Nearly 400 farmers from throughout the Midwest and Canada gathered at Great Lakes Hybrids' International Headquarters in Ovid, Michigan on August 19 to attend the inaugural Technology Showcase. The agronomic learning event was focused on new technological advancements in agriculture.

"This event demonstrates how scientific-and yet environmentally safe-products have changed farming," said Michigan Representative Larry Julian, R-Lennon, vice chair of the House Committee on Agriculture & Resource Management. "Great Lakes Hybrids is demonstrating the strides that have been made in promoting new products and safe practices to get the greatest yield. When we mix science and agriculture, we all win-especially with cooperation between the government and the agricultural community through organizations like Great Lakes Hybrids."

The all-day event included tours of Great Lakes Hybrids' demonstration fields, seed plant and seed testing lab, where participants observed new products and innovative techniques and learned about upcoming industry advancements from over 15 industry specialists.

Program highlights included:
* MSU Crop and Soil Sciences Assistant Professor Dr. Kurt Thelen-Positioning Herbicide-Tolerant Crops
* Dr. Hans Kok, Agronomic Systems Manager, Monsanto- Environmental Stewardship
* Wayne Bugg, Monsanto-YieldGard® Bt Corn, Roundup Ready® Corn, and the upcoming Corn Rootworm Genetics
* Doug Goodman, Soybean Genetic Specialist-Identifying and Controlling Soybean Cyst Nematodes
* Jorge Mantica, Du Pont® Optimum® Quality Grain-High-Oil Corn Marketing.
* Phil Corbin, Corn States-New Developments in Seed Treatment Technology
* Frank Hardimon and Don Yates, Great Lakes Hybrids-Recent Advances in Conventional and Biotech Corn Breeding
* Mitch Ray, GLH - Recent Advances in Herbicide-tolerant Soybeans
* Angie Rutt, Great Lakes Hybrids-Testing Genetically-modified Products

"We designed this event to help farmers gain knowledge of the new technologies that are available, and of how to use these in a productive and environmentally-safe manner in their own farming operations," said Great Lakes Hybrids president Mike Stephenson.

"It was interesting to see a seed operation and facility first-hand. Then we looked at some great looking crops, especially the soybeans," said Kevin Chase, Paw Paw, Michigan, who traveled nearly two hours for the tours and to earn Certified Crop Advisor (CCA) credits.

"This arena allows Great Lakes to supply the farmer with much needed information about the fast-changing world of agriculture, and helps them earn credit towards their CCA or Restricted Use Pesticide (RUP) classifications," said Tex Young, Great Lakes Hybrids agronomist and
Technology Showcase coordinator. "So many new technologies are being brought to the table that it's hard to keep up with them," he said. "What's missing is somebody to educate farmers on how to properly use these technologies on their own farms. It's up to us to bring this information and technology to the farmers so that it can be used to help them on the bottom line."

Breakfast, lunch and refreshments were served and door prizes given away. Joe Galecka of Elsie, Michigan was the winner of a Mexican Riveria Cruise for two in February, 2000 with the Great Lakes Hybrids incentive travel group.

For more on the event, including photos and customer feedback, visit www.glh-seeds.com/techshow.htm.

Great Lakes Hybrids is the largest Michigan-based corn seed supplier and is affiliated with KWS SAAT AG in Germany, a seed only company. With research stations in Michigan, Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota and Puerto Rico, Great Lakes Hybrids has been able to produce top performing conventional genetics for incorporation of new transgenic traits. The company has also produced more winners per entry of any other Midwestern seed company in the National Corn Growers annual Corn Yield Contest. For the latest information or to find your local dealer, visit www.glh-seeds.com or call 1-800-257-SEED.

Company news release
N2063