2013 PFR Partner - beckshybrids.com...Adam Brent Le Roy, IL -11.8 Channel 212-09 Jim Rafferty Le Roy, IL -2.7 LG 2620 Nathan Wentworth Maroa, IL -16.5 Beck 6626AMXTM* Dennis Webster

2013

PFR Partner Results

2

Table of ContentsSection Page # Introduction

Nitrogen Management

Nitrogen Rate Trials

V10 Timing Trials

OptRx® Variable Rate Nitrogen

YDrop™ System Placement

Urea Topdress Trials

Potassium Sidedress

Corn Fungicide Introduction

VT Fungicide Trials

V5 + VT Fungicide Trials

V5 Fungicide Trials

In-Furrow Fungicide

Corn CropKarb

Corn Sable Trials

Soil Applied Insecticide

Amplify-D Seed Treatment

Multi-Hybrid Corn Planting

Soybean Fungicide

Soybean CropKarb

Soybean Sable

Soybean Urea Topdress

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4

5-12

13-16

17-20

21-25

26-29

30-31

32-33

34-39

40-41

42-45

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50-51

52-56

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58-61

62-66

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69-70

71

3

Introduction

This publication is a summary of Beck’s Hybrids 2013 agronomic

research managed by the Central IL Practical Farm Research Center

located in 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, its research focused with the farmer in mind.

Becks 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 PFR Assistants Clayton Stufflebeam and

Ben Arteman.

CIL PFR Assistant Clayton Stufflebeam consults with a grower during a fungicide application.

4

Nitrogen Management Trials

Becks CILPFR Research Team conducted various on-farm nitrogen trials

throughout Illinois in 2013. These nitrogen trials were designed to

evaluate producers’ normal nitrogen programs compared to different

management practices. This allowed growers to evaluate the overall

effectiveness of their current nitrogen management strategy.

These nitrogen trials include evaluation of:

o Over-application of 50# N/A.*

o Under-application of 50# N/A.**

o V10 late season sidedress

o OptRx® variable rate nitrogen

o YDrop™ system sidedress

o Urea topdress applications

*Actual average over-application rate equaled +50.9# N/A.

**Actual average under-application rate equaled -50.6# N/A.

5

Nitrogen Rate Summary

Through this year’s intensive nitrogen research study, Beck’s Central Illinois PFR

team tried to evaluate the percentage of grower’s nitrogen programs that were in

fact using economic optimum nitrogen rates.

The following is a summary of 43 total field locations, where growers’ normal

nitrogen rate programs were compared to either lowering or increasing nitrogen

rates by approximately 50 # N/A.

This year’s results indicated that 34% of our PFR Partners were in fact

implementing economic optimum nitrogen rates. When these growers adjusted

nitrogen rates either higher or lower than their normal nitrogen rate program, no

economic gains were incurred.

However, the other 66% of our PFR Partner test sites incurred additional yield

and/or economic gain by implementing a different nitrogen rate other than their

current nitrogen rate program.

Simply put, 66% of our PFR Partners were using the wrong rate of nitrogen.

Growers with correct nitrogen rate = 34%

Growers with wrong nitrogen rate = 66%

6

Over-Application Yield Summary*

+6.1 bu./A. Average Yield Increase

Yield Increases Occurred at 88% of all Locations

*Average over-application rate = 50.9 lbs N

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Over-Application: 43 Locations

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Over-Application Economic Summary

-$0.17/A. Average*

49% of over-applications were profitable *Nitrogen Cost $0.65/lb. Price of corn $5.40. Average over-application rate = 50.9 lbs N

49% of over-applications resulted in yield gains of 11.0 Bu./A. with net

returns of $27.96/A. Conversely, 51% of over-applications proved yield

gains of 1.5 Bu./A., resulting in net losses of $27.01/A. Simply put, half

of our over-applications proved profitable. This return on investment

was due to heavy spring rains that may have led to denitrification or

leaching.

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Over-Application: 43 Locations

+$27.96/A.

-$27.01/A.

+11.0 Bu./A.

+1.48 Bu./A.

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2013 Corn Nitrogen Trials

Over-Application

Cooperator Location Yield Response Hybrid

Brad Dorsey Moro, IL +4.7 Beck 6175 AM™*

Adam Brent Le Roy, IL +11.2 Channel 212-09 Jim Rafferty Le Roy, IL +10.2 LG 2620 Nathan Wentworth Maroa, IL -6.3 Beck 6626AMXTM*

Dennis Webster Buckingham, IL +4.4 Beck 6175AMXTM*

Dennis Webster Buckingham, IL +0.5 Beck 5442VT3 Tom Uthell Teutopolis, IL +11.9 Beck 6175AMXTM* Ron Bork Piper City, IL +13.6 DKC 61-88 Danny Wilson Merna, IL +6.2 Phoenix 5642A4**

Matt Hughes McLean, IL +12.4 DKC 67-57 Matt Hughes McLean, IL +8.8 DKC 62-08 Gifford State Bank Rantoul, IL +15.0 Beck 6175AMXTM*

Greg Pfeiffer Dwight, IL -3.9 Phoenix 5552A4** Greg Pfeiffer Dwight, IL +10.2 Beck 5475AMXTM*

Vogel Farms Roanoke, IL +1.1 Beck 6175AMXTM*



Mike McLaughlin Le Roy, IL -5.0 LG 2620 Bill Jay Seymour, IL +13.3 Beck 6175AMXTTM*

Coffman and Downs Moweaqua, IL +12.2 Beck 6175AMXTM*

Tom Bergan Campus, IL +15.7 AgriGold 6533 RIB

9

Over-Application cont. Cooperator Location Yield Response Hybrid

Kevin Hunsinger Mansfield, IL +1.1 DKC62-97 Ryan Anderson Crescent City, IL +5.2 Beck 6626AMXTM*

Kevin McKittrick Shelbyville, IL +9.2 Beck 6175TM*

Kevin McKittrick Shelbyville, IL +7.5 Beck 6175TM*

Wakefield Farms Shumway, IL +19.3 Beck 6175AMXTM*

Troy Seggebruch Cissna Park, IL +6.4 Beck 6626AMXTM*

Kyle Finley Alvin, IL +1.5 Beck 6175AMXTM*

Dean Eisenmann Hoopeston, IL +3.9 Beck 5475AMXTM*

Jeremy Wilson Olney, IL +12.0 Beck 6175AMXTM*

Wade Wilson West Liberty, IL +9.5 Beck 6175AMXTM* Wade Wilson West Liberty, IL +17.2 Beck 6175AMXTM* Andy Woodrum Athens, IL -0.3 Beck 5475AMXTM*

Ryan Todd Greenview, IL +5.5 Beck 6175AMXTM*

Craig Amman Highland, IL +8.5 Beck 6175AMXTM* Craig Amman Highland, IL +9.4 Beck 6175AMXTM*

Gary Boehrnsen Martinton, IL +4.5 Beck 5475AMXTM*


Russ Cripe Carlyle, IL +6.2 Beck 6626AMXTM* Russ Cripe Carlyle, IL +5.7 Beck 6626AMXTM* Russ Cripe Carlyle, IL +3.3 Beck 6626AMXTM* Halverson Farms DeKalb, IL +3.2 Beck 5442VT3 David Jorgenson Milford, IL +0.5 Beck 6175AMXTM*

10

Under-Application Yield Summary

-11.5 Bu./A. average yield loss

Only 6% of all locations proved yield gains Average under-application rate = -50.6# N/A.

