The Independent Professional Seedsmen Association (IPSA) continues its long tradition of providing a forum for education, networking and business development opportunities for independently-owned seed companies with its 18th Annual Conference, titled “Thinking Outside the Bag.”

The conference is scheduled for Jan. 16-18, 2007, and will be held at the Adam’s Mark Hotel in St. Louis, MO.

“In an effort to help independent seed companies identify new and non-traditional opportunities for success, the conference will include a list of outstanding speakers and programs,” stated IPSA President Tom Burrus, with Burrus Hybrids of Arenzville, Illinois.  This year’s speakers include:

• Vince Lombardi, Jr., author of “What it Takes to be #1”

• Dupont Group Vice President Eric Fyrwald regarding the Greenleaf Genetics joint venture with Syngenta

• Anhauser-Busch Vice President for Operations Richard Emerson

• Farm broadcaster Mark Pearson with WHO Radio in Des Moines, with a presentation titled “What’s Ahead in Agriculture”

• Blake Sievers with Context Network, who will lead a panel discussion on challenges and opportunities for seed producers

“I strongly encourage seed companies to attend this year’s Annual Conference,” stated Burrus.  “In addition to an outstanding lineup of speakers, attendees have ample time to network with other Seedsmen and participate in a variety of educational programs selected to help seed producers strive toward “Thinking Outside the Bag.”

More details regarding registration and hotel arrangements will be available on the IPSA website or by contacting IPSA at 402/483-2571 or at IPSAGreg@aol.com.

The Independent Professional Seedsmen Association (IPSA) was formed in 1989 by a group of independent seed producers who recognized the need for an organization to represent independent seed companies world-wide.  The Association addresses research and biotechnology issues and increases the media presence of the industry in an increasingly competitive and dynamic business climate.  IPSA represents approximately 150 seed companies from more than 25 states and Canada, who produce approximately 30 percent of the corn, soybeans, small grain and forage seeds marketed annually.