In late May, Monsanto Co. announced they planned to purchase the Precision Planting operation from founders Greg and Cindy Sauder.

The Tremont, Ill., company will become part of Monsanto’s Integrated Farming Systems unit, which utilizes advanced agronomic practices, seed genetics and innovative onfarm technology to deliver optimal yield to farmers while using fewer resources.

Precision Planting will remain in Tremont and all Precision employees will be able to continue in their jobs, the companies said. Monsanto agreed to pay $210 million for the business, plus a performance-based payment of up to $40 million.

Precision Planting got its start 20 years ago as the marketing arm for the Keeton Seed Firmer and has had a long history of innovations that optimize planter performance and increase yield potential. The Sauders had a talent for developing planter add-ons to achieve precise depth and spacing to maximize yields and crop performance on their own farm.

Today, the company develops the software, hardware and after-market production equipment to help farmers plant, harvest and analyze data from each field to boost both yield and productivity. 

 “Precision Planting’s goal is to boost yields through equipment innovation,” says Gregg Sauder. “Monsanto delivers yield through genetics and traits. Together, we can develop advanced planting technologies that accurately deliver the optimum genetics to each square foot of soil.”

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