Dow AgroSciences Transforming to World Class Seed Company

Dow AgroSciences Herculex Mycogen Seeds Human Element

For the past decade, the row crop seed industry has seen many changes in new traits and technologies. More recently, frequent seed company consolidations have changed the industry yet again. Dow AgroSciences is taking a lead in yet another industry change by working to gain and accelerate new technologies in the area of biological solutions while they continue their transformation to a world class Seeds business with an expanded product portfolio.

That transformation will be achieved through growth from their current businesses and from targeted acquisitions that expand their channel to market. In addition to their current Seeds business, Mycogen Seeds, Dow AgroSciences has acquired four key seed companies in the past 12 months in the United States, expanding its broad range of product offerings.

Triumph Seed Strengthens Sunflower Business

In March 2008, Dow AgroSciences acquired Triumph Seed of Ralls, Texas. Triumph Seed markets sunflowers, corn, and sorghum across the U.S. and globally.

The Triumph acquisition strengthens Dow AgroSciences strong sunflower business by providing additional elite sunflower technology, a solid export business, and further expands the geographic corn and sorghum marketing areas in the U.S.

Dairyland Seed and Bio-Plant Research Complements Investment in Breeding Programs

Five months later Dairyland Seed Co., Inc. and Bio-Plant Research Ltd. were acquired by Dow AgroSciences. Dairyland Seed of West Bend, Wis., has plant breeding and licensing programs in hybrid corn, soybeans, and alfalfa.

"Dairyland Seed has a product portfolio and brand that strengthens our corn, soybean, and alfalfa business in the U.S. and globally," said Jerome Peribere, president and CEO, Dow AgroSciences. "Furthermore, Dairyland Seed's investment in research and development complements our increased investment in developing industry leading proprietary plant breeding programs."

Renze Hybrids Strengthens Corn, Soybean Business

In September 2008, Dow AgroSciences acquired the majority assets of Renze Hybrids Inc. Under the terms of the agreement, Dow AgroSciences acquired all sales, marketing, and agronomy assets related to the Renze brand as well as all soybean production assets.

"Renze has an established brand and product portfolio that strengthens our corn, and soybean business in the Western Cornbelt," said Stan Howell, vice president of Dow AgroSciences, North America. "Furthermore, Renze's combination of outstanding customer service and commitment to quality complements our strategy to build a world class seeds business."

Brodbeck Seeds Expands Dow Seeds Business in Eastern U.S. Cornbelt

Brodbeck Seeds is the latest acquisition by Dow AgroSciences. The Wabash, Ind. based company is known for providing new technology through its product development programs, high yielding quality products and excellent service to customers. The company supplies elite genetics and all major traits for corn, soybeans, and wheat.

These seed company acquisitions will provide Dow AgroSciences with a strong regional presence to commercialize their HERCULEX^® Insect Protection traits, SmartStax™, and Dow Herbicide Tolerance (DHT) technologies for the benefit of corn and soybean growers. They will also enable the transformation of the Dow AgroSciences Seed business and set the stage for further industry development.