Growers emerging from the last few challenging seasons of the farm economy are still willing to invest in new seed lines when enough credible evidence proves seed performance under pressure in the field.
Specific pests or diseases are again in the crosshairs of many of the new seeds being rolled out.
The soybean cyst nematode, corn rootworm and other pathogens are being confronted with crops fortified against them. Researchers are also getting new tools every day for engineering crops that will push back against threats.
Brian Naber, Head of North America & Australia/New Zealand Region for Bayer Crop Science, says three exciting developments include his company’s smart corn system, introducing its Vyconic soybeans commercially, and prepping its latest generation corn rootworm trait for release in 2028.
Bayer is bringing seven new crop protection ingredients to North America over the next five years. All are geared toward boosting crops’ potential yield and their resilience to unpredictable climate conditions.
“I believe the future will favor innovation that is not only scientifically strong, but also practical to implement, and I have no doubt we’re in the strongest innovation cycle I’ve seen over my nearly 30-year career in agriculture,” Naber says.
BASF is reporting advancements in herbicide tolerance and disease and pest resistance in soybeans through measures such as the Nemasphere nematode resistance trait.
Bryan Perry, U.S. Head of Seeds and Traits for BASF, said growers have always searched to increase crop yields and profitability through innovation, but in a hostile economic environment they can be skeptical until they see both data and real-world proof of its effectiveness.
“That’s where the combinations of data and anecdotal experience become crucial,” Perry says. “Growers want to see consistent performance across environments and multiple years, but local data carries a lot of weight. Trials at retail locations, university testing and on-farm evaluations give growers an opportunity to see how a new technology performs under conditions that look like their own.”
Eric West, Product Advancement Manager for GROWMARK, says seed trait demand varies regionally with the threats crops face. “For example, corn growers in western areas may prioritize seed that provides protection against western bean cutworm, while those in southern areas may seek protection against corn earworm.”
West says growers don’t seem to be fearful of trying novel product offerings when convinced their investment will pay off, and retail reps are the strongest links to building that faith.
“These representatives serve as trusted partners, advising growers on seed genetics/traits, fertility and crop protection products,” West says. “Growers value a trusted advisor who understands their operation and delivers practical advice and solutions to help them improve it.”
