Nearly 400 seed producers and associated industry representatives from across the country were on hand for the 18th Independent Professional Seed Association Annual Conference, January 16-18, 2007. Held at the Adam’s Mark Hotel in St. Louis, MO, the event was titled “Thinking Outside the Bag,” and provided seed companies with several outstanding speakers, opportunities to visit with more than 50 trade show exhibitors, and to participate in over 30 concurrent workshops on a variety of topics.

Tom Burrus with Burrus Bros. & Associated Growers, Arenzville, IL, serving as IPSA’s President for 2006, presided over the meeting. A strong slate of General Session speakers included Vince Lombardi Jr., Mark Pearson with WHO Radio, DuPont Vice President Eric Fyrwald, Greg Miller with Anheuser-Busch, and Blake Sieker with Context Network, who led a panel discussion among trait and genetic suppliers.

Meeting Highlights

As part of the annual Members’ meeting, Bill Latham with Latham Seed Co. (Alexander, IA) and Lou Schweigert with Gro Alliance (Cuba City, WI) were re- elected to three-year terms on the IPSA Board of Directors. New Board members elected to serve three-year terms included Steve Kinsell with Silver Lane Hybrids (Remington, IN) and Bob Hubner with Hubner Seed Co. (West Lebanon, IN). Carol Heesaker with Grassland Central (Jordan, MN) also serves as a member of the IPSA Board of Directors. Association officers were also selected for the coming year:

• President – Glen Davis, Legend Seeds, Inc., DeSmet, SD

• Vice President – Bill Latham, Latham Seed Co., Alexander, IA

• 2nd Vice President – Lou Schwiegert, Gro Alliance, Cuba City, WI

• Secretary – Dennis Lutgen, Star Seed, Inc., Beloit, KS

• Treasurer – David Hingst, Hoegemeyer Hybrids, Hooper, NE

John Ameis, Jr. with JGL, Inc. in Noblesville, IN was presented with IPSA’s Professional Recognition Award, in recognition of his dedicated service to the seed industry, as well as to IPSA and the Association’s Business Development Committee. During his acceptance remarks, John announced his pending retirement from JGL later this year.

The Independent Professional Seed Association (IPSA) was formed in 1989 by a group of independent seed producers who recognized the need for an organization to represent independent seed companies world-wide. The Association addresses research and biotechnology issues and increases the media presence of the industry in an increasingly competitive and dynamic business climate. IPSA represents approximately 140 seed companies from more than 25 states and Canada, who produce approximately 30 percent of the corn, soybeans, small grain and forage seeds marketed annually.