b'How to Draw in and Keep theBest of the Best TalentWSAs Young Seedsman of the Year talks recruitment and retentionand his is advice worth considering.Madeleine BaergEACH YEAR ATits annual Westernpanies that dont limit their ability to add convention, the Western Seedvalue through their work. If someone is Association (WSA) chooses one up-and- being properly incentivised for the value coming seed industry leader to receivethey provide, then those individuals will its Young Seedsman of the Year award.naturally focus and work hard on the The winner must be under age 40, cur- things that add value to them and the rently involved in both the seed industrycompany they work for.and the Western Seed Association, and someone who embodies enthusiasm forSW: Nicely said. Thats some of the the seed industry and willingness to helpclearest advice Ive heard lately for and work with others within the industry.industry leaders. Let me switch gears The WSA Young Seedsman of the Yeara little to mentorship and training. You for 2023 is Walker Sik, grain and forageinterned with Millborn Seeds, then product manager at Millborn Seeds instepped into its Product Manager role. Brookings, South Dakota. We sat downHow important are intern opportunities with Walker to chat about what drew himto young seedsmen looking to begin to seeds, how the industry can attractcareers? other top-notch talent, and what hed likeWS: I think any experience that exposes to achieve next.you to the different types of work involved in the industry is extremely valu-Seed World: One of the biggest chal- able. Whether that is an internship or just lenges the seed industry faces is draw- another job within the business, know-ing young talent. You could have goneing your business/industry from A-Z will in all kinds of directions, both in schoolallow you to solve any problem you face, and after you graduated from Southand find opportunities that otherwise Dakota State University five years ago.wouldnt be as obvious.What drew you to the seed industry? Walker Sik: I grew up on a farm, whichSW: Youre already making a name for provided me with immediate exposureyourself in the industry. Whats your to the agriculture industry and is wherewith my career and make a bigger impacthope for next steps? I learned to enjoy it as well. I graduatedon the people and businesses I wouldWS: I dont really have a specific career with a degree in agronomy, and theeventually work with.position or plan in mind that I am con-seed industry was a natural fit for thatstantly striving for. But I know that I would education and experience to be appliedSW: How can the seed industry keeplike to become a better servant to the to. When I eventually learned aboutdrawing the best of the best into itspeople and businesses that I am working Millborn Seeds and the specialty seedranks?with today, and to expand that network space within that industry, I was instantlyWS: The industry needs to provideas well. So whatever path or job that looks intrigued. It was a different path in theopportunities that allow freedom andlike in the future, I think I will naturally try seed industry than what I was raised andincentives for individuals who add value.to put myself in a position where I can educated in. I thought it could provideThe best of the best type people wantcontinue to create and add value to other me with an opportunity to be creativeto work. And they want to work for com- individuals and businesses.SW40/ SEEDWORLD.COMFEBRUARY 2024'