vol. 23 December 2012

TheSeedConsultant

A B I - M O N T H L Y N E W S L E T T E R N E W S A N D V I E W S F R O M T H E F I E L D

WINTER MAINTENANcEA little winter work can ease spring plantingPage 4

Seed consultants, Inc. 800-708-2676 www.seedconsultants.com

Simply, the Best Value in the Seed IndustryTM

ScI PROFILEScI Seedsman Brian George

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2013 WINTER AGRONOMY MEETINGSAttend a meeting in your areaPage 3

2013 HYBRID SELEcTIONPositioning hybrids for best performancePage 5

Lessons Learned From 2012Most farmers will be happy to see the 2012 growing season in their rear view mirror. However, tough seasons do give us some

opportunities to learn and become better managers. Also, plant breeders get a great opportunity to select for tolerance to drought

and heat stress and develop superior products and we will be releasing additional drought tolerant hybrids in the near future.

Soil type is very important in growing crops, especially in abnormal conditions. The drastic difference in yield on different soils in response to heat and drought

was amazing. The difference was mostly due to the amount of organic matter and the water retention capacity of various soils. We saw a range of 10 bushels to 120

bushels per acre on one of the farms that we used for our Crop Watch program this year. Even though plant breeders have done an excellent job of developing

new hybrids, in many areas it did not make much difference which corn hybrid you planted, if you did not get timely rains in July and August and were

sitting in an oven.

Don’t overreact to what happened this year. It was a one-in-fifty year type of growing season. If I was a betting man, I would not bet on a repeat of similar conditions next year .

Here are some pointers you can use for 2013:

continued on page 2

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By Dave Nanda, Ph.D.Director of Genetics and Technology Phone: 317-910-9876 nanda@seedconsultants.com

Lessons Learned...continued from page 1• Make adjustments to your programs as needed but don’t make drastic changes.

• Plant hybrids with good drought tolerance ratings if they are adaptable to your farm and of appropriate relative maturity for your area, otherwise plant fuller season varieties, since they tend to be more stress tolerant.

• Don’t pay too much attention to the yield data from 2012. Variability caused by the erratic weather was too great to provide dependable data in many cases.

• Plant early but not too early. Plant as soil conditions allow; but remember some farmers got hurt by planting in March or early April, first by frost, followed by Pythium diseases and later by very hot temperatures during the pollination period.

• Don’t change your overall planting populations based on this year’s experience. Adjust populations based on soil type, yield expectations, hybrid genetics, plant height and relative maturity.

• Taller, fuller season hybrids may be planted at lower population densities than shorter, earlier maturity hybrids. Variable seeding rate planting equipment would be great for changing seeding rates on the go.

• Do soil testing before planting next year. On many farms with lower yields this year, all of the fertilizers you applied may not have been used.

• If they fit your management practices, consider using cover crops. Cover crops can help keep those worms and micro-organisms happy. They do our dirty work of making soils porous and decomposing the organic matter to make our soils richer.

• Use the best seed treatment you can get. Having good plant stand establishment is very important for getting optimal yields.

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2013 SCI WinterAgronomy Meetings

Be sure to attend one of SCI’s Winter agronomy meetings this coming January. We appreciate your business and we look forward to seeing you this winter. These informative agronomy meetings will include a lunch followed by a captivating presentation. Attendees will receive a free gift. Space may be limited at some locations, please call 800-708-2676 and confirm your attendance at least two days prior to the meeting you plan to attend.

AGENDA11:30 AM • LUNCH

PRESENTATION • 2012 growing season recap

• SCI plot data

• 3rd Party plot data for SCI products

• Tips for a successful 2013 crop

• Discussion of corn/soybeanvarieties available

DATES AND LOCATIONS:(All meetings will begin with lunch at 11:30 a.m.)

