AGENDA

All events will be held at the Hyatt Regency Orlando. All sessions are open to all registrants unless marked as "Closed".

Sessions can only be accessed in real time and will not be recorded.  

SESSIONS SCHEDULE

Time Zone: (UTC-05:00) Eastern Time (US & Canada) [Change Time Zone]
8:00 AM - 12:00 PMGEM Technical Steering Group (Closed) Barrel Spring I
8:00 AM - 5:00 PMRegistration Regency Foyer - Convention Center Level
9:00 AM - 4:30 PMInternational Sweet Corn Development Association (ISCDA) Annual Meeting - Session 1 Bayhill 21
9:30 AM - 11:30 AMPhytosanitary Session Regency Ballroom V
11:30 AM - 12:30 PMSPONSORED SESSION: CORTEVA - Agronomy Session (Plant Diseases)

Regency Lounge
12:00 PM - 1:30 PMSeed Science Foundation Board of Directors (Closed)
The mission of the Seed Science Foundation is to address seed and plant science challenges, encourage plant breeding education and seed research in support of the ever-changing needs of the global seed industry. This meeting is a closed meeting of Board members only, however, if you would like to inquire about participation, contact Ann Jorss at ajorss@betterseed.org.
Silver Spring I & II
12:30 PM - 1:30 PMSPONSORED SESSION: CORTEVA - Treated Seed & Biologicals

Regency Lounge
1:00 PM - 4:00 PMSIPA Field Crop Division Board Meeting (Closed) Celebration 5
1:30 PM - 2:30 PMMolecular Marker Working Group (MMWG)

This session is by invitation only. Please contact Sam Crowell at scrowell@betterseed.org if you are interested in becoming a member of this working group.

Blue Spring I
1:30 PM - 3:00 PMTreated Seed Session

Multiple policy issues face treated seed currently. This session is designed to “compare notes” among your peers about treated seed policy activities at the state and federal level.  Topics include, but are not limited to, legal challenges (state and federal), stewardship, life-cycle management, overtreatments, and education and training of regulatory personnel.  Industry guidance is appreciated and encouraged.

Windermere Ballroom X
1:30 PM - 5:00 PMGEM Cooperators Meeting Barrel Spring I
3:15 PM - 4:15 PMIntellectual Property Rights Subcommittee Meeting

This session is open to all attendees. Please contact Fan-Li Chou at flchou@betterseed.org if you are interested in becoming a member of this committee.

Windermere Ballroom X
4:00 PM - 5:00 PMSPONSORED SESSION: CORTEVA and the Center for Food Integrity - Engage training; how to speak science, to non-science audiences

Regency Lounge
4:00 PM - 5:00 PMSPONSORED SESSION: PIVOTBIO - The Next Frontier in Seed Science: The Critical Role of Over-treatment in Seed Excellence

 

Precision in seed overtreatment is not just a best practice; it’s a necessity for achieving superior crop outcomes. Join Pivot Bio’s experts as they share insights on the evolution of seed treatment science, the challenges overcome, and the importance of industry collaboration. This session will highlight the journey of Pivot Bio’s groundbreaking microbial nitrogen seed treatment and explore how these learnings are shaping the future of seed treatment practices, making it a must-attend for ASTA members committed to advancing seed quality and innovation.

Regency Ballroom V
4:30 PM - 6:00 PMSIPA Field Crop Division Educational Unit - Gene Editing & IPR

Open to all attendees.

Blue Spring I
5:00 PM - 6:30 PMASTA Networking Happy Hour

Don't miss the chance to network with fellow attendees and get the first look at the Seed Expo!

Regency O - S
7:30 AM - 12:00 PMSeedbucks Coffee Cafe, hosted by BASF

Come on down to the Regency Express shop and enjoy a specialty coffee to kick off your day courtesy of 

Regency Ballroom Foyer
8:00 AM - 8:45 AMSPONSORED SESSION: CORTEVA & BASF - Nematode Control Session

           

Regency Lounge
8:00 AM - 9:00 AMBreakfast on the Seed Expo Floor

Stop by the Seed Expo for a bite to eat before heading over to hear Dan Basse address the opening General Session.

