and bulk storage facilities. Committed to meeting each of our customers specific needs with the ultimate goal of ensuring quality and efficiency. AGRA is the seed industrys top choice for general contractors. excellence in Turnkey Ag Processing and Bio-Energy Systems AGRA Industries 1211 W Water Street Merrill WI 54452 800-842-8033 www.AgraInd.com AGRAIndustries AGRA specializes in the complete seed plant facility. We manufacture equipment to help you at every step of the process from our material handling systems to our patented GEN-EL bucket elevators to our high-capacity husk chopper systems to our single-pass double-pass and combination seed corn dryers. Everything we do is tailored to take you efficiently from start to finish through the entire seed production process. From receiving to husk- sort and chopping to drying shelling bulk storage load-out sizing Design Engineering Steel Fabrication Millwright Erection Equipment Installation Project Management Construction Management Project Assurance Solutions Turnkey from the Ground Up Specialized in Seed Specialized in design-build seed conditioning plants grain- handling equipment and bulk storage facilities. Committed to meeting each of our customers specific needs with the ultimate goal of ensuring quality and efficiency. AGRA is the seed industrys top choice for general contractors. excellence in Turnkey Ability. Reliability. TM Ability. Reliability.Ability. Reliability.Ability. Reliability.Ability. Reliability.Ability. Reliability.Ability. Reliability.Ability. Reliability.Ability. Reliability.Ability. Reliability.Ability. Reliability. TM Ability. Reliability. TM Ability. Reliability.Ability. Reliability.Ability. Reliability.Ability. Reliability.Ability. Reliability. AGRA Industries Ag Processing and Bio-Energy Systems AGRA AGRA specializes in the complete seed plant facility. We manufacture equipment to help you at every step of the process from our material handling systems to our patented GEN-EL bucket elevators to our high-capacity husk chopper systems to our single-pass double-pass and combination seed corn dryers. Everything we do is tailored to take you efficiently from start to finish through the entire seed production process. From receiving to husk- sort and chopping to drying shelling bulk storage load-out sizing bagging and warehouse storage AGRAhas a custom-designed solution to meet your needs. Design Engineering Steel Fabrication Millwright Erection Equipment Installation Project Management Construction Management Project Assurance Solutions Turnkey from the Ground Up Specialized in Seed Specialized in design-build seed conditioning plants grain- handling equipment and bulk storage facilities. Committed to meeting each of our customers specific needs with the ultimate goal of ensuring quality and efficiency. AGRA is the seed industrys top choice for general contractors. excellence in Turnkey Ability. Reliability. TMAGRA Industries Ag Processing and Bio-Energy Systems AGRA Industries 1211 W Water Street Merrill WI 54452 800-842-8033 www.AgraInd.com AGRAIndustries 110 SEEDWORLD.COM DECEMBER 2015 REGULATORY ROUNDUP Keeping you informed of legislative and regulatory changes at the state national and international levels from lawsuits to approvals to other regulatory issues affecting your business. NATIONAL EPA APPROVES DUPONTS NEW SORGHUM TRAIT The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency approved for registration DuPonts Inzen herbicide tolerance genetics which show tolerances to nicosulfuron and rimsulfuron. This non-GMO trait will bring a post-emergent grass control option to the market and is a first step in the regulatory approval process. Advanta US and DuPont Pioneer are engaged in commercializing the Inzen herbicide-tolerance sorghum trait. BIOCONSORTIA RECEIVES U.S. PATENT The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office granted BioConsortia a patent for its Advanced Microbial Selection AMS process. The AMS technol- ogy transforms the approach to microbial research and development by reversing conventional methodology and putting efficient and harmoni- ous plant colonization at the forefront of experimentation. According to the company this patent marks a milestone in BioConsortias develop- ment protecting its position in the arena of plant microbi- ome research and affording BioConsortia a unique pro- prietary research and devel- opment platform to rapidly identify teams of microbes and develop products that protect and enhance crop yields. NEW WORKING GROUP TO HARNESS THE POWER OF STATES The American Seed Trade Associations new State Governmental Affairs Working Group will provide a forum for the identification dis- cussion and resolution of state and local seed issues in coordination with ASTAs Legislative and Legal Concerns Committee. Chaired by Richard Taylor of the Southern Seed Association the working group will develop and implement strategies to ensure the seed industrys policy positions are addressed and communicated and will explore opportunities for proactive partnerships. INTERNATIONAL EUROPES FOOD SAFETY AUTHORITY RULES GLYPHOSATE SAFE The European Food Safety Authority and the European Union member states have finalized the re-assessment of glyphosate concluding that glyphosate is unlikely to pose a carcinogenic hazard to humans and proposes a new safety measure that will tighten the control of glyphosate resi- dues in food. The European Commission will use the con- clusion in deciding whether to keep glyphosate on the EU list of approved active substances and EU member states will use it to re-assess the safety of pesticide products containing glyphosate that are used in their territories. NEW YEAR BRINGS NEW SEED LAW FOR CHINA On Nov. 4 Chinas National Peoples Congress Standing Committee released the revised version of its Seed Law which aims to boost Chinas seed industry while ensuring food security. The new law makes several changes to the licensing system. Twenty crops including new oilseed rape potato and peanut seeds will no longer be subject to lengthy approvals but can be registered directly with author- ities. Additionally the new rules will enhance the require- ments for tracking supervision and information disclosure of genetically-modified crops. The new seed law is scheduled to go into effect Jan. 1 2016 EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT REJECTS NATIONAL GMO BANS PROPOSAL A draft European Union law that would enable any EU member state to restrict or prohibit the sale and use of EU-approved GMO food or feed on its territory was rejected by the European Parliament. Members are concerned that the law might prove unworkable or that it could lead to the reintroduc- tion of border checks between pro- and anti-GMO countries. GFO APPEALS COURT DECISION ON SEED TREATMENTS Grain Farmers of Ontario GFO in Canada seeks to appeal the courts decision announced Oct. 23 on the legal action restricting the use of neonicotinoid seed treat- ments in the province a regulation brought into law July 1. GFO submitted a motion to the Ontario Divisional Court to have the request for a stay of the regulation reviewed. Shortly an appeal will also be submitted to the Ontario Court of Appeal regarding the dismissal of the main request which includes the interpreta- tion of the regulation. ARGENTINA APPROVES STRESS TOLERANT TRAIT IN SOYBEANS Verdeca a joint venture between Arcadia Biosciences and Bioceres S.A. has received approval for its HB4 stress tolerance trait in soybeans by Argentinas Ministry of Agriculture Livestock and Fisheries. Argentine President Cristina Fernndez de Kirchner announced the approval at an event broadcast nation- wide. Verdecas completion of the regulatory process in Argentina for HB4 stress-toler- ant soybeans is the worlds first for an abiotic stress tolerance trait in this crop. SW BioConsortia puts plant colonization at the front of its experiments and receives a U.S. patent. Knowledge and values to grow your business Unified Ag Solutions LLC P.O. Box 3645 Omaha NE 68103 888-402-4787 www.unifiedagsolutions.com Seed Treaters Box-to-Box Treaters Automated Manual Systems Seed Treatments Inoculants Biologicals Bulk Seed Systems Seed Tenders Calibrations And more 112 SEEDWORLD.COM DECEMBER 2015 STATUS AUSTRALIA A gene that can prevent some of the most impor- tant wheat diseases has been identified creating the potential to save more than 1 billion in lost production in Australia alone each year. Through a global collabora- tion the gene Lr67 has been identified as providing resist- ance to three of the most important wheat rust diseases along with powdery mildew. Collaborators include the University of Sydneys Plant Breeding Institute PBI the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation CSIRO International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center University of Newcastle Chinese Academy of Sciences and the Norwegian University of Life Sciences. The findings published in Nature Genetics should have wide-reaching ramifications with wheat already providing one-fifth of global caloric intake and set to spike in the next 50 years. The University of Sydney played a crucial role through the Grains Research and Development Corporation- funded Australian Cereal Rust Control Program at PBI which leads rust research to cater for the needs of Australian cereal breeding companies to release disease resistant varieties. CSIRO and the University of Newcastle contributed molecular genetics skills to world STATUS A look at seed industry developments around the globe. Researchers in Australia and Switzerland set out to protect wheat from rust diseases and fortify cassava with vitamin B6 respectively. Additionally a researcher in Korea looks to wild soybean for improved health benefits. Meanwhile Indias seed industry pushes for more collaboration and resources. clone the naturally-occurring gene that provides resistance to multiple wheat pathogens. Harbans Bariana principal research fellow at PBI and associate professor says rust diseases are among the most significant constraints to global wheat production. Estimates put potential losses from wheat rust dis- eases in Australia alone at more than 1.5 billion each year he says. The transfer of gene Lr67 into modern wheat cultivars is already in progress ... Its transfer to future wheat varieties through marker- assisted selection based on this work will increase diver- sity for resistance. Source University of Sydney. STATUS INDIA The 8th National Seed Congress in Hyderabad appealed to the Telangana state government to develop policies that encourage growth of the seed industry. Delegates asked the govern- ment to take steps for the creation of a seed mission that aligns with that of Kakatiya. According to delegates these steps include government investing resources to develop a seed cooperative clusters and seed villages. Attendees also asked for programs to enhance the pro- duction of