West Bend, Wisconsin, USA
November 2, 2010
Dairyland Seed recently announced that during the 2010 meeting of the North American Alfalfa Improvement Conference in Boise, Idaho, Dr. Paul Sun was awarded the NAAIC Honorary Membership Award. Honorary membership in the NAAIC is awarded to individual members who are selected for their outstanding contributions to alfalfa improvement and/or utilization.
Dr. Paul Sun has been leading a team of plant breeders in alfalfa, corn, and soybeans for nearly 30 years at Dairyland Seed. His inspiration and vision led the alfalfa team to develop and release patented msSunstra Hybrid Alfalfa Technology in 2001. Other major contributions in alfalfa are the release of patented sequential maturity alfalfa technology and playing a key role in developing perhaps the world’s largest alfalfa testing network. Dr. Sun has authored numerous patents regarding hybrid alfalfa seed production and forage production, and co-authored the chapter, “Pollination Control: Mechanical and Sterility” in the Alfalfa and Alfalfa Improvement, American Society of Agronomy Monograph # 29.
Dr. Sun has also recently developed corn inbreds for Dairyland and earlier in his career developed soybeans as well. As a result of his efforts and leadership Dairyland’s plant breeding accomplishments in all three crops became recognized throughout the industry.
During his tenure, Dr. Sun has served as President of IDEALS, a U.S./Chinese Association of agricultural scientists; served as an ambassador with the United Nations on mission trips to China to explore their need for corn development programs; and served as a member of the Alfalfa Variety Review Board. Dr. Sun also co-founded the annual Fellowship Breakfast that meets at the Chicago ASTA meeting.
Dr. Sun served on Dairyland’s Board of Directors prior to its 2008 sale to Dow AgroSciences. He continues to educate producers and peers alike with his thought-provoking, entertaining and inspirational presentations.
Dairyland Seed began its seed business in 1907 and has built an established dealer network throughout the Upper Midwest, with international sales in more than 20 countries. The business experienced great success under the leadership of Orville and Marie Strachota, entering the field of plant breeding in 1977. Now a seed affiliate of Dow AgroSciences, the family leadership continues through son Tom and grandson T.J. Primary research locations are located in Clinton, Wisconsin; Gibson City, Illinois; Otterbein, Indiana; Gilbert, Iowa; and Sloughhouse, California, with plant breeding programs in hybrid corn, hybrid alfalfa and soybeans. Dairyland is headquartered in West Bend, Wisconsin.
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