b'Colin spends as much time as possible with his family. They recently took a trip to Banff. L-R: Angie, Luke, Colin, Erik.A vision for independent seed companies Life beyond the boardroomSteens says the farmer focus is something that independentsAway from the complexities of agribusiness, Steen fills his time should always prioritize.with family life, hockey and outdoor activities like biking. When we focus on growth and profitability of the farmers,"When I\'m not CEO-ing, it\'s all about family, community and we have a responsibility to get it right, he says. I cant just gostaying active," he shares. I love to volunteer, help out in the and prescribe a set of solutions and a mix of hybrids and varie- community and give back in some way.ties of corn, soybeans, or alfalfa that aren\'t going to work andA native of Weldon, Saskatchewan, Canada, Steen grew up think that I\'m not ever going to see this person again. Were likelyplaying goalie on local hockey teams. Now, he spends a large going to be in church together or see each other at the local postchunk of his free time wearing yet another leadership hat: the office or the local baseball games or football games. role of president of the Osseo-Maple Grove Hockey Association. Steen touches on the broader industry landscape, stressingHe manages more than 1,100 players in the second-largest the need for recognition and understanding of the independenthockey association in Minnesota.sector\'s role by agencies like the U.S. Department of Agriculture. I enjoy being at the hockey rink with my family, he says. "We don\'t seek government intervention, but awareness andCheering on the boys is where I love to be.understanding of our unique contributions are crucial," he says.Steen holds a bachelors degree in agriculture from the I dont think we want to rely on the government to make sureUniversity of Saskatchewan and a masters in business adminis-were competitive. But I think its a constant education process.tration from the University of Guelph. He grew up on a grain and We need to interact with government officials and show themcattle farm in Weldon, Saskatchewan. Steen and his wife Angie the role we play in keeping local jobs and local communitiesmoved to the United States in 2003 and spent several years in alive. We need to be involved in the policymaking process so weOmaha, Nebraska, and Boston, Massachusetts, before moving to can make sure we dont lose our rural communities. Maple Grove, Minnesota in 2009. They have two sons, Erik (18) and Luke (15).SW8/ SEEDWORLD.COMJANUARY 2024'