INDIANPOLIS, Ind. — Representatives from some of the top seed companies that serve growers in this region say they will offer special financing plans for upcoming seed purchases in light of the drought.

Two companies, Monsanto and DuPont Pioneer, said farmers who are regular customers should contact them directly to discuss special seed financing options for the 2013 growing season.

“We have a huge portfolio of loans for folks that we’ve done business with for more than 20 years, and many of those are individualized relationships that we keep confidential, of course,” said Brad Lance, the business director for DuPont Pioneer’s Illinois-Indiana unit.

“Therefore, we’ve established a long history for lending with folks for seed purchases, and with the significant event we’ve had this year, we can make arrangements for folks buying in through October and November. We will work with them on an individualized basis.”

Financing assistance and special prepay options are being offered by St. Louis-based Monsanto, and the company is asking farmers to contact the company for specific details. The company also is doubling the amount of money it will contribute to eligible drought-stricken communities through its America’s Farmers Grow Communities program – up to $5 million for 2013.

Farmers who participate and win can designate a donation of $2,500 to an eligible community group, such as an FFA chapter or food pantry, with an extra $2,500 going to another entity in the name of additional drought relief.

Mike Stern, head of Monsanto’s Row Crops Division, said, “We want to help ease the minds of our farmer-customers who have been hit hard by this year’s drought.

“We also recognize the economic impact that a devastating drought can have on communities where farmers live and work. This is why we’re providing disaster relief through additional funding of our America’s Farmers Grow Communities program, that will directly assist those drought-stricken counties.”

Family-owned Beck’s Hybrids, based in Atlanta, Ind., is emphasizing to growers that the company will have an adequate supply of corn and soybean seed for the 2013 season. “Because we were prepared for unfortunate weather, we’re able to reassure our customers that we will have an adequate seed supply for 2013 planting,” said firm President Sonny Beck. “As an independent seed company, we can make decisions quickly, giving our customers an advantage to access the best performing seed products, developed for their farm.”