b'often regionally focused. But were going to lose groundliterallyin the next five to 10 years. That means well have to do more with less and adopt technologies to drive yield and productivity.Q:What emerging trends do you see as most transformative?A:The obvious answers are data-driven insights and artificial intelligence. Theyll play a role across the ag value chain. But I believe the relational piecethe trust between farmer and providerwill remain the glue that connects innovation to adoption and value creation on the farm.our top How did you grow up? Tell me about yourpriority is Q: bringing early years and your core family.I grew up in a small farming town in northvalue and A:central Iowa. I didnt grow up on a farm, but innovation to in agriculturemy dad was a veterinarian, my mom a dietitian. I originally wanted to follow myfarmers. But dad into veterinary medicine, but my mom talked me out of it. I started at Iowa State University in theregulations College of Agriculture and never looked back. that stifle innovation hurt everyone. Weve got to find waysI married my high school sweetheartweve to balance science and policy so that innovationbeen married almost 35 years. We have two kids:innovation reaches the farm gate. a daughter, 33, and a son whos about to turn 30.hurtMy daughter is married with two kids, ages six and everyone. Q: three, and they live nearby in central Iowa. Were Youve also talked about embracing the next generation of seed professionals.very blessed to have them close.What does that take? Weve got to Im a good example of thatsomeoneQ: find ways What do you like to doA:who came from crop protection andoutside of work? to balance never looked back. I stayed in the seed businessA:Family time is most important. Beyond that,science and because people more experienced than me tookI like to golf, garden, and read. When Im the time to help me, answer my questions andnot working, I focus on quiet time, recharging, andpolicy so that bring me into conversations. Sometimes thatseeing where a good book takes me.happens formally, but often its informaljustinnovation opening a door for someone, supporting themQ: reaches the Can you give us a previewand giving them experiences they wouldnt haveof Winterfest?otherwise. Theres no single recipe, but we needfarm gate. to acknowledge that theres always a talent transi- A:Well be in Indianapolis in January. Well tion happening, and we have great people willinghold our customer event Monday night, to teach and others eager to learn. then Winterfest will run Tuesday morning before handing things off to Independent Professional Q: Seed Association (IPSA) team. Well talk about our Looking ahead, how do you see the next10 years for independent seed companiesinvestments, our innovation and new rootworm and technology providers? technology, which will be in customer trials in 2026 for planting in 2027. Well also reinforce Syngentas A:Independent seed companies will continuefocus on customers and innovationand at to innovate and adopt technology thatGreenLeaf, we get to license that technology to brings value. They know their farmers, soils, andwhat I believe are the best customers in the busi-environments better than most because theyreness: independent seed companies.SW20/ SEEDWORLD.COMDECEMBER 2025'