b'BIOLOGICALSCollaboration in Action: New Benchmarks to Drive Biologicals Adoption KERI CARSTENS Jord BioScience CEOkeri.carstens@jordbioscience.comjordbioscience.comcompany/jord-bioscienceIF 2025taught us anything, its that the era of going it alonebenchmarks are possible because of how we work with partners.in seed and crop innovation is over. Success now means build-Corn biofertilizers: In our first-year trialing, one lead advances ing the best possible teamsof people and of microbesandwith 7 bu/acre advantage and 80%+ win rate over elite bench-unleashing their collective natural power through true collabora- marks (Jord win: 2.5 bu/acre), improving nutrient availability and tion. As the seed industry gathered at the ASTA Field Crop Seedbeneficial microbe function. The second showed 4 bu/acre gains Convention, collaboration was was our collective call to action. and 70%+ wins by enhancing macronutrient access.The fact is, the next big leap for agricultural biologicals wont Soy biofertilizers/biostimulants: Consistent across three come from silos, but from collaborations that combine expertise,years, one delivered 3.0 bu/acre increases and 75% wins (Jord data, and disciplined product development. While the segmentwin: 0.5 bu/acre) over elite chemistry/biological treatments by has become crowded, breakout opportunities remain for strate- boosting soil microbes, establishment, and biomass. Another gic partnerships. Innovators and agribusinesses are joining forcesadded 2.1 bu/acre with 75% wins via nutrient access, vigor, and to rethink how biologicals fit into modern crop systems, whetherplant healthtranslating to $20-30/acre ROI for farmers.as pure-play solutions or in combination with chemistry. In theThese results stem from our Biologicals Playbook and new year, expect major shifts as expectations rise and the bar for6,500-isolate library, now powering partnerships with seed performance and reliability climbs. companies and trait providers to discover and commercialize At Jord BioScience, we were excited to unveil two years ofproducts faster. At ASTA, we met partners exploring pipeline independent, multi-state field data at ASTA, showing our pro- opportunities accelerating innovation from lab to field. prietary SignalGrow microbial solutions consistently deliverReal and rapid innovation comes through co-development. yield boosts of 1.4 to 3.1 bushels per acre, outperforming industryFarmers win when our industry collaboratesand the com-standards across 16 locations in both drought and wet seasons.panies who work together will set the new performance standard Win rates above 80% against leading biological and chemicalfor biologicals.PRODUCTIONThe Global Commodity Production System is Built for Our CompetitorsJIM SCHWEIGERT President, Gro Alliancejim.schweigert@groalliance.comgroalliance.com@GroAllianceFOR DECADES,the United States stood as the worlds lead- The vulnerability of our current system became clear when ing exporter of commodity grains, supported by a diverse baseChina sharply reduced soybean purchases this past year. That of global buyers. That era is fading. Today, China dominates assingle shift sent shockwaves through U.S. markets, exposing how the largest purchaser of U.S. soybeans, and while corn exportsdependent weve become on one buyer. Worse yet, the long-remain strong, Brazilians have supplanted Americans as thoseterm trend suggests this isnt a temporary setbackits a struc-who feed the world. tural change. If U.S. agriculture continues to rely on the same Brazils rise has been remarkable and intentional. The coun- export-driven model, more farmers will find themselves on the try produces soybeans at yield levels comparable to what U.S.outside looking in as Brazil and other nations seize market share.farmers achieved back in 1978, and theyre achieving a similarThe solution is building demand at home. Investing in emerging rate of genetic gain as we do in the U.S. Every year, it adds acres,sectors like sustainable aviation fuel, soy diesel, and other industrial improves yields, and strengthens its infrastructure. This relentlessuses can create new, stable markets for U.S. production. These expansion positions Brazil as a formidable rival in markets whereinnovations not only diversify demand but also align with sustain-the U.S. once held unquestioned leadership. Much of it is fundedability goals that resonate with consumers and policymakers.by China. According to the Brazil-China Business Council, ChinaPolicy reform is equally critical. Farmers need better tools has invested more than $66 billion into Brazil since 2014. Andto adapt, such as crop insurance that covers more than just the that doesnt include the most ambitious project; the $50 billionmajor crops. Leveling the subsidy playing field would encourage Transoceanic Railway. This project would connect Brazils mas- alternative crops and foster resilience in a rapidly changing global sive acreage base with ports in Peruon the Pacific Ocean sideeconomy.of South America. This would reduce the shipping distance toThe global commodity export market is evolving at breakneck China by nearly 6,000 miles and completely reroute the worldsspeed. If U.S. agricultural policy doesnt evolve with it, we risk shipping lanes. ceding leadership to competitors who are hungry for growth. 32/ SEEDWORLD.COMFEBRUARY 2026'