quality seed and encourage exports. Overseeing all of these activities would be a Seed Cell that would advise and coordinate all the activities from seed production to seed marketing. The cell would bring together universities the department of agriculture pri- vate industry Indian Council of Agricultural Research institutes International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics and others. Furthermore delegates requested that a Seed Knowledge Centre be estab- lished by recognizing the Department of Seed Science and Technology as a center for excellence in seed science and research in the state. The center would be designed to provide training and educa- tion for stakeholders and work on capacity building with a focus on post-graduate and doctoral studies. Source Hans India. STATUS KOREA Jeong-Dong Lee a profes- sor in the School of Applied Biosciences at Kyungpook National University works to preserve wild soybeans. These wild soybeans might possess multiple health benefits. Wild soybeans generally have higher ALA omega-3 alpha-linolenic acid concentration than cultivated soybean Lee says. In general cultivated soybeans contain 8 percent to 10 percent ALA. Wild soy can contain more than twice that amount. Essential fatty acids can have multiple positive health benefits including reduction DECEMBER 2015 SEEDWORLD.COM 113 of cardiovascular disease and improved cognitive function Lee says. In many Asian countries the diet includes relatively high amounts of soybeans and soy products such as tofu soy sprouts and soybean paste. Soybean oil is a key source of ALA however it oxidizes rap- idly leaving a bad flavor. Increasing the ALA in soybean seed oil has become a major goal in food-grade soybean breeding Lee explains noting that soys wild relatives might help to lead the way. Wild soybeans mostly grow in a broad area including China Japan and Korea. They have adapted to a variety of conditions and the result is that these soybeans have a higher genetic diversity than their cultivated cousins. By recycling this diversity wild soybeans genetics can be used to improve the proper- ties of cultivated soybeans. Lees study identified wild soy- bean varieties with the highest ALA percentages. In addition to higher ALA levels he also tested for stability in different growing conditions. Scientists provided the lab plants with different soil types fertility levels amounts of moisture salt concentrations and tem- peratures. Researchers extracted seeds from each sample and ana- lyzed the fatty acid content. Results showed several types of wild soybeans with high ALA concentrations that were stable across all environmental conditions tested. Lees group is studying spe- cific areas of wild soybean genome to pinpoint those areas responsible for high ALA production. He says this will assist in identifying a par- ticular property of the crop such as high ALA or tolerance to heat salt insects disease and other challenges. His work was published in Crop Science. Sources American Society of Agronomy Crop Science Society of America and Soil Science Society of America. STATUS PHILIPPINES An International Rice Research Institute IRRI expert says the Philippines has a lot of potential for rice production. I think it can increase pro- duction and reach a level where they can become a rice exporter says Tobias Kretzschmar head of the gen- otyping services laboratory within IRRIs Plant Breeding Genetics and Biotechnology Division. Kretzschmar says there are a number of rice varieties in the Philippines that are grown and sold which contain the majority of IRRI germplasm. However he recognizes that PhilRice is catching up. I think PhilRice is releasing more rice varieties into the market than IRRI he explains. So from becoming a major work horse I think we are stepping back in our support for the Philippines because the Philippine national pro- gram is strong enough to probably lead itself. Source Manila Bulletin. STATUS SWITZERLAND Scientists from the University of Geneva and ETH Zurich report a new genetically- engineered cassava variety that produces high levels of vitamin B6. Cassava is rich in calories but lacks vitamin content particularly vitamin B6 and to achieve the required daily amount of vitamin B6 one would need to eat 1.3 kilo- grams of cassava everyday. In the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana professor Teresa Fitzpatrick from the University of Geneva discovered two enzymes PDX1 and PDX2 which are involved in the production of vitamin B6. She used this discovery to increase vitamin B6 levels in cassava. The scientists introduced the genes that code for the pro- duction of the enzymes into the cassava genome leading to new cassava lines with increased amounts of vitamin B6. Furthermore greenhouse and field trials showed that the new cassava lines are stable and vitamin B6 is bio- available in plants. Their research has been published in the latest issue of Nature Biotechnology. It is still unclear when and how vitamin B6-enhanced cassava will find its way to farmers and consumers. The new trait should be crossed in varieties preferred by farmers using traditional plant breeding or introduced into selected varieties using genetic engineering. When these cassava lines become publicly available it could prevent vitamin B6 deficiency particularly in sub- Saharan Africa where cas- sava is considered one of the most important staple crops. Source ETH Zurich. SW 114 SEEDWORLD.COM DECEMBER 2015 INDUSTRY NEWS Delivering the people industry business and product news you need to know. Submissions are welcome. Email us at newsissuesink.com. After analyzying research a University of California Riverside entomologist concludes managed bees are spreading disease to wild bees. Even in cases when the managed bees do not have a disease they still stress local wild bees making them more susceptible to disease says Peter Graysock a postdoctoral researcher in the Department of Entomology and lead author of a paper published in the International Journal for Parasitology Parasites and Wildlife. Japanese researchers have induced genes involved in oil synthesis to work for longer periods of time allowing them to accumulate more oil. The researchers say its clear that the length of the oil synthesis phase in seed formation is one of the primary factors that determine final oil content. By suppressing protein synthesis while extending oil synthesis the oil production increased even more. Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis are using nanoparticles to boost the nutrient content and growth of tomato plants. They found that by using zinc oxide and titanium dioxide nanoparticles the tomato plants better absorbed light and minerals and the fruit had higher antioxidant content. With a very fine spray the team used novel aerosolization techniques to deposit the nanoparticles on plants leaves for maxi- mum uptake. Researchers at the Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation and Michigan State University receive a four-year 3 million grant from the National Science Foundation. The grant will enable scientists to identify and study small signaling peptides in a model legume species Medicago truncatula as well as alfalfa. The University of Illinois and Dow AgroSciences announce the grand opening of a facility located in the Research Park at the University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign. This facility brings together statistics mathematics computer science and engi- neering to catalyze innovation through analytics. Projects at the facility focus on exploration and implementation of analytics technologies applied to agricultural challenges. The University of Nebraska Lincoln will lead a 13.5 million multi-institutional research effort to improve sorghum for biofuel. Funded by the U.S. Department of Energy this five- year grant takes a comprehensive approach to understand how plants and microbes interact and to learn which sorghum germplasm grows best with less water and nitrogen. Research teams from the University of Valencia and Franois Rabelais University in Tours France discover that genes originating from parasitic wasps are present in the genomes of many butterflies.These genes were acquired through a wasp- associated virus that integrates into DNA. Wasp genes have now been domesticated and likely play a role in protecting but- terflies against other pathogenic viruses. These resultsreveal that butterflies constitute naturally-produced GMOs during the course of evolution. University of Arizonascientists along with more than 20 others from different disciplines have figured out how to grow crops including sweet potatoes and strawberries that could survive on Mars and the moon. Their research was conducted inside a big aluminum-framed plastic-covered cylinder. The result is nearly 100 percent harvestable quality produce. The project was funded by NASAs Ralph Steckler Space Grant Colonization Research and Technology Development Opportunity. An Iowa State University agronomist helpsuncover the genetic mechanisms in sorghum plants that allow hybrids to perform better than parent varieties a process known as heterosis. The new study fills in some of the gaps that have nagged scientists for years and could lead to more precision in plant breeding says Jianming Yu an associate professor ofagronomyand the Pioneer Distinguished Chair in Maize Breeding. Cornell University researchers used mathematical models to illuminate the advantages and disadvantages of a new genome editing mechanism called a gene drive. The mechanism has been long discussed but only recently demonstrated in fruit flies in labs at the University of California San Diego using 116 SEEDWORLD.COM DECEMBER 2015 Seed and grain cleanerS for the world Crippen Northland Superior Supply Co. 8-851 Lagimodiere Blvd. Winnipeg MB Ph 204-925-6141 www.northlandsuperior.com Air Screen Cleaners Indented Cylinder Length Separator Gravity Separator CRISPR. The gene drive mechanism might allow scientists to control malarial mosquitoes or pesticide-resistant pests. For example by using CRISPR to introduce a mutation allele into a few individuals in a population that mutation can quickly spread throughout an entire population. U.S. Department of Agriculture Agricultural Research Service researchers and those at Mississippi State University tested 42 commonly used pesticides in a field setting to determine toxic- ity levels. Of the 26 pesticides studied including neonicotinoids organophosphates and pyrethroids nearly all of them killed bees that came into contact with the test sprays. However seven pesticides including glyphosate and acetamiprid killed practically no bees in the tests. Glyphosate is the active ingredi- ent in Roundup and acetamiprid is a neonicotinoid. BUSINESS NEWS Trimble acquires the assets of privately-held Agri-Trend which operates a network of independent consultants who specialize in agronomy precision