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Learn the science behind microbial seed treatments and how they can benefit crop production and farm profitability. Experts discuss the genetic makeup of microbes and the science behind how they are sourced, isolated and selected for developing strains that will have a positive effect in the field against specific abiotic and biotic stresses.

This session also discusses how greenhouse and field-based trials determine how microbes successfully work to boost crop resilience in these temporal stress conditions, nutrient deficiencies, and disease management — specifically with winter wheat and cotton, soybean and corn — and you will hear grower testimony, observation, and yield comparisons. Agronomists further recommend how to formulate actionable practices for positive outcomes, will share how to leverage these learnings to reduce risk, improve crop yield and ensure grower and retailer profitability.  

Highlights include: 

• How microbes work and on-farm benefits of isolating traits of microbes 
• Demonstrated results of testing these traits under real conditions
• Recommendations of new biologicals offerings and why growers should feel comfortable introducing them to their current practices

Email Brian O'Connor at No-Till Farmer with any questions about the webinar.

About the Speakers

Mekdem Tesfaye is a Research Associate at Indigo Ag, Inc.  A Massachusetts resident, Mekdem has a Biotechnology Certificate, and she started her career in the field at Indigo in 2017. Mekdem previously worked as an assistant at a Patent Trademark office.

Matt Powe grew up on a small farm in southeast Kansas where his family raised alfalfa and other forage crops for their cow/calf herd!  Upon earning a B.S. degree in Agronomy from Kansas State University, Matt 25+ years in various roles within the agriculture industry. Prior to joining Indigo in March 2018, Matt worked as a crop consultant, a soil conservationist for the NRCS/USDA, and an Account Manager for Dupont Pioneer. These roles have given Matt a unique opportunity to see production agriculture at the highest level while also incorporating conservation and regenerative practices to improve long term profitability for the farmer and rancher. Matt enjoys camping with his family, hunting, and following K-State sports...EMAW!

Kevin Calzia is the Senior Director of Formulations and Quality Assurance at Indigo Ag where he has led the development and commercialization of microbial seed treatment products for the past five years. He has a BS in Biochemistry from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo and MS and PhD in Polymer Science from the University of Massachusetts. He has worked on the development of biologically based products for a variety of markets including corn derived polylactic acid, catalysts for biodiesel production, and biofuels produced from cyanobacteria. His focus at Indigo has been on the stabilization and application methods of microbes for agricultural use.

P.R. Morris is a seasoned agronomist with well over a decade of extensive trial management and scientific research experience in the agricultural sector. He has been with Indigo Ag for nearly five years, currently focused in the Mid-South region as a Technical Service Manager. He has a passion for helping farmers profitably navigate through environmental and disease stressors to produce the highest quality crops possible. P.R. resides in Reagan, Tennessee and in his spare time enjoys competing in rodeos, hunting, and spending time with his wife and daughter.