DM Crop Research Group, Inc. is based in rural Polk County, Iowa, just outside of Granger. We are adjacent to the greater Des Moines area and near Iowa State University. We have a quality laboratory facility and adequate growth chamber space for insect assays and small scale insect production.Since its founding, the company has provided valuable research and consulting services to multi-national seed and agricultural biotechnology companies, start-up technology companies, regional seed companies, and industry associations.
Meet The Leadership Team
DM Crop Research Group, Inc. was founded in 2002 by its President Dr. Dan Moellenbeck. Dan leads the agronomy and entomology field and laboratory research programs, and provides consulting services in the areas of input trait product development. Prior to founding DM Crop Research Group, Inc., Dan worked at Pioneer Hi-Bred International where he developed and coordinated an industry leading research program focused on discovery and development of traits for insect protection and herbicide resistance. The program evolved to provide global regulatory science for insect and herbicide resistant seed products.
Prior to Pioneer, Dan was a Research Scientist with the USDA-ARS Plant Genetics Research Unit in Columbia, MO working on the identification and development of native pest-resistance traits in maize. Dan's formal education includes a BS in Biometry from Iowa State University and a PhD in Entomology in Host Plant Resistance with a minor in Experimental Statistics from Louisiana State University. He is currently an adjunct faculty member of the Department of Entomology at the University of Nebraska and a Board Certified Entomologist as designated by the Entomological Society of America.
Dr. Steve Lefko joined DM Crop Research Group, Inc. as Vice President in 2009 after 10 years of success contributing to global product development and registration of insect-protected crops. Steve leads our global consulting services focused on development, registration and stewardship of input traits and strengthens our overall research services. Prior to joining us, Steve was responsible for Pioneer Hi-Bred International's Input Trait Lifecycle Management team focused on development and registration of insect-protected seed products. A broad understanding of the industry stems from an earlier role providing scientific solutions to Pioneer's team of global regulatory managers.
Before Pioneer, Steve managed a Crop Protection research team at Monsanto Company responsible for development of transgenic traits for insect control. His academic training includes a BS in Systems Ecology from SUNY – ESF and MS and PhD in Applied Insect Ecology and Economic Entomology from Iowa State University.
DM Crop Research Group, Inc. also has an experienced advisory team and maintains a global network of dependable associates that widen the range of our research and consulting services.
Field Sites
We have expanded our research capabilities from a single location in 2003 to a multi-location business with potential testing sites spread across much of the corn belt. We have also developed testing capabilities in Puerto Rico to provide off-season testing and seed production services.
Central Iowa – We have a series of Central Iowa sites that can be utilized for small plot research and corn breeding nurseries. Our seed processing facility and insect assay laboratory are located at our Granger, IA location.
Scott County, Iowa – We access several isolated and non-isolated field plots near the town of Walcott, Iowa. This site is geared towards corn and soybean research, but forage and small grain plots are also available.
Northern Iowa/Southern Minnesota - We have research sites in Mitchell, Hancock, and Kossuth counties in Iowa and Mower County in Minnesota. This highly productive corn and soybean region offers excellent Northern Corn Rootworm testing opportunities and a suitable environment for material adapted to the northern portion of the Corn belt.
Off-season Sites – We provide off-season testing, and nursery, and seed increase services and support in Puerto Rico.
Client Sites - We can also provide our field research services at your sites. Our activities at client sites and our insect population collecting activities take us throughout the Midwest.
Rootworm Emergence Study |
Litter Bag Trap for NTO studies |