farming crop marketing and farm busi- ness management. According to Trimble the acquisition will enable it to provide agronomists and other crop advisors with a stronger set of brand-agnostic tools they can use to advise growers on how to better manage their operations. Total Seed Production installs a state-of-the-art color sorter a technology that will improve the quality of seed and increase capacity allowing it to meet increasing demand. The new Satake Evolution RGB Shape Full Color Sorter detects color through three wavelengths allowing the sorter to match the eyes ability to see true color. This color sorting machine uses 16 million colors high-resolution cameras and long-lasting LED lights to detect and remove defects based on color and shape. This type of investment proves again our continued commit- ment to being a leader in the industry for providing high quality seed and first class service to our customers says Aaron Conaway Total Seed Production president. Syngenta and DSM partner to develop and commercialize microbial-based solutions including bio-controls biopesticides and biostimulants. The collaboration aims to accelerate the This type of investment proves again our continued commitment to being a leader in the industry for providing high quality seed and first class service to our customers. Aaron Conaway Partner with ProHarvest Seeds Inc. to operate your own corn and soybean company as a Regional Owner Partner with ProHarvest Seeds Inc. to operate your own corn and soybean company as a Regional Owner Contact us today at 866-807-7015 ProHarvest Seeds Ashkum IL 60911 www.proharvestseeds.com Our unique system provides you with Access to multiple sources of genetics and traits Freedom to develop your own sales programs and pricing Support in areas of agronomy sales and business practices Seed products tailored to your own market area Potential territory exclusivity Opportunity to create value in your own seed business DECEMBER 2015 SEEDWORLD.COM 117 Moving GrainWe can handle it. 6 8 10 and 13 diameter auger models available. 2000 through 7500 BPH capacities. Features durable galvanized or powder coated finish. Drive fully enclosed in oil bath housing. Wide base undercarriage with tapered roller bearing hubs. Model 50 and Model 85 available. 5000 through 10000 BPH capacities. Long life galvanized housing. Available in 40 to 100 lengths in selected models. Select from Electric Drive or PTO Drive options. Hydraulic winch standard on longer length units. Optional Hopper Extension increases capacity around the intake area. 8 10 and 13 diameter auger models available. 3200 through 9000 BPH capacities. Swing-Away features Flex Angle design allowing the hopper to remain horizontal regardless of auger operating angle. Features durable galvanized or powder coated finish. Fully hydraulic undercarriage provides quick and convenient maneuvering. Swing-Away Auger Mass-Ter Mover Top Drive Auger 8 and 10 diameter models available. 4000 through 6000 BPH capacities. Available in 42- 82 lengths in selected models. Requires less horsepower than air systems. En masse grain-moving-grain concept causes less damage to grain at higher capacities. Select from Electric Drive or PTO Driven models. Grain Pump 8 and 10 diameter models Available in 42- 82 lengths Requires less horsepower than air systems. Moving Grain Long life galvanized housing. Available in 40 to 100 lengths in To learn more about the Hutchinson Swing-Away Auger Mass-Ter Mover Top Drive Auger or Grain Pump call us today at 1-800-523-6993. THE WORLD OVER MOVES A WORLD OF GRAIN utchinsonH P.O. Box 629 Clay Center Kansas 67432 Ph. 785 632-2161 FAX 785 632-5964 www.hutchinson-mayrath.com IND USTRIES I NC. www.facebook.comhutchinsonmayrath Follow our Hutchinson-Mayrath channel H-221E.indd 1 111314 431 PM Multi-purpose Re-Useable Waterproof Glues Used Sift Resistance Built In Rugged 100lb. Tag Stock Construction Easy To Use Fold-In Flaps Fold-Down Tuck-In 2802 Hedberg Drive Hopkins MN 55305-3405 Ph 952 545-7124 Fax 952 545-0196 With SPEAR Its In The Bag. SeedGrain Special Safety Envelopes For Sampling and Storage. Call or Send For Free Sample Kit Prices Gummed and Ungummed Coin Envelopes Available delivery of products based on naturally occurring microorganisms for pre- and post-harvest application. Monsanto Company is set to restructure its global operations to enhance com- petitiveness by delivering cost improve- ment and to support long-term growth. The changes were announced as part of the companys 2015 financial report and are designed to transform and innovate the way the company operates resulting in a more agile and focused organization prepared to continue to lead the agricul- ture industry. Actions in part include streamlining and reprioritizing some commercial enabling and research and development efforts including an exit of the sugarcane business. DuPont and Caribou Biosciences adeveloper of CRISPR-Cas technolo- gies for genome editing announceda strategic alliance. As part of the agreement DuPont and Caribouhave cross-licensed their respective patent portfolios with DuPont receiving exclusive intellectual property rights for CRISPR-Cas technology applications in major row crops and non-exclusive rights in other agricultural and industrial bioscience applications. Environmental Science a division ofBayer CropScience LP announces that its North American turf and orna- mentals TO business will transition to serve the full production ornamentals market come Nov. 1 2016. The shift will enable the Bayer TO business to serve professional growers in greenhouses nurseries and garden centers across the United States. To facilitate entry into this market Bayer will begin marketing prod- ucts and active ingredients that have previously been marketed by OHP Inc. as well as other Bayer chemistries. Pinnacle Agriculture Holdings purchases eight regional seed companies to advance its seed business. Pinnacle has acquired three Nebraska companies ProSelect Inc. in Kearney Seed Services of Nebraska Inc. in Minden and AVN Seeds Partners LLC in Minden. The remaining five com- panies include AgVentureGroMor LLC. in Ames Iowa Scherrs Seed LLC in Roscoe 118 SEEDWORLD.COM DECEMBER 2015 S.D. Corn Capital Genetics Inc. in Olivia Minn. Profiseed LLC in Hampton Iowa and Teays Valley Farms LLC dba Pureline in Princeton Ill. Pinnacle will operate the businesses as part of the AgVenture network of seed companies under the name AgVenture Pinnacle. Customers will continue to have access to AgVenture and VPMaxx brand seed products within the exclusive marketing territory. Syngenta expands its licensing col- laboration with KWS and Limagrain and their joint ventures AgReliant and Genective. The new agreement is for 20 years and covers the AgReliant busi- ness in North America and the individual operations of the two companies outside North America. Under the agreement Syngenta will provide worldwide rights to its current and future GM corn traits portfolio. Syngenta will receive a 200 million upfront payment and future roy- alty and milestone payments dependent upon regulatory approvals. Near Salinas Calif. American Takii enhances seed processing operations with a new facility. The structure includes a 22500 square-foot warehouse 7000 square feet of conference space and a lunch room and 5000 square feet to be used for logistics and customer service. Takiis management has a global strate- gic vision to create better efficiencies for distribution as we move forward says Steve Wiley general manager and chief operating officer of American Takii. Dow reviewsits AgroSciences division with a focus on creating new synergies in a consolidating agricultural market. In a statement the company reports its considering only those prospects that will extract further value from this highly attractive and well-positioned business and return significant value to its share- holders and will compare those options to that of the value created by retaining the business. Dow is also reorganizing its executive leadership team and their responsibilities. Northern Seedhas acquired Syngentas triticale business including its research center in Vernon Texas. Land OLakes Inc. and Villa Crop Protection of South Africapartner to capitalize on the growth potential of South Africa. The two organizations will join their portfolios of pro- ductivity-enhancing crop input products and services to help farms sustainably improve yields. This is Land OLakes first commercial investment in Africa and reflects the cooperatives accelerated growth in its international business. California-based Ceres Inc. enters into a multi-year collabora- tion with Forage Genetics International FGI to develop and commercialize improved alfalfa. Under the collaborationFGI and Ceres will evaluate and commercialize Ceres traits in FGIs alfalfa varieties. FGI expects to begin evaluating alfalfa varieties with Ceres traits next year. Results from these trials will deter- mine commercialization timelines. Deere Company and The Climate Corporation a subsidiary of Monsanto agreed that Deere will acquire the Precision Planting LLC equipment business. This agreement enables exclusive near real-time data connectivity between certain John Deere farm equipment and the Climate FieldView platform. Deere Company agreed to purchase Monosem a European market leader in precision planters. The purchase includes Monosems four facilities in France and two in the United States. Deere does not plan to change the independent nature of Monosem. John May Deere Company president of Agricultural Solutions and chief information officer says the business will retain its own brand and trademark and will lever- age its own operational strengths. A group of Syngenta shareholders urged the companys board of directors to refrain from selling the vegetable and flower seeds businesses andasks for a formal meeting to discuss all the strategic options available to maximize value. In a letter to Syngenta chairmanMichel Demar the Alliance of Critical Syngenta Shareholdersstates while it is encouraged by the recent resignation of chief executive officer Mike Mack the board has not gone far enough to appease concerns. In a sepa- rate release the group also reports its encouraged by recent media reports that Syngenta will be sold. PEOPLE NEWS DuPontnamedTimothy Glennas president of its Crop Protection business succeedingRik Millerwho elected to retire after 31 years of service to the company.Glenn will report to James Borel DuPont executive vice president. Syngenta adds Julie Rothe a new broccoli breeder to its team in Gilroy Calif. Rothe will lead Syngentas sweet baby broc- coli program a collaboration with Mesa Packing and support global breeding with research on multiple complementary Brassica crops for the North American market. Ellen Kullman chair and CEO of DuPont retired from the com- pany Oct. 16. Edward Breen a current member of the DuPont board of directors assumed the