Corn and soybean farmers support Purdue University initiative

Purdue University has the support of two organizations for Indiana corn and soybean farmers for the new plant phenotyping facility at the school.

Phenotyping is the process of identifying and measuring plant characteristics. The Indiana Soybean Alliance is providing $1 million in soybean checkoff funds for the facility at the University’s Agronomy Center for Research and Education. The facility’s construction will be supported via corn checkoff funds in the amount of $1 million from the Indiana Corn Marketing Council.

Research of corn and soybeans in relation to plant phenotyping and technology innovation will be provided by the Indiana Soybean Alliance and the Indiana Corn Marketing Council with each giving $1 million in addition to the $1 million they already pledged.

"The commitment that Indiana's corn and soybean farmers have shown through these two organizations supports a facility that is a fundamental part of the university's long-term strategy to advance research and education in plant sciences," Purdue University President Mitch Daniels said. "It will help both today's and tomorrow's scientists at Purdue discover more ways to help the world meet an increasing demand for food as the population grows rapidly."

Dennis Maple, the president of the Indiana Corn Marketing Council, said he is pleased the project will encourage students to join the agricultural industry.

"We need the best scientists working on corn and soybean issues today and into the future, and our investment at Purdue will ensure that this happens," he said.