U.S. corn growers were overwhelmingly pleased with Monsanto's corn trait technologies last year and intend to use the traits again, recent research highlighted.

Nearly 1,000 growers who planted Roundup Ready® Corn, YieldGard® Corn Borer Corn or YieldGard Rootworm Corn were interviewed to determine why growers use Monsanto's corn trait technologies and to gauge their satisfaction with the traits. The research also measured growers reuse intentions for the coming season.

The independent research study was conducted by Marketing Horizons, Inc., a St. Louis -based market research company, in fall 2003.

With a 95 percent satisfaction rate, Roundup Ready Corn was given high weed control ratings among growers who used the technology last year. Nine in 10 growers expressed intentions to plant Roundup Ready Corn again in 2004. Besides believing Roundup Ready Corn provided better weed control and more control of specific weeds, growers also expressed satisfaction with the ease and convenience of the Roundup Ready Corn program.
"The Roundup Ready Corn system gives growers unsurpassed, broad-spectrum weed control with excellent flexibility due to the wide window of application," said David Rhylander, Monsanto's U.S. Traits Director. "Obviously, Monsanto is very pleased that 95% of our Roundup Ready Corn customers see this much value in these corn technologies."

The research also reflected a high level of satisfaction with Monsanto's YieldGard Corn Borer Corn trait. Nine in 10 growers reported satisfaction with YieldGard Corn Borer Corn and 94 percent of growers said they intended to plant it again in 2004.

According to the research, most growers were familiar with Monsanto's new YieldGard Rootworm technology, commercially available for the first time in 2003. Growers stated that the primary advantage or benefit of YieldGard Rootworm Corn was the reduced need for handling soil-applied insecticides. Corn rootworm control, higher yields and better corn root structure also were cited as advantages.

Overall satisfaction with YieldGard Rootworm Corn was also high and tracked with historical trait satisfaction data in a products introductory year. In the trait's first year of availability, more than 8 out of 10 growers reinforced their satisfaction with the technology, while 12 percent of growers had not decided. The survey data also noted that more than 7 out of 10 growers expressed interest in re-using the technology for the 2004 season.

Monsanto Company (NYSE: MON) is a leading global provider of technology-based solutions and agricultural products that improve farm productivity and food quality.

Follow Insect Resistance Management and grain marketing requirements. Roundup Ready® and YieldGard® are registered trademarks of Monsanto Technology LLC.