Matt Dolch’s interest in agriculture began as a kid on the family farm in southwest Iowa, where his family raises corn, soybeans and cattle. His interest in the seed industry also started early, during a plot tour with his high school FFA chapter. It was the start of a journey that led him to study agricultural education and communications at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln before helping tell agriculture’s story as a farm broadcaster and eventually becoming a district manager for NK Seeds. During his transition into a new role as NK Seeds Corn Product Manager, The Amplifier caught up with him to learn more about his passion for agriculture — and for helping farmers succeed.
Q: You’ve been with Syngenta for more than a decade. What are you most looking forward to in your new role as Corn Product Manager for NK Seeds?
| A: | I’ve been a part of the NK brand since 2016, and I’m looking forward to continuing to accelerate the NK portfolio and earning more farmers’ acres, specifically on corn. It’s an exciting portfolio with a lot of new products coming down the pipeline. Working with our sales team and ag retailers to position those on the farm in the best way for farmer success is definitely what excites me the most. |
Q: You’re clearly proud to work for NK. What does the brand offer farmers?
| A: | Farmers can count on NK for the winning combination of industry-leading traits and proprietary genetics. We’ve got great genetics that are showcased in new performing products. We have a nicely tiered portfolio as well, so in addition to those elite products, we also offer products that complement other acres across the U.S. Given our broad portfolio of mid-tier acre options and elite performers, I believe that we have a product fit for every acre. |
Q: The 2022 season was challenging for many. With harvest in full swing, what are you hearing from those who work in agriculture?
| A: | I talk to a lot of farmers and ag retailers who work with farmers every day, and they’re optimistic. Farmers do a great job of being resilient year after year. It’s been a challenging growing season, but when I look at our NK portfolio, I don’t think there’s a brand that’s better positioned to help farmers through adversity and make sure that their ROI on those acres is the very best. |
Q: NK Seeds is the fastest growing seed brand for 2019-2022. Why do you think NK continues to earn farmers’ acres?
| A: | We have a long history with the very best people in the field. Couple that with an exciting new corn portfolio, and that’s where the magic starts to happen. That’s why we’re the fastest growing seed brand.
But I believe we’re just getting started. Our Agrisure Duracade® products are on just 2% of acres nationally. So there are a lot of folks who don’t yet have experience with our products. As we accelerate our corn portfolio, we will earn more of the farm, and more farmers will hear the NK story. We can have the best story in the world, but if farmers don’t hear it, they won’t have an opportunity to plant our products. So we’re telling that story really well, and it’s resonating with farmers. |
Q: Is there anything else you want farmers to know about the NK Seeds corn portfolio?
| A: | We’re here to help farmers be profitable on all their acres, and it’s a commitment that extends well beyond our corn portfolio. NK corn is a great pairing with soybeans. That versatility, packaged with the service that NK Seeds provides, is attracting farmers to the NK brand. We know what farmers need, and we’re going to do our very best to deliver that through our corn lineup. |
Q: Let’s get personal. What do you like to do outside of work?
| A: | I’m a husband and father who believes that nothing beats a day spent with family on the farm. I am active in supporting youth opportunities in agriculture through the FFA organization, currently serving as the vice president of the Nebraska FFA Foundation Board. I’m also an avid Huskers sports fan and attend many volleyball, basketball and football games throughout the season. |
Fastest growing brand statement based on the percentage increase in combined corn and soy acres for the top 10 seed companies in the U.S. (by acres planted) within brands that grew every year from 2019-2022 (2022 corn acres are projected), according to third-party proprietary data. All photos are either the property of Syngenta or are used with permission.
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