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Under Application: 33 Locations

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Under-Application Economic Summary

-$30.03/A. average*

33% of under-applications were profitable *Nitrogen cost $0.65/lb.. Price of corn $5.40, Average under-application rate = -50.6# N/A.

Of the -50# N/A. under-applications that were profitable, average yield losses of -2.7 Bu./A. resulted in a return on investment of +$18.31/A. Even though yield was reduced, the cost savings of lower nitrogen (-50# N/A.) outweighed the loss in corn yield.

The remaining 64% caused yield losses greater than the savings from the reduced rate of nitrogen.

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Under Application: 33 Locations

+$18.31/A.

-$54.21/A.

-15.9 Bu./A.

-2.7 Bu./A.

12

2013 Corn Nitrogen Trials

Under-Application Cooperator Location Yield Response Hybrid

Brad Dorsey Moro, IL -5.8 Beck 6175 AM™*

Adam Brent Le Roy, IL -11.8 Channel 212-09

Jim Rafferty Le Roy, IL -2.7 LG 2620

Nathan Wentworth Maroa, IL -16.5 Beck 6626AMXTM*

Dennis Webster Buckingham, IL -19.0 Beck 6175AMXTM*

Dennis Webster Buckingham, IL -4.2 Beck 5442VT3

Tom Uthell Teutopolis, IL -8.4 Beck 6175AMXTM*

Ron Bork Piper City, IL -3.9 DKC 61-88

EJ Kelley Merna, IL -15.6 Phoenix 5552A4**

Matt Hughes McLean, IL -33.5 DKC 67-57


Gifford State Bank Rantoul, IL +7.7 Beck 6175AMXTM*

Greg Pfeiffer Dwight, IL -11.6 Phoenix 5552A4**

Greg Pfeiffer Dwight, IL -1.4 Beck 5475AMXTM*

Vogel Farms Roanoke, IL -13.5 Beck 6175AMXTM*



Mike McLaughlin Le Roy, IL -40.4 LG 2620

Bill Jay Seymour, IL -16.6 Beck 6175AMXTTM*

Coffman and Downs Moweaqua, IL -5.7 Beck 6175AMXTM*

Tom Bergan Campus, IL -10.4 AgriGold 6533 RIB

Ryan Anderson Crescent City, IL -25.9 Beck 6626AMXTM*

Kevin McKittrick Shelbyville, IL -11.6 Beck 6175TM*

Kevin McKittrick Shelbyville, IL -3.8 Beck 6175TM*

Wakefield Farms Shumway, IL 3.1 Beck 6175AMXTM*

Troy Seggebruch Cissna Park, IL -8.4 Beck 6626AMXTM*

Dean Eisenmann Hoopeston, IL -10.6 Beck 5475AMXTM*

Andy Woodrum Athens, IL +1.3 Beck 5475AMXTM*

Ryan Todd Greenview, IL -5.9 Beck 6175AMXTM*

O’Neall/Scholl Downs, IL -36.0 Beck 5435wxTM*

Craig Amman Highland, IL -10.7 Beck 6175AMXTM*

Russ Cripe Carlyle, IL -7.6 Beck 6626AMXTM*

Halverson Farms DeKalb, IL -3.1 Beck 5442VT3

13

V10 Nitrogen Timing

This year we continued our research of late-season nitrogen

applications by way of high-clearance tractors and nitrogen toolbars

from Miller St. Nazianz and Hagie Manufacturing (Photos 1 and 2).

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 growth stage V10.

Photo 1. (V10 growth stage) Photo 2. (V2 growth stage)

The photos above illustrate the overall difference in growth stages according to

the protocol for this nitrogen timing study.

14

V10 Nitrogen Timing Yield Summary*

+5.15 Bu./A. Average Yield Increase

80% of all V10 applications showed yield gains

*Application rate was the same rate as the growers’ normal nitrogen programs

3-Year average V10 yield increase = +3.07 Bu. /A.**

**Average includes data from 2013 PFR Partners and 2011-2012 CIL PFR site data

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V10 Timing: 25 Locations

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V10 Nitrogen Timing Economic Summary

+$27.81/A. Average*

80% of V10 applications were profitable

*Nitrogen cost $0.65/lb., price of corn $5.40, application rate was the same as the growers’

normal nitrogen programs

Of the V10 applications that were profitable, yield gains of +1.3

to +15.5 Bu./A. were realized, with a return on investment

ranging from +$7.02 to +$81.68/A.

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V10 Timing: 25 Locations

+$40.17/A.

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-4.5 Bu./A.

+7.4 Bu./A.

16

V10 Nitrogen Timing Summary


Brad Dorsey Moro, IL +15.5 Beck 6626AMXTM*

Brad Dorsey Moro, IL +7.8 Beck 6175 AM™*

Adam Brent Le Roy, IL +1.3 Channel 212-09

Jim Rafferty Le Roy, IL +6.0 LG 2620

Nathan Wentworth Maroa, IL +2.4 Beck 6626AMXTM*


Dennis Webster Buckingham, IL +5.9 Beck 5442VT3

Tom Uthell Teutopolis, IL +9.6 Beck 6175AMXTM*


EJ Kelley Merna, IL -3.4 Phoenix 5552A4**

Matt Hughes McLean, IL +7.2 DKC 67-57




Bill Jay Seymour, IL +12.6 Beck 6175AMXTTM

Tom Bergan Campus, IL +5.5 AgriGold

Ryan Anderson Crescent City, IL +5.3 Beck 6626AMXTM*





O’Neall/Scholl Downs, IL +8.0 Beck 5435wxTM*

Kevin Hunsinger Mansfield, IL +6.5 DKC 62-97

Craig Amman Highland, IL +12.0 Beck 6175AMXTM*

Russ Cripe Carlyle, IL +5.8 Beck 6626AMXTM*

17

OptRx® Variable Rate Nitrogen

OptRx crop sensors measure and record plant health data in real-time

using reflectance of light shined 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 to be offered day and night.

The protocol for the 2013 OptRx trials consisted of growers reducing

their normal nitrogen rate by 50# N/A. and then implementing the

OptRx system to apply variable rate nitrogen as a way to finish their

overall nitrogen program.

