Benson Hill partners with Brownseed Genetics for new corn hybrids

US-based crop improvement company Benson Hill Biosystems has partnered with seed breeder Brownseed G…

US-based crop improvement company Benson Hill Biosystems has partnered with seed breeder Brownseed Genetics for new corn hybrids with higher oil content and essential amino acids.

Growers, livestock, and ethanol and biodiesel producers are set to benefit from the new Brownseed hybrids, which are developed using conventional breeding methods.

Brownseed Genetics CEO Charles Brown said: “For a small, family owned company like ours to have access to the powerful technologies that Benson Hill offers would have been unthinkable only a few years ago.

“These advanced capabilities in predictive breeding and gene editing would have been available only to very large players in the seed industry, I’m pleased that Benson Hill is working with partners like us, across the food chain, regardless of size.”

The Brownseed hybrids are rich in amino acids lysine and methionine, as well as yielding 9% corn oil. They are expected to triple normal production.

Benson Hill co-founder and CEO Matt Crisp said: “Brownseed’s focus on varieties with both quality and productivity benefits can generate greater profitability for growers, livestock producers and the ethanol industry.

“Together, through this partnership, we will broaden the Brownseed portfolio so these hybrids can be grown across the Corn Belt.”

Benson Hill developed its crop design platform to produce healthier and more sustainable food and ingredients.