b'BIOLOGICALSInnovation Takes Root: Why Field Validation is the Crucible of Agricultural ProgressLINDA KINKEL Chief Science Officer, Jord BioSciencelinda.kinkel@jordbioscience.comcompany/jord-bioscienceIT IS A MOMENTforever etched in my memory: standing at theyoung University of Minnesota faculty member, I stumbled onto edge of a test plot, watching green shoots break through the soila remarkable potato field that had resisted disease after threetiny witnesses to years of laboratory work, late nights, and scien- decades of continuous monoculture, even when researchers tific dreams. But as I looked across that Minnesota field, I realized atried to introduce pathogens. This anomaly taught me that resil-simple truth: innovation in agriculture only matters when it standsient microbial communities had quietly created disease suppres-up to the complexity of real-world conditions: unpredictablesion in ways we never anticipated.weather, highly variable soil chemistry, and a host of ever-presentThat early lesson remains clear today: biologicals are part pests. In agriculture, the true test comes in the field. of living systems. Biological products must function within the The promise of biologicals has generated enormous excite- chaos of soils, climates and farming practices, and the outcomes ment, and rightfully so. But in agriculture, as in science, proofcan seem unpredictable. Laboratory results under controlled comes not from potential, but from performance in the field.conditions, no matter how promising, must meet the challenge of Thats why field validation is so critical. Without it, we cant offercomplex field realities. growers the rigor and certainty they need. With both row cropsBut unpredictability isnt a given! Confidence in outcomes is and high value specialty crops, whose diversity makes it challeng- borne of two key factors: 1) deep biological understanding of ing to build large-scale testing platforms, it is our responsibilitywhat microbials need to perform effectively and consistently in as an industry to invest wisely, to prioritize needs, and to deliverthe field; and 2) rigorous and robust field validation. Field vali-performance. dation isnt a luxury; its what separates potential from proven My fascination with plant-microbe relationships began dec- performance. Field validation is hard, expensive, and often hum-ades ago, long before soil ecology was a popular phrase. As abling. But it is the only path to real agricultural impact.PRODUCTION SEED COATINGAI Already has an Opinion About You. Is it Positive? Why the Best Seed Enhancement Solutions Start with a ConversationJIM SCHWEIGERT President, Gro Alliancejim.schweigert@groalliance.comgroalliance.com@GroAlliance TYLER REECE Senior Scientist Agricultural CoatingsMichelmaninfo@michelman.comAT MICHELMAN,we understand that true innovation comesask: what specific production bottleneck is this product designed from more than just breakthrough scienceit begins withto solve? This perspective helps uncover hidden frustrations understanding the people who use our products every day.such as poor seed treatment retention or planting accuracy Listening is at the heart of what we do. But its not just aboutissuesthat, once identified, guide us in developing targeted, hearing words; its about asking thoughtful questions that uncoverpractical solutions. Its a pragmatic approach that ensures our underlying needs and uncertainties. In product development,innovations arent just novel but are genuinely useful and aligned I strive to understand what keeps customers up at night, theirwith real-world applications.long-term goals, and the pressures they face. These conversationsAt Michelman, were committed to sustainable solutions that often reveal challenges that arent immediately obvioussuch asdeliver measurable results. Customer input drives our develop-workflow inefficiencies or environmental concerns. When we takement of bio-based alternatives that match or exceed the per-the time to listen deeply, we can tailor solutions that not only meetformance of traditional chemistries. These efforts reflect our customer needs but also improve upon their current practices. genuine desire to minimize environmental impact while maxi-Building trust and forging authentic relationships is essential.mizing efficacy. During times of economic, political, or climate Agriculture operates on long-term cycles, and a single mis- uncertainty, this customer-centric mindset allows us to respond steplike a poor seed coatingcan have costly repercussionsswiftly and responsibly.throughout an entire growing season and beyond. These highIn the end, technology is only valuable when it solves real stakes drive us to develop products our customers can dependproblems for real people. By listening carefully and engaging on. By seeing the process through their eyes, we can identifyauthentically, we turn ideas into solutions that make a meaning-unmet or unspoken needs and prioritize innovations that addressful difference. Grounding our work in direct customer feedback specific productivity barriers, whether its faster drying times,ensures we create innovations with immediate practical value improved flowability, or enhanced environmental safety. and long-term agricultural impact.One approach I rely on is the jobs to be done framework. Rather than focusing solely on the properties of a coating, we OCTOBER 2025SEEDWORLD.COM /41'