News | NutriDense®

BASF Plant Science Names NutriDense Forage Specialist

December 14th, 2007 by Courtney Beck

Research Triangle Park, N.C., December 14, 2007 – BASF Plant Science today announced that Darwin Kuhlers has joined the company as a forage specialist in the Upper Midwest region. In this position, he will be responsible for building relationships and providing support for key NutriDense seed partners. Kuhlers also will be working directly with dairy producers, managers and nutritionists to share the improved benefits of feeding corn silage made from NutriDense hybrids. His territory will include Wisconsin, Northern Illinois, Northeast Iowa and Minnesota.

“Darwin brings an excellent skill set to our team, and we’re excited to have him join us,” said Kyle McMillan, NutriDense sales manager. “His knowledge of forage management and experience working with progressive dairy producers will be a great asset to our company. He also has an extensive background in nutrition that will greatly benefit BASF Plant Science and our customers.”

Before joining the BASF Plant Science Team, Kuhlers worked as a Midwest region sales manager with Medipharm USA, and as a Livestock account manager with Pioneer Hi-Bred International. He also has work experience with DuPont Specialty Grains and Land O’ Lakes, Inc.

Darwin graduated from Iowa State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in agricultural engineering. He currently resides in Fairmont, Minnesota.

NutriDense is a nutritionally enhanced corn that contains a stacked set of output traits designed to enhance animal feed performance. Seed companies throughout the Midwest market the product through licensing agreements.

NutriDense silage hybrids increase silage tonnage, milk production and per acre profitability for dairy producers. NutriDense silage hybrids can deliver high yields and increase milk production by up to 2.9 lbs/head/day.

For swine producers, hybrids containing NutriDense can improve profits by up to $4 per marketed hog by reducing feed costs and/or improving feed efficiency. NutriDense is also higher in protein and all essential amino acids than many conventional corn hybrids.

BASF-The Chemical Company. We don’t make a lot of products you buy. We make a lot of products you buy better®.

All BASF activities involving plant biotechnology are incorporated in BASF Plant Science. BASF Plant Science coordinates an international research and technology platform with eight sites in five countries including Europe and North America and employs about 700 staff. In addition, BASF Plant Science has established numerous complementary cooperations with research institutes, universities and biotechnology companies in Europe and North America. The research activities of BASF Plant Science are concentrated in the areas of more efficient agriculture, renewable raw material and healthier nutrition for humans and animals. These include, for example, plants with improved agronomic characteristics, a higher content of vitamins or Omega-3 fatty acids for preventing cardiovascular diseases as well as plants with a higher nutritional value for animals.

Between 2006 and 2008 BASF is investing $430 million (U.S.) in the expansion of its plant biotechnology operations.

To find out more about BASF Plant Science, please see our Internet Web site at www.basf.com/plantscience.

BASF Corporation, headquartered in New Jersey, is the North American affiliate of BASF AG, Ludwigshafen, Germany. BASF employs more than 15,500 in North American and had sales of approximately $14.3 billion in 2006. For more information about BASF’s North American operations, or to sign up to receive news releases by e-mail, visit www.basf.com/usa.

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 €52.6 million (approximately $66.1 billion) in 2006. Further information on BASF is available on the Internet at www.basf.com.

Posted in Dairy, General, News, Silage | No Comments »

New research shows NutriDense silage improves feed efficiency

September 25th, 2007 by Courtney Beck

Research Triangle Park, N.C., September 25, 2007 – A recent study completed at the University of Missouri showed that cows fed NutriDense corn silage improved feed efficiency by 11.4 percent over cows fed conventional corn and corn silage. These results show how good NutriDense corn silage can be for dairy cows and for producer profitability.

The study, which was conducted by Dr. Jim Spain at the University of Missouri in 2005 and 2006, concluded that adding NutriDense corn and corn silage to lactating rations can improve efficiency while maintaining high levels of production. The control group, which was fed conventional corn and corn silage, consumed the most feed of the three groups, while cows fed diets with NutriDense corn silage and NutriDense grain ate the least. However, each group produced the same amount of milk. Therefore, the NutriDense silage-grain group showed an 11.4 percent improvement in milk production efficiency over the control group.