Jan 3 – Warsaw, INGolden Corral: off of US 30

Jan 3 – Ottawa, OHRed Pig Inn, Ottawa

Jan 4 – Smithville, OHThe Barn, north of Wooster on Rt. 585, south edge of Smithville

Jan 7 – Brookville, OHRob’s Family Restaurant: located north side of Brookville on Arlington Road

Jan 9 –Bunker Hill, INDutch Café: located on US 31 across from Grissom AFB

Jan 10 – Tiffin, OHShell Shuckers: Quality Inn locatedsouth of Tiffin at Rt. 224 and Rt. 53

Jan 10 – Hagerstown, INWillie & Red’s: On Main St. in Hagerstown

Jan 11 - Bowling Green, OHDyers Restaurant: 200 Campbell Hill Rd in Bowling Green

Jan 14 – Plain City, OHDer Dutchman: located on South side of Plain City on Rt. 42

Jan 16 – Seymour, INThe Pines: located 1 mile south of US 50 on US 31, on the east side of road

Jan 16 - Hillsboro, OHPonderosa: south side of Hillsboro on Rt. 62

Jan 29 - Bellville, OHDer Dutchman: located at exit 165 off 1-71, south of Mansfield

Jan 30 - Decatur, INBack 40 Junction: located on SR 27 in Decatur

Jan 31 - Hardinsburg, KYLittle Dave’s Family Restaurant: South of Hardinsburg on Old Hwy 60

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Winter Maintenance is Worth the EffortHave you ever heard someone say, “What do farmers do in the winter?” As you are aware, there are a lot of answers to this question. Winter is a great time to get ready for spring planting, which will be here before we know it. One of the most important parts of the growing season is planting. It’s crucial that your crops get off to a good start and it’s important to make sure that your planter is field-ready when the time comes. It is critical to plant your seed into the best possible growing conditions. A planter in need of some adjustment can result in varied seed placement, uneven emergence, and ultimately a reduction in yield potential.

Check for and replace any parts of your planter that are excessively worn. No-till coulters or disk openers that are worn out will not provide the most favorable seed furrow and will not place seed correctly. Good seed-to-soil contact is critical in ensuring seed germination and uniform emergence. Emergence that is uneven can cause a loss in yield potential. No-till coulters should be adjusted to operate at the same depth or slightly shallower than disk openers. Seed firmers in good condition will also promote adequate seed-to-soil contact. Check the chains and sprockets on your planter. Make sure chains are operated at the correct tension and replace any sprockets that are worn as well as chains that are stiff, rusty, or excessively worn. Smooth chain operation is a critical component of proper planter operation and seed spacing. Any hesitation or jerk in the system will result in seed spacing that is not uniform.

One of the most important aspects of planter maintenance is calibration of your planter. Make the necessary adjustments to your planter to make certain it will plant at the population you desire. Broken or worn parts on planter units should be replaced and units should be periodically calibrated. Along with performing maintenance on planter units make sure seed tubes

are clean and are not damaged such that they will prevent even seed spacing. Calibration of your planter and units will reduce skips, doubles, and triples in seed placement. Research has shown that skips, doubles, and triples can cause a reduction in yield potential. Uniform seed spacing minimizes competition between plants for water and nutrients and promotes efficient use of sunlight.

Once you’ve gone through your planter, it’s a good idea to test it out before you head to the field. It is important to evaluate a planter under conditions closely resembling those you will find in the field. Keep in mind a gravel driveway in the barnyard may work but it will not accurately resemble field conditions. Evaluate your planter’s performance at the speed you will be operating in the field. Check your planter for smooth operation, make sure seed spacing and depth is even and accurate.

Making a few adjustments to your planter this winter will require some time and effort. This is time well spent and it could really pay off in the spring.

© Kowloonese/ Wikimedia Commons

By Matt Hutcheson, CCAProduct ManagerPhone: 937-414-6784matt@seedconsultants.com

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© Kowloonese/ Wikimedia Commons

Changing Times for Hybrid Selection in 2013In years prior to 2012, growers throughout the marketing area of SCI have experienced periods of high temperatures with little or no rainfall. At harvest time, yields were down from the past however producers felt it was a one-time occurrence and next year would be better. Hybrids with high-yield potential were positioned on the better soils and more defensive hybrid characteristics were positioned on soils needing these strengths. For some, drought tolerant characteristics were not high on the list in 2012 but with the wide spread drought of 2012, drought tolerance is now at the top of the list.

