RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, NC, December 19, 2007 – In a year of increasing demand where every gain in yield counts, on-farm trial results released today by BASF confirm that the outstanding disease control with Plant Health benefits of Headline® fungicide helped corn and soybean growers yield more.
In the more than 1,150 on-farm trials conducted in locations across the country in 2007, the average yield increase of Headline treated corn ranged from 12 to 16 bu/A, while Headline treated soybeans increased by an average of 4 to 8 bu/A. That works out to an extra profit of $34 to $51 per acre for corn growers and $28 to $74 per acre for soybean growers, estimated at current commodity prices and average application costs.*

“Growers are doing the math and they’re finding, on average, a return on investment (ROI) using Headline fungicide that’s upwards of 200% in corn and ranging from 150% to 400% in soybeans,” said Dr. Gary Fellows, technical manager at BASF. “What’s more is the consistency we’ve seen in the average yield advantage numbers over the four years BASF has been doing on-farm comparisons.”

The 2007 results come at the end of a season that saw a strong uptrend in grower interest in Headline fungicide. “Growers were looking for the best technology to maximize their yields and turning to Headline fungicide in record numbers – especially in corn,” said Dr. Fellows. “Given the strength of consistency in yields over time and strong ROI, it’s clear why. Headline is helping growers maximize their output per acre. Headline pays.”

Headline – The most researched fungicide on the market
The thousands of on-farm trials done in 2007 augment the depth of comparison yield data that makes Headline the most researched fungicide on the market. In addition to the millions of acres applied over the past three seasons, Headline has been shown to offer a yield advantage in more than 5,000 on-farm field trials covering more than one-quarter of a million acres.

Missouri grower Kip Cullers does not dispute the proven performance of Headline fungicide. He credits improved Plant Heath from Headline for his world record soybean yield of154.74 bu/A.

“A healthy plant is a happy plant, and applying Headline fungicide is a key step in protecting my soybeans from disease and ensuring Plant Health,” said Cullers. “With Headline, I know I’m helping to get the most out of every plant.”

Growers like Cullers were also impressed with the Plant Health advantages resulting from Headline disease control in their corn and soybean acres. These include better standability, bigger kernels, more pods, increased tolerance to hot and dry conditions and better grain quality. However, the best result is still the bottom line – increased yields and strong ROI.

Demand for U.S. grains continues to rise: Economist
Increased yields are essential to keeping pace with demand, says University of Missouri extension economist Dr. Ron Plain. He sees continued upward demand pressure for U.S. grains.  “Forecasts for the next year show continued growth for domestic and export markets, which means the demand for corn and soybeans continues to grow.”

These are good times for U.S. grain producers looking to capitalize on this economic opportunity, said Dr. Plain. “Because demand is high, crop prices are high and will rise or hold steady into the future – every acre is worth more.” He cites ethanol and biofuel expansion as key drivers of demand, as well as increased demand for food in export markets.

The yield advantage that Headline delivers helped growers meet increased demand. BASF estimates that in 2007, U.S. corn and soybean growers who used Headline produced an additional $450 million worth of grain.

For more information about Headline fungicide and other BASF crop protection products, visit www.agproducts.basf.com.

BASF - The Chemical Company. We don't make a lot of the products you buy. We make a lot of the products you buy better.®
With sales of €3,079 million in 2006, BASF’s Agricultural Products division is a leader in crop protection and a strong partner to the farming industry providing well-established and innovative fungicides, insecticides and herbicides. Farmers use these products and services to improve crop yields and crop quality. Other uses include public health, structural/urban pest control, turf and ornamental plants, vegetation management, and forestry. BASF aims to turn knowledge rapidly into market success. The vision of BASF’s Agricultural Products division is to be the world’s leading innovator, optimizing agricultural production, improving nutrition, and thus enhancing the quality of life for a growing world population. Further information can be found on the web at www.agro.basf.com.
BASF Corporation, headquartered in New Jersey, is the North American affiliate of BASF AG, Ludwigshafen, Germany. BASF employs more than 15,500 in North America and had sales of approximately $14.3 billion in 2006. For more information about BASF’s North American operations, or to sign up to receive news releases by e-mail, visit www.basf.com/usa.

BASF is the world’s leading chemical company: The Chemical Company. Its portfolio ranges from chemicals, plastics, performance products, agricultural products and fine chemicals to crude oil and natural gas. As a reliable partner to virtually all industries, BASF’s high-value products and intelligent system solutions help its customers to be more successful. BASF develops new technologies and uses them to meet the challenges of the future and open up additional market opportunities. It combines economic success with environmental protection and social responsibility, thus contributing to a better future. BASF has approximately 95,000 employees and posted sales of €52.6 billion (approximately $66.1 billion) in 2006. Further information on BASF is available on the Internet at www.basf.com.

* Estimates are based on Chicago Board of Trade March ’08 corn futures of $4.33/bu and January ’08 soybean futures of $11.51/bu on December 13, 2007.
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