2014 PFR Partners - Beck's Hybrids Literature/PFR...2014 PFR Partners This publication is a summary...
Transcript of 2014 PFR Partners - Beck's Hybrids Literature/PFR...2014 PFR Partners This publication is a summary...
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2014 PFR Partners
This publication is a summary of Beck’s Hybrids 2014 agronomic research managed by
the Central IL Practical Farm Research Center located near Downs, IL. Management
options for farming operations are endless, and farmers don’t have time to evaluate all
procedures or new technologies. On-farm research is costly, time consuming, and often
confusing. That’s why we developed our Practical Farm Research (PFR)® Partner
program. This program conducts different studies across multiple locations on growers’
actual farms to learn how different management practices and new technologies
perform in their own field environments. Simply put, it’s research focused with the
farmer in mind.
Beck’s CILPFR research team conducted various on-farm agronomic trials in corn and
soybeans throughout Illinois. All agronomic trials were managed and directed by Jason
Webster, Central IL Practical Farm Research Director along with Operations Lead
Clayton Stufflebeam and PFR Assistant Ben Arteman.
2014 Central IL PFR Team (L to R)
Jason Webster, Will Hogan, Guy Hainline, Ben Arteman, Erin Heidrick, Clayton Stufflebeam, Mark Plunk
Introduction
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2014 PFR Partners
Nitrogen Management Studies 4
Under-Application N Rate 7-9
Over Application N Rate 10-18
V10 N Timing Trials 19-21
AgLeader OptRx® Variable Rate N 22-25
360 Y-Drop™
N Placement 26-29
Urea Topdress 30-32
V5 Corn Fungicide Trials 34-38
VT Corn Fungicide Trials 39-49
CropKarb® Corn Trials 50
Soil-Applied Insecticide 51-53
Carbon Penalty 54
Elixor™
55
Start Right 56
SUL4R-Plus® 57
Site-Specific Multi-Hybrid Corn Planting 58-66
TrackTill 67-68
Soybean Fungicide 69-75
CropKarb® Soybean Trials 76
InstaGro Soybean Trails 77
Site-Specific Multi-Variety Soybean Planting 78-80
Table of Contents
OptRx® is a registered trademark of Ag Leader Technology. Y-Drop™ is a trademark of 360 Yield Center, LLC. CropKarb® is a registered
trademark of McRight Services, LLC. Elixor™ is a trademark of Biovante, LLC. SUL4R-PLUS® is a registered trademark of Charah, Inc.
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2014 PFR Partners
BECK’S Nitrogen Management Studies
OptRx® is a registered trademark of Ag Leader Technology. Y-Drop™ is a trademark of 360 Yield Center, LLC. Factor® is a registered trade-
mark of Midtech R&D and distributed by Rosen’s, Inc.
These trials were designed to compare multiple types of nitrogen management
programs to the growers’ normal nitrogen management systems. The nitrogen
components that we will evaluate in this trial consist of nitrogen rate, timing, form, and
placement. This study was designed as an agronomic segment of Beck’s PFR Partner
Program, which cooperates with Beck’s customers to conduct agronomic research on
their own farms. A PFR Director works with each PFR Partner or cooperator to develop
agronomic protocols and then implements the plan in cooperation with the grower.
These nitrogen trials include evaluation of:
Under-Application of -30 lb. N/A.
Over-Application of +30 lb. N/A.
Over-Application of +60 lb. N/A.
V10 Timing vs. grower’s normal
OptRx® Variable Rate Nitrogen
360 Y-Drop™ System Placement
Dry Urea Topdress
CILPFR Intern Erin Heidrick with PFR Partner Greg Pfeifer
The protocols in this particular study are constant, with the exception of the grower’s
normal nitrogen program, which can change at each trial site. Each treatment consists
of the same total rate of nitrogen as the grower’s normal, with the exception of the
OptRx treatment, which variable rate applies based upon plant needs.
Nitrogen stabilizers were used on all treatments that surface-applied nitrogen: 360 Y-
Drop placement and urea topdress. Factor®, a nitrogen stabilizer from Rosen’s, Inc.,
was used as a volatilization inhibitor to help protect nitrogen that was applied on the soil
surface. This stabilizer protects from volatilization for up to 14 days until rain occurs so
that hydrolyzation will occur below the soil surface. This will decrease the risk of
atmospheric losses.
We found that the average rate of nitrogen across all trials was 188 lb. N/A.—63% of
which was applied preplant and the remaining 37% was applied as a sidedress.
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2014 PFR Partners
Nitrogen Cooperators
BECK’S Nitrogen Management Studies
Tom and Lisa Uthell Family
Uthell Seed Sales—Teutopolis, IL
CIL PFR Team
Jason Webster, Clayton Stufflebeam,
and Ben Arteman.
Craig Kilby
Beck’s Team Sales Agronomist
Dan Herr
Graymont Cooperative Association
Jonathan Perkins
SIL PFR Director
Team Sales Agronomist
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2014 PFR Partners
BECK’S Nitrogen Rate Studies
Through this year’s intensive nitrogen research studies, Beck’s CIL PFR team tried to
evaluate the percentage of growers that were using economic optimum nitrogen rates.
The following is a summary of multiple locations where growers’ normal nitrogen rate
programs were compared to either decreasing their total rate by 30 lb./A. or increasing
the total rate by +30 lb./A. and +60 lb./A. This additional nitrogen was sidedressed
either early with the grower’s normal program or at growth stage V10 with our late-
season programs. The summary analyzes the higher and lower nitrogen rates at each
timing as well as all of the trials together.
Growers with correct nitrogen rate = 35%
Growers with wrong nitrogen rate = 65%
This year’s results indicated that 35% of our PFR Partners were indeed implementing
economic optimum nitrogen rates. When these growers adjusted their normal rate
programs, no economic gains were incurred.
As far as the other 65% are concerned, they did experience economic returns higher
than their current nitrogen program by increasing or decreasing their total nitrogen rate.
Interestingly enough, 39% of those growers could have applied less nitrogen, and 61%
of them needed to apply more.
Simply put, 65% of our PFR Partners were using the wrong rate of nitrogen.
“Hitting the Bullseye”
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2014 PFR Partners
BECK’S Under-Application N Rate
-$17.94 loss in net return per acre^
^Net return based on $0.60/lb. N and $4.15/Bu. corn
Average reduced nitrogen rate of –28.8 lb.
2-Year average yield loss of –10.0 Bu./A.
-$23.97 loss in net return
-8.5 Bu./A. yield loss
39% of reduced nitrogen rate trials provided economic gains
-60.0
-50.0
-40.0
-30.0
-20.0
-10.0
0.0
10.0
20.0
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Bu
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Under-Application Yield Summary
Under-applications resulted in average yield losses of 8.5 Bu./A., with only 39% of the
total number of applications offering positive economic gains. This particular under
application trial has been conducted over the past two years with average yield losses
of 10.0 Bu./A. and economic losses of $23.97. The red line in the chart signifies the
break-even point for reduced nitrogen applications. Even though yield may have
suffered from lack of nitrogen in some of the trial locations, the lower cost of nitrogen
allowed for economic gains.
36 Trial Locations
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BECK’S Under-Application N Rate
Grower Location Hybrid
Yield
Response
Dennis Webster Buckingham, IL BECK 5385A3 -7.5
Dennis Webster Buckingham, IL BECK 6175AMXT™* -8.4
Jim Rafferty Le Roy, IL LG2620 -4.0
Triple V Farms Roanoke, IL Phoenix 5842EZ**
-4.0
Greg Pfeifer Mazon, IL DKC 64-87 -7.5
Greg Pfeifer Mazon, IL BECK 5475AMXT™*
+0.9
Ron Bork Piper City, IL BECK 6175wx -2.0
Ron Keiser Arrowsmith, IL BECK 6175wx -10.3
Brian Wilson Merna, IL Phoenix 5842A4** -9.5
EJ Kelley Normal, IL BECK 6626AMX-R™*
-34.2
Steve Sowers Colchester, IL BECK 5475AM™*
-54.8
Kirk Sims New Windsor, IL BECK 5828AMX™*
-0.5
Brian Robinson Galesburg, IL BECK 5828AMX™*
-4.1
Webster Farms Kempton, IL BECK 5828AMX™*
-9.5
Hunt Farms Blandinsville, IL BECK 5475AMX™*
-0.2
Hunt Farms Blandinsville, IL BECK 5475AMX™*
+7.9
Tim Brouwers Manteno, IL BECK 6175AMXT™*
-12.6
Tim Brouwers Moweaqua, IL BECK 6175AMXT™*
-30.0
Coffman and Downs Moweaqua, IL BECK 5828AMX™*
-4.8
Coffman and Downs Moweaqua, IL BECK 6175AMX™*
-8.2
T&R Farms Teutopolis, IL BECK 6175AM™*
-8.4
T&R Farms Teutopolis, IL BECK 6175AM™*
-19.1
T&R Farms Teutopolis, IL BECK 6175AM™*
5.6
T&R Farms Teutopolis, IL BECK 5828AM™*
-4.0
Gary Deters Teutopolis, IL BECK 5828AM™*
-0.8
Koester Farms Effingham, IL BECK 5828AM™*
-20.1
John Ryerson Cornell, IL LG 2620 -7.7
Jim Girard Pontiac, IL BECK 6626AMX-R™*
12.3
™*®XL is a registered trademark of Pioneer. XL brand seed is distributed by Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc.
** Phoenix® is a registered trademark of a Syngenta Group Company. Phoenix® brand seed is distributed by Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc.
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2014 PFR Partners
BECK’S Under-Application N Rate
Grower Location Hybrid
Yield
Response
Mike Follmer Graymont, IL DKC 61-88 2.5
Scott Bauknecht Pontiac, IL FS 63SX1 -1.0
Doug Raber Gridley, IL DKC 57-92 -6.0
Brent Clark Pontiac, IL BECK 5435AMX-R™*
-19.8
Jeremy Schlipf Gridley, IL BECK 6175AMXT™*
-10.9
Marv Hilti Cullom, IL Stone 6358 -15.7
Kyle Finley Alvin, IL BECK 5475AMX™*
+0.9
Brad Dorsey Moro, IL BECK 6272™*
-9.7
“PFR Partners expands our research and the learning potential of our Practical
Farm Research studies by doing the same research projects on a larger scale in
farmers’ fields. This approach gives inquisitive farmers a means for combining
ideas and questions involved in specific PFR studies with their own farming
operation where the learning can become first hand and experiential.”
Scott Beck, Vice President and PFR Director
Beck’s Hybrids, Atlanta, IN
™*®XL is a registered trademark of Pioneer. XL brand seed is distributed by Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc.
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2014 PFR Partners
BECK’S V5 +30 N Rate
-$5.04 loss in net return per acre^
^Net return based on $0.60/lb. N and $4.15/Bu. corn. Averages are calculated from economics of each treatment.
Average increased nitrogen rate of +31.8 lb. N/A.
+3.34 Bu./A. average yield gain
40% of early +30 lb. N/A. nitrogen rate trials provided economic gains
-6.0
-4.0
-2.0
0.0
2.0
4.0
6.0
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10.0
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Bu
./A
.)
Early +30 lb. Yield Summary
20 Trial Locations
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2014 PFR Partners
BECK’S V10 +30 N Rate
+$7.48 gain in net return per acre^
^Net return based on $0.60/lb. N and $4.15/Bu. corn
Average increased nitrogen rate of +32.4 lb. N/A.
+5.97 Bu./A. average yield gain
60% of late-season +30 lb. N/A. nitrogen rate trials provided economic gains
-20.0
-15.0
-10.0
-5.0
0.0
5.0
10.0
15.0
20.0
25.0
30.0
Yie
ld R
esp
on
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Bu
./A
.)
V10 +30 lb. Yield Summary
25 Trial Locations
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2014 PFR Partners
BECK’S V5 +60 N Rate
-$9.72 loss in net return per acre^
^Net return based on $0.60/lb. N and $4.15/Bu. corn. Averages are calculated from economics of each treatment.
Average increased nitrogen rate of +62.1 lb. N/A.
+6.49 Bu./A. average yield gain
21% of early +60 lb. N/A. nitrogen rate trials provided economic gains
-5.0
0.0
5.0
10.0
15.0
20.0
25.0
Yie
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esp
on
se (
Bu
./A
.)
Early +60 lb. Yield Summary
19 Trial Locations
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2014 PFR Partners
BECK’S V10 +60 N Rate
-$8.90 loss in net return per acre^
^Net return based on $0.60/lb. N and $4.15/Bu. corn. Averages are calculated from economics of each treatment.
Average increased nitrogen rate of +60.1 lb. N/A.
+6.38 Bu./A. average yield gain
23% of late-season +60 lb. N/A. nitrogen rate trials provided economic gains
-10.0
-5.0
0.0
5.0
10.0
15.0
20.0
25.0
30.0
35.0
40.0
Yie
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Bu
./A
.)
V10 +60 lb. Yield Summary
26 Trial Locations
PFR Partners Danny and Brian Wilson, Normal, IL
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2014 PFR Partners
BECK’S Nitrogen Rate and Timing
$(20.00)
$(15.00)
$(10.00)
$(5.00)
$-
$5.00
$10.00
Ne
t R
etu
rn (
$/A
.)
Nitrogen Rate and Timing Summary
-30 lb. N
V5 +60 lb. N
V10 +60 lb. N
V5 +30 lb. N
V10 +30 lb. N
Figure 1.
Figure 2.
Figure 1 illustrates the economic results from increased and decreased nitrogen rates. Under
applications of nitrogen resulted in net losses of $17.64/A., however the real story from this
study is the fact that an additional 30 lb. of nitrogen at the V10 growth stage proved to be the
only treatment that realized net economic gains. Providing that same additional 30 lb. of
nitrogen at V5 was apparently too early, considering the heavy rainfall that was seen in many
of the trial locations.
Figure 2 reveals the differences in additional N applied at both V5 and V10. The V10 +30
applications achieved net returns $12.52/A. higher than the V5 +30 applications. This again
may be a result of heavy rainfall occurring at or after the V5 growth stage. In general, an
additional 60 lb. of nitrogen supplied the highest yields in the study, but overall returns suffered
due to the added nitrogen cost.
