Pioneer 100

Pioneer Seeds

The Pioneer 100 podcast celebrates and honors a century of agricultural innovation. Host Max Armstrong takes a look back to where it all began and looks forward to where the industry is going — with guests who have witnessed history and folks who are creating it. It’s an interesting and thought-provoking way to join the excitement of the 100th anniversary of Pioneer.

Episodes

  1. The Power of Genetics to Address Farmer Challenges and Increase Productivity

    4D AGO

    The Power of Genetics to Address Farmer Challenges and Increase Productivity

    In this second installment of the Pioneer 100 series, host Max Armstrong explores the rich history and future of genetic innovation at Pioneer. He is joined by Dave Bubeck (Global Breeding Alliance Lead) and Geoff Graham (Vice President of Seed Product Development) to discuss how genetics address farmer challenges and drive productivity. The episode traces the journey from the early correspondence between Henry A. Wallace and Raymond Baker to modern breakthroughs like gene editing and drone-based data collection. The guests share personal stories of their paths to Pioneer and highlight the "big thinking" that led to revolutionary tools like the "wind machine" for testing crop standability. Episode Highlights & Timestamps [00:00] - Introduction: Max Armstrong introduces the episode's focus on the power of genetics and welcomes guests Dave Bubeck and Geoff Graham. [01:30] - Personal Journeys: Dave and Geoff share their backgrounds and what drew them to Pioneer, highlighting the brand's unique germplasm base and heritage. [03:20] - The Foundation: The story of Raymond Baker, the first Pioneer first research employee, and his early collaboration with Henry A. Wallace using handwritten notes and yield trials. [05:00] - Early Breeding Challenges: Discussing the transition from open-pollinated corn to double-cross hybrids and the "trick" of inbreeding to make seed production possible. [06:30] - The Evolution of R&D: How Pioneer integrated statistics, data management, and mechanical equipment over the last century. [07:45] - The "Wind Machine": Geoff Graham describes a massive, train-like machine built in the early 2000s to simulate 60–120 mph winds, revolutionizing how breeders select for standability and "brittle snap" resistance. [11:00] - Modern Scientific Disciplines: A look at the diverse roles within Pioneer today, from plant pathology and entomology to data informatics and biotechnology. [13:00] - Scaling Innovation: Discussion of the rapid adoption of GMO traits and the Pioneer history of inventing handheld data collection tools through its former "Noran" business. [14:45] - Drones & Data: How Pioneer used drones to capture more than 100 million images of plots in a single year to create an "error-proof" data system. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    22 min
  2. The One That Started It All: History of Hybrid Adoption and the Impact on US Ag

    MAR 18

    The One That Started It All: History of Hybrid Adoption and the Impact on US Ag

    In the debut episode of our centennial series, legendary broadcaster Max Armstrong sits down with Dean Podlich (Digital Seeds Platform Leader) and Geoff Graham (VP of Seed Product Development) to travel back to 1926. They explore the transition from "pretty" open-pollinated ears to the science-driven hybrid revolution that changed the face of global agriculture forever. From the backyard breeding plots of Henry A. Wallace to the modern frontier of gene editing, this episode explains why Pioneer has spent a century focusing on the "Long Look" — a philosophy that prioritizes farmer success and scientific integrity over short-term gains. Episode Timestamps [0:00] Intro: Max Armstrong introduces the Pioneer 100 series and guests Dean Podlich and Geoff Graham. [1:15] Meet the Experts: Dean and Geoff share their 25-year journeys from quantitative genetics and corn breeding to leading digital R&D. [3:15] Agriculture in 1926: A look at a world where 40% of the workforce was in ag, and corn yields had been stagnant around 25 bushels per acre for a century. [5:00] The Visionary: Who was Henry A. Wallace? A scientist first, a politician second, and a man whose curiosity sparked a corn hybrid revolution. [7:30] Science Over Aesthetics: How Wallace challenged the "pretty ear" contests by proving that genetics, not appearance, drove yield. [10:00] Breaking Through Skepticism: The story of how hybrid corn went from less than 1% of Iowa acreage to 99% in just one decade. [12:30] The "Long Look" Philosophy: Unpacking the four fundamental principles that guide Pioneer business ethics and R&D. [15:30] The Post-WWII Golden Age: The rise of mechanization and synthetic nitrogen, and the Pioneer expansion into soybeans, sorghum, and wheat. [18:00] Yield Trends & Stability: Comparing 1925 yields to those of today and discussing how modern genetics survived the historic 2012 drought. [21:00] The Next 100 Years: Why "theoretical limits" of yield are meant to be broken and the role of gene editing in the future of farming. Connect with Pioneer Official Website:Pioneer.com Twitter/X:@PioneerSeeds Facebook: Pioneer Seeds United States YouTube: Pioneer Seeds Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    23 min
  • 2 Episodes

About

The Pioneer 100 podcast celebrates and honors a century of agricultural innovation. Host Max Armstrong takes a look back to where it all began and looks forward to where the industry is going — with guests who have witnessed history and folks who are creating it. It’s an interesting and thought-provoking way to join the excitement of the 100th anniversary of Pioneer.

Information

  • Creator
    Pioneer Seeds
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    2
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    ™ ® Trademarks of Corteva Agriscience and its affiliated companies. © 2026 Corteva.
  • Show Website
    Pioneer 100