Texas, USA
July 16, 2015
Over 60 seed companies were represented by over 100 participants at the recent Texas Seed Trade Association (TSTA) Annual Convention and Production & Research Conference in Austin, TX. Fifteen Past Presidents of the TSTA attended and were recognized. The guidance and consul of these pacesetters is as important today as it ever was and we sincerely appreciate their willingness and dedication to extend their leadership beyond any official tenure of office.
TSTA Past Presidents recognized at the recent convention include (left to right); Donnie Swink, Jerry O'Rear, Temple Abney, Nick Bamert, Larry Richardson, James "Doc" Allison, Bernard Selensky, Lou Buice, Wendell Howard, Nathan Boardman, Keith Walters, current President Coby Kriegshauser, Marshall Crouch III, Cody Paoge, Jeff Wilson, and Tom Owen.
Two Honorary Memberships were awarded by the TSTA Board of Directors at the convention. William "Bill" Townsend, former co-owner and manager of Garrison & Townsend Seed Company received Honorary Membership for his pioneering efforts establishing hybrid sorghum seed production on the High Plains of Texas. Wendell Howard, Warner Seeds, Inc., received an Honorary Membership for his tireless work in support of the Texas Seed Trade Association, Southern Seed Association, and the Western Seed Association, as well as the American Seed Trade Association. Wendell has been an active supporter of seed associations his entire career recognizing the importance of their advocacy and ability to maintain high ethical standards in the seed industry. Wendell has served in leadership roles, and more importantly has always been a leader, in every organization he's touched.
The TSTA also recognized David Kostroun, Chief Administrator for Agricultural and Consumer Protection, Texas Department of Agriculture, for Distinguished Service. Mr. Kostroun's dedication to Texas agriculture and assisting those in the regulated community demonstrates the highest levels of service, enthusiasm, and collaborative teamwork.
President Coby Kriegshauser and First Lady Karen Kriegshauser hosted the annual President's Reception & Dinner where over $10,000 was raised in support of the TSTA Foundation's endowment efforts through silent and live auctions. The TSTA Foundation oversees seven fully endowed college scholarships and currently sponsors a total of 13 annual college scholarships in Texas.
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The 2015 Summer Convention and P&R Conference was a big success and we want to say thank you to all who attended! We had 100 registered attendees and that means attendance was up from the last several year's P&R Conferences and Conventions. The goal was to make a single meeting more convenient for Texas Seed Trade Association members and it looks as if that was accomplished. We welcome any comments or suggestions on how to improve our meeting and make it more useful for you.
The Crop Sessions were very well-attended and full of great speakers supplying great information. The Business Builders were likewise well-attended and are receiving very good reviews.
Our General Session began with President Coby Kriegshauser presenting two Honorary Membership awards to two of our most distinguished members. Bill Townsend, formerly of Garrison & Townsend, received Honorary Membership for his lifetime dedication to Texas Agriculture and the hybrid sorghum seed business. It's hard to imagine a vibrant hybrid sorghum seed industry in Texas without Bill Townsend. Bill was unable to join us due an illness in his family but we are grateful for Bill's contributions and service.
Wendell Howard, of Warner Seeds, Inc., became an Honorary Texas Seed Trade Association Member on Tuesday for his demonstrated expertise in all aspects of the seed industry and his unflinching support of Texas Agriculture. Wendell has been very active in the Texas Seed Trade Association, and several other seed associations, supporting our common causes and goals for many years. More than that, Wendell has been actively supportive; he's donated freely of his time, his talents, and his treasure to ensure that our industry has always moved forward maintaining strong business ethics and a great reputation. Vice President Lester Kirkland introduced Wendell and presented the award. We appreciate all Wendell has done for every one of us and know he's far from finished.
Wendell Howard, left, receiving Honorary Membership in the Texas Seed Trade Association, from V.P. Lester Kirkland, right
We should be reminded of two things, always, when we bestow Honorary Memberships. They are a tangible sign of our recognition, thanks and admiration for past support and leadership for individuals who demonstrate superior career-long leadership in the Texas seed industry.
Honorary Memberships are also reminders that others among our ranks need to commit themselves to similar levels of service and leadership, not because Honorary Members have completed their contributions, but rather because of the example they have demonstrated. Our Honorary Members have carried more than their share of responsibility for the sake of us all and it's time for each of us to shoulder our share of the load and follow their lead.
Representative Larry Gonzales was our keynote speaker at the General Session and outlined the need to be involved and to have relationships with our lawmakers. Chairman Gonzales was incredibly important to our efforts this past Legislative Session procuring the necessary increases to maintain viable seed state seed programs.
Chairman Larry Gonzales, left, with Texas Seed Trade Association President, Coby Kriegshauser
On Monday evening at the President's Reception and Dinner, the Texas Seed Trade Association awarded a rare Distinguished Service Award. The recipient was David Kostroun, Texas Department of Agriculture. David serves TDA and the State of Texas as the Chief Administrator for Agricultural and Consumer Protection. David's skills and collaboration were critical to our navigation of a challenging 2015 Legislative Session. David made it clear that it takes a team to be successful and he was happy to make a contribution that provided assistance to the Texas Seed Trade Association Membership. David Kostroun has been a long-time friend of the seed trade and represents all of Texas Agriculture enthusiastically and with obvious conviction and passion. Thank you David.
David Kostroun, right, the Chief Administrator of Agricultural and Consumer Protection, Texas Department of Agriculture, and President Coby Kriegshauser, Texas Seed Trade Association and Scott Seeds.
The Annual Golf Tournament was lots of fun and was held on one of the most beautiful, and challenging, courses we've ever played. The weather was great, lunch was wonderful, the drink cart lady was attentive, and everyone enjoyed themselves!
The winning team of (left to right) Richie Moss, Larry Richardson, Marshall Crouch, III, and Temple Abney
Closest to the Pin winner was Nathan Boardman and the Longest Drive was shot by Matthew Matus. We will post more pics on our Face Book page as soon as we can!
Sponsors - Thank You!
Strategic Partners
Scott Seed Company Bayer CropScience
Business Partners
Rice Tec
Session Partners
Kirkland Seed Co. MBS Seed, Inc.
Richardson Seeds, Ltd. Nufarm Americas
Yates & Associates
Partners
Curtis & Curtis, Inc. Golden Acres Genetics
Pogue Agri Partners Frost Bank
Atkison Seed & Supply Wilco Peanut
Trinity Logistics Monsanto
Topics
Species