+$0.82
+$12.52
$(12.00)
$(10.00)
$(8.00)
$(6.00)
$(4.00)
$(2.00)
$-
$2.00
$4.00
$6.00
$8.00
$10.00
Ne
t R
etu
rn (
$/A
.)
Early vs. Late-Season Sidedress N
V5
V10
+30 lb. N +60 lb. N
Figure 2.
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2014 PFR Partners
BECK’S +30 N Rate
Grower Location Hybrid
Yield
Response
Dennis Webster Buckingham, IL BECK 5385A3 +3.4
Dennis Webster Buckingham, IL BECK 6175AMXT™*
+4.1
Jim Rafferty Le Roy, IL LG2620 -3.0
Triple V Farms Roanoke, IL Phoenix 5842EZ** +7.5
Greg Pfeifer Mazon, IL DKC 64-87 -4.0
Greg Pfeifer Mazon, IL BECK 5475AMXT™*
+5.2
Ron Bork Piper City, IL BECK 6175wx +3.0
Ron Keiser Arrowsmith, IL BECK 6175wx +5.6
Brian Wilson Normal, IL Phoenix 5842A4**
+2.5
E.J. Kelley Normal, IL BECK 6626AMX-R™*
+0.9
Steve Sowers Colchester, IL BECK 5475LM™*
+4.0
Brian Robinson Galesburg, IL BECK 5828AMX™*
-1.3
Webster Farms Kempton, IL BECK 5828AMX™*
+8.0
Tim Brouwers Manteno, IL BECK 6175AMXT™*
+4.9
Tim Brouwers Manteno, IL BECK 6175AMXT™*
+7.1
Hunt Farm Blandinsville, IL BECK 5475AMX™*
+2.2
Hunt Farm Blandinsville, IL BECK 5475AMX™*
+5.8
Kirk Sims New Windsor, IL BECK 5828AMX™*
+3.2
Kyle Finley Alvin, IL BECK 5475AMX™*
+8.5
Brad Dorsey Moro, IL BECK 6272™*
-0.8
“I rely on the Beck’s PFR Partners program to determine whether or not I am
utilizing the correct method of applying nitrogen on my farm. They bring value to
my operation by showing me what other programs are available. If these other
programs are more profitable than what we usually do, then we need to take a
hard look at our nitrogen management system.”
Greg Pfeifer
Mazon, IL
™*®XL is a registered trademark of Pioneer. XL brand seed is distributed by Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc.
** Phoenix® is a registered trademark of a Syngenta Group Company. Phoenix® brand seed is distributed by Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc.
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2014 PFR Partners
BECK’S +30 V10 N Rate
Grower Location Hybrid
Yield
Response
Matt Burgener Moweaqua, IL DKC +9.0
Gary Eckel Noble, IL BECK 5828AM™*
-1.1
Ridgely Farms Parkersburg, IL BECK 5828AM™*
-4.0
Ridgely Farms Parkersburg, IL BECK 5828AM™*
+9.2
Koester Farms Effingham, IL BECK 5828AM™*
+10.6
John Ryerson Cornell, IL LG2620 +9.2
Jim Girard Pontiac, IL BECK 6626AMX-R™*
+22.5
Mike Follmer Graymont, IL DKC 61-88 +0.4
Mackinson Dairy Pontiac, IL NK 71U-3122 -2.3
Mark Fourez Oakwood, IL BECK 5475AMXT™*
+5.3
Jeff Bressner Graymont, IL DKC 63-33 +15.0
Scott Bauknecht Pontiac, IL FS 63SX1 +5.0
Doug Raber Gridley, IL DKC 57-92 +10.0
Brent Clark Pontiac, IL BECK 5435AMX-R™*
-1.9
Jeremy Schlipf Gridley, IL BECK 6175AMXT™*
+3.7
Marv Hilti Cullom, IL Stone 6358 +24.9
Kent Hetzer Newton, IL DKC 61-88 +6.4
Kent Hetzer Newton, IL DKC 61-88 -14.7
T & R Farms Teutopolis, IL BECK 6175AM™*
-0.5
Wakefield Farms Effingham, IL BECK 5828AM™*
+20.7
Coffman and Downs Moweaqua, IL BECK 5475AMX™*
+8.2
Coffman and Downs Moweaqua, IL BECK 5475AMX™*
-4.8
Gaither Farms Moweaqua, IL DKC +6.7
Linus Schumacher Teutopolis, IL BECK 5828AM™*
+0.7
Matt Burgener Moweaqua, IL DKC +11.0
™*®XL is a registered trademark of Pioneer. XL brand seed is distributed by Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc.
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2014 PFR Partners
BECK’S V5 +60 N Rate
Grower Location Hybrid
Yield
Response
Dennis Webster Buckingham, IL BECK 5385A3 +5.0
Dennis Webster Buckingham, IL BECK 6175AMXT™*
+10.8
Jim Rafferty Le Roy, IL LG2620 +3.9
Greg Pfeifer Mazon, IL DKC 64-87 +3.9
Greg Pfeifer Mazon, IL BECK 5475AMXT™*
+11.5
Ron Bork Piper City, IL BECK 6175wx +5.0
Ron Keiser Arrowsmith, IL BECK 6175wx +8.3
Brian Wilson Normal, IL Phoenix 5842A4** +5.2
E.J. Kelley Normal, IL BECK 6626AMX-R™*
+6.4
Steve Sowers Colchester, IL BECK 5475LM™*
+6.6
Kirk Sims New Windsor, IL BECK 5828AMX™*
+3.2
Brian Robinson Galesburg, IL BECK 5828AMX™*
-1.5
Webster Farms Kempton, IL BECK 5828AMX™*
+12.0
Tim Brouwers Manteno, IL BECK 6175AMXT™*
+5.5
Tim Brouwers Manteno, IL BECK 6175AMXT™*
+7.7
Hunt Farm Blandinsville, IL BECK 5475AMX™*
+1.5
Hunt Farm Blandinsville, IL BECK 5475AMX™*
+3.0
Kyle Finley Alvin, IL BECK 5475AMX™*
+5.8
Brad Dorsey Moro, IL BECK 6272™*
+19.5
™*®XL is a registered trademark of Pioneer. XL brand seed is distributed by Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc.
** Phoenix® is a registered trademark of a Syngenta Group Company. Phoenix® brand seed is distributed by Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc.
“The PFR Partners program is a great tool to evaluate nitrogen programs. The
different rates and timings we were able to apply seemed to fit right into the
wheel house of what producers have been thinking about. Am I applying the
correct rate of nitrogen? Am I applying it at the correct time? Through the PFR
Partner program, we were able to apply different rates of nitrogen at V5 and V10
growth stages to let growers see first-hand on their own yield monitors how it
affected yield and profitability. I think that means a lot to see it in their own field,
rather than just reading plot results from other locations.”
Dan Herr, Graymont Co-op
Graymont, IL
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2014 PFR Partners
BECK’S +60 V10 N Rate
Grower Location Hybrid
Yield
Response
Matt Burgener Moweaqua, IL DKC +13.7
Gary Eckel Noble, IL BECK 5828AM™*
-4.5
Ridgely Farms Parkersburg, IL BECK 5828AM™*
-3.4
Ridgely Farms Parkersburg, IL BECK 5828AM™*
+6.7
Koester Farms Effingham, IL BECK 5828AM™*
+2.0
John Ryerson Cornell, IL LG2620 -5.0
Jim Girard Pontiac, IL BECK 6626AMX-R™*
+26.2
Mike Follmer Graymont, IL DKC 61-88 +1.4
Mackinson Dairy Pontiac, IL NK 71U-3122 -6.9
Mark Fourez Oakwood, IL BECK 5475AMXT™*
+5.2
Jeff Bressner Graymont, IL DKC 63-33 +12.0
Scott Bauknecht Pontiac, IL FS 63SX1 +5.0
Doug Raber Gridley, IL DKC 57-92 +6.0
Brent Clark Pontiac, IL BECK 5435AMX-R™*
+8.1
Jeremy Schlipf Gridley, IL BECK 6175AMXT™*
+4.1
Marv Hilti Cullom, IL Stone 6358 +28.4
Kent Hetzer Newton, IL DKC 61-88 +6.4
Kent Hetzer Newton, IL DKC 61-88 -0.7
T & R Farms Teutopolis, IL BECK 5828AM™*
+2.1
Wakefield Farms Effingham, IL BECK 5509A3 +37.5
Gary Deters Teutopolis, IL BECK 5828AM™*
+1.7
Gary Deters Teutopolis, IL BECK 5828AM™*
+0.6
Gaither Farms Moweaqua, IL DKC +5.9
Linus Schumacher Teutopolis, IL BECK 5828AM™*
-0.6
Travis Worman Teutopolis, IL DKC 62-97 +21.4
Travis Worman Teutopolis, IL DKC 62-97 +11.1
Gary Eckel Noble, IL BECK 5828AM™*
+0.4
Wakefield Farms Effingham, IL BECK 5509A3 +10.7
Gary Deters Teutopolis, IL BECK 5828AM™*
+3.0
™*®XL is a registered trademark of Pioneer. XL brand seed is distributed by Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc.
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2014 PFR Partners
BECK’S V10 Timing Study
This year we continued our research of late-season nitrogen applications by way of
high-clearance equipment and nitrogen toolbars from Hagie Manufacturing and Miller
St. Nazians. Beck’s PFR Partner nitrogen testing included extending nitrogen sidedress
timings to growth stages near V10. The high-clearance units are able to apply nitrogen
up to pre-tassel heights and give a much larger window for sidedress application. The
protocol used for this timing study compared a grower’s normal early sidedress timing
to later sidedress timings near the V10 growth stage. By saving the last fifty pounds of
nitrogen for later in the season, we are trying to give the corn a finishing supply for the
last part of the growing season. Up until the V10 growth stage, the corn is
supplemented by the nitrogen that the grower has already applied. The last fifty pounds
at a later growth stage potentially aids in more grain fill.
The photos above illustrate the difference between sidedressing at a smaller growth stage
(around V5) as opposed to sidedressing at the V10 growth stage.
The chart to the left depicts at what
growth stage the corn plant uptakes
nitrogen, and what process that nitrogen
is used for in the plant. Later sidedress
timings allow growers to finish nitrogen
programs, helping to ensure season-long
nitrogen availability.
Credit: Iowa State University Extension
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2014 PFR Partners
BECK’S V10 Timing Study
+$12.57 gain in net return per acre^
^Net return based on $0.60/lb. N and $4.15/Bu. corn
4-year average yield increase of +3.06 Bu./A*
with returns of +$16.34/A.
+3.03 Bu./A. yield advantage
67% of V10 timing trials provided economic gains
In general, V10 late-season nitrogen sidedress applications resulted in yield gains of
3.03 Bu./A. along with economic gains of $12.57/A. when compared to the growers
normal earlier sidedress program.
The 75% of the late-season sidedress timing trials that proved economic gains
averaged increases of $22.09/A. Although the other 33% did not prove positive, the
average return losses were within an average of $6.46/A. of the grower’s normal
program.
-6.0
-4.0
-2.0
0.0
2.0
4.0
6.0
8.0
10.0
12.0
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Bu
./A
.)
V10 Timing Yield Summary
21 Trial Locations +$22.09/A.
-$6.46/A.
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2014 PFR Partners
BECK’S V10 Timing Study
Grower Location Hybrid
Yield
Response
Dennis Webster Buckingham, IL BECK 5385A3 -1.1
Dennis Webster Buckingham, IL BECK 6175AMXT™* +6.0
Jim Rafferty Le Roy, IL LG2620 +2.0
Greg Pfeifer Mazon, IL DK 64-87 -5.1
Greg Pfeifer Mazon, IL BECK 5475AMXT™*
+1.2
Ron Bork Piper City, IL BECK 6175Wx 0
Jeremy Schlipf Gridley, IL BECK 6175AMXT™* +3.1
Dan Hesterberg Armstrong, IL Phoenix 5842A4** +10.7
E.J. Kelley Normal, IL BECK 6626AMX-R™*
-0.6
Steve Sowers Colchester, IL BECK 5475AM™*
+0.1
Kirk Sims New Windsor, IL BECK 5828AMX™*
+4.9
Brian Robinson Galesburg, IL BECK 5828AMX™*
-1.9
Webster Farms Buckingham, IL BECK 5828AMX™*
+7.7
Hunt Farms Blandinsville, IL BECK 5475AMX™*
+1.8
Hunt Farms Blandinsville, IL BECK 5475AMX™*
+4.8
Tim Brouwers Manteno, IL BECK 6175AMXT™*
+10.3
Tim Brouwers Manteno, IL BECK 6175AMXT™*
-0.7
Coffman and Downs Moweaqua, IL BECK 5828AMX™*
+1.1
Coffman and Downs Moweaqua, IL BECK 6175AMX™*
-1.5
Kyle Finley Alvin, IL BECK 5475AMX™*
+9.7
Brad Dorsey Moro, IL BECK 6272™*
+11.1
™*®XL is a registered trademark of Pioneer. XL brand seed is distributed by Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc.
** Phoenix® is a registered trademark of a Syngenta Group Company. Phoenix® brand seed is distributed by Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc.
22
2014 PFR Partners
OptRx crop sensors measure and record plant health data in real-time using reflectance
of light shone on growing corn plants. Sensors can be installed across an application
boom to collect information while sidedressing nitrogen. Data is logged and mapped to
be used for analysis for real-time variable rate applications. OptRx sensors help
growers apply nitrogen based on crop vigor. For example, the sensor tells the applicator
to apply less nitrogen on healthy corn plants and more nitrogen on weaker, nitrogen
deficient corn plants, according to a calibration specific to that field. In addition, OptRx’s
advanced light-sensing technology is not dependent on ambient light, which offers
maximum flexibility for use both day and night.
The protocol for the 2014 OptRx trials consisted of growers reducing their normal
nitrogen rate by 50 lb. N/A. and then implementing the OptRx system to apply variable
rate nitrogen as a way to finish their overall nitrogen program.
