Pathologist wins Seed Trade award as 2017 Future Giant MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. — As part of the American Seed Trade Assoc.’s 134th Annual Convention in Minneapolis, Seed World and the Future Seed Executives Committee recognized Sierra Hartney of Sakata Seed America as the 2017 Future Giant.
Hartney is a plant pathologist and manages all pathology breeder support activities for Sakata Seed America on the West Coast.
This year, the nomination pool was full of early-career individuals who are working hard and making a difference.
As such, the judges had their work cut out for them. The nominees were judged based on their dedication to the industry, their ability to make a significant contribution to the seed industry, as well as their leadership both in the workplace and in the community.
AEM names new senior vice president for AG Services
MILWAUKEE — The Assoc. of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) has named Curt Blades as senior vice president, AG services.
Blades will be responsible for strategic direction of agriculture programs and services for the AEM membership and will serve as primary liaison with ag-specific industry organizations, customer groups and government agencies, both in North America and worldwide.
He replaces Charlie O’Brien, who announced his retirement from AEM earlier this year. “We are very pleased to welcome Curt to the AEM team and look forward to the expertise and enthusiasm he brings,”said AEM President Dennis Slater.
“He has a strong agricultural and management background, and while we had some big shoes to fill with Charlie’s departure, we are confident that Curt will help us achieve continued success.”
Most recently, Blades served as Group Business Development Director for Meredith Corporation and as a member of the strategic leadership team for Meredith Agrimedia business unit. In addition to strategy, he has extensive experience in management, marketing, sales and research.
He joined Meredith in 2002, with previous positions including management roles at MachineryLink and Farmland Industries.
He has been active in the National Agri- Marketing Association, Agribusinesss Education Foundation and Agriculture Council of America.
Blades earned a bachelor’s degree in agricultural economics from University of Missouri and a master’s degree in agribusiness from Kansas State. He grew up on a 5,000-acre farm in northeast Missouri, and was involved in 4H and FFA.
Hamlet Protein take on new sales manager for piglets
HORSENS, Denmark — Ronald Rampersad has joined the international animal feed company Hamlet Protein Inc. as Regional Sales Manager, Piglets. Rampersad brings experience and expertise in sales, marketing, business development and management. He has previous held various sales and account management roles with BIVI and was a Poultry & Swine Industry Specialist and Livestock Territory Manager with Pfizer Inc.
He has a master of science in agricultural economics and a bachelor of science in animal science. Rampersad is responsible for leading sales, marketing and technical support within the Eastern region of the U.S. |
