practical farm research - becks hybrids · welcome to the 2016 practical farm research (pfr) ......

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Welcome to the 2016 Practical Farm Research (PFR) ® book and agronomy resource. Our mission is to provide you with the best farmer-focused research and advisors to add profitability to the farm. Thank you for your support that has made it possible to provide this agronomic and profitability resource to you. Enjoy the PFR book! Ryan McAllister | PFR Director | 317.670.5322 BECK'S 201 6 PRACTICAL FARM RESEARCH C. ILLINOIS PFR Downs, IL IOWA PFR Colfax, IA INDIANA PFR Atlanta, IN OHIO PFR London, OH KENTUCKY PFR Henderson, KY S. ILLINOIS PFR Effingham, IL States with PFR research locations States with only PFR Partners BECKSHYBRIDS.COM | 6767 E. 276TH ST. ATLANTA, IN 46031 | 800.937.2325

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Page 1: PRACTICAL FARM RESEARCH - Becks Hybrids · Welcome to the 2016 Practical Farm Research (PFR) ... RETURN ON INVESTMENT EQUATION pp Rather than continuing to print the return on investment

Welcome to the 2016 Practical Farm Research (PFR)® book and agronomy resource. Our mission is to provide you with the best farmer-focused research and advisors to add profitability to the farm. Thank you for your support that has made it possible to provide this agronomic and profitability resource to you. Enjoy the PFR book!

Ryan McAllister | PFR Director | 317.670.5322

BECK'S 2016

PRACTICAL FARM RESEARCH

C. ILLINOIS PFR Downs, IL

IOWA PFR Colfax, IA

INDIANA PFR Atlanta, IN

OHIO PFR London, OH

KENTUCKY PFR Henderson, KY

S. ILLINOIS PFR Effingham, IL

States with PFR research locations States with only PFR Partners

BECKSHYBRIDS.COM | 6767 E. 276TH ST. ATLANTA, IN 46031 | 800.937.2325

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2 | 2016 Beck’s Practical Farm Research

As Beck’s footprint has grown, the size and scope of PFR has grown as well. We have added a new site in Iowa, and have also included additional study information to aid in better understanding why plots performed the way they did. Below is a list of changes to the 2016 PFR book. We hope you find these new tools helpful.

ADDITIONAL TABSpp IOWA – New Site!

pp The Colfax, IA site opened in 2016 with 17 corn studies and 10 soybean studies.pp PARTNERS – PFR Partners On-Farm Testing Network

pp The PFR Partners program expanded in 2016 to states where we currently do not have a PFR site. This includes the states of Wisconsin, Michigan, Missouri and Tennessee. pp To be published, these on-farm studies must be conducted using Beck’s PFR standard protocol.

PFR PROVEN™ - FEATURED IN THE MULTI-LOCATION SECTION!pp PRODUCT – If a product has been tested in PFR and found to provide

yield gains and averages a positive ROI over a minimum of three years, that product will earn the status “PFR PROVEN”. These products will be marked with the PFR PROVEN stamp, and should be something to consider trying on your farm.pp PRACTICE – If a practice has been tested in PFR and found to be the most profitable, then that

practice will earn the status “PFR PROVEN”. However, these practices should be considered as starting points. Consult your local Beck’s representative for best management practices for your area.

GENETIC DIFFERENCESHow do genetics play a role in the results of a study? Does the Economic Optimum Nitrogen Rate (EONR) vary with genetics? Do hybrids with slower emergence respond more favorably to starter fertilizer or to in-furrow fungicides? You will notice that in many studies we are looking to find those answers and others by studying two different genetic families that possess very specific differences. Our goal is to one day couple agronomic practices with product placement, ultimately increasing your profitability.

NEW STUDY INFORMATIONpp SOILS

pp Soil test values and soil type are now included on most studies. Some studies will have plant tissue test results referenced to better understand how certain products are affecting the plants. All soil and plant tissue testing was performed by A&L Great Lakes Laboratories, INC. in Fort Wayne, Indiana.

WEATHERpp Weather data is now located at the front of each location’s section rather than on every study page

WHAT’S NEW FOR 2016

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NET EFFECTIVE PLANT STANDSpp Net Effective Plant Stand (NEPS) calculates the number of plants that most likely contribute to optimal

yield. Late emerged plants and unevenly spaced plants are subtracted from the final population to determine the NEPS. Percent NEPS (%NEPS) converts that number to a percentage of plants/A.

pp NEPS = final population - (late emergers + unevenly spaced plants)pp %NEPS = NEPS/final population

RETURN ON INVESTMENT EQUATIONpp Rather than continuing to print the return on investment (ROI) equation in the data footer on every

study, we have included the ROI equations below.pp Testing product prices are still listed in the data footer.

The following equations reflect how we calculated the net return and ROI for corn and soybean plots in this publication:

Test weight and Bu./A. were corrected to 15% moisture for corn and 13% moisture for soybeans.

NET RETURN = gross income (Bu./A. X commodity price/Bu.) – treatment cost

RETURN ON INVESTMENT = Bu./A. difference X commodity price/Bu. – treatment cost

PRICINGMarket price volatility makes it difficult to determine revenue and income per acre for the plots included in this book; but at the same time, knowing the economics makes our studies relevant to every farmer. To calculate the 2016 commodity prices, we averaged the Friday Chicago Board of Trade closing futures prices from September 1, 2015 through August 31, 2016. You may need to recalculate your own return per acre using prices that you expect to receive if they differ significantly from the commodity and input prices we used.

COMMODITY PRICESCorn Soybeans

$386/Bu.(average)

$948/Bu.(average)

Using this Practical Farm Research book as a resource is a good first step. However, the real power lies in applying a study on your own operation that helps you become more profitable. The next page tells the story of how two farmers utilized PFR on their farm, and as a result, increased their profitability.

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4 | 2016 Beck’s Practical Farm Research

DAVID SOLTWEDELShumway, Illinois

FROM REFERENCE TO RESOURCE

HOW DO YOU USE PFR?

“Practical Farm Research is a fundamental aspect of my operation. It keeps me up-to-date with relevant management practices year after year.”

“I always use the PFR book as a quick office reference when considering which management practice to use on a field; consulting it almost weekly during early spring.”

BILLY PETERMANFlora, Illinois

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“I built a no-till corn planter and referenced studies in the PFR book for the design and setup, including:

• Closing wheel studies• Planting depth studies• Starter fertilizer studies.”

“I used the no-till corn planter and planted into cover crops, an idea I took from the PFR book.”

“The corn fields looked good with even emergence and stands, and great weed control. All signs point to a great return.”

“Nitrogen studies have been the most impactful for our farm. We evaluate the rates that have been used at our local PFR site. I also use:

• Population studies• Planting depth studies• Fungicide studies.”

WHAT STUDIES HAVE BEEN THE MOST

IMPACTFUL?

WHAT CHANGES WERE MADE

ON YOUR FARM?

WHAT WERE THE RESULTS FROM

THOSE CHANGES?

“We’ve increased our corn population and started using split nitrogen application as a direct result of PFR. The research confirmed the direction I was already wanting to go.”

“I experienced an immediate difference and witnessed results that increased my profitability.”

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6 | 2016 Beck’s Practical Farm Research

©Illustration provided by Iowa State University.

VT R1

R6VE V1 V3 V7 V12

CORN GROWTH STAGES

V3 The nodal root system is being established. The seed is no longer the main source of food for the plant.

V5 The growing point is now above the soil surface. Therefore, the plant is now more susceptible to injury from we events such as hail.

V6-V8 The number of kernels around the ear are established. This is more dependent on genetics than on the weather. Stress has to be exceptionally severe during this time to decrease kernel rows around.

V12-V15 Potential kernels long on the ear is almost determined. Soil moisture and nutrient uptake become critically important in this period prior to reproduction. Kernels long is greatly affected by the environment.

R1 Pollen shed begins, dropping onto the silks. Silk receptivity can be diminished by excessive heat or moisture stress at this time. Plants are also sensitive to insects feeding on silks.

R2-R6 This is the grain fill period. The number of kernels has already been set, but the size and weight of the kernels is now being determined.

VE V1 V3 V7 V12 VT R1 R6

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©Illustration provided by Iowa State University.

SOYBEAN GROWTH STAGES

VE Cotyledons and the growing point are above the soil surface. This is different than the emergence of the growing point for corn, which doesn’t emerge above the soil surface until about V5. With the growing point above the soil surface, a soybean is more at risk for damage due to weather.

VC When the unifoliate leaves are fully expanded, the cotyledons can supply the nutrient needs for the young soybean seedling for approximately one week to ten days. Seed reserves in conjunction with photosynthesis keep the plant growing to the next stage of development.

V2 The soybean roots are penetrated by Bradyrhizobium japonicum for the establishment of nitrogen (N) fixing nodules. Nodules actively fixing N appear pink or red inside.

V5 to R5 Depending on environmental conditions (temperature, water and nutrient availability, sunlight), plants can progress to a new V stage every three to five days during this time.

R5 Maximum node number is established. Node number is influenced by planting date. When planting dates move later into May and June, node number goes down. This directly influences yield.

R3-R6 Adequate water and nutrient reserves are critical during pod and seed growth development. Stress during this period, particularly during R4-R5, can drastically limit yield because flowering finishes and the plant can no longer compensate by adding additional pods.

VE VC V1 V2 V3 R1 R3 R6 R8

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A&L LABS SOIL TEST VALUES

BORON

SULFUR

ZINC

y = -0.0319x + 0.993R² = 0.8847

0

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PPM

Sampling Year

Boron - Great Lakes Region

Soil Test B B Deficient Soil Linear (Soil Test B)

y = -0.4614x + 18.667R² = 0.8372

0

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-%

Sulfur - Great Lakes Region

Soil Test S S Deficient Soils Linear (Soil Test S)

y = -0.0157x + 4.22R² = 0.1806

-5

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15

25

35

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65

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Zinc - Great Lakes Region

Soil Test Zn Zn Deficient Soils Linear (Soil Test Zn)

As these graphs from A & L Great Lakes Laboratories illustrate, the past 20 years have seen decreased soil test levels for three micronutrients that are critical for corn and soybean production; boron (B), zinc (Zn) and sulfur (S). These graphs represent soil test values for the Great Lakes Region, which includes the states of IN, OH, MI, IL and WI. In this area, A & L Labs have seen an almost 40 percent increase in the percentage of soils testing deficient in B, over 60 percent increase in soils testing deficient in S and roughly a 5 percent increase in soils testing deficient in Zn over the past 20 years.

As you read through the 2016 PFR Resource, you will notice that we now list the soil test values, including micronutrients, on nearly every study. As the data in these graphs and our own soil test data in PFR illustrates, we are not always adequately maintaining micronutrient soil test levels. To maximize the yield potential of today’s high-yielding genetics, paying attention to the details of a balanced soil fertility program can reap great rewards. Contact your local Beck’s representative to assist you in correcting micronutrient deficiencies that may exist on your own farm.

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LTIMULTI-LOCATIONRESULTS

CORN STUDIESPlanting Depth Study .................................................................................................................... 10Flo-Rite® Seed Firmer Study ........................................................................................................... 113RIVE 3D™ Application System Study - In-Furrow ......................................................................... 12Seed Treatment Study - Escalate™ vs. Industry Standard vs. Untreated ....................................... 13Seed Treatment Study - Seed Box Additive................................................................................... 14Starter Fertilizer Study .................................................................................................................. 15Soil Amendment Study - Wex® ....................................................................................................... 16Biological Study ............................................................................................................................. 17Population & High Management Study ......................................................................................... 18Population vs. Nitrogen Rate Study - 30 in. Rows ........................................................................ 20Nitrogen Rate Study - Corn After Soybeans..................................................................................22Nitrogen Rate Study - Corn After Corn .........................................................................................23Nitrogen Timing Study .................................................................................................................. 24Nitrogen Placement Study - Sidedress ........................................................................................ 25Nitrogen Sealer Study .................................................................................................................. 26Fungicide Study - Hybrid Response ..............................................................................................27Fungicide Additive Study .............................................................................................................. 28Fungicide Timing Study ................................................................................................................ 29Fungicide & Insecticide Study - In-Furrow ................................................................................... 30Insecticide Study - Capture® VGR™ ................................................................................................ 31Micronutrient Study - Foliar ..........................................................................................................32Micronutrient Study - 360 Y-DROP® ............................................................................................ 33Residue Management Study ........................................................................................................ 34

SOYBEAN STUDIESPlanting Depth Study ................................................................................................................... 35Flo-Rite® Seed Firmer Study ......................................................................................................... 36Seed Treatment Study - Escalate™ vs. Untreated ..........................................................................37Seed Treatment Study - ILeVO® .................................................................................................... 38Starter Fertilizer Study ................................................................................................................. 39Starter Additive Study - In-Furrow ............................................................................................... 40Soil Amendment Study - Wex® ....................................................................................................... 41Biological Study ............................................................................................................................ 42Row Width & Population Study ..................................................................................................... 43Population & Timing Study - 15 in. Rows ...................................................................................... 44Nitrogen Timing Study .................................................................................................................. 45Fungicide Study - Foliar ............................................................................................................... 46Fungicide Study - In-Furrow ........................................................................................................ 47Insecticide Study - Capture® LFR® ................................................................................................ 48Micronutrient Timing Study - Foliar ............................................................................................. 49Plant Growth Regulator Study - Cytokinin ................................................................................... 50Double Crop Population Study - 15 in. Rows ................................................................................. 51

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PURPOSE To examine how planting depth impacts plant population, emergence and yield.

This two-location study has confirmed what we have always believed to be true: 2 to 2.5 in. is the ideal depth for planting corn. If there was one specific thing I could encourage all farmers to do at planting, it would be to check planting depth two to three times per field. It is extremely important to get that crop off to a good start, and it begins with planting depth. As you can see from the data, planting too shallow or too deep can reduce plant population and limit yield potential.

Austin Scott | Beck’s Field Agronomist

PLANTING DEPTH STUDY

2016 RESULTS

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1.0 20,528 -5,000 159.4 -29.2Control: 1.5 25,528 -- 188.6 --

2.0 26,889 +1,361 189.3 +0.72.5 24,528 -1,000 178.2 -10.43.0 21,861 -3,667 160.8 -27.8

Individual results may vary.

120 130 140 150 160 170 180 190 200

2-Year Multi-Location Planting Depth Yield Data

1.0 1.5 2.0 2.5 3.0

2-YEAR MULTI-LOCATION PLANTING DEPTH YIELD ADVANTAGE

1.0 in.

Bu./A.

2.0 in.

Control: 1.5 in.

3.0 in.

2.5 in.

IN KY C. IL S. IL OH IA

PARTICIPATING SITES

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PURPOSE To compare Flo-Rite seed firmers to Keeton seed firmers and their ability to provide optimum down pressure, precise seed placement, improved seed-to-soil contact, and higher yields.

This multi-location, multi-year study confirms what many already knew: better seed-to-soil contact and consistent planting depth make a difference in final yield. The minimal investment needed to add the seed firmers to a planter, and the benefit of replaceable wear plates make Flo-Rite® seed firmers a winner for anyone planting corn.

Brent Minett | Beck’s Field Agronomist

FLO-RITE® SEED FIRMER STUDY

2016 RESULTS

Treatments Perc

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Control: No Seed Firmer 20.7 192.4 --Flo-Rite® Seed Firmer 20.3 196.4 +4.0Keeton Seed Firmer 20.6 193.6 +1.2

Individual results may vary.

0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

3-Year Multi-Location Flo-Rite Seed Firmer Yield Advantage

2014 2015 2016

3-YEAR MULTI-LOCATION FLO-RITE® SEED FIRMER YIELD ADVANTAGE

2014

Bu./A.

2016

2015+5.0 Bu./A.

Average

IN KY C. IL S. IL OH IA

PARTICIPATING SITES

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Protecting the seed from the start is important to achieving high yields. This system gives us a unique opportunity to bring extra protection to our industry-leading Escalate™ yield enhancement system. The 3RIVE 3D™ system is a great way to maximize acres with its low use rate. It offers us extra protection around the seed and root area throughout the season. Not surprisingly, our greatest benefit for this system was with the non-insect traited corn.

Steve Gauck | Beck’s Field Agronomist

2016 RESULTS

Bran

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5828RR™*

Control 33,278 -- 201.7 -- --4 oz. Capture® 3RIVE 3D™ 33,650 +372 205.1 +3.4 +$0.728 oz. Capture 3RIVE 3D 33,589 +311 207.4 +5.7 -$2.81

5828AMX™*

Control 33,456 -- 203.8 -- --4 oz. Capture 3RIVE 3D 33,711 +255 205.3 +1.5 -$6.618 oz. Capture 3RIVE 3D 33,789 +333 203.3 -0.5 -$26.74

2-Hybrid Average

Control 33,367 -- 202.8 -- --4 oz. Capture 3RIVE 3D 33,681 +314 205.2 +2.4 -$3.148 oz. Capture 3RIVE 3D 33,689 +322 205.4 +2.6 -$14.77

Corn $3.86/Bu. Capture® 3RIVE 3D™ $396.95/gal. *®XL, Optimum, and AcreMax are registered trademarks of Pioneer. XL® brand seed is distributed by Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc. Individual results may vary.

3RIVE 3D™ APPLICATION SYSTEM STUDYIn-Furrow

PURPOSE To evaluate the new 3RIVE 3D in-furrow application system for its ease of use and efficiency. We also tested the in-furrow insecticide product Capture®, through the 3RIVE 3D unit, at two different rates and on two different trait platforms in an effort to determine potential yield and profitability.

-$30 -$20 -$10 $0 $10 $20 $30

2-Year Multi-Location Capture 3RIVE 3D Return on Investment

Rootworm Rate Pest Rate

Pest Rate (4 oz.)

Rootworm Rate (8 oz.)

Dollars/A.

Pest Rate (4 oz.)

Rootworm Rate (8 oz.)

2-YEAR MULTI-LOCATION CAPTURE® 3RIVE 3D™ RETURN ON INVESTMENT

Above & Below Ground Insect Trait Package

No Insect Trait Package

IN KY C. IL S. IL OH IA

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PURPOSE To evaluate the yield differences of Beck’s Escalate yield enhancement system on corn compared to both the industry standard treatment system and an untreated control.

For the second straight year, Escalate™ added increased plant stands and yield over both the untreated control and industry standard seed treatments. Beck’s PFR data mirrors what I see in farmers’ fields. Escalate consistently provides improved seed protection, increased root and seedling growth, and plant health which ultimately leads to yield. As farmers continue to trend toward earlier planting dates, protecting the seed with Escalate is becoming more and more valuable.

Jon Skinner | Beck’s Field Agronomist

SEED TREATMENT STUDYEscalate™ vs. Industry Standard vs. Untreated

2016 RESULTS

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Control: Untreated 32,633 -- 200.5 --

Escalate™ 33,650 +1,017 208.8 +8.3

Industry Standard 33,634 +1,001 205.4 +4.9

Individual results may vary.

160 170 180 190 200 210 220

2-Year Multi-Location Yield Data

Control: Untreated Industry Standard Escalate

2-YEAR MULTI-LOCATION ESCALATE™ YIELD ADVANTAGE

Control: Untreated

Bu./A.

Escalate

Industry Standard

+16.2 Bu./A. Escalate Advantage Over Untreated

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PURPOSE To evaluate two different seed box additive treatments, one a seed germination aid and the other a biological inoculant, and their ability to affect yield and profitability.

SEED TREATMENT STUDYSeed Box Additive

2016 RESULTS

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Control 32,694 -- 202.9 -- --

2 oz./50 lb. of seed Amplify-D® 33,139 +445 208.2 +5.3 +$18.09

4 oz./50 lb. of seed MycoGold™ Corn Blend 33,125 +431 204.4 +1.5 -$0.21

Corn $3.86/Bu. Amplify-D® $2.37/A. MycoGold™ Corn Blend $6.00/A. Individual results may vary.

$0 $5 $10 $15 $20 $25

4-Year Multi-Location Amplify-D Return on Investment

2013 2014 2015 2016

4-YEAR MULTI-LOCATION AMPLIFY-D® RETURN ON INVESTMENT

2013

Dollars/A.

2016

2014

2015 +$13.56/A.Average

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PARTICIPATING SITES

PFR Proven™

Stand establishment and early growth are key to high yields. As we continue to plant early into cooler soils, especially in no-till fields, we must maximize emergence and plant health. We evaluated two methods of getting the plant off to a great start — Amplify-D®, a seed box additive product, and MycoGold™, a biological to increase root growth. Having the extra fertilizer early ensures that the plant will have all the nutrients it needs to be healthy and strong. Increasing root mass early on gives the plant the opportunity to maximize access to the nutrients in the soil and help in later season stress. Long-term studies have shown an advantage to optimizing this early growth of corn.

Steve Gauck | Beck’s Field Agronomist

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PURPOSE To evaluate various starter fertilizers applied in-furrow and their effects on yield and profitability.

STARTER FERTILIZER STUDY

2016 RESULTS

Test

ing

Loca

tion

In-Furrow Treatments Emer

ged

Popu

latio

n

Popu

latio

n D

iffer

ence

Bu./

A.

Bu./

A.

Diff

eren

ce

Retu

rn o

n In

vest

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IN, K

Y, O

H

Control: No Starter Fertilizer 32,894 -- 195.0 -- --5 gal. PureGrade® Diamond 6-24-6 32,671 -223 203.5 +8.5 +$11.565 gal. NACHURS® imPulse® (10-18-4) 32,685 -209 202.1 +7.1 +$2.413 gal. Season Pass® Plus with MicroCarb ZMB™ (6-18-6) 32,690 -204 196.8 +1.8 -$13.755 gal. NACHURS® Rhyzo-Link® 9-15-3 32,736 -158 201.8 +6.8 -$14.75

Cen

tral

IL, I

A Control: No Starter Fertilizer 34,611 -- 233.1 -- --5 gal. PureGrade Diamond 6-24-6 34,741 +130 242.7 +9.6 +$15.814 gal. 6-18-6 PPRS™ 35,130 +519 238.2 +5.1 -$1.312 gal. P Max® Plus 35,278 +667 234.8 +1.7 -$14.225 gal. RoMax® Corn (8-18-4) 34,815 +204 235.6 +2.5 -$19.10

Corn $3.86/Bu. PureGrade® Diamond 6-24-6 $4.25/gal. NACHURS® Rhyzo-Link® 9-15-3 $8.20/gal. NACHURS® imPulse® (10-18-4) $5.00/gal. Season Pass® Plus with MicroCarb ZMB™ (6-18-6) $6.90/gal. P Max® Plus $10.39/gal. RoMax® Corn (8-18-4) $5.75/gal. 6-18-6 PPRS™ $5.25/gal. Individual results may vary.

This two-year study reflects what a lot of farmers experience year-to-year: sometimes a starter pays and sometimes it doesn’t. The plants were taller and leaves were greener, but that doesn’t always equate to enough increased yield to pay for itself. Soil conditions at planting time, rainfall, and temperature all vary from one spring to another so these results don’t surprise me. Three of the products we tested over both years showed a positive return on investment, but there was still variability year-to-year. No-till or minimum-till, and clay or sandy soils will increase the likelihood of a positive return for a starter product.

Brent Minett | Beck’s Field Agronomist

-$15 -$10 -$5 $0 $5 $10 $15 $20 $25 $30 $35

2-Year Multi-Location Return on Investment

Season Pass Plus with MicroCarb ZMB (6-18-6) NACHURS Rhyzo-Link 9-15-36-18-6 PPRS P Max PlusPureGrade Diamond 6-24-6 NACHURS imPulse (10-18-4)

2-YEAR MULTI-LOCATION STARTER FERTILIZER RETURN ON INVESTMENT

Season Pass® Plus with MicroCarb ZMB™ (6-18-6)

Dollars/A.

P Max® Plus

NACHURS® Rhyzo-Link® 9-15-3

6-18-6 PPRS™

NACHURS® imPulse® (10-18-4)

PureGrade® Diamond 6-24-6

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PURPOSE To evaluate Wex, a soil amendment product, and its ability to stimulate root development, improve water and nutrient uptake, and increase yield and profitability.

Wex® is a multi-purpose wetting agent that also promotes root development. In 2016, three PFR sites tested it and found no yield gain. Additional years of testing is recommended.

Denny Cobb | Beck’s Field Agronomist

SOIL AMENDMENT STUDYWex®

2016 RESULTS

Trea

tmen

ts

Perc

ent

Moi

stur

e

Bu./

A.

Bu./

A.

Diff

eren

ce

Retu

rn o

n In

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men

t

Control 20.8 179.5 -- --

1 qt. Wex® Pre-Emerge 21.1 180.4 +0.9 -$1.77

Corn $3.86/Bu. Wex® $20.96/gal. Individual results may vary.

-$15 -$10 -$5 $0 $5 $10 $15

2-Year Multi-Location Wex Return on Investment

2015 2016

2-YEAR MULTI-LOCATION WEX® RETURN ON INVESTMENT

2015

Dollars/A.

2016

+$4.99/A.Average

IN KY C. IL S. IL OH IA

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PURPOSE To evaluate two different biologicals, one as a row starter additive and one as a foliar product. These two products were evaluated for their effects on plant health, yield and profitability.

Toggle™ is a new biostimulant product that promotes a plant’s capacity to manufacture natural compounds that stimulate early root growth and development. In our first year of multi-location testing of Toggle, it provided a yield advantage although no return on investment was achieved. At this time, I would recommend further PFR testing to determine potential merit.

Denny Cobb | Beck’s Field Agronomist

BIOLOGICAL STUDY

2016 RESULTS

Star

ter

Treatments Perc

ent

Moi

stur

e

Bu./

A.

Bu./

A.

