Increasing Yields, Helping Farmers

I also picked up some great information during a press conference at Commodity Classic. Geri Berdak with Monsanto Public Affairs welcomed the audience and introduced David Nothmann to talk about Roundup Ready 2 Yield. He turned the mic over to a couple RR2Y ambassadors to talk about their experiences growing the next generation soybeans this past season.

Alan Karkosh of Hudson, Iowa and David Sasse of Lincoln, Illinois were two of 150 farmers to participate in the field trials. Both men experienced increased yields averaging around 7 to 8 percent.

RR2Y beans were grown on a total of 13,000 acres and the complete results show a possible 7 to 11 percent increase.

To ensure the seed didn't impact surrounding crops, the farmers were required to clean planters and combines along with other procedures. Karkosh says it was interesting to follow the strict regulations, but he felt comfortable knowing Monsanto was very cautious with this meticulous process.

The genetic trait in RR2Y offers the same RR system, and Nothmann explains the increased yield answers farmer demands.

"Growers said they wanted higher yields and wanted us to invest 83 cents of every dollar to develop that technology," Nothmann says. "Through gene mapping, we focused on more beans per pod and more pods per plant."

Here's an excerpt from the press release provided at the media event:

"With the commecialization of Monsanto's second-generation soybean technology in 2009, Round Up Ready 2 Yield, American farmers will enjoy all the benefits of the original Round Up Ready soybean system plus top-end yield potential.

Round Up Ready 2 Yield soybeans will be introduced on 1-2 million acres for the 2009 season. Initially, this breakthrough technology will be available primarily in maturity groups 2 and 3, where more than 50 percent of U.S. soybeans are grown, according to David Nothmann, Monsanto's Soybean Agronomic Trait Lead."

Click here to listen to the entire press conference.

Local News

Even in Missouri, I'm still learning about Commodity Classic. During my morning shift at KBIA in Columbia, my news editors assigned me to cover the events from a local perspective. Here's the complete news story.

I called Becky Grisham, director of communications for the Missouri Corn Growers Association, to get her input on the past week's activities.

I found out a Missouri grower won a similar truck giveaway co-sponsored by the National Corn Growers Association and Syngenta Crop Protection. Congrats to Terry Hilgedick from Hartsburg, MO for winning the 2008 Flex Fuel truck. You can read more on the MCGA website. This contest was part of a membership recruitment drive.

As you can see, I've still got tons of info to share. I have a busy schedule, but I'll have more to come!

Home Sweet Home

After a short flight, we landed safely in Missouri. During our take-off, I saw some bright red, picturesque barns dotting the Tennessee countryside. It made me think about hard-working farmers across our nation. From seeing the opportunities this weekend, I know that Commodity Classic provides growers with excellent resources. Several of the producers I met said they come to the event to expand their knowledge of new technology, techniques, and products. With the outstanding programs, press conferences and trade show displays, I'd say...mission accomplished!

On another note, I was glad to feel 50-degree weather when we landed in St. Louis. Let's hope this is just a sign that March is headed for a warm-up! I giggled when I had a quick conversation with a stranger at the airport. She lives in L.A. and was quite concerned by how cold it is here in the Show-Me State...

Now it's time to get back to my usual pace. I say usual, like I have a routine. It's more of a hodge-podge, yet still less intense than a jam-packed conference. As I take some time to relax, I'll put together a few last thoughts from the show. Stay tuned!