role of interim chair and CEO Takiis management has a global strategic vision to create better efficiences for distribution ... Steve Wiley DECEMBER 2015 SEEDWORLD.COM 119 of DuPont and was later named chair and CEO. Ed Breen brings to DuPont an exceptional track record of business leadership and value creation says Alexander Cutler DuPonts lead inde- pendent director. As a chief executive he has consistently delivered superior returns through robust growth and portfolio strategies across a range of industries. At the end of October Syngenta chief executive officer and executive direc- tor Mike Mack stepped down. John Ramsay chief financial officer has been appointed interim CEO. Tennessees GroGenesis the rights holder developer and manufacturer of agricultural enhancement products mar- keted under the trade names AgraBurst and AgraBlast namedGrant Walsh as a director and chairman of the board of directors of GroGenesis. Darren Wallis joinsBayerCropScience as North American vice president and head of communications for theCropScience division. In this position Wallis is responsible for all internal and external corpo- rate communications activities including corporate reputation media relations corporate social responsibility employee com- munications digital communications and issues management. Miamis Platform Specialty Products Corporation which owns agrochemical company Arysta LifeScience announces that chief executive officer Daniel Leeverhas indicated his intention to retire once a suitable successor has been hired. PRODUCT NEWS Koppert Biological Systems develops a seed-applied biostimu- lant for arable crops. The product was launched during an inter- national seminar on the benefits of microbials in seed treatment and crop growth. Koppert has developed Panoramix a con- centrated liquid seed dressing for large arable crops such as maize and wheat. The product contains a mix of plant growth- promoting microorganisms. As 2016 spring wheat variety selection approaches in the Northern PlainsSyngentaintroduced SY Valda hard red spring wheat variety. This new semi-dwarf variety offers a strong disease package including tolerance to stem and leaf rust tan spot andFusariumhead blight. SY Valda is broadly adapted and suited for the Northern Plains according to the company. SW 800-255-7252 402-556-7000www.palcosys.com PALCOIndustrialMarkingandLabelingInc. Visit Us at Booth 404 Your Quality Solution Provider for Tags Bags Packet Printing More... Palco is an Industry Leader in Custom Printed Tags. Industrial High Resolution Multi-Color Envelope Printing. RFID Systems Scanners Labels and Tags. Thermal Transfer Tag Printers. Custom Solutions to Integrate with Spread Sheets Database. Print Directly on Envelopes - Scannable 1D 2D Barcodes. Printing Software Spreadsheet Database Connectivity. Design Control your Tag Information. Custom Labels Tag Printing Solutions Palco is an Industry Leader in Custom La Inkjet Technology by M E M B E R More... lutions 120 SEEDWORLD.COM DECEMBER 2015 SINCE1915 ThefirstissueofSeedWorldwaspublishedin1915.Heretheeditorswilltakeyoubackintimeto explorethenumbersnewsandissuesthatimpactedtheseedindustryallcoveredbySeedWorld. 1915 1920 1925 1930 1935 1936 1940 1945 1950 1955 1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010 2015 The Soil Conservation and Domestic Allotment Act links farm programs with conservation. The Food Security Act lowers government farm supports promotes exports and sets up the Conservation Reserve Program. A MOMENT IN TIME One of Seed Worlds very first publications encourages seedsmen to participate in the American Seed Trade Associations 33rd annual convention held in San Francisco Calif. To help attendees make the trek the association in partnership with the Santa Fe Railroad organized the Seed Special a train that was scheduled to leave Chicago Ill. June 12 making stops along the way and picking up passengers destined for the convention. These stops were educational in nature and also provided sight-seeing opportunities. One of the first stops was Kansas City noted as a primary distribution point for alfalfa seed. The Seed Special was set to make its way through Kansas Arizona New Mexico and Nevada before arriving on the West Coast. Near the end of their journey passengers would have the opportunity to visit a California orange grove pictured below. FACTS AND FIGURES FROM THIS 1915 ISSUE 10000 pounds is the amount of seed planted in the United States this year. 75 MILLION packages of free seed is distributed by the government to constitu- ents of U.S. senators and representatives. 16th of the United States total alfalfa seed for planting is imported according to analysts estimates. 2800-3000 revolutions per minute is the recommended setting for blowers when treating sweet clover seed. Three new cotton lines are released. The new lines combine the fiber quality of Acala-type cottons and the heat tolerance of Delta-type cottons. Eleven percent of the employed population is engaged in agriculture. Get Unmatched Seed Production Flexibility and Control with Total Seed Production Discover how Total Seed Productions vertically integrated process gives you complete control from the moment your seed is planted to final packaging labelling and distribution of your product. With Total Seed Production you get more than just a production company Complete brand support and service Dedicated onsite production facilities for both corn and soybean Unmatched flexibility and control through the entire production process Gain a competitive advantage now 1375 N. 800 W. Tipton IN 46072 P 765.963.5960 F 765.963.2047 WWW.TOTALSEEDPRODUCTION.COM Contact Aaron Conaway today to discuss your specific production needs 122 SEEDWORLD.COM DECEMBER 2015 Elections The closer to home the more they matter A long and trusting relationship with our most important business partner ... is in jeopardy. Bryan Gentsch the public trust nor do they efficiently counterbalance one another. We worked diligently during our recent legislative session to ensure fee increases necessary to protect the integrity of our programs were included in the state budget as cost-recovered items after it became obvi- ous Commissioner Miller was fixated on larger appro- priations from the states general revenue. The fee increases announced in October bore little resemblance to the relatively modest 30 percent increases TDA had earlier indicated were needed and are accounted for in the state budget. Rather they represent a 153 percent increase in the Verifying Seed Quality and a 41 percent increase in the Certified Seed Programs respectively. Erosion of Trust Most of you probably work with a crop improvement association but we perceive value in TDA regulating our seed trade. The members of the Texas Seed Trade Association and its predecessor organizations have enjoyed an unbroken collaborative and successful rela- tionship with TDA for almost a century. This relationship has been based on trust effective communication and a willingness to collaboratively address our mutual and respective needs as partners. TDAs recently demonstrated reluctance to continue this trust-based relationship by choosing to forgo dis- cussions with our industry prior to announcing signifi- cantly higher fees particularly in light of our support for higher fees demonstrated earlier this year is both unprecedented and concerning. It has always intrigued me that national elections particularly for president have the greatest appeal. There has never been any doubt in my mind that the more local the election the more it impacts the voter. Interest in national politics is well and good but regard- less of its growing reach the federal government gen- erally does not wield influence over you and your family like your local school board county tax assessor or zoning authority. Likewise state elections impact you far more than most national contests. You will not have any difficulty convincing members of the Texas Seed Trade Association that all elections have consequences more so the closer they are to you and your business. SW TEXAS SEED PROFESSIONALS are getting a hard lesson in election consequences. We elect virtually all statewide office-holders in Texas a practice origi- nating shortly after the Civil War and common in the South. The practice was designed to prevent carpet- bagger governors from appointing the entirety of state government. On Jan. 1 2016 our newly-elected Commissioner of Agriculture the Honorable Sid Miller is unilaterally raising fees by an unprecedented margin. While these fee increases will likely remove more than 40000 from the bottom line of an average Texas seed company that might not be the worst of it. A long and trusting relationship with our most important business partner the Texas Department of Agriculture TDA is in jeopardy. Our fees doubled in 2011 as services were slashed and although painful those decisions were made col- laboratively and our input mattered. We have unan- swered questions about how the fee increases were formulated and sincerely doubt they are justified to administer our programs under required cost-recovery. The public comment period coincided with fall seed crop harvest and our request for an extension to allow our members time to carefully analyze the effects of the proposed fee increases on their businesses was summarily denied. Commissioner Miller was informed within weeks of taking office that TDA was 8 million in deficit. He was also informed that 50 open positions were being eliminated because they were unfilled and unfunded. He has been unsuccessful in restoring TDA funding to pre-2011 levels failing to procure the 21 million annual increase needed to replace a similar amount he voted to cut when a State Rep. in 2011. Lately Texans have tended to elect fiscal conserva- tives. Commissioner Miller claims to be one and was not in charge of TDA when it went 8 million into the red. Fiscal conservatives in Texas and elsewhere have occa- sionally sought to demonstrate their dedication to prin- ciple by ignoring or delaying necessary fee increases slashing budgets and in extreme cases eliminating their own agency or department. Viewed collectively and over time the effects can be unfavorable. Underspending can be just as damaging as over- spending. Neither advance ideal public policy serve BRYAN GENTSCH Executive vice president of the Texas Seed Trade Association SEEDWORLD.COMBUYERSGUIDE BUYERSGUIDE 1.800.418.9461 convey-all.com INNOVATIVE QUALITY SOLUTIONS Dealer Enquiries Welcome Looking for reliable equipment for your agribusiness Check out our extensive line of Short Transfer Conveyors Transloaders Fieldloaders Paddle Belt Conveyors Large Harvest Conveyors We have the model to t your requirements. We also produce an extensive line of Seed Tenders Commercial Seed Tenders Visit CONVEY-ALL.COM to read testimonials of the quality and eciency that our products can add to your operation. We realize