Corn Share Program Teaches Young Farmers To Grow Their Own Crop.

Young farmers walking their fields with DuPont Pioneer this season

Fifteen to 18-year-old farmers have the opportunity to plant their own corn crop with the 2014 DuPont Pioneer Corn Share for the third year running. Corn Share started as a pilot program in 2012, with 18 participants in Perth and Huron counties. Last year, it grew to include 123 young farmers from across the province. Pioneer expects even higher numbers this year.

Corn Share gives next-generation farmers an opportunity to learn the fundamentals of field corn production from experts outside of the family farm. They’ll grow at least 10 acres of Pioneer® brand corn while learning about agronomy, farm management, and yield factors from Pioneer’s expert field team throughout the season.

"Corn Share builds on something many growers are already doing with their sons and daughters," said Dave Brand, area sales manager, DuPont Pioneer. "The idea came from our customers – who were looking to provide their children learning opportunities beyond the family farm, where they could learn from experts other than their parents."

Participants will attend four in-field sessions with Pioneer staff and share what they’ve learned with each other at a harvest wrap-up meeting.

Corn Share programs will run across the province with the first meetings occurring throughout April. Start dates vary by location, so interested participants are encouraged to contact their local Pioneer sales rep for more information.