West Lebanon, Indiana, USA
September 28, 2009
Good food and farming information were not the only draws to HubnerFest at the Hubner Seed facilities in West Lebanon, Indiana, earlier this month. More than 200 people had the opportunity to learn more about marketing through an Internet-based Webinar, bid on antique tractors and some even rode in a helicopter.
“We offered VIP rides in a helicopter to some of our customers,” says Doug Hubner, Midwest regional sales manager. “Several farmers were able to scout their fields from the sky prior to harvest, and see where they may have wet spots, thin stands or even downed corn from storms or stalk rot – all good information to make future production decisions. The feedback was so tremendous, we may repeat it next year.”
Hubner says both customers and potential customers were on hand during the morning to tour fields and learn more about GenuityTM seed traits, including new SmartStaxTM corn and Roundup Ready 2 YieldTM soybeans. Hubner will offer both in 2010. The field tours allowed farmers to learn more about Monsanto’s Sustainable Yield Initiative and plans to help farmers double yields by 2030. Participants also enjoyed touring the Hubner plant to see how seed is handled from the field through processing, conditioning and bagging.
“My father and Hubner Seed founder, Bob Hubner, is an engineer by trade. He has also worked in construction. He designed and built our processing facilities. We enjoyed showing farmers the systems we have in place,” says Doug. “It helps farmers understand that becoming one of their most profitable relationships is what we’re all about.”
Helping build profitability was part of the special grain marketing presentation held during HubnerFest as well. Commodity advisor Alan Kluis made three presentations during the day via remote video. The Beef House, Covington, Ind., catered lunch.
“The conclusion to our day was an antique tractor auction. One of our neighboring farmers, Mahlon White, auctioned several of his antique tractors and plans to donate his proceeds to charity,” says Doug. “He had a good turnout for the event, and we were pleased to be able to provide a venue for him to make his sale a reality.”
Hubner Seed Company, Inc., is a family-operated producer and retailer of high-quality, high-performance seed for corn, soybean, wheat and alfalfa growers located east of the Mississippi. Through local knowledge and personalized seed solutions, Hubner strives to maximize farm potential and become the farmer’s most profitable relationship.
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