Hagie STS10 and Miller Nitro with nitrogen toolbars equipped with OptRx sensors

18

OptRx Variable Rate Nitrogen: Yield

Summary

+2.4 Bu/A. Average Yield Increase

73% of OptRx variable rate applications proved yield gains

Over all 33 locations, OptRx recommended -11.7# less nitrogen

per acre (176.2 total #N) compared to the growers’ normal

nitrogen rate (187.9 total #N)

*OptRx is a registered trademark of AgLeader Technology

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OptRx Variable Rate: 33 Locations

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OptRx Variable Rate N: Economic Summary

+$20.57/A. Average Increase*

73% of OptRx applications were profitable

Based on an OptRx system price of $11,235 (3 power heads,

brackets, and cables for a 40’ nitrogen toolbar) and the

+$20.57/A. return on investment, break-even would occur at

only 546 total acres.

*Nitrogen Cost $0.65/lb. Price of Corn $5.40

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OptRx Variable Rate: 33 Locations

+$36.15/A.

-$27.77/A.

+5.3 Bu./A.

-6.6 Bu./A.

20

2013 OptRx Variable Rate Nitrogen

Application

Cooperator Location N Savings Yield Hybrid

Brad Dorsey Moro, IL -10# +7.8 Beck 6626AMXTM*

Brad Dorsey Moro, IL -3# +1.4 Beck 6175 AM™*

Adam Brent Le Roy, IL -51# -8.3 Channel 212-09 Jim Rafferty Le Roy, IL -37# -4.1 LG 2620 Nathan Wentworth Maroa, IL -24# -21.7 Beck 6626AMXTM*

Dennis Webster Buckingham, IL -18# +1.4 Beck 6175AMXTM*

Dennis Webster Buckingham, IL -27# +1.6 Beck 5442VT3 Tom Uthell Teutopolis, IL -77# -11.0 Beck 6175AMXTM* Ron Bork Piper City, IL -18# +4.0 DKC 61-88 EJ Kelley Merna, IL +14# -13.0 Phoenix 5552A4**

Matt Hughes McLean, IL +10# +10.3 DKC 67-57 Matt Hughes McLean, IL +18# -3.0 DKC 62-08 Gifford State Bank Rantoul, IL +14# +0.0 Beck 6175AMXTM*

Greg Pfeiffer Dwight, IL -5# -1.7 Phoenix 5552A4** Greg Pfeiffer Dwight, IL -42# +12.1 Beck 5475AMXTM*

Bill Jay Seymour, IL -7# +15.9 Beck 6175AMXTTM*

Coffman and Downs Moweaqua, IL -5# +5.6 Beck 6175AMXTM*

Tom Bergan Campus, IL -19# +15.6 AgriGold 6533 RIB Kevin Hunsinger Mansfield, IL -66# +4.2 DKC 62-97 Ryan Anderson Crescent City, IL 0# +2.1 Beck6626AMXTM

Kevin McKittrick Shelbyville, IL -19# -3.3 Beck 6175TM*

Wakefield Farms Shumway, IL +18# +3.8 Beck 6175AMXTM*

Troy Seggebruch Cissna Park, IL -57# +8.7 Beck 6626AMXTM*

Dean Eisenmann Hoopeston, IL -35# -2.3 Beck 5475AMXTM*

Ryan Todd Greenview, IL +14# +8.0 Beck 6175AMXTM* Wade Wilson West Liberty, IL 0# +6.7 Beck 6175AMXTM* Andy Woodrum Athens, IL -14# +1.3 Beck 5475AMXTM*

Ryan Todd Greenview, IL -3# +2.7 Beck 6175AMXTM

O’Neall/Scholl Downs, IL -7# +0.5 Beck 5435wxTM*

Craig Amman Highland, IL +29# +6.9 Beck 6175AMXTM*

Gary Boehrnsen Martinton, IL +51# +4.3 Beck 5475AMXTM*

Russ Cripe Carlyle, IL +39# +8.8 Beck 6626AMXTM* David Jorgenson Milford, IL 0# +1.5 Beck 6175AMXTM*

21

YDrop™ System Placement Trials

YDrop 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 ability to apply liquid

products within the row at any time throughout the season. In this

study, we installed the YDrop system on New Holland SP275F and Hagie

STS10 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 YDrop system compared a grower’s normal

nitrogen program to later sidedress timings near growth stage V10. This

also allowed us to evaluate the overall YDrop system as a comparison

to (or even replacement for) typical sidedress equipment.

*YDrop is a trademark of Ag Alternatives, Inc.; Factor is a registered trademark of Midtech R&D, Inc. and

distributed by Rosen’s, Inc.

22

YDrop Application: Yield Summary

+1.9 Bu./A. Average Yield Increase

62% of all YDrop applications proved yield gains

2012-2013 two-year data proved a 2.0 Bu./A. yield gain.

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YDrop Placement: 21 Locations

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YDrop Application: Economic Summary

$5.69/A average return on investment*

48% of YDrop applications were profitable

*Nitrogen cost $0.65/#N, Price of corn $5.40, Factor cost $0.056/#N

Application rate was the same as the growers’ normal nitrogen programs

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YDrop Placement: 21 Locations

+$31.07/A.

-$17.38/A.

+6.7 Bu./A.

-2.4 Bu./A.

24

YDrop Summary

62% of all YDrop applications showed yield gains over the grower’s normal

nitrogen program. In most cases, rainfall timing was the limiting factor in the

remaining 38% of trial locations that did not prove overall yield gains. Since

nitrogen is being applied on top of the soil surface, even with a nitrogen

stabilizer, rainfall is needed for incorporation of nitrogen into soil solution.

In some cases, heavy rainfall before the V10 YDrop applications were made

may have created a situation where the YDrop applications were needed

earlier than the V10 growth stage.

In regard to economics, 48% of YDrop applications were profitable

compared to growers’ normal nitrogen programs. Average yield gains of 1.9

Bu./A. were realized with a return on investment of $5.69/A. by

implementing the YDrop system as a means of side-dressing nitrogen.

This data suggests two conclusions regarding side-dressing with the YDrop

system. First, the numbers generated in 2013 would suggest that a YDrop

system could be an effective replacement for side-dressing nitrogen

compared to current side-dressing methods implemented today.

Second, growers who currently have high-clearance tractors and are

considering purchasing either a nitrogen tool bar or a YDrop system should

note that the V10 application with the nitrogen toolbar out-yielded the

YDrop by 3.3 Bu./A with higher net returns of $22.12/A. With these

differences, a grower would have to evaluate the overall cost of each system

to determine which best fits their operation.

