Today's agribusinessperson needs information as well as technology to make the most of every input dollar. Expenses must be controlled if the greatest production per acre is to be achieved. But, how does one learn new skills and get the best information to make these decisions?

Great Lakes Hybrids' annual Technology Showcase is a great place to start. Farmers will learn from industry specialists about the specific issues facing farm operators and owners in today's high-tech, fast-changing world.

The Technology Showcase is designed to give farmers an on-farm arena to learn about new technologies and product advancements, in an atmosphere that provides expert information and advice. In addition to benefiting their farming operations, attendees can earn credit toward their Certified Crop Advisor and Restricted Use Pesticide certifications. Please call (800) 257-7333 to
register.

These top Ag industry specialists will present their perspectives on agricultural technology:

• MSU Crop and Soil Sciences Assistant Professor Dr. Kurt Thelen
  Positioning herbicide-tolerant crops.
• Jorge Mantica, DuPont Optimum Quality Grain
  High-oil corn marketing.
• Rodney Putt, American Cyanamid
  Clearfield technology (IMI-Corn*).
• Wayne Bugg, Monsanto
  YieldGard Bt corn, Roundup Ready corn, and corn rootworm genetics.
• Doug Goodman, soybean genetic specialist
  Identifying and controlling soybean cyst nematodes.
• Phil Corbin, Corn States
  New developments in seed treatment technology.
• Jerry Courson, Great Lakes Hybrids
  Recent advances in conventional and biotech corn breeding

Other industry personnel, such as plant breeders, industry researchers, county extension personnel and lab technicians, along with Great Lakes Hybrids management will be on hand to answer questions and address participants' individual concerns.

"This is much more than just a plot," said Great Lakes Hybrids Agronomist Tex Young. "What's unique about this, is that farmers can learn about the advancement of new technologies, then go right into the fields and compare hybrids of the same maturity to see the differences in insect damage, resistance to disease, general plant health, and other characteristics.

"If farmers can gain some knowledge of how to use these technologies in their own farming operations *that's money in the bank for them."

In addition to showcasing its products, Great Lakes Hybrids' has planted experimental seed treatment studies to aid in their effort to build better corn and soybean products, Young said. The company's scientists will examine the emergence, growth rate, seedling disease resistance and yield of seeds receiving a variety of treatments before planting. Another test strip has been
planted for the purpose of planting-depth comparisons, Young added.

"We are analyzing them from our own vantage point to see which will give us the qualities we want. Then we will harvest them in the fall to see which has the better yield," Young said. "Our purpose is not only to help educate the farmer, but to build better corn and soybean products."

The Technology Showcase will take place at the Great Lakes Hybrids International Headquarters in Ovid, Michigan, located nine miles East of US 27 on M-21 in Ovid. Transportation will be provided to the showcase location.

Breakfast will be served at 8:00 a.m. with registration at 9:00.
Seminars and tours will begin at 9:30. Lunch and refreshments will be provided.
Throughout the day, door prizes will be given away, which will include Roundup Ultra® and Lightning® herbicides, Great Lakes Hybrids products and the grand prize of a cabin on Great Lakes Hybrids' winter incentive travel cruise to the Mexican Riviera (must be present to win).

With the Technology Showcase, Great Lakes Hybrids is making it easier for farmers to keep up with new technology, Young added.

"So many new technologies are being brought to the table that it's hard to keep up with them," he said. "What's missing is somebody to educate farmers on how to properly use these technologies on their own farms. It's up to us to bring this technology to farmers so that it can be used to help them on the bottom line."

For more information, call 1-800-257-7333 or visit www.glh-seeds.com/techshow.htm.

Company news release
N2006