BECK’S OptRx® Variable Rate Nitrogen
Hagie STS10 with nitrogen toolbar equipped with OptRx sensors.
OptRx® is a registered trademark of Ag Leader Technology
23
2014 PFR Partners
BECK’S OptRx® Variable Rate N Study
$1.80 gain in net return per acre^
^Net return based on $0.60/lb. N and $4.15/Bu. corn
2-year average increases of +1.5 Bu./A with economic gains of +$11.19/A.
2-year average nitrogen savings of –6.1 lb. N/A.
+0.56 Bu./A. yield gain 54% of OptRx trials provided economic gains
OptRx saved 0.5 lb. N per acre on average
OptRx® is a registered trademark of Ag Leader Technology
On average, OptRx trials proved minimal yield gains or losses compared to our PFR Partners’
normal nitrogen programs. However, the real story with this particular trial stems back to our
“Hitting the Bullseye” concept in the beginning of this report on page 6. Only 35% of our
growers did in fact hit the bullseye in choosing economic optimum nitrogen rate on their farms.
Of the PFR Partners that were wrong with their current nitrogen program, 70% achieved
average economic gains of $30.52 from using the OptRx variable rate nitrogen system.
If these growers had used the OptRx system in place of their normal program, theoretically, it
would have resulted in an additional 21% of growers utilizing the correct nitrogen rate and
hitting the bullseye.
$(80.00)
$(60.00)
$(40.00)
$(20.00)
$-
$20.00
$40.00
$60.00
$80.00
$100.00
$120.00
Ne
t R
etu
rn (
$/A
.)
OptRx Net Return Summary
46 Trial Locations
24
2014 PFR Partners
BECK’S OptRx® Variable Rate Nitrogen
Grower Location Hybrid
Nitrogen
Savings
Yield
Response
Dennis Webster Buckingham, IL BECK 5385A3 -32.3 lb. -1.4
Dennis Webster Buckingham, IL BECK 6175AMXT™* -28.4 lb. +3.2
Jim Rafferty Le Roy, IL LG2620 -22.0 lb. +1.7
Doug Raber Gridley, IL DKC 57-92 -10.2 lb. -10.0
Jim Girard Pontiac, IL BECK 6676AMX-R™* -58.6 lb. -3.3
Mike Follmer Graymont, IL DKC 61-88 -18.5 lb. +1.7
Mackinson Dairy Pontiac, IL NK 71U-3122 +44.4 lb. -5.1
Greg Pfeifer Mazon, IL DKC 64-87 +12.9 lb. -13.6
Greg Pfeifer Mazon, IL BECK 5475AMXT™*
+21.0 lb. -3.8
Ron Bork Piper City, IL BECK 6175wx™* -27.7 lb. -3.0
Brent Clark Pontiac, IL BECK 5435AMX-R™* +41.5 lb. +0.1
Jeremy Schlipf Gridley, IL BECK 6175AMXT™* +9.0 lb. -2.2
Art Schlipf Gridley, IL LG 2620 +46.5 lb. -0.5
Dan Hesterberg Gifford, IL Phoenix 5832A3 +8.7 lb. +1.2
Marv Hilti Cullom, IL Stone 6358 -20.4 lb. -7.4
Mark Fourez Oakwood, IL BECK 5475AMXT™* +22.8 lb. +2.4
Jeff Bressner Graymont, IL DKC 63-33 -15.9 lb. -1.0
Scott Bauknecht Pontiac, IL FS 63SX1 -17.7 lb. -4.0
Coffman and Downs Moweaqua, IL BECK 5475AMX™*
+11.0 lb. -10.8
Coffman and Downs Moweaqua, IL BECK 5475AMX™*
+11.0 lb. -3.3
Coffman and Downs Moweaqua, IL BECK 5828AMX™*
-12.0 lb. -1.9
Coffman and Downs Moweaqua, IL BECK 6175AMX™*
-45.0 lb. -16.9
Gaither Farms Moweaqua, IL DKC +12.5 lb. -0.5
Gary Eckel Noble, IL BECK 5828AM™*
+24.0 lb. +3.1
Linus Schumacher Teutopolis, IL BECK 5828AM™*
+43.0 lb. -0.9
Matt Burgener Moweaqua, IL DKC +25.0 lb. +21.8
Ridgely Farms Parkersburg, IL BECK 5828AM™*
+33.0 lb. -4.2
OptRx® is a registered trademark of Ag Leader Technology ™*®XL is a registered trademark of Pioneer. XL brand seed is distributed by Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc.
** Phoenix® is a registered trademark of a Syngenta Group Company. Phoenix® brand seed is distributed by Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc.
25
2014 PFR Partners
BECK’S OptRx® Variable Rate Nitrogen
Grower Location Hybrid
Nitrogen
Savings
Yield
Response
T & R Farms Teutopolis, IL BECK 5828AM™*
+10.0 lb. +17.1
Wakefield Farms Effingham, IL BECK 5509A3 +56.0 lb. +19.1
Worman Farms Teutopolis, IL DKC 62-97 +45.0 lb. +14.4
Gary Deters Teutopolis, IL BECK 5828AM™*
-41.0 lb. -3.5
Koester Farms Effingham, IL BECK 5828AM™*
+10.0 lb. -10.2
Kyle Finley Alvin, IL BECK 5475AMX™*
+5.0 lb. +7.8
Brad Dorsey Moro, IL BECK 6272™*
-15.0 lb. +20.3
Steve Sowers Colchester, IL BECK 5475AM™*
-26.7lb. -3.8
Kirk Sims New Windsor, IL BECK 5828AMX™*
-10.3 lb. -8.0
Brian Robinson Galesburg, IL BECK 5828AMX™*
-39.6 lb. -1.9
Hunt Farms Blandinsville, IL BECK 5475AMX™*
-24.3 lb. -1.4
Hunt Farms Blandinsville, IL BECK 5475AMX™*
-13.5 lb. +2.3
OptRx® is a registered trademark of Ag Leader Technology
™*®XL is a registered trademark of Pioneer. XL brand seed is distributed by Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc.
Two-year data suggests an average yield gain of +1.5 Bu./A. with economic gains of
$11.19/A. Over this timeframe, overall nitrogen rates were decreased by 6.1 lb. N/A.
compared to the growers’ normal nitrogen programs.
Based on an OptRx system price of $11,235 (3 power heads, brackets, and cables for a
40’ nitrogen toolbar) and the $11.19/A. revenue gains, break-even would occur at only
1,004 total acres.
Miller Nitro with OptRx sensors
26
2014 PFR Partners
BECK’S 360 Y-Drop™ Placement Study
Y-Drop is a versatile system that can be installed on almost any spray machine and has
the ability to precision-place any liquid product within 2-3” of a crop row. Its unique
design allows the grower to apply liquid products within the row at any time throughout
the season. In this study, we installed the Y-Drop system on New Holland SP275F high-
clearance units. Factor®, a nitrogen stabilizer from Rosen’s, Inc., was used as a
volatilization inhibitor to help protect nitrogen that was applied on the soil surface. This
stabilizer protects from volatilization for up to 14 days until rain occurs and incorporates
nitrogen into the soil profile.
The protocol used for the Y-Drop system compared a grower’s normal sidedress
program to Y-Drop applications near the V10 growth stage. This also allowed us to
evaluate the overall Y-Drop system as a comparison to (or even replacement for)
typical sidedress equipment.
360 Y-Drop™ is a trademark of 360 Yield Center, LLC; Factor® is a registered trademark of Midtech R&D, Inc. and distributed by Rosen’s, Inc.
27
2014 PFR Partners
BECK’S 360 Y-Drop™ Placement Study
-5.0
0.0
5.0
10.0
15.0
20.0
25.0
Yie
ld R
esp
on
se (
Bu
./A
.)
Y-Drop Yield Summary
13 Trial Locations
+$10.71 gain in net return per acre^
^Net return based on $0.60/lb. N, $96.00/gal. Factor® N Stabilizer and $4.15/Bu. corn
3-year average yield increase of +2.66 Bu./A with $13.71/A. economic gains^^
^^
Economic gains based on 3-year average corn price of $5.15/Bu.
+3.97 Bu./A. yield advantage
62% of Y-Drop placement trials provided economic gains
360 Y-Drop™ is a trademark of 360 Yield Center, LLC; Factor® is a registered trademark of Midtech R&D, Inc. and distributed by Rosen’s, Inc.
28
2014 PFR Partners
BECK’S 360 Y-Drop™ Placement Study
Y-Drop applications, on average, proved yield increases of nearly 4.0 Bu./A. and gains
of $10.71/A. compared to growers’ normal nitrogen programs. The risk: reward ratio in
2014 resulted in only 15% of the trials showing a yield loss (averaging less than 3 Bu./
A.). It appears that Y-Drops have the potential for increasing corn yields, with very little
risk of jeopardizing yields.
This is our third year of testing the Y-Drop system through our PFR Partner program.
Multi-year data has suggested that Y-Drops have shown a 2.7 Bu./A. yield increase
with gains of $13.71/A. over the growers normal method of sidedressing nitrogen.
Multi-year data also suggests four additional conclusions regarding sidedressing
nitrogen with the Y-Drop system:
First, the data generated indicates that a Y-Drop system could be an effective
replacement for sidedressing nitrogen compared to current sidedress
methods.
Second, Y-Drop offers the ability to apply late-season nitrogen effectively as
an add-on to current equipment. This late-season application allows growers
to replace nitrogen that may have been lost earlier in the growing season.
Third, Y-Drop offers the ability to apply variable rate nitrogen (and other
products) over a wide time span.
Finally, growers who currently have high-clearance sprayers and are
considering either a nitrogen toolbar or a Y-Drop system should note that V10
applications with a nitrogen toolbar out-yielded the Y-Drop by 1.4 Bu./A. with
higher net returns of $7.15/A.^ on average over the past 3 years. With these
differences, growers would have to evaluate the overall cost of each system to
determine which best fits their operations.
^Returns based on yield difference, 3-year average corn price of $5.15 and Factor® N Stabilizer cost.
360 Y-Drop™ is a trademark of 360 Yield Center, LLC; Factor® is a registered trademark of Midtech R&D, Inc. and distributed by Rosen’s, Inc.
29
2014 PFR Partners
BECK’S 360 Y-Drop™ Placement Study
Grower Location Hybrid
Yield
Response
Dennis Webster Buckingham, IL BECK 5385A3 +7.0
Dennis Webster Buckingham, IL BECK 6175AMXT™* +0.5
Jim Rafferty Le Roy, IL LG2620 +1.4
Greg Pfeifer Mazon, IL DK 64-87 +4.1
Greg Pfeifer Mazon, IL BECK 5475AMXT™*
-3.3
Ron Bork Piper City, IL BECK 6175wx -2.0
Dan Hesterberg Armstrong, IL Phoenix 5842A4** +0.1
Ron Keiser Arrowsmith, IL BECK 6175wx +7.0
Brian Wilson Normal, IL Phoenix 5842A4** +1.3
E.J. Kelley Normal, IL BECK 6626AMX-R™*
+1.5
Tim Brouwers Manteno, IL BECK 6175AMXT™*
+19.5
Tim Brouwers Manteno, IL BECK 6175AMXT™*
+6.7
Kyle Finley Alvin, IL BECK 5475AMX™*
+7.8
360 Y-Drop™ is a trademark of 360 Yield Center, LLC
™*®XL is a registered trademark of Pioneer. XL brand seed is distributed by Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc.
** Phoenix® is a registered trademark of a Syngenta Group Company. Phoenix® brand seed is distributed by Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc.
Above: Initial Y-Drop design used through 2014
At Right: Newly designed Y-Drop to be tested in 2015
30
2014 PFR Partners
BECK’S Urea Topdress Study
This study alters a grower’s normal nitrogen program by replacing the final sidedress
nitrogen with a later V10 urea topdress treatment. The topdress urea treatment was
applied with a Miller Condor dry fertilizer spreader.
Urea topdress has become a popular method of applying nitrogen in some parts of
Beck’s marketing area. Dry 46-0-0 urea is applied with a spinner truck over top of corn
during the growing season. The advantages with this system are that it’s easy to apply
and acres can be completed very quickly. The disadvantage with urea is its volatility—
the loss of nitrogen as atmospheric gas when it converts to ammonia. Another concern
is the possible crop injury from the urea prills landing on leaf tissue, causing leaf burn.
All urea treatments were treated with Factor®, a urease inhibitor distributed by Rosen’s.
Photo 1: Urea spread pattern
Photo 2: Miller Condor dry spinner truck
Factor® is a registered trademark of Midtech R&D and distributed by Rosen’s, Inc.
31
2014 PFR Partners
BECK’S Urea Topdress Study
-10.0
-5.0
0.0
5.0
10.0
15.0
Yie
ld R
esp
on
se (
Bu
./A
.)
Urea Yield Summary
13 Trial Locations
-$13.45 loss in net return per acre^
^Net return based on $0.59/lb. N, $96.00/gal. Factor and $4.15/Bu. corn
2-year average = –3.18 Bu./A, -$12.59/A.
-1.65 Bu./A. yield loss
15% of Urea trials provided economic gains
Irrigated location
Urea topdress applications resulted in average yield losses of 1.65 Bu./A., with net losses of
$13.45/A. compared to the growers’ normal methods of sidedressing nitrogen. Only 15% of the
topdress trials proved higher returns over PFR Partners’ usual programs.
The red arrow indicates the highest yielding trial location in this study. It is interesting to note
that it is also the only location under an irrigation pivot. As previously stated, one of the
concerns with urea is that it is a surface-applied nitrogen application, unlike other programs
that mechanically incorporate the nitrogen fertilizer into the soil. This surface application
creates opportunity for volatilization—the loss of nitrogen into the atmosphere as it converts to
ammonia. The irrigated trial location gave us the ability to use water as an incorporation
method, thus preventing potential volatility. If this irrigated location is removed from the study to
only compare non-irrigated sites, the average yield and return losses become –2.9 Bu./A. and -
$18.38/A., respectively. This data is very comparable to the two-year average yield response of
–3.18 Bu./A. with losses of -$12.59/A.
