AMES, Iowa — The Iowa State University Graduate Program in Seed Technology and Business has created a short course that addresses the rapidly changing advancements in agriculture from both a seed technology and business perspective.
Participants in the short course this fall will have the opportunity to take part in “hands-on” demonstrations led by faculty experts from Iowa State’s Seed Technology and Business Graduate Program (STB), Seed Science Center, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and College of Business. Guest speakers, discussion sessions and tours of Iowa State labs and a local seed industry facility will be part of this educational experience.
“I talk with industry leaders regularly who express the desire for their employees to have more knowledge of all aspects of their companies,” said Gary Munkvold, short course director and professor of plant pathology and microbiology at Iowa State. “Our STB Short Course is designed specifically to meet that need. By taking part in this short course, attendees will gain knowledge and tools that they can immediately apply in their own operations. They will also acquire an appreciation of how their role and the roles of others contribute to the overall success of their organization.”
The short course will be offered at the Seed Science Center on the Iowa State campus. The center houses the most comprehensive public seed-testing laboratory in the world and is recognized globally as a leader in seed research, testing and education.
The course is divided into two parts. The first week is scheduled for Nov. 6-10 and the second week will take place from Feb. 5-9, 2018. Participants may enroll in either or both sessions. Registration is limited.
Part one will focus on Seed Life Cycle and Industry Technologies. Stephen Smith, of DuPont Pioneer and an affiliate professor at Iowa State, and Munkvold will discuss the lifecycle of seed and share information on crop improvement, seed conditioning and storage along with other faculty members in seed science and agronomy. Participants also will take an in-depth look at seed health, quality and variety testing with professionals from the ISU Seed Laboratory and the National Seed Health System.
Part two will cover Leadership Skills and Business Strategies to focus on the business side of the seed industry. Experts from the MBA program at Iowa State will be working with participants to increase their understanding of business-to-business marketing strategies, managing supply chains and finance and will develop skills in the areas of leadership, teamwork and negotiation.
Seed industry professionals, Greg Lamka and Dave Langer, of DuPont Pioneer, will be sharing first-hand knowledge and experience in research management, industry regulation, policy and trade. Guest speakers include Mike Gumina, CEO of RiceTec Inc., and Jim Schweigert, president of Gro Alliance, who will contribute their perspectives concerning the challenges and opportunities facing today’s seed industry.
More information and course registration are available at: www.seedgrad.iastate.edu/
— Iowa State University
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