Stine Seed Company and Bayer CropScience Partner To Introduce LibertyLink^® Soybeans

Companies expect varieties to be available for U.S. growers’ use in 2009

Thanks to the enterprising efforts and committed teamwork between Stine Seed Company and Bayer CropScience, U.S. growers can anticipate planting Stine LibertyLink® soybeans in 2009.

LibertyLink® soybeans are being developed in high-yielding, strong-performing, elite germplasm that will be available from Stine Seed Company. This means growers can count on having access to varieties that have been adapted widely, and have demonstrated yield and agronomic performance as good as or better than the best available commercial checks.

“We are pleased to be taking a leadership position in the introduction of this outstanding seed-trait package,” says Harry H. Stine, founder of Stine Seed Company.  “Our joint efforts with Bayer CropScience ultimately will provide soybean growers with a larger selection of varieties available to help them maximize both yield and quality results.”

Stine Seed Company, headquartered near Adel, Iowa, is an industry-leading seed company focused on developing and marketing the world's best performing corn and soybean seed. For nearly four decades, Stine’s soybean research program has been regarded as the soybean genetics supplier of choice to the seed industry.

“We are truly privileged to be in partnership with Stine, which provides the industry with genetics that are known, respected and used throughout the United States,” says Andy Hurst, Bayer CropScience product manager for Liberty®, Ignite®, and Rely® herbicides and herbicide tolerant traits (HTT).

Along with providing top-yielding, elite genetics, LibertyLink soybeans will also offer growers a viable alternative herbicide tolerant system, Hurst notes. A Liberty herbicide weed control program will provide a great means of rotation to avoid weed resistance.

Hurst says the Liberty/LibertyLink system will enable growers to maintain all the current benefits of glyphosate use, such as less tillage, labor and equipment, as well as the ease, convenience and efficacy of over-the-top, non-selective, weed control. Liberty herbicide also has the added benefit of being a highly effective management tool for glyphosate-resistant or tolerant weeds.

“This technology will give growers another choice on how to manage their acres the way they want to, both now and in the future,” Hurst says. “In addition, they can count on achieving high yields along with outstanding weed control. It’s a winning combination.”

For additional information about LibertyLink soybeans, growers can contact their local Bayer CropScience representative, or call 1-866-99-BAYER (1-866-992-2937). Soybean growers can also contact Stine Seed Company at 1-800-362-2510 or online at www.stineseed.com.