Seed Craftsmanship: Producing Seed That Farmers Can Trust
Season 1, Episode 7
Seed Craftsmanship: Producing Seed That Farmers Can Trust
Producing seed that our farmers rely on is more than just planting. It’s a craft built on precision and care. In this episode of Renk Seeds of Innovation, Max Renk sits down with Brett Renk to share how we ensure every seed you plant meets the highest quality standards.
As Brett shares, “almost right” isn’t good enough in seed production. From planting rows with precision to managing pollination and detasseling, every step is critical. And it starts right when it goes into the ground. Max and Brett also explore how harvest timing, handling, and the drying process protect seed quality to make sure you have the highest performance potential for the year ahead.
Whether you’ve driven by our corn fields or wondered what goes into the seed you buy from Renk Seed, this episode dives into why we believe craftsmanship is the key to confidence in the field.
The Foundation: Planting for Success
Planting may sound simple, but as Brett points out, it’s the foundation of the entire seed production process. Unlike typical corn crops, seed production relies on meticulous detail. Seed fields are planted with both female and male rows—four rows of females to one male row—to ensure proper hybridization. Precision is critical; even with modern GPS, mistakes can happen, so Renk Seed uses detailed checklists, much like airline pilots, to ensure every step is followed. As Brett says, “Doing it almost all right isn’t the same as doing it all right.” Every detail, from planting depth to row alignment, impacts the quality and yield down the line.
Doing it almost all right isn’t the same as doing it all right.
The Challenge of Inbreds
Seed production uses inbred lines, which naturally yield far less than commercial hybrid corn. Where a typical cornfield might produce high bushels per acre, inbred lines are finicky. When Brett began his seed production career, yields were about 40 bushels per acre. Modern breeding has pushed that number higher, and our farm now considers yields under 65 bpa unviable. Good pollination is key, but even the best practices can only do so much; the ceiling on inbred yield is set by genetics, while poor management can quickly make things worse.
Timing is everything: cut too early and you risk removing essential leaf area right at pollination, impacting yield.
Detasseling: Precision and Timing
Detasseling is one of the most crucial and delicate steps in the process. Since corn plants have both male (tassel) and female (ear) parts, detasseling prevents self-pollination and ensures the right hybrids are created. Timing is everything: cut too early and you risk removing essential leaf area right at pollination, impacting yield. Brett describes a 3-part process. First, a machine cuts the advanced tassels. Then, a couple of days later, a machine pulls tassels that have emerged in the meantime. Finally, a team walks the field to catch any stragglers. The goal is to do enough to ensure purity, but not so much that the plant is damaged, as every leaf counts towards yield.
Harvest: It’s All About the Seed
Harvesting seed corn is very different from harvesting grain. Seed is picked on the ear, and ideally while it is still a bit wet (around 32-40% moisture) to maintain quality. Any off-type or low-quality ears are culled—a local farmer even collects these for use as cattle feed, ensuring nothing goes to waste. Each ear is husked and dried slowly with low-temperature air to avoid damaging the embryo. Brett’s philosophy is “slow and steady”: drying too fast or at too high a temperature risks damaging the seed, so Renk Seed opts for a conservative approach. Using a two-step drying process to evenly and gently bring moisture down allows Renk Seed to aim for about 11% moisture so the seed can be safely stored long-term.
Storage and Processing
Once dry, the seed is shelled gently to avoid damage, then cleaned and sorted. The storage facility is designed to keep the seed cool and dry, minimizing risk of spoilage or mold. Before sale, the seed is treated with protective products, which adds a bit of moisture back, so starting with very dry seed is key to maintaining quality throughout the process.
Quality, Every Step of the Way
From planting to harvest, every step in the seed production process at Renk Seed is managed with care and attention to detail. As Brett notes, “Every little piece of the puzzle adds up.” It’s this commitment to quality and precision that ensures farmers can trust what’s in the bag when they plant Renk Seed.
Every little piece of the puzzle adds up.
Our 2025 seed corn harvest is complete. That means the corn is now in the storage phase. Tune in to Part II to learn what happens next here at Renk Seed.
Proven Performance: How We Select the Right Seed for Your Acres
Season 1, Episode 6
Proven Performance: How We Select the Right Seed for Your Acres
Harvest brings more than just bushels and waiting for the grain cart—it brings data. In this episode, Max Renk is joined by familiar voices Karl Bobholz and Alex Renk, as well as Renk Seed’s corn breeder, Bruce Nagel, to explore how we use plot results and breeding trials to shape the products that make it into your fields.
The Renk team breaks down the reasons why a single plot isn’t enough, how regional and stress-year data drive smarter long-term decisions for your acres, and how attributes like soil type, fungicide response, and tillage practices factor into the selection process. Bruce shares an inside look at our in-house breeding program with thousands of hybrids evaluated each year and the winter nurseries in Mexico that speed up our testing and product development.
