Exports, price increases fuel Dow Agro profit

Dow AgroSciences, the Indianapolis-based agricultural arm of Dow Chemical Co., saw profit leap to $331 million in the first quarter from $282 million a year earlier due to internal growth and acquisitions.

Sales increased 27 percent, to $1.3 billion, on price increases averaging 11 percent across its global footprint, particularly in Europe and Latin America.

Seeds and chemicals both sold well.

The positive numbers came despite weakness in domestic markets and what the company called unprecedented increases in feedstock and energy prices.

Dow AgroSciences employs about 1,000 workers on the far northwest side. Dow Chemical is headquartered in Midland, Mich.