West Bend, Wisconsin
April 23, 2008
In its commitment to bringing new
products to Midwest growers that help meet consumer needs by
providing lower trans fat levels,
Dairyland Seed Co., Inc.
has recently announced the release of a new Roundup Ready® ultra
low linolenic acid soybean (DSR-20/RR-UL). This variety will be
the first in the world to combine the ultra low linolenic trait
with the Roundup Ready trait. A limited supply of the
DSR-20/RR-UL soybeans will be available this spring exclusively
through the Dairyland Seed sales network, with initial
production contracts for the DSR-20/RR-UL soybeans through
soybean processor Zeeland Farm Services, Inc., in Zeeland,
Michigan.
“DSR-20/RR-UL soybeans have approximately one percent linolenic
acid while low linolenic soybeans have approximately three
percent linolenic acid,” says Dairyland Seed Marketing Associate
TJ Strachota. “The DSR-20/RR-UL variety provides processors and
food companies the ability to use these soybeans for a myriad of
products because of the greater reduction of trans fats when
compared to low linolenic soybeans.”
“Extensive research and breeding has gone into the creation of
the new DSR-20/RR-UL soybean variety”, says Dairyland Seed
Director of Research, Hunt Wiley. Dairyland Seed annually
invests 15 percent of its revenue dollars in research—about
twice the industry average—to maintain industry leadership in
research and technology. Wiley adds that the reduced trans fat
soybean is providing today’s purchasers with a product they’ve
been asking for. “The DSR-20/RR-UL variety meets consumer needs
while also providing our customers with a high-yielding,
high-quality bean. We’re excited to introduce the new
DSR-20/RR-UL soybean,” says Wiley.
Research on low linolenic varieties began in 1968 at the Iowa
State University campus. Iowa State scientists Walter Fehr and
Earl Hammond began studying the production of low linolenic
soybean varieties in hopes of eliminating the need for
hydrogenation of soybean oil and the trans fats produced from
the process.
The researchers identified the three genes that produced ultra
low linolenic soybeans in the early 1990s and made them
available to private companies through the Iowa State University
Research Foundation. Dairyland Seed, through its strong research
program and technology development, has integrated the genes
into high-yielding varieties. Currently, DSR-20/RR-UL soybeans
have seen yields of 58 bushels per acre.
“Our plant breeders have been able to combine technologies
developed at both Iowa State University and at Monsanto with our
world-class genetics. We appreciate Iowa State and Monsanto
providing Dairyland Seed access to those technologies,” stated
Dairyland Seed CEO Tom Strachota.
Human health concerns with trans fats were identified over 40
years ago, notes Dr. Fehr, but consumers today are more health
conscious and demand healthier oils in their diet.
“The breakthrough we achieved with low linolenic soybeans is
significant because we’re providing the food industry with a
healthier oil that will meet consumers’ needs—oils free of trans
fats,” says Dr. Fehr. “If soybean oil doesn’t meet the demand,
consumers will find other oils as replacements, which could be
bad news for soybean growers.”
The DSR-20/RR-UL variety is especially noteworthy because, when
crushed, the health value of the soybean oil is as good as, or
even better than, sunflower oil. Eliminating the need for
hydrogenation results in no trans fats and improved flavor
stability, meaning the oil maintains its natural flavor for
longer periods of time. Today, soybean oil consumption is
greater than all other types of edible oils combined. The new
soybean varieties, like DSR-20/RR-UL, will help meet the growing
trend of consumers seeking healthier foods.
With the right genes and traits identified, Dairyland Seed
DSR-20/RR-UL soybeans will benefit everyone in the food chain,
says Dan Bailey, sales manager of specialty seeds with Zeeland
Farm Services. Zeeland Farm Services, Inc. has over 55 years of
service to the agricultural industry with an expertise in grain,
ingredients, elevator and specialty seeds.
“The end-consumer is receiving a healthier product,” says
Bailey. “The DSR-20/RR-UL soybean is a differentiated product
for the processor and results in an added premium for the
grower. It’s an opportunity for growers to cash in on an
excellent soybean product. Producers should be optimistic about
the opportunity they have with DSR-20/RR-UL soybeans to improve
their bottom line.”
Founded in 1907 in St. Kilian, Wis., Dairyland Seed Co, Inc. is
the only family-held seed company that conducts proprietary
plant breeding programs in hybrid corn, soybeans and alfalfa. In
addition to the West Bend, Wis., headquarters there are
breeding, production and nursery facilities in Gibson City,
Ill.; Otterbein, Ind.; Clinton, Wis.; Gilbert, Iowa; Sloughouse,
Calif.; Mt. Hope, Wis.; and Homedale, Idaho; as well as winter
sites in the southern U.S., Hawaii, Mexico and South America. |
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