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Processor Preferred® HFC Program Demonstrates Monsanto Commitment to Ethanol Industry

As a company focused solely on agriculture, Monsanto and its Processor Preferred® High Fermentable Corn (HFC) brand are proud to provide leading support for the ethanol industry in order to help drive American energy independence.

Processor Preferred hybrids are available this season from over 100 independent seed brands, providing farmers with the widest selection of HFC products in the industry. Developed to meet both grower and processor needs, these hybrids not only have the potential to produce more bushels per acre, but also can deliver 2 percent to 4 percent more ethanol per bushel than commodity corn.

“Processor Preferred is Monsanto’s commitment to ethanol,” said Troy Hobbs, Corn Biofuels Strategy Lead for Monsanto. “It is a total supply chain solution that starts with selecting High Fermentable Corn hybrids for their high ethanol yield capabilities, continues by providing marketing and technical support to processors and growers, and extends to efforts to help build ethanol infrastructure.”

He noted that Processor Preferred products are also available with a wide selection of Monsanto’s biotechnology traits that help farmers increase their yields, including the Roundup Ready® weed control system and YieldGard® insect control technologies.

“Processor Preferred products deliver higher potential return for local corn growers, while still providing hybrids with strong agronomics and yield,” said Hobbs. “Supporting ethanol also provides economic benefits for rural communities and helps reduce consumer dependence on foreign oil.”

Hobbs noted that ethanol will account for about 30% of U.S. corn production this year, representing a strong economic opportunity for farmers as well as growers who invest in local ethanol plants. “Monsanto is committed to help create new market opportunities that help make farmers successful,” said Hobbs. “Processor Preferred hybrids enable them to realize additional profit potential by participating in the fastest-growing market for corn – ethanol production.”

Processor Preferred Network

Dry mill ethanol plants want High Fermentable Corn to obtain the highest possible ethanol yields for greater profitability. The number of ethanol plants across the central and western Corn Belt enrolled in the Processor Preferred program has expanded rapidly in recent years to meet the growing demand for alternative fuels. Participating plants encourage farmers in their local areas to grow and deliver grain from Processor Preferred hybrids.

This season, nearly 70 ethanol plants are participating in the program, compared with 28 in 2004. These dry grind plants are located in Wisconsin, Michigan, Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Colorado, Wyoming, Nebraska, Kansas, Missouri, Iowa, Illinois and Kentucky.

Monsanto’s commitment to the ethanol industry also includes:

  • Providing analytical equipment for processing plants to measure corn ethanol yield potential.

  • Providing financial support for installation of E20, E30 and/or E85 pumps in rural communities through the company’s Energy Independence 85 (I-85) Pump Program.

  • Incentives through the company’s I-85 Vehicle Program for farmers who plant Processor Preferred products to purchase General Motors E85 Flex Fuel vehicles.

“The Processor Preferred program represents a win-win situation for all participants,” said Hobbs. “Processor Preferred products do more for the American farmer, so he can do more for American energy Independence.”

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, visit www.monsanto.com. To learn more about Processor Preferred HFC products, visit www.processorpreferred.com.

Always follow grain marketing and insect resistance management requirements and read and follow pesticide label directions. Roundup Ready crops contain genes that confer tolerance to glyphosate, the active ingredient in Roundup agricultural herbicides. Roundup agricultural herbicides will kill crops that are not glyphosate tolerant. YieldGard products are not yet registered in all states. Check with your Monsanto representative for the registration status in your state. Processor Preferred®, Roundup®, Roundup Ready® and YieldGard® are registered trademarks of Monsanto Technology LLC. ©2008 Monsanto Company.