Key Takeaways
- PowerPollen and Oxbo introduced the first mechanized pollination system for corn seed production.
- Seed companies can now purchase and operate complete pollination units ahead of the 2026 season.
- The solution integrates PowerPollen’s technology with Oxbo’s 5180 high-clearance power units.
- The system aims to improve seed set, reduce environmental risk, and increase yields.
- The partnership marks a shift toward scalable, commercially owned pollination technology.
PowerPollen And Oxbo Introduce Mechanized Pollination Technology
PowerPollen and Oxbo announced the launch of what they describe as the first mechanized pollination solution designed specifically for corn seed production. The system allows seed companies to directly purchase, integrate, and scale pollination technology in advance of the 2026 growing season.
The exclusive partnership combines PowerPollen’s second-generation pollination technology with Oxbo’s 5180 high-clearance power units. According to the companies, the offering enables in-field pollination control at commercial scale, a capability not previously available to seed producers.
Direct Ownership And Integration For Seed Companies
Under the new model, seed companies and their service providers can acquire complete pollination units rather than relying solely on contracted pollination services. The units are available exclusively to current PowerPollen license holders and are fully supported by Oxbo through sales, service, and technical assistance.
Carl Cox, Chief Executive Officer of PowerPollen, said the launch represents a shift in how pollination can be managed in seed production. He noted that ownership of the technology allows seed companies to operate pollination on their own schedules and integrate it directly into existing operations, enabling broader scalability and operational flexibility.
PowerPollen & Oxbo: Addressing Pollination Constraints In Corn Seed Production
Managing Environmental And Timing Risks
Pollination remains a key constraint in crop yield potential, particularly in corn seed production where timing is critical. Weather variability, including heat, drought, and flooding, can disrupt natural wind-based pollination.
PowerPollen’s patented system is designed to collect, preserve, and apply pollen at optimal timing. The company stated that the technology has demonstrated yield increases of more than 20 percent in commercial fields by improving seed set and reducing variability associated with environmental conditions. In addition, more consistent pollination is intended to support improved seed quality and reduce seasonal production risk.
Oxbo’s Role In Scaling Commercial Deployment
Joe Perzia, President of the High Value Crop Division at Oxbo, said the partnership extends Oxbo’s chassis platform into a new application area. He stated that integrating PowerPollen’s technology aligns with Oxbo’s focus on innovation in specialty agriculture and provides seed companies with greater control over production outcomes.
The pollination collectors and applicators are designed to integrate with existing Oxbo power units and will also be available as upgrades with new equipment purchases.
Long-Term Partnership And Business Model Evolution
The agreement between PowerPollen and Oxbo runs through 2030 and represents an evolution in PowerPollen’s business model. The company is transitioning from a primarily service-based approach to offering commercially available pollination technology that can be deployed and scaled globally.
Jason Cope, Co-Founder and Chief Innovation and Product Officer at PowerPollen, said the commercial availability of the technology fulfills the company’s original goal of enabling reliable pollination at scale. He added that collaboration with Oxbo supports broader adoption through established engineering and manufacturing capabilities.
Both companies stated that the partnership is intended to redefine pollination practices in seed production and support expansion into new global markets.
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