b'You CAN Predict the Future PREDICTING THE FUTURE conjures upHaving a solid scenario planning processROBIN OMARAimages of mystic figures with decks of cardswill allow your company, division, sales area PRESIDENT,and crystal balls. It seems magical. And itand you personally to be ready regardless ofOMARA AG SERVICESseems impossible. what happens next. romara60@msn.comIm not talking about knowing the nextIn that way, you may not be predicting theomara-ag.comNCAA tournament winner or even if youllexact future, but you will be prepared for it bust the next time you decide to hit a 16 inno matter what.blackjack. This year, the American Seed Trade Its a practice that helps you and yourAssociation (ASTA) is launching a brand-business navigate the complexities of annew conference called the ASTA LeadershipMade Fresh ever-changing seed and ag landscape, in theSummit.Hundreds of the industrys best U.S. and around the world. Im talking aboutminds will meet in Indianapolis June 25-29Dailymapping out likely industry scenarios andto learn, debate and truly shape the future then modeling your companys response toof the seed industry.Outside experts will all of them. provide key insights into the world aroundEVERYONE REMEMBERS This exercise is called scenario planningus and challenge attendees to expand theirTHEold TV commercial and it can give you a great glimpse into likelyvision of whats possible.where the guy gets up at decision-making of your customers, yourThese in-person meetings, networkinglike 3:00 a.m. Time to make partners and your competitors. with leaders from across the country andthe donuts, he says. Our For example, there are many assumptionsacross all crop types has helped and Grocompany doesnt get up at made when sketching out a five-year plan. Alliance prepare for the future. I cannot be3:00 a.m.usually just early How will genetic and trait licensing look, howmore excited to attend and hope to see youenough to start making things will planted acres be by crop, what will com- there!Visit www.betterseed.org to learnby 6:00 a.m. modity prices do, will you be able to hire themore, register for this brand-new experienceEvery day we make convey-right employees? To make a long-term plan,and start predicting the future! ors, elevators, screw convey-you need to plug in estimates for every vari- ors, seed corn dryers and able. Rather than using a static number, youvarious other products. Our should model both high and low scenariosdonuts so to speak. and develop responses to both cases. No one really wants old As an example, whats do you do if thestuff, so our products are planted acres of the crops you sell are downMade Fresh Daily. When 20% in five years? How can your companyyou want more than one, our capture more share to maintain volume orequipment is cheaper by the diversify into new crops? What if acres aredozen. That can save you up 20%? This seems like a great situation, butsome dough. what new entrants might that acre expansionOur designbuild expe-attract? Do you have the company struc- rience helps make sure the ture to hire more employees?Do you haveflavor is right for you. You pick access to the capital to build more inventory? the type and tell us when you want them. We show up early to bake in the seedsmanship and frost things just right. JIM SCHWEIGERTJokes aside, let our experi-PRESIDENT, GRO ALLIANCE ence with seed cleaning, mate- @jim_schweigertrial handling, dust control and jim.schweigert@groalliance.com manufacturing make your day GroAlliance.com and your life better.28/ SEEDWORLD.COMJUNE 2022'