25

2013 YDrop System Placement Cooperator Location Yield Response Hybrid

Adam Brent Le Roy, IL +11.2 Channel 212-09

Nathan Wentworth Maroa, IL -4.5 Beck 6626AMXTM*

Dennis Webster Buckingham, IL +3.0 Beck 6175AMXTM


Ron Bork Piper City, IL +1.7 DKC 61-88





Greg Pfeiffer Dwight, IL +0.2 Beck 5475AMXTM*


Bill Jay Seymour, IL +4.4 Beck 6175AMXTTM

O’Neall/Scholl Downs, IL -5.2 Beck 5435wxTM

Troy Seggebruch Cissna Park, IL +6.4 Beck 6626AMXTM

Dean Eisenmann Hoopeston, IL +4.2 Beck 5475AMXTM



Kevin Hunsinger Mansfield, IL -1.4 DKC62-97

Ryan Anderson Crescent City, IL +10.9 Beck6626AMXTM*


Dave Jorgenson Milford, IL +0.7 Beck 6175AMXTM*

26

Urea Topdress Trials 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 protocol

for this urea study compared a 50#N/A. topdress at V10 growth stages

to a grower’s normal nitrogen program. This topdress of urea was a

replacement for the grower’s typical sidedress application at earlier

growth stages.

The advantages with this system are that it’s quick to apply, acres can

be completed fast, and the urea was purchased at a price of -$0.22/#N

lower than 28% or 32% UAN. One disadvantage with urea is the

possible crop injury from the urea prills landing on the leaf tissue or

within the whorl, causing leaf burn. Another concern with urea is its

volatility, the loss of nitrogen as atmospheric gas, when it converts to

ammonia. 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.

*Factor is a registered trademark of Midtech R&D, Inc., distributed by Rosen’s, Inc.

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Urea Topdress: 22 Locations

Urea Application Trials: Yield Summary

-4.7 Bu./A. Average Yield Loss

23% of all urea applications offered yield gains

while 77% resulted in yield losses.

Nitrogen Rate based on grower’s normal nitrogen program

28

Urea Application Trials Economic Summary

-$11.72/A. Average Loss*

36% of Urea applications were profitable

Urea topdress applications proved average yield losses of -4.7 Bu./A., resulting in

a net loss of $11.72/A. The risk-reward ratio for urea topdress appears to be

dangerous, as the 36% of the applications that were profitable only resulted in 3.7

Bu./A. yield gains with a return on investment of $35.59/A. However, the other

64% proved -9.5 Bu./A. losses, resulting in an average deficit of -$38.75/A.

*Urea Cost $0.43/Lb., price of corn $5.40, Factor cost $0.0718/#N

Application rate based on growers’ normal nitrogen program

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Urea Topdress: 22 Locations

+$35.59/A.

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-9.5 Bu./A.

+3.7 Bu./A.

Bu./A.

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2013 Urea Topdress Applications Cooperator Location Yield Response Hybrid

Adam Brent Le Roy, IL -9.0 Channel 212-09

Jim Rafferty Le Roy, IL -6.5 LG 2620

Dennis Webster Buckingham, IL -11.3 Beck 6175AMXTM*

Dennis Webster Buckingham, IL -6.1 Beck 5442VT3

Tom Uthell Teutopolis, IL -16.1 Beck 6175AMXTM*

Ron Bork Piper City, IL +11.0 DKC 61-88




Tom Bergan Campus, IL -1.8 AgriGold 6533 RIB

Kevin Hunsinger Mansfield, IL +2.4 DKC62-97

Ryan Anderson Crescent City, IL -6.5 Beck6626AMXTM



O’Neall/Scholl Downs, IL +0.0 Beck 5435wxTM*




Gary Boehrnsen Martinton, IL +7.6 Beck5475AMXtm*


Halverson Farms DeKalb, IL -13.1 Beck 5442VT3



30

Potassium Side-Dress Trials

Beck’s Hybrids also conducted potassium side-dress research trials in

2013 as a part of its PFR Partner program. Cooperators involved with

this project applied Nutri K™ 0-0-28 in conjunction with V10 nitrogen

side-dressing. Nutri K is a 0-0-28 potassium carbonate soluble potash

product. Nutri K was direct-injected with 28% or 32% UAN and placed

in the center of 30” corn rows as a method of supplying additional

potassium for plant uptake.

2013 Nutri K Potassium Trials


Jim Rafferty LeRoy, IL +3.1 LG2620

Dennis Webster Cabery, IL +3.4 Beck 5442VT3

Greg Pfeiffer Dwight, IL +1.4 Phoenix 5552A4

Greg Pfeiffer Dwight, IL +1.4 Beck 5475AMXTM*

Dennis Webster Buckingham, IL +4.3 Beck 5114A4**


Roger Gualandi Kempton, IL +2.4 Beck 5385A3

Roger Gualandi Kempton, IL +13.2 Beck 5475AMXTM*

Jason Webster Kempton, IL +2.8 Beck 5442VT3

*Nutri K is a registered trademark of McRight Services, LLC

31

2014 Potassium Applications: Nutri K

4.17 Bu./A. Average

+$15.25/A. Net Advantage*

*Nutri K cost of $7.25/A., no application cost, Price of Corn: $5.40, Nutri K rate: 32oz/A.

2-Year average Nutri K yield increase = +3.6 Bu. /A.

2-Year average Nutri K net return = +$12.86/A.

0.0

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Nutri K: 9 Locations

32

2013 Corn Fungicide Trials

Beck’s Hybrids conducted fungicide research trials in 2013 as a part

of its PFR Partner program. This program was designed to apply

multiple fungicide products in head-to-head comparisons in an on-

farm testing project with growers interested in evaluating fungicide

products on their farms. This report states the names of PFR Partners that participated in the

program, the location of the farm, the corn hybrid tested, and

associated yield response of the specific fungicide treatment. All fungicide treatments are 20 gallon/acre ground applications

either with a Hagie, Miller, or New Holland high clearance sprayer. All applications were made at the VT growth stage.

Miller Nitro applying fungicide trials at the VT growth stage

33

2013 VT Corn Fungicide Trials

Products used in this testing protocol included the following:

o 10oz. Headline AMPTM strobulurin + triazole BASF

o 4oz. StrategoTM YLD strobulurin + triazole Bayer

o 4oz. Priaxor™ strobulurin + carboxamide BASF

Other Non-Fungicide Trials

o 128oz Sable® Slow release foliar nitrogen Rosen’s Inc.

o 32 oz. CropKarb™ 8-0-18 foliar product from DeltAg

All treatments were direct-injected and no additives such as

surfactants or oils were used as tank-mixes.

Each trial location’s yield performance is calculated by averaging a

minimum of three replications.

Headline Amp and Priaxor are registered trademarks of BASF; Stratego YLD is a registered trademark of

Bayer; Sable is a registered trademark of Rosen’s, Inc.; CropKarb is a registered trademark of McRight

Services, LLC

34

Bayer Stratego YLD VT Fungicide Summary

+5.73 Bu. /A. Average 67% of Stratego YLD applications proved economic gains

+$7.26/A. Return on Investment* *4oz. Stratego YLD cost of $18.19/A., application $5.50, Price of Corn: $5.40

3-Year Average: +5.44 Bu./A.

