Research Triangle Park, N.C., December 12, 2006 – BASF Plant Science and AgReliant Genetics, Westfield, Ind., announced today that they have signed a license agreement allowing AgReliant Genetics to market corn hybrids with NutriDense. For now, AgReliant’s focus will be on the grain market through their AgriGold Brand, which specializes in corn hybrids only.
AgriGold will offer hybrids with NutriDense in all their marketing geography of Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Iowa, Kentucky, Tennessee and parts of Missouri, Minnesota, Michigan and Wisconsin. “We’ve been observing the performance of NutriDense in our tests and field experiments for several years now,” says Dr. Gary Schultz, Corporate Product Manager for AgReliant. “Based on the improved agronomic performance and competitive yields we’ve seen, we’ve concluded that NutriDense fits our company mission to enhance our customers’ profitability.”
AgReliant Genetics, AgriGold and BASF Plant Science hold similar views of the opportunities that exist in the U.S. corn marketplace. All believe in the value of nutritionally enhanced corn hybrids that add value to animal agriculture. “As ‘The Corn Specialist®’, we look for segments that can add value to our customers. NutriDense fits that scenario whether our customers are contracting it or feeding it,” says AgriGold Specialty Products Manager Chuck Hill.
NutriDense is a nutritionally enhanced set of traits designed to enhance animal feed performance. Studies have shown performance improvements when fed to dairy cows, poultry and swine. University research and on-farm trials show milk increases of up to three (3) lbs. per head per day in dairy cows. Studies with swine have shown the efficient gain and/or feed cost reduction in NutriDense can save pork producers up to $4 per marketed hog. Multiple studies in major broiler operations with NutriDense show a consistent 4-4.5% increase in metabolizable energy over conventional yellow dent corn.
These animal feed benefits have led to strong end-use demand, both domestically and internationally, solidifying contract premiums for NutriDense grain. NutriDense contracts offer a $0.25 per bushel premium over traditional yellow dent corn. Hybrids with NutriDense can also accommodate input traits.
“We are excited to partner with AgReliant Genetics and AgriGold products. Their vision of offering the best seed products through superior research and breeding in North America reflects our own philosophy,” affirms Barney Bernstein, Director of Trait Marketing and Sales for BASF Plant Science.
About AgReliant Genetics and AgriGold
Headquartered in Westfield, Ind., AgReliant Genetics is the fastest growing independent seed company and the 4th largest field seed company in the United States. KWS and Limagrain, the two largest independent seed companies in the world, bring over 200 years of combined seed experience to AgReliant Genetics.
Through innovation and superior genetics, AgReliant Genetics develops the high-quality seed customers depend on to deliver maximum yield in every bag. AgriGold, one of the six brands under the AgReliant Genetics umbrella, has become a leader in the seed corn industry by offering unique, high-yielding, elite genetics with sound agronomic performance packages. Named “The Corn Specialist®” because of their exclusive focus on corn hybrids, AgriGold is headquartered in St. Francisville, Ill. AgriGold markets to the Central Corn Belt stretching from Iowa to Ohio and Wisconsin/Michigan to Tennessee. AgriGold covers 40 million of the 80 million corn acres planted in the United States.
To find out more about AgReliant Genetics, please visit their Web site at: www.agreliantgenetics.com. To find out more about AgriGold, please visit their Web site at www.agrigold.com.
About BASF Plant Science
BASF is the world’s leading chemical company: The Chemical Company. Its portfolio ranges from chemicals, plastics and performance products to agricultural products, fine chemicals as well as oil and gas. BASF Plant Science – a BASF group company – is one of the world’s leading companies providing innovative plant biotechnology solutions for agriculture. Today, more than 750 employees are helping farmers meet the growing demand for improved agricultural productivity and healthier nutrition for humans and animals. BASF Plant Science has developed an unparalleled gene discovery platform focusing on yield and quality traits in crops such as corn, soybean and rice. Jointly with leading partners in the seed industry BASF Plant Science is commercializing its products. Current projects include higher yielding row crops, nutritionally-enhanced corn for animal feed or higher content of Omega-3’s in oil crops for preventing cardiovascular diseases. To find out more about BASF Plant Science, please visit www.basf.com/plantscience.
About BASF Chemical Company
BASF is the world’s leading chemical company: The Chemical Company. Its portfolio ranges from chemicals, plastics, performance products, agricultural products and fine chemicals to crude oil and natural gas. As a reliable partner to virtually all industries, BASF’s intelligent system solutions and high-value products help its customers to be more successful. BASF develops new technologies and uses them to open up additional market opportunities. It combines economic success with environmental protection and social responsibility, thus contributing to a better future. BASF has over 95,000 employees and posted sales of more than €42.7 billion (approximately $50.4 billion) in 2005.
Further information on BASF is available on the Internet at www.basf.com.
AgriGold is a registered trademark of Limagrain Genetics Corporation. The Corn Specialist is a registered trademark of AgReliant Genetics L.L.C.