Regency O - S
8:00 AM - 5:00 PMRegistration Regency Foyer - Convention Center Level
8:00 AM - 6:30 PMSeed Expo Open Regency O - S
8:30 AM - 12:00 PMInternational Sweet Corn Development Association (ISCDA) Annual Meeting - Session 2 Bayhill 21
9:00 AM - 10:00 AMGeneral Session: Dan Basse's Global Agricultural Economic Forecast for 2025
ASTA's most popular speaker, Dan Basse of AgResource, returns with his annual update on the global agricultural market, following up on his predictions from last year to help to shed light on what global markets have in store for you and your business in the year ahead.
Regency Ballroom T-U
10:15 AM - 11:15 AMLooking Ahead: Farmer Forecasts on Future Ag Trends

The agricultural industry is constantly evolving to maintain stride with technological advancements, climate change, and shifting consumer demands. This session will shed light on the farmer’s perspective on emerging agricultural trends, and how they adapt and thrive in an ever-changing environment. Topics discussed will include: market trends and consumer preferences, policy implications on the farm, and forecasts for the years ahead. 

Regency Ballroom T-U
11:30 AM - 12:30 PMLEAD Session: Transitioning Leadership

Different levels of leadership change require different mindsets, planning, and actions, especially through these disruptive times.   Join Kincannon & Reed’s Managing Partner, Jon Leafstedt as he shares insights on the leadership challenges of our industry and helps us think differently on how organizations can attract and develop leadership. Jon will also discuss considerations for your career as a seed industry leader.

Blue Spring I
12:00 PM - 1:30 PMLunch in the Seed Expo Regency O - S
12:30 PM - 1:30 PMSPONSORED SESSION: CORTEVA & PAIRWISE - Collaborations to Drive Innovation

           

Regency Lounge
1:30 PM - 3:00 PMSprouting Innovation: Case Studies in Plant Breeding and Seed Production

Come and be inspired by innovations shaping the future of plant breeding and seed production. This session will showcase exemplary case studies that highlight innovative approaches, breakthrough technologies, and best practices in plant breeding and seed production. The session will feature diverse perspectives from researchers, breeders, seed producers, and industry experts, offering valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities in modern plant breeding and seed production. Attendees will gain valuable knowledge from real-world examples of innovation in plant breeding and seed production, with practical insights that can be applied to their own research, breeding programs, and business.

Regency Ballroom T-U
3:15 PM - 4:15 PMSPONSORED SESSION: BAYER - Building the Future of Ag Together: Exploring the Role of AI in Agricultural Innovation

 

Join Bayer experts as they provide a valuable sneak peek in to the role of AI in agricultural innovation. You’ll have a chance to see this AI driven platform work in real time and better understand how your company can benefit from the next big innovation in agriculture. 

Regency Ballroom V
3:15 PM - 5:15 PMNavigating the Maize of Mycotoxins

Mycotoxins are food contaminants produced by certain fungal pathogens. Improved agricultural and manufacturing practices, as well as biotech crops, have helped reduce mycotoxin risks, however it is critical to continue developing solutions for our producers. This session will dive into the latest breakthroughs in mycotoxin research, showcasing innovative strategies and technologies to tackle these risks. We will also explore ways to collaborate across different groups to develop practical solutions for farmers.

Bayhill 29
5:00 PM - 6:30 PMASTA Welcome Reception

Don't miss your chance to network with fellow attendees at the offical Welcome Reception of the ASTA Field Crop conference. 

Regency O - S
7:30 AM - 8:30 AMGriddle Talk: A Breakfast Conversation on Diversifying Rural America
Join us for an enriching dialogue focused on rural America, and the challenges that so many of our beloved communities are facing. Despite these challenges, the agricultural value chain depends heavily on the production from these communities to feed, fuel, and clothe our world. Over breakfast, we will discuss how workforce challenges, infrastructure and connectivity have made it difficult for many of these communities to carry on in the same way they once did.
Regency Rotunda
7:30 AM - 12:00 PMSeedbucks Coffee Cafe, hosted by BASF

Come on down to the Regency Express shop and enjoy a specialty coffee to kick off your day courtesy of 

Regency Ballroom Foyer
8:00 AM - 9:00 AMBreakfast in the Seed Expo Regency O - S
8:00 AM - 5:00 PMRegistration Regency Foyer - Convention Center Level
8:00 AM - 5:00 PMSeed Expo Exhibits Open! Regency O - S
9:00 AM - 10:30 AMGeneral Session 2: Drivers of Land Use Change: Seed Sector Case Studies in Key Crops

How will the seed industry customer change by 2030? What are the policy and technological impacts on crop management? Don't miss this future-focused closing general session, providing you with the forecasting you need to know about now to be able to prepare for the years ahead.