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VT Applications: 52 Locations

35

Bayer 2013 Corn Fungicide Trials

VT Stratego YLD Cooperator Location Yield Response Hybrid


Vogel Farms Roanoke, IL +4.55 Beck 5385A3

Vogel Farms Roanoke, IL +4.3 Beck 5442VT3

Vogel Farms Roanoke, IL -1.6 Phoenix 5642A4**

Danny Wilson Merna, IL +9.8 AG66533 RIB

Danny Wilson Merna, IL +2.5 DKC 62-97

Danny Wilson Merna, IL +2.5 Phoenix 5642A4**

Alex Denault Herscher, IL +15.7 DKC 62-97

Alex Denault Herscher, IL +7.6 Phoenix 5552A4**

Eugene Stufflebeam Lewistown, IL +6.6 Pioneer 1018AM1

Eugene Stufflebeam Lewistown, IL +.92 Pioneer 0832AMX

Eugene Stufflebeam Lewistown, IL +3.62 Pioneer 33T55


Eugene Stufflebeam Lewistown, IL -0.6 Pioneer 0832AMX


Eugene Stufflebeam Lewistown, IL +5.1 Pioneer 0897AMX

Eugene Stufflebeam Lewistown, IL -0.8 Beck 5475AMXTM*


Eugene Stufflebeam Lewistown, IL +6.7 Phoenix 5552A4**


Eugene Stufflebeam Lewistown, IL -4.19 Wyffles 6197

Eugene Stufflebeam Lewistown, IL +4.54 Beck 6175AMXTM*





Jason Webster Kempton, IL +8.5 Beck 6175AMXTM*


Webster Farms Buckingham, IL +1.8 Beck 5114A4**

Webster Farms Buckingham, IL +11.5 Beck 5475AMXTM*

Webster Farms Buckingham, IL +14.5 Phoenix 5552A4**

Webster Farms Buckingham, IL +7.1 DKC 62-08

36


VT Stratego YLD Cooperator Location Yield Response Hybrid


Webster Farms Buckingham, IL -1.0 DKC 63-33

Webster Farms Buckingham, IL +8.3 Beck 5385A3




Jason Webster Kempton, IL +10.7 DKC 62-08


Mike Frame Kempton, IL +13.7 Phoenix 5552A4**





Alan Ramsey Herscher, IL +6.2 Beck 5475AMXTM*

Gary Clapp Cabery, IL +6.4 Beck 5385A3

Gary Clapp Cabery, IL -3.5 Beck 5475AMXTM*

Gary Clapp Emington, IL -6.4 Beck 6175AMXTM*

Brian Arteman LeRoy, IL +7.8 Beck 6175AMXTM*

Brian Arteman LeRoy, IL +11.0 Phoenix 5642A4**

IL Central College Peoria, IL -3.0 Beck 5509A3

37

BASF Headline Amp VT Fungicide Summary

+6.45 Bu. /A. Average 65% of Headline AMP applications proved economic gains

+$8.18/A. Return on Investment* *10 oz. Headline Amp cost of $21.17/A., application $5.50, Price of Corn: $5.40

3-Year Average: +5.84 Bu. /A.

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VT Applications: 60 Locations

38

BASF 2013 Corn Fungicide Trials

VT Headline Amp



Vogel Farms Roanoke, IL -3.9 Beck 5385A3

Vogel Farms Roanoke, IL +1.4 Beck 5442VT3

Vogel Farms Roanoke, IL +4.5 Phoenix 5642A4**

Danny Wilson Merna, IL +2.2 Phoenix 5642A4**

Becks CINPFR Atlanta, IL +19.4 Beck 6175AMXRTM*

Beck’s CINPFR Atlanta, IL +15.7 Beck 5509A3

Beck’s CINPFR Atlanta, IL -2.7 Phoenix 5552A4**

Beck’s KYPFR Henderson, KY -13.5 Beck 6175AMXRTM**

Beck’s KYPFR Henderson, KY +12.2 Beck 5509A3

Beck’s KYPFR Henderson, KY +1.2 Phoenix 5552**

Beck’s CILPFR Downs, IL +8.8 Beck 5828AMXTM*


Beck’s CILPFR Downs, IL +14.5 Beck 5509A3

Beck’s CILPFR Downs, IL +16.2 Phoenix 5552A4**




Beck’s CILPFR Downs, IL +4.9 Beck 6272HRTM*


Beck’s SILPFR Neoga, IL +8.9 Beck 6175AMXTM*

Beck’s SILPFR Neoga, IL +24.7 Beck 5509A3

Beck’s SILPFR Neoga, IL +6.7 Phoenix 5552A4**

Beck’s SILPFR Neoga, IL -2.5 Beck 6175AMXTM*

Beck’s SILPFR Neoga, IL -5.2 Beck 5509A3


Alex Denault Herscher, IL +6.2 DKC 62-97

Alex Denault Herscher, IL +12.1 Phoenix 5552**


Rick Bull Liverpool, IL +6.09 Beck 6175AMXTM*

39


VT Headline Amp


Eugene Stufflebeam Lewistown, IL +1.9 Phoenix 5552A4**



Eugene Stufflebeam Lewistown, IL -5.41 Pioneer 0897AMX












Webster Farms Buckingham, IL -1.5 Beck 5475AMXTM*












Brian Arteman LeRoy, IL +8.0 Beck 6175AMXTM*


IL Central College Peoria, IL +14.2 Beck 5509A3

40

BASF Fungicide Summary

V5+VT Applications

+8.71 Bu. /A. Average 56% of dual treatments proved positive economic gains

+$3.83/A. Return on Investment* *4oz. Priaxor cost of $16.53/A., no application charge, Headline amp cost of $21.17/A. Application charge of $5.50/A., Price of Corn: $5.40

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V5 + VT Applications: 25 Locations

41


Combination Treatments

V5 Priaxor + VT Headline AMP Cooperator Location Yield Response Hybrid

Vogel Farms Roanoke, IL -.35 Beck 5385A3

Vogel Farms Roanoke, IL +3.8 Phoenix 5642A4 **

Vogel Farms Roanoke, IL -2.3 Beck 5442VT3


Beck’s CINPFR Atlanta, IL +13.1 Beck 6175AMXRTM*

Beck’s CINPFR Atlanta, IL +17.6 Beck 5509A3

Beck’s CINPFR Atlanta, IL +17.0 Phoenix 5552A4**

Beck’s KYPFR Henderson, KY -2.8 Beck 6175AMXRTM*


Beck’s KYPFR Henderson, KY -.9 Phoenix 5552A4TM*
















42


V5 Treatments: Stratego YLD

+1.95 Bu. /A. 58.3% of V5 treatments proved positive economic gains

+$1.41/A. Net Gain* *2 oz./A. Stratego YLD cost $9.10/A., No Application Charge, Price of Corn: $5.40


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Stratego V5 Applications:12 Locations

43


V5 Treatments: Stratego YLD






Vogel Farms Roanoke, IL +7.4 Beck 5509RR







Webster Farms Buckingham, IL +3.5 Beck 5442VT3

44

BASF Fungicide Summary

Priaxor: V5 Applications

+3.96 Bu. /A. Average 61% of V5 applications proved positive economic gains

+$4.85/A. Return on Investment*

*4oz./A. Priaxor cost of $16.53/A., no application charge, Price of Corn: $5.50

2-Year Average: +2.68 Bu./A. *In 2012, Headline was used at 6oz./A.

