Category Archives: Pioneer

Sweet Holiday Greetings from Pioneer

Posted on by

Pioneer made my day a little sweeter yesterday when a package of holiday cookies arrived on our doorstep in a cute Pioneer Plenish coffee mug.

Can’t show you a photo of the cookies because daughter Chelsea and I gobbled them up. We didn’t even save any for Chuck, they were just so AMAZING! Chocolate chip and cranberry and I presume made with Plenish(TM) high oleic soybean oil. They tasted like they were just baked! Thanks to the Plenish team at Pioneer Hi-Bred for the treat.

We’ve been hearing about Plenish for some time now and have even had a taste of the soybean oil used in cooking and in salad dressings at events like Commodity Classic. Pioneer VP for Crop Genetics R&D John Soper talked about the Plenish soybean trait during an interview at NAFB Trade Talk last month and said it is coming for growers in 2012. “It’s a great new product, the first really biotech trait for end use,” he told me. “It provides an oil much more like olive oil, very stable, very heart-healthy, doesn’t require hydrogenation so no trans fatty acid issues. Really a wonderful product for end users and the food industry.”

John also talked about some other new products in the pipeline, like improved drought-tolerant corn. Listen to my interview with John here: Pioneer's John Soper

Plenish was also one of the topics addressed by Pioneer senior marketing manager for soybeans Don Schafer during Trade Talk. He explained that they still need to get regulatory approval for the new soybean trait before it can go on the market. “That is one of the things we have to do in the industry is make sure that we have this product completely registered worldwide so that the grower doesn’t have any concern about being able to utilize the crop in the marketplace,” Don said.

Don also discussed the 29 new Y-series soybeans from Pioneer coming out in 2011, which will bring the total for the Y-series up to about 80. Listen to Don’s interview here: Pioneer's Don Schafer

What’s New From Pioneer Hi-Bred

Posted on by

I’ve been looking for an excuse to post a Kip Cullers photo and decided the time was right. Kip, the king of bionic ag, is modeling at Farm Progress Show with an iPad showing what’s new with Pioneer Hi-Bred. That’s my connection here since I actually have an interview I did with Pioneer’s Drew Porter.

Drew says the biggest news is Optimum AcreMax 1, “the industry’s first
in-the-bag solution for corn rootworm refuge.” He says it helps place the right product on the right acre. In the future they will “continue to focus on additional reduced refuge technologies to bring even that next level of simplicity to the Optimum AcreMax platform.” They’re also very excited to be showcasing the Y Series soybean lineup using accelerated yield technology.

You can listen to my interview with Drew here: Drew Porter Interview

Soybean Growers Can Expect Plenish From Pioneer Hi-Bred

Posted on by

You may not find a bottle of Plenish high oleic soy oil on your local supermarket shelf just yet but that doesn’t mean there isn’t some taste testing going on. At the Farm Progress Show Pioneer Hi-Bred conducted a cooking demonstration and had samples of food cooked with the product outside their exhibit.

Farmers want a soybean with strong agronomics and increased demand. Enter Plenish™ a Pioneer® brand soybean with an enhanced oil profile and increased oil stability. Plenish™ high oleic soybean oil will have 0g trans fat and 20 percent less saturated fats than commodity soybean oil and 75 percent less saturated fat than tropical palm oil.

There are currently more soybean acres cultivated in North America than any other oilseed crop, making Plenish™ high oleic soybean oil a cost-effective and sustainable trans fat solution.

I learned more about it from Russ Sanders, Marketing Director. He says Plenish represents a significant re-making of soybean oil. They’re making it “like olive oil” from the standpoint of taste and health benefits. It will begin appearing in fast food and snack food products in coming years. It will allow labels to carry the no trans fats label. For farmers, Plenish, will come in Pioneer Y Series genetics.

You can listen to my interview with Russ here: Interview With Russ Sanders

Farm Progress Photo Album

Pioneer Boreas Is Hurricane On Wheels

Posted on by

One of the most unique pieces of equipment on display at the Farm Progress Show was a wind machine. This hurricane on wheels is named after the Greek God of the cold north wind – Boreas. Unfortunately we couldn’t fire this monster up for a demonstration due to safety concerns but it still got a lot of attention.

