Bayer to Combine Regional Seed Brands

DECATUR, Ill. (DTN) -- Bayer has announced it will combine 10 regional seed brands into its Channel seed lineup. The regional brands begin shifting to a portfolio of enhanced Channel products in 2024, a Bayer spokesperson told DTN.

Brands being transitioned are:

-- Jung Seed Genetics -- Wisconsin

-- Kruger Seeds -- Iowa

-- Stone Seed Group -- Illinois

-- Fontenelle -- Nebraska

-- Stewart -- Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio

-- Lewis -- Missouri, Illinois, Kansas

-- Hubner Seed -- Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia, New York, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, Connecticut

-- Gold Country Seed -- Minnesota

-- Rea Hybrids -- North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota

-- Specialty -- Indiana, Michigan, Ohio

Dekalb, Asgrow, Deltapine and WestBred brands will not be influenced by the consolidation. Corn States also remains Bayer's trait provider arm.

A company statement said the move was a way to provide an improved experience for customers who prefer to make their purchases through a seed professional, under a new, enhanced Channel brand.

Customers will continue to receive agronomic support through local seedsmen and regional brand dealers, all under the new Channel brand, according to the company statement.

"While this change will affect some of our brands and people, the vast majority of our business will not be impacted. This is not a decision we take lightly, and we have structured this evolution to minimally impact our employees and partners. We have communicated with all affected parties and are committed to transparency throughout this process," the company statement read.

Pamela Smith can be reached at Pamela.smith@dtn.com

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