Brownfield» seed

Independent seed companies have more options

Ken Anderson — Mon, 21 May 2012 20:06:31 +0000

Independent seed companies now have more reduced refuge trait stack options available for 2013.

Syngenta and Dow AgroSciences have announced a joint agreement to offer two reduced refuge trait stacks to independents. The agreement covers the Agrisure Viptera 3220 and Agrisure 3122 trait stacks. A five percent refuge will be required with both products.

Under terms of the agreement, Syngenta’s Agrisure traits and Dow AgroSciences’ Herculex traits will be out-licensed for trait stack combinations through GreenLeaf Genetics, which will serve as the primary contact for independent seed companies. Syngenta and Dow AgroSciences will also continue to out-license their respective traits independent of each other.

The agreement will allow independent seed companies access to inbred lines in time for winter production, which should bring product to growers for the 2013 planting season.

AgReliant plans new Iowa facility

Ken Anderson — Mon, 21 May 2012 20:02:47 +0000

AgReliant Genetics is proposing to build a new seed corn production, conditioning and distribution facility on 72 acres near Ogden, Iowa.

The proposed 36-million dollar project would create 34 jobs. The Iowa Economic Development Authority Board recently approved two-point-one million dollars in state tax credits for the project.

Early planting could create challenges for seed companies

Ken Anderson — Thu, 15 Mar 2012 19:15:22 +0000

The possibility of an “earlier-than-normal” planting season could create some logistics challenges this spring for seed companies and their customers.

Many seed companies were forced to increase their South American seed corn production this winter after high winds and dry weather reduced Midwestern seed production in 2011. And, according to a Dow Jones Newswire report, an early U.S. planting season could cause some problems for those depending on those seed shipments from South America.

The report says supplies are considered especially tight in the northern Plains.

An official of Pioneer Hi-Bred told Dow Jones that his company will have enough seed to meet customer demand. In his words, “It’s not like it’s not as issue—but it’s not a problem.”

Diversification and choice has value for farmers

Cyndi Young — Tue, 06 Mar 2012 21:35:28 +0000

Burrus Seed Company exhibited at 2012 Commodity Classic. Farmers visiting the exhibit had plenty on their mind, according to Todd Burrus. From seed supply to weather, the corn/bean ration in 2012 to what’s left in flex acres, farmers have much to think about. Todd Burrus told Brownfield that Burrus Seed Company is the right choice for farmers because Burrus consistently does things right, so can be trusted; the product quality is high; Burrus has access to technology and genetics farmers need today; and Burrus focuses on putting the right crop on the right acre.

Conversation with Todd Burrus 03012012

Pioneer executive discusses the company’s ‘strategic focus’

Ken Anderson — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 19:42:43 +0000

The seed industry has seen major changes in the past 15 years. One of the biggest changes has been the transformation of Pioneer Hi-Bred from a “self-contained” organization—one that did everything in-house—to one that now forms strategic partnerships with other companies in the industry.

At a recent media event at Pioneer’s headquarters in Johnston, Iowa, we visited with Pioneer’s vice president for the Americas and global production, Alejandro Munoz, about that change in philosophy. We also asked Munoz how biotechnology fits into Pioneer’s future plans and what it’s going to take to double yields to feed a growing world population.

AUDIO: Alejandro Munoz (5:01 MP3)