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The FIRST program has several changes and new personnel to introduce. After 25+ years of operating independent variety trials, it’s expected that we will say goodbye to valuable colleagues, and look forward to opportunities with new people. For new trial managers in the program, guidance from experienced managers will allow FIRST to continue and grow the program’s trusted yield testing with the farming community and seed industry.
Long-time manager in the Mid-Atlantic, Rob Kauffman is retiring from FIRST. We thank him for many years of excellent service and wish him all the best. The Pennsylvania and Mid-Atlantic trials are not continuing in the FIRST program.
REGION UPDATES Minnesota and North Dakota Red River Valley regions return for 2024 with Mark Querna operating. Several new managers have taken the reins of current FIRST regions. Nick Hoffman (more below) is a corn breeder and researcher and will be managing Nebraska Northeast and Iowa Northwest in 2024. He is mentored by Corey Rozenboom in 2023 and 2024. New managers for the South Dakota regions, Matt Eich of Centrol Crop Consulting and Payden Peterson of Peterson Seed Testing are experienced field researchers and will be mentored by Mark Tollefson. Melissa Nelson (below) is joining FIRST to operate two NEW corn and soybean regions in Kansas with mentorship from Adam Stuteville.
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