b'FROM OUR DESKTurning the Focus to Turf and ForageHAPPY FALL, YALL!Can you believe its alreadyperspective on the key challenges and opportunities October? With the final quarter of the year ahead,facing independent seed companies. I think yall will theres plenty to anticipate. By the time you read myfind his thoughts both thought-provoking and timely.December column, well have a new U.S. President,Before I go, I want to remind everyone about an and our industry will be analyzing what that shiftexciting campaign were launching this fall. Were look-means for agriculture. But for now, lets focus on theing for the very best innovations in the global seed presentand theres so much to be excited about. sector to feature in 2025. I encourage everyone to par-This issue shines a spotlight on turf and forages,ticipatethis is your chance to showcase what youve two essential pillars of our agricultural ecosystem.been doing to move the seed sector forward. Keep an BY AIMEE NIELSON The planning and preparation involved in a PGAeye on our website and newsletters for details.Editor, Seed World U.S. Championship, which I recently learned about, waseye-opening. It reaffirmed my belief that seed truly is the foundation of agriculture (page 10). The work you do in variety development, disease and pest resist-ance, and innovation is intricately connected to these high-stakes events. Imagine the effort of over 100 people working tirelessly to prepare a course for justI want to remind everyone about anone of the Majorsits a remarkable testament to the importance of your contributions. exciting campaign were launching this fall. As climate change continues to shape our world,Were looking for the very best innovationsorganizations like the Turfgrass Water Conservation Alliance (page 16) are proving vital. Were gaining ain the global seed sector to feature in February clearer understanding of how drought-resistant varie- 2025. I encourage everyone to participatethis ties could shape the future of the seed industry and, by extension, global agriculture. Their work underscoresis your chance toshowcase what youve been the growing importance of sustainable practices in the face of shifting climate realities. up to since 2020. Were also celebrating the Queen of ForagesAlfalfa (page 36). This remarkable legume not only improves soil health by fixing nitrogen naturally but also reduces the need for synthetic fertilizers, which have been linked to water pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. Alfalfas ability to enrich soil and pro-mote sustainability reinforces its crucial role in agricul- Like many of you, Im looking at my fall calendar tures future. with a mix of excitement and anticipation. Between I had the opportunity to speak with Tim Phillipstraveling and wrapping up our next three print issues from the University of Kentucky, a seasoned plantbefore Christmas, its going to be a whirlwind. Im breeder and researcher specializing in turf and forage.looking forward to catching up with many of you His insights reaffirmed that breeding for climateat the Western Seed Association/ASTA Turf and change resilience and disease/pest resistance is at theForage Conference in Kansas City, the Corn Belt Seed heart of our industrys progress. Its a theme you willConference in Indianapolis, and the ASTA Field Crop hear echoed across this issue. Seed Conference in Orlando. Be sure to schedule some Speaking of insightful voices, Im thrilled to includetime to meet with meI cant wait to hear whats hap-an interview with Colin Steen, president of thepening in your corner of the seed industry!Independent Professional Seed Associations board, asIts an honor to partner with you,he enters the final quarter of his term. Colin shares hisAimeeOCTOBER 2024SEEDWORLD.COM /5'