Purdue’s ASTA Management Academy to focus on seed industry

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - Purdue University’s Center for Food and Agricultural Business is partnering with the American Seed Trade Association (ASTA) to present the 2018 ASTA Management Academy, March 5-9 in West Lafayette.

The academy focuses on the practical application of general management concepts that are critical to the long-term success of seed firms. Participants will explore the changing agribusiness environment, marketing, strategy, organizational leadership and strategy - a combination essential for seed professionals, said Allan Gray, center director and Land O’Lakes Chair in Food and Agribusiness.

“We’re in a very interesting environment in today’s seed industry,” he said. “Producers are searching under every rock for efficiency gains. Firms are looking for new ways to reduce cost and add value in the supply chain. Technology is driving changes in products, information and application - all at the same time. Consumers are asking the food industry to do increasingly more to meet their demands, which is placing pressure on agriculture to deliver in new and different ways. Our center and the American Seed Trade Association are partnering to help seed industry professionals think about managing in this challenging environment.”

ASTA Management Academy offers opportunities to discuss and evaluate strategies for creating and leveraging competitive advantage. Participants will learn how to create and communicate points of difference for market orientation, acquire new skills and tools for evaluating and managing performance, develop core financial management competencies, and study strategic positioning.

In addition to Gray, Purdue faculty presenters include Scott Downey and Michael Gunderson, associate center directors and associate professors of agricultural economics. Additional presenters are professors emeritus Freddie Barnard and Michael Boehlje, and Larry DeBoer, professor of agricultural economics.

This program is valuable for both experienced decision makers and those new to the industry. Previous participants have represented all segments of the seed industry, including the vegetable/garden, corn/soybean, and turf grass marketplaces.

The program rate for ASTA members is $2,595. The non-member rate $3,695. Learn more about the academy and register at http://agribusiness.purdue.edu/seminars-and-events/asta-management-academy. 

Writer: Rebecca Frazier, frazie16@purdue.edu 

Media contact: Jennifer Stewart-Burton, 765-496-6032, jsstewar@purdue.edu 

Source: Allan Gray, 765-494-4323, gray@purdue.edu

Agricultural Communications: (765) 494-8415;
Darrin Pack, Manager/Media Relations and Public Information, dpack@purdue.edu  
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