Pioneer Hi-Bred Releases New Silage BMR Hybrid

Pioneer experts say strong plant genetics paired with BMR gene offer premium silage

Growers now have access to a brown midrib (BMR) trait in elite genetics from Pioneer Hi-Bred, a DuPont business, providing hybrids with increased fiber digestibility for dairy cattle. The company is releasing Pioneer® hybrid P1376XR, a 113-day BMR hybrid, in limited quantities to growers primarily across the northeastern United States for the 2012 planting season. "Through the industry-leading silage genetics research program, Pioneer plant scientists discovered a BMR gene in elite Pioneer germplasm," says Kyle Whitaker, Pioneer senior sales and marketing manager – global forages. "The new Pioneer BMR hybrid is unlike any BMR on the market today because of its outstanding agronomic performance. P1376XR combines the digestibility you expect from a BMR with tremendous yields, high starch, strong drought tolerance, and a robust disease and pest package." This hybrid contains Herculex® XTRA insect protection for above- and below-ground protection, as well as the Roundup Ready® Corn 2 trait and the LibertyLink® gene. Historically, growers who would plant BMR hybrids had to choose digestibility over tonnage, standability and overall plant health. Pioneer hybrid P1376XR possesses the strong agronomics package you expect from an elite Pioneer hybrid, staying healthy and standing in the field through harvest without sacrificing yield, compared to competitive BMR hybrids. "New P1376XR helps growers capture the value of increased fiber digestibility without giving up tonnage," says Bill Mahanna, Pioneer dairy nutritionist. "Through testing, we know that increased fiber digestibility will lead to improved intakes and increased milk production. All these factors contribute to greater profitability on the farm." For 2012 and 2013, Pioneer will offer one BMR hybrid, with plans for additional BMR hybrids by the 2014 planting season. "Pioneer is excited to offer a BMR product, helping growers match the right product to their specific needs," Whitaker says. "Pioneer's nutritional sciences team is committed to helping growers increase production efficiency and whole-herd profitability and improving forage quality – whether that's with Pioneer® brand inoculant 11C33 with a BMR hybrid, or conventional silage hybrids paired with our fiber technology inoculant, 11CFT." For more information on Pioneer® brand BMR hybrids and crop-specific inoculants, visit www.pioneer.com/BMR or see your local sales professional. Pioneer Hi-Bred, a DuPont business headquartered in Des Moines, Iowa, is the world's leading developer and supplier of advanced plant genetics, providing high-quality seeds to farmers in more than 90 countries. Pioneer provides agronomic support and services to help increase farmer productivity and profitability and strives to develop sustainable agricultural systems for people everywhere. Science with Service Delivering SuccessTM. DuPont (NYSE: DD) has been bringing world-class science and engineering to the global marketplace in the form of innovative products, materials, and services since 1802. The company believes that by collaborating with customers, governments, NGOs, and thought leaders, we can help find solutions to such global challenges as providing enough healthy food for people everywhere, decreasing dependence on fossil fuels, and protecting life and the environment. For additional information about DuPont and its commitment to inclusive innovation, please visit www.dupont.com. 10.05.2011