Commodity Classic 2008

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Press Kit

Farmers Across the U.S. Realize Double-Digit Yield Advantages from DEKALB® Corn Seed with Triple-Stacked Traits

DEKALB Genetics Show More Than 12-Bushel-Per-Acre Yield Advantage in Key Relative Maturity Zone

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (February 28, 2008) – Harvest data from across the United States showed that farmers who used DEKALB® corn seed stacked with YieldGard VT Triple® from Monsanto Company (NYSE: MON) saw double-digit yield advantages over competing seed corn brands and technologies in 2007.

Data from nearly 1,700 on-farm field trials showed an average advantage of more than 14.6 bushels per acre for DEKALB YieldGard VT Triple compared with Pioneer varieties, which included Herculex® Xtra. In Iowa, Illinois and Nebraska, the DEKALB YieldGard VT Triple advantage grew to 15.0, 16.9, and 17.2 bushels per acre respectively.

“These yield figures show the powerful and tangible results that come about when elite germplasm and biotechnology combine,” said Jim Zimmer, U.S. Branded Business Lead for Monsanto Company. “For more than 70 years, DEKALB products have stood for strong roots and yields, and our results in 2007 really underscore that statement.”

DEKALB Genetics Outshine Competitors

Genetics from DEKALB brand seeds yielded an average of more than 8 bushels per acre over competing genetics, according to 2007 harvest results. This margin widened to more than 12 bushels per acre in the 110-day-relative-maturity zone, the selection most often used in top corn-producing states in the Corn Belt. Other relative maturity zones also saw significant yield advantages from DEKALB genetics, including:

  • 7.8 bushels per acre, 95 RM Zone

  • 10.4 bushels per acre, 100 RM Zone

  • 5.1 bushels per acre, 105 RM Zone and

  • 5.5 bushels per acre, 115 RM Zone.

“Our researchers tap into the world’s largest corn germplasm pool to find the best genetics from anywhere in the world for DEKALB that brings greater yields to farmers here in the United States,” said Jason Hoag, DEKALB Marketing Manager. “You can see the benefits from that pool in these results.”

The DEKALB brand of corn seed has seen six consecutive years of market share gains in the U.S. corn seed market, growing to 23 percent market share, or more than doubling its presence in the market in the last five years.

To continue to keep pace with growing demands, Monsanto has recently announced manufacturing expansions in Nebraska and Iowa that will more than double corn seed production in both states. Combined, Monsanto is investing more than $380 million in both states to expand existing corn seed operations and build two new DEKALB corn seed conditioning facilities.

Monsanto Company is a leading global provider of technology-based solutions and agricultural products that improve farm productivity and food quality. For more information on Monsanto, see http://www.monsanto.com.

Media Note: Visit www.monsanto.com/commodityclassic2008 or www.monsanto.com and click on the Commodity Classic logo for a full online press kit including photos, logos and other supplemental materials. Images supporting research trials mentioned in this release are also posted there.

Individual results may vary, and performance may vary from location to location and from year to year. This result may not be an indicator of results you may obtain as local growing, soil and weather conditions may vary. Growers should evaluate data from multiple locations and years whenever possible. Always follow grain marketing and insect resistance management requirements, and read and follow pesticide label directions. YieldGard products are not yet registered in all states. Check with your Monsanto representative for the registration status in your state. DEKALB® is a registered trademark of DeKalb Genetics Corporation. YieldGard®, YieldGard VT® and YieldGard VT Triple® are registered trademarks of Monsanto Technology LLC. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. ©2008 Monsanto Company.