Pioneer cites US, RP farmers for record-breaking yields

Soybean and corn yields have been breaking records and helping progressive farmers get recognized in both the United States and Philippines this year, showing that the potential yield and value of these crops can still be much higher than expected by most farmers.

In the US, Kip Cullers of Purdy, Missouri established recently a new world record in soybean production at 8.8 metric tons per hectare (MT/ha), well above the US average soybean yield of 2.7 MT/ha. Cullers achieved this with a Pioneer brand soybean variety in his plot during a yield contest organized by the Missouri Soybean Association yield this season.

With cutting-edge crop genetics technology, Pioneer has delivered high yielding soybean varieties for many years. Pioneer has been the market share and brand leader in US soybeans for the past 17 years. In the last five years, higher performing varieties have helped improve the market share of Pioneer soybeans in the United States by six points.

"We congratulate Mr. Cullers on demonstrating the yield potential that exists with today’s elite soybean varieties," says Pioneer president Dean Oestreich. "Combining effective management practices with the latest soybean genetics is key to ensuring we are able to meet the growing demand for soybeans as food and fuel. We are excited about the opportunity to see what we can learn from Mr. Cullers that can help other growers increase their productivity."

Meanwhile, in the Philippines, Edgar de Luna of Cauayan City, Isabela was recognized this year by the national government as the National Gawad Saka Awardee for Outstanding Corn Farmer. His feat included a 10.1 MT/ha yield using Pioneer hybrid 30Y80 with YieldGard corn borer protection. De Luna was also chosen as one of the top 30 hybrid corn farmers of the Philippines by Pioneer Hi-Bred Philippines when the company celebrated its 30th year of operations last September in Manila.

"These farmers have reaped the benefits from their progressiveness and willingness to adopt new technologies that are available in the market," said Pioneer Hi-Bred Philippines country manager Jet Parma. "This is consistent with our mission to increase farmer productivity and profitability, and were are continuously working towards providing helpful management suggestions so that other farmers can also get the highest possible profit for themselves and their families using sound farming technologies."

Pioneer Hi-Bred Philippines – a wholly-owned subsidiary of Pioneer Hi-Bred International, a DuPont business – is the country’s leading producer and distributor of high-quality hybrid corn seeds. Established in 1976, Pioneer is the first company to introduce hybrid corn in the Philippines.