Some may have had a chance to go through Monsanto’s Mobile Technology Unit (MTU) on a cotton field day this last fall. But for those who didn’t, the MTU is making the scene at the 2009 Beltwide Cotton Conferences, starting Monday, Jan. 5, in San Antonio.
Beltwide attendees can go on tours of the MTU Jan. 5-8, Monday through Thursday, during 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.
The 53-foot unit has 1,000 square feet of exhibit space. It has been traveling across the United States—playing host to farmer groups while appearing at trade shows, field days, and other special events.
Bill Kosinksi, Ph.D., agricultural educator, Monsanto, says the mobile unit has been on the road about 18 months—since June 2007.
The MTU gives visitors a close-up look at the latest innovations in plant breeding and biotechnology designed to help farmers be successful.
Once inside the MTU, farmers view a video featuring NFL quarterback and Iowa farm owner Kurt Warner. After that, they take a guided tour through exhibit areas in another room, which feature displays, videos, and interactive elements. Those include breeding, crop analytics, biotechnology, trait development, and research and development. Besides cotton, those producers who also grow corn can learn about the corn pipeline too. Visitors also can get briefed on the oilseed program.
“As a company focused solely on agriculture, Monsanto is committed to helping farmers be successful,” says Ernesto Fajardo, Monsanto’s U.S. Business Lead. “That is why we are strong 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.”
Dr. Robb Fraley, Monsanto chief technology officer, emphasizes that the new product innovation is driven by pursuing both seed breeding and biotechnology on parallel pathways. He notes the effort is aimed at ultimate performance.