Pioneer Hi-Bred, a DuPont business, and Beck's Hybrids have announced they have entered into research and distribution agreements to bring additional corn and soybean products to growers in the marketplace.

Under these agreements, Pioneer and Beck's will collaborate in research efforts and in the distribution of corn and soybean seed under the XLTM brand.

"Teaming with Pioneer, an organization with one of the premier germplasm development programs in the world, enables synergy between us to identify seed products that excel in Beck's geography," says Scott Beck, vice-president, Beck's Hybrids. "These agreements allow us to create, test and identify new hybrid combinations that give our growers a new source of elite products, while maintaining our family ownership, independence and freedom to operate."

"We are truly excited about this business relationship with Beck's Hybrids to broaden our marketing footprint by utilizing one of Pioneer's core strengths, our world-class genetics," says Frank Ross, vice-president and regional director, North America. "Both businesses will benefit, and we will also enhance the choices of technologies and genetics available to the grower."

Beck's Hybrids tests germplasm from around the world to select the products that are specifically adapted to its marketing area. This agreement does not limit Beck's Hybrids from using technology or germplasm from any other entity.

As part of the PROaccess business strategy, Pioneer has developed customized business agreements with independent seed companies to address their specific needs. The seed marketed and distributed by companies, such as Beck's, will be unique and not available from Pioneer sales representatives. In turn, Pioneer brand products are only available from Pioneer sales representatives.

Beck's Hybrids is a family-owned and operated seed company that serves farmers in Indiana, Illinois, Ohio, Michigan and Kentucky. According to a recent media survey, Beck's ranks as the sixth largest seed company in the U.S. and the only one in the top six that is family-owned, making Beck's the largest retail family-owned seed company in the U.S.

For additional information about the companies visit http://www.pioneer.com or http://www.beckshybrids.com.