AI Is Transforming Corn Breeding: Inside the Future of Pioneer Genetics

Hosts Bryan Schrader and Carl Joern sit down with Dr. Lance Merrick and ask everything you ever wanted to know about corn breeding. 

From predictive modeling and genomic selection to artificial intelligence and machine learning, Lance explains how today's breeding programs are accelerating genetic gain while helping researchers identify stronger, healthier, and higher-yielding hybrids years before they're ever planted in a field.

The conversation also explores how AI is changing the way breeders tackle emerging challenges like tar spot, why Pioneer continues to invest heavily in research and development, and what these technological advances mean for the future of corn production.

Listen for:

• How a corn hybrid goes from concept to a Pioneer seed bag
• The role of genomic selection and predictive modeling in modern breeding
• How AI and machine learning are helping breeders make faster, smarter decisions
• Why tar spot remains a major focus for future genetic improvements
• What the next decade of corn breeding could look like

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Outstanding in Your Field is the podcast created for farmers and powered by Pioneer Agronomy—bringing you trusted insights and proven solutions to fuel forward-thinking farming.

Hosted by agronomists Brian Schrader (eastern Indiana), Carl Joern (northwest Indiana/northeast Illinois), and Crystal Williams (northern Illinois), this show delivers timely, practical agronomic advice you can apply directly to your fields across the Eastern Corn Belt.