Monsanto’s Earnings Rose 22% on Strong Corn Seed Demand

Apr 03, 2013

Monsanto Co. reports its fiscal second-quarter earnings jumped to 22% as the increased demand for corn seed coupled with increased demand for genetically modified seed traits drove sale growth surpassing previous expectations. Monsanto also raised its full-year earnings by 10 cents $4.40 to $4.50 a share.

Monsanto’s revenue has done fairly well over the past couple of years as crop prices have been relatively high and U.S. farmers are willing to pay a premium for seeds that tend to do better in drought-like conditions. The company has also seen growth in its South America market, which has seen a shift in demand towards purchasing genetically modified seeds. Revenue from the seeds and genomics division rose 11% to $4.35 billion. The agricultural productivity/crop production division had a 37% increase to $1.13 billion.

Late last month, DuPont signed a $1.75 billion licensing agreement with Monsanto as part of a series of licencing agreement on genetically modified seed technology.

Video: Dr. Emerson Nafziger: Nitrogen Fertilizer Rates for Corn

The Crop Science Podcast Show, Dr. Emerson Nafziger from the University of Illinois breaks down decades of nitrogen research. From the evolution of N rate guidelines to how soil health and hybrid genetics influence nitrogen use efficiency, this conversation unpacks the science behind smarter fertilization. Improving how we set nitrogen fertilizer rates for rainfed corn is a key focus. Discover why the MRTN model matters more than ever, and how shifting mindsets and better data can boost yields and environmental outcomes. Tune in now on all major platforms!

"The nitrogen that comes from soil mineralization is the first nitrogen the plant sees, and its role is underestimated."

Meet the guest:

Dr. Emerson Nafziger is Professor Emeritus of Crop Sciences at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, with degrees in agronomy from Ohio State, Purdue, and Illinois. His research has focused on nitrogen rate strategies and crop productivity. He co-developed the Maximum Return to Nitrogen (MRTN) model, which is widely used across the Midwest. His research spans N response trials, hybrid interactions, crop rotation effects, and yield stability.