There were several factors during the growing season of 2012 that contributed to the below average performance of corn yields in many fields. One that significantly impacted the corn plant’s ability to maintain its natural growth during the growing season was the ability to overcome heat stress during and after pollination. Moisture was critical at times however the plant was able to utilize from within to still produce normal size ears. It was the heat that caused yield reductions, the plant’s ability to overcome the stress during day and nighttime conditions.

Reviewing 2012 corn plot data from plot trials and customer’s fields showed how certain hybrids tolerated the heat stress, and produced high yields. Hybrids such as SCS 10HR62™, SCS 10HQ72™, SCS 11HR02™, SCS 11HR12™, SCS 11HR21™, SCS 11HQ31™, SC

11AGT30™, SCS 11HQ39™, SCS 11HQ69™, and SC 11AQ72™. In 2012, Seed Consultants released, with limited supply, SCS 1083™ and SCS 1083AMX-R™. This 108 RM hybrid is also designated as Optimum® AQUAmaxTM, a hybrid that has native traits that help improve drought tolerance bred into the plant. In 2012 plots and fields you could pick out where SCS 1083AMX-R™ was planted. Looking at ears of this hybrid after pollination was complete showed how well it pollinated under heat. Up to harvest time SCS 1083AMX-R™ continued to grow normally and produced high yields. Many new releases by Seed Consultants will have strong genetics with yield, as well as the drought tolerant gene bred into them.

The drought and heat stress from 2012 has helped us identify many areas where hybrids with strong drought tolerance can be positioned to help growers manage risk. Your Area Seedsman knows the hybrids to position accordingly. Yield is the reason why we grow corn, a very good return on investment. To reach these high yields, we need good genetics that produce and protect yield potential.

Best wishes for you and your family during the holidays and for a successful crop year in 2013.

By Bill Mullen, CCASCI Director of Agronomic Services Phone:740-505-2022bmullen@seedconsultants.com

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LOcATION HYBRID YIELDPurdue Northern Early Trial SCS 10HR62™--#6 208* bu.Purdue central Early Trial SCS 10HQ70™--#5 174* bu. SCS 10HQ72™--#9 171* bu. Purdue central Mid Trial SCS 11HR02™--#2 191* bu. SCS 11HR12™--#3 191* bu. Purdue Southern Early Trial SCS 11HR12™--#5 137* bu. OSU South Region Trial Hebron--Early Test SCS 1070™ 234.3* bu. SCS 11HR12™ 230.6* bu.OSU North West Region Trial Hoytville--Early Test SCS 10HR62™--#6 177.3* bu. Van Wert--Early Test SCS 10HR62™--#10 221.4* bu. Upper Sandusky--Early Test SCS 1070™--#6 204.4* bu. SCS 1081AMX-R 193.9* bu.

Washington court House--Early Test SCS 1070™ 239* bu. SCS 11HR12™ 240.8* bu. SCS 1081AMX-R™ 231.2* bu.South charleston--Early Test SCS 11HR12™--#3 246.8* bu. SCS 1081AMX-R™ 241.1* bu.Hebron--Full Season Test SCS 11HR31™ 243.5* bu.WashngtoncourtHouse--Full Season Test SCS 11HR31™--#10 252.6* bu.South charleston--Full Season Test SCS 11HR21™--#3 263.4* bu. F.I.R.S.T. (Indiana North) INNO Full SC 10AGT92™ 168.9* bu. SCS 11HR21™ 164.5* bu.F.I.R.S.T. (Pennsylvania central) PAcE SCS 10HQ72™--#9 205.6* bu. SCS 10HR62™--#11 205.2* bu.F.I.R.S.T. (Pennsylvania Southeast) PASE SC 10AGT92™ 182.6* bu. UKY corn Trials Early SCS 11HR02™ 186.9* bu. Integrated AG Services (IAS) OH North Trial Multiplot SCS 11HR12™ 182.2* bu.OH South Trial Multiplot SC 11AQ03™ 174.4* bu. SCS 11HR12™ 173.7* bu. SC 10AGT92™ 173.2* bu.IN central Trial Multiplot SCS 10HQ72™ 176* bu.

