Issue link: https://read.uberflip.com/i/1271705
12 Sugar Producer AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2020 Off the Top Betaseed, Inc. Emerges as KWS Seeds, LLC Effective July 1, Betaseed, Inc. will become KWS Seeds, LLC reflecting a celebrated legacy that has focused on the future of agriculture and food production through innovative plant breeding methods. Now 50 years old, Betaseed, Inc. was the result of joint venture between KWS SAAT, located in Einbeck, Germany, and Northup King Co. In 1989 KWS purchased the remaining assets from Northrup King Co. and has since demonstrated a commitment through continuous investment in Betaseed, Inc., bringing products and technology to North American agriculture. This change reflects the strong heritage that Betaseed has created in the past and will continue with in the future. The existing Betaseed, Inc. facilities will soon have signage and other visible changes that highlight this transition. Ahrens Named UPL Head of U.S. Ag Sales Brian Ahrens has been named head of U.S. ag sales for UPL North America. In this role, he will oversee all divisions of the U.S. sales division and identify new market strategies to further UPL's growing U.S. manufacturing business. Ahrens has worked in various roles within the organization, most recently as the lead for the professional products team. Ahrens succeeds Brian Cardin, who requested to step aside from his position after nearly 10 years of leading the U.S. sales team. Cardin will lead the key account manager team, reporting directly to Ahrens. Throughout his tenure, he has helped grow the company into a top- tier manufacturer in the U.S. market. He will use that depth of experience to focus on further developing UPL's expanding distribution network. Valmont Acquires Brazil-Based Solar Energy Company Valmont Industries announces the purchase of a majority stake in Solbras – Energia Solar do Brasil, a leader in the photovoltaic energy sector. Effective immediately, the company will go to market under the Valley brand. Solbras was founded in 2013, with locations in São João da Boa Vista and Goiânia, Brazil. The company operates throughout Brazil. With the acquisition, Solbras services will expand globally through the strength of the Valley dealer network. Solbras offers the most advanced solution in photovoltaic solar energy, efficiently converting the sun's rays to clean electric power. Services include distributed generation of photovoltaic energy; approval, design, and engineering of detailed technical projects; and consulting on new photovoltaic plants focusing on agribusiness. In addition, every Valmont Solar installation includes remote monitoring and control capabilities. Drexel Adds to Sales Team Drexel Chemical Company announces the addition of Steven Martin as its mid-South sales representative, responsible for sales in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, the Missouri bootheel and western Tennessee. Martin graduated from Arkansas State University in 2014 with a bachelor's degree in plant science and received a master's in weed science from the University of Arkansas in 2017. His previous experience includes positions with Greenpoint Ag, the University of Arkansas and Winfield Solutions. Martin is a certified crop advisor licensed for Arkansas. He resides in Portland, Ark., and can be contacted at (901) 314-1951 or smartin@ drexchem.com. Steven Martin