Bayer CropSciences has moved forward with plans to develop a new North American wheat breeding station in Nebraska. It announced in early May an agreement to lease 400 acres of land, with the option to purchase it, west of Lincoln near Goehner.

The company took possession of the land on May 1 and will develop the site as a focal point for Bayer CropScience's wheat breeding program in North America, says Edward Souza, global wheat breeding manager for the German-based company.

Bayer CropScience Selects Seward Co. For Wheat Breeding Station

"Bayer is excited about establishing this new breeding station, and we're looking forward to working with local experts, farmers and organizations in the Goehner community," says Souza. "We expect that the work done at this site will result in exciting advances in wheat productivity and sustainability that will benefit famers in this region and ultimately the grain trade worldwide."

In January 2010, during a press conference at the Nebraska Wheat Growers Association convention, Bayer CropScience AG and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln signed a non-exclusive agreement to improve wheat breeding and generate new wheat varieties. Since that time, Bayer CropScience has been working to identify a suitable site in Nebraska to establish its North American Regional Wheat Breeding Station.

During that 2010 event, the company said the station would bring 20 to 30 scientists to Nebraska.

Bayer CropScience also noted then that it would gain access to UNL's wheat germplasm, the genetic material used to develop new wheat varieties. But the agreement allows both Bayer and UNL to improve their respective wheat breeding programs.

Throughout the process, Bayer has worked with the State of Nebraska Department of Economic Development and Seward County Economic Development. The company will continue to work closely with these groups and the community in and around Goehner as development plans progress on the site.

"The addition of Bayer CropScience to the business community in Seward County is a welcomed addition, and exactly what we've been striving for in our local economic development efforts," says Ryne Seaman, member of the Seward County Economic Development Board.

Bayer CropScience is committed to the improvement of wheat cultivation through research and education, and is working closely with local initiatives in support of growth in these areas. The Goehner breeding station will be part of Bayer CropScience's global network of wheat breeding stations situated in the heart of key wheat production regions.

Additional breeding centers are planned in Europe and other regions over the coming years.

For more information on Bayer CropScience, visit www.bayercropscience.us  or check out the newly launched Bayer CropScience social media hub, www.connect.bayercropscience.us.