John Korns has had an interesting year since he joined Stoneville Pedigreed Seed Company as research greenhouse manager in January of 1998. He was charged with managing the design and construction of a new greenhouse facility in Memphis, moving the cotton research greenhouse program from California to Memphis, and managing the year-round operations of the greenhouse facility.

With steps one and two complete, the Missouri native is eager to begin the day-to-day work of managing the impressive facility he designed and built. He is well qualified for the task.

Korns has a B.S. in Agriculture from Southeast Missouri State and a wealth of experience, having worked in the greenhouse industry for most of his professional career. Previous greenhouse-related positions include section grower with N.G. Heimos Greenhouses, Inc. in St. Louis and, most recently, horticultural sales and consulting representative with Rough Brothers, Inc. In the latter position, Korns helped design and manage the construction of several greenhouse facilities for Monsanto, Stoneville's parent company.

Stoneville's Vice President of Research and Development, Don Panter, said the mission of building the greenhouse was very well defined. "Find a person that knows greenhouses like the back of their hand, build a facility that is second-to-none and move our California greenhouse program to Memphis," said Panter. "We found that person with John Korns."

Korns, a Missouri native, says the Stoneville position offers an exciting challenge. "It's my responsibility to design greenhouses and growing systems, including lighting, heating and cooling, irrigation--anything that can affect our cotton growing strategy. And our cotton growing strategy revolves around the breeding program. For a guy with a horticulture background it's a dream to be able to design a one-of-a-kind greenhouse and growing system."

Company news release
N2198