Reaching 100 years in business is a rare milestone in any industry. For Pioneer, it is something to celebrate.
The seed company marked its centennial at Canada’s Outdoor Farm Show with daily celebrations, including cake for visitors. The company also released limited-edition swag marking the achievement.
Loralee Orr, Pioneer’s Canadian commercial unit leader, said the achievement is the result of a combination of factors.
“The Canadian farmer and the folks that we work with are so grounded, down to earth and it feels like everybody works collectively for the success of others.”
Loralee Orr, Pioneer Canada commercial unit leader
“We have innovative products that have advanced yield, performance, traits and technology throughout that time frame,” Orr said.
She said the company has built pride in the brand, which is reflected in the people who educate farmers about its products.
She also said Canadians are a unique part of the Pioneer story. The company has had a presence in Canada for the past 80 years.
“The Canadian farmer and the folks that we work with are so grounded, down to earth and it feels like everybody works collectively for the success of others,” she said.
While competition remains among industry brands, she said the focus is on competing to be better and “not to push each other down.”
As Canada continues to expand its presence in the global market, Orr said the country is prepared to adapt.
“I think there are some things that are really consistent, and one of them is our approach to the market, which is people-led,” she said, adding that Pioneer works to maintain a strong presence in local communities through innovation, development and testing.
Orr said the company continues to change to meet new technological and environmental pressures such as disease or insects.
She noted the company has several new products in the pipeline including a five-trait corn slated to be unveiled in the next seven years.
Orr added that COFS is an important part of Pioneer’s connection to farmers.
“It’s an incredible event to see. You get a strong sense of how the crop is looking, and you get an opportunity to take a breath and thank people for the business they do with us,” she said.
Look for more coverage of Pioneer’s 100th-anniversary milestones in an upcoming issue of Farmtario.
Follow all of our coverage at Canada’s Outdoor Farm Show.
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