Diff

eren

ce

Retu

rn o

n In

vest

men

t

5 ga

l. Pu

reG

rade

®

6-24

-6 In

-Fur

row

Control 18.9 188.1 -- --

10 oz. Optify®/Stretch In-Furrow 19.1 188.2 +0.1 -$8.11

40 oz. Toggle™ @ V5 19.0 190.9 +2.8 -$1.69

10 oz. Optify/Stretch In-Furrow + 40 oz. Toggle @ V5 19.0 187.5 -0.6 -$23.32

Corn $3.86/Bu. Toggle™ $40.00/gal. Optify®/Stretch $108.80/gal. Individual results may vary.

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MICROORGANISMS & SOIL FERTILITY Soil microorganisms play many roles in increasing soil fertility. Microorganisms decompose organic matter, which in turn deposit plant available nutrients and micronutrients in the soil. Another role of microorganisms is to mineralize nutrients into forms that are usable by the plant. Without a healthy, diverse population of these beneficial microorganisms, you fail to have a healthy soil with maximum productivity. Many of the microorganisms in tilled soil remain dormant due to a lack of an energy source to feed on.

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PURPOSE To determine if yield and profitability can be increased by applying various high-management practices in a high-population environment.

POPULATION & HIGH MANAGEMENT STUDY

2016 RESULTS

Test

ing

Loca

tion

Bran

d

Resp

onse

to

Hig

her

Popu

latio

n

Plan

ted

Popu

latio

n (S

eeds

/A.)

Treatments Bu./

A.

Bu./

A.

Diff

eren

ce

Retu

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n In

vest

men

t

IN, C

entr

al IL

, OH

, IA

5665

AMX™

*

Low 34

,000

Control: No Micronutrients or Fungicide 207.6 -- --2 qt. Versa Max™ AC @ V4 210.7 +3.1 +$2.212 qt. Versa Max AC @ V4 & 10 oz. Headline AMP® @ VT 214.5 +6.9 +$3.84

38,0

00

No Micronutrients or Fungicide 206.0 -1.6 -$21.952 qt. Versa Max AC @ V4 208.7 +1.1 -$21.282 qt. Versa Max AC @ V4 & 10 oz. Headline AMP @ VT 211.0 +3.4 -$25.44

5829

A4

Med

ium 34

,000

Control: No Micronutrients or Fungicide 205.6 -- --2 qt. Versa Max AC @ V4 210.3 +4.7 +$8.392 qt. Versa Max AC @ V4 & 10 oz. Headline AMP @ VT 209.3 +3.7 -$8.51

38,0

00

No Micronutrients or Fungicide 210.3 +4.7 +$6.422 qt. Versa Max AC @ V4 213.8 +8.2 +$10.182 qt. Versa Max AC @ V4 & 10 oz. Headline AMP @ VT 211.4 +5.8 -$12.13

KY, S

outh

ern

IL 5832

A3**

Med

ium 34

,000

Control: No Micronutrients or Fungicide 175.9 -- --2 qt. Versa Max AC @ V4 172.2 -3.7 -$24.032 qt. Versa Max AC @ V4 & 10 oz. Headline AMP @ VT 182.0 +6.1 +$0.76

38,0

00

No Micronutrients or Fungicide 171.0 -4.9 -$30.972 qt. Versa Max AC @ V4 169.3 -6.6 -$47.282 qt. Versa Max AC @ V4 & 10 oz. Headline AMP @ VT 189.4 +13.5 +$17.26

6158

AM™

*

Med

ium 34

,000

Control: No Micronutrients or Fungicide 152.4 -- --2 qt. Versa Max AC @ V4 153.8 +1.4 -$4.342 qt. Versa Max AC @ V4 & 10 oz. Headline AMP @ VT 166.0 +13.6 +$29.71

38,0

00

No Micronutrients or Fungicide 150.7 -1.7 -$19.402 qt. Versa Max AC @ V4 154.0 +1.6 -$16.412 qt. Versa Max AC @ V4 & 10 oz. Headline AMP @ VT 169.9 +17.5 +$31.92

Corn $3.86/Bu. Headline AMP® $166.92/gal. Versa Max™ AC $19.50/gal. XL® 5665AMX™*brand $315.36/unit. 5829A4brand $234.36/unit. Phoenix® 5832A3**brand $241.11/unit. XL® 6158AM™*brand $256.86/unit. *®XL, Optimum, and AcreMax are registered trademarks 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. Individual results may vary.

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PARTICIPATING SITES

I encourage farmers to consider the agronomic characteristics of their hybrids when planning high management strategies including higher plant population, use of foliar nutrition, higher nitrogen rates with proper placement and timings, and a VT fungicide.

Chad Kalaher | Beck’s Field Agronomist

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$670 $680 $690 $700 $710

2016 Multi-Location 5829A4 Net Return

Control: No Micronutrients or Fungicide

Versa Max AC

Versa Max AC & 10 oz. Headline AMP

No Micronutrients or Fungicide

Versa Max AC @ V4

Versa Max AC & 10 oz. Headline AMP

$620 $630 $640 $650 $660 $670 $680

2016 Multi-Location 5665AMX™* Net Return

Control: No Micronutrients or Fungicide

Versa Max AC

Versa Max AC & 10 oz. Headline AMP

No Micronutrients or Fungicide

Versa Max AC @ V4

Versa Max AC & 10 oz. Headline AMP

Corn hybrids vary in their adaptation to high-yield management practices. Ear type, disease resistance, and root structure play a significant role in response to higher population, VT fungicide, and foliar nutrition, respectively. Hybrids with less ear flex, like BECK 5829A4brand, usually respond favorably to higher plant populations. Hybrids with lower disease scores and/or corn after corn ratings, such as XL® 5665AMX™*brand and XL® 6158AM™*brand, usually respond favorably to a VT fungicide application. Hybrids with less root mass, like XL® 6158AM™*brand, may respond well to foliar nutrition. In 2016, XL® 6158AM™*brand responded the best to high management practices.

Chad Kalaher | Beck’s Field Agronomist

Control: No Micronutrients or Fungicide

Dollars/A.

Versa Max AC & Headline AMP®

Versa Max™ AC

$420 $440 $460 $480 $500 $520

2016 Multi-Location 6158AM™* Net Return

Control: No Micronutrients or Fungicide

Versa Max AC

Versa Max AC & 10 oz. Headline AMP

No Micronutrients or Fungicide

Versa Max AC @ V4

Versa Max AC & 10 oz. Headline AMP

$450 $500 $550 $600

2016 Multi-Location 5832A3** Net Return

Control: No Micronutrients or Fungicide

Versa Max AC

Versa Max AC & 10 oz. Headline AMP

No Micronutrients or Fungicide

Versa Max AC @ V4

Versa Max AC & 10 oz. Headline AMP

2016 MULTI-LOCATION POPULATION & HIGH MANAGEMENT NET RETURN

34,0

00 S

eeds

/A.

XL® 5665AMX™*brand BECK 5829A4brand

Phoenix® 5832A3**brand XL® 6158AM™*brand

No Micronutrients or Fungicide

Versa Max AC & Headline AMP

Versa Max AC

38,0

00 S

eeds

/A.

34,0

00 S

eeds

/A.

38,0

00 S

eeds

/A.

Control: No Micronutrients or Fungicide

Versa Max AC & Headline AMP®

Versa Max™ AC

No Micronutrients or Fungicide

Versa Max AC & Headline AMP

Versa Max AC

Control: No Micronutrients or Fungicide

Versa Max AC & Headline AMP®

Versa Max™ AC

No Micronutrients or Fungicide

Versa Max AC & Headline AMP

Versa Max AC

Control: No Micronutrients or Fungicide

Versa Max AC & Headline AMP®

Versa Max™ AC

No Micronutrients or Fungicide

Versa Max AC & Headline AMP

Versa Max AC

Dollars/A.

34,0

00 S

eeds

/A.

38,0

00 S

eeds

/A.

34,0

00 S

eeds

/A.

38,0

00 S

eeds

/A.

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PURPOSE To evaluate different nitrogen (N) rates in 30 in. rows, applied to multiple populations, to determine the Economic Optimum Nitrogen Rate (EONR) and Economic Optimum Seeding Rate (EOSR) combination.

2016 RESULTS

Bran

d

Resp

onse

to

Hig

her

Popu

latio

n

Nitr

ogen

Re

spon

se

Plan

ted

Popu

latio

n (S

eeds

/A.)

Units

of

Nitr

ogen

Bu./

A.

Bu./

A.

Diff

eren

ce

Net R

etur

n

5665

AMX™

*

Low

Hig

her N

Res

pons

e

30,000

190 210.3 -- $596.60

230 213.8 +3.5 $589.71

270 215.2 +4.9 $574.71

34,000

190 210.4 -- $581.21

230 211.3 +0.9 $564.29

270 212.5 +2.1 $548.52

38,000

190 206.3 -- $549.62

230 212.2 +5.9 $551.99

270 212.6 +6.3 $533.14

5829

A4

Med

ium

N E

ffici

ent

30,000

190 204.9 -- $606.12

230 209.1 +4.2 $601.94

270 210.1 +5.2 $585.40

34,000

190 204.3 -- $592.10

230 209.2 +4.9 $590.61

270 208.3 +4.0 $566.74

38,000

190 206.7 -- $589.64

230 208.9 +2.2 $577.73

270 210.6 +3.9 $563.90

Corn $3.86/Bu. UAN $0.51/unit of nitrogen. XL® 5665AMX™*brand $315.36/unit. 5829A4 brand $234.36/unit. *®XL, Optimum, and AcreMax are registered trademarks of Pioneer. XL® brand seed is distributed by Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc. Individual results may vary.

POPULATION VS. NITROGEN RATE STUDY 30 in. Rows

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$450 $500 $550 $600 $650

2016 Multi-Location 5829A4 Net Return

270 230 190 270 230 190 270 230 190

$450 $500 $550 $600 $650

2016 Multi-Location 5665AMX™* Net Return

270 230 190 270 230 190 270 230 190

230270 190

38,0

0034

,000

30,0

00

38,0

0034

,000

30,0

00

XL® 5665AMX™*brand

Seed

s/A.

Dollars/A.

$450 $500 $550 $600 $650

2016 Multi-Location 5829A4 Net Return

270 230 190 270 230 190 270 230 190

$450 $500 $550 $600 $650

2016 Multi-Location 5665AMX™* Net Return

270 230 190 270 230 190 270 230 190

230270 190

38,0

0034

,000

30,0

00

38,0

0034

,000

30,0

00

BECK 5829A4brand

Seed

s/A.

Dollars/A.

$450 $500 $550 $600 $650

2016 Multi-Location 5829A4 Net Return

270 230 190 270 230 190 270 230 190

$450 $500 $550 $600 $650

2016 Multi-Location 5665AMX™* Net Return

270 230 190 270 230 190 270 230 190

230270 190

38,0

0034

,000

30,0

00

38,0

0034

,000

30,0

00

Nitrogen (Units/A.)

EONR & EOSR XL® 5665AMX™*brand

190 units N 30,000 Seeds/A.

EONR & EOSR BECK 5829A4brand

190 units N 30,000 Seeds/A.

Across all locations and hybrids, XL® 5665AMX™*brand yield increased with the higher rates of nitrogen (N), by approximately 4.5 Bu./A. compared to the control. As recommended, XL® 5665AMX™*brand produced its best yield at the lowest selected population, while BECK 5829A4brand was stable across all three populations. Return on investment was greatest for both hybrids at 190 units of N/A. With current commodity prices, the increase in yield did not provide enough return to cover the additional costs. The results of this multi-location study demonstrate that hybrid selection, population and N rate are all key to maximizing return. When deciding on the optimum N rate for your farm, rotation, hybrid, soil type, and N cost should all be factored into your decision. A good N rate to target for rotated corn should be between 180 and 190 units/A. and between 200 and 220 units/A. for corn-after-corn. Again, these are target rates. If you have the ability to split apply your N, these rates can be adjusted up or down based on weather events, yield potential, and N costs.

Wade Kent | Beck’s Field Agronomist

2016 NET RETURN

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PURPOSE To determine the Economic Optimum Nitrogen Rate (EONR), which is the rate of nitrogen (N) that maximizes profitability. All entries received 30 units of N as UAN in a 2x2 application at planting. This was followed by a sidedress application of UAN at the V3 growth stage, meeting the total amount of N for each treatment.

2016 RESULTS

Bran

d

Nitr

ogen

Re

spon

se

Nitr

ogen

(U

nits

/A.)

Perc

ent

Moi

stur

e

Bu./

A.

Nitr

ogen

C

ost/

A.

Net

Retu

rn

5828

AMX™

*

N E

ffici

ent

100 18.1 188.9 $51.00 $678.15125 18.3 194.1 $63.75 $685.48150 18.5 201.1 $76.50 $699.75175 18.5 203.4 $89.25 $695.87200 18.6 203.3 $102.00 $682.74225 18.7 209.8 $114.75 $695.08250 18.8 210.9 $127.50 $686.57

6158

AM™

* &

6165

AMX™

*

Hig

her N

Res

pons

e 100 18.1 195.0 $51.00 $701.70125 18.5 201.4 $63.75 $713.65150 18.6 207.2 $76.50 $723.29175 18.7 211.8 $89.25 $728.30200 18.8 216.8 $102.00 $734.85225 18.7 220.4 $114.75 $735.99250 19.1 220.5 $127.50 $723.63

3-H

ybrid

Av

erag

e

100 18.1 192.0 $51.00 $690.12125 18.4 197.8 $63.75 $699.76150 18.6 204.2 $76.50 $711.71175 18.6 207.6 $89.25 $712.09200 18.7 210.1 $102.00 $708.99225 18.7 215.1 $114.75 $715.54250 19.0 215.7 $127.50 $705.10

Corn $3.86/Bu. UAN $0.51/unit of nitrogen. *®XL, Optimum, and AcreMax are registered trademarks of Pioneer. XL® brand seed is distributed by Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc. Individual results may vary.

NITROGEN RATE STUDYCorn After Soybeans

$650

$670

$690

$710

$730

$750

$770

160 170 180 190 200 210 220

Dol

lars

/A.

Nitrogen (units/A.)

8-Year Multi-Location Economic Optimum Nitrogen Rate

$0.40/unit $0.50/unit $0.60/unit

8-YEAR MULTI-LOCATION ECONOMIC OPTIMUM NITROGEN RATE

Nitrogen (Units/A.)

Dol

lars

/A.

182 at $0.60/unit 187 at $0.50/unit

192 at $0.40/unit

The 2016 nitrogen rate study clearly demonstrates how genetics and yield levels can influence the maximum EONR. Other key variables for calculating EONR are the cost of N and corn value, both of which were significantly lower this year than 2015. I always instruct farmers to base their N rates on multi-year PFR data, then fine-tune those rates based on current N cost, corn price, hybrid response, and projected yield goal. The eight-year EONR graph is a valuable resource when making N rate decisions.

Craig Kilby Beck’s Field Agronomist

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PURPOSE To determine the Economic Optimum Nitrogen Rate (EONR), which is the rate of nitrogen (N) that maximizes profitability. All entries received 30 units of N as UAN in a 2x2 application at planting. This was followed by a sidedress application of UAN at the V3 growth stage, meeting the total amount of N for each treatment.

2016 RESULTS

Bran

d

Nitr

ogen

Re

spon

se

Nitr

ogen

(U

nits

/A.)

Perc

ent

Moi

stur

e

Bu./

A.

Nitr

ogen

C

ost/

A.

Net

Retu

rn

5828

AMX™

*

N E

ffici

ent

125 19.6 193.8 $63.75 $684.32150 19.8 202.2 $76.50 $703.99175 20.1 204.9 $89.25 $701.66200 20.4 206.5 $102.00 $695.09225 20.5 209.3 $114.75 $693.15250 20.8 207.2 $127.50 $672.29275 20.2 210.2 $140.25 $671.12

6158

AM™

* &

6165

AMX™

*

Hig

her N

Res

pons

e 125 20.4 192.3 $63.75 $678.53150 20.8 200.7 $76.50 $698.20175 21.3 206.4 $89.25 $707.45200 21.5 215.2 $102.00 $728.67225 21.5 217.0 $114.75 $722.87250 21.7 217.0 $127.50 $710.12275 21.1 221.1 $140.25 $713.20

3-H

ybrid

Av

erag

e

125 20.0 193.1 $63.75 $681.62150 20.3 201.5 $76.50 $701.29175 20.7 205.7 $89.25 $704.75200 21.0 210.9 $102.00 $712.07225 21.0 213.2 $114.75 $708.20250 21.3 212.1 $127.50 $691.21275 20.7 215.7 $140.25 $692.35

Corn $3.86/Bu. UAN $0.51/unit of nitrogen. *®XL, Optimum, and AcreMax are registered trademarks of Pioneer. XL® brand seed is distributed by Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc. Individual results may vary.

NITROGEN RATE STUDYCorn After Corn

$620

$640

$660

$680

$700

$720

$740

180 190 200 210 220 230 240 250

Dol

lars

/A.

Nitrogen (units/A.)

8-Year Multi-Location Economic Optimum Nitrogen Rate

$0.40/unit $0.50/unit $0.60/unit

Dol

lars

/A.

8-YEAR MULTI-LOCATION EONR

Nitrogen (Units/A.)

212 at $0.60/unit

216 at $0.50/unit

221 at $0.40/unit

Corn response to N rate is very site-specific. PFR data shows a wide variability in response across locations over an 8-year period. Long-term university and PFR N response research indicates that corn following corn will generally require 20 to 30 additional units of N/A. than corn following soybeans to achieve maximum relative yield. Corn residue has a greater C:N ratio than soybean residue and requires more soil-available N to be temporarily used by soil microorganisms for decomposition. Other site-specific factors impacting corn response to N rate include: soil drainage, rainfall amount and timing with respect to N application timing, source and placement, and landscape position. Multi-location N response data is a general guide to economic response over the Corn Belt region. The best way to determine the EONR on your farm is by becoming a PFR Partner and conducting N response research with your own management practices on your own acres.

David Hughes Beck’s Field Agronomist

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NITROGEN TIMING STUDY

PURPOSE To evaluate various nitrogen (N) application timings and their effects on N use efficiency and yield. Each treatment in this study received a total of 190 units of N/A. as UAN.

The N timing study is traditionally one of my favorite PFR studies. Over the past five years, a split application of N has made the most money year in and year out. The 360 Y-DROP® technology has shown promise in wet years, however splitting the sidedress application and applying N later in the season failed to generate a yield response in 2016. Maybe the absence of excessive rainfall at some of the PFR sites limited the response to late season N in 2016.

Sean Nettleton | Beck’s Field Agronomist

2016 RESULTS

Test

ing

Loca

tion

Bran

d

Nitr

ogen

Re

spon

se

Nitr

ogen

(U

nits

/A.)

Application Timing Bu./

A.

Bu./

A.

Diff

eren

ce

Retu

rn o

n In

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men

t

IN, C

IL, O

H, I

A

5665

AMX™

*

Hig

her N

Re

spon

se 30,160 Control: 2x2, Sidedress @ V3 223.2 -- --

30,80,80 2x2, Sidedress @ V3, 360 Y-DROP® @ V7 224.0 +0.8 +$3.0930,80,80 2x2, Sidedress @ V3, 360 Y-DROP @ V10 220.8 -2.4 -$9.2630,80,80 2x2, Sidedress @ V3, 360 Y-DROP @ VT 218.1 -5.1 -$19.69

5829

A4

N E

ffici

ent 30,160 Control: 2x2, Sidedress @ V3 210.0 -- --

30,80,80 2x2, Sidedress @ V3, 360 Y-DROP @ V7 209.5 -0.5 -$1.9330,80,80 2x2, Sidedress @ V3, 360 Y-DROP @ V10 211.4 +1.4 +$5.4030,80,80 2x2, Sidedress @ V3, 360 Y-DROP @ VT 208.7 -1.3 -$5.02

KY &

SIL 58

32A3

**

N E

ffici

ent 30,160 Control: 2x2, Sidedress @ V3 190.3 -- --

30,80,80 2x2, Sidedress @ V3, 360 Y-DROP @ V7 192.1 +1.8 +$6.9530,80,80 2x2, Sidedress @ V3, 360 Y-DROP @ V10 190.3 +0.0 +$0.0030,80,80 2x2, Sidedress @ V3, 360 Y-DROP @ VT 188.1 -2.2 -$8.49

6158

AM™

*

Hig

her N

Re

spon

se 30,160 Control: 2x2, Sidedress @ V3 198.7 -- --

30,80,80 2x2, Sidedress @ V3, 360 Y-DROP @ V7 196.3 -2.4 -$9.2630,80,80 2x2, Sidedress @ V3, 360 Y-DROP @ V10 197.9 -0.8 -$3.0930,80,80 2x2, Sidedress @ V3, 360 Y-DROP @ VT 198.1 -0.6 -$2.32

4-H

ybrid

Av

erag

e 30,160 Control: 2x2, Sidedress @ V3 205.6 -- --30,80,80 2x2, Sidedress @ V3, 360 Y-DROP @ V7 205.5 -0.1 -$0.3930,80,80 2x2, Sidedress @ V3, 360 Y-DROP @ V10 205.1 -0.5 -$1.9330,80,80 2x2, Sidedress @ V3, 360 Y-DROP @ VT 203.3 -2.3 -$8.88

Corn $3.86/Bu. UAN $0.51/unit of nitrogen. *®XL, Optimum, and AcreMax are registered trademarks 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. Individual results may vary.

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PURPOSE To evaluate a traditional sidedress application versus a 360 Y-DROP® at the V5 growth stage and their effect on yield.

The multi-year and multi-location nitrogen (N) timing study has shown that split applications of N pay. This study takes it a step further by testing to see if there is a difference in where in-season N is placed. The 360 Y-DROP® averaged 5.5 Bu./A. more than the traditional sidedress applicator. The 360 Y-DROP had the edge at all three locations where this study was conducted. The largest increase was Central IL at 14.2 Bu./A. They also had the highest yield with 264 Bu./A. in this study. Nitrogen can be applied within 2 to 3 in. of the stalk base with the 360 Y-DROP as compared to a traditional sidedress applicator which places it approximately 15 in. from the stalk base. This data shows that placement of in-season N affects yield. I recommend optimizing your in-season applications of N by placing it as close to the base of the stalk as possible.

Greg Shepherd | Beck’s Field Agronomist

NITROGEN PLACEMENT STUDYSidedress

2016 RESULTS

V5 Treatments Perc

ent

Moi

stur

e

Bu./

A.

Bu./

A.

Diff

eren

ce

Control: Sidedress Applicator 20.6 216.5 --

360 Y-DROP® 20.3 222.0 +5.5

Individual results may vary.

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PFR Proven™

0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14

4-Year Multi-Location Nitrogen Sealer Yield Advantage

2013 2014 2015 2016

PURPOSE To test nitrogen sealers and their effect on nitrogen (N) retention and yield. Nitrogen sealers are a pair of coulters that attach to the sidedress bar behind the knife. The coulters pull soil over the trench opened by the knife, sealing the opening and holding in N that could otherwise volatilize.

Nitrogen sealers ensure that we protect our investment by incorporating our N thoroughly into the soil and preventing volatilization. Due to environmental conditions that reduced N loss, we observed only a slight increase in yield (1.7 Bu./A.) with the use of nitrogen sealers in 2016. Our historical PFR data has shown a 4.7 Bu./A. increase across multiple environments as well as soil types. The use of N sealers is a very cost effective measure to help you protect the most valuable nutrient for your corn crop.

Luke Schulte | Beck’s Field Agronomist

NITROGEN SEALER STUDY

2016 RESULTS

Trea

tmen

ts

Perc

ent

Moi

stur

e

Bu./

A.

Bu./

A.

Diff

eren

ce

Control: No Sealers 19.4 182.5 --

Nitrogen Sealers 19.2 184.2 +1.7

Individual results may vary.

4-YEAR MULTI-LOCATION NITROGEN SEALER YIELD ADVANTAGE

2013

Bu./A.

2014

2015

2016

+$4.7 Bu./A. Average

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PURPOSE To evaluate the yield response and return on investment when applying fungicide at the VT growth stage on multiple hybrids.

In most areas we experienced a lot of heat and moisture throughout the 2016 season. This led to high levels of foliar disease in many cornfields. Each year we look at how hybrids respond to fungicide applications to help maximize yield and profit. Many hybrids react differently based on their genetics so scouting is very important when making management decisions such as a fungicide application. Planting corn after corn increases the odds that you’ll need fungicide compared to corn after soybeans. This year, more hybrids showed a greater response to fungicide due to high disease levels and late-season infections. I suggest continuing to use low-response hybrids in corn after corn rotations and other areas prone to higher disease levels such as bottom fields.

Steve Gauck | Beck’s Field Agronomist

FUNGICIDE STUDYHybrid Response

2016 RESULTS

Trea

tmen

ts

Fung

icid

e Re

spon

se

Bran

d

Perc

ent

Moi

stur

e

Bu./

A.

Bu./

A.

Diff

eren

ce

Retu

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men

t

Con

trol

: N

o Fu

ngic

ide

-- 5829A4 18.4 183.9 -- ---- 5828AMX™* 19.6 193.2 -- ---- 6076SX 19.3 192.0 -- ---- 6158AM™* 18.8 183.1 -- ---- 6225HR™* 20.7 188.6 -- ---- 6365AMX™* 20.8 191.6 -- --

AVG. 19.6 188.7

4 oz

. Str

ateg

o® Y

LD

@ V

T

Low 5829A4 19.0 200.4 +16.5 +$48.20Medium 5828AMX™* 20.1 195.9 +2.7 -$5.07Medium 6076SX 19.7 199.9 +7.9 +$15.00

High 6158AM™* 19.3 199.3 +16.2 +$47.04Medium 6225HR™* 21.3 202.0 +13.4 +$36.23Medium 6365AMX™* 21.6 198.7 +7.1 +$11.92

AVG. 20.2 199.4 +10.6 +$25.55

Corn $3.86/Bu. Stratego® YLD $495.67/gal. *®XL, Optimum, and AcreMax are registered trademarks of Pioneer. XL® brand seed is distributed by Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc. Individual results may vary.

