Providing management suggestions that help farmers generate the greatest possible return from
Pioneer products is a business philosophy first committed to paper in 1952. Today, that philosophy is taking on new meaning as Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc., increases its commitment to helping producers benefit from precision farming technologies.

Key to delivering on that commitment is the addition of Barry Anderson as precision farming sales manager, according to Todd Peterson, emerging technologies manager at Pioneer.

"Producers are asking many questions about how new technologies can bring value to their operations. Precision farming tools including equipment and software require a significant investment of time, effort and capital," says Peterson. "Barry will work to help producers find ways to use these technologies to add value to their farm businesses and generate a return
from their investment."

Anderson will work directly with select Pioneer sales representatives who offer their customers precision farming services in addition to Pioneer products. Anderson developed and established a leading precision farming service program for Aurora Co-op, Aurora, Neb., before joining Pioneer.
Working directly with Pioneer representatives and customers is just one part of Pioneer’s precision farming efforts.

Data and software analysis continue

The company’s precision farming team also includes Tom Doerge, precision farming agronomist. Doerge coordinates much of the precision farming research for the group, including work on yield monitor accuracy and how to best use variable rate planting systems.

"Producers are using yield monitors to collect yield data which they use in their hybrid selection process. In order to select the most appropriate hybrid or variety for a field, their yield data must be accurate, and they need good software tools to help them store and evaluate the data," Doerge explains.

While Doerge works with on-farm research applications of new hardware and equipment, spatial data analyst Doug Gardner turns his attention to the latest GIS software products that provide more effective ways of utilizing spatial information in crop production. From mapping yield data to soil types, nutrient levels and topography to on-board programs that track the production history of each field, Gardner analyzes the accuracy, flexibility, user-friendliness, practical application and compatibility of the various agricultural software programs.

Peterson concentrates on identifying new information management technologies that can be applied to crop production. Areas include remote sensing, sensor development and utilization, and finding new ways to use the kinds of information being generated by precision farming technology.

"Many of the producers we work with are using precision farming tools, but they may not be capturing the full benefit of that technology. We are working to help growers get the most value from current and emerging information management technology by finding new ways to apply them to agricultural processes," Peterson concludes.

Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc. is the world's leading supplier of agricultural genetics and is the leading developer and integrator of agricultural technology. Headquartered in Des Moines, Iowa, Pioneer develops, produces, and markets a full line of seeds, grain/forage additives and services to grain and livestock producers, grain processors and other customers worldwide.

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