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V5 Application: 31 Locations

45


V5 Treatments: Priaxor Cooperator Location Yield Response Hybrid




Vogel Farms Roanoke, IL -2.8 Beck 5509RR





Beck’s CINPFR Atlanta, IN +3.8 Beck 6175AMXRTM*

Beck’s CINPFR Atlanta, IN +9.5 Beck 5509A3

Beck’s CINPFR Atlanta, IN +3.1 Phoenix 5552A4**

Beck’s KYPFR Henderson, KY -4.0 Beck 6175AMXRTM*


Beck’s KYPFR Henderson, KY +0.3 Phoenix 5552A4**












Beck’s SILPFR Neoga, IL -4.4 Phoenix 5552A4**







46

At-Plant In-Furrow Fungicide Treatments

This study evaluates Headline EC fungicide in at-plant in-furrow

applications. Applied in-furrow on corn, Headline® fungicide helps

control soilborne Rhizoctonia solani while providing plant health

benefits, including healthier, more vigorous roots. In addition, it helps

improve seedling health and allows for more rapid and uniform

emergence — even under cold and wet conditions. In this particular

study, the EC formulation of Headline was used because it can be tank-

mixed with a liquid fertilizer for easy application.


Ben Herrmann Magnolia, IL +9.5 Beck 5442VT3

Dave Friedrich Clinton, IN +2.07 Beck 5475AMXTM*

Beck’s CILPFR Downs, IL +4.6 Beck 5442VT3

Beck’s CILPFR Downs, IL +4.0 Beck 5442VT3

Beck’s SILPFR Neoga, IL +8.5 Beck 6272HRTM*

Mike Wurmnest Deer Creek, IL +3.4 Phoenix 5642A4**

Vogel Farms Roanoke, IL -5.1 Phoenix 5552A4**

John Deere 7200 planter equipped with starter fertilizer application was used to plant the CIL

PFR in-furrow fungicide trials

47

In-Furrow Fungicide Summary

3.9 Bu./A. Average

57% of In-furrow Headline EC proved profitability

+$2.36/A. Net Advantage*

*Headline EC cost of $18.70/A., no application charge

Price of Corn: $5.40

+3.9 Bu./A. Avg. Yield Increase

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In-Furrow Applications: 7 Locations

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CropKarb

2013 CropKarb™

CropKarb is a true biostimulant product, utilizing “next generation”

biostimulant chemistry. CropKarb is a proprietary blend 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 as a tank

mix with a fungicide or on its own. In 2013 testing, CropKarb was

applied as an individual product with no tank additives.

*CropKarb is a registered trademark of McRight Services, LLC

49

2013 Corn Fungicide CropKarb Treatments


Jason Webster Herscher, IL +5.8 Beck 6175AMXTM*


Webster Farms Cabery, IL +7.5 Beck 5475AMXTM*

Webster Farms Cabery, IL +13.5 Phoenix 5552A4**

+7.6 Bu./A. Average 100% of CropKarb applications proved positive economic return

+$26.71/A. Average Return on Investment* *CropKarb $8.83/A. Application Cost $5.50/A.

Price of Corn: $5.40

CropKarb Rate: 32oz/A.

2-year average: +4.8 Bu./A.

50

2013 Corn Sable Trials

+2.7 Bu. /A. Average

35% of Sable trials proved positive economic gains


128oz./A. Sable Cost $7.50/A. Application Cost of $5.50/A., Price of Corn: $5.40

3-Year Average: +2.93 Bu. /A.

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VT Sable: 23 Locations

51

2013 Corn Sable Trials


Eugene Stufflebeam Lewistown, IL -1.1 Pioneer 1018AM1

Eugene Stufflebeam Lewistown, IL +0.6 Beck 5475AMXTM*

Jason Webster Kempton, IL -1.0 Beck 6175AMXTM*


Webster Farms Buckingham, IL 0.0 Beck 5114A4**

















Brian Arteman Le Roy, IL +7.6 Beck 6175AMXTM*


52

2013 Soil-applied Insecticide Trials

Beck’s Hybrids conducted soil-applied insecticide research trials in

2013 on the Illinois PFR sites as well as incorporated into the PFR

Partners program. These trials were designed to compare the effect

of different Bt trait platforms and determine if the addition of a soil

applied insecticide was profitable for each trait. This report states the names of PFR sites and Partners that

participated in the program, the location of the farm, the hybrid and

Bt trait in each trial, and the associated yield response from each

location. Products used in this testing protocol included the following:

Counter® 15G Terbufos AmVac

Force® 3G Tefluthrin Syngenta

At CIL PFR, Capture® LFR was also applied at the V10 growth stage

using the YDrop placement system to determine if corn rootworm

control at the base of the plant could be gained at a later stage. This

application of Capture LFR is off-label, as it is an at-plant insecticide,

but this late application was made for research and demonstration

purposes only.

*Counter 15G is a registered trademark of AmVac Chemical Company Corporation; Force 3G

is a registered trademark of Syngenta Group Company

53

Soil Applied Insecticide Summary


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Soil Applied Insecticide: 22 Locations

54

Soil Applied Insecticide by Trait

This study is designed to evaluate specific rootworm events with and without a

soil-applied insecticide treatment. The intention is to analyze any beneficial

effects of a soil-applied insecticide in addition to the rootworm protection trait.

Corn rootworm resistance has been documented in Illinois, and this study is

designed to monitor this resistance issue with three different corn rootworm

traits including MIR604, Cry34/35, and the Cry3Bb1 proteins. Counter 15G and

Force 3G are the primary soil-applied insecticides used in this study. The real story in this trial resides in the average return on investment of corn

hybrids with Cry3Bb1 as its corn rootworm protein. These hybrids showed the

highest yield response from a soil-applied insecticide with returns of $23.11. All

other corn hybrids with alternative rootworm trait proteins showed lower returns

from a soil-applied insecticide. This data suggests that we are seeing rootworm

resistance in our area involving the Cry3Bb1 protein.

$(30.00)

$(20.00)

$(10.00)

$-

$10.00

$20.00

$30.00

MIR 604 Cry3Bb1, Cry34/35 Cry34/35 Cry3Bb1

Re

turn

$/A

.

