Pedro Gonzalez ---Grinnell, IA Research Station Manager and Dr. John Schillinger ---- founder of eMerge Genetics
History
Dr. John Schillinger recognized that when the industry moved to focusing on adding herbicide traits to soybeans they had completely lost focus on the end use of the soybean….for food or feed. Protein levels were being ignored in the selection process….resulting in levels dropping every year. Dropping to the point where a lot of those end users…both food and feed….cannot get the level of protein they want from commodity soybeans today. For two decades, the Schillinger Genetics worked with laser focus to improve both yield and the nutrient profile of soybeans. That focus has produced our current portfolio of superior and totally unique non-GMO, high yielding, high protein soybean varieties that are in high demand from end users in both the food and feed industry.
In 2019, Benson Hill Biosystems announced at the World Agri-Tech Innovation Summit that it has acquired the assets of Schillinger Genetics, also known as eMerge Genetics. The combined entities will employ Benson Hill’s CropOS predictive breeding capabilities to accelerate development of an expanded portfolio of more nutritious and sustainable varieties for the growing human food and animal feed markets.
Spirit Hybrids » More Than Just Seed!
PERFORMANCE
In order to make the Spirit Hybrids product lineup, the corn hybrids and soybean varieties must deliver the value you expect. We understand that farm incomes are threatened due to overabundant commodities and we recognize that we must all make some tough decisions. We know that you have plenty of seed choices, but choose the one that truly cares about your survival as an independent farmer. We understand that the growing crop is your paycheck and we want to maximize your net income.
CUSTOMER FOCUSED
At Spirit Hybrids we understand that the corn and soybeans you produce on your farm are not just a commodity. You are growing the grain and soybeans that will feed humans both directly and indirectly through the animals they raise for food. For too long the focus has been on ‘traits’ and breeding for nothing but yield per acre. We recognize the crisis of lower protein levels in the US soybean crop over the past twenty years. We recognize nobody pays any attention to the feed value of corn hybrids anymore. We recognize nobody cares about using natural breeding as a method to lower anti-nutritional properties. Our focus at Spirit Hybrids and eMerge Genetics is to supply both corn and soybeans that provide not just the yield and agronomics the farmer wants and needs, but to also provide the end user what they desire. Our hybrids and varieties provide added value to those end users and we specialize in trying to put growers together with those end users – to create more profit and more value for everyone – not just the big chemical companies. Spirit Hybrids wants to do everything we can to help keep America’s youth on the farm in a sustainable stable business. Join us today...Catch the Spirit!
Power Ag
Sales - NE, KS, IA, CO
Chris Olson
Chris was raised on farm outside of Albion, Nebraska and has been involved in Agriculture his entire life. Chris has a very unique perspective because he has been involved on multiple sides of agriculture…both on the output and input sides. He understands the importance of adapting to the changing Ag economy and is committed to helping other rural families diversify and add value to their farming operations so the next generation can raise their children on the farm as well.
Ag Experience
40 years raising corn, soybeans and alfalfa
25 years cow/calf and feeding cattle and hogs
22 years in the seed business
10 years agronomy sales
Top Crop LLC crop scouting