During the annual business meeting of the American Seed Trade Association, which was part of the inaugural Policy and Leadership Development Conference held June 9-14 in Washington, D.C., members voted and approved a new officer team.
For 2018-19, Jerry Flint of Corteva Agriscience, the Agriculture Division of DowDuPont, 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 officers will begin their official duties July 1.
During the gala banquet, 2017-18 ASTA Chair Tracy 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 international 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 presence 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 meeting 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 realize 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 dyslexia, “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.”
