The ASTA Management Academy focuses on the practical application of general management concepts that are critical to the long-term success of seed firms. The core management courses form the foundation of the academy and are designed to broaden your general management abilities. Special issue seminars are scheduled throughout the program to allow you an in-depth look at current issues that are critical to the seed industry.

You will benefit from the expert contributions of faculty members from the Department of Agricultural Economics, as well as recognized industry authorities. Case problems and group activities create ample opportunity for intensive interaction and discussion with faculty, speakers and other seed industry managers.

Objectives of this program include:

Discuss the changing agribusiness environment and implications for seed companies in the future. 

Explore fundamental marketing strategies, as well as methods of segmenting and targeting markets. 

Discuss the five functional areas of business with other participants and consider how a decision made in one area impacts the others.

Evaluate strategies for creating and leveraging your organization's competitive advantage.

Identify and apply financial management tools that examine the profitability of a company and increase understanding of how to make a positive impact.

Understand what makes employees perform well and the characteristics of leadership that work for relationships up, down, and across the organization.