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OCTOBER 2015 SEEDWORLD.COM 17 After completing his doctorate in 1955 Newlin made his start in the seed industry. As a production research assistant Pioneer Hi-Bred International had charged him with enhancing seed quality and yield. During the late 1950s Newlin first got involved with the American Seed Trade Association ASTA and he started to build his network of seed industry peers. Since then Newlin says the association and its membership have been through a great deal of change. Theres been a lot of consolidation but thats inevitable he explains. It happens in all industries. In fact Newlin says it has happened slower in the seed industry than in others. After several promotions Newlin became president of Pioneers central division in 1967. He was instrumental in the development of Pioneers unparalleled agronomy service and wanted to transfer the maximum genetic potential of hybrid corn to farmers. At Pioneer we believed research and technology were key so we put a lot of resources in those areas he shares. But you also had to have the other pieces agronomy service sales and marketing production as well as finance. In 1970 Pioneer asked Newlin to serve as its representative to the U.S. Grains Council USGC. Working very closely with the National Corn Growers Association Iowa Corn Growers Association and the USGC Newlin pushed for yield advances and opportunities to help farmers better understand the envi- ronment they were operating in. Through the years he led several groups of farmers on trade missions through the USGC whose mission is to develop new export markets for grain corn and grain sorghum. Its very important to get farmers to understand the impor- tance of international trade Newlin says explaining that after going on these missions farmers would come back as advo- cates for exporting grain corn and grain sorghum. Today Victor Miller a farmer involved with the USGC describes Newlin as a humble visionary. Owen is one of those rare people who can see what needs to be done Miller says. He can look at a situation and analyze it for what is there and see what needs to change. Not only was Newlins leadership sought by those involved with the USGC but he was instrumental in helping establish the checkoff programs in eight key corn-producing states and beyond. His work helped producers have a more consistent voice a need in the 70s and 80s. In 1986 he was elected senior vice president of Pioneer Hi-Bred International where he would remain until stepping down and retiring in 1993 and retiring from the board of direc- tors in 1998. Working in the seed industry has been very rewarding very challenging and extremely interesting Newlin says. Theres a great deal of opportunity here for those who are interested. The scientific knowledge required is very demanding but very rewarding. You see this in enrollment numbers across col- leges of agriculture throughout the United States. One of the important areas is microbiology and genetics. Looking back Newlin says Technology drives everything even when we were moving into hybrids and single crosses and its even more so today. The insertion of traits into germplasm through biotechnology has transformed the industry. When looking at the future of the seed industry Newlin believes one of the biggest challenges it must overcome is some peoples lack of acceptance of genetically-modified organisms. Eventually it will come Newlin says noting that there were also very negative attitudes when hybrid corn was introduced. We need more enhanced and improved communications about the safety and benefits of GMOs and on nutrition that might help. But he reminds us that the adoption of GMOs by farmers has moved much faster than that of hybrid corn when it was first launched. Theres no doubt in Newlins mind that the seed industry is dominated by technological advancements. In talking with early-career individuals today Newlin encour- ages them to get involved with the ASTA and its activities. He says one can learn a great deal about the importance of intel- lectual property protection and the improved movement of seed between countries. Today Newlin keeps up on the issues through his continued work at ASTA and the USGC. Active in these organizations for more than 45 years Newlin currently serves as ASTAs delegate to the USGC. Under Newlins leadership ASTA has brought more than 20 seed trade representatives from across the industry into the council. And he is responsible for bringing in hundreds of thousands of dollars to support various seed industry events and initiatives. Owen is a tireless supporter of ASTAs activities and is always volunteering to assist the ASTA team when we need extra horse- power to garner support for our activities says Andy LaVigne ASTA president and CEO. He is never shy to ask on our behalf and very few people can tell him no. LaVigne says he first met Newlin at an ASTA board meeting in Amelia Island Fla. before he had officially started working for the association. Jim Tobin introduced us and while I didnt know Owen from Adam he shook my hand looked me in the eye and said anything I can do for you dont hesitate to call me. Jim later told me about Owens background and the exper- tise he brought to the seed industry. And to today Owen has always been there when Ive needed his help and guidance. Owen is a tireless supporter of ASTAs activities and is always volunteering to assist the ASTA team when we need extra horsepower. Andy LaVigne