York, Nebraska
September 6, 2007
Today, the York Research Center of
Pioneer Hi-Bred, a DuPont
business, celebrated its 50th anniversary with an open house for
regional growers, showcasing its leadership in corn hybrid
development.
For half a century, the Pioneer York Research Center has
conducted research to benefit farmers throughout North America
and around the world, focusing on agronomic and production
issues affecting growers in the Western Plains states. More
recently, the Center has significantly expanded its discovery
breeding programs to develop corn hybrids for producers in
Nebraska and surrounding states, with product development
efforts focusing on 108-113 relative maturity germplasm.
Goals of researchers at the center include developing superior
corn hybrids with improved yield, increased quality and reduced
production risks for corn growers. Center researchers collect
data used to provide end-users with product information and
technical support.
The center is a key site for developing drought-tolerant hybrids
and hybrids with mid-season brittle-snap resistance. Research at
York also focuses on enhanced nitrogen use efficiency, allowing
farmers to reduce input costs per bushel of corn produced, while
reducing the environmental impact of nitrogen fertilizer
production use.
"Our primary goals are the same today as they were 50 years ago
when Pioneer established the York Research Center - to develop
the best, most productive corn hybrids on the market for our
customers," says Leroy Svec, research scientist at the York
Research Center. "The difference is that today we have a much,
much broader assortment of crop genetics research tools and
techniques to help growers get the most from each acre."
York is among more than 90 Pioneer research centers around the
globe that work together to develop crop genetics solutions to
help meet growing global demands for food, feed, fuel and fiber.
Dean Oestreich, Pioneer Hi-Bred president, and Bill Niebur,
Pioneer vice president, Pioneer Crop Genetics Research and
Development, spoke to growers touring the facility. In addition,
Stan Jensen, York Research Center founder and retired corn
breeder, and Joe Keaschall, Pioneer research director for the
North America Central and West regions, also spoke to growers at
lunch. Also attending were Nebraska Lieutenant Governor Rick
Sheehy; Rich Reiman, head of plant industry of the Nebraska
Department of Agriculture; and Don Hutchens, Nebraska Corn Board
executive.
Growers attending the open house observed field demonstrations
showing the 2008 product line-up, including key, high-yielding
Pioneer® brand corn hybrids and soybean varieties. Visitors were
also shown corn breeding "process" demonstrations, hybrids of
York origin and a special "Era Study" of Pioneer hybrids from
past decades, dating from the 1940s to the present. Displays
highlighting old and new hybrids and various uses of corn grain
showed the progress made in corn breeding over the past 50
years.
The center's research personnel are responsible for managing
more than a dozen outlying test site locations where
approximately 90,000 plots are yield-tested and observed for
various agronomic and production characteristics. More than
130,000 self-pollinations are made each summer at the center as
part of the corn breeding and development program.
"We're excited about the research programs at the York facility
and look forward to continuing to enhance the value that we can
provide to growers through research," says Svec. "This facility
is one example of Pioneer's commitment to corn growers across
North America. Although this center's research is concentrated
in central Nebraska, we can integrate information from our
research centers across the globe. Area growers benefit because,
when they buy a bag of Pioneer seed, they're able to make use of
the research we've done worldwide.
"It is the unique ability to conduct thorough research and
effectively move products into the marketplace that continues to
make Pioneer an industry leader," Svec continues. "This center
exemplifies Pioneer's continued and expanding commitment to
maintaining market leadership."
Pioneer Hi-Bred, a DuPont business, 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
in nearly 70 countries. DuPont is a science-based products and
services 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 and food; building
and construction; communications; and transportation. |
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