Conference Guests and Speakers
ELITE SPONSOR – Prime Agra
ELITE SPONSOR - Prime Agra
ELITE SPONSOR PRIME AGRA is a third-generation Iowa farmer owned company with decades of experience in seed genetics, agronomy and traditional farm seed sales and…
ELITE SPONSOR – Prime Agra
ELITE SPONSOR - Prime Agra
Daniel Martin
Wecanna
School: UNC-Charlotte Curriculum: Business Management Current Businesses: 2012- First Runs Epic LLC - Printing/Apparel 2015- Cruise Carts LLC - Advertising Free Shuttle Service 2015- Green…
Daniel Martin
Wecanna
School:
UNC-Charlotte
Curriculum:
Business Management
Current Businesses:
2012- First Runs Epic LLC – Printing/Apparel
2015- Cruise Carts LLC – Advertising Free Shuttle Service
2015- Green Global Solutions LLC – Cannabis Consulting
2015- We CBD LLC – Hemp/CBD Distribution
2018- We Canna LLC – Hemp Parent Company
2018- We Clone LLC- Boutique Flower / Genetics / Seeds / Clones
Core Values:
Respect, Honesty, Dignity, Strong Morals, Work Ethic, Helping Others
Industry Focus:
Consulting Seed to Sale- Planning, Genetics/Seeds/Clones, Planting, Nutrients,Harvesting, Curing, Processing, Distributing-
Vision: We strive to bring both farmers and consumers the highest quality hemp products
available, which convey an above average medicinal experience of well-being, focus and
general health to the end user and create consistent profits for our farming partners.
Ben Elliot
Co-Founder, Criterion Agri, LLC
Ben is the co-founder of Criterion Agri, LLC. His company provides analytical services to growers of all types and every industry involved in agriculture in…
Ben Elliot
Co-Founder, Criterion Agri, LLC
Ben is the co-founder of Criterion Agri, LLC. His company provides analytical services to growers of all types and every industry involved in agriculture in the United States and overseas. Criterion Agri, LLC is also a technology-centered company, which brings current agriculture technology to the field for study and application.
Ben holds a Master’s Degree in Molecular Biology and a Master’s Degree in Analytical Chemistry. Ben also trained and worked as a custom formulation scientist where he focused on projects for most of the major agriculture chemical companies in the United States. He has visited multiple foreign Ministries of Agriculture and spoken in many forums where Biological Agronomy was the topic and teaching the transition from standard practices to biology based practices.
Ben’s current research is focused on the biological effects of soil and plant nutrition across multiple crops including permanent tree crops & Hemp. He also enjoys studying the chemical limitations the industry experiences with its current widespread operations and forms of fertility. Ben also is focusing on providing a complete package of data that will help growers plan multiple crops for multiple years and balance the economic impact of current markets.
Dr. Christopher Disbro
Dr. Christopher Disbro is an Iowa native, physician, and the Founder and President of the Iowa Hemp Association. He is a graduate of the University…
Dr. Christopher Disbro
Dr. Christopher Disbro is an Iowa native, physician, and the Founder and President of the Iowa Hemp Association. He is a graduate of the University of Notre Dame and St. George’s University with degrees in medicine, political science, and German. He’s also studied at the Goethe Institute, The University of Innsbruck, and Northumbria University. Dr. Disbro consults for hemp and cannabis consumers and businesses throughout the Midwest and has been a leading voice for hemp at the Iowa statehouse and US Capitol. Through his work in Iowa he has pushed for the re-introduction and re-establishment of hemp as an agricultural commodity and has sought to increase access to hemp products across the state. Most recently, he helped craft and guide the passage of SF599, the Iowa Hemp Act, which was signed into law May, 2019. Currently, he is engaged in training, educating, and organizing farmers and communities to begin hemp cultivation and ensure the state is prepared for this emerging market.
The Iowa Hemp Association
The Iowa Hemp Association is the premier hemp industry advocacy organization in the state. The IHA is a 501c5 non-profit dedicated to the re-introduction and…
The Iowa Hemp Association
The Iowa Hemp Association is the premier hemp industry advocacy organization in the state. The IHA is a 501c5 non-profit dedicated to the re-introduction and re-emergence of hemp as an agricultural commodity. We were the lead advocates on the Iowa Hemp Act (SF599) and continue to work with the state legislature, law enforcement, and the Department of Agriculture to promote hemp in Iowa and advocate for our members, especially the farmers involved in its cultivation. We are focused on advocating specifically for family farms and emerging companies in the hemp industry. It is our goal to build the foundation for a thriving hemp market in Iowa, promote the interests of farmers involved in the hemp industry, and support an environment of prosperity and opportunity for Iowa’s rural communities.
Michael Castro
CEO, Criterion Agri, LLC
Mike is the CEO of Criterion Agri, LLC and holds a Bachelors Degree in Crop Science. Mike started his career in the vegetable industry in…
Michael Castro
CEO, Criterion Agri, LLC
Mike is the CEO of Criterion Agri, LLC and holds a Bachelors Degree in Crop Science. Mike started his career in the vegetable industry in Central Coast California and is very familiar with all growing regions and seasonality of most crops in California, Arizona, New Mexico and Northern Mexico. He is a “hands on” seasoned Agriculture Professional, with over 40 years of experience, and a true entrepreneurial spirit. Mike was a grower, grower supervisor, and supply chain consultant for many years working in many agriculture industries from large scale fruit and vegetable production, commodities, and high tech hydroponic greenhouse growing operations. He has managed teams in the U.S., Mexico and multiple other countries. “I pride myself on my ability to lead change, motivate and empower people”. Mike has worked hard over the years to promote the adoption of many types of precision agriculture and the sustainable use of our resources.
Mike has worked his way up from the field to Senior Management roles; where until recently, he was the Chief of Operations to one of the largest farms in the U.S., operating on 75,000 irrigated acres. Mike oversaw on the property in New Mexico, producing conventional and organic commodities, fruits and vegetables. Currently, he is providing services as a consultant on agricultural investment cases in the greenhouse industry and organic supply chain in the United States and Mexico.