The technology to map grain yields is becoming common on farms across the country, yet many growers fail to turn their data into maps and information they can use. Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc., is offering a free yield mapping service designed to help growers get more value from their investments in precision farming technology.

The Pioneer FIT(SM) mapping system is now available to growers throughout North America for the 2006 growing season. The field maps are free of charge and available to Pioneer customers through their local sales representatives.

This field information technology system allows Pioneer sales representatives to copy a grower’s yield data card onto their laptops in the field or even in the combine cab. When harvest is complete, that information is backed up on an archive CD and a copy is submitted to the Pioneer mapping center for analysis. About two weeks later, the Pioneer sales professional will deliver a harvest summary report including high-quality yield maps with soil type overlays, a farm overview map including a high-resolution aerial image, and a tabular harvest summary report showing yield statistics for each field.

“At Pioneer, we’re constantly focused on developing new tools and adapting new technologies to help our customers improve their operations,” says Todd Peterson, Pioneer emerging technologies manager. “When we found a lot of growers had mapping technology but were not always using it or not using it to their full benefit, we decided to introduce the FIT system.”

Not only does this system help growers leverage the technology available, it also helps them make important crop decisions in a timely manner. Because growers want their maps while the growing and harvest season is still fresh in their minds, Pioneer is targeting a two-week turnaround to help customers get the most value from their yield map information.

The harvest summary reports and yield maps also will be available online at the secure Pioneer GrowingPoint® website if growers want to review or print additional copies of their maps for landlords or others involved in their operation.

“Pioneer has taken what has been a challenge for growers and provided them with the tools they need to help fine-tune their crop management practices and improve the performance of Pioneer products in their fields,” Peterson says.

The company is working on even more enhancements to the FIT system, including soil type, weather, field operation efficiency and multiyear analyses.

Equipment needed to participate in the program includes a yield monitor equipped with a GPS receiver for yield mapping. Interested growers should contact their local Pioneer sales professional for more information.

Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc., a subsidiary of DuPont, is the world’s leading source of customized solutions for farmers, livestock producers and grain and oilseed processors. With headquarters in Des Moines, Iowa, Pioneer provides access to advanced plant genetics, crop protection solutions and quality crop systems to customers in nearly 70 countries. DuPont is a science company. Founded in 1802, DuPont puts science to work by creating sustainable solutions essential to a better, safer, healthier life for people everywhere. Operating in more than 70 countries, DuPont offers a wide range of innovative products and services for markets including agriculture, nutrition, electronics, communications, safety and protection, home and construction, transportation and apparel.