#United States #Agriculture #Corteva #Johnston #Pioneer

Pioneer Celebrates a Century of Innovation

Pioneer®, the flagship seed brand of Corteva Agriscience, proudly commemorates its 100-year journey in innovation and leadership within the global agricultural landscape. This milestone was marked by a celebratory event held at the Corteva Global Seed Business Center located in Johnston, Iowa. This celebratory occasion not only served as a reflection of their remarkable past but also as a promise for the future of farming.

Established a century ago by Henry A. Wallace, who later became the U.S. Vice President, Pioneer was the first company to produce hybrid corn at scale. This revolutionary development drastically increased average corn yields in the U.S. by nearly 600%, effectively transforming American agriculture and bolstering the economic landscape of farming in the country. Today, Pioneer stands as the leading corn and soybean brand in the United States, a position reinforced by record-breaking yields in corn, soybeans, and dryland sorghum.

Judd O'Connor, Executive Vice President of Seed Business at Corteva, expressed immense pride in their partnership with farmers over the past century, emphasizing farming’s pivotal role in the nation’s heartbeat. “Innovation has always shaped agriculture's narrative,” he said, referencing pivotal advancements from the introduction of hybrid corn in 1926 to the development of new hybrid wheat technology today. As they look to the future, the unfolding opportunities presented by gene editing technology promise to further enhance agricultural productivity, remaining true to their pioneering spirit.

Over the past 100 years, Pioneer has consistently led the agricultural industry with remarkable achievements:

• - Commercialization of Hybrid Corn: Pioneer was the first to mass-produce hybrid corn, significantly changing crop farming.
• - Diverse Germplasm: The company now hosts one of the largest and most diverse collections of corn germplasm globally.
• - Global Reach: Pioneer's seeds are sold in over 70 countries, providing essential resources to millions of farmers worldwide.
• - World Record Yields: Recent achievement includes a corn hybrid yielding 623.84 bu/A and a soybean variety yielding 218.2856 bu/A, both setting remarkable records in their respective categories.

In the spirit of giving back, the celebration featured a donation from David Wallace Douglas, the grandson of Henry A. Wallace, contributing $100,000 to fund over 100,000 meals prepared by Corteva staff for the Food Bank of Iowa and several food pantries throughout Indiana. This initiative is part of Pioneer's 30-year commitment, where they have invested nearly $2 million in community organizations, reinforcing their focus on corporate social responsibility.

Pioneer's legacy over the past century shows a commitment to not only advancing agricultural practices but also supporting the communities tied to this industry. To learn more about Pioneer's century of milestones or details regarding their innovative seed products and services, you can visit pioneer.com/100.

Pioneer and Corteva Today

Pioneer continues to provide state-of-the-art plant genetics, dedicating itself to serving farmers across more than 70 nations. The company believes in enhancing farmer productivity and profitability while focusing on developing sustainable agricultural practices for the benefit of a growing global population. As part of the Corteva family, Pioneer is well-positioned to tackle present and future challenges in agriculture through innovation. To stay updated on their continued advancements, follow Pioneer on social media platforms including Facebook, X, Instagram, and YouTube.

Conclusion

As Pioneer celebrates its 100-year legacy, its commitment to serving farmers through innovative practices and community support remains unwavering, promising an inspiring future for agriculture.