Bt Protein

Soil Applied Insecticide: 22 Locations

+$23.11

+$5.98 +$2.13

-$23.43

55

2013 Soil Applied Insecticide Trials

Cooperator Location Yield Hybrid Protein

Ron Bork Piper City, IL -0.2 NK N65D MIR604

Ron Bork Piper City, IL -4.7 FS 59MV4 Cry3Bb1

Ron Bork Piper City, IL -8.3 Phoenix 5552A4** MIR604

Ron Bork Piper City, IL +5.2 Mycogen 2V709 Cry3Bb1, Cry34/35

Ron Bork Piper City, IL +0.6 DKC 61-16 Cry3Bb1, Cry34/35

Ron Bork Piper City, IL -5.7 Phoenix 5642A4** MIR604

Ron Bork Piper City, IL +6.8 NK N70D MIR604

Ron Bork Piper City, IL +11.5 Mycogen 2V717 Cry3Bb1, Cry34/35

Ron Bork Piper City, IL +6.7 DKC 62-97 Cry3Bb1

Ron Bork Piper City, IL +3.5 Beck 6175AMXTM* Cry34/35

Ron Bork Piper City, IL +4.5 DKC 63-33 Cry3Bb1, Cry34/35

Ron Bork Piper City, IL +11.2 FS 63SV4 Cry3Bb1

Ron Bork Piper City, IL +6.7 FS 62MV4 Cry3Bb1

Ron Bork Piper City, IL -0.4 Mycogen 2V767 Cry3Bb1, Cry34/35

Beck’s CILPFR Downs, IL* +1.9 Phoenix 5552A4** MIR604

Beck’s CILPFR Downs, IL* +0.9 Phoenix 5642A4** MIR604

Beck’s CILPFR Downs, IL* -0.1 Beck 5475AMXTM* Cry34/35

Beck’s CILPFR Downs, IL* -1.1 Beck 6175AMXTM* Cry34/35

Beck’s CILPFR Downs, IL* +14.7 Beck 5442VT3 Cry3Bb1

Beck’s CILPFR Downs, IL* +12.5 Beck 6179VT3 Cry3Bb1

Beck’s SILPFR Neoga, IL +12.0 Beck 6175AMTM* Cry34/35

Beck’s SILPFR Neoga, IL +8.8 Beck 6175AMX-RTM* Cry34/35

*Counter 15G Insecticide was used; all other treatments were Force 3G

56

Capture® LFR Application Trials


YDrop Capture LFR applications resulted in average yield increases of

7.1 Bu./A. with an average return on investment of $9.57/A. This data

seems to be consistent with our soil-applied insecticide study indicating

the highest return from the Cry3Bb1 Bt protein. More research needs

to be done in evaluating insecticide applications at V10 with the YDrop

system. We look forward to expanding this research through our PFR

Partner program in 2014.

*Capture is a registered trademark of FMC Corporation Capture cost $19.50/A., application cost $9.00

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V10 YDrop Insecticide: 4 Locations

-$11.22/A.

+$5.52/A.

+$21.99/A.

57

Amplify®-D Seed Treatment

This PFR Partner study evaluates Conklin’s Amplify®-D hopper box seed treatment. Amplify-D is a seed emergence aid with the following fertilizer analysis:

• Nitrogen (N) 2.0% • Available Phosphoric Acid (P2O5) 10.0% • Calcium (Ca) 1.0% • Iron (Fe) 2.0% • Manganese (Mn) 0.5% • Zinc (Zn) 2.0%

Amplify-D also contains adenosine monophosphate (AMP) that is naturally found in seeds that acts as a precursor to the formation of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) in the Krebs cycle. The Krebs cycle is a series of chemical reactions used by all aerobic organisms to generate energy through the oxidation of acetate derived from carbohydrates, fats and proteins into carbon dioxide and chemical energy in the form of adenosine triphosphate (ATP). By providing a seed with additional AMP and fertilizer, seedling vigor is enhanced and emergence is improved. AMP also helps seeds overcome stress conditions like cold, wet soils and low seed lot vigor.

Amplify-D incurred yield gains of 3.2 Bu./A. along with lower average grain moistures of -0.6%. After accounting for additional yield gains and overall drying costs, Amplify-D offered an average return on investment of $13.59/A**.

*Amplify-D is a registered trademark of Conklin Co. Inc.

**Net Return based on $5.40 corn and $3.00/A. cost of Amplify, $0.04/pt. drying cost

Treatment Yield Moisture Gross Return Return +/-

Control 206.9 18.5 $1,117.26

Amplify-D 209.1 17.9 $1,129.14 +$13.59

58

2013 Multi-Hybrid Corn Planting Results In 2013 Beck’s Practical Farm Research Team began its second year of evaluation in regard to site-

specific multi-hybrid corn planting. At Beck’s Hybrids, we are passionate about recommending the right

corn hybrid for our customers’ farms. With this being said, this was the driving force behind introducing

Beck’s Hybrids very first multi-hybrid planter that was built back in 2012. This precision planting concept

is designed to automatically change corn hybrids on the fly as it plants through varying soil type changes

or management zones.

Photo 1 shows a picture of one of Beck’s PFR planters used to perform multi-hybrid corn planting. In

2013, Beck’s Hybrids partnered with Kinze Manufacturing and transformed a 3600 Twin Row planter

into one that can be loaded with two corn hybrids and then plant each product in the appropriate areas

within a field. Site-specific hybrid and seeding rate prescription files can be imported into an onboard

computer, in this case an AgLeader® Integra controller with SeedCommand™. The combination of this

planter and GIS equipment allowed us the ability to effectively change corn hybrids as well as seeding

rates automatically throughout the field.

Photo 1.

59

Our Kinze 3600 twin row planter allowed 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 or cation exchange capacities. “Offensive” corn hybrids were then planted on the best soils of

the farm that typically have the highest yields.

Individual hydraulic motors on the front and rear drive shafts allow us to change corn hybrids at each

soil type or management zone while travelling throughout the field. As this process happens, corn rows

are shifted 8” left or right to allow for the corn hybrid transition. Photo 3. illustrates this transition in

corn hybrid placement with the twin row planting design.

Photo 3.

A new addition to our implementation of multi-hybrid planting consisted of auto-correcting our GPS

based AB lines for auto-guidance. Since the adoption of auto-steer and guidance has become so popular

for planting based operations, we felt it necessary to utilize guidance technology and auto-correct for

the 8” offset each time a hybrid change occurs in the field. To account for this corn hybrid transition, we

installed a multi-directional GPS receiver on the planter tractor. This sliding GPS receiver is 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 (Point B). This allows the ability to use one standard AB line for

auto-guidance, as well as eliminating wide or narrow rows on the outside rows of the planter.

Multi-Hybrid Transition

At each hybrid change within the

field, corn rows are offset 8” to

account for twin row offset.

Precision transition can be

implemented to include efficient

placement of seed, allowing for

minimum over or under seeding.

60

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 a grower. 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.

