Western Great Plains Growers Gearing Up To Plant Monsanto's New DroughtGard™ Hybrids

ST. LOUIS, Feb. 21, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- U.S. farmers across the Western Great Plains this spring will be the first to plant Monsanto's newest drought-tolerant corn system as part of on-farm trials. The hybrids, made available to growers under the new DroughtGard™ Hybrids name, are designed to help farmers mitigate the risk of yield loss when experiencing drought stress.

DroughtGard Hybrids are the newest offering from the Genuity® corn family. These hybrids combine germplasm selected for its drought-tolerant characteristics and the biotechnology drought-tolerant trait with agronomic recommendations. For the 2012 trials, Monsanto plans to have Genuity® VT Triple PRO®, Genuity® VT Double PRO® and Roundup Ready® Corn 2 technologies serve as the agronomic trait platforms for DroughtGard Hybrids.

"DroughtGard Hybrids have shown strong performance in our trials and demonstrated an advantage over competitor products," said Mark Edge, DroughtGard Hybrids marketing lead. "Our on-farm trials this season are focused on giving farmers a chance to see the performance of these hybrids and to give us feedback to help us make commercial decisions." 

The 2012 large-scale, on-farm trials, will be taking place with approximately 250 growers on up to 10,000 acres across the Western Great Plains, the product's target launch area.

"As a grower, I look to test new tools and technologies that strengthen risk management on my farm," said Clay Scott, a Southwest Kansas grower. "Water is a constant focus, so the opportunity to plant DroughtGard Hybrids this growing season will demonstrate the benefits that drought-tolerant corn can deliver in my fields."

For several years, Monsanto's drought breeding and testing program has specifically targeted the Western Great Plains. "By focusing our testing where our customers are located, we can maximize the opportunity to deliver integrated breeding and biotechnology for drought," Edge said. "We also plan to work closely with growers to assist with agronomic recommendations."

In December 2011, Monsanto achieved a key milestone toward U.S. commercialization when the company received full deregulation of the drought trait from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.  Import approvals in key corn import markets with functioning regulatory systems are in progress.

The drought-tolerant trait is part of Monsanto's Yield and Stress collaboration in plant biotechnology with Germany-based BASF. The collaboration is aimed at developing higher-yielding crops and crops more tolerant to adverse environmental conditions, such as drought.

About Monsanto Company

Monsanto Company is a leading global provider of technology-based solutions and agricultural products that improve farm productivity and food quality. Monsanto remains focused on enabling both small-holder and large-scale farmers to produce more from their land while conserving more of our world's natural resources such as water and energy. To learn more about our business and our commitments, please visit: www.monsanto.com.  Follow our business on Twitter® at www.twitter.com/MonsantoNews, on the company blog, Beyond the Rows at www.monsantoblog.com, or subscribe to our News Release RSS Feed.

Note to Editors:  DroughtGard, Genuity, VT Triple PRO, VT Double PRO and Roundup Ready Corn 2 are trademarks of Monsanto Technology LLC.

Cautionary Statements Regarding Forward-Looking Information:

Certain statements contained in this release are "forward-looking statements," such as statements concerning the company's anticipated financial results, current and future product performance, regulatory approvals, business and financial plans and other non-historical facts. These statements are based on current expectations and currently available information. However, since these statements are based on factors that involve risks and uncertainties, the company's actual performance and results may differ materially from those described or implied by such forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause or contribute to such differences include, among others: continued competition in seeds, traits and agricultural chemicals; the company's exposure to various contingencies, including those related to intellectual property protection, regulatory compliance and the speed with which approvals are received, and public acceptance of biotechnology products; the success of the company's research and development activities; the outcomes of major lawsuits and the previously-announced SEC investigation; the previously reported material weakness in our internal controls over financial reporting; developments related to foreign currencies and economies; successful operation of recent acquisitions; fluctuations in commodity prices; compliance with regulations affecting our manufacturing; the accuracy of the company's estimates related to distribution inventory levels; the company's ability to fund its short-term financing needs and to obtain payment for the products that it sells; the effect of weather conditions, natural disasters and accidents on the agriculture business or the company's facilities; and other risks and factors detailed in the company's most recent Form 10-K Report to the SEC. Undue reliance should not be placed on these forward-looking statements, which are current only as of the date of this release. The company disclaims any current intention or obligation to update any forward-looking statements or any of the factors that may affect actual results.

Commercialization is dependent on multiple factors, including successful conclusion of the regulatory process.

Contact: Danielle Stuart (314-694-2478)

SOURCE Monsanto Company

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