At Renk Seed, our job is bringing tech to the field.

There is a great deal that goes into every single seed before it even gets to you. Today’s genetics come from a combination of DNA level breeding, extensive trial evaluation and multiple years of development.

With the maturation of DNA level breeding, new varieties have their genes mapped out. If they are lacking the desired genes, they are discarded before even being planted. Those with the proper gene sets are then set for evaluation. Having the desired genes guarantees that the varieties have the technology, disease resistance, yield potential and other traits that can be dictated by genetics. This has made for more efficient breeding — eliminating the process of testing varieties that don’t have the desired genes to begin with.

After the varieties come out of the lab, they are subjected to multiple site testing. This is a very important step for a few reasons. The main reason is that varieties are going to be exposed to several different environments in the Midwest and Great Plains and we want to make sure they can perform under the majority of those conditions. The other factor is the importance of secondary genes. A large number of genes define a variety. Just because it has the desired genes from the lab doesn’t guarantee that it will hold up in the field. It’s great that a variety has root worm resistance, but it is of limited value if it can’t stand.

The journey is not over when new varieties are cleared for sale. A lot of work is put into growing, processing and delivering the seed. Renk has two elite processing plants to handle corn and soybeans. Everything done in these plants is designed to remove any foreign material and ensure that germination will be in the high 90s.

Being on the forefront of science is impressive for a company that has been in the agriculture industry for 175 years. Staffed with people whose mission is to deliver the best, we want our customers to be confident in our products knowing that Renk Seed delivers tech to the field.