August 28, 2012
Monsanto''s FieldScripts Ground Breakers trials to begin in 2013
Press release
This coming planting season, farmers in four Midwestern states will participate in Monsanto''s Ground Breakers testing program for FieldScripts, the company''s first product from the Integrated Farming Systems (IFS) platform to boost on-farm productivity while also supporting more sustainable agriculture systems.
IFS brings together Monsanto''s unique understanding of how plant genetics perform in different environments and combines that know-how with precision equipment and advanced data analysis to help farmers maximize yield potential on the farm.
At the core of the IFS platform is the exclusive data analysis that Monsantohas developed to examine various factors - soil, environmental parameters, and others - to create management zone recommendations that are uniquely tailored to germplasm performance.
Monsanto uses the Ground Breakers program to gain feedback from farmers on new product performance ahead of commercialisation. Next year will be a product testing year for FieldScripts. In 2014, Monsanto anticipates FieldScripts will be launched in the DEKALB？？ corn brand in Illinois, Iowa, Indiana, and Minnesota.
"We have been testing FieldScripts over the past two years, and we''ve seen consistent yield increases when farmers use the product," said Monsanto''s IFS Commercial Lead John Raines.
"For our 2013 Ground Breakers trials, we''re more than doubling the farmers testing the product. We are looking forward to finalising our product offering for farmers to provide accurate, effective and easy-to-use planting prescriptions and hybrid recommendations that help to increase yield potential and mitigate risk on farm."
Raines said FieldScripts will be offered through Monsanto''s existing dealer network.
"Today, farmers consult with their seed dealers about the best DEKALB hybrid for their farm. That process will continue, but the conversation will be much more individualised by field to meet that farmer''s needs," said Raines.
The farmer will provide inputs like field boundaries, yield data, and fertility test results to their seed dealer. The dealer will work with the farmer to select each field to enroll in FieldScripts.
Using Monsanto''s extensive seed-by-environment data, the company will deliver a variable rate seeding prescription by yield management zone and a recommendation for the best hybrid for each field. The prescription will be provided through Precision Planting''s FieldViewa？￠ app for the iPad？？ handheld device to the farmer''s tractor. The prescription will then be executed using Precision Planting''s 20/20 SeedSense？？ monitor and planter control system.