- On Friday, June 13, the flood stage of the Cedar River reached nearly 32 feet, flooding the entire first floor of the Diamond V headquarters and much of the ground floor of the company’s manufacturing plant. At least six employees lost their homes or suffered significant damages. After months of rebuilding, Friday, Aug. 22, was a day of celebration for the company, as they showed their appreciation for all those who helped them recover. Reconstruction of the headquarters continues, and the company will move into remodeled facilities on Sept. 16.
- Belt SC insecticide (flubendiamide) from Bayer CropScience has been registered by the U.S. EPA for control of several economically important Lepidoptera species for corn, cotton adn tobacco growers. According to Bayer CropScience, the material will provide rapid feeding cessation as well as long-lasting residual control for better overall protection of crop value, all without disrupting Integrated Pest Management programs.
- Beginning with 2009 products, Pioneer Hi-Bred has a new numbering system based on maturity, platform (base genetics) and trait identity. All Pioneer brand corn seed names will begin with the letter P, indicating a Pioneer brand hybrid, followed by four numbers, which will be distinctive in the seed industry.
- Monsanto Company announced it has received regulatory approval in China for the importation of Roundup Ready 2 Yield soybeans. China imports accounted for approximately 38 percent of U.S. soybean exports in 2007, making it the largest purchaser of U.S. soybeans.