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PURPOSE To evaluate the use of various additives, applied with a fungicide at the VT growth stage, in an attempt to increase plant health, yield and profitability.

With the exception of an insecticide or adjuvant, adding products to fungicide in corn near tassel time is an uncommon practice in most areas. Nutrient assimilation research has proven that corn plants take up the majority of their phosphorus (P), sulfur (S), boron (B), and zinc (Zn) after the V14 growth stage. In addition, tissue sampling corn at R1 (silking) in many areas has often revealed low levels of B and Zn. In 2016, our PFR fungicide additive research indicated mixed results. Additional research needs to be conducted to determine if a positive ROI can be consistently achieved from applying products like Eagle or Boron Plus® with a VT fungicide in corn. In general, I usually recommend that farmers consider a micronutrient product containing B and Zn with a VT fungicide in corn. However, other non-nutritional products such as Eagle may be able to provide some agronomic and economic benefits.

Chad Kalaher | Beck’s Field Agronomist

FUNGICIDE ADDITIVE STUDY

2016 RESULTS

Fung

icid

e

VT

Trea

tmen

ts

Perc

ent

Moi

stur

e

Bu./

A.

Bu./

A.

Diff

eren

ce

Retu

rn o

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men

t

10 oz. Headline AMP®

@ VT

Control 20.7 197.7 -- --

3.2 oz. Eagle 20.6 203.1 +5.4 +$14.84

6 oz. Boron Plus® 20.8 200.0 +2.3 +$7.48

1 qt. CropKarb® 20.6 199.6 +1.9 -$2.34

40 oz. Toggle™ 20.8 198.1 +0.4 -$10.96

Corn $3.86/Bu. CropKarb® $38.69/gal. Boron Plus® $29.94/gal. Eagle $240.00/gal. Toggle™ $40.00/gal. Individual results may vary.

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PURPOSE To evaluate Preemptor™ SC and Trivapro® at two different timings to determine if they can sustain season-long control with one early foliar application. This study evaluated the different diseases that are present throughout the growing season as well as the value of each product in terms of plant health, yield and profitability.

Once again, while both application timings led to a positive return on investment (ROI), the R1 application continues to provide a significant advantage over the V8 timing. These products were new in 2016 and both contain a strobilurin and triazole fungicide component. In addition, Trivapro® contains a third mode of action fungicide (SDHI). Even though all application timings in this study had a positive ROI, I recommend farmers base their fungicide decisions on the following:

1. Known hybrid disease ratings.

2. Disease presence - begin scouting prior to tassel.

3. Environmental conditions favoring disease (rotation, residue, rainfall).

4. Fungal resistance - rotate fungicide modes of action.

Craig Kilby | Beck’s Field Agronomist

FUNGICIDE TIMING STUDY

2016 RESULTS

Bran

d

Fung

icid

e Re

spon

se

Treatments Perc

ent

Moi

stur

e

Bu./

A.

Bu./

A.

Diff

eren

ce

Retu

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men

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6076

SX

Med

ium

Control: No Fungicide 18.2 179.8 -- --5 oz. Preemptor™ SC @ V8 18.7 187.1 +7.3 +$7.8014.5 oz. Trivapro® @ V8 18.9 185.2 +5.4 +$3.345 oz. Preemptor SC @ R1 19.1 189.6 +9.8 +$17.4514.5 oz. Trivapro @ R1 20.9 192.6 +12.8 +$31.91

6158

AM™

*

Hig

h

Control: No Fungicide 17.8 194.6 -- --5 oz. Preemptor SC @ V8 17.8 201.5 +6.9 +$6.2514.5 oz. Trivapro @ V8 18.1 199.9 +5.3 +$2.965 oz. Preemptor SC @ R1 18.7 204.4 +9.8 +$17.4514.5 oz. Trivapro @ R1 20.7 205.9 +11.3 +$26.12

2-H

ybrid

Av

erag

e

Control: No Fungicide 18.0 187.2 -- --5 oz. Preemptor SC @ V8 18.3 194.3 +7.1 +$7.0314.5 oz. Trivapro @ V8 18.5 192.6 +5.4 +$3.345 oz. Preemptor SC @ R1 18.9 197.0 +9.8 +$17.4514.5 oz. Trivapro @ R1 20.8 199.3 +12.1 +$29.21

Corn $3.86/Bu. Preemptor™ SC $521.83/gal. Trivapro® $17.50/A. *®XL, Optimum, and AcreMax are registered trademarks of Pioneer. XL® brand seed is distributed by Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc. Individual results may vary.

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PURPOSE To evaluate the yield and profitability of various fungicides and insecticides when applied in-furrow.

Three years of testing in PFR has shown a $7.25 return on investment (ROI) when Capture® LFR® was applied in-furrow. In 2016, several new in-furrow insecticide and fungicide products were tested on two hybrids that have different emergence ratings. Neither product was a clear ROI winner when compared to the control. Consistent double digit ROI test results are needed to create a strong recommendation for product use.

Denny Cobb | Beck’s Field Agronomist

FUNGICIDE & INSECTICIDE STUDYIn-Furrow

2016 RESULTS

Bran

d

Emer

genc

e

Star

ter

In-Furrow Treatments Perc

ent

Moi

stur

e

Bu./

A.

Bu./

A.

Diff

eren

ce

Retu

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vest

men

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5832

A3**

Fast

5 ga

l. Pu

reG

rade

®

6-24

-6 In

-Fur

row

Control 18.0 190.5 -- --3.4 oz. Ethos® XB 18.1 193.3 +2.8 +$0.751 pt. Serenade® ASO 18.1 192.0 +1.5 +$1.483.4 oz. Capture® LFR® 18.4 192.4 +1.9 -$2.607.2 oz. Xanthion™ 18.0 191.0 +0.5 -$17.53

6076

SX

Slow

er

Control 17.1 189.4 -- --3.4 oz. Ethos XB 16.9 194.5 +5.1 +$9.631 pt. Serenade ASO 16.9 191.5 +2.1 +$3.803.4 oz. Capture LFR 17.1 192.6 +3.2 +$2.427.2 oz. Xanthion 17.0 190.8 +1.4 -$14.06

2-H

ybrid

Av

erag

e

Control 17.6 190.0 -- --3.4 oz. Ethos XB 17.5 193.9 +3.9 +$4.991 pt. Serenade ASO 17.5 191.8 +1.8 +$2.643.4 oz. Capture LFR 17.8 192.5 +2.5 -$0.287.2 oz. Xanthion 17.5 190.9 +0.9 -$15.99

Corn $3.86/Bu. Capture® LFR® $373.81/gal. Serenade® ASO $34.47/gal. Xanthion™ $19.46/A. Ethos® XB $378.56/gal. **Phoenix® is a registered trademark of a Syngenta Group Company. Phoenix® brand seed is distributed by Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc. Individual results may vary.

-$30 -$20 -$10 $0 $10 $20 $30 $40

3-Year Multi-Location Capture LFR Return on Investment

2014 2015 2016

3-YEAR MULTI-LOCATION CAPTURE® LFR® RETURN ON INVESTMENT

2014

Dollars/A.

2016

2015+$7.25/A. Average

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PURPOSE To determine if Capture VGR, a combination product consisting of Capture LFR® and VGR soil amendment, can increase plant health, yield and profitability.

Capture® VGR™ in this study was applied at a rate that is effective on secondary pests such as black cutworm. The VGR product is Bacillus licheniformis which is a biological soil amendment that FMC promotes to increase both root and shoot growth. The two products are designed to be mixed with a starter and applied directly in-furrow. At three PFR locations this year, the combination of Capture LFR plus the VGR product increased yields by 4.5 Bu./A. with a $7.44 return on investment. These results are encouraging and, with all the work that is being done with biological seed treatments and in-furrow products, we will likely continue to test this product along with other similar products.

Pat Holloway | Beck’s Field Agronomist

INSECTICIDE STUDY Capture® VGR™

2016 RESULTS

Starter Treatments Emer

ged

Popu

latio

n

Popu

latio

n D

iffer

ence

Bu./

A.

Bu./

A.

Diff

eren

ce

Retu

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men

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10 gal. 28-0-0 2x2, 5 gal. PureGrade® 6-24-6 In-Furrow

Control 29,546 -- 181.6 -- --

3.4 oz. Capture® VGR™ In-Furrow 29,713 +167 186.1 +4.5 +$7.44

Corn $3.86/Bu. Capture® VGR™ $373.81/gal. Individual results may vary.

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PFR Proven™

PURPOSE To evaluate the yield and profitability of various micronutrient products applied at the V4 growth stage.

This study tested two foliar applied combination macro and micronutrient products. We tested both products for three years at multiple locations, and have consistently seen a positive return on investment. I typically do not promote a foliar nutrient application, but with more than $18/A. average return on investment (ROI) with Versa Max™ AC over the course of this three-year study, it is something to consider.

Corn requires a relatively small amount of micronutrients, but with increased yields, more are required. When small amounts are added to the soil, they can be tied up very quickly and therefore, are unavailable to the plant. This may explain why the foliar applications of these products provided a substantial ROI.

Pat Holloway | Beck’s Field Agronomist

MICRONUTRIENT STUDY Foliar

2016 RESULTS

V4 Treatments Perc

ent

Moi

stur

e

Bu./

A.

Bu./

A.

Diff

eren

ce

Retu

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men

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Control 20.5 203.3 -- --

1 qt. Versa Max™ AC 20.7 209.0 +5.7 +$17.12

1 qt. MAX-IN® Ultra ZMB® 20.5 205.5 +2.2 +$2.99

Corn $3.86/Bu. MAX-IN® Ultra ZMB® $22.00/gal. Versa Max™ AC $19.50/gal. Individual results may vary.

$0 $5 $10 $15 $20 $25

3-Year Multi-Location Return on Investment

MAX-IN Ultra ZMB Versa Max AC

3-YEAR MULTI-LOCATION MICRONUTRIENT RETURN ON INVESTMENT

MAX-IN® Ultra ZMB®

Dollars/A.

Versa Max™ AC

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PURPOSE To evaluate the yield and profitability of various micronutrient products applied with 360 Y-DROP at the V10 growth stage.

All treatments were applied with UAN as the carrier, for a total of 25 units/A. of nitrogen (N). Compared to the control, all three micronutrient products we tested provided a positive yield advantage. The liquid boron fertilizer was the only product that showed both a yield advantage (2.6 Bu./A.) and positive return on investment (ROI) ($0.88/A.). While the ROI was limited in this study, the use of the 360 Y-DROP® system for micronutrient management is a promising concept. This system offers the ability to place micronutrients close to the base of the plant improving the potential for better plant uptake. Additionally, as we learn more about micronutrient management the 360 Y-DROP system offers the ability to make applications throughout the growing season and during critical stages of plant development. We are excited to continue this project and develop a multi-year data set to help answer questions about micronutrient management and the 360 Y-DROP system.

Wade Kent | Beck’s Field Agronomist

MICRONUTRIENT STUDY360 Y-DROP®

2016 RESULTS

V10 Treatments Perc

ent

Moi

stur

e

Bu./

A.

Bu./

A.

Diff

eren

ce

Retu

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Control 19.7 180.5 -- --

2 qt. Liquid Boron 10% 19.8 182.9 +2.4 +$0.88

7 gal. Thio-Sul® (12-0-0-26S) 20.0 182.7 +2.2 -$2.39

2 qt. Ultra-Che® Zinc 9% EDTA 19.9 181.9 +1.4 -$7.35

Corn $3.86/Bu. Thio-Sul® (12-0-0-26S) $2.21/gal. Ultra-Che® Zinc 9% EDTA $25.50/gal. UAN $0.51/unit of nitrogen. Liquid Boron 10% $16.75/gal. Individual results may vary.

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PFR Proven™

PURPOSE To evaluate various residue management products and their ability to increase yields by breaking down excessive surface residue. These products were applied fall of 2015.

Plant residue decomposition is a biological process that is influenced by soil microbial activity and temperature. As we continue to grow better corn and soybean crops, we produce more residue. Greater amounts of residue on the soil surface can protect the soil from erosive forces of rainfall and moving water. However, as we get closer to planting, piles of slowly decomposing residue can keep soils cool and wet, tie-up soil available nutrients, and interfere with planter performance. Beck’s PFR has been evaluating residue breakdown products to determine if a return on investment (ROI) can consistently be measured. Over three years, Robust® and Res Plus have resulted in $8 to $12 ROI, respectively. Is it due to increased residue decomposition rates or the addition of certain micronutrients and biological additives that result in crop nutritional response? Carbon dioxide (CO2

) release rates will be measured in future residue decomposition product studies to determine the relationship between these products and the residue decomposition rate.

David Hughes | Beck’s Field Agronomist

RESIDUE MANAGEMENT STUDY

2016 RESULTS

Fall Treatments Perc

ent

Moi

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A.

Bu./

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Diff

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Control 15.6 180.2 -- --

1 qt. Robust® 16.0 185.7 +5.5 +$9.95

16 oz. Res Plus 15.9 184.7 +4.5 +$8.37

1 gal. Humi-Till® 15.9 182.8 +2.6 -$2.76

0.5 oz. BPE-5C 16.0 181.5 +1.3 -$3.98

Corn $3.86/Bu. Robust® $45.10/gal. Res Plus $72.00/gal. Humi-Till® $12.80/gal. BPE-5C $288.00/lb. Individual results may vary.

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$0 $5 $10 $15 $20 $25

3-Year Multi-Location Return on Investment

Robust Res Plus

3-YEAR MULTI-LOCATION RESIDUE MANAGEMENT RETURN ON INVESTMENT

Robust®

Dollars/A.

Res Plus

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PURPOSE To examine how planting depth impacts plant population, emergence and yield.

The planting depth of soybeans is an element of management that is often overlooked. Currently, the common recommendation for soybean seeding depth is 1 to 1.5 in. Recently, there has been more discussion related to soybean seeding depth and how it may influence yield. Beck’s PFR results for 2016 exhibited a yield benefit when soybean seed was placed between 1.5 and 2 in. deep. Yield increased by 6.6 Bu./A. just by increasing planting depth by 0.5 in. over the control depth of 1 in. Yield and emerged population increased an average of 5.2 Bu./A. and 11,000 plants/A. when seeding depth was between 1.5 and 2 in. I will commonly recommend a seeding depth of soybeans to be 1.5 to 1.75 in. Shallowing up planting depth may be necessary if soils are saturated with the potential for crusting, or when dealing with certain soils characteristics such as tight clay soils.

Wade Kent | Beck’s Field Agronomist

PLANTING DEPTH STUDY

2016 RESULTS

Plat

ing

Dep

th

(Inc

hes)

Emer

ged

Popu

latio

n

Popu

latio

n D

iffer

ence

Bu./

A.

Bu./

A.

Diff

eren

ce

0.5 90,225 -9,542 63.4 -3.0Control: 1.0 99,767 -- 66.4 --

1.5 113,345 +13,578 73.0 +6.62.0 108,209 +8,442 70.2 +3.82.5 96,188 -3,579 67.7 +1.3

Individual results may vary.

50 55 60 65 70 75 80

2-Year Multi-Location Planting Depth Yield Data

0.5 1.0 1.5 2.0 2.5

2-YEAR MULTI-LOCATION PLANTING DEPTH YIELD ADVANTAGE

0.5 in.

Bu./A.

1.5 in.

Control: 1.0 in.

2.5 in.

2.0 in.

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PURPOSE To evaluate Flo-Rite seed firmers and their ability to provide optimum down pressure, precise seed placement, improved seed-to-soil contact, and higher yields.

Of all the investments you make each year, your seed is one of the largest. We examine and evaluate each and every input based on the effect they will have on the performance of our seed. All of those decisions are based on getting our crop off to a solid start with uniform placement and good seed-to-soil contact. As our crop develops we can compensate, adjust, and solve many problems and deficiencies along the way, but the one thing we cannot fix is an uneven stand. While our data regarding Flo-Rite® seed firmers did not produce a yield advantage this past season, one thing remains true….we must start off right to successfully achieve maximum yields at harvest time.

Luke Schulte | Beck’s Field Agronomist

FLO-RITE® SEED FIRMER STUDY

2016 RESULTS

Trea

tmen

ts

Perc

ent

Moi

stur

e

Bu./

A.

Bu./

A.

Diff

eren

ce

Control: No Seed Firmers 14.4 62.9 --

Flo-Rite® Seed Firmers 14.2 62.8 -0.1

Individual results may vary.

30 35 40 45 50 55 60 65 70 75 80

2-Year Multi-Location Flo-Rite Yield Advantage

Control: No Seed Firmers Flo-Rite Seed Firmers

2-YEAR MULTI-LOCATION FLO-RITE® SEED FIRMER YIELD ADVANTAGE

Control: No Seed Firmer

Bu./A.

Flo-Rite Seed Firmers +1.2 Bu./A.

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PURPOSE To evaluate the yield and final population of Beck’s Escalate yield enhancement system on multiple soybean varieties compared to untreated seed.

Achieving high-yielding soybeans is all about having the confidence to plant early and establish a consistent stand. As we evaluated the Escalate™ seed treatment compared to untreated soybeans we found variations in yield response, but each was positive. Across multiple locations and six different varieties we saw a 4.2 Bu./A. yield increase using Escalate. This data is very consistent with our historical PFR data. The yield responses we achieved were not circumstantial, they were the result of controlling soil borne diseases and insects as well as the improved vigor of our Escalate treated soybean seed.

Luke Schulte | Beck’s Field Agronomist

SEED TREATMENT STUDYEscalate™ vs. Untreated

50 55 60 65 70 75 80

2-Year Multi-Location Yield Data

Control: Untreated Escalate

2-YEAR MULTI-LOCATION ESCALATE™ YIELD ADVANTAGE

Control: Untreated

Bu./A.

Escalate

2016 RESULTS

Bran

d

Trea

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Perc

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Bu./

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Diff

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297R4™* Control: Untreated 12.4 73.6 --Escalate™ 12.4 76.5 +2.9

312R4™* Control: Untreated 12.4 73.9 --Escalate 12.4 77.3 +3.4

323R4™* Control: Untreated 12.4 88.2 --Escalate 12.4 92.0 +3.8

339R2 Control: Untreated 12.8 71.9 --Escalate 12.7 75.9 +4.0

345R4™* Control: Untreated 13.2 70.2 --Escalate 13.0 71.5 +1.3

365R2 Control: Untreated 15.0 65.6 --Escalate 15.1 75.2 +9.6

6-Variety Average Control: Untreated 13.0 73.9 --Escalate 13.0 78.1 +4.2

*®XL is a registered trademark of Pioneer. XL® brand seed is distributed by Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc. Individual results may vary.

+4.1 Bu./A.

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PFR Proven™

SEED TREATMENT STUDYILeVO®

$0 $5 $10 $15 $20

3-Year Multi-Location Escalate SDS Return on Investment

2014 2015 2016

PURPOSE To compare the differences in yield and profitability when using ILeVO on different soybean varieties with contrasting genetic tolerance to Sudden Death Syndrome (SDS). Earlier and later planting dates were evaluated with three different seed treatments.

2016 RESULTS

Test

ing

Loca

tion

Dat

e

Bran

d

SDS

Tole

ranc

e

Treatments Emer

ged

Popu

latio

n

Popu

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n D

iffer

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Bu./

A.

Bu./

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Diff

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Retu

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, IA

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er

Plan

ting 285R4™* Average

Control: Escalate™ 121,759 -- 73.9 -- --Escalate SDS 124,746 +2,987 77.0 +3.1 +19.85Poncho®/VOTiVO® + ILeVO® 129,571 +7,812 79.3 +5.4 +$33.34

297R4™* Very Good

Control: Escalate 124,277 -- 74.5 -- --Escalate SDS 125,117 +840 76.4 +1.9 +$8.47Poncho/VOTiVO + ILeVO 127,499 +3,222 78.2 +3.7 +$17.23

Late

r Pl

antin

g 285R4™* AverageControl: Escalate 120,503 -- 69.5 -- --Escalate SDS 123,726 +3,223 73.4 +3.9 +$27.43Poncho/VOTiVO + ILeVO 125,616 +5,113 74.2 +4.7 +$26.71

297R4™* Very Good

Control: Escalate 124,111 -- 67.8 -- --Escalate SDS 125,132 +1,021 70.3 +2.5 +$14.16Poncho/VOTiVO + ILeVO 122,372 -1,739 71.9 +4.1 +$21.02

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Plan

ting 449L4 Excellent

Control: Escalate 110,417 -- 62.8 -- --Escalate SDS 110,083 -334 67.8 +5.0 +$37.86Poncho/VOTiVO + ILeVO 112,667 +2,250 70.4 +7.6 +$54.20

474L4 Below Average

Control: Escalate 111,000 -- 37.9 -- --Escalate SDS 110,417 -583 36.3 -1.6 -$24.71Poncho/VOTiVO + ILeVO 114,167 +3,167 43.8 +7.5 +$53.25

Late

r Pl

antin

g 449L4 ExcellentControl: Escalate 127,166 -- 65.5 -- --Escalate SDS 130,887 +3,721 67.4 +1.9 +$8.47Poncho/VOTiVO + ILeVO 132,373 +5,207 67.5 +2.0 +$1.11

474L4 Below Average

Control: Escalate 132,097 -- 65.6 -- --Escalate SDS 128,684 -3,413 64.9 -0.7 -$16.18Poncho/VOTiVO + ILeVO 129,235 -2,862 67.7 +2.1 +$2.06

Soybeans $9.48/Bu. Escalate SDS $7.75/unit. Poncho®/VOTiVO® + ILeVO® $14.50/unit. Escalate™ $0.00/unit. *®XL is a registered trademark of Pioneer. XL® brand seed is distributed by Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc. Individual results may vary.

The PFR sites for this test did not have high SDS nor Soybean Cyst Nematode (SCN) pressure historically. Environments where SDS and/or SCN are a problem year in and year out will likely see a greater return on investment with the use of ILeVO® than what we have observed in this study at our PFR locations.

Pat Holloway | Beck’s Field Agronomist

3-YEAR MULTI-LOCATION ESCALATE SDS RETURN ON INVESTMENT

2014

Dollars/A.

2015

2016

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+$11.42/A. Average

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PURPOSE To evaluate various soybean starter fertilizers applied in-furrow and their effects on yield and profitability.

In the past, I haven’t recommended using starter fertilizer on soybeans because we typically don’t start planting until later in the year. By then, soils have warmed up and we start seeing active mineralization of organic matter and a more consistent release of nutrients. However, because of the higher yield potential with early planted soybeans, I think the addition of starter fertilizer could have a place in our soybean management. This year, we saw a yield increase in all but one of the treatments over four locations.

Austin Scott | Beck’s Field Agronomist

STARTER FERTILIZER STUDY

-$20 -$15 -$10 -$5 $0 $5 $10 $15 $20

2-Year Multi-Location Return on Investment

NACHURS Rhyzo-Link 3-10-13 First Pass with MicroCarb ZMB (3-5-15)

2-YEAR MULTI-LOCATION STARTER FERTILIZER RETURN ON INVESTMENT

NACHURS® Rhyzo-Link® 3-10-13

Dollars/A.

First Pass® with MicroCarb ZMB™ (3-5-15)

2016 RESULTS

Test

ing

Loca

tion

Row

Wid

th

(Inc

hes)

In-Furrow Treatments Perc

ent

Moi

stur

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A.

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IN, O

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15

Control: No Starter 11.6 87.0 -- --3 gal. First Pass® with MicroCarb ZMB™ (3-5-15) 11.6 87.9 +0.9 -$9.263 gal. NACHURS® Triple Option® (4-13-17-1S) 11.6 85.9 -1.1 -$29.633 gal. NACHURS Rhyzo-Link® 3-10-13 11.7 87.0 +0.0 -$29.703 gal. RoMax® Soybean with SoyMix (2-14-8) 11.6 87.9 +0.9 -$4.22

Cen

tral

IL, I

A

30

Control: No Starter 12.2 72.7 -- --2 gal. First Pass with MicroCarb ZMB (3-5-15) 12.2 75.2 +2.5 +$11.841.5 gal. NACHURS Triple Option (4-13-17-1S) 12.2 74.9 +2.2 +$11.261.5 gal. NACHURS Rhyzo-Link 3-10-13 12.1 75.1 +2.4 +$7.902 gal. RoMax Soybean with SoyMix (2-14-8) 12.1 73.6 +0.9 +$0.03

Soybeans $9.48/Bu. RoMax® Soybean with SoyMix (2-14-8) $4.25/gal. NACHURS® Rhyzo-Link® 3-10-13 $9.90/gal. First Pass® with MicroCarb ZMB™ (3-5-15) $5.93/gal. NACHURS Triple Option® (4-13-17-1S) $6.40/gal. Individual results may vary.

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PURPOSE To evaluate various starter additive products, applied in-furrow at planting, in an attempt to increase plant health, yield and profitability.

Applying a starter on soybeans is not something I have recommended in my almost 20 year career as an agronomist. Soybeans compensate very well for stand loss and make their own nitrogen (N) so why would starter pay? Recently in PFR, we have discovered that pre-plant incorporated N on soybeans has generated a great return on investment (ROI). Since many farmers no-till their soybeans, we thought that an in-furrow starter might be a good way to deliver some N (and other nutrients) to the emerging soybean plant. This study evaluated a few products that enhance the performance of that starter. Although we saw very little or no benefit to these additives this year, last year showed a substantial ROI. I think that additional data for the soybean starter additive study will be needed before I’m ready to make a recommendation.

Brent Minett | Beck’s Field Agronomist

STARTER ADDITIVE STUDYIn-Furrow

2016 RESULTS

Starter In-F

urro

w

Trea

tmen

ts

Perc

ent

Moi

stur

e

Bu./

A.

Bu./

A.

