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| Carolyn Boardman accepts the ASTA Heritage Award on behalf of her late husband, Nathan Boardman. |
Source: American Seed Trade Association news release
WASHINGTON — The American Seed Trade Association honored industry pioneers during the 2025 ASTA Leadership Summit, which took place in Washington, D.C., June 8 – 11, 2025. Awardees were recognized in the following categories: Heritage, Distinguished Service, Lifetime Honorary Member, and Excellence in Science.
The Heritage Award was created to preserve and build history and to honor and recognize individuals who have significantly impacted ASTA and the seed industry. It seeks to inspire the next generation of leaders and instill a sense of pride in the rich history of the seed industry and ASTA. Wayne Skidmore, Gary Arthur, and Nathan Boardman are this year’s Heritage Award awardees.
Wayne Skidmore, Pioneer Hi-Bred
Wayne Skidmore was a visionary leader whose lifelong dedication to agriculture and business left a lasting impact on the industry. Born in Lucas, Iowa, He earned an accounting degree from Drake University in 1933 and later attended Harvard’s Advanced Management Program. Beginning his career with Pioneer Hi-Bred Corn Company in 1934, he rose through the ranks to become President and Chairman of the Board in 1970, guiding the company through global expansion and technological innovation. A passionate advocate for agriculture, he served as the President of the American Seed Trade Association (ASTA), played a key role in shaping international agricultural policy, and earned the ASTA Distinguished Service Award. Skidmore also championed the farmer-salesmen program, mentoring future leaders and strengthening rural communities through his commitment to collaboration and progress.
Gary Arthur, Holden’s Foundation Seeds
Gary Arthur was a passionate and visionary leader in the seed industry whose career was defined by innovation, global impact, and unwavering dedication. After earning degrees in biology and agricultural sciences from Southern Illinois University, with graduate research in Brazil, Gary began his career as a corn breeder in 1974 and rose to become President of Holden’s Foundation Seeds. A longtime leader within the American Seed Trade Association (ASTA), he played key roles in shaping policies on biotechnology, intellectual property, and international seed trade. Named an Honorary Member of ASTA in 2003, Gary’s legacy endures through his industry-shaping initiative and the many professionals he mentored.
Nathan Boardman, Crosbyton Seed Co.
Nathan Boardman was a lifelong leader whose impact on the seed industry began early and spanned decades. From serving as class president and FFA officer in Lamesa, Texas, to becoming Company Commander at Texas A&M, leadership was central to who he was. He founded the respected Crosbyton Seed Company, which exported 20% of the nation’s grain sorghum. Nathan held numerous leadership roles, including becoming the youngest president of the Texas Seed Trade Association in 2000. He was deeply involved with the U.S. Feed Grains Council for 40 years and supported agricultural education through scholarships and board service at Texas A&M. Honored as Agriculturalist of the Year by both Texas A&M and Texas Tech, Nathan left a legacy of mentorship, industry advancement, and community service.
Seed Science Foundation’s Excellence in Science Award
The Seed Science Foundation’s Excellence in Science Award recognizes outstanding achievement by a public or private research whose accomplishments have made significant contributions to the association and the seed industry. Dr. Allen Van Deynze is this year’s honoree.
Dr. Allen Van Deynze, UC Davis
Dr. Allen Van Deynze is a transformative leader in plant breeding and agricultural biotechnology, advancing food security through groundbreaking research, education, and global collaboration. As Director of the Seed Biotechnology Center and Associate Director of the Plant Breeding Center at UC Davis, he has integrated genomics into crop breeding to improve disease resistance, yield, and quality in key crops such as cotton, lettuce, tomato, and pepper. His innovations have impacted farmers worldwide, from California to Africa, where he also leads efforts through the African Orphan Crops Consortium and serves as an instructor for the African Plant Breeding Academy. Recognized with numerous honors, including the UC Davis Excellence in Research Award and the USDA Secretary’s Honor Award, his legacy is defined not only by scientific achievements but also by his commitment to sustainable agriculture and the global farming community.
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| Dr. Allan Van Deynze accepts the Excellence in Science Award from Seed Science Foundation President Dave Bubeck. |
Lifetime Honorary Member
ASTA’s Lifetime Honorary Member Award is one of the highest awards bestowed by the association and is in recognition of untiring service to ASTA, as well as the seed industry. This year’s awardee is Dr. Ray Dobert.
Dr. Ray Dobert, Harambe Ag Consulting
Dr. Ray Dobert is the owner of Harambe Ag Consulting, LLC, where he advises clients on regulatory policy solutions. Before his retirement in fall 2024, he spent over 26 years at Monsanto and Bayer CropScience in various biotech regulatory policy and affairs roles, also serving as a Senior Science Fellow and representing the company in industry organizations. Prior to his work in the private sector, he held roles at USDA-APHIS as a biotechnology policy specialist and coordinated with USDA-ARS’s Biotechnology Information Center. Ray earned his Ph.D. in Agronomy from the University of Missouri and began his career as an AAAS Congressional Science Fellow in the office of Senator Tom Daschle. Originally from New York, he holds a bachelor’s degree in biology from St. Lawrence University.
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| Dr. Ray Dobert accepts the ASTA Lifetime Honorary Member Award from ASTA 2024-25 Chair Dan Foor. |
Distinguished Service Award
The Distinguished Service Award recognizes outstanding achievements recognizes those who have made significant contributions to the association and the seed industry. Dr. Steve Malone is this year’s honoree.
Dr. Steve Malone, USDA
Dr. Steve Malone holds a B.S.A. in Agronomy and a M.S. in Crop Science from the University of Arkansas, and a Ph.D. in Crop Production & Physiology from Iowa State University, specializing in seed physiology. Following his doctoral work, he served in postdoctoral and assistant professor roles at various universities and with USDA-ARS before entering the seed industry in 1998 as a product development agronomist at RiceTec. He later worked with Syngenta Crop Protection and the Minnesota Department of Agriculture before joining the USDA in 2015. Currently, he serves as the OECD Seed Schemes Program Manager at USDA-AMS-S&T-Seed Regulatory & Testing Division, helping U.S. seed certifying agencies and companies comply with international seed trade regulation and representing the U.S. in OECD Seed Schemes meetings. A longstanding member of the American Society of Agronomy and Crop Science Society of America, Malone has held numerous leadership roles, including serving on the CSSA Board of Directors, chairing the C-4 Division. He also served as President of the Association of American Seed Control Officials from 2013 to 2015.
For more information, including full biographies on the honorees and past winners, visit www.betterseed.org.
About ASTA
Founded in 1883, the American Seed Trade Association (ASTA) represents nearly 700 companies involved in seed production, plant breeding and related industries in North America. ASTA is the leading voice of action in all matters concerning the development, marketing and movement of seed, associated products and services throughout the world. The association’s broad membership offers varieties from alfalfa to zucchini and all production types including conventional, organic and biotech. ASTA promotes the development of better seed to produce better crops for a better quality of life. Visit www.betterseed.org to learn more.
