In this eye-opening episode of Harvesting Wisdom, host Mike McMahon welcomes Dr. Changbin Chen, a renowned plant and soil scientist currently based at Arizona State University. With deep roots tracing back to generations of Chinese farmers and a global academic journey spanning Penn State, Minnesota, and now Arizona, Dr. Chen shares his life’s work in plant breeding and soil science.They explore the critical need for developing crops that thrive in extreme environments—especially in places with short growing seasons, poor soil quality, and intense heat. From tomatoes and grapes to hemp and melons, Dr. Chen explains how understanding plant genetics and breeding can yield resilient varieties adapted to climate stress. The conversation delves into the future of agriculture in regions like Arizona, the role of seed diversity, the intersection of public and private funding in agricultural research, and the growing importance of local food systems in a world grappling with climate change, water scarcity, and population growth.