Leading the Ag Analytics Revolution

The Syngenta Good Growth Through Advanced Analytics program has won the 2015 Institute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences (INFORMS) Franz Edelman Award. Now in its 44th year, the award is the world’s most prestigious recognition of excellence in applying advanced analytics to benefit business and humanitarian outcomes.

“People typically talk about the art of plant breeding,” says Joseph Byrum, Syngenta head of soybean seeds product development. “We’re interested in the science.”

The Good Growth Through Advanced Analytics program is a Syngenta soybean breeding team initiative that uses advanced mathematics and state-of-the-art technologies to develop higher-yielding soybean varieties. By increasing genetic gain, which is the rate at which a breeder makes genetic improvements to yield, the program is improving soybean variety accuracy, selection intensity, genetic variation and generation time, all without using more land, water or inputs.

Growers are already achieving better yield results in the field because of the program. For example, in 2013, Soy Capital Ag Services, an independent farm management company, tested 20 soybean varieties. NK^® Soybeans from Syngenta dominated the field trials, placing first, second and third for the highest yield. In 2014 trials, NK varieties once again earned the top three spots for yield.

“We at Syngenta are committed to addressing the global food security challenge,” says Byrum. “Agricultural productivity must increase in order to feed a global population. It’s an honor for our team to receive the Edelman Award and be recognized for our efforts to make crops more efficient.”