b'Independent seed companies are looking for ways to serve farmers better with good products acrossa wide range of traits and maturities. If this helps us expand margins and survive a little longer, it pavesthe way for the next generation of leaders in family-run businesses. Peter HylandInnovation and Customization pler, he says. In the U.S., EPA regulations can make things more The ability to use off-patent traits could also lead to more inno- complicated and expensive, especially for insect traits. Thats a vative and customized product offerings, allowing independentlimitation for companies trying to access these traits.companies to respond directly to the needs of their regions. Steen added that the key to overcoming these challenges lies Were very local, so we pride ourselves on knowing our cus- in preparation and strategy.tomer base, Steen says. Now is the time to analyze what yourKnow your customer base and think about your strategy, customers need and start filling those gaps. Its a lot to think about,Steen says. Were at the cusp of a major shift, and the compa-but having choices and opportunities is always a good thing. nies that can adapt quickly and effectively will be the ones to Hyland believes that being open-minded is critical for successsucceed.in this new era. As the industry prepares for the wave of patents expiring in My advice to any company is to be open-minded, he says.the coming years, independent seed companies are poised to Try new hybrids, even if theyre from competitors. Conductinnovate, adapt, and thrive. The path forward may not be easy, trials, test different products, and see what works for your land.but with open-mindedness, strong genetics, and a clear strategy, Youre not losing much by running a trial plot, and youll gainsmaller players can carve out a competitive space in the evolving valuable insights for the future. landscape.Despite the opportunities, Hyland warned that challengesIts an exciting time for the industry, Steen says. remain, particularly with regulatory hurdles in the U.S. Opportunities like this dont come around often. We just have to In South America, the process for post-patent traits is sim- be ready to seize them.SWIGNITE EARLY Corn, Dry Beans, Small GrainsGROWTHFor moreinformation,MICROBIAL-BASED scan theQR code orDRY SEED TREATMENT call, Toll-Free:Stimulates seedling vigor & emergence 1-888-236-7378 Improves phosphate solubilization Enhances plant productivityPatent-pending formulation16/ SEEDWORLD.COMJANUARY 2025'