Bayer CropScience opens $17-million R&D facility near Lincoln, Nebraska

Bayer CropScience on Wednesday celebrated the opening of its new $17-million research and development facility near Lincoln, Nebraska, to help the company deliver breakthrough wheat and soybean varieties with improved technologies and genetics.

The Beaver Crossing and Trait Development Station reflects the company’s commitment to support growers throughout the Great Plains and worldwide; it is a cornerstone of the company’s plans to invest more than $1 billion in wheat research and development over 10 years.

Nebraska Gov. Pete Ricketts and State Sen. Mark Koltermann joined Bayer CropScience executives and employees in a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the facility.

Bayer CropScience Global Seeds Head Frank Terhorst said wheat and soybean crops play an integral role in strengthening Nebraska’s agriculture industry and its economy.

“Through Beaver Crossing, we are expressing our commitment to use the latest scientific research and development to support the continued health of these valuable crops,” Terhorst said. "Seeds innovations cultivated here will provide growers with the innovative tools necessary to meet a growing worldwide demand for food and will provide industry leadership in sustainable crops.“

Ricketts said Bayer CropScience’s investment in the Beaver Crossing Breeding and Trait Development Station represents the best of what Nebraska agriculture has to offer.

“We are very fortunate to have such a strong partnership that advances our state’s national agricultural leadership, and I look forward to the advancements made here that will change our future for the better both locally and globally,” Ricketts said.