Diff

eren

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Retu

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men

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3 gal. PureGrade® 6-24-6 In-Furrow

Control 12.9 73.4 -- --

1 pt. Generate® 13.0 74.5 +1.1 +$0.68

2 qt. SG Complete 13.0 73.7 +0.3 -$11.16

Soybeans $9.48/Bu. Generate® $78.00/gal. SG Complete $28.00/gal. Individual results may vary.

$0 $5 $10 $15 $20 $25 $30 $35

2-Year Multi-Location Generate Return on Investment

2015 2016

2-YEAR MULTI-LOCATION GENERATE® RETURN ON INVESTMENT

2015

Dollars/A.

2016 +$15.80/A. Average

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PURPOSE To evaluate Wex, a soil amendment product, its ability to stimulate root development, improve water and nutrient uptake, and increase yield and profitability.

Using a product such as Wex® at 1 qt./A. to help stimulate root growth and nutrient uptake is not something that I would typically recommend. However, this product has shown real value in getting soybeans out of the ground and off to a good start. With another year of a positive response at all three locations tested, I think it’s safe to say that Wex could be a great addition to any soybean management plan.

Sean Nettleton | Beck’s Field Agronomist

SOIL AMENDMENT STUDYWex®

2016 RESULTS

Treatments Perc

ent

Moi

stur

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Bu./

A.

Bu./

A.

Diff

eren

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Retu

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men

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Control 12.2 68.4 -- --

1 qt. Wex® Pre-Emerge 12.2 72.1 +3.7 +$29.84

Soybeans $9.48/Bu. Wex® $20.96/gal. Individual results may vary.

$0 $5 $10 $15 $20 $25 $30 $35

2-Year Multi-Location Wex Return on Investment

2015 2016

2-YEAR MULTI-LOCATION WEX® RETURN ON INVESTMENT

2015

Dollars/A.

2016

+$21.20/A. Average

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PURPOSE To evaluate two different biologicals, one as a row starter additive and one as a foliar product. These two products were evaluated for their effects on plant health, yield and profitability.

I typically am skeptical of foliar applied product claims and generally avoid endorsing the use of foliar products. However, multi-location testing in 2016 has shown positive yield responses with Toggle™ applied at the R3 growth stage. Toggle claims to provide a greater impact when plants are under stress. Our study appears to confirm this claim as our lowest yielding location did indeed provide the greatest yield response to Toggle. This study has caused me to reconsider my position on foliar products like these tested here.

Craig Kilby | Beck’s Field Agronomist

BIOLOGICAL STUDY

2016 RESULTS

Treatments Perc

ent

Moi

stur

e

Bu./

A.

Bu./

A.

Diff

eren

ce

Retu

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vest

men

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Control 12.6 69.4 -- --

10 oz. Optify®/Stretch In-Furrow 12.7 69.3 -0.1 -$9.45

40 oz. Toggle™ @ R3 12.8 71.2 +1.8 +$4.56

10 oz. Optify/Stretch In-Furrow + 40 oz. Toggle @ R3 12.7 70.9 +1.5 -$6.78

Soybeans $9.48/Bu. Toggle™ $40.00/gal. Optify®/Stretch $108.80/gal. Individual results may vary.

IN KY C. IL S. IL OH IA

PARTICIPATING SITES

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PFR Proven™

PURPOSE To compare 15 in. and 30 in. rows, at various planting populations in an attempt to determine the Economic Optimum Seeding Rate (EOSR) for each row width.

ROW WIDTH & POPULATION STUDY

After ten years, the 15 in. row soybeans generated a higher yield than the 30 in. row soybeans. The 15 in. rows saw a $31.09/A. advantage over 30 in. rows. When population is increased from 150,000 to 175,000, return on investment (ROI) drops over $10.00/A. in 30 in. rows and over $20.00/A. in 15 in. rows. Results may vary depending on geographical growing conditions (ex: areas where white mold is an issue may have a different response to narrower rows). Later planted soybeans favored narrower rows and increased populations. I recommend trying a test strip or two with populations from 120,000 to 140,000 seeds/A. to help identify the EOSR for your farm.

Greg Shepherd | Beck’s Field Agronomist

2016 RESULTS

Row

Wid

th

Plan

ted

Popu

latio

n (S

eeds

/A.)

Bu./

A.

Seed

C

ost/

A.

Net R

etur

n

15 in. Rows

100,000 67.7 $44.42 $597.38125,000 71.2 $55.52 $619.46150,000 71.9 $66.62 $614.99175,000 71.8 $77.73 $602.93200,000 71.6 $88.83 $589.94

30 in. Rows

100,000 64.5 $44.42 $567.04125,000 65.0 $55.52 $560.68150,000 66.2 $66.62 $560.96175,000 64.4 $77.73 $532.78200,000 62.9 $88.83 $507.46

Soybeans $9.48/Bu. Individual results may vary.

$600 $610 $620 $630 $640 $650 $660 $670 $680 $690 $700

30 in

. Row

s15

in. R

ows

10-Year Multi-Location Economic Optimum Seeding Rate (EOSR)

100,000 125,000 150,000 175,000 200,000

10-YEAR MULTI-LOCATION ECONOMIC OPTIMUM SEEDING RATE (EOSR)

100,000 Seeds/A.

Dollars/A.

150,000 Seeds/A.125,000 Seeds/A.

200,000 Seeds/A.175,000 Seeds/A.

100,000 Seeds/A.

150,000 Seeds/A.125,000 Seeds/A.

200,000 Seeds/A.175,000 Seeds/A.

EOSR

EOSR

+$31.09/A. Advantage 15 in. Rows

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PFR Proven™Population Study

PURPOSE To evaluate different soybean populations planted at different times throughout the growing season, in an attempt to determine the Economic Optimum Seeding Rate (EOSR) at each planting date.

Our five year data summary demonstrates that year in and year out, the ideal EOSR (regardless of planting date) is around 125,000 seeds/A. I believe the most important takeaway is the $146/A. net return from planting April 16 to May 15 versus planting between May 16 and June 15. This is why I recommend planting soybeans immediately after planting corn, or if your farming operation has the ability, plant both corn and soybeans at the same time. Keep in mind, you’ll need to adjust target dates slightly for northern Iowa, Wisconsin and Michigan.

Pat Holloway | Beck’s Field Agronomist

POPULATION & TIMING STUDY15 in. Rows

2016 RESULTS

Planting Date Plan

ted

Popu

latio

n (S

eeds

/A.)

Bu./

A.

Seed

C

ost/

A.

Net R

etur

n

April 16 - May 15 Earlier Planting

100,000 74.4 $40.26 $665.05125,000 75.7 $50.33 $667.31150,000 75.6 $60.39 $656.30175,000 73.5 $70.46 $626.32200,000 75.0 $80.53 $630.47

May 16 - June 15 Later Planting

100,000 71.0 $40.26 $632.82125,000 70.9 $50.33 $621.80150,000 70.8 $60.39 $610.79175,000 69.6 $70.46 $589.35200,000 70.5 $80.53 $587.81

Soybeans $9.48/Bu. Seed cost $52.34/unit. Individual results may vary.

$550 $600 $650 $700 $750 $800 $850 $900 $950

May

16 -

June

15La

ter P

lant

ing

April

16 -

May

15Ea

rlier

Pla

ntin

g

5-Year Multi-Location Economic Optimum Seeding Rate (EOSR)

100,000 125,000 150,000 175,000 200,000

5-YEAR MULTI-LOCATION ECONOMIC OPTIMUM SEEDING RATE (EOSR)

100,000 Seeds/A.

Dollars/A.

150,000 Seeds/A.125,000 Seeds/A.

200,000 Seeds/A.175,000 Seeds/A.

100,000 Seeds/A.

150,000 Seeds/A.125,000 Seeds/A.

200,000 Seeds/A.175,000 Seeds/A.

EOSR

EOSR +$146.49/A. Advantage Earlier Planting Date

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PARTICIPATING SITES

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PURPOSE To evaluate the yield and profitability of applying various forms of nitrogen (N) to soybeans at various growth stages.

As soybean yields increase, rhizobia bacteria and root nodules cannot provide enough N on their own to support maximum seed fill. Multi-year data shows the greatest return on investment is from adding 30 units of N in a pre-plant application. I believe that N use on soybeans can be agronomically and economically beneficial when planting is early and unfavorable cool, wet weather follows. These conditions would delay the early establishment of N-fixing nodules and allow the added N fertilizer to help support early, healthy growth. In 2016, planting dates for this study at most locations were mid-to-late May. The weather conditions that followed planting promoted good, early establishment of nodules which lead to no economic benefit from added N this year. I usually recommend that farmers experiment with N in soybeans if they are in a high-yielding environment and they are planting early.

Chad Kalaher | Beck’s Field Agronomist

NITROGEN TIMING STUDY

2016 RESULTS

Treatments Nitr

ogen

So

urce

Perc

ent

Moi

stur

e

Bu./

A.

Bu./

A.

Diff

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Retu

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men

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Control: No Nitrogen -- 12.2 71.4 -- --

30 units N @ Pre-plant UAN 12.4 71.1 -0.3 -$18.14

30 units N Sidedress @ V6 UAN 12.4 71.4 +0.0 -$15.30

30 units N 360 Y-DROP® @ R4 UAN 12.3 71.4 +0.0 -$15.30

30 units N Broadcast @ R4 Urea 12.1 71.6 +0.2 -$11.60

Soybeans $9.48/Bu. Urea $0.45/unit of nitrogen. UAN $0.51/unit of nitrogen. Individual results may vary.

$0 $5 $10 $15 $20 $25

3-Year Multi-Location Return on Investment

Preplant Sidedress @ V6 Broadcast @ R4

3-YEAR MULTI-LOCATION NITROGEN TIMING RETURN ON INVESTMENT

Pre-plant

Dollars/A.

Broadcast @ R4

Sidedress @ V6

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PARTICIPATING SITES

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PFR Proven™

PURPOSE To evaluate various fungicide applications applied at the R3 growth stage. This study evaluated the different diseases that are present throughout the growing season, and the value of each fungicide product in terms of yield and profitability.

Some aspects of soybean production may be difficult to predict, but the return on investment (ROI) when applying a fungicide is not. You can see from this multi-year study that, on average, you can double your investment when applying a fungicide to soybeans. Our 2016 data shows that Trivapro®, the new triple mode of action fungicide from Syngenta shows the highest return at $18.52/A. The three-year data indicates that Stratego® YLD has the best return. No matter which product you choose, the three year average ROI for all products used is over $18/A. Applying a fungicide to your soybeans is a good investment. Don’t forget application timing is also key! Soybean fungicide applications should be made at the R3 growth stage.

Greg Shepherd | Beck’s Field Agronomist

FUNGICIDE STUDYFoliar

2016 RESULTS

R3

Trea

tmen

ts

Perc

ent

Moi

stur

e

Bu./

A.

Bu./

A.

Diff

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Retu

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Control: No Fungicide 12.6 65.7 -- --14.5 oz. Trivapro® 12.9 69.5 +3.8 +$18.52

5 oz. Preemptor™ SC 12.6 69.1 +3.4 +$11.854 oz. Priaxor® 12.8 68.7 +3.0 +$10.29

4 oz. Stratego® YLD 12.7 67.9 +2.2 +$5.37

Soybeans $9.48/Bu. Priaxor® $580.92/gal. Stratego® YLD $495.67/gal. Preemptor™ SC $521.83/gal. Trivapro® $17.50/A. Individual results may vary.

$0 $5 $10 $15 $20 $25 $30 $35 $40

3-Year Multi-Location Return on Investment

Preemptor SC Priaxor Stratego YLD

3-YEAR MULTI-LOCATION FUNGICIDE RETURN ON INVESTMENT

Preemptor™ SC

Dollars/A.

Stratego® YLDPriaxor®

©Palle Pedersen, Iowa State University Extension

R3 - Beginning Pod

• Pod 3/16” long at one of the four uppermost nodes

• 60-75% of flowers abort and never contribute to yield

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PARTICIPATING SITES

R3 Growth Stage

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PURPOSE To evaluate the yield and profitability of applying various fungicides in-furrow.

The use of a fungicide in-furrow is not an application that I would typically recommend. Our three-year testing has shown a very narrow return on investment (ROI) range with an in-furrow application, while a later foliar application of fungicide shows a consistently positive ROI. I would recommend that the dollars allocated for a fungicide application should be spent on an R3 foliar application. I still encourage farmers to test in-furrow applications under various soil conditions, soil types, and management practices.

Jon Skinner | Beck’s Field Agronomist

FUNGICIDE STUDYIn-Furrow

-$8 -$6 -$4 -$2 $0 $2 $4 $6 $8

3-Year Multi-Location Headline Return on Investment

2014 2015 2016

3-YEAR MULTI-LOCATION HEADLINE® RETURN ON INVESTMENT

2014

Dollars/A.

2016

2015

2016 RESULTS

Bran

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Emer

genc

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In-F

urro

w

Trea

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Perc

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339R2 Slower

Control 12.2 74.9 -- --

1 pt. Serenade® ASO 12.3 76.0 +1.1 +$6.12

6 oz. Headline® 12.5 77.3 +2.4 +$1.01

345R4™* Fast

Control 12.1 77.1 -- --

1 pt. Serenade ASO 12.2 77.7 +0.6 +$1.38

6 oz. Headline 12.1 77.9 +0.8 -$14.16

2-Variety Average

Control 12.2 76.0 -- --

1 pt. Serenade ASO 12.3 76.9 +0.9 +$4.22

6 oz. Headline 12.3 77.6 +1.6 -$6.57

Soybeans $9.48/Bu. Headline® $463.78/gal. Serenade® ASO $34.47/gal. *®XL is a registered trademark of Pioneer. XL® brand seed is distributed by Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc. Individual results may vary.

+$1.43/A. Average

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PARTICIPATING SITES

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PFR Proven™

PURPOSE To evaluate the yield and profitability of an insecticide when applied in-furrow.

In 2016, across five of our PFR sites we saw a 1.5 Bu./A. advantage in addition to a $4.29/A. return on investment (ROI) with the use of Capture® LFR® in-furrow on soybeans. The three-year average ROI has shown a $15.35/A. advantage over the control. The data from this study across five locations shows that an in-furrow application of Capture LFR on soybeans can provide both a positive yield and a positive economic response. An additional insecticide in your management system can also help protect plant stands and limit the impact of any secondary pests that may arise early in the growing season.

Wade Kent | Beck’s Field Agronomist

INSECTICIDE STUDYCapture® LFR®

2016 RESULTS

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genc

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In-F

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w

Trea

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Perc

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Bu./

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Diff

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339R2 SlowerControl 12.5 76.4 -- --

3.4 oz. Capture® LFR® 12.5 77.9 +1.5 +$4.29

345R4™* FastControl 12.3 78.9 -- --

3.4 oz. Capture LFR 12.3 80.5 +1.6 +$5.24

2-Variety AverageControl 12.4 77.7 -- --

3.4 oz. Capture LFR 12.4 79.2 +1.5 +$4.29

Soybeans $9.48/Bu. Capture® LFR® $373.81/gal. *®XL is a registered trademark of Pioneer. XL® brand seed is distributed by Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc. Individual results may vary.

$0 $5 $10 $15 $20 $25 $30

3-Year Multi-Location Capture LFR Return on Investment

2014 2015 2016

3-YEAR MULTI-LOCATION CAPTURE® LFR® RETURN ON INVESTMENT

2014

Dollars/A.

2016

2015

+$15.35/A. Average

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PFR Proven™

PURPOSE To evaluate the yield and profitability of various micronutrient products when applied at the recommended R1 growth stage versus a later R3 application.

Versa Max™ AC has shown a three year, $16.64/A. return on investment in our PFR testing. This product appears to have merit in soybean production. When evaluating the best time to apply micronutrients to soybeans, our 2016 six-location testing shows application timings at R1 and R3 both performed well.

Denny Cobb | Beck’s Field Agronomist

MICRONUTRIENT TIMING STUDYFoliar

2016 RESULTS

Tim

ing

Trea

tmen

ts

Bu./

A.

Bu./

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-- Control 71.0 -- --

R1

2 qt. MicroNourish® 72.8 +1.8 +$9.96

2 qt. MAX-IN® Ultra ZMB® 72.6 +1.6 +$4.17

2 qt. Versa Max™ AC 71.7 +0.7 -$3.11

R3

2 qt. MicroNourish 72.7 +1.7 +$9.02

2 qt. MAX-IN Ultra ZMB 72.8 +1.8 +$6.06

2 qt. Versa Max AC 72.0 +1.0 -$0.27

Soybeans $9.48/Bu. MAX-IN® Ultra ZMB® $22.00/gal. Versa Max™ AC $19.50/gal. MicroNourish® $14.20/gal. Individual results may vary.

-$5 $0 $5 $10 $15 $20 $25 $30 $35 $40

3-Year Multi-Location Versa Max AC Return on Investment

2014 2015 2016

3-YEAR MULTI-LOCATION VERSA MAX™ AC RETURN ON INVESTMENT

2014

Dollars/A.

2015

2016 +$16.64/A. Average

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PURPOSE To evaluate various cytokinin products and their ability to influence yield and profitability.

As soybeans enter the bloom stage, we want to maximize bloom retention and pod set. We look for ways to maximize the plant’s natural ability to increase yields and seed size. Stress during this time leads to bloom abortion. By using products containing cytokinin that enhance the soybean’s natural function, we can increase pod set and grain fill. Even at R1, we want to increase root growth and cell division throughout the plant. We also want the soybean to maximize water use and nitrogen fixation.

Steve Gauck | Beck’s Field Agronomist

PLANT GROWTH REGULATOR STUDYCytokinin

2016 RESULTS

R1 Treatments Perc

ent

Moi

stur

e

Bu./

A.

Bu./

A.

Diff

eren

ce

Retu

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men

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Control 12.5 67.2 -- --

10 oz. Foliar X-CYTO® 12.4 69.1 +1.9 +$8.01

1 pt. X-Cyte™ 12.5 68.1 +0.9 +$0.34

Soybeans $9.48/Bu. X-Cyte™ $65.48/gal. Foliar X-CYTO® $128.00/gal. Individual results may vary.

-$10 -$8 -$6 -$4 -$2 $0 $2 $4 $6 $8 $10

2-Year Multi-Location Return on Investment

X-Cyte Foliar X-CYTO

2-YEAR MULTI-LOCATION PLANT GROWTH REGULATOR RETURN ON INVESTMENT

X-Cyte™

Dollars/A.

Foliar X-CYTO®

PARTICIPATING SITES

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PFR Proven™

PURPOSE To evaluate different populations in a double crop system to determine the Economic Optimum Seeding Rate (EOSR).

Soybeans have the ability to compensate very well at low populations. However, as we push later into the months of June and July past the summer solstice, soybeans hit the reproductive stages much more quickly and have less branching potential. As a result, planting higher populations later in the season when the wheat comes off requires more plants/A. to maximize sunlight interception. The maximum population tested has proven to be the highest yielding and the most economically rewarding. Both this year’s multi-location results and multi-year results indicate that the 260,000 planted population has maximized sunlight energy capture and produced the highest EOSR.

Jonathan Perkins | Beck’s PFR Agronomist & Location Lead

DOUBLE CROP POPULATION STUDY15 in. Rows

2016 RESULTS

Plan

ted

Popu

latio

n (S

eeds

/A.)

Perc

ent

Moi

stur

e

Bu./

A.

Seed

Cos

t/A.

Net R

etur

n

140,000 14.2 48.9 $56.56 $407.01

170,000 14.3 52.0 $68.68 $424.28

200,000 14.0 54.2 $80.80 $433.02

230,000 14.1 54.7 $92.92 $425.64

260,000 14.0 56.6 $105.04 $431.53

Soybeans $9.48/Bu. Seed Cost $52.52/unit. Individual results may vary.

$420 $440 $460 $480 $500 $520 $540 $560 $580

3-Year Multi-Location Economic Optimum Seeding Rate (EOSR)

140,000 170,000 200,000 230,000 260,000

3-YEAR MULTI-LOCATION ECONOMIC OPTIMUM SEEDING RATE

140,000 Seeds/A.

Dollars/A.

170,000 Seeds/A.200,000 Seeds/A.230,000 Seeds/A.260,000 Seeds/A. EOSR

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Population Study

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Lincoln GastonPFR Operator765.585.9030

Mackenzie SymmesPFR Associate317.646.2691

Jason GahimerPFR Data &

Logistics Manager317.672.8828

Brady RogersPFR Operator765.918.7008

Travis BurnettPFR Agronomist

317.376.9104

Tyler KilfoilPFR Location Lead

317.376.9565

INDIANA PFRAND SUPPORT STAFF

Joanne VolenecIN/MI Regional

Product Specialist317.385.6281

Daniel BechmanIN/IL Regional

Product Specialist317.995.1950

Tyler DowningPrecision Farming Field Marketing

317.517.9268

Craig RogersPrecision Farming

Technical Lead317.565.1986

Denny CobbIN Field Agronomist

317.694.7298

Brent MinettIN/MI Field Agronomist317.416.9078

Steve GauckIN Field Agronomist

812.716.0392

Dave WilsonPrecision Farming

Field Advisor812.459.6867

Brad MorehousePrecision Farming

Field Advisor574.678.0097

Sheila DowneyPrecision Farming

Field Advisor317.385.4267

Brady HowellPrecision Farming

Field Advisor765.635.4837

Chris RicePrecision Farming

Field Advisor317.605.2594

2016 Indiana Weather Chart April - September

IND

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CORN STUDIESHigh Yield Attempt - 15 in. Rows .................................................................................................. 54Planting Date Study ..................................................................................................................... 55Planting Depth Study ................................................................................................................... 56Replant Study ............................................................................................................................... 57Closing Wheel Study ..................................................................................................................... 583RIVE 3D™ Application System Study - In-Furrow ........................................................................ 59Seed Treatment Study - Escalate™ vs. Industry Standard vs. Untreated ...................................... 60Seed Treatment Study - Seed Box Additive................................................................................... 61Starter Fertilizer Study ................................................................................................................. 62Starter Additive Study - Sugar ..................................................................................................... 64Soil Amendment Study - Wex® ...................................................................................................... 65Biological Study ............................................................................................................................ 66Population vs. Nitrogen Rate Study - 30 in. Rows ........................................................................ 68Population vs. Nitrogen Rate Study - 20 in. Rows ........................................................................ 70Population & High Management Study .........................................................................................72Nitrogen Rate Study - Corn After Soybeans..................................................................................73Nitrogen Rate Study - Corn After Corn .........................................................................................74Nitrogen Timing Study .................................................................................................................. 76Nitrogen Sealer Study ...................................................................................................................77Sidedress Spacing Study - 30 in. Centers vs. 60 in. Centers........................................................ 78Cover Crop Study - Nitrogen Rate ............................................................................................... 79Fungicide Study - Hybrid Response ............................................................................................. 80Fungicide Additive Study ............................................................................................................... 81Fungicide Timing Study ................................................................................................................ 82Fungicide Placement Study - 360 UNDERCOVER® ....................................................................... 83Fungicide & Insecticide Study - In-Furrow ................................................................................... 84Micronutrient Study - Foliar ......................................................................................................... 85Micronutrient Study - 360 Y-DROP® ............................................................................................ 86Sulfur Study .................................................................................................................................. 87Foliar Study - Time & Temperature .............................................................................................. 88Height Variation Study .................................................................................................................. 89Water Management Study - Sub-Irrigation ................................................................................. 90Water Management Study - Pivot Irrigation ................................................................................. 91Tillage Study - Conventional-Till vs. Vertical-Till - Corn After Soybeans .................................... 92Tillage Study - No-Till vs. Conventional-Till - Corn After Corn .................................................... 93Residue Management Study ........................................................................................................ 94

SOYBEAN STUDIESHigh Yield Attempt ....................................................................................................................... 95Planting Date Study ..................................................................................................................... 96Planting Depth Study ................................................................................................................... 97Seed Treatment Study - Escalate™ vs. Untreated ......................................................................... 98Seed Treatment Study - ILeVO® .................................................................................................... 99Starter Fertilizer Study ................................................................................................................ 100Carbon Study - In-Furrow ............................................................................................................101Biological Study ........................................................................................................................... 102Biological Study - Nitrogen Fixation ........................................................................................... 103Soil Amendment Study - Wex® ..................................................................................................... 104Population & Timing Study - 15 in.Rows ...................................................................................... 105Nitrogen Timing Study ................................................................................................................. 106Pre-Emergent Herbicide Study ................................................................................................... 107Fungicide Study - Variety Response ............................................................................................ 108Fungicide Study - Foliar .............................................................................................................. 109Fungicide Study - In-Furrow ........................................................................................................110Insecticide Study - Capture® LFR® .................................................................................................111Micronutrient Timing Study - Foliar ............................................................................................. 112Foliar Product Study - PCT Soybean Foliar Xtra .......................................................................... 113Plant Growth Regulator Study - Cytokinin ................................................................................... 114Double Crop Population Study - 15 in. Rows ................................................................................ 115Tillage Study - Conventional-Till vs. Vertical-Till ......................................................................... 116Tillage Study - No-Till vs. Conventional-Till vs. Strip-Till ............................................................ 117

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HIGH YIELD ATTEMPT15 in. Rows

2016 RESULTS

Yiel

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1 5828AMX™* 110 59.2 26.8 300.53 6076SX 110 59.2 25.4 268.02 6158AM™* 111 60.3 27.8 293.5

AVG. 59.6 26.7 287.3*®XL, Optimum, and AcreMax are registered trademarks of Pioneer. XL® brand seed is distributed by Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc. Individual results may vary.

PURPOSE To raise high yielding corn through the use of various seed treatments, product applications, and intensive management strategies.

