b'2.1.ASTAs Leadership Summit Highlights Seed Industry Champions and New ChairIn Sacramento at the American Seed Trade Associations Leadership Summit, the association highlighted seed industry champions and new board members.Alex MartinTHERES PLENTY OFreason to celebrate, especiallysenior executive and policy positions for food and agriculture to during the summer months. Planting is finished and theadvance the interests of farmers, ranchers and the industries that growing season is underway. Trade shows and field trials are upproduce food and fiber. He previously served as ASTA execu-and running after months of a break. And, on top of that, thetive vice president, where he raised awareness and stature of the American Seed Trade Association (ASTA) kicks off the summerassociation with the USDA, the White House and the Agriculture by celebrating industry leaders and board members.Committees of the House and Senate. While Crowder couldnt This year, the ASTA Leadership Summit in Sacramento, Cali.,be present due to health concerns to receive his award, ASTA was no different. The association highlighted industry championsplans on honoring him at their next convention. from the past and present, as well as industry leaders moving offWe were able to connect the other day, and he was able to and onto the ASTA board.send this response, says Wayne Gale, past chair of ASTA and president of Stoke Seeds, reading a message from Crowder. Industry Champions Take the Stage This award holds profound significance for me coming from an On June 12, ASTA recognized five members of the seed industryorganization that strives relentlessly to enhance the agricultural at their Awards Reception.landscape. I am filled with gratitude for the support and mentor-For all the first time attendees, everyone that youre goingship I have received throughout my career. I extend my heartfelt to see up on stage today was also a first time attendee at oneappreciation to ASTA and all its members.point in their careerit all starts with engagement, says JimThe second heritage award was given in honor of Bill Latham, Schweigert, ASTA chair and president of Gro Alliance, addingand was received by his wife and son, Linda and John Latham.that many award members had progressed significantly throughWe are truly honored to receive this awardASTA meant ASTA leadership and made grand impacts on the industry.the world to my dad, Latham says. Im so proud to be able to This year, ASTA awarded two Heritage Awards, a newerfollow my dads footsteps, not only with Latham Seed, but as honor created to preserve and build history and to honor andchair of ASTA.recognize individuals who have significantly impacted ASTA andBill Latham served as ASTAs national president in 1998 the seed industry, ASTA says.and served as president of the Independent Professional Seed ASTA awarded the Heritage Awards to Richard DickAssociation (IPSA), as well as participating on the board of Crowder and Bill Latham. directors for both associations. He was named an Honorary Dick Crowder spent more than 50 years in the industry inLifetime Member of ASTA in 2008 and received the IPSA Lifetime 30/ SEEDWORLD.COMSEPTEMBER 2023'