To find out just what Pioneer is using it for I spoke with Scott Nelson, Agronomy Research Manager. He says it was developed to screen all their hybrids for tolerance to brittle snap, early root lodging and late stand ability. Every hybrid gets screened by the machine. The machine has 85 hp. fans that can drive a wind up to 100 mph. Scott says waiting for natural winds was too unreliable so this machine has increased their ability to test more frequently. There are four of these machines in use. He says this program has improved their product stand ability tremendously.

You can listen to my interview with Scott here: Interview With Scott Nelson

Farm Progress Photo Album

Pioneer Hi-Bred Announces IMPACT at Farm Progress Show

Posted on by

Pioneer Hi-Bred announced IMPACT today. That’s Intensively Managed Product Advancement, Characterization and Training trials. The announcement was made at a press event in their exhibit at the Farm Progress Show. I spoke with Brent Wilson about the new initiative. You can listen to him describe what this means for Pioneer’s customers in my interview below.

Pioneer Hi-Bred announced plans to expand a new, innovative research initiative across North America for the 2011 growing season. The program supports a 50 percent increase in the number of experimental products Pioneer can test to help growers ultimately get the right product on the right acre to maximize productivity.

Pioneer’s IMPACTTM program, which stands for Intensively Managed Product Advancement, Characterization and Training trials, will significantly increase Pioneer’s investment in local research and development, helping to maximize grower productivity and profitability. These plots provide local testing of multiple products at the last stage before they are advanced for sale to growers. Evaluations take place on growers’ farms, emphasizing local testing to match products with regional growing conditions.

The IMPACT program also marks a unique cooperative effort between Pioneer’s research efforts and its sales organization, linking product development and advancement with the company’s “Right Product, Right Acre” strategy to help producers get the best results from each acre.

Full Release

You can listen to my interview with Brent Wilson here: Interview With Brent Wilson

Farm Progress Photo Album

AgWired coverage of the 2010 Farm Progress Show
is sponsored by: New Holland and

Vote For Bunge M.O.E. in Great Food Truck Race

Posted on by

For breakfast this morning I went to the Bunge M.O.E. at the Pioneer Hi-Bred exhibit at the Farm Progress Show. My biscuit and ingredients were cooked with Plenish, the new high oleic soybean oil being developed by Pioneer. Bunge Chef Adam was doing the cooking and you can meet him in the video clip.

The Bunge M.O.E. is competing in the Great Food Truck Race on the Food Network. Please go vote for them now online: Vote For Bunge M.O.E. or text FT98 to 66789.

Farm Progress Photo Album

AgWired coverage of the 2010 Farm Progress Show
is sponsored by: New Holland and

Former Governor Branstand Running For Governor

Posted on by

It’s not just farmers who visit the Farm Progress Show. Politicians have a great opportunity to interact with constituents and prospective voters. One of them is former Iowa Governor Terry Branstad who is hoping to become Governor again! Terry is pictured second from the left with his new Pioneer Hi-Bred cap.

I spoke with him after our photo opp. He lives in Boone County right near the show. He says agriculture is one of the bright spots in the economy. Without the permanent location of the show he says conditions would have been very different today. However, even with all the rain he’s expecting a great show day. He remembers the wet weather during his term as Governor in 1993 but this year may go down as wetter than that.

You can listen to my interview with former Governor, running for Governor, Terry Branstad here: Interview With Terry Branstad

Farm Progress Photo Album

AgWired coverage of the 2010 Farm Progress Show
is sponsored by: New Holland and

Corn and Soybean Growers At Pioneer Field Day

Posted on by

Pioneer Hi-Bred Technology Field DayI have to believe that Pioneer Hi-Bred was very happy with farmer attendance at their Crop Technology Field day held in Carrollton, MO. Each of the tour stops were packed with an attentive audience.

