Selecting Pulse Genetics to Build New Markets

Kurt Braunwart is the managing owner of Progene Plant Research, a genetic research-based company bringing new innovations and old uses to current varieties in the market. The company is known for their spring and winter pea program, as well as their work in oats and triticale. Braunwart discusses his career in this industry, how he started and built Progene, how he identifies oddball traits that can have mainstream applications, some of the differences and similarities between spring and winter peas, and his hopes for the future as he transitions the company over to new ownership. He began his career as a fieldman for Rogers Seed Company in 1974 in Twin Falls, Idaho. In 1980, he moved to Colfax, Washington, as Plant Manager and later to Othello, Washington, as Operations Manager. In 1995, he purchased and carried forward a dry pea breeding program from Rogers Seed Company. This business became ProGene Plant Research in 1996.“ What we were finding through the whole team was that we've got ways to improve the roots of those peas, to contribute back to soil health. And that yes, we can do that with spring peas, but we can do it way better with winter peas because their ratio of roots to top growth is more roots than in spring peas.” - Kurt BraunwartThis Week on Growing Pulse Crops:Meet Kurt Braunwart, the managing owner of Progene Plant ResearchDiscover the creation and mission of ProgeneExplore the differences and similarities between spring and winter peasLearn where he sees the future of crop developmentGrowing Pulse Crops is produced by Dr. Audrey Kalil and hosted by Tim Hammerich of the Future of Agriculture Podcast.