Editor’s Note: This company media release is unedited, for your information.

the Crop Science division of Bayer released results from an independent market research survey, revealing that the LibertyLink® system was the highest rated trait platform of the year. Growers across 21 states were asked about their level of satisfaction with their soybean trait platforms in a survey conducted by Kynetec. The results also revealed that better control of resistant weeds was the most important factor in a seed trait decision.

Even with new trait platforms launched in 2017, growers clearly preferred LibertyLink. In fact, 97 percent of growers who planted LibertyLink rated it “good” to “excellent.” It beat out both new and established platforms currently on the market.

The study found that while yield is important, a majority of growers pointed to resistant weed control as their top reason for their 2018 seed trait decision.

Growers’ preference for LibertyLink was also reflected in expected acreage for 2018. The research found that LibertyLink acres are projected to increase by more than 25 percent in 2018. Growers across the country anticipate planting more than 17 million acres of LibertyLink soybeans.

In addition, results found that LibertyLink is expected to gain market share in most states, with the largest increases in Missouri, Kansas and Nebraska.

“The results from this research are indicative of the tremendous growth we have seen over the last few years,” said David Tanner, Liberty product manager at Bayer. “LibertyLink has gone from six percent market share in 2015 to an estimated 20 percent in 2018. And as more growers plant more acres of LibertyLink soybeans with the same excellent results, we expect this growth to continue by leaps and bounds.”.

With weed control top of mind as growers make decisions for 2018, the results from the research also found that growers are impressed with the overall performance of Liberty® herbicide and its control of resistant weeds, It was ranked no. 1 by growers for control of the spectrum of broadleaf weeds. Liberty was also rated highly for ease of use and lack of off-target movement.

The study was designed to learn more about what is important to growers when they are making their seed trait decisions and what they think of existing traits on the market. The study surveyed nearly 500 growers across 21 states.

The research, conducted in August 2017, surveyed growers who made seed decisions on their operation. Growers rated their experience with various platforms, what they look for when making planting decisions and their satisfaction with trait and herbicide performance.

“Growers expect both high yields and superior weed control from their soybean trait platforms,” said Jody Wynia, LibertyLink product manager at Bayer. “For years, growers have told us how well the LibertyLink system delivers on those expectations. We are thrilled that the data from this study confirms what we’ve been hearing. Growers have confidence in the LibertyLink system, because of its consistently strong performance.”

For more information about LibertyLink, growers can visit www.cropscience.bayer.us/Liberty-Link or talk to a retailer.
Bayer is committed to bringing new technology and solutions for agriculture and non-agricultural uses. For questions concerning the availability and use of products, contact a local Bayer representative, or visit Crop Science, a division of Bayer, online at www.cropscience.bayer.us.