Bayer CropScience to open wheat breeding station in Nebraska

Bayer CropScience is moving forward with plans to develop a new North American wheat breeding station and has entered into an agreement to lease and option to purchase 400 acres of land near Goehner, Neb., located 30 miles west of Lincoln in Seward County.

The company will take possession of the land on May 1, 2012, and will develop the site as a focal point for Bayer CropScience's wheat breeding program in North America.

"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," said Edward Souza, Global Wheat Breeding Manager for Bayer CropScience. "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 2010, Bayer CropScience AG and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln signed a nonexclusive 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.

Bayer CropScience announces plans to move forward with breeding facility near Goehner, Neb.

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," stated 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.