b'The Seed Industry has Lost its FunkAs Joe Funk enters the world of retirement, the seed industry fondly remembers his days in the sun.Alex MartinTHIRTY YEARS AGO,he never would have imagined the path life would take. A former weekend DJ, Joe Funk would eventually pave a path for professionals in the seed industry thats still trod today.From breaking news, to covering issues in unparalleled detail, he embodied the seed industry and all its facets. Joe was a staple at every major meeting, press event and facility visit. The multi-billion-dollar industry welcomed him with open arms, and he passed that family-feeling to every interview and introduction he had.Thats the man, the myth and even the legend: Joe Funk. And today he celebrates his three decades of achievement in retire-ment with his wife and family.Early CareerA man of many hatshes been a seed seller, USDA employee, freelance journalist, stay-at-home dad, a realtor, in addition to weekend DJ. However, most in the seed industry know him as a journalist, and particularly, a journalist who used interviews, research and industry know-how to craft a completely unbiased story. Joe didnt drop the ball there either, he would frequently follow up with subjects, after the story was done. But just like every legend, Joe had a humble start that allowed him to grow into the journalist he is today.12/ SEEDWORLD.COMJUNE 2021'