Spaulding serving central Indiana for Seed Consultants

SHARPSVILLE, Ind. — Jack Spaulding recently joined Seed Consultants, Inc. (SCI) as area seedsman. In his new capacity, Spaulding will serve central Indiana by consulting and recommending top performing genetics and traits to corn and soybean growers.

Spaulding is probably best known to Farm World readers as the author of the weekly column “Spaulding Outdoors.” The native Hoosier grew up in the area, graduated from Sharpsville High School and still farms his grandparents’ acreage. He has 22 years of experience in the seed industry.

SCI President Chris Jeffries commented, “I have known Jack for a number of years and had even tried to hire him 15 years ago. I have always considered Jack a hard-working ethical competitor who places his customers’ concerns first. I am excited about the experience and strong agronomic background that Jack brings to SCI, making him a great fit for the company.”

Spaulding may be reached on his mobile phone at 765-438-0484.
Indiana producer honored by Gelbvieh breeders

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — W. Mark Hilton of Midwest Beef Cattle Consultants of West Lafayette was recently recognized by the American Gelbvieh Assoc. (AGA) as the owner of two Gelbvieh cows exhibiting the consistent maternal efficiency typical of “The Continental Breed of Choice.” The AGA has designated these outstanding beef females as Dam of Merit and Dam of Distinction.

Commercial cattlemen agree that Gelbvieh have strong maternal attributes with the added benefits of fast growth and carcass cutability. Given the increased emphasis on efficient beef production, the Gelbvieh breed is in an excellent position to increase its influence on the beef industry.

The title “Dam of Merit” recognizes cows that meet strict selection criteria including early puberty and conception, regular calving intervals and above-average weaning weights on at least three calves. Of the 47,667 active cows in the breed, only 5.3 percent qualify for this title.

The “Dam of Distinction” honor recognizes cows that meet the same high standards for superior, long-term productivity with at least eight calves. Just 0.7 percent of all active Gelbvieh cows qualify for this elite group.

New seedsman covering quad-state sales area

HENDERSON, Ky. — Butch Rogers recently joined the Seed Consultants’ team covering southern Indiana and Illinois, western Kentucky and Tennessee. Originally from southern Indiana, Rogers lives in Henderson, Ky.

With more than 30 years’ experience in the seed industry, Rogers brings a wealth of knowledge to the team. A graduate of Purdue University in agricultural economics, Rogers and his wife Suzan have four grown children and six grandchildren.

Rogers can be reached at his office at 270-826-1555 or on his mobile phone at 270-860-2222.

NAMA passes presidential gavel to miller Miller

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The North American Millers’ Assoc. (NAMA) elected John C. Miller, president and CEO of Miller Milling Co.,
chairman of NAMA for the 2008-10 term. The announcement was made at the annual board of directors meeting held Sept. 26.
Miller, with his partner Michael Snow, founded Miller Milling Co. in 1985. He began his milling career with The Pillsbury Co., after which he held several positions at Italgrani USA, Inc., including CEO. Miller Milling has the capacity to serve its customers with a variety of both durum and hard wheat products from its mills in California, Virginia and Sonora.

Miller is a long-term board member and three-term chairman of the Minneapolis Grain Exchange. He has served on the NAMA/Millers’ National Federation board of directors since 1987 and has been a member of the NAMA Budget Committee, Kansas State Committee and chairman of the Ad Hoc Committee on CVD/AD (countervailing duty/antidumping case). He began a three-year term on the Executive Committee in 2005.

At the same meeting, Paul Maass, president of ConAgra Mills, was elected vice chairman and Greg Schlafer, director and general manager of Bakery Channels of Bakeries & Foodservice Division, General Mills, Inc., was elected to a three-year term on the Executive Committee.