Finally, the conversation turns to silage: how we evaluate tonnage, digestibility, and starch to build the Solid Choice lineup, and why consistency across environments and stressors matters more than one-year wonders.
From the Field to the Future: Turning Plot Data into Better Crops
When it comes to crop breeding and seed selection, nothing beats real-world data from the field. At Renk Seed, our team is passionate about leveraging plot trials across a wide range of locations and years, turning raw data points into the best possible products for farmers. Here’s how those conversations and insights from our recent team’s podcast transcript translate into actionable knowledge for growers—and why plot data matters more than ever.
Why So Many Plots?
Every field is unique, even when soil types and environments seem similar. That’s why our team emphasizes the need for many plots, in many locations, year after year. One year’s stress might be followed by a bumper crop, and consistent performers across locations are the real superstars. As Alex Renk puts it, “Once you see a lot of plots and varieties are consistently popping up to the top, then you know you have consistency.”
Once you see a lot of plots and varieties are consistently popping up to the top, then you know you have consistency.
Karl Bobholz adds that locations are just “dots on the map,” but each provides crucial data. More data points mean more reliable conclusions, letting us see how products perform under all kinds of conditions—including those that Mother Nature throws at us unexpectedly.
What Are We Looking For?
The process is rigorous. On the soybean side, much of the breeding and testing happens out west, while corn research spreads across the entire Corn Belt. Each product must prove itself against tough checks—top-performing hybrids and commercial lines—before it moves forward.
Bruce Nagel, head of our research team, explains that new hybrids are tested for three or four years before ever reaching potential commercialization. Out of thousands of initial candidates, only a handful make it through. And, even then, they still must perform for a few years in Renk’s test plots before being brought to market. “If it’s not beating our checks, if it’s as good, that’s not good enough. So it’s a pretty tight cut.” he says.
From the data standpoint, data is king.
Collecting—and Using—Better Data
One thing that sets Renk Seed apart is how we handle all this information. Dealer plots, research plots, F.I.R.S.T. trials, state trials—they all go into a database, treating every location as a unique data point. This allows us to do head-to-head, regional, and multi-year comparisons. As Alex notes, “From the data standpoint, data is king.”
But it’s not just yield, test weight, and moisture. Karl highlights the importance of plot attributes: Was a fungicide used? What was the fertility program? What’s the tillage method? These details allow us to match products more precisely with a grower’s unique environment.
The data is readily available on the Renk Seed website. We are transparent in our data and hope it provides insight for growers to choose the best product for their acres.
Breeding: A Long Game
Breeding new hybrids isn’t fast—it can take six or seven years from initial crossing to commercialization. Winter nurseries in Mexico and summer nurseries in the Midwest accelerate the process, but every new inbred is rigorously tested and compared to the best available genetics.
Yield is always a focus, but so is resilience. Products must bring substantial yield gains and improved agronomics—like disease resistance or standability—before making the cut. “It has to bring another six bushels on top of what we’re doing already,” Karl explains for his corn benchmarks, and it must compete with industry leaders.
Bringing It Back to the Farm
With all this data, the big question is: How does it help farmers pick the right product for their fields? Renk’s plot maps and results are publicly available, letting growers see not just regional averages but results from fields like theirs. Consistency and local adaptation are the keys—products must perform well across a wide footprint, not just in one “lucky” location.
Silage and Beyond
It’s not just about grain. Internal silage data and third-party trials help identify dual-purpose hybrids suited for livestock operations. The goal: products that deliver on tonnage, both fiber and starch digestibility, and yield. If the corn meets these requirements, then we brand it with our Silage Choice logo.
Responding to Real-World Challenges
Sometimes it’s not the high-yielding plots that matter most, but the high-stress ones. Plots hit by drought, wind or disease reveal which products have the resilience to survive and still deliver. As Karl says, “If we can take out some risk for the grower, that is where we win as a seed brand.” While Alex explains for soybeans, “If you have a plot where only one [soybean variety] is showing up as white mold, that’s a big red flag. Because we don’t want to see white mold, period.”
If we can take out some risk for the grower, that is where we win as a seed brand.
The Takeaway
Behind every Renk seed brought to market there are years of research, data collection, and tough decisions. By focusing on consistent performance, detailed plot attributes, and real-world stress testing, Renk Seed is committed to providing farmers with products that work for their unique acres—today, and for seasons to come.
Built Differently: From Seed Selection to Dealer Perspectives Across the Midwest
Season 1, Episode 5
Built Differently: From Seed Selection to Dealer Perspectives Across the Midwest
Not all seed is created equal. In this episode, Max Renk, Karl Bobholz, and Alex Renk unpack what sets Renk Seed apart, from proprietary genetics and trait access to regional product selection and hands-on testing in the heart of the Midwest. The team explains the difference between traits and germplasm, how Renk leverages transparent, real-world plot data for growers, and why seed handling, processing, and quality control matter just as much as performance.
