Valent appoints new market managers for seed protection business

Valent U.S.A. Corporation announced three new hires under the seed protection business unit of the company’s agricultural sales organization. Marty Robinson, Jay Stroh and Jeff Weber will serve as seed protection market managers in their respective territories.

Frank Gonzales, strategic business manager, said, “Seed protection has become critically important for growers looking to protect their investment and maximize their yield. Therefore, the Valent Seed Protection group continues to invest in the technology and the people needed to help our customers meet their seed protection needs. Marty, Jay and Jeff have the experience and backgrounds to continue the growth of this business unit, as well as building strong relationships within the industry. We are looking forward to seeing where they will help lead our seed protection business.”

Marty Robinson

Prior to accepting the market manager position with Valent, Robinson managed the seed treatment business at Advanced Biological Marketing (ABM) for eight years, most recently as president of the agriculture division. He was responsible for all aspects of the business, including direct management of national distributors and large seed company accounts. Robinson also worked for Becker Underwood for seven years as a regional sales manager. He received a Bachelor of Science from Iowa State University and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Iowa.

Robinson will work out of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and his responsibilities will include brand management of corn seed protectants, seed protection account management for key Western corn belt seed companies and work with INOVATE™ Seed Protectant sales.

Jay Stroh

Stroh joins Valent with many years of experience in selling and marketing seed and various seed protection products. Prior to accepting the market manager position with Valent, Stroh worked in different positions for Northrup King/Novartis/Syngenta for 19 years. Most recently he served as territory manager for Syngenta Seed Care, managing the seed treatment business in North Dakota and Minnesota. Stroh received his Bachelor of Science from North Dakota State University–Fargo.

Stroh will work out of Underwood, Minn., and his responsibilities will include brand management of the new NipsIt™ SUITE line-up of products for sugar beets, canola and cereals; seed protection account management for key North Dakota and Western seed companies; and work with INOVATE sales.

Jeff Weber

With more than 25 years of experience, Weber comes to Valent with broad experience in equipment, crop, seed coatings, seed protection, fungicides and insecticides. Prior to accepting his position as market manager, Weber was a technical sales manager with Independent Inputs, where he was responsible for chemical and equipment training of staff and end-users.

Working out of Noblesville, Ind., Weber takes on responsibilities including management of INOVATE, working with the sales organization and seed protection account management for key Midwest seed companies.

Glen Karaffa

As the seed protection team expands, Glen Karaffa will shift his focus to support the growing Valent rice, cereals and sorghum seed protection portfolio. With several new product launches on the horizon, Karaffa will be instrumental in introducing these new technologies to rice, cereals and sorghum growers and treaters.