the marketplace is competitive and in this day of technology the value that we can add to your operation is our commitment to your satisfaction. Contact your local dealer and ask them about Convey-All. Welcome to the sneak peak of the 2016 Seed World Buyers Guide. Launching online at SeedWorld.com the full digital edition of the Buyers Guide will be available in January 2016. On the following pages you will find information that will help you make your business purchasing decisions in the year ahead. For this print edition of the Buyers Guide you will find category listings of products and services from industry suppliers. All listings in the 2016 Seed World Buyers Guide have been supplied by the companies. Reference herein to specific commercial products processes or services by trade name trademark manufacturer or otherwise does not constitute or imply its endorsement recommendation or favoring by Seed World. PRODUCTION OTHER OFFICE RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT BUYERSGUIDE Crop Nutrition.............................................................................................................6 Crop Protection.........................................................................................................6 Engineers........................................................................................................................7 Growth Promoters....................................................................................................7 Scales................................................................................................................................7 Seed Coatings and Polymers........................................................................... 8 Seed Company.......................................................................................................... 8 Seed Equipment and Machinery....................................................................9 Seed Grading and Sorting................................................................................10 Seed Packaging .....................................................................................................10 Seed Storage..............................................................................................................11 Seed Treatments ......................................................................................................11 Software........................................................................................................................12 Consultants................................................................................................................... 2 Financial Services .....................................................................................................3 Software Information Technology and Data Management..........................................................................................3 Contract Development..........................................................................................4 Contract Research....................................................................................................4 Equipment and Supplies...................................................................................... 5 SEEDWORLD.COMBUYERSGUIDE 1 2 4 6 13 2 2016 BUYERS GUIDE AGRITHORITY Contact Jerry Duff Global Headquarters 11125 N.W. Ambassador Drive Kansas City MO 64153 Tel 816 891-0916 Fax 816 891-7576 jduffagrithority.com agrithority.com AgriThority is a contract science consultancy and independent global authority for production of tomorrows food feed fiber and fuel. Were equipped to guide you toward developing innovative products. We serve entities working in crop and animal agriculture horticulture and allied industries and have developed relationships in companies ranging from new technology ventures to the multi- national basic manufacturers. Forward thinking agriculture experts with deep scientific experience are the core of AgriThority. As an independent global science consultancy AgriThority focuses on exploring potential through independent field and clinical research trials to establish value and credibility. Our in-country experts help with expanding market access and planning pathways to commercialization. We also focus on evolving production practices for greater productivity to aid in food security and sustainability. AgriThority Associates are agricultural leaders from around the world with strong reputations and decades of experience. Each maintains a presence in their respective countries and regions remaining cognizant of developing issues technologies and discoveries. Our global team of Associates applies decades of cumulative experience in all areas of the agriculture industry with core competencies in Technology Transfer Seed Seed Treatment Plant Animal Nutrition Precision Agriculture including Unmanned Aircraft Systems. Our extended network of specialists grants AgriThority scalability around the world. In addition to the Associates and our network of over 175 science engineering and regulatory consultants across six continents AgriThority has access to a number of alliances and cutting-edge tools to bring clients the highest level of services. HEARTLAND GLOBAL INC. Contact Lloyd Le Page 6320 Sudbury Ct. Johnston IA 50131 Tel 515 771-1685 lloyd.lpheartland-global.com heartland-global.com Heartland Global Inc. HG is a farm agribusiness investment and economic development business focused on emerging markets ag-innovation and advisory services. Our HG partners have extensive experience throughout the global seed sector and more than two-thirds have served in multi-national seed companies. Our partners consult for large and small seed companies national governments regional economic communities and for bilateral and multilateral donors such as USAID and World Bank. In the area of seed we provide expertise in breeding foundation and parent seed production commercial production and out-grower schemes logistics quality management systems sales and marketing market analysis MA due-diligence IP partnerdistributor identification regulatory and government affairs biotechnology and seed regulatory third party audits and connections with genetics providers. Our business focuses on providing holistic and vertically integrated solutions. We provide farm and agribusiness advisory services as an entry point for new business growth especially in previously under-reached market segments such as priority markets in Africa the Americas and Asia. We invest in U.S. and Emerging market agriculture directly and indirectly through financial instruments. We create innovative business to business B2B and private-public partnership PPP solutions which provide a more sustainable and less risky market entry strategy. We deliver innovative agricultural technology transfer and deployment and can provide registration and seed testing service We support the power of local knowledge combined with global best practice. Our HG partners have global experience including in emerging and developed markets. We believe in holistic business technology and economic development solutions that last beyond projects and donor programs and that scale research into commercial use. Heartland Global Inc. Technology and Knowledge Innovations for Sustainable Growth. POPP ENGINEERING INC. Contact Jonathan Popp 2710 Ford St. Ames IA 50010 Tel 515 232-6118 Fax 515 232-8814 jpopppoppengineeringinc.com poppengineeringinc.com Popp Engineering is a Midwestern based company providing solutions to the seed and agricultural related industries. We approach each project by interacting with the customer at their facility and we strive to understand their business so the recommendations we make fit their business style. We provide engineering and project management services which encompass renovation and new construction and we specialize in dust control and seed drying solutions. All phases of projects from problem analysis and design to equipment procurement and construction management are provided to our customers. Our services are known by Creativity Professionalism Responsiveness Innovation We thank you for the opportunity to support your business. CONSULTANTS CONSULTANTS CONSULTANTS OFFICE SEEDWORLD.COMBUYERSGUIDE 3 HEARTLAND GLOBAL INC. Contact Lloyd Le Page 6320 Sudbury Ct. Johnston IA 50131 Tel 515 771-1685 lloyd.lpheartland-global.com heartland-global.com Heartland Global Inc. HG is a farm agribusiness investment and economic development business focused on emerging markets ag-innovation and advisory services. Our HG partners have extensive experience throughout the global seed sector and more than two-thirds have served in multi-national seed companies. Our partners consult for large and small seed companies national governments regional economic communities and for bilateral and multilateral donors such as USAID and World Bank. In the area of seed we provide expertise in breeding foundation and parent seed production commercial production and out-grower schemes logistics quality management systems sales and marketing market analysis MA due-diligence IP partnerdistributor identification regulatory and government affairs biotechnology and seed regulatory third party audits and connections with genetics providers. Our business focuses on providing holistic and vertically integrated solutions. We provide farm and agribusiness advisory services as an entry point for new business growth especially in previously under-reached market segments such as priority markets in Africa the Americas and Asia. We invest in U.S. and Emerging market agriculture directly and indirectly through financial instruments. We create innovative business to business B2B and private-public partnership PPP solutions which provide a more sustainable and less risky market entry strategy. We deliver innovative agricultural technology transfer and deployment and can provide registration and seed testing service We support the power of local knowledge combined with global best practice. Our HG partners have global experience including in emerging and developed markets. We believe in holistic business technology and economic development solutions that last beyond projects and donor programs and that scale research into commercial use. Heartland Global Inc. Technology and Knowledge Innovations for Sustainable Growth. COMPUWEIGH CORP. Contact Tim Ciucci 50 Middle Quarter Rd. Woodbury CT 06798 Tel 203 262-9400 Fax 203 262-9488 timcompuweigh.com compuweigh.com Need a way to accurately monitor production totals CompuWeigh supplies a full line of Process Hopper Scales ranging from 0.5 250 tph. Available in mild or stainless steel pneumatic or hydraulic operation and offered with a variety of popular PLC interfaces. CompuWeigh also supplies the broadest range of high speed RFID truck receiving and load-out systems allowing facilities to process more trucks in less time reducing the need for human input and drastically reducing ticketing errors. Please visit our booth to learn how CompuWeigh can help to track production and increase throughput at your facility. CONSULTANTS FINANCIAL SERVICES SOFTWARE INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY AND DATA MANAGEMENT THE CONTEXT NETWORK Contact Admin Office 4601 Westown Parkway Suite 200 West Des Moines IA 50266 Tel 314 995-6007 infocontextnet.com Contextnet.com The Context Network is the worlds premier business management and strategy consulting firm providing services to agriculture biotechnology and food companies and to government entities and NGOs. Context helps each client achieve remarkable results and advance agriculture via customized business solutions. Major areas of expertise include strategy development opportunity analysis RD assessment merger and acquisition support productportfolio management regulatory compliance industry benchmarking competitive intelligence and marketing intelligenceresearch. Context is comprised of a core of professional executive consultants and is complemented by a global network of hundreds of industry and subject matter experts on-site worldwide. 