President’s Message

Wow! My year as president of OSA is just about over, and I have started counting down the days to June 26 (only 34 days as I write this), when my term ends and I will pass the gavel to Phill Lindgren.

The last few months have proven to be extremely busy as the board deals with a few issues that affect our membership, while we continue to arrange a commemorative and remarkable 50th anniversary summer convention.

In this issue of the newsletter, we will update you on legislative matters, the seed import quarantine program that many of you use, and rodent droppings found in seed lots going to Australia.

Plans for the summer convention and our celebration of 50 years of OSA is in full swing. On Monday June 24, we will kick things off with two things near and dear to me, golf and poker. The Texas Hold’em poker tournament will raise money for the scholarship fund.

This year, our keynote speaker will provide a reminder of ethical and integrity wellness in our life’s journey. Paul Hedgpeth, International Committee Chair, has made arrangements for Dr. Heino Schaupp of Duetshe Saatveredelung AG speak about the European seed industry, and ODA will give an interactive presentation on how they do P&D’s for export sales. To date, we have several of the past presidents, honorary life members, and other honorees confirmed to attend the banquet on Wednesday evening. The auction committee is getting some really cool stuff for you to bid on at the silent auction, and we have chosen a few very special items for a short oral auction.

I would like to thank each and every one of you for all the support and patience this past year. Each member and non-member that I have had contact with about the different issues we have faced have been very helpful in giving me unique points of view. Thank you to the board for all the hard work that each of you have done that has made my job easier. And, finally, a very big thank you to each of our sponsors, as without your support a lot of what happens at our meetings could not happen. So, whenever possible, I encourage you to do business with them.

Thank you for the honor of leading the OSA this past year.

Jake Stockfleth