The term “legacy” has a lot of meaning, especially at Stine® Seed Company. To many, it alludes to something left behind, but to us, it’s also something that helps write the future. Stine’s family legacy spans decades, from the founding of Stine Seed Farm in the 1950s to the launch of our retail brand in 1979 to our current position as one of the industry’s largest independent seed companies. Now, company President Myron Stine — son of company founder and CEO Harry Stine — is at the reins, working lockstep with his father and siblings to help steer the business into the future.
“Being a family-owned seed company allows for flexibility in how we operate. We’re not bound to corporate boards. We have the independence to make quick and logical decisions — ones that are innovation-driven and in the best interest of the farmer.”
Myron Stine, Stine Seed Company president
One of Myron’s goals for the business's future is to find new ways to deliver value to the farmer.
“My ambitions are to take the Stine brand to a new level in delivering value to the customer,” says Myron. “This value comes in the form of being more closely connected to growers, bringing them customized solutions for their farm, including innovative farming practices, the best germplasm on the market and a sales team that’s there with them through every season.”
As president, Myron provides direction in marketing strategies and sales force infrastructure for the company.
He got an early start in agriculture, helping as a farm worker on the Stine Seed Farm in his youth. He eventually made his way through the ranks of the organization, serving as district sales manager, regional sales manager, sales director, vice president of sales and marketing, and now company president.
“After college, I liked the idea of working for the family business,” says Myron, a McPherson College alumnus with a B.S. in crop science. “I felt many people do not get that opportunity. So, I wanted to try it, and I ended up very much enjoying it.”
Myron’s passion for agriculture was inspired at a young age but has been fueled by different life experiences throughout his lifetime and career. In addition to his many roles within the company, Myron has been heavily invested in advancing the agriculture industry by providing his expertise on various boards and committees, such as the FFA Enrichment Center Committee and on the board of directors for America's Cultivation Corridor, to name a few. Through these combined experiences, Myron has garnered a better understanding of and appreciation for hard work and developing strong relationships — something his father has also helped instill in him growing up and throughout his tenure at Stine.
“My father has taught me nearly everything in leadership,” says Myron. “Doing your best to be fair with all individuals and entities involved in business situations is what I always witnessed from him.”
Myron still works closely with his father to ensure the company's financial security and that grower customers receive products with the best genetic material and the highest-performing stock from Stine’s breeding programs.
“We always say we wouldn’t put anything on our grower customers’ farms that we wouldn’t put on our own.”
Myron Stine
Innovation is also key to the company’s continued success; it's also something that has been inspired by Harry’s legacy as an innovator. From leaping into soybean breeding in the 1960s to diving into developing high-yielding hybrid seed corn in the 1970s, Stine has always been one step ahead in moving where the industry is trending. Under Harry’s and Myron’s leadership, the Stines have led the company to be one of the largest independent seed companies in the industry; the leader in the high-population, short corn revolution; and the second-largest Enlist E3® brand in the country.
“Our position as a family-owned business allows us to stay true to our roots while providing a springboard to stay ahead of the latest innovations,” says Myron. “We answer to ourselves and can do what we are interested in easily. That’s how my father built this business, and it’s what we’re sticking to. We will always do what’s best for the farmer first.”
For a deeper dive into the background of Stine and the family legacy, view the History page on our website or connect with your local Stine sales rep to learn more about our story.