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Growers Excited about Roundup Ready 2 Yield
Part of Monsanto’s goal to increase agricultural production sustainably is to develop better seeds that allow farmers around the world to double yield in corn, soybeans and cotton by 2030. In the U.S., we’re already taking steps in that direction with the introduction of Roundup Ready 2 Yield soybeans.
This second-generation Roundup Ready soybean technology, which will launch in 2009, provides farmers the same benefits as the original Roundup Ready trait, with even higher, top-end yield potential. Four years of field trials across six U.S. states showed 7 to 11 percent higher yields, compared to the first generation of Roundup Ready soybeans. When you consider the per bushel price of soybeans today, this could lead to substantial increased profits for farmers.
“More than 400 seed production growers throughout the Midwest are excited to see the benefits of this technology on their farms at harvest this year,” Dion McBay, Monsanto soy trait marketing lead, said. “These farmers are planting, raising and harvesting the seed that will be the supply we sell in 2009. Those that grew Roundup Ready 2 Yield in 2007 liked what they saw and are excited about the potential for higher yield in 2008 and beyond.” The seed production crop is growing on more than 120,000 acres, or almost 50,000 hectares, across the Midwestern U.S.
A handful of these growers are touting the benefits and performance of Roundup Ready 2 Yield soybeans in their local media outlets on behalf of Monsanto.
“The dedication that goes into the commercialization of Roundup Ready 2 Yield is very impressive, and I’m excited to be a part of that. It’s fun because there is always something new coming through the pipeline, and we take pride in planting the latest soybean technology on our farm,” Bruce Tiffany, a farmer from Redwood Falls, Minnesota, said. Click here to listen to a recently-aired interview with Tiffany on the Minnesota Farm Radio Network. He is planting the new technology for the second time.
“Roundup Ready 2 Yield did very well for me last season,” Jeff Barth, a farmer from Pontiac, Illinois, said. “They were planted late and still performed five to six bushels better than the first-generation Roundup Ready soybeans that were planted earlier. I’m anticipating similar results this year, and that’s why I will dedicate all of my 1,100 soybean acres to the product when they become available.” This is also Barth’s second year growing Roundup Ready 2 Yield soybeans.
“A lot of my customers have been asking about Roundup Ready 2 Yield soybeans,” Stan Rush, a farmer and Monsanto dealer from Greentown, Indiana, said. “We are all excited about the higher yield potential that they are going to bring. That increased yield potential is going to help farmers keep up with the growing worldwide demand for soybeans, while giving farmers a boost to their farming operation.”
“Last season, they were good-looking beans that performed well,” Calvin Lyle, a farmer from Haverhill, Iowa, said. “Higher yield potential will be a big benefit to soybean farmers, and I like to be on the ground floor of a new technology that is being introduced.”
“We are looking forward to experiencing the new technology that comes with these soybeans,” Mike Geske, a farmer from Matthews, Missouri, commented. “I think the potential for more yield will be a big benefit for farmers once Roundup Ready 2 Yield soybeans become available.”
Doug Dealey, a farmer from Convoy, Ohio, also sees a great future. “It’s really exciting to be able to try this new technology before it becomes available,” he said. “The world demand for soybeans just keeps on growing, and, with the promise of increased yield potential, U.S. farmers will need this new technology to fulfill that demand.”
When introduced in 2009, Roundup Ready 2 Yield technology will be offered in high-performing genetics from Asgrow, as well as the American Seeds, LLC and other regional and national soybean brands. The limited commercial release will cover as many as 2 million acres in maturity groups two and three, where more than 50 percent of U.S. soybeans are grown. A full-scale product launch is planned for 2010.
