To meet the demands of today's farmers, DEKALB has introduced the new, easy-to-follow Real Numbers(TM) product naming system for its seed products. The new system will simplify the process of understanding and selecting seed hybrids and varieties.

Through market research, DEKALB found that growers want a naming system that is easy to understand and clearly communicates key information such as relative maturity and added traits. 

Dallas Hansen, a longtime farmer from Jackson County, Minn., says, "When looking at a seed naming system, I want to be able to identify seed maturity, the relationship between hybrids and specific seed traits." Similar responses were given by most farmers when asked what qualities they look for in a seed naming system. 

To give growers what they want, DEKALB developed the Real Numbers product naming system, which makes it easy to identify and understand seed type, maturity, attributes and traits. This new, user-friendly system works for multiple species, as well as with specific trait products and stacked traits. The system is also consistent across product lines. 

With Real Numbers, selecting seed will be much easier because each part of the seed naming system clearly defines a specific seed attribute. For example, the prefix communicates the trusted DEKALB name and crop species code (DKC represents the code for corn, DKB for soybeans, DKA for alfalfa, etc). The next two digits indicate the relative maturity, and the last two are reserved for identifying the hybrid or seed variety. The Real Numbers system also allows for trait identification without a suffix as part of the name. When possible, it may be included in parentheses after the number or by trait logos on seed bags, tags and signs. For example, (YG) communicates YieldGard® hybrids. 

"DEKALB understands that farmers want a seed naming system with a logical pattern, and we have made every effort to create such a system," says Mark Herrmann, the seed lead for Monsanto, North American Markets. He adds, "In our new Real Numbers seed-naming system every number and letter has a purpose."

For more information about DEKALB and its products, call 1-800-DEKALB or visit: www.dekalb.com. 

Company news release
N2522