

LUNCH & LEARNS
The PSA Lunch & Learns Series is a quarterly educational program organized by the PSA Board in collaboration with the PSA Communications Committee. These virtual meetings, held over Zoom during the lunch hour, are designed to bring timely, relevant topics to our members and partners across the seed sector.
Each session features expert guest speakers sharing insights on a wide range of topics to support professional development, promote industry awareness, and enhance PSA’s educational outreach.
Ready to Join the Conversation?
RSVP NOW BY EMAILING DONNA BOGGS @ PACIFICSEEDASSOC@GMAIL.COM TO RECEIVE YOUR ZOOM LINK AND BE A PART OF OUR NEXT LUNCH AND LEARNS EVENT.
UPCOMING LUNCH & LEARNS
STAY TUNED FOR NEW EVENTS!
COME BACK SOON TO SEE WHO THE NEXT SPEAKER AND TOPIC WILL BE!
Email Donna Boggs at pacificseedassoc@gmail.com to receive your Zoom link
PAST LUNCH & LEARN EVENTS
May 28, 2025

An Introduction to the Use of DNA and Sequencing Technologies to Advance Crop Breeding Research
Join us for an engaging virtual presentation with Dr. Grant Poole, Business Development Manager at Floragenex, a leading provider of genomic services for agriculture and plant science. With over 20 years of experience in molecular diagnostics, product development, and commercial strategy, Dr. Poole will share insights into the latest advances…
Dr Grant Poole, PhD, Business Development Manager, Floragenex
April 2, 2025

Tariffs, Trade, and the Future of US Agriculture Exports
Matt emphasized how we are in a whole new world of agriculture trade. With new US tariffs being applied and retaliation against US agriculture products by trading partners, along with transactional opportunities to address long standing ag trade irritants, growers and shippers need to be aware of what is happening…
Matt Lantz, Senior Vice President, Global Access, Bryant Christie Inc.
December 4, 2024

The Association of Official Seed Certifying Agencies (AOSCA)
AOSCA member agencies certify around 2.5 million acres of crops and grasses annually Sarah Wilbanks serves as the Chief Executive Officer of the Association of Official Seed Certifying Agencies (AOSCA). She holds a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Education from Clemson University, a Master of Science in Agricultural Communications and…
Dr. Sarah Wilbanks, Chief Executive Officer.
September 25, 2024

The Role of Pollinators in Agriculture | Conservation Biology Institute (CBI)
Elina Lastro Niño's presentation explores the critical role that bees play in the seed industry, focusing on their importance in pollination, biodiversity, and crop yields. She delves into the ways that healthy bee populations contribute to the success of seed production, the challenges facing bee populations today, and the implications…
Elina L. Niño, Ph.D. & Cole Soldo and Justin Brice
July 10, 2024

Federal and California R&D Tax Credit
Chad helps companies qualify for and substantiate federal and state R&D tax credits. His clients span a variety of industries including agriculture, manufacturing, software development, engineering, food and beverage, and technology companies.
Chad Lowe, Founder and President of Practical Tax Incentives
March 27, 2024

Update on the Farm Bill
Janae Brady joined the ASTA team in 2020. Brady served as staff for Chairman Pat Roberts (R-Kansas) on the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry during his time as both Chairman and Ranking Member. Most recently as Senior Professional Staff, she advised the Chairman on policy issues including international…
Janae Brady, Vice President of Government Affairs, ASTA
March 27, 2024

ChatGPT Demonstration
Experienced business professional with a demonstrated history of working in a business management role. Broad range of skills from field seed production and operations management to accounting and computer programming. Strong management background with a BS in Finance, from Sacramento State College of Business Administration. Never afraid to wear a…
Grant Baglietto, General Manager, Baglietto Seeds, President, PSA
January 3, 2024

International Trade Dynamics in Hay and Impacts on Markets
Daniel A. Sumner is the Frank H. Buck Jr. Distinguished Professor in the Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics, University of California, Davis. He is also the director of the University of California Giannini Foundations for Agricultural Economics. For many years he has taught “The Economics of Agricultural Sustainability” to…
Daniel Sumner, UC Davis Agricultural and Resource Economics
September 27, 2023

The Status of the Western Forage Industry
Josh grew up on a custom farming operation in Southern Idaho. He started in hay production from a young age and worked in every part of the operation. After high school Josh served an LDS mission in Mexico for two years. He returned to the farm with the added benefit…
Josh Callen, Owner/ Market Analyst with The Hoyt Report
June 28, 2023

How and Why - to Tell Ag’s Story in a Clickbait World
Ann Donahue is the Senior Manager of Media and Content Strategy at Western Growers. As a former journalist, she can give a behind-the-scenes look at the media landscape – and reveal how the ag industry can make an impact with its stories. Thank you to Western Growers!
Ann Donahue
March 29, 2023

Recruiting, Retaining and Inspiring Today’s Multi-Generational Workforce
Brianna Jakosa is a HR professional with over fifteen years of experience in all areas of human resources including talent acquisition, employee engagement strategy, employee training, HR technology, benefits, and performance management. Her industry expertise includes agriculture, manufacturing, healthcare and professional services. She is a SHRM Certified Professional and earned…