MYCOGEN ANNOUNCES PLANS TO ACCELERATE GROWTH OF U.S. CORN BUSINESS

Dow AgroSciences and Mycogen Seeds have announced plans to continue to invest in and expand their U.S. branded seeds business. New corn trait innovations and the commercial launch of those new technologies over the coming years are driving this additional investment in the business.

"A key component of our strategy is the rapid growth of our corn business and the successful launch of new technologies, such as SmartStax this season, and Dow AgroSciences Herbicide Tolerant Trait technology in both corn and soybeans in the future," says Stephen Smith, U.S. sales leader, Mycogen Seeds. "To ramp up these and other new offerings, we are adding commercial staff to make smaller sales territories and also investing in our branding and marketing programs over the next year."

Immediate plans include hiring 8 percent more commercial sales employees in the Midwest region. A new "East Central" district has been established that includes the states of Indiana and Michigan. This district was previously part of two existing Mycogen Seeds sales districts. Recent graduates and more experienced candidates will be recruited to fill new sales representative and customer agronomist positions.

"Our growth is the result of Dow AgroSciences investing and developing new technologies and the advancement of several new corn hybrids that are specifically adapted for the Eastern Corn Belt," says Rick Henley, corn product manager, Dow AgroSciences North America. "That, plus the release of SmartStax and other innovations, has fueled sales of MYCOGEN brand corn."

The increased focus on recruitment efforts and hiring of top talent is one of many steps Mycogen Seeds is taking to ensure it meets rising demand for its branded seed. Along with additional people resources, Mycogen Seeds plans to continue to increase brand awareness through focused media, participation in industry events, direct mail and training for dealers.