b'Everyone knew Joe, says Shawn Brook, president of the Seed World Group. I knew he was a likable guy,DISTINGUISHED SEED INDUSTRY SERVICEright off the bat. He was like his own little institution.And, just like Donna mentioned, while Joe had com- In 2017, at the American Seed Trade petitors in the industry, it never really meant you wereAssociation Annual Meeting, Joe real competitors.Joe and I liked to blow smoke with, and at, eachFunk was honored with the 2017 other, Brook jokes. We knew we didnt play for theASTA Distinguished Service Award, same team, but at the same time, we were on the samein recognition of those whose efforts teamthat team being the seed industry. That camehave made a significant contribution across from Joe right from square one. We wouldto the association and the seed always have an interesting conversation about whatsindustry. going on within the industry after every conference.One thing Patin notes about Joe in particular is howJoe has been faithfully serving he could get such different messages across to hisagriculture and the seed industry audience.with in-depth reporting on our When youre reading his articles, you could seerapidly changing business for 30 he cared, she says. He was trying to get the heart of the story, and he was trying to capture the relatableyears, said 2017 ASTA Chair Mark Herrmann. Hes not satisfied to just research a topic and write yet individuality of each story all the timeand heabout it; more often than not, youll find Joe making a personal trip to see first-hand the subject really just wanted to show the person or company inof his article.each article. Thats what makes Joe really unique in hisIn response to winning the award, Funk thanked the industry. writing. Hes trying to look for that special quality, that different angle to pull you into the narrative.This is only possible because you have been so generous in opening your offices, your plants, He even does it when he talks, Patin continues.your facilities and allowing us to come in and hear your story, Funk says.He pulls you into the story, luring you in the discus-sion fromthe history, building on the knowledge of the past to see where we are now and where we could be in the future. One Last Hurrah, and Riding Off into the SunsetPatin remembers one moment she saw how JoeAnd one thing the industry might remember welllikes to learn peoples stories during a visit to SGS.Joe tried to retire once prior, right after receiving the Patin drove Joe from SGS to his hotel in Sioux Falls,American Seed Trade Associations Distinguished about an hour away.Service Award. We talked, and it didnt feel like an hour, she says.Hes a bit stubborn, Donna jokes. He didnt Instead of seeing Joe as an editor or as a writer, I sawfeel like he was ready to retire, so he just chose to why he was so interested in other peoples stories andcontinue.in telling those stories. We could talk about anythingIn July 2017, Joe started as a consultant for a Bill & going on in my life with work or with my family, in hisMelinda Gates Foundation in Africa, working in the area life deciding on where his career path was going, and itof grant publications, but after that gig wrapped up, he was easy to open up to him. wanted to continue working. Brook agrees. According to Joe, Shawn had always told him that When somebody builds a new facility, Joe is ableas long as he worked for another magazine, hed never to capture the passion and the essence of what theyretry and poach him, Donna says. But if he was ever doing really well, he says. I dont think everyonefree, he should give him a call.knows how to do that, but its something that comesSo, Joe took Shawn up on that offer.easily to Joe. My joke always was, Im glad we could call him up Patin thinks his real secret to getting good scoops isto the big leagues for his swan song, Brook says. Hed putting people at ease and making them feel welcomed. always roll his eyes, but Im glad we could have him on Joe basically encompasses the seed industry,board with Seed World.she says. Its intimidating coming into the seedAlthough Joe might be leaving to ride off into the industry as a new face, but heres the thing: thesunset, the industry isnt willing to let him go without a industry is very welcoming. Joe is the same wayhegoodbye. was never intimidating during interviews. Hes justJoe has worked hard, and its been noticed, Brook someone who is comfortable to talk to, approachablesays. Hes made a large contribution to the industry, and has a great breadth of knowledge. and more people than he realized have taken note.SW16/ SEEDWORLD.COMJUNE 2021'