13 Farmers Win Golden Seed Incentive to Kick Off the Next 100 Years of Pioneer

JOHNSTON, Iowa — Thirteen lucky corn growers started the season off with an unforgettable surprise when they discovered their Pioneer^® brand corn seed had a special gold-colored seed treatment, signifying they had won the Golden Seed incentive. The winners will receive a once-in-a-lifetime immersive tour of the Pioneer seed product development journey.

Pioneer announced the Golden Seed incentive last year in celebration of farmers planting the 100th season of Pioneer brand corn. The golden seed was randomly shipped to Pioneer customers in a standard Pioneer PROBOX^® or seed bag, and farmers found the surprise when they began loading planters this spring. The winners will take an exclusive tour of the Pioneer Global Seed Business Center in Johnston, Iowa, and product development facilities in Hawaii in early 2027.

Golden Seed incentive winners were from: Anamosa and Somers, Iowa; Ava, Mason City and Saint Anne, Illinois; Conestoga, Pennsylvania; Fremont and Wakefield, Nebraska; Marshall and Maywood, Missouri; Perryton, Texas; Shelbyville, Indiana; and Williamston, Michigan.

The winning farmers experienced surprise and delight when they opened their seed deliveries this season. Roger Monroe of Shelbyville, Indiana, was loading a planter with his grandson when they discovered the seed.

“My grandson opened the bag and asked me why it looked different than the other seed,” Monroe said. “I was shocked to see it, but I started grinning from ear to ear. I told him it meant Grandma and Grandpa were going to Hawaii.”

Monroe said he’s planted Pioneer brand corn for most of his career because of the excellent hybrids and yield potential, plus a knowledgeable dealer who helps him select products for his farm.

Golden Seed incentive winner Scott Turner of Williamston, Michigan, said it was the perfect way to start off a special season. Like Pioneer, Turner’s family farm also celebrates its 100th anniversary this year. His great-grandfather started the farm in 1926, and Turner continues the legacy as a fourth-generation farmer. Pioneer has been a part of his farm’s story as long as Turner can remember.

“One hundred years is a long time, and anything that lasts that long is impressive. As a farm, we’ve grown with the right mindset and the right principles,” Turner said. “I think Pioneer has had success for similar reasons — integrity, quality of product and fair pricing — and that really resonates with us. It’s no surprise Pioneer is No. 1, because they operate with those principles.”

Nate Johansen, Pioneer North American sales and agronomy excellence leader, congratulated the winners and said he was excited to see the 100th harvest of Pioneer brand corn later this season.

“The Golden Seed incentive winners have shared great stories about how they discovered the seed and what it means to them and their families. We look forward to hosting them on a once-in-a-century experience to our facilities in Iowa and Hawaii,” Johansen said. “Our customers have made 100 years of Pioneer possible, and we are grateful for their business and for the opportunity to celebrate with them this year. Best wishes to all our customers who are planting the 100th year of Pioneer brand corn.”

Throughout the summer, Pioneer will hold Century of Innovation plot tours, showcasing seed products and innovations that defined each era of modern farming. Century of Innovation plots will include historic hybrids, such as Henry A. Wallace’s Copper Cross and the legendary Pioneer 354. Pioneer also offers a virtual tour where growers can experience the Century of Innovation plot at their convenience.

For more information about Century of Innovation plot tours, growers are encouraged to contact their Pioneer sales representative. To experience the Century of Innovation virtual plot tour, go to www.pioneer.com/us/100year/centuryofinnovation.html.

Roger Monroe of Shelbyville, Indiana, was one of 13 winners of the Golden Seed incentive celebrating the 100-year anniversary of Pioneer^® brand corn. The Golden Seed incentive winners will receive an exclusive tour of the Pioneer business and product development locations in Iowa and Hawaii in early 2027.