With the help of science, farmers have doubled corn yields twice in the history of farming.*

The first increase was due to the mechanization of agriculture. The second doubling took place during the new age of science. We went from 75 to 150 bushels an acre. That climb was a result of chemical weed control, better seed and better fertility. Now, farmers are ready to use science to help double their yields again. This time, with the help of technology and bioscience working together, the industry hopes to pass the 150-bushel per acre threshold. With population increasing, farmers will need to double yields to meet the increased demand.*

*Source: J. Hatfield, US National Laboratory for Agriculture and the Environment.

TECHNOLOGY THAT MAY HELP REACH THE GOAL OF 300 BUSHELS AN ACRE

Integrated Farming System’s^SM (IFS) FieldScripts program is a promising, one-of-a-kind technology that may hold some of the answers to help reach this goal.

A Science-Based Approach Meets New Technology

Computer-based agriculture tools have been around for years. However, the interface was challenging and more often than not, the information was held on a USB drive. Farmers would put yield data and feeding prescriptions on the drive and then insert the drive into their cab computer; a system that was confusing and more technical than most farmers would like to deal with.

Along came the iPad^®, changing everything. The iPad had enough processing capability and an intuitive, easy-to-use platform that was simpler to utilize. Precision Planting, an agriculture technology company that Monsanto acquired, saw the benefit in using the iPad technology with their equipment.  They engineered a way to connect the iPad in the cab of their tractors and provide farmers with an experience similar to that provided by an iPad or iTunes.

Our team then worked with Precision Planting and leading information technology (IT) companies to develop and build out a system that farmers could use easily with our biotech seed and agricultural processes.

The farmer will provide inputs like field boundaries, yield data, and fertility test results to their seed dealer. The dealer will work with the farmer to select each field to enroll in FieldScripts. Using Monsanto’s extensive seed-by-environment data, the company will deliver a variable rate seeding prescription by yield management zone and a recommendation for the best hybrid for each field.  The prescription will be provided through Precision Planting’s FieldView^® app for the iPad handheld device to the farmer’s tractor.  The prescription will then be executed using Precision Planting’s 20/20 SeedSense^® monitor and planter control system.

We’ve also been working to create infrastructure around the FieldScripts program. By training 42 dealers and two representatives to assist each dealer, our support staff will be able to handle the on-boarding process effectively. Additionally, we’ve put in place IFS specialists to assist farmers in their initial set-up of the program. We’ve created an 800 number for farmers to call at anytime, any hour, and get the support they need and their questions answered.

The FieldScripts program is in testing right now. One hundred and forty-four Ground Breaker^® farmers in Minnesota, Iowa, Illinois and Indiana are testing the program on at least three fields per farmer. The results are promising. Ground Breakers are reporting a five to ten bushel increase per acre.

FieldScripts is about technology and science working together to help farmers feed the world. When we marry the world’s best genetics with the world’s best planter technology, the goal of doubling yields again may be well within our grasp.

GROUND BREAKERS ARE REPORTING 5-10 BUSHEL INCREASE PER ACRE