“What we saw in the research was increased production efficiency. We’ve now seen the same response across the entire University of Missouri herd as they are all being fed NutriDense corn silage,” said University of Missouri researcher Jim Spain. “We’ve been able to decrease the inclusion of grain while maintaining production. Because of increased efficiency, we’re able to improve profitability.”

The group fed NutriDense silage-grain increased volatile fatty acid (VFA) production by 13 percent, a direct indicator of fiber digestibility. Produced by rumen microbes, VFAs heavily influence production of milk and milk components, as well as the environment inside the rumen.

“By using NutriDense in your cropping system, you can produce a corn hybrid that has higher levels of effective fiber while lowering lignin content,” said Jerry Weigel, manager of nutrition and technical service for BASF Plant Science. “This makes more energy readily available to the cow, which can then be used for the production of VFAs.”

Because of the improved efficiencies, NutriDense can lower ration costs. Especially during a time of high feed prices, finding a quality substitute to corn can be a challenge. Because NutriDense is 3.5 to 5 percent higher in net energy for lactation than conventional corn silage, replacing conventional corn silage with NutriDense-based corn silage decreases the amount of grain that needs to be fed. Bottom line – NutriDense can reduce feed costs and deliver more effective fiber to make cows more efficient and more profitable milk producers.

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 €52.6 million (approximately $66.1 billion) in 2006. BASF shares are traded on the stock exchange in Frankfurt (BAS), London (BFA), and Zurich (AN). Further information on BASF is available on the Internet at www.basf.com.

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BASF Plant Science Continues Commitment to Plant Biotechnology and Nutritionally Enhanced Crops

April 16th, 2007 by Courtney Beck

Research Triangle Park, N.C., April 16, 2007 – BASF Plant Science, the leading provider of nutritionally enhanced corn, is expanding its breeding and testing operations to include three new facilities. BASF Plant Science now has seven stations focused on developing elite nutritionally enhanced corn genetics.

“We continue to look for ways to help producers increase their profitability per acre,” says Barney Bernstein, director of trait marketing and sales at BASF Plant Science. “Our goal is to continue developing hybrids that increase the feed value of corn for swine, poultry and dairy operations. The recent additions to our breeding and testing facilities demonstrate our continued commitment to improving profitability for dairy, swine and poultry producers.”

An existing facility in Estherville, Iowa was purchased for growing yield trials. The facility has a full-time staff of four. In addition, as many as 30 seasonal employees also will be hired with plans to add additional staff in the coming year.

Another existing facility to be used for yield trials and breeding was purchased in Weldon, Illinois. They currently have four full-time employees, including one new breeder, and will hire part-time seasonal employees as necessary.

The Hawaii facility, on the island of Kauai, is used as a continuous nursery. Corn harvested in the Midwest will be shipped to this location for planting in November. Once harvested the seed will be returned to the Midwest for spring planting. This will speed up the development time by allowing BASF Plant Science to grow two or more generations of crop in one year.

“Our corn research focuses on improving the nutritional qualities of maize as feed for poultry, swine and dairy cattle,” says Dr. Lee Stromberg, manager, Seed Activities, for BASF Plant Science. “We measure the starch, oil, protein and amino acid levels – as well as agronomic traits – in our corn hybrids in order to optimize the balance for different animal species.”

Corn hybrids developed by BASF Plant Science are currently marketed as NutriDense, a nutritionally enhanced corn that contains a stacked set of output traits designed to enhance animal feed performance. Seed companies throughout the Midwest market the product through licensing agreements.

NutriDense silage hybrids can increase silage tonnage, milk production and per acre profitability for dairy producers. NutriDense silage hybrids can deliver high yields and increase milk production by up to 2.9lbs/head/day.

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 €52.6 million (approximately $66.1 billion) in 2006. Further information on BASF is available on the Internet at www.basf.com.

