Dow AgroSciences and ADM have announced a collaboration that features a comprehensive closed-loop system designed to provide growers access to Enlist E3 soybeans and deliver the soybeans and their resulting products to customers for use within North America. US farmers will have access to Enlist E3 soybeans for 2018 planting through an agreement between the two companies. 

“US farmers need access to the newest technologies to boost productivity,” says Joe Vertin, Dow AgroSciences Enlist global leader. “When advanced solutions are available and fully approved in the United States, they should reach farmers as quickly as possible.” 

Putting farmers first
“At ADM, everything begins with the farmer,” notes John McGowan, ADM president, North American Oilseeds. “We are pleased to work with Dow AgroSciences to bring this landmark program to growers in 2018. This is a great example of how farmers, seed companies and agricultural processors can come together and support solutions that benefit the entire industry.”

Resistant and hard-to-control weeds are one of the most costly and frustrating obstacles for crop farmers today. The Enlist weed control system offers exceptional weed control and helps maximize yield potential. 

“This weed control technology is greatly needed in our area,” says Pat Duncanson, who grows soybeans in Minnesota. “We need effective options to control weeds that are threatening to cut yield and profit potential in our fields.”

Enlist E3 soybeans are tolerant to applications of 2,4-D choline, glyphosate and glufosinate, giving farmers multiple herbicide modes of action postemergence. This helps farmers not only control their toughest, most economically damaging weeds but also curtail the development of weed resistance, preserving valuable herbicides.

“The American Soybean Association appreciates the tight, closed-loop production and processing system that has been developed,” says ASA President Ron Moore, a farmer from Roseville, Illinois. “This will allow a number of farmers to experience the Enlist weed control system and is designed to keep all production out of export channels. We also appreciate Dow AgroSciences’ continued efforts to seek import approvals in China and the EU.” 

Robust protocols key to success
The Dow AgroSciences program requires participating farmers to adhere to a comprehensive, robust set of protocols designed to ensure the soybeans reach specific ADM facilities, which will process them for use in North American markets only. Farmers will deliver their Enlist E3 soybean crop to 1 of 4 ADM plants designated for this program: 

• Mankato, Minnesota
• Frankfort, Indiana
• Mexico, Missouri
• Deerfield, Missouri 

“We’ve put a lot of thought into the best way to manage the process,” Vertin explains. “We’re confident in the collaboration with ADM and in providing farmers access to the Enlist system to control their toughest weeds.”