b'SEED TREATMENT APPLICATIONSSecuring Our Agricultural Future: Innovation & AdvocacyJOHN HOADLEY VP Operations, Summit Seed Coatingsjohn.hoadley@summitseedcoatings.comsummitseedcoatings.comAGRICULTURE HAS ALWAYSbeen at the heart of my career.How Were Making a DifferenceAs Summits VP of Operations, I oversee the daily logistics thatCAF focuses on advocacy, education, and policy development. ensure our seed coatings help farmers maximize their yields.Some of our key initiatives include:However, my passion for agriculture extends beyond my role. ILegislative Advocacy: We helped pass House Bill 608, which serve as board chair for the Coalition for Agricultures Futurescreated the Agricultural Protection Area (APA) program. This (CAF) board chair an organization dedicated to preservinggives farmers an incentive to keep their land in agriculture.farmland and advocating for policies that support sustainability.Public Engagement: Through events like Treasure Our Valley, we educate the public about Idahos agricultural heritage The Importance of Farmland Preservation and the role that seeds play in global food production.One of the biggest challenges facing agriculture today is urban Industry Collaboration: We work with organizations like expansion. In my home state of Idaho, farmland is being rap- American Farmland Trust to promote sustainable agricultural idly converted into residential and commercial developments.policies at state and national levels.For example, between 2017 and 2022, the Treasure Valley lost 174,000 acres of prime farmland. Given that Canyon County isThe Connection to Summitthe fifth-largest seed-producing region in the world, these lossesAt Summit, our mission is to enhance seed performance through have serious implications for food security. innovative coatings, helping farmers get the most out of every As part of CAF, I work closely with industry leaders, policy- acre. With global food demand increasing and available farm-makers and local governments to ensure decision-makers under- land shrinking, efficiency is more critical than ever. My work with stand the long-term impact of land-use policies. Our goal is notCAF aligns perfectly with Summits goalsensuring that farm-to prevent farmers from selling their land, but rather to provideers have both the land and the technology they need to sustain alternative options that allow them to continue farming. future generations.CHITOSAN SEED TREATMENTThe Plan After the Planter: Six Questions to Ask Now to Set Up Next SeasonLEVI TIPTON Seed Treatment Account Manager, Tidal Grow AgriSciencetidalgrowag.comLevi.Tipton@tidalgrowag.comLETS BE HONEST,planting season is one of the most stress- early-emerging plants stand a better chance against whatever ful times of the year. We fight the weather, manage breakdownsthe season throws at themdrought, disease or pests.and try to cover every acre in a tight window. Before we get too far into the season, theres a small window to reflect on what4. Were early season pests or pathogens an issue?worked, what didnt and what we can fine-tune for next year.If you were chasing down nematodes or dealing with root rots, consider upgrading your seed treatment program. Ive seen 1. How quickly did seedlings emerge? chitosan-based treatments make a measurable difference in If emergence lagged, its your first clue something needs tweak- control, and amplifying existingacdtion modes.ing. Each 12-hour delay in emergence can drop yield potential by more than 30%. Diagnose and document the culprit. 5. Did soil temperatures impact planting?Cool soils can delay planting and stunt early growth. Post-2. Was emergence uniform across the field? harvest residue management, especially strategies that boost Non-uniform stands might look harmless early on, but they qui- soil biology, can warm soils faster and get you in the field up to etly rob you of sunlight efficiency and yield. According to Iowathree days earlier next season. Thats worth an extra $14 to $41 State University, uneven emergence can dock yields by up toper acre. Small moves. Big wins.23%. Keep watching through tasseling and flowering.6. Was last years residue a problem?3. Did seedlings show signs of strong plant vigor? If leftover corn or wheat stubble gave you emergence head-Plant vigor is a great early read on how the season might go.aches, dont wait until fall to think about it. Building a residue Everything from seed selection to nutrient management to themanagement plan now can unlock those trapped resources and seed treatment you use can have great influence it. Healthy,boost soil health ahead of 2026. 44/ SEEDWORLD.COMJUNE 2025'