Seed E-News

November 10, 2006

Welcome to ASTA's electronic newsletter for members, allies and stakeholders. Please feel free to forward Seed E-News to others you believe might wish to subscribe. ASTA respects your privacy and does not share its mail lists with other parties. If you have received this publication in error, you may unsubscribe at the end of this page. Questions, comments and your industry news are welcome — contact Lisa Dry. Past issues can be viewed here .

Quick Links

CSS & Seed Expo
• Hotel Registration
• Meeting Registration
• Exhibitor Information
• Conference Schedule
• Sponsorship
• General Information
• Chicago Information

CSS & Seed Expo Update; Hotel Cutoff Today
In less than four weeks the 61st Corn & Sorghum Seed Research Conference, 36th Soybean Seed Research Conference and Seed Expo 2006, collectively called CSS 2006 and Seed Expo, will return to the Hyatt Regency Chicago. The discounted hotel group rate ends today, so book reservations today. Registration and accommodation arrangements for the December 5 – 8 meeting can now be completed faster than ever using ASTA’s new online registration system. Updates on other convention features:

• Networking Center: Part of the new online registration process includes a Networking Center, where attendees can identify which exhibitors to visit during the Seed Expo. When each attendee registers, he will receive a confirmation message that includes a login and password to access the Networking Center.

• Electronic Attendee Roster: ASTA is going “paperless” this year with the list of registrants for the conference. Registrants will be able to acess a live, up-to-date registrant list online at all times, including on-site. The Attendee Roster is found within the Networking Center, referenced above.

• Wireless Internet Access: Back by popular demand, the Seed Expo will once again be a wireless hot spot for exhibitors and attendees alike.

• Seed Expo Reception: ASTA will host the Seed Expo Reception on Wednesday, Dec. 6 from 4:30 – 5:30 p.m. The only ASTA-sponsored reception at the conference, this is a chance to network with attendees and exhibitors in a relaxed environment. A Door Prize will be awarded to one lucky Seed Expo Reception attendee: A $300 gift certificate to Cabela’s, sponsored by Becker Underwood.

•Silent Auction: Also back by popular demand, ASTA will conduct a Silent Auction within the Seed Expo exhibit hall and feature items as an autographed guitar by Paul McCartney. Exhibitors are encouraged to showcase their own prizes, which ASTA will list in the onsite program and can be displayed at the exhibitor’s booth.

• ASTA Night with the Chicago Bulls: ASTA attendees are invited to join colleagues for a trip to the United Center for the Chicago Bulls vs. the Philadelphia 76ers, a nationally televised game, on Wednesday, Dec. 6. Registration for this event can be completed within the conference registration form;tickets are just $20, half-off the regular price. Hosted by Peterson Genetics, this fun-filled night also includes a special gift from the sponsor. Click here for a complete convention schedule.

Election Affects Key Congressional Committees
This week’s election results will have a dramatic impact on Congressional leadership. When the 110th Congress convenes on January 3, the Democrats will assume control of both the House and Senate. The current ranking minority members are expected to assume chairmanship of their respective committees. The presumptive new chairmen of committees of particular interest to ASTA will be:

• House Agriculture Committee, Collin C. Peterson, Minn.
• House Appropriations Committee, David Obey, Wisc.
• Senate Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry Committee, Tom Harkin, Iowa
• Senate Appropriations Committee, Robert Byrd, W. Va.

ASTA Presents Industry Update at AgGateway Conference
Lisa Dry shared the keynote address with American Feed Industry Association President and CEO Joel Newman at the first annual meeting of AgGateway this week in Orlando. “Track & Trace and Food Safety Issues for Agriculture” was the theme of the conference which included presentations from chief information officers of Agriliance, Growmark, Monsanto, and Tessenderlo-Kerley as well as representatives of the Department of Homeland Security and USDA.

AgGateway, a non-profit consortium of agricultural businesses serving the agricultural industry, was formed to recognize the benefits gained when companies collaborate to share information electronically in the agricultural and food supply chains. AgGateway has a relationship with Rapid, Inc. which is developing the Seed Connectivity Project with the objective to streamline the seed supply chain by developing industry defined business processes and functions and connection electronically using an industry standard set of messaging tests and web services.

Committee on Biotech Plans Meeting, Seeks Members
The USDA Advisory Committee on Biotechnology and 21st Century Agriculture (AC21) seeks nominations by December 11 of individuals to serve as members of the Committee. The charge for the AC21 is two-fold: To examine the long-term impacts of biotechnology on the U.S. food and agriculture system and USDA; and to provide guidance to USDA on pressing individual issues, identified by the Office of the Secretary, related to the application of biotechnology in agriculture. The Committee has scheduled a public meeting for December 14 and 15 in Washington, D.C. for the "consideration of presentations from external speakers as well as development of a statement of work and a work plan to address current and future relevant factors.” Individuals intending to attend the meeting are requested to register at least five days in advance with Debra Lindsay at 202-720-4074; fax: 202-720 3191.

USDA Report Details Challenges for Brazilian Agriculture
"Brazil's Booming Agriculture Faces Obstacles," is the title of a report released November 1 by the USDA Economics Research Service. In releasing the report, ERS notes that "Rising global income and Brazil's ready availability of land, water, and labor has allowed Brazil to increase crop and meat production and expand exports. However, the long-term growth of Brazilian agriculture could slow due to supply side factors. Furthermore, continued growth in domestic food demand and the changing composition of food demand could dampen growth in processed and high- value agro-food exports."

Company News and People on the Move
On November 6 Johnny’s Selected Seeds announced employees have purchased 30 percent of the company from owners in a plan announced earlier this year. The stock sale is structured as a trust, specifically an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP). The plan consists of purchasing shares of Johnny’s in three blocks, at three-year intervals.

Peter Hannam has been formally inducted into the Canadian Agricultural Hall of Fame. Hannam is a crop farmer instrumental in making soy a major Canadian crop, and was a co-founder of First Line Seeds.

Upcoming Industry Events

104th Iowa Seed Association Annual Convention
11/13 - 11/14
Gateway Center
Ames, IA

U.S. Grains Council International Marketing Conference & 47th Annual Membership Meeting
12/2 - 12/5
Crowne Plaza Los Cabos - Grand Faro
Los Cabos, Mexico

National Grain and Feed Association Country Elevator/Feed Industry Conference 2006
12/3 - 12/5
Hyatt Regency Crown Center
Kansas City, MO

ASTA 61st Corn & Sorghum and Soybean Seed Research Conference and Seed Expo
12/5 - 12/8
Hyatt Regency
Chicago, IL

Click here for a schedule of additional industry events