Grower intentions to plant biotechnology-improved crops in 2000 are on track compared to intentions at this time one year ago for the 1999 crop season, according to a recently completed survey of more than 2,000 U.S. growers. In addition, the surveys suggested that the number of growers intending to plant conventional varieties in 2000 has not changed significantly over 1999.

Ninety-seven percent of U.S. soybean growers who planted Roundup Ready soybeans in 1999 were very or somewhat satisfied with the results, according to the results of another survey of nearly 900 growers. Both studies were conducted by Marketing Horizons during and after harvest.

"Farmers told us they value the benefits that biotechnology provides as they consider their planting intentions for 2000. Biotechnology allows greater flexibility, more effective insect and weed control, reduced input costs pertaining to the reduction of pesticides, improved yield potential, higher quality grain and cost savings,'' said Brett Begemann, vice president, U.S. markets.

Ninety-two percent of growers surveyed who planted Roundup Ready corn said they were very or
somewhat satisfied with improved crops/trait performance; 83 percent of YieldGard corn growers said they were very or somewhat satisfied; and 92 percent of cotton growers who planted Roundup Ready cotton in 1999 said they were very or somewhat satisfied with the crop performance. Seventy-nine percent of growers planting Bollgard cotton indicated that they were very or somewhat satisfied.

"Until the seeds are in the ground, it is hard to speculate what the market might look like,'' Begemann said. "But we are already seeing solid evidence from surveys and grain trader announcements that indicate to us that the biotech growth trend will continue. For example, the actual acreage of Roundup Ready soybeans planted in l999 was significantly more than what was projected by a preseason survey. In fact, 20 percent more acres were actually planted than indicated by those November l998 survey results.''

Reuters reported last week that Cargill Inc., in response to marketplace concerns, reaffirmed that it will accept biotech soybeans and corn, with no price penalty, for crops planted in 1999 and 2000 that have been approved for use in the United States and major import markets, including Europe (click here to read Cargill's statement). "This announcement from the world's largest exporter of grain is welcome news to growers who choose to plant and market biotech varieties,'' Begemann said.

Roundup Ready soybeans and corn are genetically improved to be tolerant to over-the-top
applications of Roundup Ultra herbicide, thereby providing effective post-emergent weed control.
YieldGard corn provides season-long insect protection from European and Southwestern corn borer, thereby reducing reliance on chemical insecticides to control pests. This can save growers both time and money. According to survey results, U.S. growers say they value the Roundup Ready soybean system for its flexible weed control, cost-savings and convenience.

Wayne McMannus of Vincent, Iowa, a first-time user of YieldGard corn this year, said a bottom-line return was necessary in order for him to invest in biotech crops. "YieldGard corn has an advantage because even if we have a low infestation of corn borers like last year, we still have better stalk quality, which allows me more time to combine,'' he said. "I think there's an advantage, and I'm moving toward planting more next year.''

Ron Heck, who farms 3,000 soybean and corn acres in Boone County, Iowa, uses data gathered from five years of site-specific farming practices to measure the profitability of his Roundup Ready soybeans. "Roundup Ready soybeans give me better weed control with less spraying,'' he said. "That means I spend less time in the field and more time at home with my family. Why would I give up that value?''

Ron Small, who farms 11,000 corn and soybean acres near Monroe City, Ind., said Roundup
technology is more cost-effective in problem fields due to fewer chemical applications. "I've found in soybeans that we're approximately $20 per acre cheaper with the Roundup Ready weed control. And, in corn, it's probably in the range of $10 an acre cheaper than conventional,'' he said.

Dr. Richard Fawcett, a consultant and former weed science professor at Iowa State University, studied the benefits of Roundup Ready soybeans and made these conclusions. The soybeans, he says, bring a 

• 10 to 20 percent reduction in farm production costs;
• 5 percent increase in yield;
• 33 percent reduction in grain foreign matter;
• 20 to 40 percent reduction in fuel use; and
• 90 percent reduction in soil erosion with no-till adoption.

As a life sciences company, Monsanto is committed to finding solutions to the growing global needs for food and health by sharing common forms of science and technology among agriculture, nutrition and health. The company's 30,200 employees worldwide make and market high-value agricultural products, pharmaceuticals and food ingredients.

Company news release
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