Then, Max shares conversations from Renk’s recent in-person sales kickoff with dealers Mike Hildebrandt, Porky Carlson, Jim Fischer, and Patti Stadler. They each share what makes Renk unique to them—from family ownership and trusted relationships to Midwest values and direct access to the latest products. Most importantly, they share how these unique characteristics help them serve growers in their communities.
Highlights from this episode include:
Proprietary Genetics and Traits
Renk Seed focuses primarily on corn, soybeans, and alfalfa, emphasizing the importance of corn as a leading crop in the Midwest. The company prides itself on its ability to offer a wide range of genetic options tailored to various farming conditions. Give the podcast a listen to learn more!
Renk Seed focuses primarily on corn, soybeans, and alfalfa, emphasizing the importance of corn as a leading crop in the Midwest.
Corn Selection
Renk Seed has access to a broad spectrum of germplasm and trait options through collaboration with major trait providers, including Bayer, Corteva, and Syngenta. Additionally, Renk employs two full-time breeders who conduct research across multiple states, including a winter nursery in Mexico, to ensure a diverse and effective lineup. Check out our latest catalog to see our portfolio.
Germplasm vs. Traits
Understanding the difference between germplasm and traits is crucial for growers:
Germplasm relates to yield and agronomic performance, assessing factors like stalk strength and root health.
Traits provide protection against pests and diseases, including herbicide tolerance and resistance to harmful insects.
Similar to corn, Renk Seed utilizes an extensive breeding network for soybeans and alfalfa.
Changes in Soybean Genetics Over Time
Renk Seed transitioned from focusing primarily on eastern soybean sales to expanding into western markets. This shift has required the company to address different disease pressures unique to each region, enhancing its genetic offerings.
Research and Testing
Renk Seed employs a thorough testing process for its products, conducting trials across more than 50 locations. This includes collaborations with third-party trials and grower plots to validate the effectiveness of their offerings. The data collected plays a pivotal role in the selection process for future products. Plus, Renk Seed transparently shares the research, which can be located on the Research and Results page.
Processing and Handling
Quality control is a cornerstone of Renk Seed’s operations. All corn products are processed at the plant in Sun Prairie, WI, overseen by Brett Renk. This ensures consistent quality. For soybeans, Renk utilizes superior storage solutions that protect seed integrity, avoiding common issues associated with traditional storage methods.
Company Culture and Values
Renk Seed operates as a family-owned business, which fosters a strong focus on relationships with growers. This structure allows for more flexible decision-making and a commitment to providing tailored solutions meeting the specific needs of farmers. The company’s dedication to serving its growers is evident in its approach to product development and customer service. Listen to the podcast to learn more directly from a few of our active dealers and growers.
Renk Seed operates as a family-owned business, which fosters a strong focus on relationships with growers.
The Magic of Corn Seed Germination and Emergence
The Magic of Corn Seed Germination and Emergence
I think nearly every corn planter in Wisconsin was planting this past week. There are some wet areas in northeastern Wisconsin that have prevented planting, but a significant jump in planted acreage should be measured by USDA-NASS in next Monday’s progress report.
Now the magic begins when dry seed imbibes water and bare or brown fields turn greener every day across the landscape. The germination process and the success of the seed in emerging and establishing is key and the first yield component determined for the growing season.
Protected within the seed coat is an embryonic plant that remains dormant until germination is initiated by the physical process of imbibing water. The white starchy endosperm is the main energy source until the young seedling is established. After planting, water and oxygen are imbibed into the seed for 24-48 hours activating the growth hormones and enzymes. Starch is broken down supplying the embryo with energy for metabolism and cell division.
Within the embryo is a miniature corn plant that already has a primary shoot, leaves and root system protected by rigid sheaths called the coleoptile (above-ground) and coleorhiza (below-ground). The first structure to emerge from the seed is the radicle root, followed by the coleoptile and seminal roots.
Figure 1. Diagram of germinating corn. Photo and graphic by Mimi Broeske.
The coleoptile is pushed to the soil surface by the mesocotyl. When sunlight falls on the coleoptile tip, enzymes are activated that soften the tip allowing the first true leaf of the plant to break through. The growing point of corn is 3/4 of an inch below the soil surface and will remain below-ground until the plant has 5 to 6 leaves.
The germination process from dry seed to seedling emergence requires about 125 Growing Degree Units (GDUs). Normally in the beginning of May, we accumulate about 10 GDUs per day, so emergence takes about 12 to 13 days. The 2022 growing season is starting out fast with record high temperatures, and I have seen some recently planted fields already emerged. Emergence GDUs may need to be adjusted:
- If conservation tillage is implemented, add 30-60 GDUs.
