Farmer Testimonials

Mark Kleyer

Grower, Orange City, IA

I started only farming when I got married, about 24 years ago. I grow corn, soybeans, wheat and alfalfa. My seed dealer approached us about growing Vistive beans for a 40-cent per bushel premium. And at that time, I thought that 40 cents a bushel upon my yield it would be well worth my time. Last year, actually, our yield was three bushels an acre more on our Vistive beans than it was on our conventional beans. They both carried the Roundup Ready trait so weed control wasn't an issue. And we picked up 40 cents a bushel premium so therefore it was well worth our time. If the manufacturers can get enough acres of Vistive beans that they do not need to look elsewhere for palm oil or canola oils. Then if it's a product that could be grown locally; maybe we should all be growing it. If I was to advise another farmer, I would encourage him to grow the Vistive beans. We've had no yield lag, pick up an extra premium, and it's where the industry is headed, if we can provide them with it, it will stay within North America.