Mulitze was the founder of Agronomix Software, visionary breeder, mentor and a remarkable human being.
When I first met Dieter, I didn’t realize the legend he was. Born in post-war Germany, he emigrated to Canada as an infant and grew up a humble farm boy in Ontario. After studying mathematics and computer science at the University of Waterloo, he earned a bachelor’s degree in crop science from the University of Guelph and later a Ph.D. in quantitative genetics (1983) from the University of Saskatchewan.
Even before finishing his Ph.D., Dieter developed his first plant breeding software — the Crop Database Management System — on a DEC-2060 mid-frame computer, long before the internet or personal computers existed.
Following a postdoc at ICARDA in Syria, he became assistant and then associate professor of cereal breeding at the University of Nebraska (1986–1990), making key contributions to quantitative genetics while using his own software to manage breeding programs — a visionary move for the time.
Beyond his professional achievements, Dieter was a devoted family man and father. Eventually, his desire to return home to Canada grew, so he could be closer to his parents and raise his family there.
When I asked Dieter how he came up with the idea for a plant breeding software company, he recalled writing custom code in the 1980s — long before digital tools became common in plant breeding. His vision was ahead of its time. Then fate intervened: on a nearly empty flight back to Canada, he met a fellow Canadian who suggested, “Why don’t you start your own company? I can offer you space at my headquarters.” That conversation led to the founding of Agronomix Software in July 1990 in Portage la Prairie, Manitoba.
Dieter’s influence went beyond software. He authored books blending science, philosophy and faith, including Pills for the Soul? (2008), The Great Reduction (2005) and The Great Substitution (2003). He traveled the world training breeders, often adjusting his schedule to meet their needs, and became a million-miler in the process.
Known for his sharp wit and thoughtful humor, Dieter left a cultural imprint on our team. Even in retirement, he acted with integrity — choosing the right people to carry Agronomix forward rather than selling to the highest bidder. His legacy is not only in innovation but in the values and future he secured for the company.
Personal Reflections
Chris Leonard, Agronomix Software president and Dieter’s son-in-law
It was during one of his many business trips that I first met Dieter. I was living in Brisbane, Australia, in 2005, and he was there for the annual Agronomix Training Course and Karissa’s graduation from Youth With A Mission. His kindness and genuine interest in people were evident from our very first conversation.
Karissa and I were good friends, and I was invited to join some of their family day trips. Dieter gently asked about my life, faith, family and travel experiences. That was also when I first learned about Agronomix.
Dieter loved talking about Agronomix, and I enjoyed listening to his wisdom and countless experiences. His humility and ability to rethink decisions for the greater good — a rare trait in leaders — showed how deeply he valued the mission of Agronomix over personal comfort. He naturally created a safe environment for growth, empowering me and others. This mentorship style helped shape future leaders within Agronomix.
Marsha’H Lynn A-Marcelin, Agronomix Software vice president, operations
What set Dieter apart was his lifelong passion for plant breeding and his bold vision to help end world hunger — a mission he embraced as his Big Hairy Audacious Goal (BHAG). He didn’t just dream big; he delivered, founding and developing AGROBASE and Genovix, now leading plant breeding software used worldwide to advance crop science.
True to his values, Dieter reinvested company profits into agricultural programs in developing countries, ensuring technology reached those who needed it most. His legacy is one of purpose-driven innovation, global impact, and an unshakable belief in science’s power to feed the world.
Beyond his brilliance, Dieter brought warmth and humor to every interaction. His presence energized and inspired, and his absence is deeply felt. We at Agronomix remain honored and committed to carrying forward his vision, values and a relentless passion for excellence.
Mary Jane Mercado, Agronomix Software financial controller
Dieter embodied three enduring qualities that deeply influenced me: humility, reverence for God, and profound wisdom. He led Agronomix with integrity, compassion, and an unwavering moral compass — his leadership was truly transformative.
With his optimism and humor, he brightened every room and fostered an environment of respect and inspiration. He remains my ideal leader; though no longer with us, his spirit and teachings continue to guide me in business and in life. His legacy lives on, not only in his work but in the countless lives he touched.
Final Thoughts
As the person leading marketing at Agronomix, one of my greatest hopes was to see Dieter’s story honored beyond our walls. For years, I dreamed of featuring him on the cover of Seed World — to shine a light on his quiet yet profound contributions to plant breeding, and to do it while he was still here to witness it. That tribute has now been published, and it’s beautiful. I feel immense pride — because no one deserved this recognition more. But I also feel sadness. It came a little too late. I wish Dieter could have seen it, read the words and felt the appreciation of his peers, his team and the global community of breeders whose work he championed for decades.
I imagine he would have smiled, offered one of his witty remarks, and quietly taken it in. Still, I wish he were here to share this moment with us. This issue of Seed World is more than a magazine. It’s a celebration of a true pioneer; a visionary who believed breeders needed better tools long before the world understood why. A mentor, a scientist, a man of deep values who built something lasting and meaningful for breeders everywhere.