STUDY INFORMATIONPlanted 4/19/2016Harvested 9/13/2016Population 46,000 Seeds/A.Row Width 15 in.Previous Crop CornTillage Fall Disk-Rip, Spring

S-TineHerbicides Pre: 3.5 oz. Corvus®,

1 qt. Atrazine Post: 3 oz. Capreno®, 1 qt. Roundup PowerMAX®

Insecticides Escalate™

Total Nitrogen

334 units

Soil Type Shoals (silt loam)Soil Test Values

pH O.M. % CEC7.1 2.5 10.1

Percent Base Saturation

Ca Mg K H80.3 12.8 5.5 3.0

Parts per Million

P K S75 217 6

Zn Mn B3.2 40 .4

In 2016, the industry buzz was centered around narrow rows and high populations in corn. This year we tested 15 in. corn, planted at 46,000 seeds/A. We were successful at hitting our goal with XL® 5828AMX™*brand, which came in at 300.5 Bu./A.! The high-management treatment used in this study focused on plant health.

• Our in-season observations led us to believe that the biological and fungicide products helped minimize stresses throughout the season.

• Improved plant health allowed the plant to more efficiently convert sunlight into carbohydrates.

• We will continue our quest to increase yields in 2017 by exploring narrow row, high population, and high management corn systems.

HIGH-MANAGEMENT TREATMENTSPre-plant Incorporated: 110 gal. 28-0-0

Planting: 2 oz./50 lb. of Amplify-D®

In-Furrow: 4 gal. PureGrade® Diamond 6-24-6 + 1 gal. Feast® Side-Kick™ 0-0-25 w/17S + 10 oz. Optify®/Stretch + 8 oz.

Capture® LFR®

Pre-Emerge: 1 qt. Start Right + 1 qt. Wex®

V5: 3 gal. PCT Corn Foliar Xtra + 6 oz. Headline® + 40 oz. Toggle™

R1: 1 gal. NITAMIN® (30-0-0) + 10 oz. Headline AMP® + 3.2 oz. Mustang® Maxx + 0.5 oz. ProAct®

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To determine the optimum planting date window by planting on multiple dates throughout the growing season.

STUDY INFORMATIONPlanted VariousHarvested VariousPopulation 34,000 Seeds/A.Row Width 30 in.Previous Crop SoybeansTillage Fall Disk-Rip, Spring

S-TineHerbicides Pre: 1 qt. Atrazine,

3.5 oz. Corvus®, 1 qt. Roundup PowerMAX®

Post: 3 oz. Capreno®, 1 qt. Roundup PowerMAX

Insecticides Escalate™

Starter 10 gal. 28-0-0 2x2

Total Nitrogen

190 units as UAN

Brand 5939AMXT™*

Soil Type Crosby (silt loam)Soil Test Values

pH O.M. % CEC6.1 2.1 8.1

Percent Base Saturation

Ca Mg K H68.1 12.4 4.7 14.9

Parts per Million

P K S43 148 6

Zn Mn B1.8 56 0.3

• We had a dry, relatively warm spell during the last week of March and we were able to get in and plant our first entry for this plot. Soil temperatures reached the mid-50s in the afternoon but would quickly cool down overnight.

• This corn sat in the ground for almost four weeks before it emerged, but overall, it ended up with an acceptable stand. This is a true testament to Beck's Escalate™ yield enhancement system.

• This year favored the early planting dates, with yields drastically dropping when planting was delayed until June.

PLANTING DATE STUDY

2016 RESULTS

Plan

ting

Dat

e

Perc

ent

Moi

stur

e

Bu./

A.

March 22 25.6 215.5

April 19 26.0 209.1

May 7 24.4 209.9

May 16 26.1 207.6

June 2 27.9 197.7

June 7 26.8 185.0

*®XL, Optimum, and AcreMax are registered trademarks of Pioneer. XL® brand seed is distributed by Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc. Individual results may vary.

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% 120%

16-Year Planting Date Yield

March 16-31April 1-15April 16-30May 1-15May 16-31June 1-15

16-YEAR OPTIMUM PLANTING DATE WINDOW

March 15-31

April 1 - 15

April 16 - 30

May 1 - 15

May 16 - 31

June 1 - 15

Percent of Average Yield

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PURPOSE To examine how planting depth impacts plant population, emergence and yield.

STUDY INFORMATIONPlanted 5/19/2016Harvested 10/12/2016Population 34,000 Seeds/A.Row Width 30 in.Previous Crop SoybeansTillage No-TillHerbicides Fall burndown:

12 oz. Authority® MTZ DF, 1 qt. Brash®, 1 qt. Roundup PowerMAX® Pre: 3.5 oz. Corvus®, 1 qt. Atrazine, 1 qt. Roundup PowerMAX Post: 3 oz. Capreno®, 1 qt. Roundup PowerMAX

Insecticides Escalate™

Starter 10 gal. 28-0-0 2x2

Total Nitrogen

190 units as UAN

Brand 5665AMX™*

Soil Type Patton (silty clay loam)

Soil Test Values

pH O.M. % CEC6.6 4.0 16.2

Percent Base Saturation

Ca Mg K H69.4 19.3 4.0 7.4

Parts per Million

P K S88 252 5

Zn Mn B3.2 31 0.6

PLANTING DEPTH STUDY

2016 RESULTS

Plan

ting

Dep

th

(Inc

hes)

Emer

ged

Popu

latio

n

Popu

latio

n D

iffer

ence

NEPS

%

Bu./

A.

Bu./

A.

Diff

eren

ce

1.0 20,000 -9,000 60.0 179.1 -53.9Control: 1.5 29,000 -- 78.2 233.0 --

2.0 33,667 +4,667 91.1 237.5 +4.52.5 33,333 +4,333 87.0 238.4 +5.43.0 33,333 +4,333 87.0 236.8 +3.8

*®XL, Optimum, and AcreMax are registered trademarks of Pioneer. XL® brand seed is distributed by Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc. Individual results may vary.

The takeaway from this study was more about the consequences of planting too shallow than about finding the ideal planting depth. Creating the optimal micro-environment at planting is key for consistent, high yields. The top inch of soil fluctuates drastically in both temperature and moisture, so planting at this depth results in inconsistent water imbibition and ultimately reduced, uneven emergence. Planting too shallow can also negatively affect nodal root development, creating standability issues later in the season.

170 180 190 200 210 220 230 240

2-Year Planting Depth Yield Data

1.0 1.5 2.0 2.5 3.0

2-YEAR PLANTING DEPTH YIELD ADVANTAGE

1.0 in.

Bu./A.

Control: 1.5 in.

2.0 in.

2.5 in.

3.0 in.

A soil temperature probe. Soil temperature of at least 50°

is ideal for planting.

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To evaluate corn stands and determine whether or not replant is a profitable decision at various planting and replanting dates. This study evaluated the yield performance of corn planted at 20,000 seeds/A. with random spacing versus a more uniform 34,000 seeds/A.

STUDY INFORMATIONPlanted VariousHarvested VariousPopulation VariousRow Width 30 in.Previous Crop SoybeansTillage Fall Disk-Rip, Spring

S-TineHerbicides Pre: 1 qt. Atrazine,

3.5 oz. Corvus®, 1 qt. Roundup PowerMAX® Post: 3 oz. Capreno®, 1 qt. Roundup PowerMAX

Insecticides Escalate™

Starter 10 gal. 28-0-0 2x2

Total Nitrogen

190 units as UAN

Brand 5939AMXT™*

Soil Type Crosby (silt loam)Soil Test Values

pH O.M. % CEC6.1 2.1 8.1

Percent Base Saturation

Ca Mg K H68.1 12.4 4.7 14.9

Parts per Million

P K S43 148 6

Zn Mn B1.8 56 0.3

• The 2016 replant data is not consistent with our long-term PFR data and traditional agronomic recommendations.

• Historically, replanting becomes less profitable with late May plantings. Once we reach June, our long-term data suggest you are better off to leave the planter in the shed.

REPLANT STUDY

-$100.00

-$50.00

$0.00

$50.00

$100.00

$150.00

$200.00

April 1-15

April 16-30

May 1-15

May 16-31

June 1-15

June 16-30

8-Year Replant Return on Investment

8-YEAR REPLANT RETURN ON INVESTMENT

Replant Date

2016 RESULTS

Planting Date Plan

ted

Popu

latio

n (S

eeds

/A.)

Bu./

A.

Bu./

A.

Diff

eren

ce

Net R

etur

n

Retu

rn o

n In

vest

men

t

March 22 20,000 155.6 -- $600.62 --April 19 (Replanted) 34,000 209.1 +53.5 $782.13 +$181.51April 19 20,000 169.6 -- $654.66 --May 7 (Replanted) 34,000 209.9 +40.3 $785.21 +$130.55May 7 20,000 161.5 -- $623.39 --May 16 (Replanted) 34,000 207.6 +46.1 $776.34 +$152.95May 16 20,000 161.3 -- $622.62 --June 7 (Replanted) 34,000 185.0 +23.7 $714.10 +$91.48

Corn $3.86/Bu. Replant Cost $25.00/A. *®XL, Optimum, and AcreMax are registered trademarks of Pioneer. XL® brand seed is distributed by Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc. Individual results may vary.

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2016 RESULTS

Closing Wheels Pres

sure

Se

ttin

g

Perc

ent

Moi

stur

e

Bu./

A.

Bu./

A.

Diff

eren

ce

Control: 2 Solid Rubbers 3rd Notch 18.7 197.7 --

2 Copperhead Ag Furrow Cruisers® 3rd Notch 18.7 204.3 +6.6

2 Pro Stitches 3rd Notch 18.5 203.9 +6.2

2 Schaffert Zipper™ 3rd Notch 18.6 200.3 +2.6

2 Cast Iron 3rd Notch 18.6 198.8 +1.1

2 SI Distributing Finger-Till Wheels 3rd Notch 18.7 197.6 -0.1

*®XL, Optimum, and AcreMax are registered trademarks of Pioneer. XL® brand seed is distributed by Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc. Individual results may vary.

PURPOSE To determine what effect different closing wheel types have on plant emergence and yield. Unfavorable planting conditions were targeted for this study.

STUDY INFORMATIONPlanted 5/16/2016Harvested 10/14/2016Population 34,000 Seeds/A.Row Width 30 in.Previous Crop SoybeansTillage No-TillHerbicides Fall burndown:

12 oz. Authority® MTZ DF, 1 qt. Brash®, 1 qt. Roundup PowerMAX® Pre: 3.5 oz. Corvus®, 1 qt. Atrazine, 1 qt. Roundup PowerMAX Post: 3 oz. Capreno®, 1 qt. Roundup PowerMAX

Insecticides Escalate™

Starter 10 gal. 28-0-0 2x2

Total Nitrogen

190 units as UAN

Brand 5828AMX™*

Soil Type Crosby (silt loam)Soil Test Values

pH O.M. % CEC6.5 2.3 8.9

Percent Base Saturation

Ca Mg K H67.4 15.5 3.6 13.5

Parts per Million

P K S32 125 6

Zn Mn B1.7 40 0.3

• We intentionally planted this no-till plot in less than ideal conditions. We ran into small, wet pockets where all of the closing wheels had issues closing the seed furrow.

• There was an obvious advantage with the more aggressive closing wheels over the standard rubber closing wheel system.

• The increased seed-to-soil contact translated into a more even stand establishment and ultimately, higher yields.

CLOSING WHEEL STUDY

150 165 180 195 210 225

2-Year Yield Data

Control: 2 Solid Rubbers 2 Schaffert Zippers

2 Cast Iron 2 SI Distributing Finger-Till Wheels

2 Copperhead Ag Furrow Cruisers

2-YEAR CLOSING WHEEL YIELD ADVANTAGE

Bu./A.

Control: 2 Solid Rubbers

2 Schaffert Zippers™

2 Cast Iron

2 SI Distributing Finger-Till Wheels

2 Copperhead Ag Furrow Cruisers®

Schaffert Zipper Closing Wheel™s

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Bran

d

In-F

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w

Trea

tmen

ts

Emer

ged

Popu

latio

n

Popu

latio

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iffer

ence

Bu./

A.

Bu./

A.

Diff

eren

ce

Retu

rn o

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vest

men

t

5828

RR™

* Control 32,667 -- 201.8 -- --

4 oz. Capture® 3RIVE 3D™ 33,667 +1,000 206.4 +4.6 +$5.35

8 oz. Capture 3RIVE 3D 33,333 +666 207.9 +6.1 -$1.2758

28AM

X™* Control 32,667 -- 203.1 -- --

4 oz. Capture 3RIVE 3D 33,333 +666 202.6 -0.5 -$14.33

8 oz. Capture 3RIVE 3D 34,000 +1,333 204.0 +0.9 -$21.34

2-H

ybrid

Av

erag

e Control 32,667 -- 202.5 -- --

4 oz. Capture 3RIVE 3D 33,500 +833 204.5 +2.0 -$4.49

8 oz. Capture 3RIVE 3D 33,667 +1,000 206.0 +3.5 -$11.30

Corn $3.86/Bu. Capture® 3RIVE 3D™ $396.95/gal. *®XL, Optimum, and AcreMax are registered trademarks of Pioneer. XL® brand seed is distributed by Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc. Individual results may vary.

PURPOSE To evaluate the new 3RIVE 3D in-furrow application system for its ease of use and efficiency. We also tested the in-furrow insecticide product Capture®, through the 3RIVE 3D unit, at two different rates and on two different trait platforms in an effort to determine potential yield and profitability.

STUDY INFORMATIONPlanted 5/20/2016Harvested 10/5/2016Population 34,000 Seeds/A.Row Width 30 in.Previous Crop SoybeansTillage No-TillHerbicides Fall burndown:

12 oz. Authority® MTZ DF, 1 qt. Brash®, 1 qt. Roundup PowerMAX® Pre: 3.5 oz. Corvus®, 1 qt. Atrazine, 1 qt. Roundup PowerMAX Post: 3 oz. Capreno®, 1 qt. Roundup PowerMAX

Insecticides Escalate™

Starter 10 gal. 28-0-0 2x2

Total Nitrogen

190 units as UAN

Soil Type Crosby (silt loam)Soil Test Values

pH O.M. % CEC6.2 2.3 8.8

Percent Base Saturation

Ca Mg K H68.0 14.2 4.2 13.6

Parts per Million

P K S41 146 6

Zn Mn B1.8 42 0.4 When performing root digs in this plot, very little root scaring from

corn rootworm was observed across all treatments. However, over the past two years we have seen a positive return on investment (ROI) when applying Capture® 3RIVE 3D™ on hybrids without a rootworm trait package. When applying it to rootworm traited corn, however, we have observed a negative ROI.

3RIVE 3D™ APPLICATION SYSTEM STUDYIn-Furrow

-$25 -$20 -$15 -$10 -$5 $0 $5 $10

No In

sect

Tra

it Pa

ckag

e

Abov

e an

d

Belo

w G

roun

d In

sect

Tra

it Pa

ckag

e

2-Year Capture 3RIVE 3D Return on Investment

Rootworm Rate Pest Rate

2-YEAR CAPTURE® 3RIVE™ 3D ROI

Dollars/A.

Rootworm Rate (8 oz.)

Pest Rate (4 oz.)

Rootworm Rate (8 oz.)

Pest Rate (4 oz.)

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SEED TREATMENT STUDYEscalate™ vs. Industry Standard vs. Untreated

PURPOSE To evaluate the yield differences of Beck’s Escalate yield enhancement system on corn, compared to both the industry standard treatment system and an untreated control.

STUDY INFORMATIONPlanted 4/18/2016Harvested 9/13/2016Population 34,000 Seeds/A.Row Width 30 in.Previous Crop SoybeansTillage Fall Disk-Rip, Spring

S-TineHerbicides Pre: 3.5 oz. Corvus®,

1 qt. Atrazine Post: 3 oz. Capreno®, 1 qt. Roundup PowerMAX®

Starter 10 gal. 28-0-0 2x2Total Nitrogen

190 units as UAN

Brand 5829A4

Soil Type Crosby (silt loam)Soil Test Values

pH O.M. % CEC6.5 2.8 13.2

Percent Base Saturation

Ca Mg K H66.3 21.5 3.1 9.1

Parts per Million

P K S44 161 6

Zn Mn B2.1 42 0.6

• This plot was planted into ideal conditions and Mother Nature cooperated immediately following planting, allowing all of the treatments to have good, fairly even emergence.

• However, once the crop emerged, we experienced cold, wet conditions that were tough on the young seedlings. Cold, wet environments make for slow growing, lethargic plants that are susceptible to seedling pathogens such as Fusarium and Pythium.

• Escalate™ has an industry-leading fungicide package, which provided protection to help the seedlings through the period of inclement weather until more suitable growing conditions returned.

2016 RESULTS

Treatments Emer

ged

Popu

latio

n

Popu

latio

n D

iffer

ence

NEPS

%

Bu./

A.

Bu./

A.

Diff

eren

ce

Control: Untreated 33,666 -- 92.2 210.0 --

Escalate™ 34,000 +334 95.3 215.3 +5.3

Industry Standard 34,000 +334 94.1 209.6 -0.4

Individual results may vary.

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$0 $5 $10 $15 $20 $25 $30

2-Year Amplify-D Return on Investment

2016 2015

2-YEAR AMPLIFY-D® RETURN ON INVESTMENT

2015

2016

Dollars/A.

+$20.82/A.Average

PURPOSE To evaluate two different seed box additive treatments, one a seed germination aid and the other a biological inoculant, and their ability to affect yield and profitability.

STUDY INFORMATIONPlanted 4/19/2016Harvested 9/15/2016Population 34,000 Seeds/A.Row Width 30 in.Previous Crop SoybeansTillage Fall Disk-Rip, Spring

S-TineHerbicides Pre: 3.5 oz. Corvus®,

1 qt. Atrazine Post: 3 oz. Capreno®, 1 qt. Roundup PowerMAX®

Insecticides Escalate™

Starter 10 gal. 28-0-0 2x2

Total Nitrogen

190 units as UAN

Soil Type Crosby (silt loam)Soil Test Values

pH O.M. % CEC6.6 1.9 10.9

Percent Base Saturation

Ca Mg K H61.7 24.0 3.3 11.0

Parts per Million

P K S28 139 4

Zn Mn B1.5 40 0.4

SEED TREATMENT STUDYSeed Box Additive

2016 RESULTS

Bran

d

Emer

genc

e

Treatments Popu

latio

n D

iffer

ence

Emer

ged

Popu

latio

n

NEPS

%

Bu./

A.

Bu./

A.

Diff

eren

ce

Retu

rn o

n In

vest

men

t

5509

A3

Fast

Control -- 32,000 86.5 188.8 -- --

2 oz./50 lb. of seed Amplify-D® +1,000 33,000 90.9 195.0 +6.2 +$21.56

4 oz./ 50 lb. of seed MycoGold™ Corn Blend +667 32,667 91.8 188.2 -0.6 -$8.32

6165

AMX™

*

Slow

er

Control -- 32,333 88.7 198.5 -- --

2 oz./50 lb. of seed Amplify-D +1,334 33,667 92.1 205.2 +6.7 +$23.49

4 oz./50 lb. of seed MycoGold Corn Blend +1,000 33,333 90.0 201.5 +3.0 +$5.58

2-H

ybrid

Av

erag

e

Control -- 32,167 87.6 193.7 -- --

2 oz./50 lb. of seed Amplify-D +1,167 33,334 91.5 200.1 +6.4 +$22.53

4 oz./50 lb. of seed MycoGold Corn Blend +833 33,000 90.9 194.9 +1.2 -$1.37

Corn $3.86/Bu. Amplify-D® $2.37/A. MycoGold™ Corn Blend $6.00/A. *®XL, Optimum, and AcreMax are registered trademarks of Pioneer. XL® brand seed is distributed by Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc. Individual results may vary.

• Conklin claims that the Amplify-D® formula enhances the supply of adenosine monophosphate, which is utilized by seeds to fuel growth. This, in turn equips the seed to better overcome stressful conditions.

• This plot was planted early and shortly after planting the weather turned cold and wet.

• Both genetic families showed increased early growth and vigor, and higher net effective plant stands (NEPS).

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STARTER FERTILIZER STUDY

PURPOSE To evaluate various starter fertilizers applied in-furrow and their effects on yield and profitability.

STUDY INFORMATIONPlanted 4/19/2016Harvested 9/27/2016Population 34,000 Seeds/A.Row Width 30 in.Previous Crop SoybeansTillage No-TillHerbicides Fall burndown:

12 oz. Authority® MTZ DF, 1 qt. Brash®, 1 qt. Roundup PowerMAX® Pre: 3.5 oz. Corvus®, 1 qt. Atrazine Post: 3 oz. Capreno®, 1 qt. Roundup PowerMAX

Insecticides Escalate™

Total Nitrogen

190 units as UAN

Soil Type Crosby (silt loam)Soil Test Values

pH O.M. % CEC5.9 2.2 10.4

Percent Base Saturation

Ca Mg K H60.3 13.3 3.3 23.2

Parts per Million

P K S36 133 5

Zn Mn B1.7 49 0.4

2016 RESULTS

Bran

d

Emer

genc

e

In-F

urro

w

Trea

tmen

ts

Emer

ged

Popu

latio

n

Popu

latio

n D

iffer

ence

NEPS

%

Bu./

A.

Bu./

A.

Diff

eren

ce

Retu

rn o

n In

vest

men

t

5828

AMX™

*

Slow

er

Control: No Starter Fertilizer 33,667 -- 76.2 195.5 -- --

5 gal. PureGrade® Diamond 6-24-6 32,667 -1,000 75.5 203.9 +8.4 +$11.17

5 gal. NACHURS® imPulse® (10-18-4) 33,667 0 84.2 201.5 +6.0 -$1.84

3 gal. Season Pass® Plus with MicroCarb

ZMB™ (6-18-6)33,000 -667 86.9 198.8 +3.3 -$7.96

5 gal. NACHURS Rhyzo-Link® 9-15-3 32,667 -1,000 76.5 197.4 +1.9 -$33.67

6365

AMX™

*

Fast

Control: No Starter Fertilizer 33,000 -- 78.8 213.5 -- --

5 gal. PureGrade Diamond 6-24-6 34,000 +1,000 82.4 230.1 +16.6 +$42.83

5 gal. NACHURS imPulse (10-18-4) 34,333 +1,333 91.3 218.5 +5.0 -$5.70

3 gal. Season Pass Plus with MicroCarb

ZMB (6-18-6)33,333 +333 82.9 217.7 +4.2 -$4.49

5 gal. NACHURS Rhyzo-Link 9-15-3 34,333 +1,333 83.5 219.2 +5.7 -$19.00

2-H

ybrid

Av

erag

e

Control: No Starter Fertilizer 33,334 -- 77.5 204.5 -- --

5 gal. PureGrade Diamond 6-24-6 33,334 0 79.0 217.0 +12.5 +$27.00

5 gal. NACHURS imPulse (10-18-4) 34,000 +667 87.8 210.0 +5.5 -$3.77

3 gal. Season Pass Plus with MicroCarb

ZMB (6-18-6)33,167 -167 84.9 208.3 +3.8 -$6.22

5 gal. NACHURS Rhyzo-Link 9-15-3 33,500 +167 80.0 208.3 +3.8 -$26.33

Corn $3.86/Bu. PureGrade® Diamond 6-24-6 $4.25/gal. NACHURS® Rhyzo-Link® 9-15-3 $8.20/gal. NACHURS® imPulse® (10-18-4) $5.00/gal. Season Pass® Plus with MicroCarb ZMB™ (6-18-6) $6.90/gal. *®XL, Optimum, and AcreMax are registered trademarks of Pioneer. XL® brand seed is distributed by Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc. Individual results may vary.

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4.0 4.5 5.0 5.5 6.0 6.5 7.0 7.5 8.0 8.5 9.0 9.5 10.0

pH Level

INFLUENCE OF SOIL pH ON NUTRIENT AVAILABILITY

NITROGEN

PHOSPHORUS

POTASSIUM

SULFUR

CALCIUM

MAGNESIUM

IRON

MANGANESE

BORON

COPPER & ZINC

MOLYBDENUM

• The ideal soil pH level for optimum nutrient availability in corn is between 6.5 and 7.

• A soil test this fall uncovered the need to address soil pH in this plot, which was at a level of 5.9.

• We know that phosphorus (P) availability is somewhat limited at pH 5.9. The PureGrade® Diamond 6-24-6 starter could have provided additional available P in this soil environment, leading to the increased yields and return on investment.

-$10 $0 $10 $20 $30 $40 $50

2-Year Return on Investment

NACHURS Rhyzo-Link 9-15-3 Season Pass with MicroCarb ZMB (6-18-6)NACHURS imPulse (10-18-4) PureGrade Diamond 6-24-6

Season Pass® Plus with MicroCarb ZMB™ (6-18-6)

NACHURS® Rhyzo-Link®

Dollars/A.

NACHURS imPulse®

PureGrade® Diamond

2-YEAR STARTER FERTILIZER RETURN ON INVESTMENT

= Indiana Plot pH Level = Ideal pH Range

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PURPOSE To determine if applying sugar in-furrow increases plant health, yield and profitability.

STUDY INFORMATIONPlanted 4/18/2016Harvested 9/14/2016Population 34,000 Seeds/A.Row Width 30 in.Previous Crop CornTillage Fall Disk-Rip, Spring

S-TineHerbicides Pre: 3.5 oz. Corvus®,

1 qt. Atrazine Post: 3 oz. Capreno®, 1 qt. Roundup PowerMAX®

Insecticides Escalate™

Starter 10 gal. 28-0-0 2x2

Total Nitrogen

215 units as UAN

Soil Type Crosby (silt loam)Soil Test Values

pH O.M. % CEC6.4 2.5 11.9

Percent Base Saturation

Ca Mg K H69.5 15.8 4.6 10.1

Parts per Million

P K S72 212 6

Zn Mn B2.4 33 0.4

• In 2015, we tested adding 4 lb./A. of sugar in-furrow at our Ohio PFR location and we were blown away by the results. We decided to test this study across multiple sites in 2016.

• In Indiana, there were no visual differences observed during the growing season. However, when sugar was added to just plain water, we saw a positive impact on yield.

• We will continue to evaluate this practice in the future in an effort to strengthen our multi-year data set.

