A True Pioneer
Company founder Henry A. Wallace knew a successful yield required more than planting straight rows. His early understanding of corn genetics was a game-changer for farmers who soon realized greater yield and productivity. Through the decades, DuPont Pioneer has remained true to Wallace’s vision, increasing productivity and profitability for our customers using technological innovation.

Our Timeline
2010 Pioneer gains approval to sell Optimum® AcreMax® 1 and Optimum® AcreMax® RW insect protection – the industry's first integrated corn rootworm refuge management solution – and receives U.S. approval for Plenish™ high oleic soybeans
2008 Pioneer introduces Pioneer MarketPoint® website
2008 Pioneer introduces the PROaccessSM strategy to make available its seed genetics to more growers through a network of distributors
2005 Herculex® RW and Herculex® XTRA insect protection are introduced, and Pioneer FIT® Mapping System is launched
2004 Herculex® I insect protection is introduced, and Pioneer acquires Verdia and gene shuffling technology
2002 Pioneer enters into a joint venture to market seed corn in China
2001 Pioneer marks the 75th anniversary of incorporation
1999 DuPont completes purchase of Pioneer
1997 DuPont purchases 20 percent of Pioneer
1996 Pioneer is the first to start a genomics effort in corn
1995 Pioneer stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange
1991 Pioneer becomes the number one brand of soybeans in North America
1990 The use of winter nurseries as product development tools is initiated
1989 The company establishes its own biotechnology team, and South America seed production capacity is expanded.
1982 Pioneer sales representatives use portable data entry systems for seed sales, and annual worldwide sales surpass 10 million units
1981 Pioneer becomes the seed corn market share leader in North America
1973 Pioneer establishes soybean seed operations and becomes a publicly traded company
1971 Pioneer expands operations into Central and South America and Western Europe
1970 The company changes its name to Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc., and establishes a separate overseas subsidiary
1964 Pioneer establishes the first research station outside North America, in Jamaica
1962 Pioneer sorghum operation begins in Plainview, Texas
1957 Pioneer opens the York, Nebraska, research center to enhance research efforts focused upon improving drought tolerance in corn
1952 The “Long Look” business philosophy is written
1950 Pioneer uses electronic data processing to analyze corn yield tests
1949 Annual sales of Pioneer® brand seed corn in North America pass the million-unit mark
1946 Pioneer Hi-Bred Corn Company of Canada is founded
1936 The company changes its name to Pioneer Hi-Bred Corn Company
1926 Henry A. Wallace incorporates the Hi-Bred Corn Company