The first containers of seed from Pioneer Hi-Bred's winter production operations in South America have arrived at U.S. plants. Approximately 250,000 units of corn hybrids have arrived and have been conditioned, with another one million units to follow within the next five weeks.

These winter-produced products represent the company's latest advances. By growing seed in South America, the company is able to accelerate commercial production, giving its United States' customers the latest in improved hybrids. Over 55,400 tons of seed are harvested, bagged and shipped 7,000 miles to be available to North American farmers in time for the growing season.

"Not only are we ahead of schedule, but at this point the quality of this seed crop appears excellent,'' according to Mike Gumina, Pioneer supply logistics director. "However, to be sure that the seed meets our quality standards, composite samples from each seed lot are being air freighted from South America to seed quality testing facilities in North America. Characteristics such as germination, purity, kernel size, and plantability are scientifically defined before the seed ever hits the plant, assuring our customers the highest possible reliability."

Pioneer is expediting movement of product to North American customers by using multiple steamship lines and ports. The company is also using an innovative packaging technique that allows it to get more product on each container, enabling it to unload those containers faster. Air freight is also being used for some especially critical and time-sensitive products.

Multiple production/conditioning plants throughout the Midwest work up to 24 hours a day to meet
the delivery requirements for this upcoming planting season.

"While time lines are always tight with winter produced seed, we feel we are in a great position to
deliver these new technologies as quickly as we ever have,'' says Gumina.

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, forage and grain additives and services to grain and livestock producers, grain processors and other customers worldwide.

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