One Year In: Dr. Maria Montiel Builds a Foundation for the Future of U.S. Rice Breeding

For Dr. Maria Montiel, the journey to becoming a rising leader in rice breeding began generations ago — in the fields of Argentina, where her family has long been rooted in farming and science. Today, as she moves into her second year with Horizon Ag, Montiel is already making significant impacts in shaping the future of rice breeding across the Southern U.S.

Based at the LSU AgCenter Rice Research Station in Crowley, Louisiana, Montiel brings a deep blend of academic expertise, practical experience, and passion for plant genetics to her work. Inspired early on by her great-grandfather, a Belgian geneticist, and her family’s rice-growing legacy, Montiel’s path has always been closely tied to agriculture and the science behind it.

“I fell in love with genetics as a kid,” she recalls. “My dad read me a National Geographic article about DNA, and I’ve been hooked ever since.”

That childhood fascination evolved into a global career in plant breeding, with rice ultimately becoming her crop of choice, not just because of its complexity, but due to its social impact. “Rice is a social crop. It’s about food security, culture, and communities,” she says. “It’s incredibly meaningful to work on something that touches so many lives.”

Maria’s move to Horizon Ag hasn’t just been a professional step forward — it’s also offered her the chance to thrive personally. She credits the company’s culture and team for supporting both her work and her role as a mother. “I’m grateful to be part of a team that values collaboration, innovation, and work-life balance,” she says. “Being able to contribute meaningfully while being present for my family — that means a lot.”

Building a Strategic Breeding Program from the Ground Up

Montiel’s first year at Horizon Ag was all about laying the groundwork for long-term success. Tasked with leading the development of a high-impact breeding program, she wasted no time in aligning scientific rigor with strategic goals.

Her efforts have included:

• Evaluating and selecting elite germplasm for strategic crosses
• Designing multi-environment trials to test for yield, quality and stability
• Setting up a breeding pipeline aligned with commercial objectives
• Introducing structure and discipline into trial execution and germplasm advancement

One of the biggest advantages she sees in Horizon Ag’s approach is the ability to test across a wide range of environments in the Southern U.S. — a key differentiator in today’s breeding landscape.

“Unlike some programs limited to one geography, we’re actively selecting for broad adaptability,” she says. “That means we can identify lines that perform well and consistently, even in unpredictable conditions — and that’s a huge benefit to growers.”

The partnership with LSU AgCenter has also played a central role in helping Horizon Ag build its breeding program. Dr. Adam Famoso, LSU AgCenter rice breeder and director of the AgCenter H. Rouse Caffey Rice Research Station, noted how the relationship quickly found its rhythm:

“There’s always a period of ramp-up with these partnerships, but overall, it’s been pretty seamless,” said Dr. Famoso. “We expected it to be because of Montiel’s background. A big thing for our staff at the beginning of this was: how will this work, and what can we do for them? It’s gone just as expected — and that’s been great.”

Breeding that starts with the Grower

At every stage of the process, Montiel emphasizes a clear, unwavering focus on the grower. That means listening to their challenges, anticipating future needs, and building a pipeline that can deliver reliable, profitable solutions year after year.

“Everything we do is guided by one question: how does this help the grower?” she says. “Whether it’s yield stability, grain quality, or access to premium markets, we’re making choices now that will deliver real value in the future.”

Her South American background has given her a particular edge in grain quality, especially around milling and cooking characteristics that are vital for market differentiation. “We’re putting a lot of effort into developing materials that meet premium quality standards. That’s how we help growers compete, both at home and internationally.”

Looking Ahead: From Crosses to Commercial Impact

While her first year has focused on laying the foundation, Montiel already has a clear vision for what’s next.

In five years, she expects to see advanced lines nearing release that reflect the best of Horizon Ag’s breeding strategy: stable performance, premium grain quality, and strong adaptability. She’s also working to refine the company’s understanding of genotype × environment (G×E) interactions, helping determine where each product will thrive.

Her end goal? A differentiated product portfolio built not just on science, but on real-world performance and grower trust. “This is a long-term game,” she says. “You can’t shift direction every year. You need clear objectives, consistent execution, and a strategy that’s rooted in what growers actually need.”

The Impact on Rice Growers Nationwide

Montiel is enthusiastic for what’s ahead — not just for her program, but for the U.S. rice industry at large. “Horizon Ag is building something special. We’re not just reacting to change; we’re preparing for it,” she said.

That optimism is rooted in more than just strong early results. As public breeding programs shrink across the Southern U.S., Horizon Ag is stepping up — investing in research and partnerships to help fill those gaps. The breeding program is built on delivering high-performing varieties where they’re needed most.

 “This partnership isn’t just important for Horizon Ag and LSU — it benefits growers across the region,” said Montiel. “We’re focused on delivering high-performing, high-quality varieties that bring more adaptability and long-term value to growers. At the end of the day, it’s not just good for growers — it’s good for the entire U.S. rice industry.”

With a full year under her belt and a clear roadmap ahead, Montiel’s work is just getting started — but already, the seeds of innovation and impact are firmly in the ground.