This year, Renk Seed is celebrating 180 years in business. We’re reflecting on this milestone and looking back at the people, ideas, and decisions that have helped our family-owned seed company grow through generations of change.

In this episode, Max is joined by Renk Seed’s lead team: Jeff, Brett, and Alex Renk. Together, they discuss embracing biotechnology, advancing computer systems and automation for a rapidly changing industry, and improving processes to serve their customers and dealers better.

Their stories show that innovation doesn’t always begin with a major breakthrough; it often starts with asking if there’s a better way and putting in the work to find a solution. Jeff, Brett, and Alex Renk share how planning ahead, adapting to new technologies, and leveraging their individual strengths helped Renk become what it is today as they continue building for the next generation.

The growing season is entering one of its most important stages and the decisions we make now can have a lasting impact come harvest.

In this episode, Max is joined by Karl Bobholz, our Corn Product Manager, and Jim Torkelson, our Western Sales Lead, for a midseason report. Together, they discuss how this year’s planting conditions, weather patterns, and growing environment are shaping crops across the Midwest.

From nutrient availability and disease pressure to crop scouting and insect activity, Karl and Jim dive into what they’re seeing in the field and what growers should be paying attention to as harvest approaches. Along the way, they share practical recommendations for prioritizing field visits, evaluating risk, and making management choices that can maximize your return on investment. One thing is for sure: a successful crop isn’t just about the work you do from the tractor seat. It’s about walking your fields, understanding what your crop is telling you, and making informed decisions for a strong yield.

For more than a century, the Johanek family has owned and operated a dairy near Green Bay, Wisconsin. They have grown from a small 50-cow dairy into a 500-cow operation managing nearly 2,000 acres, all while building a trusted reputation as longtime Renk Seed dealers and continuing a family legacy largely passed down through the women of the family. In this episode of Renk Seeds of Innovation podcast, Max sits down with father-daughter duo Mark and Alyssa Johanek to discuss the realities of multi-generational farming, balancing tradition with innovation, and preparing the next generation to lead.

The Johaneks share how they continue evolving while staying grounded in family values, from precision ag technology and herd-monitoring systems, to the future potential of robotic milking. They also discuss the importance of community outreach, agricultural education, and creating opportunities for young people in farming.