Contracting Interview -- Dow AgroSciences
Larry Stenberg, Global Grain Leader, Dow AgroSciences	Dow AgroSciences uses E-Markets AgContract® information management tool as identity preserved corn "infrastructure." Dow AgroSciences has used E-Markets AgContract since 1999 for management of its contracting system for corn hybrids containing Supercede* nutritional traits. Supercede nutritional traits by Dow AgroSciences is a genetics package for corn hybrids going into the feed grains market.

It offers abundant nutrients and higher levels of essential amino acids, including lysine, threonine and methionine, giving growers many advantages over No. 2 yellow corn. Single-cross elite corn hybrids containing Supercede combine competitive yield potential with improved feed value. The site for contract information regarding Supercede enhanced grain was branded by Dow AgroSciences as ChanneLinkä, which is used as the on-line contracting system for Supercede nutritionally enhanced grain. Using ChanneLink: Growers and potential growers can view sample contracts and delivery locations. Channel partners such as grain elevators and seed companies can enter new contracts. Channel partners can edit and manage contracts as well as enter detailed field, production, and weather data that is attached to contracts for Supercede enhanced grain. Grain elevators taking delivery of Supercede grain contracts can enter detailed delivery data and track logistics data as part of the contract delivery process. The net result for Dow AgroSciences is that they are able to begin formation of an infrastructure for managing products all the way through the grain channel. "Contracting is the first step for the industry in creating value for end users through establishing traceability," say Larry Stenberg, Channel Manager at Dow AgroSciences. "End user verification is an increasingly important issue," says Stenberg. "The industry needs to invest in development of the infrastructure to know how grain was produced, where it was produced, which genetics and end use characteristics are a part of the grain, and how the product is delivered." Stenberg says that the ability to tie channel partners of Dow AgroSciences into a real time contracting system has been powerful. "We view ourselves as channel coordinators," he says. "The grain industry is learning that there are many hidden costs to identity preservation, and we are pleased to work with E-Markets to keep those costs out of Supercede programs while delivering the product end user customers desire." *TMTrademark of Dow AgroSciences LLC ®,Trademark, E-Markets, Inc.

Other Interviews

Aurora Cooperative