Print This PageCommodity Classic 2008
Monsanto — Coming to a City Near You
It’s Monsanto on wheels and already this mobile unit has racked up thousands of miles on the odometer. In only eight months, the Mobile Technology Unit has traveled to more farms than many people will visit in their entire lives. Making appearances at more than 30 events and reaching out to more than 8,000 farmers, ag youth and others as far north as South Dakota and as far south as Florida, the MTU has seen the country—and the country has seen Monsanto.
In an effort to redefine Monsanto’s relationship with growers, the MTU is bringing our technology directly to growers. “The reaction has been overwhelmingly positive,” Brenda Cockrell, Monsanto customer relations manager, said. “Grower comments indicate they are excited about the new products coming through the pipeline and they are fascinated with the MTU displays--especially the robotic arm and ethanol displays.”
By showcasing Monsanto’s technology, growers are able to personally connect with us and put a face with what they use in their fields. Through the MTU, growers are able to take a tour of what Monsanto is, without ever traveling to Monsanto’s Chesterfield research facility.
“The best reward was overhearing one grower tell another that he now understands why it takes Monsanto so long to develop these new products and after seeing this pipeline process, said ‘their products might even be a bargain, but don’t let Monsanto know I said that,’” Cockrell explained.
“Before seeing the MTU I never thought about the time and process it takes to bring traits to the farmer. I often just think of the rep, the dealer and the bag of seed,” John Stanger, a farmer in Maysville, Missouri, who toured the MTU, said. “After seeing the Mobile Technology Unit, it helped me realize the time and money needed to produce the products I plant.”
One reason the tours are a success are the ag educators. This group consists of four individuals who are dedicated to traveling with the unit. Since they have spent the majority of their careers working in either research and development or public affairs, they are able to walk the growers through the process step by step in a way they can understand, while taking the time to answer any questions the growers might have about what Monsanto is doing as a company.
These educators know Monsanto’s technology inside and out and they truly understand what “Our Science. Your Success,” the theme of the MTU, means. “They take a true interest in listening to the farmers and sharing the excitement of our products in the pipeline,” Cockrell said.
So what’s next for the MTU? According to Cockrell, the plan is to build on the success the MTU has already had and continue with its successful road trip bringing the highlights of Monsanto directly to the farmers. They are also exploring options to expand the program. So, watch out, because it could be coming to a town near you.
The MTU will be showcased at the 2008 Commodity Classic. VIP tours have been pre-booked, but it will be available for tours during normal trade show hours.