I spoke with two of the farmers in attendance. One was Paul Tracy from Denver, MO. Paul was there to see and learn more about new Pioneer corn and soybean varieties. He likes to try them on his farm to see if they hold up to his farming practices. His corn was planted early as well as his soybeans and he says it’s all looking good right now except some spots that had too much water. You can listen to my interview with Paul here: Paul Tracy Interview

I also spoke with Curtis Swearingin, Carrollton, MO. He wanted to learn more about new technologies and chemical programs due to weed pressure. He says his corn is not doing good do to a cold and wet May. He has started shelling corn and moisture is drier than he expected. You can listen to my interview with Curtis here: Curtis Swearingin Interview

2010 Pioneer Hi-Bred Crop Technology Field Day Photo Album

Nitrogen Use Efficiency In Corn

Posted on by

Becoming nitrogen use efficient in corn is a big goal but one that Pioneer Hi-Bred is helping farmers figure out how to accomplish. At the Pioneer Hi-Bred Crop Technology Field day held in Carrollton, MO, Greg Luce, Technical Product Manager, presented ideas for accomplishing this and took some questions during his presentation.

2010 Pioneer Hi-Bred Crop Technology Field Day Photo Album

Corn Agronomy Lesson

Posted on by

Scott DickeyNot all corn comes out of the ear looking like you want it to. Sometimes there are factors affecting the kernel production that might yield some surprises. At the Pioneer Hi-Bred Crop Technology Field day held in Carrollton, MO, Scott Dickey, Area Agronomist, did a little show and tell. He had some ears of corn that looked good and were what you expected from a test plot and then in the buckets he had some that didn’t turn our quite as well.

He asked farmers what they thought would cause this type of problem and had one farmer suggest the correct one, at least according to his findings. It happened to be surfactant application. Listen to Scott explain this during his presentation here: Scott Dickey Presentation

2010 Pioneer Hi-Bred Crop Technology Field Day Photo Album

Pioneer Hi-Bred Introduces Refuge In Corn Made Simple

Posted on by

Bill BelzerThe media were very much in attendance at the Pioneer Hi-Bred Crop Technology Field day held in Carrollton, MO. Here’s Janet Adkinson, KMZU, doing a live interview with Bill Belzer, Senior Marketing Manager, Corn, Pioneer Hi-Bred. I had my turn after his presentation at our first field day tour stop. Our subject was “refuge” and in case you don’t know what that means in row crop farming don’t worry. Bill explains it.

Bill had some great charts at his field classroom stop to show current refuge planting strategies compared to using the new Optimum AcreMax 1 insect protection which received EPA approval earlier this year. It is an in-the-bag solution that reduces the traditional 20 percent corn rootworm refuge in half. It’s makes it easier and increases flexibility for the planting of corn borer refuge.

You can listen to my interview with Bill here: Bill Belzer Interview

2010 Pioneer Hi-Bred Crop Technology Field Day Photo Album

Meet Pioneer Hi-Bred Senior Leadership

Posted on by

During the 2010 Pioneer Hi-Bred Crop Technology Field day held in Carrollton, MO, farmers could choose between nine different field work stations or presentations. Topics ranged from refuge strategies to soil types. Also on the agenda was “Meet Pioneer Senior Leadership.” That’s what this post is about. The “seniors” included (left) Alexandro Munoz, VP/Regional Director, North America and John Soper, VP, Crop Genetics Research & Development.

I recorded their presentation to a group of ag media representatives which also included some farmers who wandered in. The pair gave an overview of Pioneer’s strategy and what it means to farmers. Alejandro says you can summarize it all up in “Right Product, Right Acre.” This means they want to bring the company to the farm along with all their services and resources so the best products are used since no two farms are identical.

You can listen to their presentation here or watch it below: Pioneer Senior Leadership Presentation

2010 Pioneer Hi-Bred Crop Technology Field Day Photo Album

Pioneer Hi-Bred Crop Technology Field Day

Posted on by

Pioneer Hi-Bred held a crop technology field day in Carrollton, MO yesterday. It was a picture perfect day so I took a lot of them. They were expecting up to a thousand attendees and I think that was a very possible number. I’ve got several things to post for you including some presentations and interviews.

Let’s start with a link to the photo album from the event: 2010 Pioneer Hi-Bred Crop Technology Field Day Photo Album

Dupont Acquires Seed Companies

Posted on by

DuPont has entered into agreements to acquire AgVenture, Kentland, Ind.; Hoegemeyer Hybrids, Hooper, Neb., and NuTech Seed, Ames, Iowa; as part of its Pioneer Hi-Bred business’ PROaccess strategy. Closings are scheduled to occur in the latter part of 2010. Terms were not disclosed.