STARTER ADDITIVE STUDYSugar

2016 RESULTS

Bran

d

Emer

genc

e

In-Furrow Treatments Emer

ged

Popu

latio

n

Popu

latio

n D

iffer

ence

Bu./

A.

Bu./

A.

Diff

eren

ce

Retu

rn o

n In

vest

men

t

5828

AMX™

*

Slow

er Control: No Starter 34,333 -- 210.8 -- --

4 lb. Sugar 33,666 -667 211.1 +0.3 -$2.32

6076

SX

Fast

Control: No Starter 34,000 -- 203.7 -- --

4 lb. Sugar 33,333 -667 209.9 +6.2 +$20.45

2-H

ybrid

Av

erag

e Control: No Starter 34,167 -- 207.3 -- --

4 lb. Sugar 33,500 -667 210.5 +3.2 +$9.06

5828

AMX™

*

Slow

er

Control: 5 gal. PureGrade® Diamond 6-24-6

33,000 -- 215.1 -- --

4 lb. Sugar 32,333 -667 214.4 -0.7 -$6.19

6076

SX

Fast

Control: 5 gal. PureGrade Diamond 6-24-6

33,333 -- 209.7 -- --

4 lb. Sugar 33,666 +333 206.1 -3.6 -$17.37

2-H

ybrid

Av

erag

e Control: 5 gal. PureGrade Diamond 6-24-6

33,167 -- 212.4 -- --

4 lb. Sugar 33,000 -167 210.3 -2.1 -$11.78

Corn $3.86/Bu. Sugar $0.87/lb. PureGrade® Diamond 6-24-6 $4.25/gal. *®XL, Optimum, and AcreMax are registered trademarks of Pioneer. XL® brand seed is distributed by Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc. Individual results may vary.

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SOIL AMENDMENT STUDYWex®

2016 RESULTS

Treatments Emer

ged

Popu

latio

n

Popu

latio

n D

iffer

ence

Bu./

A.

Bu./

A.

Diff

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Retu

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Control 32,000 -- 190.2 -- --

1 qt. Wex® Pre-Emerge 32,333 +333 191.7 +1.5 +$0.55

Corn $3.86/Bu. Wex® $20.96/gal. *®XL, Optimum, and AcreMax are registered trademarks of Pioneer. XL® brand seed is distributed by Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc. Individual results may vary.

PURPOSE To evaluate Wex, a soil amendment product, and its ability to stimulate root development, improve water and nutrient uptake, and increase yield and profitability.

STUDY INFORMATIONPlanted 4/19/2016Harvested 9/20/2016Population 34,000 Seeds/A.Row Width 30 in.Previous Crop SoybeansTillage No-TillHerbicides Fall burndown:

12 oz. Authority® MTZ DF, 1 qt. Brash®, 1 qt. Roundup PowerMAX® Pre: 3.5 oz. Corvus®, 1 qt. Atrazine Post: 3 oz. Capreno®, 1 qt. Roundup PowerMAX

Insecticides Escalate™

Starter 10 gal. 28-0-0 2x2

Total Nitrogen

190 units as UAN

Brand 6165AMX™*

Soil Type Crosby (silt loam)Soil Test Values

pH O.M. % CEC7.2 2.1 10.0

Percent Base Saturation

Ca Mg K H77.7 19.6 2.6 0.0

Parts per Million

P K S23 103 4

Zn Mn B1.5 45 0.4

$0 $5 $10 $15 $20

2-Year Wex Return on Investment

2016 2015

2-YEAR WEX® RETURN ON INVESTMENT

+$6.15/A. Average

2015

2016

Dollars/A.

• Our two-year evaluation of Wex® at the Indiana PFR site has demonstrated an average return on investment (ROI) of $6.15/A.

• In 2016, soil crusting was not a concern and so Wex had less impact on ROI.

• We will continue to evaluate Wex in the future.

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Starter + Optify®/Stretch + Toggle™

Control: Starter

2016 RESULTS

Treatments Perc

ent

Moi

stur

e

Bu./

A.

Bu./

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Diff

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Retu

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Control: Starter 23.8 204.4 -- --

Starter + 10 oz. Optify®/Stretch In-Furrow

24.6 202.5 -1.9 -$15.83

Starter + 40 oz. Toggle™ @ V5 24.8 210.8 +6.4 +$12.21

Starter + 10 oz. Optify/Stretch In-Furrow + 40 oz. Toggle @ V5

25.0 207.3 +2.9 -$9.80

Corn $3.86/Bu. Toggle™ $40.00/gal. Optify®/Stretch $108.80/gal. *®XL, Optimum, and AcreMax are registered trademarks of Pioneer. XL® brand seed is distributed by Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc. Individual results may vary.

PURPOSE To evaluate two different biologicals, one as a row starter additive and one as a foliar product. These two products were evaluated for their effects on plant health, yield and profitability.

STUDY INFORMATIONPlanted 5/20/2016Harvested 9/27/2016Population 34,000 Seeds/A.Row Width 30 in.Previous Crop CornTillage Fall Disk-Rip, Spring

S-TineHerbicides Pre: 3.5 oz. Corvus®,

1 qt. Atrazine Post: 3 oz. Capreno®, 1 qt. Roundup PowerMAX®

Insecticides Escalate™

Starter 5 gal. PureGrade® 6-24-6 In-Furrow

Total Nitrogen

215 units as UAN

Brand 6165AMX™*

Soil Type Miami (silt loam)Soil Test Values

pH O.M. % CEC6.0 2.1 9.2

Percent Base Saturation

Ca Mg K H57.2 13.2 3.4 26.2

Parts per Million

P K S32 122 5

Zn Mn B1.7 45 0.3

BIOLOGICAL STUDY

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• Manganese (Mn) levels in plants at the R4 growth stage are directly correlated to yield.

• We hypothesize that the increased root system with the Toggle™ treated entries were able to exploit more of the soil profile, allowing the roots to source more Mn.

• It appears that this was the yield limiting factor in this plot.

0 50 100 150 200 250

Control

Optify/Stretch

Optify/Stretch + Toggle

Toggle

Mn and Yield

Mn and Yield Data

Yield (Bu./A.) Mn (ppm)

2016 YIELD & R4 MANGANESE (Mn) LEVELS

Bu./A.

Mn (ppm) and Bu./A.

Mn

Bu./A.Mn

Bu./A.Mn

Bu./A.Mn

“I think it is neat to have such a unique resource like the PFR book available when we are looking at implementing a new idea on the farm. I’m always interested to see what Beck’s has learned with their studies. We have implemented new techniques with our nitrogen timing, split applications, and changed closing wheels because of the returns that were shown in the PFR book.”

Brad Schepman | Seymour, IN

Toggle™

Optify®/Stretch + Toggle

Optify/Stretch

Control: Starter

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PURPOSE To evaluate different nitrogen (N) rates in 30 in. rows, applied to multiple populations, to determine the Economic Optimum Nitrogen Rate (EONR) and Economic Optimum Seeding Rate (EOSR) combination.

STUDY INFORMATIONPlanted 4/19/2016Harvested 9/15/2016Population VariousRow Width 30 in.Previous Crop SoybeansTillage Fall Disk-Rip, Spring

S-TineHerbicides Pre: 3.5 oz. Corvus®,

1 qt. Atrazine Post: 3 oz. Capreno®, 1 qt. Roundup PowerMAX®

Insecticides Escalate™

Starter 10 gal. 28-0-0 2x2

Total Nitrogen

Various

Soil Type Crosby (silt loam)Soil Test Values

pH O.M. % CEC6.8 2.2 8.5

Percent Base Saturation

Ca Mg K H70.7 21.6 4.7 3.0

Parts per Million

P K S35 154 5

Zn Mn B1.6 47 0.3

POPULATION VS. NITROGEN RATE STUDY30 in. Rows

2016 RESULTS

Bran

d

Resp

onse

to

Hig

her P

opul

atio

n

Nitr

ogen

Res

pons

e

Plan

ted

Popu

latio

n (S

eeds

/A.)

Nitr

ogen

(U

nits

/A.)

Bu./

A.

Bu./

A. D

iffer

ence

Net R

etur

n

5665

AMX™

*

Low

Hig

her N

Res

pons

e

30,000

190 204.2 -- $568.83

230 210.2 +6.0 $571.59

270 214.3 +10.1 $567.02

34,000

190 213.6 -- $588.79

230 213.5 -0.1 $568.00

270 219.6 +6.0 $571.15

38,000

190 205.0 -- $539.26

230 209.9 +4.9 $537.77

270 210.1 +5.1 $518.15

5829

A4

Med

ium

N E

ffici

ent

30,000

190 199.9 -- $584.29

230 216.1 +16.2 $626.43

270 214.1 +14.2 $598.31

34,000

190 208.5 -- $605.44

230 222.9 +14.4 $640.62

270 212.8 +4.3 $581.24

38,000

190 209.5 -- $597.24

230 213.9 +4.4 $593.82

270 216.3 +6.8 $582.69

Corn $3.86/Bu. UAN $0.51/unit of nitrogen. XL® 5665AMX™*brand $326.61/unit. 5829A4brand $241.11/unit. *®XL, Optimum, and AcreMax are registered trademarks of Pioneer. XL® brand seed is distributed by Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc. Individual results may vary.

Population Study

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• In 2016, the EOSR was 34,000 plants/A. in both hybrids, regardless of the hybrid's genetic response to population.

• The EONR was higher in BECK 5829A4brand, the hybrid that is more N efficient. We saw increased yields with each increase in N rate with XL® 5665AMX™*brand, the less efficient user of N, although it was not economical.

$450 $500 $550 $600 $650

2016 5829A4 Net Return

270 230 190 270 230 190 270 230 190

$450 $500 $550 $600 $650

2016 5665AMX™* Net Return

270 230 190 270 230 190 270 230 190

230270 190

38,0

0034

,000

30,0

00

38,0

0034

,000

30,0

00

2016 NET RETURN

Seed

s/A.

Dollars/A.

$450 $500 $550 $600 $650

2016 5829A4 Net Return

270 230 190 270 230 190 270 230 190

$450 $500 $550 $600 $650

2016 5665AMX™* Net Return

270 230 190 270 230 190 270 230 190

230270 190

38,0

0034

,000

30,0

00

38,0

0034

,000

30,0

00

BECK 5829A4brand

Seed

s/A.

Dollars/A.

$450 $500 $550 $600 $650

2016 5829A4 Net Return

270 230 190 270 230 190 270 230 190

$450 $500 $550 $600 $650

2016 5665AMX™* Net Return

270 230 190 270 230 190 270 230 190

230270 190

38,0

0034

,000

30,0

00

38,0

0034

,000

30,0

00

Nitrogen (Units/A.)

XL® 5665AMX™*brand

EONR & EOSR XL® 5665AMX™*brand

190 units N 34,000 Seeds/A.

EONR & EOSR BECK 5829A4brand

230 units N 34,000 Seeds/A.

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Population Study

PURPOSE To evaluate different nitrogen (N) rates in 20 in. rows, applied to multiple populations, to determine the Economic Optimum Nitrogen Rate (EONR) and Economic Optimum Seeding Rate (EOSR) combination.

STUDY INFORMATIONPlanted 4/19/2016Harvested 9/15/2016Population VariousRow Width 20 in.Previous Crop SoybeansTillage Fall Disk-Rip, Spring

S-TineHerbicides Pre: 3.5 oz. Corvus®,

1 qt. Atrazine Post: 3 oz. Capreno®, 1 qt. Roundup PowerMAX®, 1 qt. Atrazine

Insecticides Escalate™

Total Nitrogen

Various

Soil Type Crosby (silt loam)Soil Test Values

pH O.M. % CEC6.3 2.8 14.0

Percent Base Saturation

Ca Mg K H68.1 11.6 3.1 17.2

Parts per Million

P K S57 166 6

Zn Mn B1.6 48 0.4

POPULATION VS. NITROGEN RATE STUDY 20 in. Rows

2016 RESULTS

Bran

d

Resp

onse

to

Hig

her P

opul

atio

n

Nitr

ogen

Res

pons

e

Plan

ted

Popu

latio

n (S

eeds

/A.)

Nitr

ogen

(U

nits

/A.)

Bu./

A.

Bu./

A. D

iffer

ence

Net R

etur

n

5665

AMX™

*

Low

Hig

her N

Res

pons

e

36,000

190 207.9 -- $558.62

240 211.9 +4.0 $548.56

290 208.2 +0.3 $508.78

40,000

190 204.2 -- $528.00

240 201.8 -2.4 $493.24

290 204.7 +0.5 $478.93

44,000

190 200.5 -- $497.39

240 202.3 +1.8 $478.84

290 210.8 +10.3 $486.15

5829

A4

Med

ium

N E

ffici

ent

36,000

190 208.0 -- $597.48

240 208.3 +0.3 $573.14

290 206.5 -1.5 $540.69

40,000

190 198.3 -- $547.98

240 202.5 +4.2 $538.69

290 205.9 +7.6 $526.31

44,000

190 196.6 -- $529.37

240 204.1 +7.5 $532.82

290 205.9 +9.3 $514.26

Corn $3.86/Bu. UAN $0.51/unit of nitrogen. XL® 5665AMX™*brand $326.61/unit. 5829A4brand $241.11/unit. *®XL, Optimum, and AcreMax are registered trademarks of Pioneer. XL® brand seed is distributed by Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc. Individual results may vary.

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Could we increase yields in 2016 by simply increasing the population beyond 36,000 in 20 in. rows? As population increased, yields stair-stepped down in both hybrids.

• 36,000 seeds/A. average yield was 208 Bu./A.

• 40,000 seeds/A. average yield was 201.3 Bu./A.

• 44,000 seeds/A. average yield was 198.6 Bu./A.

Could we also increase yield by increasing the N rate at the same time we increased population? We found that the answer is sometimes, but we would not make more money.

$425 $450 $475 $500 $525 $550 $575 $600

2016 5829A4 Net Return

290 240 190 290 240 190 290 240 190

$425 $450 $475 $500 $525 $550 $575 $600

2016 5665AMX™* Net Return

290 240 190 290 240 190 290 240 190

240290 190

44,0

0040

,000

36,0

00

44,0

0040

,000

36,0

00

Seed

s/A.

Dollars/A.

$425 $450 $475 $500 $525 $550 $575 $600

2016 5829A4 Net Return

290 240 190 290 240 190 290 240 190

$425 $450 $475 $500 $525 $550 $575 $600

2016 5665AMX™* Net Return

290 240 190 290 240 190 290 240 190

240290 190

44,0

0040

,000

36,0

00

44,0

0040

,000

36,0

00

Seed

s/A.

Dollars/A.

$425 $450 $475 $500 $525 $550 $575 $600

2016 5829A4 Net Return

290 240 190 290 240 190 290 240 190

$425 $450 $475 $500 $525 $550 $575 $600

2016 5665AMX™* Net Return

290 240 190 290 240 190 290 240 190

240290 190

44,0

0040

,000

36,0

00

44,0

0040

,000

36,0

00Nitrogen (Units/A.)

EONR & EOSR XL® 5665AMX™*brand

190 units N 36,000 Seeds/A.

EONR & EOSR BECK 5829A4brand

190 units N 36,000 Seeds/A.

2016 NET RETURN

BECK 5829A4brandXL® 5665AMX™*brand

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PURPOSE To determine if yield and profitability can be increased by applying various high-management practices in a high-population environment.

STUDY INFORMATIONPlanted 4/18/2016Harvested 9/20/2016Population VariousRow Width 30 in.Previous Crop SoybeansTillage Fall Disk-Rip, Spring

S-TineHerbicides Pre: 3.5 oz. Corvus®,

1 qt. Atrazine Post: 3 oz. Capreno®, 1 qt. Roundup PowerMAX®

Insecticides Escalate™

Starter 10 gal. 28-0-0 2x2

Total Nitrogen

250 units as UAN

Soil Type Crosby (silt loam)Soil Test Values

pH O.M. % CEC6.7 2.6 10.4

Percent Base Saturation

Ca Mg K H67.4 17.6 3.4 11.5

Parts per Million

P K S41 139 5

Zn Mn B1.8 47 0.4

POPULATION & HIGH MANAGEMENT STUDY

2016 RESULTS

Bran

d

Resp

onse

to

Hig

her P

opul

atio

n

Plan

ted

Popu

latio

n

Treatments Bu./

A.

Bu./

A. D

iffer

ence

Retu

rn o

n In

vest

men

t

5665

AMX™

*

Low

34,0

00

Control: No Micronutrients or Fungicide 201.3 -- --

2 qt. Versa Max™ AC @ V4 204.3 +3.0 +$1.83

2 qt. Versa Max AC @ V4 & 10 oz. Headline AMP® @ VT 210.1 +8.8 +$11.18

38,0

00

No Micronutrients or Fungicide 193.6 -7.7 -$46.05

2 qt. Versa Max AC @ V4 198.2 -3.1 -$38.05

2 qt. Versa Max AC @ V4 & 10 oz. Headline AMP @ VT 204.3 +3.0 -$27.54

5829

A4

Med

ium

34,0

00

Control: No Micronutrients or Fungicide 203.8 -- --

2 qt. Versa Max AC @ V4 206.6 +2.8 +$1.06

2 qt. Versa Max AC @ V4 & 10 oz. Headline AMP @ VT 205.5 +1.7 -$16.23

38,0

00

No Micronutrients or Fungicide 205.5 +1.7 -$5.50

2 qt. Versa Max AC @ V4 209.1 +5.3 -$1.35

2 qt. Versa Max AC @ V4 & 10 oz. Headline AMP @ VT 204.5 +0.7 -$32.15

Corn $3.86/Bu. Headline AMP® $166.92/gal. Versa Max™ AC $19.50/gal. XL® 5665AMX™*brand $326.61/unit. 5829A4brand $241.11/unit. *®XL, Optimum, and AcreMax are registered trademarks of Pioneer. XL® brand seed is distributed by Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc. Individual results may vary.

The results from this high-population and high-management study coincided well with what we already know about the hybrids that were tested. • XL® 5665AMX™*brand had a low response to high populations and

a high response to fungicide.

• The most profitable management system was 34,000 (the lower population tested) with 2 qt./A. Versa Max™ AC at V4 and Headline AMP® at VT.

BECK 5829A4brand had a medium response to population and a low response to fungicide.

• The most profitable management system tested was 34,000 (the lower population) with 2 qt./A. Versa Max AC.

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To determine the Economic Optimum Nitrogen Rate (EONR), which is the rate of nitrogen (N) that maximizes profitability. All entries received 30 units of N as UAN in a 2x2 application at planting. This was followed by a sidedress application of UAN at the V3 growth stage, meeting the total amount of N for each treatment.

STUDY INFORMATIONPlanted 4/25/2016Harvested 9/27/2016Population 34,000 Seeds/A.Row Width 30 in.Previous Crop SoybeansTillage Fall Disk-Rip, Spring

S-TineHerbicides Pre: 3.5 oz. Corvus®,

1 qt. Atrazine Post: 3 oz. Capreno®, 1 qt. Roundup PowerMAX®

Insecticides Escalate™

Starter 10 gal. 28-0-0 2x2

Total Nitrogen

Various

Soil Type Brookston (silty clay loam)

Soil Test Values

pH O.M. % CEC6.2 2.7 11.4

Percent Base Saturation

Ca Mg K H59.0 16.7 3.3 21.0

Parts per Million

P K S36 148 5

Zn Mn B1.6 33 0.3

The seven-year EONR for a corn after soybean rotation is a good place to start when planning your N program. Having the flexibility to make changes to your N program during the season is key. The 2016 season was a prime example, with an EONR of 225 units of N/A.

NITROGEN RATE STUDYCorn After Soybeans

2016 RESULTS

Bran

d

Nitr

ogen

Re

spon

se

Nitr

ogen

(U

nits

/A.)

Perc

ent

Moi

stur

e

Bu./

A.

Nitr

ogen

C

ost/

A.

Net

Retu

rn

5828

AMX™

*

N E

ffici

ent

100 19.0 173.8 $51.00 $619.87125 19.9 189.0 $63.75 $665.79150 20.4 199.4 $76.50 $693.18175 21.4 199.9 $89.25 $682.36200 21.6 206.1 $102.00 $693.55225 22.2 213.1 $114.75 $707.82250 22.4 213.6 $127.50 $697.00

6165

AMX™

*

Hig

her N

Res

pons

e 100 20.2 158.5 $51.00 $560.81125 21.2 180.5 $63.75 $632.98150 21.9 186.1 $76.50 $641.85175 22.5 192.5 $89.25 $653.80200 23.0 205.0 $102.00 $689.30225 23.2 211.4 $114.75 $701.25250 23.1 212.5 $127.50 $692.75

2-H

ybrid

Av

erag

e

100 19.6 166.2 $51.00 $590.34125 20.6 184.8 $63.75 $649.39150 21.2 192.8 $76.50 $667.52175 22.0 196.2 $89.25 $668.08200 22.3 205.6 $102.00 $691.43225 22.7 212.3 $114.75 $704.54250 22.8 213.1 $127.50 $694.88

Corn $3.86/Bu. UAN $0.51/unit of nitrogen. *®XL, Optimum, and AcreMax are registered trademarks of Pioneer. XL® brand seed is distributed by Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc. Individual results may vary.

$640

$660

$680

$700

$720

175 180 185 190 195 200 205 210 215 220 225

Dol

lars

/A.

Units of UAN

7-Year Economic Optimum Nitrogen Rate

$0.40/unit $0.50/unit $0.60/unit

7-YEAR ECONOMIC OPTIMUM NITROGEN RATE

Nitrogen (Units/A.)

Dol

lars

/A.

210 at $0.40/unit

205 at $0.50/unit

199 at $0.60/unit

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PURPOSE To determine the Economic Optimum Nitrogen Rate (EONR), which is the rate of nitrogen (N) that maximizes profitability. All entries received 30 units of N as UAN in a 2x2 application at planting. This was followed by a sidedress application of UAN at the V3 growth stage, meeting the total amount of N for each treatment.

STUDY INFORMATIONPlanted 4/19/2016Harvested 9/20/2016Population 34,000 Seeds/A.Row Width 30 in.Previous Crop CornTillage No-TillHerbicides Fall burndown:

12 oz. Authority® MTZ DF, 1 qt. Brash®, 1 qt. Roundup PowerMAX® Pre: 3.5 oz. Corvus®, 1 qt. Atrazine Post: 3 oz. Capreno®, 1 qt. Roundup PowerMAX

Insecticides Escalate™

Starter 10 gal. 28-0-0 2x2

Total Nitrogen

Various

Brand 6165AMX™*

Soil Type Patton (silty clay loam)

Soil Test Values

pH O.M. % CEC6.5 3.1 13.1

Percent Base Saturation

Ca Mg K H70.8 16.6 3.5 9.2

Parts per Million

P K S50 178 6

Zn Mn B1.7 33 0.6

NITROGEN RATE STUDYCorn After Corn

FACTORS INFLUENCING EONR INCLUDE:• Hybrid selection

• Soil type

• Soil pH

• Drainage

• Residue

• Rainfall

• Timing of application

Due to all the factors, the EONR can vary from acre to acre.

2016 RESULTS

Nitr

ogen

(U

nits

/A.)

Perc

ent

Moi

stur

e

Bu./

A.

Nitr

ogen

C

ost/

A.

Net

Retu

rn

125 22.6 173.0 $63.75 $604.03150 24.1 179.2 $76.50 $615.21175 25.2 183.6 $89.25 $619.45200 25.2 199.3 $102.00 $667.30225 25.4 200.5 $114.75 $659.18250 24.9 205.0 $127.50 $663.80275 24.3 206.2 $140.25 $655.68

Corn $3.86/Bu. UAN $0.51/unit of nitrogen. *®XL, Optimum, and AcreMax are registered trademarks of Pioneer. XL® brand seed is distributed by Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc. Individual results may vary.

$600

$620

$640

$660

$680

$700

$720

200 205 210 215 220 225 230 235 240 245 250

Dol

lars

/A.

Units of UAN

7-Year Economic Optimum Nitrogen Rate

$0.40/unit $0.50/unit $0.60/unit

7-YEAR ECONOMIC OPTIMUM NITROGEN RATE

Nitrogen (Units/A.)

Dol

lars

/A. 229 at $0.40/unit

223 at $0.50/unit 218 at $0.60/unit

Interested in finding the Economic Optimum Nitrogen Rate (EONR) on your farm?

Contact your Beck’s representative to sign up to be a PFR Partner for 2017.

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$0

$100

$200

$300

$400

$500

$600

$700

$800

$900

0

200

400

600

800

1,000

1,200

1,400

1,600

1,800

125 150 175 200 225 250 275

Stal

k Ni

trat

e (p

pm)

Units of Nitrogen

Stalk Nitrate-CAC

Stalk Nitrate Net Return

STALK NITRATE TESTINGEnd-of-season stalk testing was developed to evaluate how well nitrogen (N) fertilizer was utilized by the corn plant. This information allows us to distinguish between over fertilization and fertilizing to maximize profits.

• The stalk nitrate test, for 200 units of N/A., falls at the low end of Purdue University’s optimum nitrate level. It is okay to be in the low end of this category when N prices are high and corn prices are low. The high-end of this category is ideal when N prices are low and corn prices are high.

• When N rates higher than 200 units were applied we added yield, but the additional bushels did not offset the cost of the extra N. It’s important to note however that the higher N rates were still well within the optimum nitrate level.

Maybe the biggest take home message from this study is the substantial consequence of being too low with your chosen N rate. When we backed off 25 units from the EONR (200 units) to 175 units total, we experienced a 15.7 Bu./A. yield decrease. That equates to $47.85 less profit/A.

NITRATE CONCENTRATION CATEGORIES

Nitrate-Nitrogen ppm NO3-N Rating Interpretations

Less than 250 Low Nitrogen was likely the yield limiting factor during the growing season250-2,000 Optimal Grain yield was not limited by the amount of N available to the cropGreater than 2,000 Excess Excessive N, or some other production factor limited crop growth and yield

Corn Stalk Nitrate Tests-Research and Recommendation Update, Purdue University, 15 September 2014.

