SEPTEMBER 2018 SEEDWORLD.COM / 65 helps stress the importance of the three- component model – agricultural educa- tion, FFA and supervised agricultural experience,” said Mark Poeschl, chief executive officer of the National FFA Organization. “As we move forward in the 21st Century, we know it’s impor- tant to provide tools to our members to ensure they become tomorrow’s leaders in agriculture. This memorandum will help us sustain that growth in leadership.” The memorandum was signed June 11 in Washington, D.C. State FFA Officers from Maryland and Virginia also par- ticipated in the conference and shared a presentation regarding the three-compo- nent model. Jerry Flint, a member of the National FFA Foundation Sponsors’ Board and the incoming 2018-19 ASTA Chair helped drive the memorandum. “We’re extremely proud to embark on this new partnership with FFA,” Flint said. “This Memorandum of Understanding is an important step in strengthening learning and collaboration opportunities between our two great organizations, as we work to prepare the next generation of leaders in the seed industry, and agri- culture at large.” The National FFA Organization provides leadership, personal growth and career success training through agricultural edu- cation to 653,359 student members who belong to one of 8,568 local FFA chapters throughout the U.S., Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The organization is also supported by 344,239 alumni members in 2,051 alumni chapters throughout the U.S. Members Elect New Officers During ASTA’s annual business meeting, members voted and approved a new officer team. For 2018-19, Jerry Flint of Corteva Agriscience will serve as chair; Wayne Gale of Stokes Seeds will serve as first vice chair and John Latham of Latham Hi-Tech Seeds will serve as second vice chair. Rick Falconer of Rijk Zwaan was also voted in as Western Region vice president and John Romines of Winfield Solutions as North Central vice president. All new offic- ers began their official duties July 1. During the gala banquet, Tally shared that just as his four young daughters have changed through the years, so has the American Seed Trade Association. “I’d like to take this opportunity to thank ASTA,” he said. “Over the last year, ASTA has gotten healthier and stronger, and it has helped me to grow stronger in many ways … “While developing our strategic plan over the past year, the success of the staff and members became apparent.” Tally pointed to the areas of interna- tional and domestic policy, breeding, innovation and communications. “In fact, I’m not able to think of a weak spot within ASTA,” he said. “Today, the focus is no longer how to develop a pres- ence in these areas but how to start using the American Seed Trade to improve the trade of seed across the globe.” During his speech, Tally’s key points were: •  ASTA has been successful when it comes to influencing federal policy. •  ASTA is financially sound, despite the mergers and acquisitions. •  ASTA is looking to engage future generations of seedsmen and women through a new ambassador and leadership program, called SALT. Furthermore, the June 14 ASTA meet- ing of the board of directors was open to all members — the first time in history. “ASTA is not in the same condition as it was 10 years ago,” Tally said. “It’s a healthy and vibrant association, not in need of a major repair. But in not wanting to remain stagnant, it is constantly improving. Moving forward, it is refreshing to real- ize that ASTA has a solid foundation on which to make those improvements.” In his closing remarks, Tally encouraged people to get involved in the association. “Whatever handicap you think you might have,” Tally said referring to his dys- lexia, “don’t use it as a barrier, but use it as a challenge to improve yourself. When you surround yourself with quality people, just a little bit rubs off.” ASTA Honors Wendell Howard During the banquet, ASTA recognized Wendell Howard of Warner Seed with its Lifetime Honorary Member Award. For 59 years, Howard has supported the seed industry, having served as presi- dent of the Texas Seed Trade Association (1992-93), president of the Southern Seed Association (1999) and president of the Western Seed Association (2014). Tally, who presented the award, said Lifetime Honorary Members distinguish themselves through leadership, vision and service, as Howard definitely does. “He is known worldwide as the sor- ghum man from Lubbock, Texas,” Tally said. “[Wendell] impacted my career in the seed industry, as well as many others. He started in 1959 — as a child, I remem- ber my father speaking fondly of him, and now my children know him, as he’s also watched them grow up. Tonight, I’m very proud to honor Wendall Howard with the 2018 Lifetime Honorary Member Award.” While still in college at Texas Tech University, Howard started working at R.C. Young Seed & Grain Co. After graduation in 1961, he became a full-time employee of the company and served on the Texas Certified Seed Board in 1963-64. When R.C. Young was sold to Agrigenetics in 1970, he continued through 1980 to fulfill his non-compete obligation. Afterwards, he spent 20 years with Richardson Seed, LLC, and today he works at Warner Seed and still lives in Lubbock. Howard was unable to be at the con- vention, but he submitted acceptance remarks by video, during which he said: “I’ve spent the last 58 years of my life in the seed industry, and there are no better people anywhere. Where else in the world could you conduct a $500 million project with a handshake? It worked in 1960, and it works today. I am more than humbled by this award. It is my hope that I can be worthy of it … it is with utmost apprecia- tion that I accept this award and will cher- ish it forever.” USDA’s Osama El-Lissy Receives Distinguished Service Award As a recognition of those who have made significant contributions to the association and the seed industry, the ASTA presented Osama El-Lissy, deputy