Few voices command more attention in agricultural economics than Dan Basse, founder and president of AgResource. Known for his clear, data-driven read on global markets, Basse once again delivered sharp insights at this year’s event (check out our recap of that presentation here).
In a follow-up chat after his presentation, we asked him step into a lightning round of fill-in-the-blank predictions for the U.S. seed sector.
The result? A fast, candid snapshot of the forces likely to shape seed demand, farmer profitability, commodity markets, and global ag trade heading into 2026.
Watch the full rapid-fire interview above.
A Lightning Round on the Future of the Seed Sector
To kick things off, Basse jumped into a rapid-fire round aimed at revealing the pressures, opportunities, and unknowns facing the U.S. seed sector in the year ahead, including:
• What seed companies should prepare most for in 2026.
• The biggest economic force shaping the industry going into 2026.
• The metric he’s watching most closely right now.
• The biggest wildcard in the global ag trade.
• The most underappreciated influence on seed demand today.
• The factor that will most determine farmer profitability this year.
• The one surprise coming in the ag economy that isn’t getting enough attention.
In ultra-short answers, his responses deliver a fast, clear read on a seed sector navigating volatility, shifting costs, and evolving global market dynamics.
Three Big Takeaways for the Seed Industry
After the lightning round, Basse shared the three messages he believes every seed professional should take back to their teams: clear signals shaped by market trends, farmer sentiment, and shifting global forces.
You’ll need to watch the video for the full breakdown, but the theme is unmistakable: the seed sector is heading into a moment where strategy, awareness, and adaptability will define who stays ahead.
Why This Conversation Matters
If you want a concise look at what’s coming for U.S. agriculture, global trade, and the seed sector in 2026, this rapid-fire interview is one of the clearest briefings you’ll find.
Watch the full conversation above.
