Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc. announced today that it will build a new sorghum research center in Manhattan, Kansas, to enhance its ability to deliver advanced sorghum genetics to farmers.

The 9,600-square-foot building is slated for completion this fall. This latest investment in sorghum
research comes at a time when other private sorghum research programs have diminished. Across all of the crops that it markets, Pioneer will invest more than $200 million in plant genetics research this year.

"Research breeding and testing -- in many different environments -- is very important when
developing hybrids that respond best to local climates,'' said Hugo Zorrilla, Pioneer Hi-Bred research manager.

"This spot in Kansas is very strategic. There are several different climates represented at this
location, so we can study product performance in all of those different climates right here.'' Pioneer researchers in Manhattan will develop hybrids for Kansas, South Dakota, western Missouri, and Nebraska. As the hybrids move closer to market they are tested in the areas where they will be sold.

Pioneer has conducted research on sorghum for nearly half a century. Its continued strong
commitment to sorghum research has netted positive results for farmers. Farmers planting Pioneer sorghum hybrids won three national and 48 state awards this year in the 1998 National Grain Sorghum Contest. U.S. farmers buy more Pioneer sorghum seed than any other brand, giving Pioneer a 25 percent share of the U.S. market.

The new Pioneer sorghum center, in the heart of the Kansas sorghum belt, is beneficial to both
Pioneer and the economic development interests of Manhattan. Zorrilla said Pioneer has a positive working relationship with Kansas State University, which is located in Manhattan, and the University of Nebraska, which is located in Lincoln, Neb. -- less than two hours from the test site.

"Both schools are active in sorghum research and we try to provide support where possible,''
Zorrilla said.

"We have been in Manhattan testing sorghum since 1992. With the new center we are making a
solid commitment to sorghum research and Manhattan,'' Zorrilla said.

One of the world's oldest crops, sorghum was brought to the United States in the late 18th century and was introduced to the nation by American icon Ben Franklin. The feed-grain crop has been greatly improved since then, and the new research facility will aid in further improvement.

"This expanded center is another example of Pioneer's commitment to the North American sorghum industry. We know that other private sorghum seed research programs have diminished in recent years, but Pioneer's commitment is strong,'' he said.

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

Company news release
N1832