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Speed is important because Bayer sells about 200 varieties of hybrid corn tailored to various conditions, such as climate and disease threats.

But hybrid seeds became widely available commercially in the 1930s with the introduction of hybrid corn seed.

“When you use hybrid corn, genetically modified corn or whatever other option there is, it doesn’t give you that nostalgic flavor,” said Wangeman, who was born in the southern state of Oaxaca.

He conceded that this year’s drought hit his hybrid corn hard.

“This corn is way ahead,” said the 79-year-old Caporal as he walked down a row of hybrid corn, already 5 feet tall.