致敬杨凌企业家 | 宋协良：“候鸟”育种家筑梦“国家队”

Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the entrepreneurial spirit and dedication of agricultural entrepreneurs in Yangling, particularly focusing on Song Xueliang, a prominent figure in the corn seed industry, who has made significant contributions to agricultural innovation and farmer welfare in China [1][3]. Group 1: Entrepreneurial Journey - Song Xueliang, known as the "Corn King," has dedicated over 40 years to the seed industry, emphasizing a commitment to quality by stating he would never sell seeds that his parents did not grow [3][5]. - After abandoning a stable career in public service, Song founded the first private corn research institute in Liaoning Province, facing numerous challenges, including a significant loss due to the use of counterfeit fertilizers [6][7]. - Despite setbacks, Song's resilience led him to establish Yangling Liangke Agricultural Technology Co., Ltd. in 2018, leveraging the region's agricultural resources and innovation environment [11][14]. Group 2: Achievements and Innovations - Under Song's leadership, the company has developed and promoted over 100 national and provincial corn hybrid varieties, with a cumulative planting area exceeding 360 million mu (approximately 24 million hectares), significantly increasing farmers' income by over 15 billion yuan (approximately 2.3 billion USD) [13][14]. - The company has been recognized as a national-level integrated seed enterprise, filling a gap in the corn sector in Yangling and achieving comprehensive coverage of major grain and oil crops [14][16]. - Song's commitment to agricultural advancement is evident in the establishment of high-standard production testing bases and a nationwide sales service network, providing comprehensive technical services to farmers [16][17].