Factor® is a registered trademark of Midtech R&D and distributed by Rosen’s, Inc.
32
2014 PFR Partners
BECK’S Urea Topdress Study
Grower Location Hybrid
Yield
Response
Dennis Webster Buckingham, IL BECK 5385A3 +0.7
Dennis Webster Buckingham, IL BECK 6175AMXT™* -5.5
Jim Rafferty Le Roy, IL LG2620 -0.7
Greg Pfeifer Mazon, IL DK 64-87 -3.2
Greg Pfeifer Mazon, IL BECK 5475AMXT™*
+0.6
Ron Bork Piper City, IL BECK 6175wx -3.0
Dan Hesterberg Armstrong, IL Phoenix 5842A4** -3.0
Ron Keiser Arrowsmith, IL BECK 6175wx -8.4
Brian Wilson Normal, IL Phoenix 5842A4** -3.2
E.J. Kelley Normal, IL BECK 6626AMX-R™*
-8.4
Webster Farms Kempton, IL BECK 5828AMX™*
-4.2
Tim Brouwers Manteno, IL BECK 6175AMXT™*
+13.4
Tim Brouwers Manteno, IL BECK 6175AMXT™*
+3.6
Soltwedel Farms Partnership Effingham, IL DKC +5.6
Kyle Finley Alvin, IL BECK 5475AMX™*
-3.1
“I love reading Beck’s Practical Farm Research Book, but their PFR® Partners
Program takes it one step further by bringing the research testing to my farm! It
really brings real value to my farming operation by allowing me to compare my
current farming techniques to other programs. By doing this, I can determine if
there are ways that I can improve profitability on my farm.”
Brad Dorsey
Moro, IL
™*®XL is a registered trademark of Pioneer. XL brand seed is distributed by Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc.
** Phoenix® is a registered trademark of a Syngenta Group Company. Phoenix® brand seed is distributed by Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc.
33
2014 PFR Partners
BECK’S Nitrogen Management Studies
$12.57 $10.71
$1.80
$(13.45) $(15.00)
$(10.00)
$(5.00)
$-
$5.00
$10.00
$15.00
V10 Y-Drop OptRx Urea
Nitrogen Trial Return Summary
Our 2014 PFR Partner nitrogen testing allowed us to compare different methods of
applying nitrogen compared to growers’ standard programs being used today.
Of the four programs that we compared, topdress urea applications were the only
nitrogen application method that offered substandard results.
It is interesting to note that the V10 and Y-Drop™
applications were all profitable
systems over and above our PFR Partners’ current programs in 2014. This may be a
result of all being late season nitrogen applications. Nonetheless, growers would have
gained additional returns of $10.71 to $12.57/A. by implementing a V10 or Y-Drop
application.
OptRx® variable rate applications did not offer large revenue gains, but did in fact offer
higher returns compared to programs being implemented today. It is also interesting to
note that 70% of PFR Partners that were incorrect with their current nitrogen program
(Bullseye page 6), received positive results and average economic gains of $30.52 from
using the OptRx variable rate nitrogen system.
We are hopeful that applying nitrogen carefully will offer economic and environmental
advantages in the future. It would be our ambition to utilize this technology to help
eliminate wasteful nitrogen applications, while at the same time identifying and/or
correcting areas where nitrogen deficiency has occurred.
OptRx® is a registered trademark of Ag Leader Technology. Y-Drop™ is a trademark of 360 Yield Center, LLC.
34
2014 PFR Partners
BECK’S V5 Fungicide Trials
Beck’s Hybrids conducted V5 fungicide research trials in 2014 as a part of the PFR
Partners program. This program was designed to apply multiple fungicide products in
side-by-side comparisons in an on-farm testing project with growers interested in evalu-
ating fungicides.
This report states the name of the Partners, the location of the farm, corn hybrid tested
and the yield response of each specific fungicide treatment.
All fungicide treatments are 15 gallons per acre or higher, ground-applied with either a
Hagie STS, Miller Nitro or New Holland Guardian high-clearance sprayer. All applica-
tions were made at the V5 growth stage.
The products used in this protocol included the following:
1. 2 oz. Stratego® YLD Trifloxystrobin + Prothioconazole Bayer
2. 4 oz. Priaxor®
Pyraclostrobin + Fluxapyroxad BASF
Bayer CropScience recommends using a 50% rate of Stratego YLD on V5 corn while
BASF recommends 100% rate of Priaxor.
New Holland Guardian Spraying V5 Fungicide
Stratego® is a registered trademark of Bayer CropScience LP
Priaxor® is a registered trademark of BASF
35
2014 PFR Partners
BECK’S V5 Stratego® YLD Study
Stratego® is a registered trademark of Bayer CropScience LP
Corn Price Return
$3.50/Bu. +$3.38/A.
$4.15/Bu. +$5.53/A.
$5.00/Bu. +$8.33/A.
+$10.05 gain in net return per acre^
^Net return based on $8.17/A. Stratego YLD and $4.15/Bu. corn
3-year average yield increase of +3.30 Bu./A
+4.39 Bu./A. yield advantage
90% of Stratego YLD treatments provided economic gains
0.0
1.0
2.0
3.0
4.0
5.0
6.0
7.0
8.0
9.0
10.0
Yie
ld R
esp
on
se (
Bu
./A
.)
V5 Stratego YLD
Break-Even
1.97 Bu./A.
36
2014 PFR Partners
BECK’S V5 Stratego® YLD Study
Stratego® is a registered trademark of Bayer CropScience LP
™*®XL is a registered trademark of Pioneer. XL brand seed is distributed by Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc.
** Phoenix® is a registered trademark of a Syngenta Group Company. Phoenix® brand seed is distributed by Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc.
Grower Location Hybrid
Yield
Response
Triple V Farms Roanoke, IL BECK 6175AMXT™* +4.9
Tim Lovejoy Prairie City, IL BECK 6175AMXT™* +3.6
Tim Lovejoy Prairie City, IL BECK 5828AMX™* +0.1
Dennis Webster Buckingham, IL BECK 5131AM™* +4.2
Dennis Webster Buckingham, IL BECK 5385A3 +7.3
Webster Farms Kempton, IL BECK 5828AMX™* +8.7
Webster Farms Kempton, IL BECK 5828AMX™* +6.0
Roger Gualandi Kempton, IL BECK 5475AMXT™* +2.5
Roger Gualandi Kempton, IL PHOENIX 5552A4** +4.6
Greg Pfeifer Mazon, IL BECK 5385A3 +2.0
“Our farm benefitted directly when Beck’s PFR partner program supported us
with product and computer analysis in testing fungicide on our 2014 corn acres.
Beyond this, participating in PFR partners has helped us improve our overall data
gathering. Better information means a more efficient operation. Thank you
Beck’s!”
Billy Peterman, Peterman/Bailey Farms
Clay City, IL
37
2014 PFR Partners
BECK’S V5 Priaxor® Study
Priaxor® is a registered trademark of BASF
-15
-10
-5
0
5
10
15
Yie
ld R
esp
on
se (
Bu
./A
.)
V5 Priaxor Yield Summary
-$3.28 loss in net return per acre^
^Net return based on $16.97/A. Priaxor and $4.15/Bu. corn
3-year average yield increase of +2.89 Bu./A
+3.30 Bu./A. yield advantage
84% of Priaxor treatments boosted yields
36% of Priaxor treatments provided economic gains
Corn Price Return
$3.50/Bu. -$6.86/A.
$4.15/Bu. -$4.98/A.
$5.00/Bu. -$2.52/A.
Break-Even
4.09 Bu./A.
38
2014 PFR Partners
BECK’S V5 Priaxor® Study
Priaxor® is a registered trademark of BASF
™*®XL is a registered trademark of Pioneer. XL brand seed is distributed by Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc.
** Phoenix® is a registered trademark of a Syngenta Group Company. Phoenix® brand seed is distributed by Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc.
Grower Location Hybrid
Yield
Response
Triple V Farms Roanoke, IL BECK 6175AMXT™* +8.0
Dennis Webster Buckingham, IL BECK 5131AM™* +3.0
Dennis Webster Buckingham, IL BECK 5385A3 +6.6
Webster Farms Kempton, IL BECK 5828AMX™* +11.9
Webster Farms Kempton, IL BECK 5828AMX™* +7.4
Roger Gualandi Kempton, IL BECK 5475AMXT™* +3.2
Greg Pfeifer Mazon, IL BECK 5828AMX™* +8.0
CIL PFR Downs, IL BECK 5475AMXT™* +1.8
CIL PFR Downs, IL BECK 5509A3 -0.5
CIL PFR Downs, IL BECK 5828AMX™* +10.8
CIL PFR Downs, IL BECK 6175AMXT™* +0.8
CIL PFR Downs, IL BECK 6948A3 +2.3
CIL PFR Downs, IL BECK EX 1420 (5939 Genetics)™* +1.7
CIL PFR Downs, IL BECK EX 1434 (6365 Genetics)™* +0.8
CIL PFR Downs, IL PHOENIX 5552EZ** +1.3
CIL PFR Downs, IL PHOENIX 5832A3** -2.0
CIN PFR Atlanta, IN PHOENIX 5832A3** +4.4
CIN PFR Atlanta, IN BECK 5828AMX™* +1.5
CIN PFR Atlanta, IN BECK 5509A3 +3.4
KY PFR Henderson, KY BECK 5509A3 +0.2
KY PFR Henderson, KY BECK 5828AM™* +7.2
KY PFR Henderson, KY PHOENIX 5832A3** +1.8
SIL PFR Neoga, IL PHOENIX 5832A3** +13.5
SIL PFR Neoga, IL BECK 5828AM™* -10.4
SIL PFR Neoga, IL BECK 5509A3 -4.2
For more replications and to better understand hybrid performance, individual PFR
location trials were added into this summary.
39
2014 PFR Partners
BECK’S VT Fungicide Trials
Beck’s PFR Team Completing Side-by-Side Fungicide Trials
Beck’s Hybrids conducted fungicide research trials in 2014 as a part of the PFR
Partners program. This program was designed to apply multiple fungicide products in
side-by-side comparisons in an on-farm testing project with growers interested in
evaluating fungicides on their farms.
This report states the name of the Partners, the location of the farm, corn hybrid tested,
and the yield response of each specific fungicide treatment.
All fungicide treatments are 15 gallons per acre or higher, ground-applied with either a
Hagie STS, Miller Nitro or New Holland Guardian high-clearance sprayer. All
applications were made at the VT growth stage.
The products used in this protocol included the following:
1. 4 oz. Stratego® YLD Trifloxystrobin + Prothioconazole Bayer
2. 10 oz. Headline AMP®
Pyraclostrobin + Metconazole BASF
Stratego® is a registered trademark of Bayer CropScience LP. Headline AMP is a registered trademark of BASF
40
2014 PFR Partners
BECK’S VT Stratego® YLD Study
Stratego® is a registered trademark of Bayer CropScience LP
-$5.88 loss in net return per acre^
^Net return based on $16.31/A. Stratego YLD, application $7.00 and $4.15/Bu. corn
4-year average yield increase of +5.13 Bu./A
Corn Price Return
$3.50/Bu. -$5.36/A.
$4.15/Bu. -$2.02/A.
$5.00/Bu. +$2.34/A.
+4.2 Bu./A. yield advantage
92% of Stratego YLD treatments boosted yield
25% of Stratego YLD treatments provided economic gains
-10.0
-5.0
0.0
5.0
10.0
15.0
20.0
Yie
ld R
esp
on
se (
Bu
./A
.)
4 oz. Stratego YLD Yield Summary
Break-Even
5.62 Bu./A.
41
2014 PFR Partners
BECK’S VT Stratego® YLD Study
Stratego® is a registered trademark of Bayer CropScience LP
™*®XL is a registered trademark of Pioneer. XL brand seed is distributed by Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc.
** Phoenix® is a registered trademark of a Syngenta Group Company. Phoenix® brand seed is distributed by Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc.
Grower Location Hybrid
Yield
Response
Gary Clapp Emington, IL BECK 5475AMXT™*
+2.0
Gary Clapp Kempton, IL BECK 5385A3 +3.3
Gary Clapp Cabery, IL BECK 6175AMXT™*
+2.0
Jim Rafferty Downs, IL BECK 5828AMX™* +3.5
Triple V Farms Roanoke, IL BECK 6175AMXT™*
+5.0
Mackinson Dairy Pontiac, IL Wyffels 7888 -5.9
Scott Bauknecht Pontiac, IL DKC 57-92 0.0
Brent Clark Pontiac, IL G14R38 +2.7
Brian Arteman Bellflower, IL BECK 5828AMX™*
+4.1
Brian Arteman Bellflower, IL BECK 5475AMX™*
+3.1
Jim Girard Pontiac, IL Channel 213-59 +1.1
Marv Hilti Cullom, IL Stone 6404 +5.3
Doug Raber Gridley, IL DKC 65-19 -3.0
Jeff Bressner Graymont, IL DKC 61-88 +4.0
Brad Henry Le Roy, IL LG 2620 -2.3
Brian Wilson Normal, IL Channel +4.6
EJ Kelley Normal, IL BECK 5509A3 +4.3
Bob Spratt Le Roy, IL DKC 63-33 +7.0
Bob Spratt Le Roy, IL LG2620 +2.8
Bob Spratt Le Roy, IL LG2620 +3.7
Bob Spratt Le Roy, IL DKC 62-97 +5.9
Webster Farms Emington, IL Phoenix 5552EZ** +7.1
Webster Farms Cabery, IL BECK 6175AMXT™*
+4.8
Webster Farms Cabery, IL BECK 6948A3 +2.6
Webster Farms Cabery, IL BECK 5509A3 +16.4
Dennis Webster Buckingham, IL BECK 6175AMXT™*
+4.4
Webster Farms Emington, IL BECK 5385A3 +2.5
Dennis Webster Buckingham, IL BECK 5475AMXT™*
+7.9
42
2014 PFR Partners
BECK’S VT Stratego® YLD Study
Stratego® is a registered trademark of Bayer CropScience LP
™*®XL is a registered trademark of Pioneer. XL brand seed is distributed by Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc.