4 2016 BUYERS GUIDE HEARTLAND GLOBAL INC. Contact Lloyd Le Page 6320 Sudbury Ct. Johnston IA 50131 Tel 515 771-1685 lloyd.lpheartland-global.com heartland-global.com Heartland Global Inc. HG is a farm agribusiness investment and economic development business focused on emerging markets ag-innovation and advisory services. Our HG partners have extensive experience throughout the global seed sector and more than two-thirds have served in multi-national seed companies. Our partners consult for large and small seed companies national governments regional economic communities and for bilateral and multilateral donors such as USAID and World Bank. In the area of seed we provide expertise in breeding foundation and parent seed production commercial production and out-grower schemes logistics quality management systems sales and marketing market analysis MA due-diligence IP partnerdistributor identification regulatory and government affairs biotechnology and seed regulatory third party audits and connections with genetics providers. Our business focuses on providing holistic and vertically integrated solutions. We provide farm and agribusiness advisory services as an entry point for new business growth especially in previously under-reached market segments such as priority markets in Africa the Americas and Asia. We invest in U.S. and Emerging market agriculture directly and indirectly through financial instruments. We create innovative business to business B2B and private-public partnership PPP solutions which provide a more sustainable and less risky market entry strategy. We deliver innovative agricultural technology transfer and deployment and can provide registration and seed testing service We support the power of local knowledge combined with global best practice. Our HG partners have global experience including in emerging and developed markets. We believe in holistic business technology and economic development solutions that last beyond projects and donor programs and that scale research into commercial use. Heartland Global Inc. Technology and Knowledge Innovations for Sustainable Growth. AGRITHORITY Contact Jerry Duff Global Headquarters 11125 N.W. Ambassador Drive Kansas City MO 64153 Tel 816 891-0916 Fax 816 891-7576 jduffagrithority.com agrithority.com AgriThority is a contract science consultancy and independent global authority for production of tomorrows food feed fiber and fuel. Were equipped to guide you toward developing innovative products. We serve entities working in crop and animal agriculture horticulture and allied industries and have developed relationships in companies ranging from new technology ventures to the multi- national basic manufacturers. Forward thinking agriculture experts with deep scientific experience are the core of AgriThority. As an independent global science consultancy AgriThority focuses on exploring potential through independent field and clinical research trials to establish value and credibility. Our in-country experts help with expanding market access and planning pathways to commercialization. We also focus on evolving production practices for greater productivity to aid in food security and sustainability. AgriThority Associates are agricultural leaders from around the world with strong reputations and decades of experience. Each maintains a presence in their respective countries and regions remaining cognizant of developing issues technologies and discoveries. Our global team of Associates applies decades of cumulative experience in all areas of the agriculture industry with core competencies in Technology Transfer Seed Seed Treatment Plant Animal Nutrition Precision Agriculture including Unmanned Aircraft Systems. Our extended network of specialists grants AgriThority scalability around the world. In addition to the Associates and our network of over 175 science engineering and regulatory consultants across six continents AgriThority has access to a number of alliances and cutting-edge tools to bring clients the highest level of services. SOFTWARE INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY AND DATA MANAGEMENT CONTRACT DEVELOPMENT CONTRACT RESEARCH OFFICE RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT USC LLC Contact Tammy Epple 2320 124th Rd Sabetha KS 66534 Tel 785 431-7900 Fax 785 431-7950 tammyeppleuscllc.com uscllc.com USCs 90000 square foot facility houses the industrys only full-service provider of its kind. Priding themselves on true craftsmanship USCs owners employees and industry experts work around the clock to provide our customers with customized products and services designed to meet the needs of any seed treating operation. From manual treaters and basic pump stands to fully automated prescriptive treating systems and complete bin sites USC offers the most diverse product line available in seed treating solutions. A pioneer in the seed treating industry USC continues to evolve as an industry leader bringing the newest technology to the mainstream markets. SEEDWORLD.COMBUYERSGUIDE 5 HEARTLAND GLOBAL INC. Contact Lloyd Le Page 6320 Sudbury Ct. Johnston IA 50131 Tel 515 771-1685 lloyd.lpheartland-global.com heartland-global.com Heartland Global Inc. HG is a farm agribusiness investment and economic development business focused on emerging markets ag-innovation and advisory services. Our HG partners have extensive experience throughout the global seed sector and more than two-thirds have served in multi-national seed companies. Our partners consult for large and small seed companies national governments regional economic communities and for bilateral and multilateral donors such as USAID and World Bank. In the area of seed we provide expertise in breeding foundation and parent seed production commercial production and out-grower schemes logistics quality management systems sales and marketing market analysis MA due-diligence IP partnerdistributor identification regulatory and government affairs biotechnology and seed regulatory third party audits and connections with genetics providers. Our business focuses on providing holistic and vertically integrated solutions. We provide farm and agribusiness advisory services as an entry point for new business growth especially in previously under-reached market segments such as priority markets in Africa the Americas and Asia. We invest in U.S. and Emerging market agriculture directly and indirectly through financial instruments. We create innovative business to business B2B and private-public partnership PPP solutions which provide a more sustainable and less risky market entry strategy. We deliver innovative agricultural technology transfer and deployment and can provide registration and seed testing service We support the power of local knowledge combined with global best practice. Our HG partners have global experience including in emerging and developed markets. We believe in holistic business technology and economic development solutions that last beyond projects and donor programs and that scale research into commercial use. Heartland Global Inc. Technology and Knowledge Innovations for Sustainable Growth. CHANTLAND MHS Contact Steve Hartmann PO Box 279 Humboldt IA 50548 Tel 515 332-4045 Fax 515 332-1502 shartmannchantland.com chantland.com Since 1943 Chantland MHS has designed and manufactured conveying and packaging equipment to improve the efficiency productivity and competitive position of our customers worldwide. Chantland MHS specializes in the manufacture of bulk package and pallet conveyors high speed automatic bag placing filling and weighing equipment box nesting and filling equipment automatic conventional and Fuji robotic bag palletizers for customers who primarily handle seed and other dry bulk and bagged products. We have built our company and our reputation not by trying to be all things to all people but by focusing upon one fundamental idea - Build Quality Equipment and Back It Up. As you consider new equipment purchases please contact Chantland MHS for quality and performance...guaranteed. CONTRACT RESEARCH EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES USC LLC Contact Tammy Epple 2320 124th Rd Sabetha KS 66534 Tel 785 431-7900 Fax 785 431-7950 tammyeppleuscllc.com uscllc.com USCs 90000 square foot facility houses the industrys only full-service provider of its kind. Priding themselves on true craftsmanship USCs owners employees and industry experts work around the clock to provide our customers with customized products and services designed to meet the needs of any seed treating operation. From manual treaters and basic pump stands to fully automated prescriptive treating systems and complete bin sites USC offers the most diverse product line available in seed treating solutions. A pioneer in the seed treating industry USC continues to evolve as an industry leader bringing the newest technology to the mainstream markets. 