b'Its an honor to serve on behalf of this great industry, which has proven time and timeagainespecially this past yearjust how resilient, and essential, we truly are. Brad Mayon behalf of the seed industry, you just dont get the opportuni-ties that Ive had to travel around the world. I love this business, he said. Its been great to me and its been great to my family. John Schoenecker has worked at HM.CLAUSE for years and is their director of intellectual property. Not only has he had a long career, but his participation in ASTA has been enoromous. He began working with ASTA in 2006 while working in legal and regulatory affairs for Harris Moran.During that year, one major challenge Schoenecker helped address was an outbreak of E. coli, where seed sources were being blamed as a cause. As a result, the ASTA working group on emerging issues was formed.Since then, Schoenecker became an active member, serving in positions ranging from Western regional vice president, chair of the Vegetable and Flower Seed Division and even ASTA chair from 2014-2015.Its really our company supporting us that allows us to do this work, Schoenecker said. Its been a passion and an honor for me to work for this industry and service everyone around the world. This has been a big part of my career, and its been reallyJohn Latham passes the gavel to Brad May, incoming chair of ASTA. fulfilling, he said. Thank you truly. PHOTO: ASTAPassing of the Gavel, New NominationsIn addition to giving out four awards for 2021, it was that time toBrad May, vice president of global strategic marketing, seed announce the new nominations for ASTAs leadership team. Astreatments, at BASF, will step up as chair of ASTA officially July 1. of July 1, Latham would step down as chair of ASTA. In addition, ASTA has a new first and second vice chair as Latham reflects on his past year as chair of ASTA, and whilewell. Jim Schweigert, president of Gro Alliance, will step in as first it wasnt the year he planned for, he said it still was incrediblyvice chair, while David Armstrong, president and CEO of Sakata special to him. Seed, takes over as second vice chair. I am so incredibly grateful for the wonderful community weIts an honor to serve on behalf of this great industry, which have together from all sectors of our business, to finally comehas proven time and time againespecially this past yearjust together again, Latham said. My dad was the president ofhow resilient, and essential, we truly are, May said. As we head ASTA in 1998 and passed away in 2015. Im wearing his tie tointo this new year, its my goal to ensure were prepared as an commemorate the occasion.industry, and as an association, to continue leading and moving One of the last conversations I had with him was before anforward, to address whatever future challenges lie ahead. opportunity to go to China with Tim Johnson, and I was debat- From innovations in conservation, cover crop, vegetable and ing whether or not to go because his health was not good at therow crop seed, to innovations in seed treatment technology and time, Latham said. I asked him whether or not I should stay orplant breedingour diverse industry is helping to drive the solu-go, and he said: No, you have to go. This is important for thetions for a more sustainable future for farmers, food and the envi-seed industry. That was one of the last conversations I had withronment, May continues. We all play a role, we all have a story him, and I know how much this seed industry meant to him. I amto tell, and we are all more impactful when we come together and thinking of him today. speak with a strong, unified voice.SW44/ SEEDWORLD.COMSEPTEMBER 2021'