Farmers attending a field day at Sudan Farms near Columbus, Ind., this summer saw variety signs they may not have seen before. Clint Arnholt and his family included Alloy soybeans in their plots. It was the first year Alloy soybeans were available.

What are they? “All Alloy soybean products have Enlist technology,” explains Clint Chaffer, brand manager for Bayer Crop Science, acting as distribution manager for Alloy. “These products have tolerance to glufosinate or Liberty, 2,4-D choline, and glyphosate or Roundup. The goal was to offer a choice to customers who wanted access to Enlist technology.

“Alloy is a distribution brand from MS Technologies. Bayer has exclusive rights to sell these products.”

Chaffer notes that 22 products were available within the Alloy brand for the inaugural season in 2023. Products available ranged in maturity from Group 0.3 to 4.8. There will be 29 products offered under the Alloy brand for 2024. The maturity range will stay the same as for 2023.

Data collected on the current Alloy varieties indicate they compete well with competitive brands outside of Bayer, even posting a yield advantage over a major competitor.

“There is not a one-size-fits-all solution for weed control in soybeans,” Chaffer says. “Alloy should be a fit for growers who need an Enlist-type solution to problem weeds.”