6 2016 BUYERS GUIDE ADVANCED BIOLOGICAL MARKETING Contact Pete Hayes 375 Bonnewitz Avenue Van Wert OH 45891 Tel 419 232-2461 Fax 419 232-4664 petehayesabm1st.com abm1st.com Advanced Biological Marketing ABM is a leading agricultural biological company focused on seed treatments. Our challenge is to provide natural resources to the seed to obtain maximum yield in an efficient and economical way. To meet that challenge we have partnered with the worlds foremost experts in molecular genetics and microbiologists secured patents and continue to research and develop the worlds most advanced solutions in enhancing plant growth and productivity. Our product line includes bradyrhizobia biologicals for legumes and for other row crops. We specialize in Rhizobia Trichoderma and Bacillus and in product formulation. Brand names include SabrEx Excalibre Graph-Ex and Marauder. We are an independent privately held corporation based in the USA. Our mission is to become our customers long term vendor of choice for ag biological knowledge products and service. Based in Van Wert Ohio we serve customers around the world. ADVANCED BIOLOGICAL MARKETING Contact Pete Hayes 375 Bonnewitz Avenue Van Wert OH 45891 Tel 419 232-2461 Fax 419 232-4664 petehayesabm1st.com abm1st.com Advanced Biological Marketing ABM is a leading agricultural biological company focused on seed treatments. Our challenge is to provide natural resources to the seed to obtain maximum yield in an efficient and economical way. To meet that challenge we have partnered with the worlds foremost experts in molecular genetics and microbiologists secured patents and continue to research and develop the worlds most advanced solutions in enhancing plant growth and productivity. Our product line includes bradyrhizobia biologicals for legumes and for other row crops. We specialize in Rhizobia Trichoderma and Bacillus and in product formulation. Brand names include SabrEx Excalibre Graph-Ex and Marauder. We are an independent privately held corporation based in the USA. Our mission is to become our customers long term vendor of choice for ag biological knowledge products and service. Based in Van Wert Ohio we serve customers around the world. CROP NUTRITION CROP PROTECTION CROP PROTECTION PRODUCTION THE CONTEXT NETWORK Contact Admin Office 4601 Westown Parkway Suite 200 West Des Moines IA 50266 Tel 314 995-6007 infocontextnet.com Contextnet.com The Context Network is the worlds premier business management and strategy consulting firm providing services to agriculture biotechnology and food companies and to government entities and NGOs. Context helps each client achieve remarkable results and advance agriculture via customized business solutions. Major areas of expertise include strategy development opportunity analysis RD assessment merger and acquisition support productportfolio management regulatory compliance industry benchmarking competitive intelligence and marketing intelligenceresearch. Context is comprised of a core of professional executive consultants and is complemented by a global network of hundreds of industry and subject matter experts on-site worldwide. SEEDWORLD.COMBUYERSGUIDE 7 POPP ENGINEERING INC. Contact Jonathan Popp 2710 Ford St. Ames IA 50010 Tel 515 232-6118 Fax 515 232-8814 jpopppoppengineeringinc.com poppengineeringinc.com Popp Engineering is a Midwestern based company providing solutions to the seed and agricultural related industries. We approach each project by interacting with the customer at their facility and we strive to understand their business so the recommendations we make fit their business style. We provide engineering and project management services which encompass renovation and new construction and we specialize in dust control and seed drying solutions. All phases of projects from problem analysis and design to equipment procurement and construction management are provided to our customers. Our services are known by Creativity Professionalism Responsiveness Innovation We thank you for the opportunity to support your business. ENGINEERS GROWTH PROMOTERS COMPUWEIGH CORP. Contact Tim Ciucci 50 Middle Quarter Rd. Woodbury CT 06798 Tel 203 262-9400 Fax 203 262-9488 timcompuweigh.com compuweigh.com Need a way to accurately monitor production totals CompuWeigh supplies a full line of Process Hopper Scales ranging from 0.5 250 tph. Available in mild or stainless steel pneumatic or hydraulic operation and offered with a variety of popular PLC interfaces. CompuWeigh also supplies the broadest range of high speed RFID truck receiving and load-out systems allowing facilities to process more trucks in less time reducing the need for human input and drastically reducing ticketing errors. Please visit our booth to learn how CompuWeigh can help to track production and increase throughput at your facility. SCALES THE CONTEXT NETWORK Contact Admin Office 4601 Westown Parkway Suite 200 West Des Moines IA 50266 Tel 314 995-6007 infocontextnet.com Contextnet.com The Context Network is the worlds premier business management and strategy consulting firm providing services to agriculture biotechnology and food companies and to government entities and NGOs. Context helps each client achieve remarkable results and advance agriculture via customized business solutions. Major areas of expertise include strategy development opportunity analysis RD assessment merger and acquisition support productportfolio management regulatory compliance industry benchmarking competitive intelligence and marketing intelligenceresearch. Context is comprised of a core of professional executive consultants and is complemented by a global network of hundreds of industry and subject matter experts on-site worldwide. 8 2016 BUYERS GUIDE ADVANCED BIOLOGICAL MARKETING Contact Pete Hayes 375 Bonnewitz Avenue Van Wert OH 45891 Tel 419 232-2461 Fax 419 232-4664 petehayesabm1st.com abm1st.com Advanced Biological Marketing ABM is a leading agricultural biological company focused on seed treatments. Our challenge is to provide natural resources to the seed to obtain maximum yield in an efficient and economical way. To meet that challenge we have partnered with the worlds foremost experts in molecular genetics and microbiologists secured patents and continue to research and develop the worlds most advanced solutions in enhancing plant growth and productivity. Our product line includes bradyrhizobia biologicals for legumes and for other row crops. We specialize in Rhizobia Trichoderma and Bacillus and in product formulation. Brand names include SabrEx Excalibre Graph-Ex and Marauder. We are an independent privately held corporation based in the USA. Our mission is to become our customers long term vendor of choice for ag biological knowledge products and service. Based in Van Wert Ohio we serve customers around the world. 3 STAR LETTUCE Contact Javier Saldana 39 Gonzales River Road Gonzalez CA 93926 Fax 831 675-3826 jsaldana3starlettuce.com 3starlettuce.com 3 STAR LETTUCE LLC is a conventional and certified organic lettuce seed company that specializes in developing producing and marketing quality lettuce varieties. We carry all types of lettuce seed including Iceberg Romaine Mixleaf Springmix and Specialty Lettuces. Our headquarters are located in Gonzales California and we also have a warehouse and sales office in Yuma Arizona. Research Development is an integral component at 3 Star Lettuce. Our R D program is active in all major growing areas and conducts its studies in the field according to the specific growing areas where the varieties are being developed for. Our primary seed production is located in the San Joaquin Valley where we produce both Conventional and Organic seed. HM.CLAUSE Contact Stephen Tomasello 260 Cousteau Place Suite 100 Davis CA 95618 Tel 800 320-4672 stephen.tomasellohmclause.com hmclause.com HM.CLAUSE is a global vegetable seed company dedicated to meeting local needs through global diversity and is committed to innovation inspired by worldwide partnerships in the scientific industrial and commercial fields. An innovative company whose core business is plant breeding HM.CLAUSE specializes in the development production and sales of vegetable seeds worldwide. In 2008 Harris Moran Seed Company USA and Clause France were grouped together under the HM.CLAUSE Business Unit of Limagrain. HM.CLAUSE generated 289 million in annual sales in 2015 and employs more than 2200 people full-time located in over 30 countries around the world. Its investments in research and breeding represent 15 of annual sales. The organization coordinates breeding for 25 species and has more than 900 people actively engaged in research and development activities. HM.CLAUSE is a Business Unit of Limagrain an international agricultural co-operative group specializing in field seeds vegetable seeds and cereal products. Founded and managed by French farmers Limagrain is the 4th largest seed company in the world and the only leading seed company that is not also a chemical company. SEED COMPANY SEED COMPANYSEED COATINGS AND POLYMERS PRODUCTION SEEDWORLD.COMBUYERSGUIDE 9 CHANTLAND MHS Contact Steve Hartmann PO Box 279 Humboldt IA 50548 Tel 515 332-4045 Fax 515 332-1502 shartmannchantland.com www.chantland.com Since 1943 Chantland MHS has designed and manufactured conveying and packaging equipment to improve the efficiency productivity and competitive position of our customers worldwide. Chantland MHS specializes in the manufacture of bulk package and pallet conveyors high speed automatic bag placing filling and weighing equipment box nesting and filling equipment automatic conventional and Fuji robotic bag palletizers for customers who primarily handle seed and other dry bulk and bagged products. We have built our company and our reputation not by trying to be all things to all people but by focusing upon one fundamental idea - Build Quality Equipment and Back It Up. As you consider new equipment purchases please contact Chantland MHS for quality and performance...guaranteed. COMPUWEIGH CORP. Contact Tim Ciucci 50 Middle Quarter Rd. Woodbury CT 06798 Tel 203 262-9400 Fax 203 262-9488 timcompuweigh.com compuweigh.com Need a way to accurately monitor production totals CompuWeigh supplies a full line of Process Hopper Scales ranging from 0.5 250 tph. Available in mild or stainless steel pneumatic or hydraulic operation and offered with a variety of popular PLC interfaces. CompuWeigh also supplies the broadest range of high speed RFID truck receiving and load-out systems allowing facilities to process more trucks in less time reducing the need for human input and drastically reducing ticketing errors. Please visit our booth to learn how CompuWeigh can help to track production and increase throughput at your facility. SEED EQUIPMENT AND MACHINERY SEED EQUIPMENT AND MACHINERY POPP ENGINEERING INC. Contact Jonathan Popp 2710 Ford St. Ames IA 50010 Tel 515 232-6118 Fax 515 232-8814 jpopppoppengineeringinc.com poppengineeringinc.com Popp Engineering is a Midwestern based company providing solutions to the seed and agricultural related industries. We approach each project by interacting with the customer at their facility and we strive to understand their business so the recommendations we make fit their business style. We provide engineering and project management services which encompass renovation and new construction and we specialize in dust control and seed drying solutions. All phases of projects from problem analysis and design to equipment procurement and construction management are provided to our customers. Our services are known by Creativity Professionalism Responsiveness Innovation We thank you for the opportunity to support your business. SEED EQUIPMENT AND MACHINERY 10 2016 BUYERS GUIDE POPP ENGINEERING INC. Contact