b"Standout Stewardshipon The Hill for the Seed IndustryJanae Bradys farm roots inform every decision she makes.Aimee NielsonJANAE BRADY TRACESher agricultural roots to the vast,with the government affairs team at ASTA while I was on the Hill, open Kansas wheat fields. From these beginnings on hershe says They were a valuable resource on several issues. I called family's farm, Brady has grown into a pivotal figure in agricul- on their team of experts a number of times when I needed addi-tural advocacy, currently serving as vice president of govern- tional help and of course, they would also bring in their member-ment affairs for the American Seed Trade Association (ASTA).ship to meet with us about important issues during fly-ins. Her journey from farm to the forefront of agricultural policy inAfter eight years with the Senate Agriculture Committee, Washington D.C. reflects her deep connection to her roots andBrady decided it was time to move on to something different, her desire to be a dynamic influence on the seed industry. and thats when she joined ASTA in 2020. Bradys agricultural background is the foundation of herCurrently at ASTA, Brady represents a broad spectrum of professional aspirations. Her family mainly grows wheat andagricultural interests, from individual farmers to large agribusi-sorghum in an area of the country she describes as a deep rednesses. Her role requires her to navigate the challenges and space on the U.S. Drought Monitor that rarely gets the water itneeds of the associations diverse membership. needs. Learning to work through the uncertainty and challengesThe issues of a vegetable company in California are very dif-of farming helped prepare her for future adversities in the worldferent from those of a corn and soybean company in Iowa, she of politics.explains. I think just learning the different needs of the different I am a farm kid, she states. I grew up on a working familymembers and trying to get a grasp on which issues we need to farm thats still in operation. Its absolutely in my roots. I try toprioritize has really been one of the biggest challenges, but that's stay informed about how the farm is doingif they are gettingalso something that keeps the job interesting. And you know rain, and how the crops are looking. It informs what I do in mywhat, the day that I stop learning is probably the day that I need career at every level.to consider doing something else. So thats definitely a rewarding Brady said her time on the farm gave her an intrinsic under- part of the job.standing of the agriculture and seed industries challenges and opportunities. This connection guided her early career decisionsTackling Industry Challengesand continues to influence her approach to advocacy and policy. One of the most challenging federal issues Brady has experienced Attending Kansas State University, Brady majored in educa- was the controversial topic ofbioengineered food disclosure. tion and then served as a teacher for three years in the Wichita,The debate over providing information and standardizing food Kansas Public School system before earning a masters degreelabels, which reached a peak during her tenure on Capitol Hill, was from The George Washington University. marked by deep divisions within the industry and the public. The general public was absolutely divided on the issue From Capitol Hill to ASTA and the seed industry was really at the forefront, Brady notes, Bradys transition to the political arena began on Capitol Hill,reflecting on the intense legislative battles and public discourse where she worked for Chairman Pat Roberts (R-Kansas) on thethat shaped the current regulatory environment. Looking at United States Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition andwhat was going on then, and now to where we are, we've evolved Forestry during his time as chairman and ranking member. Ason many things. We were successful in getting legislation in place senior professional staff, Brady advised the chairman on policythat provided more certainty for producers, agribusiness compa-issues concerning international trade, agricultural research, bio- nies, and consumers. And I think there has been a true genuine technology, crop protection and agricultural defense. In that role,effort engaging with the general public and trying to make sure she honed her skills in policymaking, focusing on agriculturalthat we're being open and helping those that rely on the grocery research and trade legislation during critical negotiations for thestore for their food to understand where that food comes from 2018 Farm Bill.and why some of these new and emerging technologies are so My first real exposure [to the seed industry] was workingimportant.6/ SEEDWORLD.COMJUNE 2024"