NC+ Hybrids announces the hiring of Dr. Dana Eaton of Sycamore, Illinois as the new Director of Research. Dr. Eaton will oversee all NC+ research programs, including corn, grain sorghum, soybeans, forages and alfalfa.

Dr. Eaton is a research scientist with over 20 years of product development experience in the private and public sectors. He has an extensive background in diverse agricultural systems, including ten years of overseas experience in Latin America and Africa. He has also worked in management, extension and teaching.

"We are very pleased to have Dana join our staff," NC+ President Larry Schuett said. "He has built a very impressive resume and will be a tremendous asset to NC+ in the years ahead."

"Dana is also very customer-focused. He is a good listener and will be very attentive to the needs of our customers," said Schuett.

Most recently, Dr. Eaton was the Program Manager for Germplasm Resources for DEKALB Genetics in DeKalb, Illinois, responsible for the introgression of germplasm from Europe, Asia, Africa, Mexico and South America into elite Corn Belt germplasm. Prior to that, he worked for Asgrow Seed Company at Galena, Maryland as a Research Scientist, Project Leader. He also has experience as a maize breeder with the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center in Mexico.

Dr. Eaton received a bachelors’ degree in agronomy from Iowa State University, and M.S. and Ph. D. degrees in plant breeding and genetics from the University of Minnesota.

"The hiring of Dr. Eaton is just another indication of our strong commitment to research and product development," Schuett said. "His experience and expertise in corn research will be especially valuable in helping us source cutting-edge corn genetics and technologies for NC+."