STALK NITRATE LEVELS AT R6 & NET RETURN

Stal

k N

itrat

e (p

pm)

Nitrogen (Units/A.)

Dollars/A.

$400

$500

$600

$700

$800

0

200

400

600

800

1,000

1,200

1,400

1,600

1,800

125 150 175 200 225 250 275

Stal

k Ni

trat

e (p

pm)

Units of Nitrogen

Stalk Nitrate-CAC

Stalk Nitrate Net Return

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• After receiving more than 2.19 in. of rain above average between June and August, we expected 2016 to be a year where split applied UAN would out-yield the single sidedress application at the V3 growth stage.

• With the exception of the V10 application on BECK 5829A4brand, there was no significant advantage to split applied N beyond that of the control. We also did not see a negative effect on yield when late season N was applied through the 360 Y-DROP®, even at the VT timing.

• Our assumption is that the season-long availability of N was not the yield limiting factor in this plot.

NITROGEN TIMING STUDY

2016 RESULTS

Bran

d

Nitr

ogen

Re

spon

se

Nitr

ogen

(U

nits

/A.)

Appl

icat

ion

Tim

ing

Perc

ent

Moi

stur

e

Bu./

A.

Bu./

A.

Diff

eren

ce

Retu

rn o

n In

vest

men

t

5829

A4

N E

ffici

ent

30,160 Control: 2x2, Sidedress @ V3 20.0 215.0 -- --

30,80,80 2x2, Sidedress @ V3, 360 Y-DROP® @ V7 20.6 216.3 +1.3 +$5.02

30,80,80 2x2, Sidedress @ V3, 360 Y-DROP @ V10 20.2 220.0 +5.0 +$19.30

30,80,80 2x2, Sidedress @ V3, 360 Y-DROP @ VT 20.5 214.7 -0.3 -$1.16

5665

AMX™

*

Hig

her N

Res

pons

e 30,160 Control: 2x2, Sidedress @ V3 20.4 220.7 -- --

30,80,80 2x2, Sidedress @ V3, 360 Y-DROP @ V7 20.5 218.9 -1.8 -$6.95

30,80,80 2x2, Sidedress @ V3, 360 Y-DROP @ V10 20.9 220.0 -0.7 -$2.70

30,80,80 2x2, Sidedress @ V3, 360 Y-DROP @ VT 20.8 221.0 +0.3 +$1.16

2-H

ybrid

Av

erag

e

30,160 Control: 2x2, Sidedress @ V3 20.2 217.9 -- --

30,80,80 2x2, Sidedress @ V3, 360 Y-DROP @ V7 20.6 217.6 -0.3 -$0.96

30,80,80 2x2, Sidedress @ V3, 360 Y-DROP @ V10 20.6 220.0 +2.1 +$8.30

30,80,80 2x2, Sidedress @ V3, 360 Y-DROP @ VT 20.7 217.9 0.0 $0.00

Corn $3.86/Bu. UAN $0.51/unit of nitrogen. *®XL, Optimum, and AcreMax are registered trademarks of Pioneer. XL® brand seed is distributed by Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc Individual results may vary.

PURPOSE To evaluate various nitrogen (N) application timings and their effects on N use efficiency and yield. Each treatment in this study received a total of 190 units of N/A. as UAN.

STUDY INFORMATIONPlanted 4/25/2016Harvested 9/27/2016Population 34,000 Seeds/A.Row Width 30 in.Previous Crop SoybeansTillage Fall Disk-Rip, Spring

S-TineHerbicides Pre: 3.5 oz. Corvus®,

1 qt. Atrazine Post: 3 oz. Capreno®, 1 qt. Roundup PowerMAX®

Insecticides Escalate™

Starter 10 gal. 28-0-0 2x2

Total Nitrogen

190 units as UAN

Soil Type Brookston (silty clay loam)

Soil Test Values

pH O.M. % CEC6.2 2.6 9.2

Percent Base Saturation

Ca Mg K H67.8 14.5 4.8 13.0

Parts per Million

P K S38 171 6

Zn Mn B2.2 40 0.3

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IANA

NITROGEN SEALER STUDY

2016 RESULTS

Treatments Perc

ent

Moi

stur

e

Bu./

A.

Bu./

A.

Diff

eren

ce

Control: No Sealers 22.3 196.8 --

Nitrogen Sealers 22.4 200.3 +3.5

*®XL is a registered trademark of Pioneer. XL® brand seed is distributed by Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc. Individual results may vary.

140 150 160 170 180 190

2-Year Yield Data

Control: No Sealers Nitrogen Sealers

2-YEAR NITROGEN SEALER YIELD ADVANTAGE

Nitrogen Sealers

Control: No Sealers

Bu./A.

PURPOSE To test nitrogen sealers and their effect on nitrogen (N) retention and yield. Nitrogen sealers are a pair of coulters that attach to the sidedress bar behind the knife. The coulters pull soil over the trench opened by the knife, sealing the opening and holding in N that could otherwise volatilize.

STUDY INFORMATIONPlanted 4/18/2016Harvested 9/12/2016Population 34,000 Seeds/A.Row Width 30 in.Previous Crop SoybeansTillage Fall Disk-Rip, Spring

S-TineHerbicides Pre: 3.5 oz. Corvus®,

1 qt. Atrazine Post: 3 oz. Capreno®, 1 qt. Roundup PowerMAX®

Insecticides 4.4 lb. Force® 3G, Escalate™

Starter 10 gal. 28-0-0 2x2

Total Nitrogen

190 units as UAN

Brand 5140HR™*

Soil Type Crosby (silt loam)Soil Test Values

pH O.M. % CEC6.8 2.1 8.7

Percent Base Saturation

Ca Mg K H74.6 19.1 3.3 3.0

Parts per Million

P K S39 112 6

Zn Mn B1.5 55 0.3

For the second year in a row nitrogen sealers have delivered a positive yield increase at the Indiana PFR site. This year the increase was only 3.5 Bu./A. compared to a 16.8 Bu./A. increase in 2015. We suspect that the reduced impact on yield this year was due to a timely 1.25 in. of rain five days after application. When averaged with last year’s data, we still saw a 10.2 Bu./A. advantage. This simple, relatively inexpensive addition to an applicator appears to be a viable solution to managing N loss due to volatilization. We will continue to test these sealers in 2017, along with a new N management system from Nitrogen Sealing Systems.

+10.2 Bu./A. Advantage

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SIDEDRESS SPACING STUDY30 in. Centers vs. 60 in. Centers

PURPOSE To evaluate the differences between 30 in. and 60 in. sidedress spacing.

STUDY INFORMATIONPlanted 4/18/2016Harvested 9/13/2016Population 34,000 Seeds/A.Row Width 30 in.Previous Crop SoybeansTillage Fall Disk-Rip, Spring

S-TineHerbicides Pre: 3.5 oz. Corvus®,

1 qt. Atrazine Post: 3 oz. Capreno®, 1 qt. Roundup PowerMAX®

Insecticides Escalate™

Starter 10 gal. 28-0-0 2x2

Total Nitrogen

190 units as UAN

Soil Type Crosby (silt loam)Soil Test Values

pH O.M. % CEC6.7 2.6 10.7

Percent Base Saturation

Ca Mg K H67.8 17.9 3.1 11.2

Parts per Million

P K S35 129 5

Zn Mn B1.8 43 0.5

This is the fourth year for our sidedress spacing study and this year’s results mirror what we saw in 2015. Both years experienced an abundance of rainfall in June and July and the 60 in. sidedress spacing resulted in a 4 to 5 Bu./A. yield loss. In wet years like this, the plants were able to utilize more nitrogen when it was placed on both sides of the row (30 in.) vs. only one side of the row (60 in.). Optimal spacing is weather dependent and will vary from year to year.

2016 RESULTS

Bran

d

Nitr

ogen

Re

spon

se

Sidedress Spacing Perc

ent

Moi

stur

e

Bu./

A.

Bu./

A.

Diff

eren

ce

5665

AMX™

*

Hig

her N

Re

spon

se Control: 30 in. Centers 22.3 184.7 --

60 in. Centers 22.9 181.9 -2.8

5829

A4

N E

ffici

ent

Control: 30 in. Centers 23.9 192.9 --

60 in. Centers 23.9 188.0 -4.92-

Hyb

rid

Aver

age Control: 30 in. Centers 23.1 188.8 --

60 in. Centers 23.4 185.0 -3.8

*®XL, Optimum, and AcreMax are registered trademarks of Pioneer. XL® brand seed is distributed by Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc. Individual results may vary.

60 in. Centers

Control: 30 in. Centers

150 160 170 180 190 200 210 220 230 240 250

2013

2014

2015

2016

4-Year Yield Data

Control: 30 in. Centers 60 in.Centers

4-YEAR SIDEDRESS SPACING YIELD ADVANTAGE

Bu./A.

+0.4 Bu./A. 60 in. Centers

30 in. Centers60 in. Centers

30 in. Centers60 in. Centers

30 in. Centers60 in. Centers

30 in. Centers60 in. Centers

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IANAPURPOSE

To evaluate the advantage of planting cover crops and their ability to increase yield by improving soil tilth, scavenging for and producing nitrogen (N), and shattering compaction. Corn was planted into three different cover crop systems which were seeded in the fall of 2015. In addition, two N programs were evaluated to assess N scavenging and sequestration. These N rates consisted of 190 units of N (normal program) and 160 units of N (reduced program), both as UAN.

STUDY INFORMATIONPlanted 4/20/2016Harvested 9/20/2016Population 34,000 Seeds/A.Row Width 30 in.Previous Crop SoybeansTillage No-TillHerbicides Burndown:

1 qt. Roundup PowerMAX® Pre: 3.5 oz. Corvus®, 1 qt. Atrazine Post: 3 oz. Capreno®, 1 qt. Atrazine

Insecticides Escalate™

Starter 10 gal. 28-0-0 2x2

Total Nitrogen

Various

Brand 5828AMX™*

Soil Type Miami (silt loam)Soil Test Values

pH O.M. % CEC6.2 3.1 9.1

Percent Base Saturation

Ca Mg K H65.8 16.0 5.0 13.2

Parts per Million

P K S47 178 7

Zn Mn B2.3 43 0.6

The biggest challenge we had this year in our cover crop study was with the annual ryegrass. We terminated the ryegrass and then received substantial rains prior to planting. The terminated ryegrass created a mat of residue that delayed the soil from drying, which resulted in a less than ideal micro-environment around the seed creating an open seed slot. The reduced stand coupled with cool, wet weather made for slow growing plants that were susceptible to slug feeding in this high residue environment.

COVER CROP STUDYNitrogen Rate

2016 RESULTS

Nitr

ogen

(U

nits

/A.)

Cov

er C

rop

Emer

ged

Popu

latio

n

Popu

latio

n D

iffer

ence

Bu./

A.

Bu./

A.

Diff

eren

ce

Retu

rn o

n In

vest

men

t

Control: No Cover Crop 31,333 -- 209.4 -- --

190

15 lb. Beck's Annual Ryegrass 25,667 -5,666 210.1 +0.7 -$8.99

40 lb. Beck's Oat Radish Mix 33,667 +2,334 210.6 +1.2 -$23.36

20 lb. Beck's Corn Champion Mix 32,667 +1,334 208.8 -0.6 -$35.11

160

15 lb. Beck's Annual Ryegrass 26,667 -4,666 202.4 -7.0 -$23.42

40 lb. Beck's Oat Radish Mix 33,000 +1,667 210.1 +0.7 -$9.99

20 lb. Beck's Corn Champion Mix 32,667 +1,334 207.0 -2.4 -$26.76

Corn $3.86/Bu. Beck's Annual Ryegrass $0.78/lb. Beck's Corn Champion Mix $1.64/lb. UAN $0.51/unit of nitrogen. Beck's Oat Radish Mix $0.70/lb.*®XL, Optimum, and AcreMax are registered trademarks of Pioneer. XL® brand seed is distributed by Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc. Individual results may vary.

Slug Feeding in V2 Corn

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PURPOSE To evaluate the yield response and return on investment when applying fungicide at the VT growth stage on multiple hybrids.

STUDY INFORMATIONPlanted 5/19/2016Harvested 9/27/2016Population 34,000 Seeds/A.Row Width 30 in.Previous Crop CornTillage Fall Disk-Rip, Spring

S-TineHerbicides Pre: 3.5 oz. Corvus®,

1 qt. Atrazine, 1 qt. Roundup PowerMAX® Post: 3 oz. Capreno®, 1 qt. Roundup PowerMAX

Insecticides 4.4 lb. Force® 3G, Escalate™

Starter 10 gal. 28-0-0 2x2

Total Nitrogen

215 units as UAN

Soil Type Crosby (silt loam)Soil Test Values

pH O.M. % CEC7.2 2.4 9.5

Percent Base Saturation

Ca Mg K H73.5 22.3 4.2 0.0

Parts per Million

P K S36 157 4

Zn Mn B2.0 55 0.5

In 2016, we had above average amounts of rain and with that, warm temperatures and high humidity. This created an ideal environment for Gray Leaf Spot (GLS). Because of the severity of GLS this year, the net return for applying Stratego® YLD was positive on all hybrids tested.

FUNGICIDE STUDYHybrid Response

2016 RESULTS

Trea

tmen

ts

Fung

icid

e Re

spon

se

Bran

d

Perc

ent

Moi

stur

e

Bu./

A.

Bu./

A.

Diff

eren

ce

Retu

rn o

n In

vest

men

t

Con

trol

: N

o Fu

ngic

ide

-- 5829A4 21.7 201.7 -- ---- 5828AMX™* 25.1 218.2 -- ---- 6076SX 25.1 206.1 -- ---- 6158AM™* 25.5 204.1 -- ---- 6225HR™* 28.0 195.6 -- ---- 6365AMX™* 26.9 204.6 -- --

AVG. 25.4 205.1 -- --

4 oz

. Str

ateg

o® Y

LD

@ V

T

Low 5829A4 23.0 213.8 +12.1 +$31.22Medium 5828AMX™* 25.3 223.1 +4.9 +$3.43Medium 6076SX 25.9 222.0 +15.9 +$45.88

High 6158AM™* 25.6 219.1 +15.0 +$42.41Medium 6225HR™* 28.5 214.0 +18.4 +$55.53Medium 6365AMX™* 26.8 209.5 +4.9 +$3.42

AVG. 25.9 216.9 +11.9 +$30.32

Corn $3.86/Bu. Stratego® YLD $495.67/gal. *®XL, Optimum, and AcreMax are registered trademarks of Pioneer. XL® brand seed is distributed by Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc. Individual results may vary.

Gray Leaf Spot (GLS)

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IANAPURPOSE

To evaluate the use of various additives, applied with a fungicide at the VT growth stage, in an attempt to increase plant health, yield and profitability.

STUDY INFORMATIONPlanted 5/16/2016Harvested 10/5/2016Population 34,000 Seeds/A.Row Width 30 in.Previous Crop CornTillage No-TillHerbicides Fall burndown:

12 oz. Authority® MTZ DF, 1 qt. Brash®, 1 qt. Roundup PowerMAX® Pre: 3.5 oz. Corvus®, 1 qt. Atrazine, 1 qt. Roundup PowerMAX Post: 3 oz. Capreno®, 1 qt. Roundup PowerMAX

Insecticides Escalate™

Fungicides 10 oz. Headline AMP®

Starter 10 gal. 28-0-0 2x2Total Nitrogen

215 units as UAN

Soil Type Brookston (silty clay loam)

Soil Test Values

pH O.M. % CEC7.0 2.7 13.6

Percent Base Saturation

Ca Mg K H80.8 16.5 2.7 0.0

Parts per Million

P K S38 145 5

Zn Mn B2.2 46 0.5

What can we add to a VT fungicide application to potentially boost yields even more?During pollination and the weeks following, there is a high demand for micronutrients, especially zinc and boron. It is also common to experience heat and or moisture stress during pollination and grain fill. This nutrient demand, along with common stressors, are what prompted Beck's PFR to set up this fungicide additive study.

When looking at the average of the two hybrids, all products but one delivered a return. Eagle, however, really stood out from the rest. Eagle is a foliar chemical designed specifically to reduce the impact of mid-season stresses including drought, heat and flood. It works by assisting the water flux of the plant and modifying transpiration. This is the first year of this study but with these promising results, we look forward to continuing this study in the future.

FUNGICIDE ADDITIVE STUDY

2016 RESULTS

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A3

Control: Fungicide 23.1 207.9 -- --

Fungicide + 3.2 oz. Eagle 23.8 218.7 +10.8 +$35.69

Fungicide + 1 qt. CropKarb® 23.5 209.9 +2.0 -$1.95

Fungicide + 6 oz. Boron Plus® 24.5 208.4 +0.5 +$0.53

Fungicide + 40 oz. Toggle™ 24.1 207.0 -0.9 -$15.97

5829

A4

Control: Fungicide 23.2 202.7 -- --

Fungicide + 3.2 oz. Eagle 23.2 211.4 +8.7 +$27.58

Fungicide + 1 qt. CropKarb 23.6 210.1 +7.4 +$18.90

Fungicide + 6 oz. Boron Plus 23.6 204.6 +1.9 +$5.94

Fungicide + 40 oz. Toggle 23.8 205.1 +2.4 -$3.23

2-H

ybrid

Ave

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Control: Fungicide 23.2 205.3 -- --

Fungicide + 3.2 oz. Eagle 23.5 215.1 +9.8 +$31.63

Fungicide + 1 qt. CropKarb 23.6 210.0 +4.7 +$8.47

Fungicide + 6 oz. Boron Plus 24.1 206.5 +1.2 +$3.23

Fungicide + 40 oz. Toggle 24.0 206.1 +0.8 -$9.60

Corn $3.86/Bu. CropKarb® $38.69/gal. Boron Plus® $29.94/gal. Eagle $240.00/gal. Toggle™ $40.00/gal. Individual results may vary.

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PURPOSE To evaluate Preemptor™ SC and Trivapro® at two different timings to determine if they can sustain season-long control with one early foliar application. This study evaluated the different diseases that are present throughout the growing season as well as the value of each product in terms of plant health, yield and profitability.

STUDY INFORMATIONPlanted 5/16/2016Harvested 10/14/2016Population 36,000 Seeds/A.Row Width 30 in.Previous Crop CornTillage Fall Disk-Rip, Spring

S-TineHerbicides Pre: 3.5 oz. Corvus®,

1 qt. Atrazine, 1 qt. Roundup PowerMAX® Post: 3 oz. Capreno®, 1 qt. Roundup PowerMAX

Insecticides 4.4 lb. Force® 3G, Escalate™

Starter 10 gal. 28-0-0 2x2

Total Nitrogen

215 units as UAN

Soil Type Crosby (silt loam)Soil Test Values

pH O.M. % CEC7.4 2.2 10.9

Percent Base Saturation

Ca Mg K H77.8 19.1 3.1 0.0

Parts per Million

P K S31 133 5

Zn Mn B4.7 54 0.7

Both fungicides in this study showed a positive return with applications as early as the V8 growth stage. Delayed disease establishment and increased staygreen from the R1 fungicide applications resulted in more available energy for the grain fill period and a higher return on investment.

FUNGICIDE TIMING STUDY

2016 RESULTS

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Med

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Control: No Fungicide 19.4 202.6 -- --5 oz. Preemptor™ SC @ V8 21.0 210.0 +7.4 +$8.1814.5 oz. Trivapro® @ V8 21.2 207.9 +5.3 +$2.955 oz. Preemptor SC @ R1 20.9 210.9 +8.3 +$11.6514.5 oz. Trivapro @ R1 22.2 214.3 +11.7 +$27.66

6158

AM™

*

Hig

h

Control: No Fungicide 18.1 211.2 -- --5 oz. Preemptor SC @ V8 18.9 219.0 +7.8 +$9.7314.5 oz. Trivapro @ V8 19.3 217.8 +6.6 +$7.985 oz. Preemptor SC @ R1 19.7 224.2 +13.0 +$29.8014.5 oz. Trivapro @ R1 20.6 220.3 +9.1 +$17.63

2-H

ybrid

Av

erag

e

Control: No Fungicide 18.8 206.9 -- --5 oz. Preemptor SC @ V8 20.0 214.5 +7.6 +$8.9514.5 oz. Trivapro @ V8 20.3 212.9 +6.0 +$5.465 oz. Preemptor SC @ R1 20.3 217.6 +10.7 +$20.7214.5 oz. Trivapro @ R1 21.4 217.3 +10.4 +$22.64

Corn $3.86/Bu. Preemptor™ SC $521.83/gal. Trivapro® $17.50/A. *®XL, Optimum, and AcreMax are registered trademarks of Pioneer. XL® brand seed is distributed by Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc. Individual results may vary.

Photo taken 56 days after treatment

Control: No FungicideTrivapro®

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VT Treatments Perc

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5829

A4

Low

Control: No Fungicide 16.7 182.7 -- --

10 oz. Headline AMP® Over-the-Top 20.0 185.4 +2.7 -$2.62

10 oz. Headline AMP

360 UNDERCOVER® 18.8 185.6 +2.9 -$1.84

5840

AM™

*

Low

Control: No Fungicide 19.7 192.7 -- --

10 oz. Headline AMP Over-the-Top 22.0 206.1 +13.4 +$38.69

10 oz. Headline AMP 360 UNDERCOVER 20.0 203.7 +11.0 +$29.42

2-H

ybrid

Av

erag

e

Control: No Fungicide 18.2 187.7 -- --

10 oz. Headline AMP Over-the-Top 21.0 195.8 +8.1 +$18.04

10 oz. Headline AMP 360 UNDERCOVER 19.4 194.7 +7.0 +$13.79

Corn $3.86/Bu. Headline AMP® $166.92/gal. *®XL, Optimum, and AcreMax are registered trademarks of Pioneer. XL® brand seed is distributed by Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc. Individual results may vary.

PURPOSE To evaluate traditional over-the-top fungicide applications compared to 360 UNDERCOVER inner-canopy applications of fungicide at the VT growth stage.

STUDY INFORMATIONPlanted 5/19/2016Harvested 10/13/2016Population 34,000 Seeds/A.Row Width 30 in.Previous Crop CornTillage No-TillHerbicides Fall burndown:

12 oz. Authority® MTZ DF, 1 qt. Brash®, 1 qt. Roundup PowerMAX® Pre: 3.5 oz. Corvus®, 1 qt. Atrazine Post: 3 oz. Capreno®, 1 qt. Roundup PowerMAX, 1 qt. Atrazine

Insecticides 4.4 lb. Force® 3G, Escalate™

Starter 10 gal. 28-0-0 2x2

Total Nitrogen

215 units as UAN

Soil Type Miami (silt loam)Soil Test Values

pH O.M. % CEC7.5 2.9 15.0

Percent Base Saturation

Ca Mg K H80.5 14.7 4.9 0.0

Parts per Million

P K S59 187 8

Zn Mn B2.6 57 0.6

FUNGICIDE PLACEMENT STUDY360 UNDERCOVER®

• During the weeks following the Headline AMP® fungicide application, Gray Leaf Spot (GLS) set in and visual infection differences were observed on XL® 5840AM™*brand.

• Some yield differences occurred but more replications over the next few years will provide more conclusive data.

360 Undercover unit. Photo c/o 360 Yield Center.

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PURPOSE To evaluate the yield and profitability of various fungicides and insecticides when applied in-furrow.

STUDY INFORMATIONPlanted 5/16/2016Harvested 10/14/2016Population 34,000 Seeds/A.Row Width 30 in.Previous Crop SoybeansTillage No-TillHerbicides Fall burndown:

12 oz. Authority® MTZ DF, 1 qt. Brash®, 1 qt. Roundup PowerMAX® Pre: 3.5 oz. Corvus®, 1 qt. Atrazine, 1 qt. Roundup PowerMAX Post: 3 oz. Capreno®, 1 qt. Roundup PowerMAX

Insecticides Escalate™

Starter 5 gal. PureGrade® 6-24-6 In-Furrow

Total Nitrogen

190 units as UAN

Soil Type Brookston (silty clay loam)

Soil Test Values

pH O.M. % CEC6.0 2.6 11.2

Percent Base Saturation

Ca Mg K H60.3 14.5 3.7 21.5

Parts per Million

P K S38 161 6

Zn Mn B1.7 36 0.3 • Multi-year PFR testing has shown that fungicides and

insecticides, when used in-furrow, have the greatest impact on yield when conditions following planting are cold and/or wet.

• Due to the wet conditions we experienced this spring, we did not get this plot planted until May 16. Conditions at and immediately following planting were ideal for fast, vigorous growth, which reduced the need for extra protection from early season disease and pests.

FUNGICIDE & INSECTICIDE STUDYIn-Furrow

2016 RESULTS

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5832

A3**

Fast

Control: Starter 23.1 202.2 -- --Starter + 3.4 oz. Ethos® XB 22.9 203.4 +1.2 -$5.43Starter + 3.4 oz. Capture® LFR® 23.4 206.0 +3.8 +$4.74Starter + 1 pt. Serenade® ASO 23.2 199.4 -2.8 -$15.12Starter + 7.2 oz. Xanthion™ 22.9 201.9 -0.3 -$20.62

6076

SX

Slow

er

Control: Starter 20.4 205.9 -- --Starter + 3.4 oz. Ethos XB 19.9 207.3 +1.4 -$4.65Starter + 3.4 oz. Capture LFR 20.2 204.0 -1.9 -$17.26Starter + 1 pt. Serenade ASO 20.4 207.3 +1.4 +$1.10Starter + 7.2 oz. Xanthion 20.5 205.0 -0.9 -$22.93

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ybrid

Av

erag

e

Control: Starter 21.8 204.1 -- --Starter + 3.4 oz. Ethos XB 21.4 205.4 +1.3 -$5.04Starter + 3.4 oz. Capture LFR 21.8 205.0 +0.9 -$6.26Starter + 1 pt. Serenade ASO 21.8 203.4 -0.7 -$7.01Starter + 7.2 oz. Xanthion 21.7 203.5 -0.6 -$21.77

Corn $3.86/Bu. Capture® LFR® $373.81/gal. Serenade® ASO $34.47/gal. Xanthion™ $19.46/A. Ethos® XB $378.56/gal. **Phoenix® is a registered trademark of a Syngenta Group Company. Phoenix® brand seed is distributed by Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc. Individual results may vary.