Grower Location Hybrid
Yield
Response
Webster Farms Kempton, IL BECK 5385A3 +2.8
Dennis Webster Buckingham, IL BECK 6175AMXT™*
+1.5
Dennis Webster Buckingham, IL BECK 5475AMXT™*
+6.3
Webster Farms Herscher, IL BECK 5828AMX™*
+10.4
Dennis Webster Buckingham, IL BECK 5140HR™*
+14.0
Dennis Webster Buckingham, IL BECK 5509A3 +10.9
Dennis Webster Buckingham, IL BECK 5385A3 +1.0
Alan Ramsey Herscher, IL BECK 5475AMXT™*
+5.6
“The PFR Partner fungicide trials are a great tool and always seems to be a hot
topic among producers. Farmers tend to have varying mentalities when it comes
to fungicide applications. Beck’s PFR Partner program allows us to bring high-
clearance equipment to a growers farm and let them evaluate different fungicide
products on various corn hybrids. I don’t know of any other program in the indus-
try that allows growers the opportunity for both equipment demonstrations along
with agronomy testing on their farm!”
Dan Herr, Graymont Co-op
Graymont, IL
43
2014 PFR Partners
BECK’S VT Headline AMP® Study
Headline AMP® is a registered trademark of BASF
-$2.82 loss in net return per acre^
^Net return based on $20.31/A. Headline AMP, $7.00 application and $4.15/Bu. corn
4-year average yield increase of +5.86 Bu./A.
Corn Price Return
$3.50/Bu. -$6.80/A.
$4.15/Bu. -$2.99/A.
$5.00/Bu. +$1.99/A.
+5.9 Bu./A. yield advantage
84% of Headline AMP treatments boosted yields
40% of Headline AMP treatments provided economic gains
-15.0
-10.0
-5.0
0.0
5.0
10.0
15.0
20.0
25.0
30.0
Yie
ld R
esp
on
se (
Bu
./A
.)
10 oz. Headline AMP Yield Summary
Break-Even
6.58 Bu./A.
44
2014 PFR Partners
Grower Location Hybrid
Yield
Response
Gary Clapp Emington, IL BECK 5475AMXT™*
+3.5
Gary Clapp Kempton, IL BECK 5385A3 +6.2
Gary Clapp Cabery, IL BECK 6175AMXT™*
+1.7
Jim Rafferty Downs, IL BECK 5828AMX™* +4.0
Mackinson Dairy Pontiac, IL Wyffels 7888 -1.0
Scott Bauknecht Pontiac, IL DKC 57-92 +4.0
Brent Clark Pontiac, IL G14R38 +4.7
Brian Arteman Bellflower, IL BECK 5828AMX™* +5.3
Brian Arteman Bellflower, IL BECK 5475AMX™* +8.3
Jim Girard Pontiac, IL Channel 213-58 +6.4
Marv Hilti Cullom, IL Stone 6404 +2.6
Doug Raber Gridley, IL DKC 65-19 +1.0
Jeff Bressner Graymont, IL DKC 61-88 -9.0
Brad Henry Le Roy, IL LG 2620 +0.4
Brian Wilson Normal, IL Channel 213-59 +5.0
EJ Kelley Normal, IL BECK 5509A3 +4.8
Bob Spratt Le Roy, IL DKC 63-33 +8.6
Bob Spratt Le Roy, IL LG2620 +4.1
Bob Spratt Le Roy, IL LG2620 +4.4
Bob Spratt Le Roy, IL DKC 62-97 +7.1
Webster Farms Kempton, IL Phoenix 5552EZ** +4.4
Webster Farms Kempton, IL BECK 6175AMXT™*
+7.1
Webster Farms Kempton, IL BECK 6948A3 +3.0
Webster Farms Kempton, IL BECK 5509A3 +13.6
Webster Farms Kempton, IL BECK 6175AMXT™*
+8.1
Webster Farms Kempton, IL BECK 5385A3 +1.5
Webster Farms Kempton, IL BECK 5475AMXT™*
+10.0
Webster Farms Kempton, IL BECK 5385A3 +4.7
BECK’S VT Headline AMP® Study
Headline AMP® is a registered trademark of BASF
™*®XL is a registered trademark of Pioneer. XL brand seed is distributed by Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc.
** Phoenix® is a registered trademark of a Syngenta Group Company. Phoenix® brand seed is distributed by Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc.
45
2014 PFR Partners
BECK’S VT Headline AMP® Study
Grower Location Hybrid
Yield
Response
Dennis Webster Kempton, IL BECK 6175AMXT™*
+1.1
Dennis Webster Buckingham, IL BECK 5475AMXT™*
+9.9
Webster Farms Herscher, IL BECK 5828AMX™*
+11.2
Dennis Webster Buckingham, IL BECK 5140HR™*
+7.9
Dennis Webster Buckingham, IL BECK 5509A3 +10.2
Dennis Webster Buckingham, IL BECK 5385A3 +1.3
Alan Ramsey Herscher, IL BECK 5475AMXT™*
+12.7
Beck’s CIN PFR Atlanta, IN BECK 5475AMXT™*
+5.1
Beck’s CIN PFR Atlanta, IN BECK EX1420 (5939 Genetics)™*
+11.5
Beck’s CIN PFR Atlanta, IN Phoenix 5552EZ** +13.0
Beck’s CIN PFR Atlanta, IN BECK 6175AMX™*
+11.0
Beck’s CIN PFR Atlanta, IN BECK EX1434 (6365 Genetics)™*
+1.3
Beck’s CIN PFR Atlanta, IN BECK EX8361 (6347 Genetics) +6.1
Beck’s CIN PFR Atlanta, IN BECK 6948A3 +15.4
Beck’s CIN PFR Atlanta, IN BECK 5832A3 +10.1
Beck’s CIN PFR Atlanta, IN BECK 5509A3 +1.0
Beck’s KY PFR Henderson, KY BECK 5509A3 +2.1
Beck’s KY PFR Henderson, KY BECK 5828AMX™*
+11.9
Beck’s KY PFR Henderson, KY BECK 5832A3 +3.4
Beck’s KY PFR Henderson, KY BECK 5475AM™*
-6.2
Beck’s KY PFR Henderson, KY BECK 6175AM™*
-2.9
Beck’s KY PFR Henderson, KY BECK 6575HR™*
-3.9
Beck’s KY PFR Henderson, KY BECK 6778AM™*
+4.0
Beck’s KY PFR Henderson, KY BECK 6984A3 -0.9
Beck’s KY PFR Henderson, KY BECK EX1420 (5939 Genetics)™*
-1.6
Beck’s KY PFR Henderson, KY BECK EX1434 (6365 Genetics)™*
+4.2
Beck’s KY PFR Henderson, KY BECK EX8361 (6347 Genetics) -5.7
Beck’s KY PFR Henderson, KY Phoenix 5552EZ** +2.0
Headline AMP® is a registered trademark of BASF
™*®XL is a registered trademark of Pioneer. XL brand seed is distributed by Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc.
** Phoenix® is a registered trademark of a Syngenta Group Company. Phoenix® brand seed is distributed by Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc.
46
2014 PFR Partners
BECK’S VT Headline AMP® Study
Grower Location Hybrid
Yield
Response
Beck’s KY PFR Henderson, KY BECK 5475AM™*
+0.8
Beck’s KY PFR Henderson, KY BECK 6175AM™*
-3.4
Beck’s KY PFR Henderson, KY BECK 6575HR™*
+3.2
Beck’s KY PFR Henderson, KY BECK 6778AM™*
+2.4
Beck’s KY PFR Henderson, KY BECK 6948A3 +6.6
Beck’s KY PFR Henderson, KY BECK EX1420 (5939 Genetics)™*
-1.4
Beck’s KY PFR Henderson, KY BECK EX1434 (6365 Genetics)™*
-2.7
Beck’s KY PFR Henderson, KY Phoenix 5552EZ**
-2.8
Beck’s CIL PFR Downs, IL BECK 5475AMXT™*
+10.6
Beck’s CIL PFR Downs, IL BECK 5509A3 +5.7
Beck’s CIL PFR Downs, IL BECK 5828AMX™*
+13.3
Beck’s CIL PFR Downs, IL BECK 6175AMXT™*
+1.1
Beck’s CIL PFR Downs, IL BECK 6948A3 +0.2
Beck’s CIL PFR Downs, IL BECK EX1420 (5939 Genetics)™*
+13.8
Beck’s CIL PFR Downs, IL BECK EX1434 (6365 Genetics)™*
+10.0
Beck’s CIL PFR Downs, IL Phoenix 5552EZ** +14.4
Beck’s CIL PFR Downs, IL Phoenix 5832EZ**
+0.8
Beck’s SIL PFR Neoga, IL Phoenix 5832A3 +16.7
Beck’s SIL PFR Neoga, IL BECK 5828AM™*
-10.2
Beck’s SIL PFR Neoga, IL BECK 5509A3 +9.4
Beck’s SIL PFR Neoga, IL Phoenix 5832A3 +19.8
Beck’s SIL PFR Neoga, IL BECK 5828AM™*
-11.5
Beck’s SIL PFR Neoga, IL BECK 5509A3 +22.5
Beck’s SIL PFR Neoga, IL BECK 5475AMX™*
+5.0
Beck’s SIL PFR Neoga, IL BECK EX1420 (5939 Genetics)™*
+0.2
Beck’s SIL PFR Neoga, IL Phoenix 5552EZ** +14.4
Beck’s SIL PFR Neoga, IL BECK 6175AM™*
+11.9
Beck’s SIL PFR Neoga, IL BECK 6272AM-R™*
+3.2
Headline AMP® is a registered trademark of BASF
™*®XL is a registered trademark of Pioneer. XL brand seed is distributed by Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc.
** Phoenix® is a registered trademark of a Syngenta Group Company. Phoenix® brand seed is distributed by Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc.
47
2014 PFR Partners
BECK’S VT Headline AMP® Study
Grower Location Hybrid
Yield
Response
Beck’s SIL PFR Neoga, IL BECK EX1434 (6365 Genetics)™*
+0.1
Beck’s SIL PFR Neoga, IL BECK 6626AM-R™*
+14.8
Beck’s SIL PFR Neoga, IL BECK 6948A3 -4.8
Beck’s OH PFR London, OH BECK 5475AM™*
+14.5
Beck’s OH PFR London, OH BECK 6175AM™*
+19.5
Beck’s OH PFR London, OH BECK 6948A3 +19.3
Beck’s OH PFR London, OH BECK EX1420 (5939 Genetics)™*
+22.5
Beck’s OH PFR London, OH BECK EX1434 (6365 Genetics)™*
+26.0
Beck’s OH PFR London, OH Phoenix 5552EZ** +18.4
Headline AMP® is a registered trademark of BASF
™*®XL is a registered trademark of Pioneer. XL brand seed is distributed by Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc.
** Phoenix® is a registered trademark of a Syngenta Group Company. Phoenix® brand seed is distributed by Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc.
48
2014 PFR Partners
BECK’S VT Quilt Xcel™
Study
Quilt Xcel™ is a trademark of a Syngenta Group Company
-6.0
-4.0
-2.0
0.0
2.0
4.0
6.0
8.0
10.0
12.0
Yie
ld R
esp
on
se (
Bu
./A
.)
VT Quilt Xcel Treatment
VT Quilt Xcel Yield Summary
Corn Price Return
$3.50/Bu. -$17.47
$4.15/Bu. -$15.98
$5.00/Bu. -$14.02
Grower Location Hybrid Yield
Mackinson Dairy Pontiac, IL Wyffels 7888 +0.6
Scott Bauknecht Pontiac, IL DKC 57-92 +3.0
Brent Clark Pontiac, IL G14R38 +2.0
Jim Girard Pontiac, IL Channel 213-59 +10.6
Jim Girard Pontiac, IL Channel 213-59 -0.3
Marv Hilti Cullom, IL Stone 6404 +6.8
Doug Raber Gridley, IL DKC 65-19 0.0
Jeff Bressner Graymont, IL DKC 61-88 -4.0
+2.3 Bu./A. yield advantage from VT Quilt Xcel treatments.
63% of Quilt Xcel treatments boosted yield
-$15.98 loss in net return per acre^
^Net return based on $18.52/A. Quilt Xcel, $7.00 application, and $4.15/Bu. Corn
Break-Even
6.15 Bu./A.
49
2014 PFR Partners
$(15.00)
$(10.00)
$(5.00)
$-
$5.00
$10.00
$15.00
Net Return by Hybrid
Green=Low Orange=Medium Red=High
The best way to analyze this particular study is to break out fungicide performance by a
hybrid’s fungicide response rating. The chart above illustrates fungicide response by
corn hybrid. At Beck’s Hybrids, we identify a fungicide response rating for each corn
hybrid in our product portfolio. This particular fungicide rating can be a great predictor of
how corn hybrids respond to various levels of leaf disease. We must pay close attention
to weather conditions, crop rotation, leaf disease presence as well as fungicide
response ratings for each hybrid to fully comprehend and evaluate fungicide
applications.
As depicted in the chart above, corn hybrids with a low or medium fungicide response
rating realized little to no financial gain from fungicide application. Hybrids in the study
that are classified with a high fungicide response rating might help explain the financial
gains that occurred as a result of fungicide applications.
These fungicide response ratings cannot replace scouting fields for leaf disease but can
give an indication of how hybrids need to be managed throughout the growing season.
Please contact your local Beck’s representative for more information regarding corn
hybrid fungicide response. For more information on fungicide research please refer to
pages 308-309 of the 2014 PFR Book for multi-location fungicide studies.
BECK’S VT Fungicide Trials
50
2014 PFR Partners
BECK’S CropKarb® Study
Grower Location Yield Response Hybrid
Mackinson Dairy Pontiac, IL -1.0 Wyffels 7888
Scott Bauknecht Pontiac, IL -1.0 DKC 67-92
Brent Clark Pontiac, IL +2.1 G14R38
Marv Hilti Cullom, IL +7.7 Stone 6404
^Net return based on $4.15/Bu. commodity price minus $8.83/A. CropKarb
CropKarb is a registered trademark of McRight Services, LLC.
