Dr. Molly Cadle-Davidson, Chief Science Officer at Advanced Biological Marketing explains how the Covid-19 pandemic has introduced many new words and phrases, thoughts, and behaviors to the general public. This virus has spread the world over in a very short timeframe, displaying a dynamic typically seen only in clinical or research labs.  The growth curves that we are all now used to seeing show an exponential increase telling us that this viral pathogen is highly infectious and that it is reproducing out in society. Thus, we are asked to socially distance ourselves to prevent spread and let any infected person be a dead-end for the virus. In this way, the exponential growth curve can be “flattened”, or the rate of spread slowed and, in a perfect world, stopped.

Through this new lens, most people can now understand some of the actions that people in agriculture have been doing for decades to reduce the spread of pathogens and increase good microbes.

Guest host Jenny Schweigert talks to Lincoln Thomas about his role as a lab technician. This interview weaves together many of the advice on Seed World PRO from the hiring experts at AgCareers.com and then talent management advice offered by Purdue University. Lincoln lacked the technical experience when he started his job. However, his soft skills and drive made him an excellent hire.

Lincoln talks about what motivates him in this entry-level position. Then Jenny asks Lincoln to take the role of an HR manager. He thinks the most important criterion is looking for employees that will show up every day.

Sarah Beth Aubrey from Aubrey Coaching and Training is back to talk about why more women are taking the top job across the agriculture and seed industry. Data show that there are more female CEOs and more female decision-makers. Some have backgrounds in agriculture, while others didn't grow up on farms but have formal agricultural training. We talk about some of the differences and now seed businesses can adapt.

During this episode of Seed World PRO's Podcast, host Michelle Klieger sits down with Sarah Beth Aubrey of Aubrey Coaching & Training for a two-part series on workplace transitions. In this episode, Sarah Beth gives five tips for helping coach your next generation.

Here is a sneak peek:

Jodi Daniels is Founder and CEO of Red Clover Advisors, a privacy consultancy, helping companies create privacy programs, build customer trust and achieve GDPR, CCPA, and US privacy law compliance. Jodi helps companies with daily operations such as data mapping, individual rights, training, policies, etc. and also serves as a fractional chief privacy officer. In this episode of the Seed World PRO podcast, she explains what seed companies need to comply with the EU’s requirements.

Seed World PRO host Michelle Klieger talks with Damian Mason, agricultural speaker, two-time author, and former comedian in this episode of the Seed World PRO podcast. This episode covers how the COVID-19 crisis compares to previous challenges the economy and the agricultural industry have faced. Mason draws on his experience as a comedian and a sales consultant to share tips on how seed sales may expand as this situation evolves, because like all good and bad situations: this too shall pass.

Vince Wertman, Director of Technical Services at Advanced Biological Management, talks with Seed World PRO podcast host, Michelle Klieger about improving legume yields with inoculant applications.  They discuss challenging 2019 growing season and what is on the horizon in 2020. Finally, they end with a few thoughts on increased pea acreage because of shifting consumer protein demand.

Now that the mega mergers are behind us, we can finally move on with business. Dean Cavey of Verdant Partners, Allister Phillips of AgbioInvestor and Phil Howard of Michigan State University talk technology development, trends, R&D expenditures, biologicals, precision agriculture and key drivers to business decisions being made today. “Agriculture is no longer just crop protection and seed,” Phillips says. “Now, more than any other time, seed is dictating crop protection usage.” If you’re looking for a 30-minute overview of where the industry is today, this is it.

As spring approaches all agricultural eyes are on the planting season. Seed companies are busy selling seed to their customers. Farmers and growers are looking at commodity markets and trying to figure out what they want to grow. Then they will purchase the seeds they need.

This week, Seed World PRO is focusing on Planting Season 2020. We have a special two-part unit. First, Michelle Klieger of Stratagerm Consulting and Shay Foulk of Ag View Solutions talk about better communication between seed companies and growers. Shay Foulk is an agricultural consultant, responsible for seed sales at Monier Seed and Service, and an ag communicator. He shares tips on better communication to improve sales.

Did you know companies spend three-quarters of billion dollars annually on employee engagement? It’s all about culture and you have one whether you know it or not. This week, guest host Julie Deering sits down with Pete Hammett, visiting professor at Purdue University. He shares real-world examples of how you can influence employee beliefs, action and company culture.