SE Cotton Breeding Gets $4M Boost from Bayer

by Laura Calugar

Dawson, Ga.—Bayer, the third-largest innovative agricultural input company in the world, is ready to begin extensive research and development at its recently opened $4.4 million, 150-acre, Southeast cotton breeding facility in Dawson. The innovative factory relies on a history of cotton varieties brought to market through its Stoneville and FiberMax brands. Recently, the facility celebrated the harvest of its first research crop.

Cotton growing in Dawson, Ga.

The Cotton Breeding Station will employ 10 to 15 people who will work with a larger global team to promote advanced research on genetics, chemistry and traits to provide holistic agricultural solutions to customers around the world. In addition to the full-time employees, many area residents will be hired each year to assist with planting and harvesting activities.

The breeding station is part of Bayer’s commitment to invest nearly $1 billion in the U.S. between 2013-2016 in new facilities and capital expansion to complement the approximately $1 billion invested globally in research and development annually.

“This facility will bring together significant scientific and technology resources to support the advancement of the agricultural industry, specifically for cotton seed trait and plant research,” Mike Gilbert, vice president and head of global breeding and trait development for Bayer, said in a prepared statement.

Bayer offers integrated crop solutions in a range of products from seeds and traits, to chemical and biological protection products and services.

Image courtesy of Bayer