b'Dont tell us exactly how to do it, he says. Just give us a number, give us the data, and well go do it.He says although Kansas is known as The Wheat State, its plentiful corn farmers know better than anyone that what works in one field may fail in another. Eastern Kansas often benefits from cover crops that improve soil health and water retention. Western Kansas, with half the rainfall, cant often afford to sacrifice moisture to a cover crop stand.Cover crops work in some places and not in othersand thats okay, he says. Not all farmers, especially in Kansas, farm the same way.Williamson argues that flexibility, not prescription, will determine whether the program succeeds. You cant accomplish your goal unless farmers can make it work for their bottom line, he says.Seeds of a Low-Carbon FutureThe carbon-intensity push is already influencing conversa-tions far beyond ethanol. Seed developers are exploring hybrids with better nitrogen efficiency and improved residue Taylor Williamson, Kansas Corn Director of Policy andmanagement. Agronomy teams are looking at how microbial Economics. products, stabilizers, and data analytics can cut emissions. Ethanol plants are developing traceability systems to verify the carbon profile of each bushel they buy.Williamson sees this as a defining moment for the seed If an airport like DallasFort Worthvalue chaina chance to link genetics, agronomy, and mar-kets in a measurable way. He believes farmers are ready to International Airport converted half its jet fueladapt, as long as risk and reward are balanced.to SAF made from ethanol, thats 389 millionFarmers arent afraid to innovate, he says. They just need to know a government program wont put them out of bushels. Thats why were paying attention.business if they take a chance.Taylor Williamson For now, he says everyone is waiting on Washington. The potential for ethanol to power the planes of tomorrowand for farmers to get paid for lowering carbonhinges on clar-ity that hasnt yet landed.SWDECEMBER 2025SEEDWORLD.COM /69'