Rooted in innovation: The story of Stine® Seed Company founder Harry Stine
October 2026Long before Stine® Seed Company became one of the largest independent seed companies in the United States, a farm kid from Dallas County, Iowa, developed a curiosity about plants that would help change an entire industry. Harry Stine, founder and CEO, has spent more than six decades advancing private-sector plant breeding and building a business that puts the farmer at the center of everything it does.
An Iowa farm kid
Harry grew up on the kind of land that shaped a generation of American agriculture.
“We had a very typical farm for the 1940s and ’50s, growing a few acres of alfalfa, oats and corn. We also had a few pigs, milk cows, beef cattle and hogs. There’s nothing like that anymore.”
Harry Stine, Stine Seed founder and CEO
That upbringing stayed with him. Harry considers himself a farmer first and has remained an active grower throughout his career. When important decisions need to be made, he puts on his “farmer hat” before anything else.
He earned a bachelor’s degree from McPherson College before pursuing graduate studies in economics at Iowa State University. Later, he received an honorary doctorate from McPherson College. However, his first education came from the fields of Iowa.
Harry channeled that background into decades of research. Starting with soybeans in the 1960s and expanding into corn in the 1970s, he built a company whose genetics are planted across the United States and licensed in markets around the world.
The farmer at the center
As an independent, family-owned business, Stine has the freedom to make practical decisions that benefit growers without corporate constraints. Harry’s four children, Lucinda, Brenda, Warren and Myron, each carry that farmer-first approach into their leadership roles today.
“Our loyalty has always been to the farmer. Science is the tool, but performance in the field is the proof.”
Harry Stine, Stine Seed founder and CEO
In February 2026, Forbes recognized Harry on the Greatest Innovators list as part of its America250 celebration, honoring individuals who have not only developed breakthrough technologies but also successfully scaled and commercialized them for industrywide impact. While the recognition reflects that work, Harry’s focus remains where it has always been: on what happens in the field.
Investing in agriculture’s future
Harry’s commitment goes beyond the seed business. He has long supported FFA, an organization he credits with bringing the next generation into agriculture.
“We need to support the same organizations that put us where we are. The number of farmers is declining, and FFA is one of the strongest components in bringing new people into agriculture. Anything we can do to support that is good.”
Harry Stine, Stine Seed founder and CEO
To learn more about Harry and the leadership team at Stine, read his full bio.
Stine was built for the farmer. Discover what Stine genetics can do on your acres by connecting with your local sales representative today.