The innovation breadth and depth of Pioneer research and development will strengthen the already robust businesses and customer relationships of AgVenture, Hoegemeyer Hybrids and NuTech Seed. The companies have exciting growth opportunities reachable by expanding product choices for growers in geographies where they operate.

The PROaccess strategy continues to be part of the ongoing commitment to expand the availability of Pioneer’s unique, elite seed genetics using Pioneer-owned brands distributed through alternative routes to market. Ultimately, this will result in growers having more choices for high-performing products to increase their yields and income.

The three seed companies will continue to sell products under the Pioneer-owned trademarks following closing:
- AgVenture – VPMaxx® brand corn hybrids and soybean varieties.
- Hoegemeyer Hybrids – HPT® brand corn hybrids and soybean varieties.
- NuTech Seed – G2® brand corn hybrids and soybean varieties.

Groundbreaking for Pioneer Soybean Plant in Missouri

Posted on by

pioneerMissouri Governor Jay Nixon joined DuPont business Pioneer Hi-Bred executives for yesterday’s groundbreaking on a $55 million parent and commercial soybean seed production plant in New Madrid County, Mo.

“Missouri’s economic recovery continues to strengthen; and to maintain that momentum, it is vitally important that high-tech, 21st-century companies such as Pioneer Hi-Bred invest in Missouri and create new jobs for our work force,” said Nixon. “Pioneer’s investment in New Madrid County through its new soybean production facility further demonstrates how the strategic use of state tax incentive programs can serve as a powerful tool to help draw quality companies to Missouri, creating solid, high-paying jobs, and moving our economy forward.”

As the first Pioneer seed production facility in Missouri, the new plant will primarily serve soybean growers in more southern geographies in the United States. Pioneer also has a research facility in Miami, Mo., selling corn, soybean, sorghum and wheat seed in the state.

Pictured from left to right are: New Madrid commissioner Clyde Hawes, Pioneer President Paul E. Schickler, Governor Nixon, Rep. Jo Ann Emerson, and Alejandro Munoz, Pioneer vice president and regional director, North America. See more photos here.

Read more from Pioneer here.

EPA Approves First ‘Refuge-in-the-Bag’ Seed Product

Posted on by

acremaxDuPont made history this week when the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) granted approval for the first “refuge in the bag” with commercial registration of Optimum® AcreMax™ 1 insect protection for Pioneer® brand corn hybrids.

“This decision is not only a regulatory milestone, but also great news for corn growers,” said Paul E. Schickler, president — Pioneer Hi-Bred, a DuPont business. “Optimum® AcreMax™ 1 products will offer growers increased convenience, reduced refuge and an additional tool for maximizing field-by-field productivity. We are demonstrating the product in farmers’ fields this year to show its value and support the 2011 ramp up.”

To help deter corn pests from developing resistance to biotech traits, the U.S. EPA requires growers to plant some corn without a specific insect protection trait to serve as a “refuge.” The process of planning and planting a traditional separate insect refuge is time consuming, and refuge corn is at risk for damage and yield loss. Optimum® AcreMax™ 1 insect protection reduces the traditional 20 percent corn rootworm refuge by half and puts it in the seed bag, eliminating the need for separate rootworm refuge while increasing the ease and flexibility of planting the corn borer refuge.

Agwired’s Joanna Schroeder interviewed Pioneer’s Bill Belzer about the product last year as they were awaiting approval. “What this technology does is allow growers to be able to plant more in-plant traits in more acres leading to higher yields,” he says, which is a win-win situation.

Find out more here.

Four Years of Forage Forum

Posted on by

Pioneer Hi-Bred Forage Forum PodcastI can’t believe it has been almost four years since we started producing the Forage Forum podcast for Pioneer on World Dairy Diary.

When we started it in July of 2006, it was the very first dairy nutrition podcast for livestock producers. We’ve done over 70 podcasts since that time. Each one features news and information important to dairy professionals working for successful animal nutrition. Among the topics highlighted this year are alfalfa variety development, feed safety of Bt corn, mold management, choosing an inoculant and more. The most recent podcast features David Miller, Pioneer director of alfalfa research, discussing how alfalfa is different than other major crops growers plant. Listen to or download that one in the player below.

