FLUENCY AGENT

John Deere2014

Background

• The use of planter seed lubricants by growers in vacuum planters is a standard recommendation by planter manufacturers.

• Talc, graphite and talc / graphite combination products reduce seed-to-seed friction and improve uniformity of planting.

• The role of planter lubricants at planting time and it’s effect on the amount of dust released from the planter exhaust has been raised as a possible contributor to exposure to bees.

• As a result of this concern, Bayer CropScience began looking at a possible alternative that would reduce the amount of dust emitted from vacuum planters.

What is Fluency Agent?

• Unique Polyethylene wax based planter seed lubricant

• One container treats 250 seed units of corn and soybean

• Used with all makes and types of planters

• Non-abrasive white powder

• Low use rate – use the right rate

Packaging

• Small plastic pail

• 1/8 cup scoop included

• Contents to treat 250 units of seed

• Treats corn and soybean seed

• Alert on the lid to draw attention to the rate

Rates and Recommendations

Lubricant Recommended Rate per unit of seed (80,000 kernels)

Recommended Rate (mL) per unit of seed (80,000 kernels)

Fluency Agent 1/8 cup 31 mL

John Deere Talc 1/3 cup (minimum rate)1 cup (maximum rate)

83 mL (minimum rate)250 mL (maximum rate)

Graphite Powder 1-3 tablespoons 15-45 mL

Talc/Graphite Blend 1/4 cup 63 mL

Summary of Lab & Field results

Laboratory testing (Grams total dust / 100k seed)

• 90 percent reduction in total dust with Fluency Agent vs. talc

• 65 percent reduction in active ingredient with Fluency Agent vs. talc

Field testing (Confirm performance of Fluency Agent as a planter seed lubricant under Commercial Use Conditions)

• No difference in plantability between different types of planters

• No build up in planting equipment

• Less dust in bottom of seed boxes/hoppers

Fluency Agent and Dust Reduction

80/20 Talc & Graphite Blend Talc

Fluency Agent

Stirring is recommended

• IMPORTANT: Mix the Fluency Agent thoroughly into the seed

• When filling large central fill seed hoppers, add the fluency agent to seed as it is filling the hopper to assure even distribution

Benefits of Bayer Fluency Agent

• Easy to use alternative for talc, graphite and talc/graphite planter seed lubricants

• Can be used with all makes and types of planters

• No impact on planting accuracy

• Reduced risk of potential exposure to non-target insects

Bayer Fluency Agent2014 USA Demo Program

• 526 cases shipped to growers, seed companies and equipment manufacturers.

• 1 case with 4 pails treats 1000 seed units corn/soy• Assumptions: 1 corn seed unit plants 2.5 acres (1.01 hectares),

1.15 soybean seed unit plants 1 acre (0.4 hectares).

• Results tracked via Survey Monkey user survey.

Bayer Fluency Agent2014 USA Demo Program – Survey Results

• As of August 6, 88 users have completed the survey representing 59,455 acres (76.5% corn, 23.5% soy).

• 90% of respondents rated Bayer Fluency Agent equal to or better than their current lubricant (talc, graphite or talc/graphite blend).

• 75% had noticeably less dust

• 29% noted cleaner equipment

• 22% noted better seed flow

• 39% liked the lower use rate

• 94% said that buildup on their planter seed plates or discs was equal to or less than their current lubricant.

Bayer Fluency Agent2014 USA Demo Program – Survey Results

• 99% noted that differences in the condition of their planter mechanism such as wear on disc/plate, etc. was equal to or better than their current lubricant.

• 92% of users said that planter cleanup was equal to or easier than with their current lubricant

• 47% said that Bayer Fluency Agent was easier to clean out of the hopper box.

Fluency Agent positioning

• NEW, easy to use alternative for talc, graphite and talc/graphite planter seed lubricants

• Reduces the risk of potential exposure to foraging honey bees and other pollinators

• Farmer applied product

• Can be used with all makes and types of planters

• Low use rate – use the right rate

US & Canada 2015 plan

Go-to-Market Strategy:

• Direct-ship with John Deere Part number

• Product to include Bayer CropScience label with John Deere bar code

Packaging:

• Box containing 4 x 4.4 lb. plastic pails

• Each 4.4 lb. pail will treat 250 units of seed

• 1/8 cup measuring scoop (1 unit) in each pail

Questions ??

Thank You!