CropKarb is a true biostimulant product, utilizing “next generation” biostimulant
chemistry. CropKarb is a proprietary formulation of urea nitrogen, potassium, boron, a
proprietary mobile carbon source, and DeltAg’s active catalyst chemistry. CropKarb is
designed to enhance bloom set, fruit sizing, and bulking. CropKarb works by delivering
key nutrients and catalysts, as well as a supplemental mobile carbon source to the
fruiting portion of the crop. CropKarb can be applied on its own, but mainly will be used
as a tank mix with a foliar application.
$1.71 gain in net return per acre^
+2.45 Bu./A. yield advantage
51
2014 PFR Partners
BECK’S Soil-Applied Insecticide Study
In an effort to evaluate potential rootworm resistance, Beck’s PFR Partner program
evaluated the response of four different rootworm trait platforms, with and without a soil-
applied insecticide.
3.07
0.92
4.95
7.92
0.00
1.00
2.00
3.00
4.00
5.00
6.00
7.00
8.00
9.00
Yie
ld R
esp
on
se (
Bu
./A
.)
Soil-Applied Insecticide Trait Response
Cry34/35
GENSSX
MIR604
NONE
$(13.62)
$(22.60)
$(2.55)
$9.42
$(25.00)
$(20.00)
$(15.00)
$(10.00)
$(5.00)
$-
$5.00
$10.00
$15.00
Ne
t R
etu
rn (
$/A
.)
Soil-Applied Insecticide Trait Response
Cry34/35
GENSSX
MIR604
NONE
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 1 reveals the average yield gain from soil-applied insecticides. In general, yield
gains of 4.21 Bu./A. were realized from additional insect protection. Figure 2 illustrates
that each of the rootworm trait platforms did not receive ample yield benefit to offset the
cost of the soil-applied insecticide. As a result, net losses averaged -$2.55 to -$22.60/A.
When evaluating soil-applied insecticides on non-traited hybrids, economic gains of
$9.42/A. were achieved. Special thanks to Bork Ag LLC of Piper City, IL for conducting
these insecticide trials.
52
2014 PFR Partners
Hybrid Trait Package Yield Response Insecticide
Beck 5475AMX™*
Cry34/35 +2.0 Force® 3G
Dekalb 57-92 Cry3Bb1 + Cry34/35 0.0 Force 3G
BECK 5828AMX™*
Cry34/35 +3.0 Force 3G
FS 60ZX1 Cry3Bb1 + Cry34/35 0.0 Force 3G
DKC 60-67 Cry3Bb1 + Cry34/35 +3.0 Force 3G
FS 61JX1 Cry3Bb1 + Cry34/35 +1.0 Force 3G
BECK 6175AMX Cry34/35 +3.0 Force 3G
FS 62SX1 Cry3Bb1 + Cry34/35 -2.0 Force 3G
Phoenix 5832A3** MIR604 0.0 Force 3G
DKC 63-33 Cry3Bb1 + Cry34/35 +1.0 Force 3G
FS 63SX1 Cry3Bb1 + Cry34/35 +2.0 Force 3G
DKC 64-87 Cry3Bb1 + Cry34/35 -1.0 Force 3G
Mycogen 2C788 Cry3Bb1 + Cry34/35 +2.0 Force 3G
Mycogen 2C799 Cry3Bb1 + Cry34/35 -2.0 Force 3G
DKC 61-54 Cry3Bb1 + Cry34/35 0.0 Force 3G
Stone 6258 Cry3Bb1 + Cry34/35 0.0 Force 3G
FS 59MV4 Cry3Bb1 + Cry34/35 +5.0 Force 3G
DKC 57-75 Cry3Bb1 + Cry34/35 +1.0 Force 3G
BECK 5475AMX™*
Cry34/35 +2.0 Force 3G
DKC 57-92 Cry3Bb1 + Cry34/35 0.0 Force 3G
BECK 5828AMX™*
Cry34/35 +2.0 Force 3G
FS 60ZX1 Cry3Bb1 + Cry34/35 +5.0 Force 3G
DKC 60-67 Cry3Bb1 + Cry34/35 +2.0 Force 3G
FS 61JX1 Cry3Bb1 + Cry34/35 +3.0 Force 3G
BECK 6175AMX™*
Cry34/35 +7.0 Force 3G
FS 62SX1 Cry3Bb1 + Cry34/35 +2.0 Force 3G
Phoenix 5832A3** MIR604 -5.0 Force 3G
DKC 63-33 Cry3Bb1 + Cry34/35 +4.0 Force 3G
BECK’S Soil-Applied Insecticide Study
Force® is a registered trademark of a Syngenta Group Company. Counter® is a registered trademark of AmVac Chemical Company Corporation.
Capture® and LFR® are registered trademarks of FMC Corporation.
™*®XL is a registered trademark of Pioneer. XL brand seed is distributed by Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc.
** Phoenix® is a registered trademark of a Syngenta Group Company. Phoenix® brand seed is distributed by Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc.
53
2014 PFR Partners
Hybrid Trait Package Yield Response Insecticide
FS 63SX1 Cry3Bb1 + Cry34/35 -1.0 Force® 3G
DKC 64-87 Cry3Bb1 + Cry34/35 0.0 Force 3G
Mycogen 2C788 Cry3Bb1 + Cry34/35 +3.0 Force 3G
Mycogen 2C799 Cry3Bb1 + Cry34/35 -6.0 Force 3G
BECK 6175AMX™*
Cry34/35 +0.3 Counter® 15G
BECK 6175AMX™*
Cry34/35 -0.7 Force 3G
BECK 6175AMX™*
Cry34/35 +4.1 Force 3G
BECK 6175AMX™*
Cry34/35 +8.0 Force 3G
Phoenix 5552EZ** MIR604 +7.6 Counter 15G
Phoenix 5552EZ** MIR604 +9.7 Force 3G
Phoenix 5552EZ** MIR604 +9.1 Force 3G
Phoenix 5552EZ** MIR604 +9.0 Capture
® LFR
®
Phoenix 5552EZ** MIR604 +3.0 Capture LFR
Phoenix 5552EZ** MIR604 +6.2 Force 3G
BECK 6175RR™*
None +1.4 Counter 15G
Phoenix 5552GT** None +9.7 Counter 15G
BECK 6175RR™*
None +7.7 Force 3G
BECK 6175RR™*
None +2.4 Force 3G
Phoenix 5552GT** None +6.5 Force 3G
Phoenix 5552GT** None +8.4 Force 3G
Phoenix 5552GT** None +11.1 Capture LFR
Phoenix 5552GT** None +15.9 Capture LFR
Phoenix 5552GT** None +8.1 Force 3G
BECK’S Soil-Applied Insecticide Study
Force® is a registered trademark of a Syngenta Group Company.
Counter® is a registered trademark of AmVac Chemical Company Corporation.
Capture® and LFR® are registered trademarks of FMC Corporation.
™*®XL is a registered trademark of Pioneer. XL brand seed is distributed by Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc.
** Phoenix® is a registered trademark of a Syngenta Group Company. Phoenix® brand seed is distributed by Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc.
54
2014 PFR Partners
BECK’S Carbon Penalty Study
Previous Crop C:N Ratio
Wheat 80:1
Corn >50:1
Soybeans <20:1
This PFR Partners Study evaluates corn after corn rotations and the greater carbon-to-nitrogen
ratio associated with corn residue. As producers evaluate whether to grow continuous corn,
considerations must be given to the "carbon penalty" that can be associated with corn after
corn. Corn residue is classified as non-fragile residue, and will decompose much slower than
residue from soybeans. Table 2 shows carbon-to-nitrogen ratios for various crop residues. This
residue is a heavy carbon load and needs to go through a period of decomposition. This
process can immobilize nitrogen that is intended for plant consumption. Corn after corn
requires a different approach to nitrogen management than corn following soybeans.
The controlled burning of stalks was evaluated at Illinois Central College and compared to no-
till and conventional-till corn after corn situations.
This controlled burn proved to reduce carbon loads and actually increased corn yields by 18.0
Bu./A. compared to using tillage to decompose residue. These results are very similar to
Beck’s CILPFR study, which shows a 5-year average yield gain of 14.3 Bu./A. (these results
can be found on page 205 of the 2014 PFR Book). This residue will ultimately add organic
matter and water holding capacity to the soil. We conducted this controlled burn to prove corn
residue is actually carbon material that must be decomposed quickly to eliminate potential corn
yield losses due to immobilization of nitrogen.
Table 2.
Photo 1. Controlled Burn at CILPFR
Treatment Yield Yield Loss Return
Controlled Burn 206.7 - - - - - -
No-Till 170.8 -35.9 -$148.99
Conventional-Till 188.7 -18.0 -$74.70
Table 1. ICC Controlled Burn Results
55
2014 PFR Partners
BECK’S Elixor™ Goss’s Wilt Study
This PFR Partner study evaluates the effects of Elixor, a 57% concentrated phosphorous acid
that is an EPA-registered systemic fungicide and bactericide. This product helps control
Phytopthora, Pythium and other root rots, and kills fungal diseases on contact. Elixor boosts a
plant’s immune response against mildews, common rusts and leaf blights, which in turn
increases crop yields.
Studies are also underway with Elixor to test the control or prevention of Goss’s Wilt, which has
been a progressing disease in Illinois. Goss’s Wilt is caused by the bacterium Clavibacter
michiganensis subsp. nebraskensis and is a bacterial disease that infects vascular tissue of
the plant causing a systemic infection.
Treatment Yield Moisture Net Return^
Return +/-
Control 229.1 17.3 $950.77 - - -
32 oz. Elixor @ V10 234.7 17.4 $957.01 $6.24
Elixor contributed a 5.6 Bu./A. yield advantage in this year’s study which equated to a $6.24
return on investment. Figure 1 displays two-year data from V10 Elixor treatments, proving an
average yield increase of 5.75 Bu./A. and return of over $10.00/A. Although Goss’s Wilt was
not detected in this trial location, these results are promising and should be evaluated further.
^Net Return is based on $4.15/Bu. corn, $11.00/A. Elixor, and $6.00 application
Elixor is distributed by Biovante, LLC.
$- $2.00 $4.00 $6.00 $8.00
$10.00 $12.00 $14.00 $16.00 $18.00
2013 2014
Re
turn
/A.
Elixor Treatment Year
2-Year Elixor ROI Summary
Figure 1
56
2014 PFR Partners
BECK’S Start Right Study
Grower Location Hybrid
Yield
Advantage Return
Mike & Matt Elsasser Sparland, IL DKC 63-33 +18.0 $64.20
Mike & Matt Elsasser Sparland, IL BECK 5828AMX™*
+5.9 $13.98
Beck’s CIN PFR Atlanta, IN BECK 6348A3 +5.6 $12.74
Beck’s CIN PFR Atlanta, IN BECK 5509A3 +9.4 $28.51
Beck’s CIN PFR Atlanta, IN BECK 6175AMXT™*
+4.1 $6.51
Beck’s CIL PFR Downs, IL BECK 5828AMX™*
+6.8 $17.72
This PFR Partners study evaluates Start Right, a product that assists root growth and
plant development. Start Right is a proprietary formulation of nutrients sequestered in a
concentrated organic acid. It is fortified with a carbon synergist, fermented plant
extracts, and extracts of Ascophyllum nodosum and Chondrus crispus. It is labeled for
use on all crops at planting or early sidedressing. Start Right was applied at 1 qt./A. at
planting.
This is the first year that we have tested Start Right within our PFR Partner program. The
results are promising with a yield advantage of +8.3 Bu./A. and a net return of $23.95/A.
GUARANTEED ANALYSIS
5-10-5
Total Nitrogen 5.00%
1.97% Ammoniacal Nitrogen
2.46% Urea Nitrogen
0.57% Other Soluble Nitrogen
Available Phosphoric Acid (P2O5) 10.00%
Soluble Potash (K2O) 5.00%
Zinc (Zn) 0.60%
™*®XL is a registered trademark of Pioneer. XL brand seed is distributed by Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc.
** Phoenix® is a registered trademark of a Syngenta Group Company. Phoenix® brand seed is distributed by Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc.
57
2014 PFR Partners
BECK’S SUL4R-PLUS® Study
Grower Location Yield Response
Mackinson Dairy Pontiac, IL +2.7
Mackinson Dairy Pontiac, IL +0.1
Brent Clark Pontiac, IL +2.9
Mayberry Farms Memphis, MO +5.5
Mayberry Farms Memphis, MO +10.0
^Net return based on $4.15/Bu. commodity price minus $27.00/A. SUL4R-PLUS
SUL4R-PLUS® is a registered trademark of Charah, Inc.
SUL4R-PLUS® product is the most versatile form of sulfur in the sulfate form. It puts you in
control of the application process, making application easier while enhancing soil quality and
improving production of all crops. SUL4R-PLUS product is a premium sulfate product that is
manufactured to the highest degree of quality to ensure a uniform pellet size and density that
mixes better with inputs and provides superior coverage. It blends better with NPK products
than ammonium sulfates, as ammonium sulfates are smaller and spread with less uniformity. It
is also easy to handle, and has negligible dust. SUL4R-PLUS product dissolves only where you
want it to – in the soil. It starts working almost immediately. SUL4R-PLUS is applied at 400 lb./
A. and contains 16% sulfur and 22% calcium.
-$9.57 loss in net return per acre^
+4.2 Bu./A. yield advantage
58
2014 PFR Partners
BECK’S Multi-Hybrid Planting Study
In 2014, Beck’s Practical Farm Research Team began its third year of evaluation in
regard to multi-hybrid corn planting. At Beck’s Hybrids, we are passionate about
recommending the right corn hybrid for our customers’ farms. This was the driving force
behind introducing Beck’s Hybrids very first multi-hybrid planter that was built back in
2012. This planting concept is designed to automatically change corn hybrids on the fly
as it plants through varying soil type changes or management zones.
It’s been a long and interesting journey for the PFR team testing the concept and reality
of multi-hybrid planting. Photo 1 shows a picture of the very first PFR planter used to
perform multi-hybrid corn planting back in 2012. This planter was a Kinze 3500 8/15
split row planter that was converted to do our first multi-hybrid research. Precision
Planting hydraulic drives and a Seed Sense 20/20™ directed prescriptions to this
planter, and for our initial year research it worked as theorized.