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AgReliant Genetics to Market Corn Hybrids with NutriDense

December 12th, 2006 by Courtney Beck

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.

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Matthews Feed and Grain, JBS United and BASF Plant Science Begin Partnership for Swine Operation

December 4th, 2006 by Courtney Beck

Research Triangle Park, N.C., December 4, 2006 – BASF Plant Science and Matthews Feed and Grain, Matthews, Ind., announced today that they have signed an agreement allowing Matthews Feed and Grain to contract for NutriDense grain. Under a separate agreement with JBS United, Matthews will provide feed containing NutriDense corn to their customer Signature Farms, operated by JBS United.

Under the arrangement, customers of Matthews Feed and Grain who so contract with them will bring their NutriDense grain to the feed mill for a $0.25 premium vs. yellow dent corn. After grinding, Matthews will use NutriDense in preparing the feed ration for the JBS United swine at Signature Farms according to the nutritional recommendation of JBS United. To date, over 2,000 acres on nearby farms have been committed to NutriDense as part of the intended feed for Signature Farms. Matthews is a retailer for Select Seed, which BASF Plant Science recently licensed to sell hybrids containing NutriDense.

“We see this as a win-win situation,” says Brantt Huston, Feed Operations Manager, Matthews Feed and Grain. “With NutriDense the producer gets a premium, increasing revenue, and pigs get more nutritionally enhanced feed.”

NutriDense provides a nutritionally enhanced set of traits designed to enhance animal feed performance. Studies with swine have shown the efficient gain and/or feed cost reduction with NutriDense can save pork producers up to $4 per marketed hog. Research at Purdue and South Dakota State Universities found that NutriDense improved lysine, methionine, cysteine, threonine and valine digestibility over yellow dent corn. This reduces the need for supplemental amino acids (protein) due to increased concentrations and digestibility in NutriDense-based diets compared to yellow dent diets.

“From a nutritional standpoint, we believe NutriDense is a higher value corn than regular corn,” says Ron Moser, Director of Technical Services at JBS United. He added that they will be working with Matthews Feed and Grain to explore opportunities to do side-by-side field trials with individual contractors. “The end-user should really see the difference with NutriDense, with better protein and amino acid levels,” states Huston.

BASF Plant Science encompasses the technology and seed platforms and activities for its global plant biotechnology effect. Research is focused on developing innovative products with improved cold and drought tolerance and plants that provide healthier animal nutrition. Corn hybrids containing NutriDense are also available with many popular input traits, such as CLEARFIELD®, Roundup Ready®, HERCULEX® and YieldGard®.

About Matthews Feed and Grain
Matthews Feed and Grain started their business in the 1920s as a feed mill and co-op. In the ‘30s and ‘40s it was incorporated and sold shares as Farmer’s Co-op of Grant Country. 1994 saw the first structural updates to provide higher quality products and more capacity (1,000 tons/wk). Now the mill is preparing for additional expansion, with a new, totally automated mill that will increase processing capacity to about 4,000 tons/wk. This growth will make it possible for Matthews to accept more customers for the feed mill. They anticipate growth due to the increase in local swine operations.

Currently feed is sent to Signature Farms to feed the 175,000 pigs owned by JBS United (delivering directly to the farm). Matthews also provides feed to Tyson Farms and several individual farmers.

About JBS United
JBS United Inc., founded in 1956, is an innovative leader in the agricultural industry. Their product offerings include research-based animal nutrition products and services, grain merchandising, environmental consulting services, grain origination and livestock production.

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.

CLEARFIELD is a registered trademark of BASF Agrochemical Products N.V. Herculex is a registered trademark of Dow AgroSciences LLC. Roundup Ready and YieldGard are registered trademarks of, and used under license from, Monsanto Technology LLC.

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A New Seed Partner, Select Seed Hybrids, to Market Corn Hybrids with NutriDense

October 20th, 2006 by Courtney Beck

Research Triangle Park, N.C., October 20, 2006 – BASF Plant Science and Select Hybrids, Camden, Ind., today announced they have signed a license agreement allowing Select Seed Hybrids to market corn hybrids with NutriDense.