NW Summary of 3 Locations SCS 10HR62™ 196.2* bu. Virginia Tech corn Silage Trials Tons/AC and # of Milk/ACSouthwest Site SCS 11HQ39™--#1 29.4 Tns, 32938 # Milk/AC SCS 11HR21™--#2 28.02 Tns, 29538 # Milk/AC SCS 1138AM1™--#3 27.03 Tns, 29431 # Milk/AC SCS 11HR63™--#4 28.29 Tns, 29353 # Milk/AC SC 11AGT30™--#9 26.73 Tns, 28389 # Milk/AC SC 11AGT30™--#9 26.73 Tns, 28389 # Milk/ACMSU corn Silage Trial Zone 1--Late Test--2 Location Summary SCS 11HR21™--#1 23.2 Tns, 32629 # Milk/AC

2012 3RD PARTY RESULTS--cORNLocation Summary Data:

Yields followed by * are not significantly different from the highest yield

in each respective plot.

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Jump on Early Cash DiscountsSeed Consultants offers opportunities to maximize seed cost savings through early cash discount schedule. SCI offers the following early cash discount schedule for the 2012-13 planting season. If you have any questions, please call the office at 800-708-2676.

Spring Seeding cash Discounts December thru January 5 ....10.0% January ......9.0% February ......7.0% March ......4.0% April ......2.0%

Accounts Due Paid in Full:July 1, 2013

Seed Consultants Profile SCI Seedsman Brian GeorgeBirthplace: Findlay, OH

Home: Bowling Green, OH

Family: Kimberly- Wife, Anden (8) and Troy (1)- sons

Education: Bachelor’s of Science degree in Business Management, Bowling Green State University

Seed Industry experience: 3 years with Seed Consultants Inc.

What I like most about working at ScI: Having great customers who make it easy to go to work each day

How long have you sold for ScI? 3 years

Keys to Serving customers: Making myself available at all times and helping in any way possible

Hobbies: Spending time with family, playing basketball and golf, watching sports

Keys to Success: Honesty and hard work

Words to Live by: Don’t sweat the small stuff

LOcATION VARIETY YIELDPurdue Northern Early Trial SCS 9241RR™--#1 58.5* bu. SCS 9282RR™--#4 58.0* bu. Purdue Northern Mid Trial SCS 9319RR™ 59.1* bu. SCS 9328RR™ 58.3* bu. SCS 9301RR™ 58.2* bu.Purdue Northern Late Trial SCS 9362RR™ 59.3* bu.Purdue central Early Trial SCS 9282RR™ 61.5* bu.Purdue Southern Early Trial SCS 9362RR™ 32.4* bu. SCS 9392RR™ 32.2* bu. F.I.R.S.T. (Indiana central) INcE SCS 9362RR™ 63.8* BU. SCS 9330RR™ 63.6* bu. SCS 9319RR™ 63.6* bu. SCS 9392RR™ 63.3* bu.

LOcATION VARIETY YIELD UKY Soybean Trial 3.0-3.9 Summary SCS 9392RR™--#3 47.8* bu. OSU Soybean Trial--North Region-Early SCS 9282RR™ 69.4* bu.OSU Soybean Trial--North Region-Late SCS 9328RR™ 68.1* bu. SCS 9330RR™ 65.9* bu. OSU Soybean Trial-central Region-Early SCS 9319RR™ 66.1* bu. OSU Soybean Trial--South Region-Early SCS 9362RR™ 65.0* bu.OSU Soybean Trial--South Region-Late SCS 9392RR™ 64.6* bu. SCS 9412RR™ 63.9* bu.

Integrated AG Services (IAS) OH North Trial Multiplot SCS 9330RR™ 63.1* bu. SCS 9381RR™ 62.0* bu. SCS 9319RR™ 60.7* bu. OH South Trial Multiplot SCS 9412RR™ 57.1* bu. SCS 9362RR™ 56.2* bu. SCS 9393RR™ 56.2* bu. IN North Trial Multiplot SCS 9319RR™ 44.2* bu. SCS 9330RR™ 44.1* bu.IN South Trial Multiplot SCS 9393RR™--#1 65.8* bu. SCS 9392RR™--#4 61.6* bu. SCS 9412RR™--#6 61.0* bu.