Figure 1. illustrates the results from 2013 of isolating high productive soils and placing an offensive corn

hybrid within those areas while at the same time, comparing it to the yield difference of placing a

defensive corn hybrid in that same area. This practice of multi-hybrid planting increased yields by 4.5

Bu. /A with a return on investment of $24.30/A. When evaluating all of our locations in 2013, the

offensive corn hybrid in high productive management zones out-yielded the defensive hybrid 85% of the

time, while only 15% of the time did the defensive corn hybrid out-perform the offensive hybrid.

Figure 1.

61

Conversely, Figure 2. illustrates the results of isolating low productive soils and placing a defensive corn

hybrid within those areas while at the same time, comparing it to the yield difference of placing an

offensive corn hybrid in that same area. This practice of multi-hybrid planting increased yields by 9.4

Bu./A with a return on investment of $50.76/A. When evaluating all of our locations in 2013, the

defensive corn hybrid in low productive management zones out-yielded the offensive hybrid 100% of

the time!

Figure 2.

More research needs to be conducted to evaluate the overall practice of site-specific multi- hybrid corn

planting. However, two year data from Beck’s CILPFR Center in 2012-2013 suggests that multi-hybrid

planting has offered average yield benefits of 9.5 Bu./A with a return on investment of $54.24/A. With

this in mind, multi-hybrid planting in the future could be an excellent way to master corn hybrid

placement. While this technology is in its infancy, it is imperative that growers start to develop

management zones in their fields as soon as possible so they are ready for this technology when it

becomes available in the future.

63

Bayer 2013 Soybean Fungicide Trials: R3 Stratego

+2.0 Bu./A. Average

50% of Stratego YLD trials proved positive economic gains


*4oz./A. Stratego YLD Cost of $18.19/A., Application cost of $5.50/A., Price of Soybeans $12.65

2-Year Average: 2.35 Bu./A.

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Soybean Stratego YLD: 12 Locations

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Bayer 2013 Soybean Fungicide Trials: Stratego

Cooperator Location Yield Response Variety

Mike Frame Kempton, IL +1.1 Beck 263NR

Dennis Webster Buckingham, IL +0.9 Beck 335NR

Webster Farms Buckingham, IL +2.8 Beck 335NR




Roger Gualandi Kempton, IL +0.7 Beck 298LL

Vogel Farms Roanoke, IL +0.3 Beck 335NR

Vogel Farms Roanoke, IL -0.5 Beck 368NR

Vogel Farms Roanoke, IL +3.6 Beck 368NR

Beck’s CINPFR Atlanta, IN +3.0 Beck 375NR

IL Central College Peoria, IL -3.0 Beck 335NR

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BASF 2013 Soybean Fungicide Trials: R3 Priaxor


71% of applications proved positive economic gains


Priaxor Cost of $16.53/A. Application cost of $5.50/A., Price of Soybeans: $12.65


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Soybean Priaxor: 24 Locations

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BASF 2013 Soybean Fungicide Trials: Priaxor








Roger Gualandi Kempton, IL +5.9 Beck 298LL

Gary Clapp Cabery, IL -0.8 Beck 335NR

Pat Koerner Cabery, IL +2.5 Beck 294L4




Beck’s KYPFR Henderson, KY +2.5 Beck 444NR

Beck’s KYPFR Henderson, KY +2.4 Beck 444NR

Beck’s SILPFR Neoga, IL +2.1 Beck 337L4

Beck’s SILPFR Neoga, IL -0.2 Beck 354L4


Beck’s SILPFR Neoga, IL +2.1 Beck 423NL



Beck’s SILPFR Neoga, IL +.05 Beck 483NL

Beck’s SILPFR Neoga, IL +3.1 Beck 522NL

Beck’s CINPFR Atlanta, IL +4.4 Beck 375NR

IL Central College Peoria, IL +1.9 Beck 335NR

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2013 CropKarb Foliar Trials

4.35 Bu./A. Average 100% of applications proved positive economic gains


*CropKarb $8.83/A. Application Cost $5.50/A., Price of Soybeans: $12.65, CropKarb Rate: 32oz/A.

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CropKarb: 4 Locations

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2013 CropKarb Trials






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2013 Soybean Sable Trials

+0.75 Bu./A Average

50% of Sable applications proved positive economic gains

-$3.51/A. Net Loss*

*1 gal./A. Sable Cost of $7.50/A., Application Cost of $5.50/A., Price of Soybeans: $12.65

5-year average: 1.3 Bu./A.

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Soybean Sable: 6 Locations

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2013 Soybean Sable Trials







Roger Gualandi Kempton, IL -1.5 Beck 298LL

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Soybean Urea Top-Dressing

This PFR Partner study evaluated topdress applications of urea nitrogen on soybeans. Urea topdressing has become a popular method of applying nitrogen to corn in some parts of Beck’s marketing area, but the objective with this study was to evaluate any benefits of 50# applied nitrogen to soybeans at the R4 growth stage. Dry 46-0-0 urea was applied with a spinner truck over top of soybeans as a late season nitrogen application.

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.

Urea applications of 50#/A. nitrogen incurred yield gains of only 0.9 Bu./A. which resulted in an average net loss on investment of-$18.71/A. More research needs to be completed to evaluate yield benefits of nitrogen applications at various growth stages of soybean.

*Factor is a registered trademark of Midtech R&D, Inc., distributed by Rosen’s, Inc.

**Urea Cost $0.43/Lb., price of corn $5.40/Bu., Factor cost $0.0718/#N, Application Cost $5.00/A

Grower Location Soybean Variety Yield Return +/-

Rich Hansen Irwin, IL Asgrow 3432 +3.8 Bu/A +$17.98

Rich Hansen Kankakee, IL Asgrow 3231 -2.6 Bu./A -$62.98

Rich Hansen Kankakee, IL Asgrow 3533 +1.5 Bu./A -$11.12

+0.9 Bu./A -$18.71/A

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PFR Partner Program

Thank you to all of our 2013 PFR Partners for participating in this agronomic program. We know 2013 was a challenging year due to the wet spring and some areas suffered through drought later on in the season. However we hope through the PFR Partner program we were able to gain agronomic insight from the various trials we conducted on your farms. We are currently planning for the 2014 PFR Partner program. We look forward to working with you again during the 2014 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 IN PFR Director: Toby Ripberger - Phone: (317) 385-1392

[email protected]

Kentucky PFR Assistant: Brandon Somers - Phone: (812) 453-1891 [email protected]

Southern IL PFR Director: Jonathan Perkins - Phone: (217) 690-0509

[email protected]

Central IL PFR Director: Jason Webster - Phone: (815) 584-7711 [email protected]
mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]

Documents

2013 PFR Partner - beckshybrids.com...Adam Brent Le Roy, IL -11.8 Channel 212-09 Jim Rafferty Le Roy, IL -2.7 LG 2620 Nathan Wentworth Maroa, IL -16.5 Beck 6626AMXTM* Dennis Webster