Pioneer Researcher Selected as Fellow by Industry Organization

Highest Recognition Bestowed by American Society of Agronomy

NEW ORLEANS, Nov. 8, 2007 - The American Society of Agronomy (ASA) has selected Bob Wych, Ph.D, Pioneer Hi-Bred Parent and Seed Production Research group leader, to receive its highest honor. Wych was named a Fellow during the Society's annual meeting here on Wednesday.

Only a small fraction of the Society's membership base of 8,100 is elected to Fellow each year, placing Wych among an elite group of agricultural researchers around the world. Fellows are selected through an intense nomination and review process that analyzes nominees' achievements in education, research, service and leadership.

"It's an honor to have one of our own recognized by the Society," Ian Grant, Pioneer vice president of maize product development, said. "Bob epitomizes the principles of the Fellowship. His dedication over the last 25 years has helped us improve seed production productivity and reliability."

Joining Pioneer in 1982, he has served numerous roles in Crop Genetics Research and Development and in Supply Management. Today, Wych's international research team is responsible for evaluating the acceptability of new corn inbreds and developing production recommendations for the seed production department of Pioneer.

Wych has also been active outside of Pioneer. He has served on the ASA Agronomic Industry Award Committee; the Crop Science Society of America (CSSA) Crop Science Research Award Committee; the CSSA Membership and Services Committee; and the ASA Fellows Committee. He also served as an associate editor for the Journal of Production Agriculture. Wych has been a member of ASA since 1970.

ASA has been selecting outstanding members to the position of Fellow since 1924. Colleagues within the Society nominate members based upon their professional achievements and meritorious service. The Society Fellows Committee carefully ranks the nominees to determine the final selection.

The American Society of Agronomy (ASA) , the Crop Science Society of America (CSSA) and the Soil Science Society of America (SSSA) are educational organizations helping their 10,000+ members advance the disciplines and practices of agronomy, crop and soil sciences by supporting professional growth and science policy initiatives, and by providing quality, research-based publications and a variety of member services.

Pioneer Hi-Bred, a DuPont business, is the world's leading source of customized solutions for farmers, livestock producers and grain and oilseed processors. With headquarters in Des Moines, Iowa, Pioneer provides access to advanced plant genetics in nearly 70 countries.

DuPont is a science-based products and services company. Founded in 1802, DuPont puts science to work by creating sustainable solutions essential to a better, safer, healthier life for people everywhere. Operating in more than 70 countries, DuPont offers a wide range of innovative products and services for markets including agriculture and food; building and construction; communications; and transportation.

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11/08/07

Contact:
Jo Patterson
800-247-6803, Ext. 5705