(ORANGE CITY) — The building is finished and the research has begun. Pioneer Hi Bred’s research station in Orange City is fully functional, and the company is ready to show the public what’s inside the 26,000 square foot facility with seminars and an open house tomorrow. (Thursday)
Construction on the facility began last fall and test plots went in just north of town this spring. Research scientist Eric Riedeman explains what the company is looking to accomplish in regards to the development of new seed corn hi-breds.
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There are 3 other research stations in Iowa. Riedeman says that Pioneer has been doing testing in this area for a number of years, but felt they needed more in depth information. That’s why they added the Orange City research station, which monitors plots in the surrounding area in addition to the plot outside the city.
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The company currently staffs 7 full time employees with possibilities for more. Part time seasonal workers are also needed, including the over 30 high school students that helped with pollination efforts this summer.
Tomorrows activities include an invite-only crop improvement tour and an open house in the evening for the general public. Riedeman explains.
Listen here
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The open house is from 5-8pm with the Orange City Chamber of Commerce ribbon cutting at 6pm. The new Pioneer Hi Bred Research facility is located in the industrial park on K64 behind Pizza Ranch headquarters, just south of town.
