Our Heritage
A True Pioneer
Company founder Henry A. Wallace knew a successful yield required more than planting straight rows. His early understanding of corn genetics was a game-changer for farmers who soon realized greater yield and productivity. Through the decades, DuPont Pioneer has remained true to Wallace’s vision, increasing productivity and profitability for our customers using technological innovation.
Our Timeline
| 2010 | Pioneer gains approval to sell Optimum® AcreMax® 1 and Optimum® AcreMax® RW insect protection – the industry's first integrated corn rootworm refuge management solution – and receives U.S. approval for Plenish™ high oleic soybeans |
| 2008 | Pioneer introduces Pioneer MarketPoint® website |
| 2008 | Pioneer introduces the PROaccessSM strategy to make available its seed genetics to more growers through a network of distributors |
| 2005 | Herculex® RW and Herculex® XTRA insect protection are introduced, and Pioneer FIT® Mapping System is launched |
| 2004 | Herculex® I insect protection is introduced, and Pioneer acquires Verdia and gene shuffling technology |
| 2002 | Pioneer enters into a joint venture to market seed corn in China |
| 2001 | Pioneer marks the 75th anniversary of incorporation |
| 1999 | DuPont completes purchase of Pioneer |
| 1997 | DuPont purchases 20 percent of Pioneer |
| 1996 | Pioneer is the first to start a genomics effort in corn |
| 1995 | Pioneer stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange |
| 1991 | Pioneer becomes the number one brand of soybeans in North America |
| 1990 | The use of winter nurseries as product development tools is initiated |
| 1989 | The company establishes its own biotechnology team, and South America seed production capacity is expanded. |
| 1982 | Pioneer sales representatives use portable data entry systems for seed sales, and annual worldwide sales surpass 10 million units |
| 1981 | Pioneer becomes the seed corn market share leader in North America |
| 1973 | Pioneer establishes soybean seed operations and becomes a publicly traded company |
| 1971 | Pioneer expands operations into Central and South America and Western Europe |
| 1970 | The company changes its name to Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc., and establishes a separate overseas subsidiary |
| 1964 | Pioneer establishes the first research station outside North America, in Jamaica |
| 1962 | Pioneer sorghum operation begins in Plainview, Texas |
| 1957 | Pioneer opens the York, Nebraska, research center to enhance research efforts focused upon improving drought tolerance in corn |
| 1952 | The “Long Look” business philosophy is written |
| 1950 | Pioneer uses electronic data processing to analyze corn yield tests |
| 1949 | Annual sales of Pioneer® brand seed corn in North America pass the million-unit mark |
| 1946 | Pioneer Hi-Bred Corn Company of Canada is founded |
| 1936 | The company changes its name to Pioneer Hi-Bred Corn Company |
| 1926 | Henry A. Wallace incorporates the Hi-Bred Corn Company |