“We strive to bring our customers the best of the new traits on the market today,” says Kevin Eggerling, general manager of Select Seed Hybrids. “With NutriDense we have seen good results and are confident our customers will see improved profitability. Hybrids containing the NutriDense trait will be available for planting in the 2007 growing season.”

NutriDense is a nutritionally enhanced set of traits designed to enhance animal feed performance. Studies have shown performance improvements when fed to cattle, poultry and swine. University research and on-farm trials show milk increases of up to three (3) lbs. per head per day in dairy cattle. Studies with swine have shown the efficient grain and/or feed cost reduction with NutriDense can save pork producers up to $4 per marketed hog. Multiple studies in major broiler operations with NutriDense show a consistent 4% to 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.

“Select Seed Hybrids fit the NutriDense system very well, sharing our goal to improve corn producers’ profitability through innovation,” says Barney Bernstein, Director of Trait Marketing and Sales for BASF Plant Science. “Select Seed customers will soon have the opportunity to realize the $0.25 per bushel premium offered for NutriDense hybrids at elevators across the Corn Belt.”

Delivery locations include:
Indiana: Madison, Princeton, Aurora, Jeffersonville, Edinburgh, Evansville, Dunkirk, Delphi and Roachdale
Illinois: Beardstown, Greenville, Hookdale, Sauget, Neoga, Watson, St. Louis, Pekin, Bourbonnais, Woodhull, Hennepin, New Boston, East Saint Louis, East Dubuque, Savanna, Naples, Pittsfield and Morris
Ohio: Cincinnati, South Charleston, Wilmington and Mechanicsburg
Iowa: Des Moines

BASF Plant Science encompasses the technology and seed platforms and activities for the BASF global plant biotechnology effort. Research is focused on developing innovative products with improved cold and drought tolerance, and plants that provide healthier animal nutrition, such as NutriDense, BASF’s value-added corn genetics line. Corn hybrids containing NutriDense are also available with many popular input traits, such as CLEARFIELD®, Roundup Ready®, Herculex® and YieldGard®.

About Select Seed Hybrids
Since 1928 Select Seed Hybrids has been recognized as a leader in seed corn development and customer service. Through a “hands-on” approach, they focus on developing, producing and strategically placing hybrids that will best suit the individual needs of customers.

Owned and managed by Mr. Arthur Eggerling, himself a corn breeder, Select Seed is dedicated to the continued advancement of one of the most progressive research programs in the seed corn industry – advancing hybrid development by utilizing cutting-edge technology, thoroughly tested for consistent results.

To find out more about Select Seed Hybrids, please see their Web site at www.selectseed.com.

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.

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CGB Jeffersonville to Offer NutriDense Contracts

August 21st, 2006 by Courtney Beck

Research Triangle Park, N.C., August 21, 2006 – BASF Plant Science and CGB International today announced that CGB’s Jeffersonville, Indiana location will offer NutriDense contracts for the 2007 growing season.

“CGB’s Premium Grains is committed to developing programs that fill a unique need and deliver profitable results for growers and end-users. NutriDense fits that philosophy very well,” said Mark St. Clair, manager of market development for Consolidated Grains and Barge Co. “We offered NutriDense contracts at two locations last year and have seen tremendous interest in this nutritionally enhanced corn. The new Jeffersonville location opens up an opportunity for additional growers in Indiana.”

NutriDense is a nutritionally enhanced set of traits designed to enhance animal feed performance. Studies have shown performance improvements when fed to dairy, poultry and swine. NutriDense contracts offer a $0.25 premium over traditional yellow dent corn and will be available at CGB locations in Aurora, Ind., Madison, Ind., Princeton, Ind. and Jeffersonville, Ind.

“End-use demand for NutriDense continues to expand, both domestically and internationally, solidifying the contract premium for NutriDense grain,” says Barney Bernstein, director of trait marketing and sales for BASF Plant Science. “Contract premiums and high-quality NutriDense hybrids mean increased revenue per acre for growers.”

