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, Pioneer Hi-Bred 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 |