“This season is probably one of the most intriguing since the podcast origination,” says Robin Newell, Pioneer senior marketing manager. “Management is key in the dairy industry, specifically during tough economic times, and this audio segment will touch on tough management decisions.”

The podcasts are approximately five minutes long and are updated about twice a month. The audio files can be accessed at www.pioneer.com/forages and at www.worlddairydiary.com are all previous segments are archived, covering subjects that pertain to silage harvesting and processing, crop value, as well as analysis and planning.

These interview-style reports are a great source of information for reporters who cover the livestock and dairy industry, so please feel free to take a listen or download to use in programming or stories – free of charge, of course! You can also subscribe to Forage Forum here. Our friend Jerry Harrington at Pioneer says there are also transcripts available if you are interested.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

DuPont Pledges $200,000 to University of Illinois

Posted on by

DuPontDupont has issued a “challenge grant” to the University of Illinois for improving communications effectiveness in agriculture. I think supplying some iPads to new ag comm students would be a good use of those funds! Of course they can also attend the AgWired School of Agricultural Communications too!

DuPont announced a $200,000 grant to a University of Illinois initiative between the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences (ACES) and the College of Media designed to address the growing need for effective communications in the fast-changing world of agriculture, food, feed, fiber, bio-energy and rural development.

The grant, from DuPont businesses Pioneer Hi-Bred and Crop Protection, will be paid based on the university meeting milestones in its $2 million goal for the effort.

“Agriculture is undergoing incredible change at the same time dynamic new media is redefining the field of communications,” said Paul E. Schickler, president – Pioneer Hi-Bred. “Additional focus and understanding at the intersection of those two trends should bring incredible benefits to farmers and consumers and others throughout the value chain.”

The university plans to enhance its joint agricultural communications program with a first-of-its kind endowed chair in agricultural communications to support teaching and research in the field. The university plans to have at least three teaching positions and include initiatives in environmental and consumer communications.

“Agricultural production needs to nearly double by 2050,” said James C. Collins, president – DuPont Crop Protection. “Science from DuPont is part of the solution. We’ll also need collaboration and innovation across sectors to meet the challenge. And effective communications is vital to our ability to do that.”

“We are grateful for DuPont’s willingness to support this important initiative that will benefit the university’s students in agricultural communications for years to come,” said Robert Hauser, interim dean of the College of ACES.

Cooking with Soybean Oil at Classic

Posted on by

pioneer corporate chef at commodity classicThe Pioneer exhibit at Commodity Classic got lots of attention from pancake lovers with the Pioneer corporate chefs demonstrating the versatility of soybean oil for cooking.

I stopped by and happened to catch Adam Moore flipping flapjacks on the griddle and later was able to do a video interview with Chef Charlie Baggs who showed off the dishes they were making for the trade show crowd, including Chicken Marsala and a sweet Romaine and cranberry salad with feta cheese and a soy oil/mustard vinagrette dressing. Charlie is president and founder of Charlie Baggs, Inc., and he and his Chicago-based staff travel around the country doing this kind of gig for Pioneer and other corporate clients. Seems like a pretty sweet job!

Commodity Classic Photo Album

AgWired coverage of the 2010 Commodity Classic
is sponsored by: BASF and New Holland

“My American Farm” Informs Young Consumers

Posted on by

Agricultural literacy is the goal of the American Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture’s My American Farm virtual education program.

afbfDuPont business Pioneer Hi-Bred is helping to fund the effort with a $500,000 donation to the program, announced during the AFBF annual meeting.

“The American Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture has identified a great opportunity for teaching the public about modern agriculture. Through science and productivity, farmers are feeding the world and bettering the lives of people every day,” said Frank Ross, vice president and regional director – Pioneer, North America. “We are pleased to partner on this initiative and support the cause of increased agricultural literacy.”

The My American Farm virtual education program is anticipated to engage millions of youth, teachers and parents over the next five years through unique educational experiences. The website, www.myamericanfarm.org, is a destination for children to be entertained by playing games while learning math, social studies, language arts and science in the context of agriculture and food production.