Monsanto's Mobile Technology Unit stops in Garnett, Kansas

By Doug Rich

GUIDED TOUR--Kathy Sehnert, Monsanto Agricultural Educator, gives a tour of Monsanto's Mobile technology Unit. The Mobile Technology Unit is traveling across the U.S. hosting farmers in rural communities, at ag trade shows, aand other special events. (Journal photo by Doug Rich.)

The Monsanto Mobile Technology Unit, a 53 foot long van, stopped in Garnett, Kan., on Feb. 5. Area farmers and FFA chapters were invited to tour the unique exhibit showcasing Monsanto's advances in plant breeding, biotechnology, and new product innovations.

The Mobile Technology Unit began touring the U.S. in July 2007 and made an estimated 40 stops in its first year on the road. The exhibit gives farmers a firsthand look at how Monsanto is applying advanced science to help them be more profitable and create new market opportunities for their crops.

The traveling exhibit takes visitors through the entire process for developing new products. Monsanto researchers use advanced robotics and MRI technology to study grain samples. Monsanto's Crop Analytics Team scans more than 3 million corn seeds each year with an MRI machine to analyze the oil content of corn to help produce higher quality grain.

A visit to the Mobile Technology Unit begins with an introductory video followed by a guided tour of the 1,000 square feet of exhibit space.

Kathy Sehnert, Monsanto Agricultural Educator, said Monsanto invests $2 million a day in new product research and development. There are five phases in the research and development process. Tens of thousands of samples are screened and tested for every project that advances through all five phases before a product reaches the market.

Sehnert said Monsanto's corn pipeline is poised to double corn yields to 300 bushels per acre in the next 25 years.

"As a company focused solely on agriculture, Monsanto is committed to helping farmers be successful," Jim Zimmer, vice-president U.S. branded business for Monsanto, said. "That is why we are so strongly committed to developing technologies that can help farmers increase their yields, improve their profitability and participate in new market opportunities for their crops."

3/10/08
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Date: 3/4/08

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