USA
February 6, 2015
The National Corn Growers Association’s Research and Business Development Action Team met in North Carolina this week to discuss research program topics that deal with genomics, genotyping, phenotyping and sustainability. In addition to program updates and discussions focused on the National Agricultural Genotyping Center, the team toured Cotton Incorporated.
“It is important to work together as an industry, particularly with projects such as NAGC, to find real world solutions for the benefit of all of agriculture,” said Tom Mueller, Research and Development Action Team chairman. “Together, we can improve technology, production practices and the sustainability of the industry as a whole.”
The team visited Cotton Inc. for discussion on NAGC and a tour of their facilities.
While together, the team was updated on the Maize Genome Database, phenotyping work and on conferences recently attended by team members. The group also heard from representatives of Kaiima, which develops new tools to increase yield.
In addition to Mueller, team members include Vice Chair Larry Hoffman of North Dakota, Board Liaison Bob Bowman of Iowa, Phillip Gordon of Michigan, Paul Herringshaw of Ohio, Dennis Maple of Indiana, Bruce Rohwer of Iowa, Greg Schneider of Missouri, Scott Sperry of South Dakota, Roger Sy of Illinois, Bob Timmons of Kansas, Daniel Wesely of Nebraska, Chad Willis of Minnesota, and state affiliate staff representative Mark Sponsler of Colorado. NCGA staff for the team includes Director of Research and New Uses Richard Vierling, Ph.D.; Manager of Public Policy and Regulatory Affairs Clint Raine; and Administrative Assistant Sandra Wright.