First Line Express^® bulk delivery program bigger, broader and better for 2005. Provides access to more varieties and more flexible ordering dates.

Growers can look for three new varieties from First Line Seeds in 2005. Overall, First Line has introduced 13 new varieties during the past two years, which accounts for almost 70% of its seed variety offering.

With the addition of 31-04R (3150HU) for 2005, First Line now offers three Roundup Ready^®/Nemecys^® varieties with resistance to soybean cyst nematode. Other new varieties for 2005 include Roundup Ready varieties 27-06R (2775HU) and 30-06R (3050HU), bringing First Line’s total Roundup Ready offering to 18 varieties.

“Our research and development efforts continue to focus on the high yield and consistent performance that growers have come to expect from First Line,” says Jamie Rickard, Seed Marketing Manager with Monsanto Canada. “With our new varieties we’ve also enhanced other traits that are essential for top performance in growers’ fields,” says Rickard. “Disease tolerance and resistance to pests such as soybean cyst nematodes are another focus of our breeding program.”

Commitment to research and development is what allows Monsanto to provide the innovation and value growers expect from the First Line brand. “Monsanto spends more than $1 million a day on seed and biotechnology research. By combining a strong genetic platform with excellent emergence and vigour and a complete disease package, First Line soybeans deliver the yield and value growers require,” says Graham McGregor, Seed Technology Specialist with Monsanto Canada.

First Line varieties also reflect Monsanto’s commitment to enhance the value of soybeans. First Line food soybean varieties are built to meet specific colour, taste and texture traits required by end users.  As well, the combination of these high value food soybeans and Roundup Ready technology is a good example of how First Line varieties are providing value for both end users and growers.

First Line Express expands for 2005

The First Line Express program is also expanding to deliver more savings and convenience. Beginning this fall, growers who purchase bulk soybean seed through the First Line Express program will have access to more varieties, including new Roundup Ready varieties, and more flexible ordering dates. “The First Line Express program will now offer 17 varieties. This allows growers to order the variety that best suits their farm agronomically and also take advantage of the savings and convenience the program provides,” says Rickard.

Changes to the program also include December order savings on a total of 10 varieties, including new varieties for 2005; seven more varieties for spring pick-up and more flexible ordering dates. Growers should contact their First Line Seeds dealer for full program details.

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

First Line®, First Line design, Nemecys® and First Line Express® are registered trademarks of First Line Seeds Ltd.
Roundup Ready® is a registered trademark of Monsanto Technology LLC. Monsanto Canada Inc., licensee.