Cal/West Seeds has announced the promotion of David Johnson to assistant director of research. This promotion is in recognition of JohnsonÕs significant and varied contributions to Cal/West Seeds during his 14 years of service, a news release said.

In this new capacity, Johnson will continue to fulfill the responsibilities of plant breeder and manage all research activities at the West Salem, Wisc., research facility.

ÒAs the senior inventor of the patented StandFast Alfalfa, the development of varieties with the fast growth and standability traits has been the most significant breeding improvement in alfalfa during the past 25 years,Ó Jonathan Reich, executive vice president of research and development for Cal/West Seeds, said in the release. Ò É I know we can continue to count on DavidÕs high intellect and scientific competency, passion for his work, and unassailable integrity as he helps Cal/West Seeds grow and prosper.Ó

Johnson said Òit is an exciting time to be at Cal/West Seeds and part of the forage seed industry.Ó

ÒOur future research will focus on adding value to seed via traits that benefit consumers, end users and seed growers,Ó Johnson said in the release. ÒWe are currently directing additional resources and staffing to several innovative projects in our laboratories, growth rooms and greenhouses designed to improve yield, stress tolerance and nutritional efficiency Ñ adding value to the seeds we produce and market.Ó

Johnson was born and raised on a wheat farm near Kimball, Neb. His educational background and experience includes a bachelorÕs degree in agriculture and a masterÕs degree in agronomy, both from the University of Wyoming. He received his Ph.D. in agronomy and plant genetics with a minor in agricultural economics from the University of Arizona.

He has been the ASA/CSSA/SSSA/WSSA Congressional Science Fellow working for the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry. Upon leaving that position, he worked as the research associate/post doctorate at the University of Wisconsin-Madison in its plant pathology department before joining Cal/West Seeds in 1995.

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