In this episode, host Sean speaks with Ed Baumgartner, founder of BASS Hybrids, to explore their unconventional approach to corn breeding. Ed discusses BASS Hybrids’ 20-year mission to reduce farmers’ reliance on synthetic inputs by developing corn hybrids with native tolerance to insects, drought, and stress without genetic modification.

Here's what we cover:

• Origins & Purpose: BASS Hybrids began in Puerto Rico under intense insect pressure. Their breeding program focuses on native insect tolerance, drought resilience, and reduced need for nitrogen inputs.

• Hot-Cold Stress Connection: Through tropical breeding, they discovered that ~70% of genes related to heat tolerance also confer cold tolerance—allowing successful adaptation of their tropical genetics to northern climates.

• Durability & Stay-Green Trait: Their hybrids tend to stay green longer, maturing naturally rather than dying and drying. This stay-green attribute is linked to better plant health and microbial interactions.

• Focus on Regenerative Agriculture:

  • BASS is intentionally breeding hybrids that thrive in low-input and biologically rich systems.

  • Their hybrids show strong responses to biologicals and microbial activity—contrasting with GMO varieties bred for high-input systems.

  • They've identified products that perform better in manured or cover-cropped systems, including those with reduced nitrogen.

• Biological Integration:

  • Root exudates, microbial interactions, and high BRIX levels (sugar content) are central to their approach.

  • Some hybrids display signs of nitrogen fixation or increased microbial activity at the root level, including brace roots contributing to nutrient acquisition.

• Durayield Line:

  • Their flagship product line emphasizes stress tolerance, wider leaves, enhanced rooting systems, and yield consistency under biological management systems.

  • The Durayield concept is continuously evolving based on breeding cycle improvements.

• Real-World Testing:

  • BASS is now present in 22 U.S. states and markets internationally, including Kazakhstan.

  • Collaborations allow year-round breeding and stress testing, including trials under regenerative and conventional systems.

For many of us in the Corn Belt, rice isn't a crop we've given much thought to. But in this episode, Sean Nettleton sits down with grower and consultant Chad Duckworth from Northeast Arkansas, along with RBM Seth Busby, for a full download on southern crop production. While they cover a range of crops grown in the South, Chad’s 25+ years of experience and deep expertise in rice—right at the cutting edge of rice-growing technology—make him a go-to source for all things rice production.

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In Part 2 of the From Seed to Harvest series, Jason and Jaren Schley pick up where they left off, right after the crucial establishment phase, where microbial partnerships and root development take center stage. Listen to that episode here.

Now, the corn plant enters the V4–V6 growth stage: a critical turning point where it begins to transition away from seed-derived energy and starts to rely fully on its own roots and nutrient uptake. So how do we support the plant through this weaning process?

Jason and Jaren break down what’s happening physiologically in the plant, and more importantly, how to guide it with the right agronomic strategies. From nutrient timing to biological support, this episode is full of actionable insights for ensuring a strong, independent crop as it pushes toward rapid vegetative growth.