Jonathan Popp 2710 Ford St. Ames IA 50010 Tel 515 232-6118 Fax 515 232-8814 jpopppoppengineeringinc.com poppengineeringinc.com Popp Engineering is a Midwestern based company providing solutions to the seed and agricultural related industries. We approach each project by interacting with the customer at their facility and we strive to understand their business so the recommendations we make fit their business style. We provide engineering and project management services which encompass renovation and new construction and we specialize in dust control and seed drying solutions. All phases of projects from problem analysis and design to equipment procurement and construction management are provided to our customers. Our services are known by Creativity Professionalism Responsiveness Innovation We thank you for the opportunity to support your business. CHANTLAND MHS Contact Steve Hartmann PO Box 279 Humboldt IA 50548 Tel 515 332-4045 Fax 515 332-1502 shartmannchantland.com chantland.com Since 1943 Chantland MHS has designed and manufactured conveying and packaging equipment to improve the efficiency productivity and competitive position of our customers worldwide. Chantland MHS specializes in the manufacture of bulk package and pallet conveyors high speed automatic bag placing filling and weighing equipment box nesting and filling equipment automatic conventional and Fuji robotic bag palletizers for customers who primarily handle seed and other dry bulk and bagged products. We have built our company and our reputation not by trying to be all things to all people but by focusing upon one fundamental idea - Build Quality Equipment and Back It Up. As you consider new equipment purchases please contact Chantland MHS for quality and performance...guaranteed. SEED EQUIPMENT AND MACHINERY SEED GRADING AND SORTING SEED PACKAGING PRODUCTION USC LLC Contact Tammy Epple 2320 124th Rd Sabetha KS 66534 Tel 785 431-7900 Fax 785 431-7950 tammyeppleuscllc.com uscllc.com USCs 90000 square foot facility houses the industrys only full-service provider of its kind. Priding themselves on true craftsmanship USCs owners employees and industry experts work around the clock to provide our customers with customized products and services designed to meet the needs of any seed treating operation. From manual treaters and basic pump stands to fully automated prescriptive treating systems and complete bin sites USC offers the most diverse product line available in seed treating solutions. A pioneer in the seed treating industry USC continues to evolve as an industry leader bringing the newest technology to the mainstream markets. SEEDWORLD.COMBUYERSGUIDE 11 MERIDIAN MANUFACTURING Contact Roxanne Nesdoly 4232 - 38th Street Camrose AB T4V 4B2 Tel 780 672-4516 rnesdolymeridianmfg.com meridianmfg.com Meridian Manufacturing Inc. is committed to manufacturing the most innovative and quality storage and handling products to serve the agricultural industry. Backed by over 65 years of experience Meridian continues to break barriers in industry standards. We are continuously looking for ways of improving our product lineup and incorporating the latest technological advancements to better serve our customers. Your success is our passion hence our endless pursuit to better meet your ever-changing needs. Meridians SeedMax is a package of our smooth-wall bins weve designed specifically to accommodate any type of dry flowable seed product. SeedMax sizes range from 500 bushels to 5000 bushels. Bulk seed sites are designed by Meridians trained dealers and offered in a variety of size configurations to accommodate your needs. SeedMax bins are designed to provide you the safest and most cost effective seed storage solution while helping you ensure the integrity and cleanliness required when handling seed. In addition to our smooth-wall bins Meridian also offers Bulk seed tenders Augers Conveyors Fuel trailers AirMax aeration systems Custom seed site solutions Contact us today to learn more at 1-800-830-2467. SEED STORAGE SEED STORAGE USC LLC Contact Tammy Epple 2320 124th Rd Sabetha KS 66534 Tel 785 431-7900 Fax 785 431-7950 tammyeppleuscllc.com uscllc.com USCs 90000 square foot facility houses the industrys only full-service provider of its kind. Priding themselves on true craftsmanship USCs owners employees and industry experts work around the clock to provide our customers with customized products and services designed to meet the needs of any seed treating operation. From manual treaters and basic pump stands to fully automated prescriptive treating systems and complete bin sites USC offers the most diverse product line available in seed treating solutions. A pioneer in the seed treating industry USC continues to evolve as an industry leader bringing the newest technology to the mainstream markets. ADVANCED BIOLOGICAL MARKETING Contact Pete Hayes 375 Bonnewitz Avenue Van Wert OH 45891 Tel 419 232-2461 Fax 419 232-4664 petehayesabm1st.com abm1st.com Advanced Biological Marketing ABM is a leading agricultural biological company focused on seed treatments. Our challenge is to provide natural resources to the seed to obtain maximum yield in an efficient and economical way. To meet that challenge we have partnered with the worlds foremost experts in molecular genetics and microbiologists secured patents and continue to research and develop the worlds most advanced solutions in enhancing plant growth and productivity. Our product line includes bradyrhizobia biologicals for legumes and for other row crops. We specialize in Rhizobia Trichoderma and Bacillus and in product formulation. Brand names include SabrEx Excalibre Graph-Ex and Marauder. We are an independent privately held corporation based in the USA. Our mission is to become our customers long term vendor of choice for ag biological knowledge products and service. Based in Van Wert Ohio we serve customers around the world. SEED TREATMENTS 12 2016 BUYERS GUIDE POPP ENGINEERING INC. Contact Jonathan Popp 2710 Ford St. Ames IA 50010 Tel 515 232-6118 Fax 515 232-8814 jpopppoppengineeringinc.com poppengineeringinc.com Popp Engineering is a Midwestern based company providing solutions to the seed and agricultural related industries. We approach each project by interacting with the customer at their facility and we strive to understand their business so the recommendations we make fit their business style. We provide engineering and project management services which encompass renovation and new construction and we specialize in dust control and seed drying solutions. All phases of projects from problem analysis and design to equipment procurement and construction management are provided to our customers. Our services are known by Creativity Professionalism Responsiveness Innovation We thank you for the opportunity to support your business. COMPUWEIGH CORP. Contact Tim Ciucci 50 Middle Quarter Rd. Woodbury CT 06798 Tel 203 262-9400 Fax 203 262-9488 timcompuweigh.com compuweigh.com Need a way to accurately monitor production totals CompuWeigh supplies a full line of Process Hopper Scales ranging from 0.5 250 tph. Available in mild or stainless steel pneumatic or hydraulic operation and offered with a variety of popular PLC interfaces. CompuWeigh also supplies the broadest range of high speed RFID truck receiving and load-out systems allowing facilities to process more trucks in less time reducing the need for human input and drastically reducing ticketing errors. Please visit our booth to learn how CompuWeigh can help to track production and increase throughput at your facility. SEED TREATMENTS PRODUCTION SEED TREATMENTS SOFTWARE USC LLC Contact Tammy Epple 2320 124th Rd Sabetha KS 66534 Tel 785 431-7900 Fax 785 431-7950 tammyeppleuscllc.com uscllc.com USCs 90000 square foot facility houses the industrys only full-service provider of its kind. Priding themselves on true craftsmanship USCs owners employees and industry experts work around the clock to provide our customers with customized products and services designed to meet the needs of any seed treating operation. From manual treaters and basic pump stands to fully automated prescriptive treating systems and complete bin sites USC offers the most diverse product line available in seed treating solutions. A pioneer in the seed treating industry USC continues to evolve as an industry leader bringing the newest technology to the mainstream markets. SEEDWORLD.COMBUYERSGUIDE 13 HEARTLAND GLOBAL INC. Contact Lloyd Le Page 6320 Sudbury Ct. Johnston IA 50131 Tel 515 771-1685 lloyd.lpheartland-global.com heartland-global.com Heartland Global Inc. HG is a farm agribusiness investment and economic development business focused on emerging markets ag-innovation and advisory services. Our HG partners have extensive experience throughout the global seed sector and more than two-thirds have served in multi-national seed companies. Our partners consult for large and small seed companies national governments regional economic communities and for bilateral and multilateral donors such as USAID and World Bank. In the area of seed we provide expertise in breeding foundation and parent seed production commercial production and out-grower schemes logistics quality management systems sales and marketing market analysis MA due-diligence IP partnerdistributor identification regulatory and government affairs biotechnology and seed regulatory third party audits and connections with genetics providers. Our business focuses on providing holistic and vertically integrated solutions. We provide farm and agribusiness advisory services as an entry point for new business growth especially in previously under-reached market segments such as priority markets in Africa the Americas and Asia. We invest in U.S. and Emerging market agriculture directly and indirectly through financial instruments. We create innovative business to business B2B and private-public partnership PPP solutions which provide a more sustainable and less risky market entry strategy. We deliver innovative agricultural technology transfer and deployment and can provide registration and seed testing service We support the power of local knowledge combined with global best practice. Our HG partners have global experience including in emerging and developed markets. We believe in holistic business technology and economic development solutions that last beyond projects and donor programs and that scale research into commercial use. Heartland Global Inc. Technology and Knowledge Innovations for Sustainable Growth. OTHER SEEDWORLD.COMBUYERSGUIDE ONLINE BUYERSGUIDE COMING JANUARY 2016 Participate in a management education seminar created specifically for you a seed industry professional. Surrounded by your peers you will discuss what key factors are driving the industry and learn the concepts and tools you will need to be a successful leader. W W W. A G R I B U S I N E S S . P U R D U E . E D U F O R M O R E I N F O R M A T I O N