Providing the foundation for maximum yield

Farmers’ ultimate goal is to turn every seed into a plant. To achieve this, they need high-quality seeds. This is what they rely on their seed producers and treaters for. Supported by Bayer’s SeedGrowth experts, the Uruguayan company Kilafen provides farmers with seeds tailored to their needs.

Wheat, barley, soybean, and pasture grass. Different plants with different purposes, but one thing in common: they depend on high-quality seeds for a high yield. Located in Nueva Palmira, Uruguay, Kilafen has been producing, processing, and treating seeds since 2003 to supply its rural customers with what they need. Kilafen’s challenge is to provide farmers with exactly the right components to prevent fungal diseases and insect damage. Their method is treating the seedlings with suitable products.

“Above all, we are farmers. That’s why we know exactly what farmers need and can manage every step of the supply chain in the seed business for them,” says Alberto Capurro, Kilafen’s operations manager. What does that entail? Growing seeds, processing them, treating them, and – finally – selling them to farmers and providing them with the service and knowledge they need. But one thing the company isn’t capable of on its own is manufacturing the products to treat the seeds with.

They therefore found a qualified partner in SeedGrowth. “We wanted a partner who is an expert in areas we’re not,” explains Capurro. In the case of Bayer, Kilafen chose them for their ability to provide treatment expertise and service if the machines stop working.

“Not only do we need advice about which treatment equipment to buy, we also need training on how to use the equipment as well as a lot of support – visits and recommendations on how to incorporate the equipment into our production chain,” says Capurro. He says treatment machines are the most complex elements in their process. Knowing more about the machines, the products used, and correct handling procedures ultimately results in the high-quality seeds that Kilafen wants to offer its customers to help them achieve better crops and higher yields.

The SeedGrowth approach to delivering products and solutions supported by extensive seed treatment expertise fits exactly with Kilafen’s needs. They can take advantage of an all-inclusive package of products – chemical and biological – and services. Roland Gallow, Global Segment Manager Soybeans at Bayer, sees it as his task to supply customers with continued assistance, training, and technical support. “If there is a sudden breakdown, Bayer can respond in no time at all.”

The advantages are mutual. If farmers gain higher yields using Kilafen’s products, their confidence in the Bayer brand grows. And Kilafen also has a lot to bring into the mix. With its good connections to farmers all over Uruguay, Kilafen’s customer relationships are on another level. “We can help farmers because we communicate with them on a daily basis. They talk to us about their concerns and problems, so we can tell Bayer exactly what they need,” says Capurro.