- If planting date is before April 25, add 10-25 GDUs.
- If planting date is after May 15, subtract 50-70 GDUs
- If seeding depth is below 2 inches, add 15 GDUs for each inch below.
- If seed-bed condition has soil crusting or massive clods, add 30 GDUs.
- If seed-zone soil moisture is below optimum, add 30 GDUs.
There might be many reasons why a seedling does not emerge in a stand of corn. The germination process is really a race between pest pressure (diseases and insects) and the ability of the seedling to outgrow the pest. Seed treatments protect the seedling from disease and insects for the first 30 to 45 days of the growing season. Planting into cloddy/crusted or cold soils can result in seedling leaves unfurling below-ground, reducing plant stand and yield potential. Imbibitional chilling can result in plant death.
This one of my favorite times of the year in Wisconsin. I wonder what the growing season has in store for these developing plants. As you drive around the state, enjoy the landscape and all the different greens that develop over the month of May.
Saving Versus Earning for Seed Corn Inputs
Saving Versus Earning for Seed Corn Inputs
I’m starting to get questions about costs this spring, which is not surprising given the recent COVID-19 effect on commodity prices. There are two significant components of the cost per acre equation: the number of trait technologies in the hybrid(s) a customer purchases and the plant population (which I’ll address at the end of this article).
Roundup Ready® hybrids cost roughly $30-/acre more than conventional hybrids (using 35,000 planting density and retail price for the technology, your mileage may vary). Most growers embrace the convenience of the technology and the “system” cost (trait + herbicide) is reasonable. Northern farmers (northern one half to two thirds of WI) have lower weed pressure and 70% of the time can use a single pre-plant or early post application of common tank mix herbicides where the system price is lower than the system price of Roundup Ready.
Corn borer protection, sometimes referred to as above ground insect protection, adds another ~ $20-/acre and is not available without the RR® trait in our lineup. Break even on this cost is a single corn borer in every plant (5% yield loss and $3-/bu) in 150 bu/acre corn. If yields or the commodity price increase, the number is more like one borer in every other plant. For growers in the I states (Illinois, Iowa and Indiana) plus Nebraska, it’s an easy decision: plant Bt corn.
Farmers in northern WI, MI, MN and the Dakotas will not likely see one borer per stalk where “not likely” is not the same as impossible. Growers in the southern one third of these states face a more difficult decision process and would generally be working right in the “break even” zone. Some considerations for these growers would include a scout and spray program probably costing the same as the trait technology, but used once every 5-7 years. Remember, the best spray program eliminates only two thirds of the pests which minimizes, not eliminates, damage. For the most northern growers, Renk Seed quietly has a “Dairy Dollars” program in Zone 3. Some Double PRO® hybrids are priced so the Bt portion of the trait fee is basically eliminated on the price list and can be purchased for virtually the same cost as RR products. This makes it an easy choice to have Bt on your farm (in Zone 3) and helps us with inventory management.
Corn rootworm technology (below ground protection) adds an additional ~$20-22/acre. When commodity prices were high, most growers planted fully traited hybrids for max protection which was our largest selling trait segment. VT2P® hybrids have been the largest selling trait segment for the past three seasons as farmers more carefully evaluate where they need to spend money. Rootworm beetle counts have been at historical lows the past two seasons and economic damage in wetter seasons would be hard to measure. On the other hand, there is no rescue treatment for corn rootworm, so the decision needs to be a sound one at the beginning of the season. If you need to control rootworm, the trait technology is the gold standard (review University of IL data). There are good soil-applied insecticide alternatives but are just as costly as the trait and less efficacious. There are numerous “cheap” insecticide alternatives in this space while, attractive from a cost perspective, deliver less than the price from a performance perspective.
Using an average trait technology mix, our customers spend ~$16- for 5000 kernels of seed corn – a great investment for the first 25-30,000 kernels/acre. Return per acre diminishes at some point and if you haven’t reviewed or updated where the density should be for your farm, current commodity prices and the hybrid you intend to plant, please do so before you go to the field. Honestly, most high-density recommendations are based on very high yielding research trials. If your farm doesn’t support high yields, get the density down where it makes sense. The following tables are copied from Extension publications from IL, WI and NE. I have included them so you can briefly review.
Summary Monmouth and DeKalb, IL data, two years (1990-91). Since this data is now 30 years old, I would increase the density response side of the graph by 5000 plants/acre.
Please remember that economic activity will return to normal, though I wish I could predict when. Consumers will have been cooped up for a prolonged period and I think there will be a rebound effect from pent up demand. Ideally this would occur before we get to harvest and the market starts reacting to supply. Another factor to consider when evaluating cost versus earnings is the possible price for this season’s crop, which has a good chance of being better than the virus-depressed price we are looking at going into planting.
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