In 2013, Beck’s Hybrids expanded its research and testing by partnering with Kinze
Manufacturing. Through this partnership, Kinze supplied our PFR Team with a second
multi-hybrid planter, a 16 row 3600 twin row planter (Photo 2). Site-specific hybrid and
seeding rate prescription files were directed to this multi-hybrid planter by an Ag
Leader® Integra controller with SeedCommand
™.
In 2013-2014, Becks PFR team also reached out to Great Plains Manufacturing to
secure two 20’ twin row planters (Photos 3-4) to expand our multi-hybrid planting
research even further. These planters were primarily positioned in Western and
Southern Illinois. Stufflebeam Farms in Lewistown, IL and Uthell Seeds in Teutopolis,
IL were pivotal in researching multi-hybrid planting with these Great Plains planters.
Photo 1 Photo 2
Ag Leader® is a registered trademark of Ag Leader Technology
59
2014 PFR Partners
BECK’S Multi-Hybrid Planting Study
These planters gave us the benefit of loading the planter with two hybrids but also gave us the
ability to plant the hybrid of choice in various management zones in the field. The front row
units of the twin row planter were designated for corn hybrids that were classified as “defensive
hybrids”, while the back row units were loaded with a more “offensive hybrid”. The concept of
this design allowed us to plant “defensive” corn hybrids on tougher soils with lower organic
matter, water holding abilities, or cation exchange capacity. “Offensive” corn hybrids were then
planted on the best soils of the farm that typically have the highest yields. Individual hydraulic
motors/clutches on the front and rear drive shafts allowed us to change corn hybrids at each
soil type or management zone while travelling throughout the field. As this process happened,
corn rows were shifted 8” left or right to allow for the corn hybrid transition. Photo 5. illustrates
this transition with the twin row planting design.
One of the problems associated with twin row multi-hybrid planting was the fact that the 8”
offsets caused issues with auto-steer AB lines. To account for these 8” transitions, we installed
multi-directional GPS receivers on the planter tractors. This sliding GPS receiver was
programed to automatically move 8” left or right to account for the shift in row as the hybrid
changes from the front or rear of the multi-hybrid planter. This allowed the use of one standard
AB line for auto-guidance, eliminating wide or narrow rows on the outside rows of the planter.
Photo 3 Photo 4
Photo 5 Photo 6
60
2014 PFR Partners
The Great Plains planters used in 2014 were equipped with the Raven OmniRow® advanced
planter control system, which features patent-pending planter control technology that
automatically adjusts AB lines to account for the multi-hybrid shifts.
Even though the twin row transition multi-hybrid planting did have some logistical issues, the
overall concept of using one planter to plant both multi-genetic corn and soybeans as an
overall systems approach does seem attractive. This package also allows the ability for
growers to utilize both narrow row corn and soybeans in the twin row format.
From our initial idea of multi-hybrid planting, our intention was to ultimately have the ability to
change corn hybrids on the fly in a single row, dual corn meter design. This scenario would
eliminate the twin row 8” transitions as well as the extra row units on the planter. As part of a
result of Beck’s PFR testing program, Kinze announced on December 10, 2013 the world’s first
electric multi hybrid concept planter. This new electric drive multi-hybrid concept planter (Photo
7) has new row units that incorporate two meters for every row. The meters feed a single seed
tube, so the row unit gauge wheels, openers, and closing wheels are identical to a standard
Kinze 4000 series row unit. This was only possible by using the new electric drive option on
the Kinze 4000 series meters. By eliminating the drive chain and clutch, it allowed Kinze to
orient the meters close together so that they feed a single seed tube.
Photo 7. Beck’s Hybrids 2014 Single Row, Dual Meter Multi-Hybrid Planter
BECK’S Multi-Hybrid Planting Study
OmniRow® is a registered trademark of Raven Industries, Inc.
61
2014 PFR Partners
BECK’S Multi-Hybrid Planting Study
Beck’s PFR team began research on this new single row, dual meter planter on February 20,
2014 near Temple, Texas. This southern testing (Photos 8-9) in February allowed our team to
start testing in warm, dry soils rather than waiting until weather warmed in April and May at
Beck’s CIL PFR Center. Once planting was complete in Texas, we shipped the planter back to
Illinois for more multi-hybrid planting.
Photo 8. Jason Webster, Beck’s CIL PFR Director explaining the single row,
dual meter MH planter
Photo 9.
Multi-hybrid planting began on February 20,
2014 near Temple, Texas with the new
Kinze single row, dual meter Kinze 4900
planter.
Thank you to Perryman Farms for
partnering with the Beck’s CIL PFR team to
allow us to conduct multi-hybrid corn
research on their farms!
62
2014 PFR Partners
BECK’S Multi-Hybrid Planting Study
-30
-20
-10
0
10
20
30
40
50
Yie
ld R
esp
on
se (
Bu
./A
.)
Offensive Hybrid Placement
Offensive Hybrid in High Productivity Soils
+3.2 Bu./A. Yield Gain
+$13.42/A. Revenue Increase
-10
-5
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
Yie
ld R
esp
on
se (
Bu
./A
.)
Defensive Hybrid Placement
Defensive Hybrid in Low Productivity Soils
+6.4 Bu./A. Yield Gain
+$26.20/A. Revenue Increase
Management zones are a key component of this precision based multi-hybrid corn planting
system. Knowing where to plant each hybrid and at what seeding rate is a difficult task for
growers. Developing long term yield data is helpful in determining and understanding where
variable yielding areas are located on a spatial basis within a given field. By knowing the
spatial difference in a farm’s overall yield potential, it can allow for the use of a multi-hybrid
corn planting system to offer precision placement of corn hybrids.
2014 Multi-Hybrid Planting Results
Figure 1.
Figure 2.
63
2014 PFR Partners
BECK’S Multi-Hybrid Planting Study
Low Productivity Soils
Defensive Hybrid
+7.5 Bu./A. +$39.03/A.
High Productivity Soils
Offensive Hybrid
+8.3 Bu./A. +$46.50/A.
+7.9 Bu./A. Yield Increase = $42.77/Acre
2012-2014 Multi-Hybrid Corn Results
Figure 3
Figure 4
64
2014 PFR Partners
BECK’S Multi-Hybrid Planting Study
Figure 3 illustrates the three-year multi-hybrid corn planting summary. This data suggests that
over the past three years, multi-hybrid corn planting has proven 7.9 Bu./A. yield increases,
while increasing revenue by $42.77/A. The 2014 growing season was very important for Beck’s
PFR program in regards to multi-hybrid corn planting. In order to monitor consistency and
overall value of a product or technology, a minimum of three years of testing is needed to
prove if the concept is repeatable. Through the PFR testing program, our data indicates that
there is potential for not only yield increases but overall farm profitability as well. Although most
locations did have soil variability, there is a high likelihood that growers with a higher degree of
variable soils will have the ability to increase the overall yield response and profitability with
multi-hybrid planting.
Figures 1 and 2 illustrate the results of our 2014 multi-hybrid corn planting trials. When given
the opportunity to isolate the best soils on a farm and plant an “offensive” hybrid, gains of 3.2
Bu./A. and $13.42/A. were realized. It should be duly noted that there were locations in which
high amounts of rainfall affected our study in a negative fashion. In some locations, the
offensive soils happened to be the lower elevation, traditionally higher-producing areas of the
farms and experienced nitrogen losses and anaerobic soil conditions, creating a stress
environment in those offensive management zones. In these situations, a defensive hybrid was
needed to achieve positive responses.
When isolating the traditionally lower-yielding soils and planting a “defensive” hybrid, yield
gains of 6.4 Bu./A. and revenue gains of $26.20 were realized. The results from 2014 mirror
past year’s multi-year performance, indicating that precision hybrid placement is very important
on farms that do in fact contain soil and yield variability.
In reviewing the past three years of our multi-hybrid corn planting project, we tracked the
percentage of trial locations where selecting the appropriate hybrid in each zone was correct.
Figure 4 reveals that the hybrid selection accuracy in defensive soils with the appropriate
stress type hybrids, was correct 90% of the time over the three years of testing. Conversely,
when selecting an offensive corn hybrid for the highest yielding areas of a farm, the data
summary suggests a win percentage of 75%.
More research needs to be conducted to evaluate the overall practice of site-specific multi-
hybrid corn planting. However, this multi-year project has shown that the precision placement
of corn hybrids based on overall yield environment has provided the ability to increase corn
yields. As multi-hybrid planting moves forward into commercialization, it is imperative that
growers begin developing spatial management zones in order to utilize this technology.
65
2014 PFR Partners
BECK’S Multi-Hybrid Planting Study
Grower Location
Offense Advantage
in HP Soil
Defense Advantage
in LP Soil
Schuler Farms North Manchester, IN +0.7 +4.9
Schuler Farms North Manchester, IN +3.5 +3.2
Schuler Farms North Manchester, IN +6.2 N/A
Schuler Farms North Manchester, IN +6.6 +9.4
Eugene Stufflebeam Lewistown, IL +4.3 -5.7
Eugene Stufflebeam Lewistown, IL -4.2 +13.5
Eugene Stufflebeam Lewistown, IL +10.4 +2.7
Eugene Stufflebeam Lewistown, IL -4.4 +8.2
Schuler Farms North Manchester, IN -3.9 +3.7
Schuler Farms North Manchester, IN +5.6 N/A
Schuler Farms North Manchester, IN +3.6 +9.4
Webster Farms Kempton, IL -11.6 +5.8
Dennis Webster Buckingham, IL +5.7 +5.5
Dennis Webster Buckingham, IL -2.6 +5.0
Dennis Webster Buckingham, IL +3.6 +7.4
Webster Farms Kempton, IL -23.2 +3.3
Webster Farms Kempton, IL -7.0 -1.6
Webster Farms Kempton, IL +3.7 +7.8
Schleder Farms Green Valley, IL +5.5 +9.0
Dennis Webster Buckingham, IL -20.2 +5.5
Roger Gualandi Kempton, IL -2.9 +2.7
Larry Clapp Cabery, IL +4.4 +22.0
Roger Gualandi Kempton, IL +11.5 +11.3
Brian Arteman Ellsworth, IL +14.8 +8.6
Schuler Farms North Manchester, IN +5.7 +8.3
Perryman Farms Moody, TX +3.8 +4.9
Perryman Farms Moody, TX +2.7 +8.2
Perryman Farms Moody, TX -11.1 +12.4
Ron Wiegand Congerville, IL -37.3 +25.2
66
2014 PFR Partners
BECK’S Multi-Hybrid Planting Study
Grower Location
Offense Advantage
in HP Soil
Defense Advantage
in LP Soil
Bill Scott Toledo, IL +1.7 +5.2
Travis Worman Teutopolis, IL +14.0 -3.5
Probst Pork Farm Sigel, IL +11.8 N/A
Schuler Farms North Manchester, IN +2.3 -1.2
Tom Uthell Teutopolis, IL +13.3 +0.6
Schuler Farms North Manchester, IN -1.4 +3.5
Kelley Grain Farm Normal, IL +3.6 +13.3
Soltwedal Farms Effingham, IL +9.7 -6.7
Schuler Farms North Manchester, IN +19.4 +12.5
Great Plains Multi-Hybrid Planters at Teutopolis, IL
“As a PFR Partner, I appreciate being on
the cutting edge of management
practices, equipment and technology. It
helps me find profitable solutions that I
can implement over my entire farm.”
Tom Uthell
Teutopolis, IL
67
2014 PFR Partners
BECK’S TrackTill Study
The purpose of this study is to evaluate TrackTill, a Patent Pending technology from
Agriculture Concepts, designed to eliminate wheel track or pinch row compaction
caused by center-fill planters. While driving equipment through the field, the weight of
the tractor and implement can create compacted strips of soil with each pass. As soils
become compacted, their physical properties are altered, causing changes in bulk
density, porosity and hydraulic properties- all of which can contribute negatively to yield
potential. Studies conducted by Beck’s CIL PFR Center have shown up to a 13.8
bushel per acre yield difference between the compacted center sections of the planter
versus the lighter wing sections. See page 173 of the 2014 PFR Book for more details
on Beck’s CIL PFR pinch row compaction studies.
Grower Location
Yield
Response
Pistorius Farms Blue Mound, IL +3.9
Pistorius Farms Boody, IL +10.4
Pistorius Farms Boody, IL +2.0
Average: +5.4
2014 TrackTill testing was conducted by Pistorius Farms located near the Blue Mound
and Boody, Illinois area. The TrackTill equipment was sent to Pistorius Farms early in
the spring and installed on a John Deere Bauer Built planter. In evaluating three
different farm locations, TrackTill offered average yield improvements of 5.4 Bu./A. in
2014 testing.
More research needs to be completed to continue analyzing the benefits from this
compaction alleviating equipment. Center fill planters truly offer grower’s convenience
with having a large commodity box for bulk seed delivery and easy filling. However, the
overall weight distribution of that commodity box tends to cause the potential for “pinch
row” compaction. TrackTill could be an effective means to help lift, fracture, and remove
soil density layers contributed from center fill planter pinch row compaction.
Special thanks to Craig Paulek of Pistorius Farms for conducting this TrackTill study in
Beck’s PFR Partner program.
68
2014 PFR Partners
BECK’S Track Till Study
TrackTill CM: The TrackTill Central Mount kit is designed to mount around the central frame of planters with 30” row spacing. Equipped with the same vertical tine tillage system as the FM model, you can count on outstanding compaction relief and runoff reduction. The CM kit includes 4 hydraulic down pressure cylinders, 4 mounting assemblies and attached vertical tine tillage rollers, each roller consisting of 3 sets of 10” tines per roller and an integrated fully adjustable hydraulic down pressure system. The vertical tillage system mounts to a toolbar behind the planter’s rear wheels and fits between closing wheels on the row units. The fully adjustable down pressure system ensures exceptional compaction relief and weight offset in every soil condition. Linked to the planter’s lift hydraulics, the tines will raise and lower with the row units. This model has been tested to fit John Deere 1770 NT planters but can be adapted to most planters with transport wheels positioned between the row units.
