b'In Denver, Jerry Flint passed the gavel and title of ASTA chair to Wayne Gale of Stokes Seed for the 2019-2020 year. In taking the gavel, Gale said: Its anvice president. Taking his place is JohnHonoring Excellencehonor to have the opportunity to serveSeymour of Roundstone Seeds. AndyASTA members spotlighted Blake Curtis as chair of ASTA, and I look forward toErnst of Ernst Conservation Seedsof Curtis & Curtis Inc. and John Duesing working with all of our members in theended his term representing the north- of Corteva Agriscience with the Lifetime coming year. With recent developmentseastern region. Taking his place is JohnHonorary Member Award. As one of the in world politics, climate fluctuations, andBozeman of Seedway. Bill Merrigan ofhighest awards given out by the associa-unprecedented advances in new breed- Blue Mountain Seeds also ended histion, it recognizes individuals for untiring ing technologies, the rate of change isterm representing the northwesternservice to the association as well as the accelerating at an incredible pace. region. Pure Seeds Crystal Rose-Frickerseed industry.And just as our industry always has,has stepped up to fill that spot. Honorary members distinguish I am confident that we will continue toRegional vice presidents thatthemselves in leadership, vision and rise up and evolve to meet the chal- remain in place are: Jim Schweigert ofservice, said Flint, who presented the lenges of today, and tomorrow, with newGroAlliance, Canada; David Pearl of Theaward. These two certainly do all of and innovative solutions for farmers andCISCO Companies, central region; Johnthese.consumers. This will require us to thinkRomines of Winfield Solutions; north cen- Hailing from Clovis, N.M., Curtis grew differently than in the past 50 years, andtral region; Angel Saavedra of Cortevaup in the family seed business and has it will require us to embrace new ideas forAgriscience, Mexico; Coby Kriegshauserheld leadership positions with ASTA the path forward. of Scott Seed Company, southern region;since 2004, including serving as chair Joining Gale are John Latham ofand Rick Falconer of Rijk Zwaan, westernof the Environmental and Conservation Latham Hi-Tech Seeds as first vice presi- region. Seed Committee and vice president for dent and Brad May of BASF as secondWhile new leaders prepared tothe Southern Region. He also served as vice chair. advance the initiatives of the association,ASTA chair in 2012-13 and president of May was previously representingtime was taken to honor and recognizethe New Mexico Seedsmens Association the southeastern region as a regionalthose who had helped to get them this far. from 1996-1998. Today, Curtis serves as 64/ SEEDWORLD.COMSEPTEMBER 2019'