Honoring Dieter Mulitze

For more information, see the First Quarter issue of Seed Today.

After passing away in November at the age of 71, Agronomix Software Founder Dieter Mulitze is being remembered by those who knew him for the impact he had on them, the company, and global seed industry.

Mulitze started Winnipeg, MB- based Agronomix in 1990 to develop and support software solution for plant breeders and variety testers. He used his PhD in Agronomy and Quantitative Genetics to help and advise clients on their plant breeding programs.

The software is used in over 40 countries by hundreds of researchers trying to gain a competitive advantage in developing the next royalty-paying hybrid or variety.

In May 2022, Agronomix was acquired by Cultura Technologies and is now led by Mulitze’s son-in-law, Christopher Leonard, as President/General Manager.

An Encouraging Nature

Leonard recalls, “I first met Dieter in-person, while living in Australia. I had spoken with him on the phone before that, I called to introduce myself as the person who was spending a lot of time with his daughter. We had met, but one of the earliest memories was when he invited me out with the family on a day trip up the coast of Queensland. It was a beautiful winter’s day and we had a fun time together building a friendship.

“The thing that stands out the most was his encouraging nature. He was always very supportive and seemingly could build people up with ease. He was always willing to try new ideas, especially in areas of new technology where he was weak.

“I also found it sensible to prepare him for a new idea rather than dropping it on him. I remember when I first suggested I move to France to support the development of Agronomix in Europe his immediate response was negative. However, a week later he came back to me and said it that moving to Europe would be a good idea. From then on, I tried to prepare him for any ‘crazy’ ideas I had. It wasn’t always the case, my suggestion to create the Agronomix Learning Center was very quickly accepted. I think he was a little daunted by all the videos he needed to create but once he started, he loved showing users how to use AGROBASE and later Genovix.

“As a family we would often go for walks and hikes around Manitoba and southern France. These were great times to chew over (process) business or ministry ideas, or to come up with the solution to challenges we hadn’t realized the other was facing. They were good times to share jokes, as well as the highs and lows of life.”

A Workaholic

Agronomix Industry Engagement Manager Enid Perez-Lara shares, “The first time I heard about Dieter, I was working full-time while finishing my PhD as a part-time student at the University of Alberta.

Managing the sheer amount of data was overwhelming, and using SAS or R wasn’t working well for me. I struggled with their non-user-friendly interfaces and even resorted to my old, rusty Turbo Pascal skills to make R work.

“At one point, I started complaining about why no one had created a tool to handle all of this in a single, streamlined place. Then, someone pointed out: ‘A guy from Winnipeg has already done it.’ That was the first time I heard about AGROBASE – and about Dieter. He had created the very solution that busy breeders and students like me needed.

“Later, I had the opportunity to collect data using the AGROBASE tablet, which, at the time, felt like an advanced tool to me. Eventually, I was fortunate enough to be hired by Dieter.

“Dieter was a workaholic, and I often joked that he would never retire – and he never did. Even when he was unwell, he always put his clients first, staying committed to his work until the very end. He encouraged us when things went well and provided valuable feedback whenever we needed it.

“My most memorable story about Dieter was I clearly remember a demo where the potential clients were trying to challenge us – it seemed like they didn’t quite get it. Dieter kept his cool and even seemed to enjoy the challenge. I really enjoyed that demo too, thanks to him.”

Leaving An Indelible Mark

Aziz Rehman of Nuseed Canada states, “It is with deep sadness that we mourn the passing of Dieter Mulitze, a remarkable individual whose contributions to the agriculture industry, particularly in the realm of breeding program management and database development, have left an indelible mark. Dieter was not only a brilliant mind but also a kind and generous mentor who touched the lives of countless professionals, including my own.

“I first had the privilege of meeting Dieter in 2012 during an Agrobase training session in St. Louis, MO, where he served as an instructor. His passion for teaching and his deep expertise in database management and agriculture were immediately evident. Over the years, our professional relationship grew, and I came to admire his unwavering dedication to helping others. Dieter was always approachable, patient, and eager to share his knowledge, traits that made him an exceptional educator and collaborator.

“Dieter’s work was instrumental in the development and evolution of Agrobase, and later Genovix, tools that have revolutionized the way breeding programs are managed, and data is utilized in agriculture. His innovative approach and tireless efforts have empowered researchers, breeders, and scientists to make data-driven decisions, ultimately advancing the field of agriculture. His legacy lives on in the countless professionals he trained and the systems he helped build, which continue to support the industry today.

“Beyond his technical contributions, Dieter will be remembered for his warmth, humility, and genuine desire to uplift others. He was a true pioneer, a mentor, and a friend to many. His passing is a profound loss to the agricultural community, but his impact will endure through the lives he touched and the advancements he championed.

“Dieter Mulitze’s legacy is one of excellence, generosity, and innovation. He will be deeply missed, but his contributions will continue to inspire and guide us in the years to come.”

Showing Dedication

Cultura Technologies President Rich Reynertson remembers, “I first met Dieter in Winnipeg, along with his wife, daughter, and son-in-law.

“I was traveling with a junior business developer who set up the meeting. I was struck at how inviting, personal, and warm he was at first handshake.

“We did not start a business talk, but he immediately started asking questions about our JBD’s family, showed concern of his foster children, and the like. It was if we were family from the first introduction.

“Dieter’s dedication to his faith, family, work, and work family were evident from the first day we met.

“He will be missed.”

Compiled by Enid Perez-Lara

Additional Remembrances

Agronomix Vice President Operations Marsha A-Marcelin shares, "When I joined Agronomix in May 2010, I quickly understood that Dieter was a hands-on leader, he was the developer, the support specialist, the salesperson, the marketing agent, the people manager, and the spiritual counsellor of his team. He was a dedicated supporter of personal development plans. He would approve courses, even if he weren't sure how they would contribute to the business: He believed in the person. Dieter would stop at every single office to talk about his vision broken down into pieces and where you personally fit in it.

"Every one of us at Agronomix always had questions for him about something; You would either get an answer or questions that forced you to find the answer on your own.

"Dieter loved the Cochran and Cox book and would reference it quite often during his mentoring sessions with his staff. He believed in his team just as much as we believed in his vision for Genovix. Enhancing the breeder's process, saving them time, helping companies make it to the market faster with the best product was at the forefront of his vision. 

"Using Genovix is like choosing to race on a cheetah, the fastest land animal in the world, you will win the race! (Note: I can't recall exactly how he used to say this)

"Dieter loved teaching Genovix and empowering his staff. He was always opened to new ideas, new-better technologies.

"He started his day of a list of tasks that he needed to complete, and no matter the interruptions, he would go through that list one line at a time. You can imagine that his day was far from the traditional 9-5.

"We all miss him and with Cultura technologies leading the way, committed to the same vision, the future is bright, and we're moving forward with unstoppable momentum."