NutriDense grain contracts are available across the Corn Belt. Delivery locations include:

Indiana: Madison, Princeton, Aurora, Jeffersonville, Edinburgh, Evansville, Dunkirk, Delphi and Roachdale

Illinois: Beardstown, Greenville, Hookdale, Sauget, Neoga, Watson, St. Louis, Pekin, Bourbonnais, Woodhull, Hennepin, New Boston, East Saint Louis, East Dubuque, Savanna, Naples, Pittsfield and Morris

Ohio: Cincinnati, South Charleston and Wilmington

Iowa: Des Moines

BASF Plant Science encompasses the technology and seed platforms and activities for the BASF global plant biotechnology effort. Research is focused on developing innovative products with improved cold and drought tolerance and plants that provide healthier nutrition. Corn hybrids containing NutriDense are also available with many popular input traits, such as CLEARFIELD®, Roundup Ready® and YieldGard®.

About Consolidated Grain and Barge Co.
CGB has been an innovative and progressive leader in the grain and transportation industries since 1970, when it began modestly in a small office in St. Louis, Missouri with 3 employees. Today, CGB operates as a global enterprise in more than 70 locations with over 750 employees, overseeing a diverse family of businesses.

The company provides an array of services for grain farmers, from financing and risk management to buying, storing, selling and shipping of the crop. CGB continues to be one of the largest shippers of grain on the inland river system.

To find our more information about CGB, please visit their Web site at: www.cgb.com.

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.

CLEARFIELD is a registered trademark of BASF Agrochemical Products N.V. Roundup Ready and YieldGard are registered trademarks of, and used under license from, Monsanto Company.

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Renk Seed to Market Silage Hybrids with NutriDense

August 3rd, 2006 by Courtney Beck

Research Triangle Park, N.C., August 3, 2006 – BASF Plant Science and Renk Seed Company, Sun Prairie, Wisconsin, today announced they have signed a license agreement allowing Renk Seed Company to market corn hybrids with NutriDense.

“We are excited to offer NutriDense in our silage hybrids this fall,” says Jeffrey Renk, director of research and sales for Renk Seed Company. “After reviewing the data and testing NutriDense in our system, we are convinced it can improve profitability for our customers, especially in the dairy silage area.”

NutriDense is a nutritionally enhanced set of traits designed to enhance animal feed performance. According to research conducted at the University of Wisconsin, University of Minnesota and Cornell University, NutriDense delivers elevated protein levels, optimum ADF (acid detergent fiber), reduced NDF (neutral detergent fiber) and lignin content as well as increased oil content for improved energy levels. Studies show that cows fed with NutriDense corn hybrids can deliver up to an additional 2.9 pounds of milk per head per day, improving milk per ton and increasing overall profitability.

“Continuing our focus on excellence, we are excited to work with Renk Seed Company and offer Midwestern producers an opportunity to benefit from NutriDense,” says Barney Bernstein, director of trait marketing and sales for BASF Plant Science. “Renk Seed shares in our commitment to provide high quality, value-added products that will improve on-farm profitability.”

BASF Plant Science encompasses the technology and seed platforms and activities for the BASF global plant biotechnology effort. Research is focused on developing innovative products with improved cold and drought tolerance and plants that provide healthier nutrition. Corn hybrids containing NutriDense are also available with many popular input traits, such as CLEARFIELD®, Roundup Ready® and YieldGard®.

About Renk Seed Company
Renk Seed Company is a family-owned and operated business serving the needs of producers in Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa, Illinois, Michigan and South Dakota. In business for more than 70 years, Renk Seed is committed to delivering the best performing product for your farm. When you purchase Renk products, you get more than top yield; you get high-quality seed, quick answers and responsive customer support.

To find out more about Renk Seed Company, please see their Web site at www.renkseed.com.

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.

CLEARFIELD is a registered trademark of BASF Agrochemical Products N.V. Roundup Ready and YieldGard are registered trademarks of, and used under license from, Monsanto Company.

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