Roughrider Genetics® is a trademarked brand name for the controlled licensing program established solely for the marketing of seed of proprietary-trait-containing crop varieties owned and managed by the NDSU Research Foundation (NDSU/RF).  The NDSU/RF is a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation.

Mission:
Through the Roughrider Genetics® licensing program, the NDSU/RF seeks to serve producers in the Northern Great Plains by providing highly demanded trait technologies in crop varieties developed by the NDSU breeding programs.  Contractural obligations with trait owners including strict reporting requirements and fee collection require a controlled licensing program for the distribution of trait-containing varieties.  Roughrider Genetics® provides a vehicle to deliver these beneficial varieties to producers in the Northern Plains.

Licensing:
Under a research agreement with Monsanto® the NDSU Soybean Breeding program is developing soybean varieties containing the Roundup Ready® trait.  Like other NDSU crop varieties, ownership of Roundup Ready® soybean varieties released by the NDSU Agriculture Experiment Station is assigned to the NDSU/RF.  The NDSU/RF has licensed-in the rights to commercialize varieties containing the Roundup Ready® trait technologies.  In compliance with its license agreement with Monsanto, the NDSU/RF uses a controlled licensing program with selected seedsmen to produce and market Roundup Ready® soybean varieties under the Roughrider Genetics® brand.  Although more controlled, the seed distribution system for Roughrider Genetics® varieties is very similar to other NDSU/RF crop varieties.  Foundation class seed is produced by the NDSU Foundation Seedstocks Project and distributed to this select group of Licensed Growers who have met strict selection criteria and are licensed to produce and market Certified class seed of Roughrider Genetics® varieties to farmers.  Roughrider Genetics® licensed growers or their dealers may only sell Roundup Ready® soybean seed of these varieties to farmers who have signed a Monsanto License and who are eligible to purchase Roundup Ready® soybean seed.  This is similar to the Monsanto requirements for privately sold Roundup Ready® soybean varieties.

New Seed Value:
Purchasing new seed is a convenient way to ensure that you are planting high-quality seed that will help maximize yield. University and private company research has shown that new soybean seed out-yields bin-run seed. Since all Roughrider Genetics® seed is Certified you can rest assured that every lot is handled by professional seedsmen and is rigorously tested. Buying new seed provides peace of mind in knowing that the seed you are planting has dramatically fewer splits and foreign matter, is weed free, and has been tested for germination and varietal purity.

Consider the economics of buying new seed versus bin-run seed. The average loss associated with cleanout is 10-15% for bin-run soybeans, and bin-run planting rates are generally 15% higher than new seed. Buying new seed also saves you that hassle and expense of transportation and handling.

There are some limited warranty-benefits associated with buying new seed. Ask your seed dealer about agronomic support before and after the sale. Couple your purchase with Roundup® herbicide and you can participate in the Roundup Rewards® program which has paid out over $500M to growers since 1997.

Buying new seed also supports new innovations. Roughrider Genetics® and Monsanto are committed to the success of soybean growers in the Northern Great Plains. Consider your new seed purchase an investment in your future as royalties provide for research and development of new traits and higher yielding germplasm.

Seed containing the Roundup Ready® gene cannot be saved for replanting.

All Roundup Ready® soybeans are protected under U.S. patents. Saving Roundup Ready® soybean seed for replanting is a violation of these patents and could result in loss of future technologies and their benefits for the soybean industry. A person who helps a grower save Roundup Ready® soybean seed for replanting is contributing to the violation of the terms under which the seed was sold.

“A grower who asks to have Roundup Ready® Soybean seed cleaned is putting the seed cleaner and himself at risk."