Monsanto to build soy research center

HARRISBURG, S.D. (AP)--Monsanto Co. says it will build a soybean research center to complement its corn research center at Harrisburg, the Argus Leader of Sioux Falls, S.D., reported.

The 17,500-square-foot facility, estimated to cost $2 million, should be ready next spring, the newspaper reported.

Monsanto, of St. Louis, says it plans to work with South Dakota farmers to develop soybean varieties that produce higher yields.

The firm says it wants to lease about 100 acres of farmland near Harrisburg and another 200 acres throughout the state to test new varieties.

"What we want to do is be closer to the soybean expansion areas in South Dakota and develop and research our soybeans so that they perform the best in South Dakota there for the local grower," said Mike Hawbaker, North America soybean breeding lead for Monsanto, in the newspaper article.

"It'll be a nice addition," said Greg Marko, the real estate broker who finalized the deal. "Monsanto is a top-notch corporation and, given their existing facility there, they will have a nice complex. I think it bodes well for the area."

Monsanto's goal is to improve soybean yields by developing genetically modified varieties that are more disease and aphid resistant.

South Dakota farmers have embraced genetically modified crops. Nearly 95 percent of all soybeans planted in the state last year fell into that category.

Research someday likely will include breeding drought-tolerant soybeans, said Sara Duncan, spokeswoman for Monsanto, according to the article.

Soybean breeding and research also is done at the South Dakota State University Agricultural Experiment Station. Extension agronomist Robert Hall said the department worked with Monsanto to create the first Roundup Ready soybean variety.

The more people involved in research, the better for farms in the area, Hall said.

"The bottom line is, generally speaking, we're all trying to produce a good product for the farmer," Hall said.

"The more people that are breeding them, the more chance you will come up with the superior soybean varieties out there that we need."

Date: 10/26/06

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