FieldTalk

In late August, PRIDE Seeds agronomist Drew Thompson was called to visit a grower’s corn field, where the complaint was ears that were small, misshapen and poorly pollinated. 

Bad weather for an extended period can drastically delay planting. So, what’s a farmer to do once the optimal date for planting corn has passed? And just what does ‘optimal’ mean anyway?

While it might be tempting to skip the process of planting a cover crop, there are some very compelling reasons not to.

Aaron Bowman, an agronomist with PRIDE Seeds says cover crops can reduce the soil erosion caused by wind and rain, as well as alleviate soil compaction.

Today’s high yielding hybrids and increasing population densities have researchers once again looking at the quantity and timing of nutrient uptake throughout the growing season. Each macro and micronutrient has a unique role and individual characteristics within the growing plant. Having the right rate at the right time can definitely influence the performance of high yielding hybrids.

PRIDE Seeds is now using the Fortenza® Maxim®Quattro with Stamina® (FMQ/S) package of insecticide and fungicides as its primary seed treatment on corn products, and for good reason.

Agronomist Matt Chapple says the company has embraced the move because of FMQ/S’s proven effectiveness at providing both early-season insect and disease protection, as well as increased plant health and cold tolerance.

Among the many exciting developments in agriculture in recent years, multi-hybrid variable rate planting stands as a potential game changer in terms of yield.

Aaron Stevanus, an agronomist with PRIDE Seeds is in the early stages of a research project that will leverage real-time data against existing best practice projections.

Stevanus, who also...

“Feed costs are the largest single cost in livestock production, making up 55 to 70 per cent of the total. Every dollar spent has to count.”

Doug Alderman
Vice President, Sales & Marketing
PRIDE Seeds

Here is a quick review of late season kernel development & terms.

Kernel development through to maturity can be separated into two stages:  The grain fill and the after physiological maturity period.

Precision Agriculture is currently the new buzzword in crop production, and while only in its infancy, will offer tremendous advancement opportunities in production yields and cost efficiencies. The foundation of the 'precision' aspect is site-specific Management Zones. There is an ever–increasing availability of new Precision Ag...