2012 3RD PARTY RESULTS--SOYBEANSLocation Summary Data:

Yields followed by * are not significantly different from the highest yield

in each respective plot.

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Seed consultants Inc. P.O. Box 370 648 Miami Trace Rd. S.W. Washington court House, OH 43160 USA

Editorial BoardStuart Yensel, director of sales and marketing740-505-0889 - Mobilestuartyensel@seedconsultants.com

Bill Mullen, ccA director of agronomic services740-505-2022 - Mobilebmullen@seedconsultants.com

chris Jeffries, general manager 740-505-0073 - Mobileseedconsultants@seedconsultants.com

Matt Hutcheson, ccA product manager937-414-6784 - Mobilematt@seedconsultants.com

Dave Nanda, Ph.D.director of genetics and technology 317-910-9876 - Mobilenanda@seedconsultants.com

Clearfield® is a registered trademark of BASF. Herculex® Insect Protection technology by Dow AgroSciences and Pioneer Hi-Bred. ® Herculex and the HX logo are registered trademarks of Dow AgroSciences LLC. Ignite®, LibertyLink® and the Water Droplet Design are trademarks of Bayer. YieldGard VT Triple®, Roundup Ready®, YieldGard Plus®, and YieldGard® are registered trademarks used under license from Monsanto Company. Cruiser® and Dynasty™ are registered trademarks of a Syngenta Company. The Rapid Inbreeding® Advantage is a registered trademark of PSR Global Research. Agrisure™ is a trademark of a Syngenta Group Company. ® Supreme EX is a registered trademark of Pioneer. Supreme EX® brand seed is distributed by Seed Consultants, Inc. Roundup WeatherMAX®1 and Roundup PowerMAX™ are trademarks of Monsanto Technology LLC. Optimum® and AcreMax® are registered trademarks of Pioneer Hi-Bred. Optimum® AcreMax® system available through the Supreme EX® brand. The information provided within this newsletter is not a substitute for advice concerning your specific situation. The information contained herein is general and educational in nature. Because each situation is different and each recommendation is specifically tailored for each customer, the information contained herein should never be used to determine your course of action. All products are trademarks of their manufacturers. © 2012, Seed Consultants, Inc.

Between the Rows Updates from Chris Jeffries, general manager

of the most heavily tested in the entire industry. When growers plant SCI genetics they know they are selected for their soils and unique growing environment.

I have been calling on and working with growers since 1979; I have the best friends and best job in the world. Thank you for allowing, Seed Consultants and me to work with you. Have a safe and happy holiday season.

One of the things that I love about this industry; is after a year like this we have the opportunity to have a DO OVER! Over the years, I have stated that we often get patted on the back when we don’t deserve it; but likewise we get kicked in the butt when we don’t deserve it. Well, 2012’s performance mimics that analogy. We received praise and cussing for the same hybrid. Planting date and pollination date were monumental. Were there hybrid differences, yes!

Understanding, SCI’s lineup was a long way from perfect; SCI’s eastern Corn Belt testing has allowed us to focus on selecting for stress tolerance specifically for the eastern Corn Belt. While the racehorse genetics may have struggled,

overall our workhorse genetics had a respectable year. New releases like SCS 1083™ brand, an Optimum AQUAmax hybrid, shows it is going to be a big hitter for SCI; and will fit well with our lineup of strong stress hybrid brands, such as SCS 1062™; SCS 1070™; SCS 1102™; SCS 1131™; etc.

Testing focused on the eastern Corn Belt continues to play an important part in the growth of SCI. SCI’s research staff planted and harvested approximately 50 replicated research plots in Indiana & Ohio (50,000 replicated yield plots) in 2012. SCI’s replicated testing combined with our mini-STEPP & STEPP programs, as while as our access to IMPACT testing makes the hybrids offered by SCI some

Chris Jeffries

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