TrackTill FM: The TrackTill FM is designed
to mount around the frame of planters with
30” row spacing. It includes fully adjustable
pneumatic down pressure, 4 vertical tine
tillage rollers, with 3 sets of 10” tines per
roller. Aluminum cased air cylinders raise or
lower the rollers on demand and apply
consistent down pressure in even the
toughest field conditions. The kits bolt
around the planter’s 7×7 frame, positioning the tine rollers alongside the opening disks
of the row units. This model has been tested to fit John Deere Bauer Built planters but
can be adapted for other brands with forward positioned transport wheels.
69
2014 PFR Partners
BECK’S Soybean PFR Partner Trials
Stratego® YLD Fungicide Trials 70-71
Priaxor® Fungicide Trials 72-73
Quadris Top®SB Fungicide Trials 74-75
CropKarb® Soybean Trials 76
InstaGro Soybean Trails 77
Site-Specific Multi-Variety Soybean Planting 78-80
Contents
Stratego® is a registered trademark of Bayer CropScience LP. Priaxor® is a registered trademark of BASF. Quadris Top® is a registered trademark of a Syngenta
Group Company. CropKarb® is a registered trademark of McRight Services LLC.
70
2014 PFR Partners
BECK’S Soybean Stratego® YLD Study
Stratego® is a registered trademark of Bayer CropScience LP
+$11.74 gain in net return per acre^
^Net return based on $16.31/A. Stratego YLD, $6.00 application, and $11.20/Bu. Soybeans
3-year average yield increase of +2.58 Bu./A
Soy Price Return
$10.00 +$3.49/A.
$11.20 +$6.59/A.
$12.00 +$8.65/A.
+3.04 Bu./A. yield advantage
86% of Stratego YLD treatments boosted yield
64% of Stratego YLD treatments provided economic gains
-2.0
0.0
2.0
4.0
6.0
8.0
10.0
12.0
Yie
ld R
esp
on
se (
Bu
./A
.)
4 oz. Stratego YLD Yield Summary
Break-Even
1.99 Bu./A.
71
2014 PFR Partners
BECK’S Stratego® YLD Study
Stratego® is a registered trademark of Bayer CropScience LP
™*®XL is a registered trademark of Pioneer. XL brand seed is distributed by Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc.
Grower Location Variety
Yield
Response
Doug Raber Gridley, IL Sun Prairie 36R21 +2.0
Jeff Bressner Graymont, IL AG3231 0.0
Steve Duffy Graymont, IL AG3334 +4.0
Scott Bauknecht Pontiac, IL AG3034 -1.0
Mike Follmer Graymont, IL AG3334 +2.6
Matt Jacobs Graymont, IL BECK 358R4™*
+1.6
John Ryerson Cornell, IL NK34-Z1 +2.6
Brent Clark Pontiac, IL BECK 335NR™*
-0.5
Art Schlipf Gridley, IL BECK 313NL +1.7
Beck’s CIL PFR Downs, IL BECK 313NL +4.5
Webster Farms Herscher, IL BECK 335NR™*
+3.4
Dennis Webster Kempton, IL BECK 294NR™*
+2.9
Beck’s CIN PFR Atlanta, IN BECK 358R4™*
+9.0
Beck’s CIN PFR Atlanta, IN BECK 294NR™*
+9.8
For more replications and to better understand variety performance, individual PFR lo-
cation trials were added into this summary.
72
2014 PFR Partners
BECK’S Soybean Priaxor® Study
+$13.77 gain in net return per acre^
^Net return based on $16.97/A. Priaxor, $6.00 application, and $11.20/Bu. Soybeans
3-year average yield increase of +2.99 Bu./A
Soy Price Return
$10.00 +$6.93/A.
$11.20 +$10.52/A.
$12.00 +$12.91/A.
+3.28 Bu./A. yield advantage
90% of Priaxor treatments boosted yield
57% of Priaxor treatments provided economic gains
-4.0
-2.0
0.0
2.0
4.0
6.0
8.0
10.0
12.0
Yie
ld R
esp
on
se (
Bu
./A
.)
4 oz. Priaxor Yield Summary
Priaxor® is a registered trademark of BASF
Break-Even
2.05 Bu./A.
73
2014 PFR Partners
BECK’S Priaxor® Study
Priaxor® is a registered trademark of BASF
™*®XL is a registered trademark of Pioneer. XL brand seed is distributed by Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc.
Grower Location Hybrid
Yield
Response
Doug Raber Gridley, IL Sun Prairie 36R21 +1.0
Jeff Bressner Graymont, IL AG3231 +1.0
Steve Duffy Graymont, IL AG3334 +3.0
Scott Bauknecht Pontiac, IL AG3034 -2.0
Mike Follmer Graymont, IL AG3334 +0.9
Matt Jacobs Graymont, IL BECK 358R4™*
-0.1
John Ryerson Cornell, IL NK34-Z1 +5.4
Brent Clark Pontiac, IL BECK 335NR™*
+1.2
Art Schlipf Gridley, IL BECK 313NL +1.2
Dennis Webster Buckingham, IL BECK 278R4™*
+2.9
Webster Farms Emington, IL BECK 294NR™*
+3.3
Beck’s CIL PFR Downs, IL BECK 294NR™*
+4.0
Beck’s CIN PFR Atlanta, IN BECK 358R4™*
+9.9
Beck’s CIN PFR Atlanta, IN BECK 294NR™*
+10.5
Beck’s KY PFR Henderson, KY BECK 457R4™*
+0.7
Beck’s SIL PFR Neoga, IL BECK 354L4 +3.5
Beck’s SIL PFR Neoga, IL BECK 366L4 +3.9
Beck’s SIL PFR Neoga, IL BECK 394L4 +8.9
Beck’s SIL PFR Neoga, IL BECK 423NL +4.1
Beck’s SIL PFR Neoga, IL BECK 459L4 +4.0
Beck’s SIL PFR Neoga, IL BECK 483NL +1.6
For more replications and to better understand variety performance, individual PFR lo-
cation trials were added into this summary.
74
2014 PFR Partners
BECK’S Quadris Top®SB Study
-$8.47 loss in net return per acre^
^Net return based on $18.38/A. Quadris Top SB, $6.00 application, and $11.20/Bu. Soybeans
+1.42 Bu./A. yield advantage
90% of Quadris treatments boosted yield
30% of Quadris treatments provided economic gains
-2.0
-1.0
0.0
1.0
2.0
3.0
4.0
5.0
Yie
ld R
esp
on
se (
Bu
./A
.)
8 oz. Quadris Top Yield Summary
Quadris Top® is a registered trademark of Syngenta Group Company
Soy Price Return
$10.00 -$10.18/A.
$11.20 -$8.47/A.
$12.00 -$7.34/A.
Break-Even
2.18 Bu./A.
75
2014 PFR Partners
BECK’S Quadris Top®SB Study
Quadris Top® is a registered trademark of Syngenta Group Company
™*®XL is a registered trademark of Pioneer. XL brand seed is distributed by Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc.
Grower Location Hybrid
Yield
Response
Doug Raber Gridley, IL Sun Praire 36R21 +2.0
Jeff Bressner Graymont, IL AG3231 +1.0
Steve Duffy Graymont, IL AG3334 0.0
Scott Bauknecht Pontiac, IL AG3034 -1.0
Mike Follmer Graymont, IL AG3334 +2.3
Matt Jacobs Graymont, IL BECK 358R4™*
+3.1
Matt Jacobs Graymont, IL NK34-Z1 +0.2
John Ryerson Cornell, IL BECK 335NR™*
+4.3
Brent Clark Pontiac, IL BECK 313NL +0.9
Art Schlipf Gridley, IL BECK 313NL +1.4
Thank you to Graymont Co-op for conducting these fungicide trials with their customers.
76
2014 PFR Partners
BECK’S CropKarb® Study
Grower Location Yield Response Hybrid
Jeff Bressner Graymont, IL +1.0 AG3231
Steve Duffy Graymont, IL +4.0 AG3334
Scott Bauknecht Pontiac, IL -1.0 AG3034
Mike Follmer Graymont, IL -3.8 AG3334
Webster Farms Buckingham, IL +3.6 BECK 335NR™*
Roger Gualandi Kempton, IL +2.1 BECK 335NR™*
^Net return based on $11.20/Bu. commodity price minus $8.83/A. CropKarb, no application cost
CropKarb is a registered trademark of McRight Services, LLC.
™*®XL is a registered trademark of Pioneer. XL brand seed is distributed by Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc.
CropKarb is a true biostimulant product, utilizing “next generation” biostimulant
chemistry. CropKarb is a proprietary formulation of urea nitrogen, potassium, boron, a
proprietary mobile carbon source, and DeltAg’s active catalyst chemistry. CropKarb is
designed to enhance bloom set, fruit sizing, and bulking. CropKarb works by delivering
key nutrients and catalysts, as well as a supplemental mobile carbon source to the
fruiting portion of the crop. CropKarb can be applied on its own, but mainly will be used
as a tank mix with a foliar application.
+$2.15 gain in net return per acre^
+0.98 Bu./A. yield advantage
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Grower Location Yield Response Hybrid
Webster Farms Cabery, IL +5.4 BECK 335NR™*
Dennis Webster Buckingham, IL +3.3 BECK 278R4™*
Roger Gualandi Emington, IL +0.8 BECK 298L4
Mike Frame Kempton, IL +3.5 BECK 294NR™*
^Net return based on $11.20/Bu. commodity price minus $33.35/A. InstaGro and $6.00 application.
™*®XL is a registered trademark of Pioneer. XL brand seed is distributed by Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc.
InstaGro Foliar soybean program is a mixture of 3-18-18-1S and 23-0-0 foliar feed
fertilizer from InstaGro Manufacturing, Inc. based out of Caledonia, OH. This InstaGro
was applied at 5 gal./A., 3 gal./A. of 3-18-18-1 and 2 gal./A. of 23-0-0 at the R3 growth
stage. This was our first year evaluating this foliar feed fertilizer in soybeans and we
look forward to testing this product in the future.
GUARANTEED ANALYSIS
3-18-18-1
Total Nitrogen 3.00%
Available Phosphoric Acid
(P2O5)
18.00%
Soluble Potash (K2O) 18.00%
Sulfur (S) 1.00%
-$2.95 loss in net return per acre^
+3.25 Bu./A. yield advantage
GUARANTEED ANALYSIS
23-0-0
Total Nitrogen 23.00%
Available Phosphoric Acid
(P2O5)
0.00%
Soluble Potash (K2O) 0.00%
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BECK’S Multi-Variety Planting Study
At Beck’s Hybrids, we are passionate about recommending the right product for
customers’ soil types. Over the past two years, the Practical Farm Research team has
evaluated the concept of multi-variety soybean planting to help accomplish this goal.
Pages 55-63 of this publication describe our multi-hybrid corn planting project, and this
same system can be used for the precision placement of soybeans.
Our approach to multi-variety soybean planting is somewhat different than precision
corn hybrid placement. The goal in this study is to identify low-yielding environments
and place a stress-tolerant, tall and robust soybean variety at higher seeding rates. In
some instances, high elevation, low organic matter with low water holding capacity soils
have often times inhibited the height of the soybean plants, thus limiting the ability to
achieve full row closure. This lack of canopy exposes the soil to more sunlight, causing
higher soil temperatures and evaporation of soil moisture, creating more potential for
stress. In high-yielding environments, it is very common to see soybeans that
concentrate on too much vegetative growth. This can lead to a very tall soybean with
high potential for lodging. To combat this problem, we place a shorter, bush-type variety
planted at lower seeding rates.
Variety
Transition
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Low Productivity Soils
Defensive Variety
+3.0 Bu./A. +$40.21/A.
High Productivity Soils
Offensive Variety
+3.4 Bu./A. +$36.75/A.
+3.2 Bu./A. Yield Increase = $38.48/Acre
2012-2014 Multi-Variety Soybean Results
Yield data collected across the 2013 and 2014 growing seasons indicates that multi-
variety soybean planting has the potential for similar yield and revenue increases as we
have witnessed in multi-hybrid corn planting. The figure below illustrates the two-year
yield response and increased revenue from multi-variety soybean planting throughout
central Illinois. This data suggests that average yields have increased by 3.2 Bu./A.
which correspond to revenue increases of $38.48/A.
Although this is only a two-year dataset, this concept appears to have some merit if we
can consistently select soybean varieties based on spatial management zones.
This technology has great potential in areas other than central Illinois, especially in high
pH soils and areas that struggle with iron chlorosis. In these areas, selecting soybean
varieties that are more tolerant to these conditions could increase yields exponentially.
This concept grants the opportunity to not only switch soybean varieties, but could also
allow different seed treatments to be utilized for issues like Sudden Death Syndrome or
Soybean Cyst Nematode.
To fully understand the value of this system, we will need multiple years of data, as well
as improved knowledge of how soybean varieties perform in various growing
environments. Now that we have the ability to use precision-based multi-variety
planters, it could give us the capability to possibly understand how to increase yields
and profitability in soybean production.
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Educational
Blocks
Variety
Transition
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2014 PFR Partners
Thank you to all of our 2014 PFR Partners for participating in this agronomic program. This is our fourth growing season conducting PFR Partner studies, and we are continuing to grow in size and find new studies each year. We hope that through the PFR Partner program, our customers are able to gain agronomic insight from the various trials we conduct on their farms. We are currently planning for the 2015 PFR Partner program. We look forward to working with you again during the 2015 growing season. If you are not currently a PFR Partner and would like to become one, please contact your local PFR director. If you have any questions, comments, or new ideas feel free to contact us. Thanks again. Central Indiana PFR: Toby Ripberger - Phone: (317) 385-1392 [email protected] Kentucky PFR Director: Chris Robinson - Phone: (812) 453-1891 [email protected] Southern IL PFR Director: Jonathan Perkins - Phone: (217) 690-0509 [email protected]
Ohio PFR: Kyle Hoppes - Phone: (740) 606-5953 [email protected] Central IL PFR Director: Jason Webster - Phone: (815) 584-7711 [email protected]