In this episode of the Germinate Podcast, host Joe Sampson welcomes David Thompson, National Marketing and Sales Director at Stine Seed, for a wide-ranging conversation that dives into the evolution of agriculture, innovation in seed genetics, and the philosophy that fuels industry giants like Harry Stine.
The episode opens with a compelling story about Harry Stine's global influence, followed by David sharing his personal connection to the Stine family and his journey through the company. The discussion explores how bold risk-taking, ag research culture, and aggressive innovation are embedded in Stine’s DNA. David elaborates on how Stine has embraced vertical integration, building its own biotech infrastructure and pioneering independent plant transformation methods.
The duo also dives into Roundup Ready technology, addressing the dual challenges of herbicide resistance and public perception. David provides a nuanced view of how agriculture must balance innovation with responsibility and regulation.
In the latter part of the conversation, the two explore interdisciplinary collaboration in agriculture, with a special spotlight on equipment innovation and Stine’s venture into planter and header technology. The conversation finishes with reflections on legacy, learning from failures, and always pushing forward.
