Season 2, Episode 5
180 Years of Innovation: Looking Back at our Roots
This year, Renk Seed is celebrating 180 years in business. We’re reflecting on this milestone and looking back at the people, ideas, and decisions that have helped our family-owned seed company grow through generations of change.
In this episode, Max is joined by Renk Seed’s lead team: Jeff, Brett, and Alex Renk. Together, they discuss embracing biotechnology, advancing computer systems and automation for a rapidly changing industry, and improving processes to serve their customers and dealers better.
...fine, Jeff, it's your problem. But they put the money up. That was the big thing.
Embracing Change: The Leap to Biotechnology
Renk Seed’s journey into the era of biotechnology was anything but straightforward. Jeff, representing a new generation of leadership, faced significant resistance when introducing GMO traits like Roundup Ready Soybeans. The decision sparked heated family meetings, ultimately culminating in a turning point for the company. According to Jeff, ultimately the older generation “capitulated and said: Fine, Jeff, it’s your problem. But they put the money up. That was the big thing.” Despite initial reluctance, the company embraced the new technology, a move that would set the stage for future growth and adaptation.
We started putting all our test plots into a database so that they could be useful. The big epiphany for me was, well, shouldn't they all be together so we can look at them?
Digitizing the Business: Building IT from the Ground Up
The transition from paper records to digital databases marked a second wave of innovation at Renk Seed. Alex, the company’s resident tech enthusiast, took on the challenge of integrating information technology into every aspect of the business. With each new programming language and database system, he laid the groundwork for smarter, data-driven decisions. He highlights the shift from manual to digital processes: “We started putting all our test plots into a database so that they could be useful. The big epiphany for me was, well, shouldn’t they all be together so we can look at them?” Today, Renk Seed is “putting our toe into the AI world” to help answer complex questions with real data and a useful answer.
I was told we were the first people to stack corn with a robot... robotics in industry were strictly the realm of automakers.
Innovating in Production: Automation and Practical Solutions
Seed production, often labor-intensive and physically demanding, became another arena for Renk Seed’s forward-thinking solutions. Brett recalls introducing robotics to stack seed corn—a pioneering move at the time— “I was told we were the first people to stack corn with a robot… robotics in industry were strictly the realm of automakers.” He also recounts how necessity sparked the invention of an automated box washer, illustrating the company’s commitment to practical problem-solving and efficiency.
Leadership and Legacy in a Family Business
Running a family business brings unique challenges, especially when it comes to balancing work and personal relationships. The podcast reveals how Jeff, Brett, and Alex learned to navigate these complexities, drawing lines between business meetings and family gatherings. Brett shares: “We got schooled early by some of the older guys and the two generations ahead…you got to just leave it behind or leave it in the meeting room.” Their ability to share leadership responsibilities and learn from each other’s strengths has been key to Renk Seed’s steady growth.
We got schooled early by some of the older guys and the two generations ahead...
Looking Forward: Sustaining Growth and Innovation
As Renk Seed continues to grow, the company’s leaders remain focused on solving not just today’s problems, but tomorrow’s as well. Their story is a testament to the power of embracing change, fostering open communication, and nurturing a culture where innovation thrives alongside tradition.
Their stories show that innovation doesn’t always begin with a major breakthrough; it often starts with asking if there’s a better way and putting in the work to find a solution. Jeff, Brett, and Alex Renk share how planning ahead, adapting to new technologies, and leveraging their individual strengths helped Renk become what it is today as they continue building for the next generation.
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