Robert Lemon is known for his work in managing statewide interdisciplinary educational and applied research programs involving entomology, plant pathology, soil fertility and integrated pest management. He is recognized for his expertise in cotton, peanuts, grain and forage production. Dr. Lemon has extensive experience in managing field-based research programs, and directed statewide agronomic programs for peanuts in Texas and most recently served as the State Extension Cotton Specialist for the Texas AgriLife Extension Service. In 2007, he was named by his peers the Extension Cotton Specialist of the Year.

Neil Forrester has been deeply involved in the development and application of biotechnology in field and horticulture crops. He is credited with the introduction and maintenance of the first insecticide resistance management strategy for conventional insecticides in cotton as well as for the inception of the Bt cotton resistance management strategy. Dr. Forrester earned his PhD at the University of Queensland and went on to work for a major multinational seed company where he led business development programs in India and was responsible for the technical development of new markets in Africa, the Sub-Continent, the CIS and South America.

Gerado Copello is recognized globally as a business development expert for conventional and biological/natural crop protection and high value fertility products. He also has a broad range of expertise in bio-energy crops. His 35 years of experience cover a wide range of agricultural and horticultural applications. Copello has worked with multinational crop protection companies in technical services and business management throughout Latin America, Eastern Europe, the Middle East and Africa.

Alan York is an established authority on weed management systems, herbicide resistance issues and has worked extensively on glyphosate resistance management. He was the first to study glyphosate-resistance in palmer amaranth and horseweed (marestail). Dr. York is the current William Neal Reynolds Professor Emeritus in the Crop Science Department at North Carolina States University. His responsibilities with AgriThority include field research programs and strategic consultation with an emphasis on problematic weeds, herbicide resistance, rotational crop responses, pesticide interactions, transgenic crops and new chemistries. Dr. York received a BS in agronomy and an MS in Crop Science from North Carolina State University; and earned his PhD in agronomy - specializing in weed science - in 1979 from the University of Illinois.

David Jackson built an international reputation as an expert in seed technology and crop protection over a 35 year career with the Crop Protection Division of Chemtura Corporation (formerly Uniroyal Chemical). He designed and developed seed treatment products, and advised agribusiness groups on data generation for registering new products worldwide. Based in the UK, Jackson has worked extensively in EU countries and Eastern Europe, the Middle East, Latin America, India and China. Jackson has authored or co-authored over 20 scientific publications covering seed treatment, and is currently a principal with SeedTech Consulting, Ltd.

ShiGui Zhang has nearly 30 years of experience as an agronomist and crop scientist in the Chinese agriculture industry, specializing in cotton seed production, processing, evaluation and treatment. He is recognized in China as an authority on Best Management Practices and Integrated Pest Management programsand studied cotton physiology and production for a year at Texas A&M University.

Tom Overbay is well-known in the animal health industry and widely recognized for his unique insights and perspectives on product and business development. Since 2005, Dr. Overbay has consulted with emerging technology companies in both the human and animal health fields, providing technical and medical expertise. He began his consulting company after leaving Fort Dodge Animal Health, where he served as Business Development Director. He began his career with Fort Dodge in Technical Services. Dr. Overbay received his doctorate from the College of Veterinary Medicine at Virgina Tech University.

Jerry Duff specializes in the technical foundation, development and introduction of products with a particular focus on their fit into Best Management Practices systems. He is widely recognized for his vision and strategy development capabilities, and for his ability to work with the technical community. His experience includes farm business planning and farm management and agricultural economics. He has spent more than 30 years in the agriculture industry and provided services to a wide range of clients worldwide. His agri-business experience includes grain, oilseed, cotton, biomass, trees and vines, vegetable production, turf, ornamentals, beef and dairy cattle, equine and small animal health.