Monsanto’s unique Mobile Technology Unit (MTU) will appear at the 2009 Beltwide Cotton Conferences, giving attendees a firsthand look at the latest innovations in plant breeding and biotechnology designed to help farmers be successful.

The 53-foot unit, with 1,000 square feet of exhibit space, travels across the U.S., hosting farmer groups and appearing at trade shows and other special events year-round. Customer outreach is a central focus for the MTU and with Monsanto’s Deltapine brand hosting more than 350 growers at the Beltwide and excitement about the new Class of 2009 cotton varieties, the Beltwide was a perfect fit.

Tours are available for all Beltwide attendees Monday through Thursday, Jan. 5-8, at the following times: Monday: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Tuesday: 12 noon to 9 p.m.; Wednesday: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; and Thursday: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

"As a company focused solely on agriculture, Monsanto is committed to helping farmers be successful," said Ernesto Fajardo, Monsanto’s U.S. Business Lead. "That is why we are so strongly committed to developing new technologies that can help farmers increase their yields, improve their profitability and participate in new market opportunities for their crops."

Fajardo noted that technology innovation also supports Monsanto’s commitment to sustainable agriculture, including the goal to double corn, soybean and cotton yields by the year 2030 while also conserving key resources by one-third.

Aboard the Mobile Technology Unit, farmers will first view an introductory video featuring NFL quarterback and Iowa farm owner, Kurt Warner, and then take a guided tour through the following exhibit areas, which feature displays, videos and interactive elements.

Following the tour, farmers will have the opportunity to view ethanol exhibits positioned outside the Mobile Technology Unit, including an on-site ethanol production demonstration unit. Monsanto is strongly committed to the ethanol industry through its Processor Preferred High Fermentable Corn (HFC) hybrids, which offer strong yield potential and can produce 2 percent to 4 percent more ethanol per bushel than commodity corn.

“Monsanto is proud to be a technology leader in our industry,” Fajardo said. “The Mobile Technology Unit is a way to demonstrate that commitment to our customers — the American farmers — because we realize that our success depends on their success. Together, we can continue to advance the future of agriculture.”

General Motors has donated a Chevy Silverado and Chevy Suburban to support the MTU on tour. Both vehicles are fitted with an E85 “Live Green, Go Yellow” wrap.