How Stine Seed Is Revolutionizing Farming | David Thompson on AgTech, Glyphosate & Corn Innovation
Featuring David Thompson, National Marketing & Sales Director at Stine Seed
Hosted by Joe Sampson – Germinate Podcast | EMBO Sales
Agriculture is changing faster than ever—and at the forefront of that change is Stine Seed, an Iowa-based powerhouse quietly revolutionizing the way we think about crop genetics, biotechnology, and farming innovation.
On a recent episode of the Germinate Podcast, host Joe Sampson sat down with David Thompson, National Marketing and Sales Director at Stine Seed, to explore how this once-humble seed company became one of the most influential players in agriculture today.
This episode is packed with insights: from the legacy of Harry Stine, to the challenges of glyphosate resistance, to the bold leaps Stineis taking in plant genetics, biotech, and even equipment innovation.
Here’s what you need to know.
A Legacy Rooted in Innovation
David Thompson’s connection to Stine Seed runs deep. Raised in the heart of Iowa, David literally walked beans for Stine as a teenager and grew up alongside Harry Stine’s children. But what started as a summer job blossomed into a nearly 30-year career—and a front-row seat to one of ag’s most fascinating success stories.
Harry Stine, now a globally recognized figure in agriculture, began privately breeding soybeans in the 1960s—long before it was mainstream. His vision? Create genetics that outperformed the public university systems. That vision came true, and by 1979, Stine Seed launched its own brand, backed by superior genetics and a relentless desire to innovate.
“Harry Stine is like Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos for agriculture.” – Joe Sampson
Pioneering Biotech and Genetic Independence
One of the most compelling parts of the conversation was Stine’s approach to biotechnology. Long before biotech was a buzzword, Stine invested in building its own biotech facility in Ames, Iowa. There, they developed their own proprietary plant transformation method—the aerosol beam injector—allowing them to insert genes without relying on competitors' patented methods.
This independence means freedom to operate, negotiate, and innovate—an essential advantage in a highly competitive and regulated space.
“If you’re not negotiating from a position of strength, you’re just taking what they give you.” – David Thompson
Glyphosate, Resistance & Responsible Weed Management
The conversation naturally turned to the glyphosate debate—a critical topic in agriculture today. Glyphosate (known commercially as Roundup) was a game changer when it was introduced in the 1990s, simplifying weed control and boosting yields.
But overuse led to herbicide-resistant weeds, and public scrutiny over health impacts has created legal and regulatory challenges.
David didn’t shy away from the complexity.
“Applying the same herbicide 30 times is a perfect recipe for resistant weeds.”
He emphasized the need for integrated weed management, multiple modes of action, and proactive agronomy to preserve the effectiveness of key technologies.
Vertical Integration & Ag Ecosystem Collaboration
Stine Seed doesn’t just breed better crops—they control every step of the pipeline. From genetics and traits to biotech and partnerships, their vertically integrated approach ensures maximum efficiency and innovation.
And while Stine isn’t in the equipment business, they’ve certainly influenced it.
In one bold experiment, they leased 100 custom-built 20" row planters to growers, working with companies like John Deere and Great Plains to prove the concept of high-density corn planting. The result? A ripple effect across the entire ag equipment industry.
“We had no business being in the planter business, but we had to push the envelope.”
Why Performance Beats Popularity
One of Stine’s most unique philosophies is their product-first mindset. Popularity doesn’t keep a product in the lineup—performance does.
“Even if it’s our best-seller, if we find something 3% better, we drop the old one.”
That relentless pursuit of excellence sets them apart from companies more focused on brand recognition than results.
Farmers First: Protecting the Family Farm
At the core of Stine’s mission is a commitment to helping growers thrive. With 80% of Iowa farms still family-owned, these aren’t just customers—they're stewards of the land and pillars of rural communities.
And with increasing scrutiny on ag practices, David reminds us that:
“Farmers don’t have a secret stash of non-GMO food. They eat what everyone else eats.”
The goal, he says, is not to eliminate technologies like glyphosate, but to find balanced, science-backed solutions that keep farmers productive—and sustainable—for generations to come.
Listen to the Full Episode
Want to hear the full conversation? Tune in here:
Final Thoughts
The agricultural landscape is rapidly evolving—and Stine Seed is proving that innovation, independence, and bold leadership are the keys to growing not just better crops, but a better future.
Whether it's rewriting the rules on corn planting density, developing proprietary biotech tools, or pushing industry conversations around glyphosate and sustainability, Stine is cultivating more than just seeds. They're cultivating what's next.