Regency Ballroom T-U
11:00 AM - 12:00 PMWeather or Not? Managing Unpredictability from Extreme Weather Events

Join us for an insightful session on the ever-changing dynamics of weather patterns, and the implications that unpredictability has for farmers. In this session we’ll explore the latest trends in weather, impacts to farmers, and decisions being made on the farm to navigate these complexities. This session will equip you with greater knowledge on how to be resilient in the face of changing weather, and how your customers can stay ahead of the curve in the face of these challenges.

Regency Ballroom T-U
11:30 AM - 3:30 PMSeed Association of the Americas Board Meeting (Closed) Celebration 5
12:00 PM - 1:30 PMLunch in the Seed Expo Regency O - S
12:30 PM - 1:30 PMSPONSORED SESSION: CORTEVA - Stimulating Societal Discussion

          

Regency Lounge
1:30 PM - 2:30 PMBallots to Bills: Impacts of Elections on State and Federal Policy

    
This session will dive into the ramifications of electoral outcomes on agricultural policy as we know it. ASTA’s State and Federal Government Affairs teams will highlight key shifts, anticipated reforms, and potential challenges that lie ahead. Don't miss this important session offering insight into the impacts of policy and elections, and work ASTA is doing on behalf of our industry.  

Regency Ballroom V
2:45 PM - 3:45 PMGeneral Session 3: Trends Impacting Industry Decisions
Governments and corporations are increasingly leading with climate-smart and sustainability initiatives.  Learn more about the direction these are heading and the impacts to the seed industry. 
 
Regency Ballroom T-U
3:30 PM - 4:30 PMOrganic Seed Committee Meeting

The Organic Seed Committee will hear about the market risks and trends for the Organic Industry as well as advancements in technologies in organic research. This session is open to all attendees. Please contact Jordan Gregory at jgregory@betterseed.org if you are interested in becoming a member of this committee.

Blue Spring I
8:00 AM - 9:00 AMSeed Industry Relations Committee Meeting

The SIR Committee will be discussing the updates from USDA OECD and the International Seed Trade Association. This session is open to all attendees. Please contact Jordan Gregory at jgregory@betterseed.org if you are interested in becoming a member of this committee.

Silver Spring I & II
8:30 AM - 1:00 PMUSDA-APHIS ReFreSH Workshop

USDA’s Regulatory Framework for Seed Health (ReFreSH) includes quality management system components and applies a systems approach to mitigate pest risks throughout the seed production and international shipping process.  The ReFreSH seed health management plan (SHMP) outlines critical control points, hazards for introduction or spread of pests, and mitigation measures to be applied to cumulatively manage pest risks.  In this workshop, the presenters will work actively with participants to create a SHMP in Excel for a hypothetical seed production system and associated pests of concern.  Time will be allotted for participants to work on their own SHMP with presenters available to answer questions and provide feedback.

Regency Ballroom V
11:15 AM - 12:15 PMPlant Breeding Innovation Subcommittee (Closed) This is a closed meeting for subcommittee members only. For more information, contact Fan-Li Chou at flchou@betterseed.org.Blue Spring I & II

REGISTRATION & MEALS

8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Regency Foyer - Convention Center Level
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
 
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM
Regency O - S
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

Stop by the Seed Expo for a bite to eat before heading over to hear Dan Basse address the opening General Session.

8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Regency Foyer - Convention Center Level
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
 
12:00 PM - 1:30 PM
Regency O - S
12:00 PM - 1:30 PM
 
7:30 AM - 8:30 AM
Regency Rotunda
7:30 AM - 8:30 AM
Join us for an enriching dialogue focused on rural America, and the challenges that so many of our beloved communities are facing. Despite these challenges, the agricultural value chain depends heavily on the production from these communities to feed, fuel, and clothe our world. Over breakfast, we will discuss how workforce challenges, infrastructure and connectivity have made it difficult for many of these communities to carry on in the same way they once did.
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM
Regency O - S
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM
 
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Regency Foyer - Convention Center Level
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
 
12:00 PM - 1:30 PM
Regency O - S
12:00 PM - 1:30 PM