With seven new hybrids available for 2005, DEKALB brand’s seed corn line-up now includes 25 leading hybrids that have been introduced over the past two years.

“We’ve seen a tremendous evolution in the DEKALB product line-up,” says Jamie Rickard, Seed Marketing Manager with Monsanto Canada. “More growers planted DEKALB corn in 2004 than ever before. We believe this is a direct result of our strong combination of high-yielding genetics and innovative technology.”

With the addition of new Roundup Ready^® Corn 2 and YieldGard^® insect protected hybrids as well as new YieldGard Plus hybrids, DEKALB now offers the deepest, broadest selection of products designed to enhance yield and productivity.

“When growers look to DEKALB, they can now choose from a full range of hybrids that deliver high yields and consistent performance as well as unmatched new technology options to solve weed and insect problems,” says Rickard. “With Monsanto’s expertise in genomics and molecular breeding, we’re also developing products that deliver higher yields and more consistent performance at a faster pace.” 

Growing Demand for Stacked Hybrids

The DEKALB line-up now includes 11 Roundup Ready Corn 2/YieldGard Corn Borer stacked trait hybrids that deliver innovative technology, which helps maximize yield potential.  “We’ve had strong demand from growers for these products and demand continues to grow. Sales of stacked hybrids were up 45% over 2003,” says Graham McGregor, Seed Technology Specialist with Monsanto, who notes that DEKALB now offers four YieldGard Plus hybrids, which provide season-long protection from the damaging effects of European corn borer and both the Northern and Western corn rootworm.

The performance of YieldGard Plus hybrids is being evaluated in side-by-side trials across Ontario in 2004.  “It’s important to demonstrate the performance of these hybrids to growers.  We feel these trials will give growers a good indication of the value of YieldGard Plus technology,” says McGregor.

Monsanto’s commitment to research and development has been a driving force behind the evolution of the DEKALB brand, and this commitment will continue to fuel higher corn performance as well as further evolution of the corn market.

Processor Preferred^TM Hybrids

Earlier this year, Monsanto introduced a new brand – Processor Preferred – to identify corn hybrids that deliver benefits to the end user. Several hybrids in the DEKALB line-up qualify for this designation because they produce high levels of extractable and fermentable starch to enhance plant efficiency.

Both CASCO and Commercial Alcohols Inc. have tested specific DEKALB Processor Preferred hybrids. “Both companies have been encouraged by the results and are looking forward to learning more on how these hybrids can bring value to their business. The success of these hybrids could also mean enhanced value for growers,” says Rickard.

DEKALB Hybrids Treated with Poncho^® Insecticide

For 2005, a wide range of DEKALB hybrids will be available with Poncho 250 seed insecticide, which provides control of early-season corn insect pests and protects against yield and stand losses. “We’ve invested heavily in our seed processing facilities at Chatham to ensure we’ll be able to meet our customers’ seed treatment needs.” says Rickard.

Based in Guelph, Ontario, Monsanto Canada’s Eastern Seeds and Traits business breeds and develops DEKALB brand products for performance in Canadian growing conditions. DEKALB brand products include high yielding corn and soybean seed products that deliver innovative technology including Roundup Ready, YieldGard and stacked trait products. DEKALB brand products are sold and serviced by a trained, service-oriented dealer network throughout Eastern Canada.

New DEKALB Corn hybrids for 2005

Stacked Traits
Roundup Ready Corn 2/YieldGard Corn Borer
·          DKC37-15          2725 CHU

Roundup Ready Corn 2
·          DKC37-14          2725 CHU

YieldGard Corn Borer
·          DKC37-13          2725 CHU 

YieldGard Plus
·          DKC39-42          2800CHU
·          DKC42-17          2850CHU
·          DKC46-25          2950CHU
·          DKC60-10          3350CHU 

Roundup Ready^®, YieldGard^® and Processor Preferred^TM are trademarks of Monsanto Technology LLC., Monsanto Canada Inc., licensee.
DEKALB^® and DEKALB design are registered trademarks of DEKALB Genetics Corporation.
Poncho^® is a trademark of Bayer AG.