Monsanto Co., the world’s largest seed company reported higher-than-expected quarterly earnings on Wednesday.Profits climbed 13 per cent. The company earned $1.6 billion or $13.15 a share in the quarter. Analysis had predicted it would go to $3.07 a share.The company’s corn and soybean business expansion put its earnings over the top.Interestingly, the global seed giant is expanding its market opportunities in Eastern Europe and Latin America, which is helping to grow the corn segment of its business.Monsanto predicts that corn demand will surge worldwide with population increases and the rise of the middle class.The market’s reaction to the report was mixed. Some investors were hopping that the company would have raised its outlook. Monsanto’s shares were up 1.4 per cent in afternoon trading.