New research reveals growers' highest rated soybean trait platform of 2017

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Nov 15, 2017, 09:11 ET

RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C., Nov. 15, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, the Crop Science division of Bayer released results from an independent market research survey, revealing that the LibertyLink^® system was the highest rated trait platform of the year. Growers across 21 states were asked about their level of satisfaction with their soybean trait platforms in a survey conducted by Kynetec. The results also revealed that better control of resistant weeds was the most important factor in a seed trait decision.

Today, the Crop Science division of Bayer released results from an independent market research survey, revealing that the LibertyLink® system was the highest rated trait platform of the year. Growers across 21 states were asked about their level of satisfaction with their soybean trait platforms in a survey conducted by Kynetec. The results also revealed that better control of resistant weeds was the most important factor in a seed trait decision.

Even with new trait platforms launched in 2017, growers clearly preferred LibertyLink. In fact, 97 percent of growers who planted LibertyLink rated it "good" to "excellent." It beat out both new and established platforms currently on the market.

The study found that while yield is important, a majority of growers pointed to resistant weed control as their top reason for their 2018 seed trait decision.

Growers' preference for LibertyLink was also reflected in expected acreage for 2018. The research found that LibertyLink acres are projected to increase by more than 25 percent in 2018. Growers across the country anticipate planting more than 17 million acres of LibertyLink soybeans.

In addition, results found that LibertyLink is expected to gain market share in most states, with the largest increases in Missouri, Kansas and Nebraska.

"The results from this research are indicative of the tremendous growth we have seen over the last few years," said David Tanner, Liberty product manager at Bayer. "LibertyLink has gone from six percent market share in 2015 to an estimated 20 percent in 2018. And as more growers plant more acres of LibertyLink soybeans with the same excellent results, we expect this growth to continue by leaps and bounds."

With weed control top of mind as growers make decisions for 2018, the results from the research also found that growers are impressed with the overall performance of Liberty^® herbicide and its control of resistant weeds, It was ranked no. 1 by growers for control of the spectrum of broadleaf weeds. Liberty was also rated highly for ease of use and lack of off-target movement.

The study was designed to learn more about what is important to growers when they are making their seed trait decisions and what they think of existing traits on the market. The study surveyed nearly 500 growers across 21 states.

The research, conducted in August 2017, surveyed growers who made seed decisions on their operation. Growers rated their experience with various platforms, what they look for when making planting decisions and their satisfaction with trait and herbicide performance.

"Growers expect both high yields and superior weed control from their soybean trait platforms," said Jody Wynia, LibertyLink product manager at Bayer. "For years, growers have told us how well the LibertyLink system delivers on those expectations. We are thrilled that the data from this study confirms what we've been hearing. Growers have confidence in the LibertyLink system, because of its consistently strong performance."

For more information about LibertyLink, growers can visit www.cropscience.bayer.us/Liberty-Link or talk to a retailer.

Bayer is committed to bringing new technology and solutions for agriculture and non-agricultural uses. For questions concerning the availability and use of products, contact a local Bayer representative, or visit Crop Science, a division of Bayer, online at www.cropscience.bayer.us.

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Bayer: Science For A Better Life
Bayer is a global enterprise with core competencies in the Life Science fields of health care and agriculture. Its products and services are designed to benefit people and improve their quality of life. At the same time, the Group aims to create value through innovation, growth and high earning power. Bayer is committed to the principles of sustainable development and to its social and ethical responsibilities as a corporate citizen. In fiscal 2016, the Group employed around 115,200 people and had sales of EUR 46.8 billion. Capital expenditures amounted to EUR 2.6 billion, R&D expenses to EUR 4.7 billion. These figures include those for the high-tech polymers business, which was floated on the stock market as an independent company named Covestro on October 6, 2015. For more information, go to www.bayer.us.

About Kynetec
Kynetec is the global leader in agricultural and animal health market research, with a long history of market research expertise, specialising in animal health and nutrition, crop protection, farm machinery and equipment, seed/biotech and fertilisers.

Backed by a team of around 340 research professionals, around 250 skilled interviewers and a global network of around 70 associates and partners, Kynetec's number one priority is to ensure delivery of the highest-quality insight and foresight at the right time to enable their clients to confidently make the best decisions for their business.

Across the globe, Kynetec's employees are located across 22 major agriculture and animal health countries. Their coverage extends to major and niche sectors of the industry, regularly undertaking research projects in more than 70 countries.

Further information is available at www.kynetec.com

Contact:

Bayer Media Hotline, 1-862-404-5118, or

Linda Arnold Whaley
Crop Science, a division of Bayer
Tel: (919) 549-2836
Email: [email protected]

Sara McClendon
Rhea + Kaiser
Tel: (630) 955-2522
Email: [email protected]

Find more information at www.cropscience.bayer.us.

Forward-Looking Statements
This release may contain forward-looking statements based on current assumptions and forecasts made by Bayer Group or subgroup management. Various known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors could lead to material differences between the actual future results, financial situation, development or performance of the company and the estimates given here. These factors include those discussed in Bayer's public reports which are available on the Bayer website at www.bayer.com. The company assumes no liability whatsoever to update these forward-looking statements or to conform them to future events or developments.

© 2017 Bayer CropScience LP, 2 T.W. Alexander Drive, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709. Always read and follow label instructions. Bayer, the Bayer Cross, LibertyLink and Liberty are registered trademarks of Bayer. For additional product information, call toll-free 1-866-99-BAYER (1-866-992-2937) or visit our website at www.cropscience.bayer.us.

SOURCE Bayer