b'"The average citizen in America is three to four generationsFamily and Personal Liferemoved from the farm," he says. Thats something we have toOutside of work, Foor is a family man. "I\'m blessed to have my address through education to help them understand our indus- wife Beth, and we have three beautiful daughters," he shares. His try. We also need discussions about plant breeding innovationdaughters are pursuing their own paths, with the eldest heading and the freedom to operate with novel plant breeding tech- to grad school at the University of Texas, the middle daughter niques." pursuing a global health degree at the University of Wisconsin, Foor says the ability to export agricultural products is crucialMadison and the youngest a senior in high school.and it highlights the importance of protecting these innovations"My family is everything to me," he says. "Beth and I have and ensuring a favorable global regulatory landscape.been married since 1998, and she\'s been my rock through eve-ASTA and partnering associations are working hard torything. We balance each other out, and that\'s been key to our ensure we have the right messaging around the safe tools oursuccess."industry uses," he adds. "Our foundational challenge is reallySome of Foors hobbies include cooking, traveling and read-not just related to seed but agriculture in general. It\'s the lack ofing. Just prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, he began learning to understanding of what\'s going on today in agriculture and howsmoke meat. With some of the downtime during the pandemic, crucial innovation is if we are to continue feeding, fueling andhe had the opportunity to hone that craft, and it has become a clothing the world." passion he likes to share with friends and family. He also enjoys spending time with his extended family. Goals and Initiatives "We\'re only a few hours away from my wife\'s folks, our girls As chairman, Foor has several goals for his term including meet- godparents and my parents in Iowa, so we see them quite a bit," ing face-to-face with as many members as possible. He plans tohe notes. "Family time is precious, especially with our daughters assess what organizations need from ASTA and have conversa- growing up and starting their own journeys."tions about their businesses. He also plans to leverage ASTAs regional vice president to help members understand the workLooking ForwardASTA is doing.Foor\'s ASTA chairship is poised to bring a renewed focus on Foor acknowledges the support of his company DLF in hisactivation and engagement. His experience, combined with role with ASTA.his passion for the seed industry, sets a promising tone for the "DLF is super supportive of industry involvement," he says.future of the association. "Our CEO in Denmark is involved in Euroseeds, so engagement"I\'m open to engaging with virtually anyone," he says. "People in trade associations is important to our company." are interesting by nature, and I look forward to learning from our members and setting up future leaders for success."He is particularly excited about the upcoming ASTA leader-Below: The Foor family attending an outdoor Dave Matthewsship summit next June in Washington, DC. He stresses that it is a concert, summer 2024. fantastic opportunity to meet face-to-face with other leaders in the seed industry and a unique chance to visit legislators on the hill to discuss important issues. Local leaders are often more willing to listen to their constitu-ents, and this summit will help us strengthen those connections," he adds.Reflecting on his career journey, Foor believes hes learned some important skills that future leaders can learn to employ as they strive for leadership in the any industry. He says that networking and being open to new experiences are key traits for any young professional who wants to succeed and have an impact."Building relationships and being curious are crucial for lead-ership development," he advises. "It\'s important to stay informed and engaged."Foors story shows the power of engagement and the impor-tance of leadership in driving the seed industry forward. With his commitment to activation and his vision for ASTA, he is set to lead the association into a dynamic future. "I really want to set things up for future leaders. It\'s not just about what I do in my term, but how I can pave the way for those who will follow," he says. "Thats the real responsibility of leadership."SWOCTOBER 2024SEEDWORLD.COM /9'