-$10 $0 $10 $20 $30 $40

2-Year Capture LFR Return on Investment

2014 2016

2-YEAR CAPTURE® LFR® RETURN ON INVESTMENT

2014

Dollars/A.

+$13.74/A. Average2015

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To evaluate the yield and profitability of various micronutrient products applied at the V4 growth stage.

STUDY INFORMATIONPlanted 4/20/2016Harvested 9/20/2016Population 34,000 Seeds/A.Row Width 30 in.Previous Crop CornTillage Fall Disk-Rip, Spring

S-TineHerbicides Pre: 3.5 oz. Corvus®,

1 qt. Atrazine Post: 3 oz. Capreno®, 1 qt. Roundup PowerMAX®

Insecticides Escalate™

Starter 10 gal. 28-0-0 2x2

Total Nitrogen

215 units as UAN

Soil Type Crosby (silt loam)Soil Test Values

pH O.M. % CEC6.8 2.3 11.1

Percent Base Saturation

Ca Mg K H76.8 16.9 3.2 3.0

Parts per Million

P K S47 140 6

Zn Mn B1.7 50 0.4

• All three micronutrient products have shown a positive return on investment (ROI) over a three year period.

• Versa Max™ AC had a positive ROI on both hybrids with an average return of $13.26/A.

• We took tissue tests at three different timings and found no correlation to yield.

MICRONUTRIENT STUDYFoliar

2016 RESULTS

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5828

AMX™

* Control 21.9 202.2 -- --1 qt. Versa Max™ AC 22.3 205.7 +3.5 +$8.631 qt. MAX-IN® Ultra ZMB® 21.7 209.3 +7.1 +$21.9124 oz. NutriMax AC™ 22.0 202.8 +0.6 -$13.99

6076

SX

Control 21.1 192.6 -- --1 qt. Versa Max AC 21.4 198.5 +5.9 +$17.891 qt. MAX-IN Ultra ZMB 21.2 193.6 +1.0 -$1.6424 oz. NutriMax AC 21.7 196.3 +3.7 -$2.03

2-H

ybrid

Av

erag

e Control 21.5 197.4 -- --1 qt. Versa Max AC 21.9 202.1 +4.7 +$13.261 qt. MAX-IN Ultra ZMB 21.5 201.5 +4.1 +$10.1324 oz. NutriMax AC 21.9 199.6 +2.2 -$8.01

Corn $3.86/Bu. MAX-IN® Ultra ZMB® $22.00/gal. NutriMax AC™ $87.00/gal. Versa Max™ AC $19.50/gal. *®XL, Optimum, and AcreMax are registered trademarks of Pioneer. XL® brand seed is distributed by Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc. Individual results may vary.

$0 $5 $10 $15 $20 $25

3-Year Return on Investment

MAX-IN Ultra ZMB Versa Max AC NutriMax AC

3-YEAR RETURN ON INVESTMENT

Versa Max™ AC

MAX-IN® Ultra ZMB®

Dollars/A.

NutriMax AC™

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2016 RESULTS

Bran

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V10 Treatments Perc

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AMXT

™* Control 21.2 206.6 -- --

2 qt. Liquid Boron 10% 21.3 208.1 +1.5 -$2.59

7 gal. Thio-Sul® (12-0-0-26S) 21.5 207.2 +0.6 -$8.57

2 qt. Ultra-Che® Zinc 9% EDTA 20.9 206.3 -0.3 -$13.9156

65AM

X™*

Control 20.2 221.7 -- --

2 qt. Liquid Boron 10% 20.5 226.5 +4.8 +$10.15

7 gal. Thio-Sul (12-0-0-26S) 20.6 226.4 +4.7 +$7.26

2 qt. Ultra-Che Zinc 9% EDTA 20.1 224.5 +2.8 -$1.94

2-H

ybrid

Av

erag

e

Control 20.7 214.2 -- --

2 qt. Liquid Boron 10% 20.9 217.3 +3.1 +$3.78

7 gal. Thio-Sul (12-0-0-26S) 21.1 216.8 +2.6 -$0.65

2 qt. Ultra-Che Zinc 9% EDTA 20.5 215.4 +1.2 -$7.92

Corn $3.86/Bu. Thio-Sul® (12-0-0-26S) $2.21/gal. Ultra-Che® Zinc 9% EDTA $25.50/gal. UAN $0.51/unit of nitrogen. Liquid Boron 10% $16.75/gal. *®XL, Optimum, and AcreMax are registered trademarks of Pioneer. XL® brand seed is distributed by Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc. Individual results may vary.

PURPOSE To evaluate the yield and profitability of various micronutrient products applied with 360 Y-DROP at the V10 growth stage.

STUDY INFORMATIONPlanted 4/20/2016Harvested 10/5/2016Population 34,000 Seeds/A.Row Width 30 in.Previous Crop SoybeansTillage No-TillHerbicides Fall burndown:

12 oz. Authority® MTZ DF, 1 qt. Brash®, 1 qt. Roundup PowerMAX® Pre: 3.5 oz. Corvus®, 1 qt. Atrazine Post: 3 oz. Capreno®, 1 qt. Roundup PowerMAX

Insecticides Escalate™

Starter 10 gal. 28-0-0 2x2

Total Nitrogen

190 units as UAN

Soil Type Patton (silty clay loam)

Soil Test Values

pH O.M. % CEC6.6 2.4 10.5

Percent Base Saturation

Ca Mg K H71.2 13.5 3.9 11.4

Parts per Million

P K S59 160 6

Zn Mn B1.6 40 0.4

• All treatments were applied with UAN as the carrier, for a total of 25 units/A. of nitrogen.

• When soil testing this year, we discovered that the sulfur, zinc and boron levels were all low across the majority of our farm.

• Tissue tests taken three weeks after the 360 Y-DROP® applications did not show significant increases in plant nutrient concentrations.

• The higher yield levels and increased nutrient demands of XL® 5665AMX™*brand resulted in consistent yield increases from using all three products.

MICRONUTRIENT STUDY360 Y-DROP®

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V3 Treatments Nitr

ogen

(u

nits

/A.)

Sulfu

r (U

nits

/A.)

Perc

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Control: 185 units N 185 16.9 204.6 -- --

176 units N + 7 gal. Thio-Sul® (12-0-0-26S)

185 20 17.3 206.9 +2.3 -$2.01

156 units N + 7 gal. Thio-Sul (12-0-0-26S)

165 20 17.4 199.1 -5.5 -$21.91

Corn $3.86/Bu. Thio-Sul® (12-0-0-26S) $2.21/gal. UAN $0.51/unit of nitrogen. Individual results may vary.

PURPOSE To evaluate the use of Thio-Sul® in a sidedress application at the V3 growth stage, in an attempt to increase nitrogen use efficiency, plant health, yield and profitability.

STUDY INFORMATIONPlanted 5/16/2016Harvested 10/12/2016Population 34,000 Seeds/A.Row Width 30 in.Previous Crop SoybeansTillage Fall Disk-Rip, Spring

S-TineHerbicides Pre: 3.5 oz. Corvus®,

1 qt. Atrazine, 1 qt. Roundup PowerMAX® Post: 3 oz. Capreno®, 1 qt. Roundup PowerMAX

Insecticides Escalate™

Starter 10 gal. 28-0-0 2x2

Total Nitrogen

Various

Brand 5829A4Soil Type Crosby (silt loam)Soil Test Values

pH O.M. % CEC6.6 2.4 10.0

Percent Base Saturation

Ca Mg K H65.2 19.7 3.1 12.0

Parts per Million

P K S45 119 7

Zn Mn B1.6 47 0.3

• Due to our low soil test sulfur (S) levels, we were surprised that we didn’t see a larger response to supplemental S.

• Sulfate (SO4-2), has two negative charges and is very mobile

within the soil profile. It moves freely in soil moisture. We know that S use and uptake greatly increase around the V12 growth stage, with almost 50 percent occurring during grainfill.

• Was the additional sulfur that was applied at V3 still in the root zone and available when we needed it?

SULFUR STUDY

24

20

16

12

8

4

0 0

25

50

75

100

0 500 1000 1500 2000 2500

Percent of Total

Sulfu

r Upt

ake

( lb./

A.)

Growing Degree Days

GrainTassel, cob, husk leavesStalk and leaf sheathsLeaf blades

IN-SEASON SULFUR UPTAKE & USE

Source: University of Illinois

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PURPOSE To evaluate the effectiveness of a foliar fertilizer product when applied in the morning versus in the afternoon.

STUDY INFORMATIONPlanted 4/18/2016Harvested 9/13/2016Population 34,000 Seeds/A.Row Width 30 in.Previous Crop SoybeansTillage Fall Disk-Rip, Spring

S-TineHerbicides Pre: 3.5 oz. Corvus®,

1 qt. Atrazine Post: 3 oz. Capreno®, 1 qt. Roundup PowerMAX®

Insecticides Escalate™

Starter 10 gal. 28-0-0 2x2

Total Nitrogen

190 units as UAN

Soil Type Crosby (silt loam)Soil Test Values

pH O.M. % CEC6.7 2.6 10.7

Percent Base Saturation

Ca Mg K H67.8 17.9 3.1 11.2

Parts per Million

P K S35 129 5

Zn Mn B1.8 43 0.5

FOLIAR STUDYTime & Temperature

2016 RESULTS

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Appl

icat

ion

Tim

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Day

Tem

pera

ture

(F

ahre

nhei

t)

Perc

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Bu./

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Diff

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$/A.

D

iffer

ence

5665AMX™*

1 qt.

Ve

rsa

Max

™ C

orn 3:30 pm 88° 23.1 202.3 -- --

8:00 am 70° 23.3 208.3 +6.0 +$23.16

5829A43:30 pm 88° 24.5 202.0 -- --8:00 am 70° 26.2 204.4 +2.4 +$9.26

2-Hybrid Average

3:30 pm 88° 23.8 202.2 -- --8:00 am 70° 24.8 206.4 +4.2 +$16.21

Corn $3.86/Bu. *®XL, Optimum, and AcreMax are registered trademarks of Pioneer. XL® brand seed is distributed by Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc. Individual results may vary.

Does time of day or temperature at the time of application affect the ability to move nutrients throughout the plant? After the Versa Max™ Corn applications, tissue analysis samples were taken in an effort to pinpoint what, if any, nutrient differences could be seen in the plant. Nitrogen (N) and sulfur (S) levels were higher in concentration in XL® 5665AMX™*brand treated in the morning versus the afternoon. As you can see by the soil test values in this plot, our S levels were low and we know S increases N use efficiency. With low soil test levels, we would expect an increased likelihood for S applications to pay. In 2016, we were able to get more S and N into the plant with the morning application. Could this be why we saw such positive results with the morning application?

A corn plant absorbs sunlight and carbon dioxide from the air, through stomata, to create the sugar required to fuel development. During heat and/or drought stress, a corn plant closes down its stomata as a defense to slow water loss, making the plant less productive.

Add SAP graph

0 500 1,000 1,500 2,000

Nitr

ogen

Sulfu

r

Nutrient Content (ppm)

Nutr

ient

Foliar Study- Time and Temperature 5665AMX

PM AM

POST APPLICATION NUTRIENT LEVELS

AM

PM

Nutrient Content (ppm)

AM

PM

Nitr

ogen

Sul

fur

28% More than PM Applications

18% More than PM Applications

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Bran

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Plan

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6365

AMX™

*

Tall

Control -- 20.3 176.8 --

Christmas Tree Center 2 Rows 21.0 196.9 +20.164

18SX

Shor

tControl -- 23.6 188.7 --

Christmas Tree 2 West Rows 22.9 177.6 -11.1

Christmas Tree 2 East Rows 22.9 175.2 -13.5

2-H

yrbi

d Av

erag

e Control -- 22.0 182.8 --

Christmas Tree -- 22.2 183.2 +0.4

*®XL, Optimum, and AcreMax are registered trademarks of Pioneer. XL® brand seed is distributed by Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc. Individual results may vary.

PURPOSE To evaluate if planting in a “Christmas tree” pattern, in terms of plant height, has an affect on plant growth and yield. BECK 6418SXbrand, a short hybrid, was compared to XL® 6365AMX™*brand, which is a tall hybrid.

STUDY INFORMATIONPlanted 5/16/2016Harvested 10/14/2016Population 34,000 Seeds/A.Row Width 30 in.Previous Crop CornTillage Fall Disk-Rip, Spring

S-TineHerbicides Pre: 3.5 oz. Corvus®,

1 qt. Atrazine, 1 qt. Roundup PowerMAX® Post: 3 oz. Capreno®, 1 qt. Roundup PowerMAX

Insecticides Escalate™

Starter 10 gal. 28-0-0 2x2

Total Nitrogen

215 units as UAN

Soil Type Crosby (silt loam)Soil Test Values

pH O.M. % CEC5.8 2.2 9.0

Percent Base Saturation

Ca Mg K H52.7 17.1 3.6 26.6

Parts per Million

P K S20 125 4

Zn Mn B2.2 52 0.2

We were able to increase yield by 20 Bu./A. when planting the tall hybrid in the center of the planter pass, surrounded by the shorter hybrid. Consequently, we observed a decrease in yield with the shorter hybrid on the outside rows, which almost perfectly offset the yield gain from the tall corn. There appears to be some potential with a system of this nature, however, further management will be required for it to be maximized. Would changing populations on the outside rows result in more yield?

HEIGHT VARIATION STUDY

120

140

160

180

200

220

Tall Hybrid Short Hybrid

2016 HEIGHT VARIATION YIELD ADVANTAGE

Bu./

A.

Christmas Tree Pattern

120

130

140

150

160

170

180

190

200

210

Tall Hybrid Short HybridTall Hybrid Short Hybrid

120

130

140

150

160

170

180

190

200

210

Tall Hybrid Short Hybrid

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2016 RESULTS

Treatments Perc

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Bu./

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Control: No Drainage/Irrigation 14.8 215.6 --Sensor-Based Sub-Irrigation 15.2 227.0 +11.4Contour Tile Drainage 14.9 224.3 +8.7Manual Sub-Irrigation 14.5 224.2 +8.6Controlled Water Table 16.2 220.5 +4.9

*®XL, Optimum, and AcreMax are registered trademarks of Pioneer. XL® brand seed is distributed by Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc. Individual results may vary.

PURPOSE To evaluate the differences in yield through a sub-irrigation system, used to control drainage and irrigation, both with and without moisture sensors.

STUDY INFORMATIONPlanted 4/25/2016Harvested 10/12/2016Population 34,000 Seeds/A.Row Width 30 in.Previous Crop CornTillage Fall Disk-Rip, Spring

S-TineHerbicides Pre: 3.5 oz. Corvus®,

1 qt. Atrazine Post: 3 oz. Capreno®, 1 qt. Roundup PowerMAX®

Insecticides Escalate™

Starter 10 gal. 28-0-0 2x2

Total Nitrogen

215 units as UAN

Brand 5665AMX™*

Soil Type Crosby (silt loam)Soil Test Values

pH O.M. % CEC5.9 2.8 10.8

Percent Base Saturation

Ca Mg K H58.0 15.5 4.2 22.3

Parts per Million

P K S38 178 6

Zn Mn B1.9 49 0.4

WATER MANAGEMENT STUDYSub-Irrigation

100 120 140 160 180 200 220 240 260

2016

2015

2014

2013

2012

2011

6-Year Sub-Irrigation Yield Data

Control: No Drainage/Irrigation Manual Sub-Irrigation

6-YEAR SUB-IRRIGATION YIELD ADVANTAGE

Bu./A.

+25.9 Bu./A. Sub-Irrigation

Advantage

ControlSub-Irrigation

ControlSub-Irrigation

ControlSub-Irrigation

ControlSub-Irrigation

ControlSub-Irrigation

ControlSub-Irrigation

+11.4 Bu./A. Advantage

Sensor-Based Sub-Irrigation

In a year of ample, evenly distributed rainfall, the ability to sub-irrigate did not have a drastic effect on yield levels. For 2016, we used moisture sensors from AquaSpy to monitor the sensor-based sub-irrigation. This system provided the highest yield of any treatment and saved on water usage when compared to the manual sub-irrigation. It appears that the bulk of the yield advantage came from the increased drainage ability of the water management system.

Photo c/o AquaSpy.

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• Thirty units of nitrogen fertigated at VT appears to be a profitable practice where irrigation is used.

• We were able to minimize moisture stress during silking and pollination by regular irrigation applications, ultimately providing a significant yield increase over the non-irrigated control.

PURPOSE To evaluate the effectiveness of pivot irrigation and the profitability of fertigating through a pivot system.

STUDY INFORMATIONPlanted 5/19/2016Harvested 10/13/2016Population 34,000 Seeds/A.Row Width 30 in.Previous Crop CornTillage No-TillHerbicides Fall burndown:

12 oz. Authority® MTZ DF, 1 qt. Brash®, 1 qt. Roundup PowerMAX®

Pre: 3.5 oz. Corvus®, 1 qt. Atrazine, 1 qt. Roundup PowerMAX Post: 3 oz. Capreno®, 1 qt. Roundup PowerMAX, 1 qt. Atrazine

Insecticides 4.4 lb. Force® 3G, Escalate™

Starter 10 gal. 28-0-0 2x2

Total Nitrogen

Various

Soil Type Crosby (silt loam)Soil Test Values

pH O.M. % CEC7.3 2.5 11.7

Percent Base Saturation

Ca Mg K H79.3 18.2 2.4 0.0

Parts per Million

P K S20 111 6

Zn Mn B2.4 59 0.7

WATER MANAGEMENT STUDYPivot Irrigation

2016 RESULTS

Bran

d

Treatments Nitr

ogen

(U

nits

/A.)

Perc

ent

Moi

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Bu./

A.

Bu./

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Diff

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Retu

rn o

n In

vest

men

t

6158

AM™

*

Control: Non-Irrigated 215 13.0 177.4 -- --

Irrigated 215 12.9 191.7 +14.3 +$55.20

30 units N Fertigated @ VT 245 13.2 192.0 +14.6 +$41.06

30 units N + 40 oz. Toggle™ Fertigated @ VT 245 13.0 193.4 +16.0 +$33.96

6165

AMX™

*

Control: Non-Irrigated 215 16.4 173.8 -- --

Irrigated 215 15.0 183.6 +9.8 +$37.83

30 units N Fertigated @ VT 245 16.8 185.7 +11.9 +$30.63

30 units N + 40 oz. Toggle Fertigated @ VT 245 14.7 186.8 +13.0 +$22.38

2-H

ybrid

Ave

rage

Control: Non-Irrigated 215 14.7 175.6 -- --

Irrigated 215 14.0 187.7 +12.1 +$46.51

30 units N Fertigated @ VT 245 15.0 188.9 +13.3 +$35.84

30 units N + 40 oz. Toggle Fertigated @ VT 245 13.9 190.1 +14.5 +$28.17

Corn $3.86/Bu. UAN $0.51/unit of nitrogen. Toggle™ $40.00/gal. *®XL, Optimum, and AcreMax are registered trademarks of Pioneer. XL® brand seed is distributed by Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc. Individual results may vary.

$0 $20 $40 $60 $80 $100 $120

2-Year Return on Investment

Irrigated 30 units N Fertigated @ VT

2-YEAR IRRIGATION RETURN ON INVESTMENT

Irrigated

Dollars/A.

30 units N Fertigated @ VT

+$44.16/A. Fertigation Advantage

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PURPOSE To evaluate the yield differences between vertical-till and conventional-till in a corn after soybean rotation.

STUDY INFORMATIONPlanted 5/16/2016Harvested 10/12/2016Population 34,000 Seeds/A.Row Width 30 in.Previous Crop SoybeansTillage VariousHerbicides Pre: 3.5 oz. Corvus®,

1 qt. Atrazine, 1 qt. Roundup PowerMAX® Post: 3 oz. Capreno®, 1 qt. Roundup PowerMAX

Insecticides Escalate™

Starter 10 gal. 28-0-0 2x2

Total Nitrogen

190 units as UAN

Soil Type Crosby (silt loam)Soil Test Values

pH O.M. % CEC7.0 1.9 12.0

Percent Base Saturation

Ca Mg K H83.0 13.8 3.2 0.0

Parts per Million

P K S41 148 5

Zn Mn B1.5 42 0.3

• The conventional-till plot was worked in the fall with a Case IH Ecolo-Tiger® 875 disk ripper followed by a Kongskilde 3500 field cultivator in the spring.

• The vertical-till plot included one fall pass with a Case IH 330 True-Tandem™ Turbo vertical-tillage tool, followed by another pass in the spring.

TILLAGE STUDY Conventional-Till vs. Vertical-Till | Corn After Soybeans

150 160 170 180 190 200 210 220 230 240 250

2016

2015

2014

2013

4-Year Yield Data

Vertical-Till

Conventional-Till

4-YEAR TILLAGE YIELD ADVANTAGE

Bu./A.

+7.5 Bu./A. Conventional-Till Advantage

Vertical-Till

Conventional-Till

Vertical-Till

Conventional-Till

Vertical-Till

Conventional-Till

Vertical-Till

Conventional-Till

2016 RESULTS

Tilla

ge

Bran

d

Perc

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Bu./

A.

Diff

eren

ce

Vertical-Till5131AMXT™* 18.0 191.5 --5665AMX™* 18.1 203.0 --

AVG. 18.1 197.3

Conventional-Till

5131AMXT™* 18.0 195.5 +4.05665AMX™* 17.5 206.9 +3.9

AVG. 17.8 201.2 +4.0

*®XL, Optimum, and AcreMax are registered trademarks of Pioneer. XL® brand seed is distributed by Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc. Individual results may vary.

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Tilla

ge

Bran

d

Perc

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A.

Bu./

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Diff

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No-Till6076SX 16.5 164.2 --

6158AM™* 16.4 189.0 --AVG. 16.5 176.6

Conventional-Till

6076SX 15.4 175.2 +11.06158AM™* 16.4 207.0 +18.0

AVG. 15.9 191.1 +14.5

*®XL, Optimum, and AcreMax are registered trademarks of Pioneer. XL® brand seed is distributed by Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc. Individual results may vary.

PURPOSE To evaluate the yield differences between no-till and conventional-till in a corn after corn rotation.

STUDY INFORMATIONPlanted 5/19/2016Harvested 10/12/2016Population 34,000 Seeds/A.Row Width 30 in.Previous Crop CornTillage VariousHerbicides Fall burndown:

12 oz. Authority® MTZ DF, 1 qt. Brash®, 1 qt. Roundup PowerMAX® Pre: 3.5 oz. Corvus®, 1 qt. Atrazine, 1 qt. Roundup PowerMAX Post: 3 oz. Capreno®, 1 qt. Roundup PowerMAX

Insecticides 4.4 lb. Force® 3G, Escalate™

Starter 10 gal. 28-0-0 2x2

Total Nitrogen

215 units as UAN

Soil Type Crosby (silt loam)Soil Test Values

pH O.M. % CEC7.1 2.4 10.2

Percent Base Saturation

Ca Mg K H73.4 16.3 4.1 6.3

Parts per Million

P K S38 160 5

Zn Mn B2.1 67 0.5

The conventional-till system included plowing in the fall with a Salford Moldboard Plow, followed by a Kongskilde 3500 Field Cultivator pass in the spring.

TILLAGE STUDYNo-Till vs. Conventional-Till | Corn After Corn

50 75 100 125 150 175 200 225 250

2016

2015

2014

2013

2012

2011

2010

2009

2008

2007

2006

2005

2004

13-Year Yield Data

No-Till Conventional-Till

13-YEAR NO-TILL VS. CONVENTIONAL-TILL YIELD

Bu./A.

+0.4 Bu./A. No-Till

Advantage

Conv.-TillNo-Till

Conv.-TillNo-Till

Conv.-TillNo-Till

Conv.-TillNo-Till

Conv.-TillNo-Till

Conv.-TillNo-Till

Conv.-TillNo-Till

Conv.-TillNo-Till

Conv.-TillNo-Till

Conv.-TillNo-Till

Conv.-TillNo-Till

Conv.-TillNo-Till

Conv.-TillNo-Till

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$0 $5 $10 $15

3-Year Return on Investment

Robust Res Plus

3-YEAR RESIDUE MANAGEMENT ROI

Res Plus

Robust®

Dollars/A.

2016 RESULTS

Fall Treatments Perc

ent

Moi

stur

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Bu./

A.

Bu./

A.

Diff

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Retu

rn o

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vest

men

t

Control 16.3 168.4 -- --

1 gal. Humi-Till® 16.1 173.1 +4.7 +$5.35

1 qt. Robust® 16.6 172.5 +4.1 +$4.55

0.5 oz. BPE-5C 16.4 170.0 +1.6 -$2.82

16 oz. Res Plus 17.2 168.5 +0.1 -$8.61

Corn $3.86/Bu. Robust® $45.10/gal. Res Plus $72.00/gal. Humi-Till® $12.80/gal. BPE-5C $288.00/lb. *®XL, Optimum, and AcreMax are registered trademarks of Pioneer. XL® brand seed is distributed by Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc. Individual results may vary.

PURPOSE To evaluate various residue management products and their ability to increase yields by breaking down excessive surface residue. These products were fall applied on October 19.

STUDY INFORMATIONPlanted 4/20/2016Harvested 10/6/2016Population 32,000 Seeds/A.Row Width 30 in.Previous Crop CornTillage No-TillHerbicides Fall burndown:

12 oz. Authority® MTZ DF, 1 qt. Brash®, 1 qt. Roundup PowerMAX® Pre: 3.5 oz. Corvus®, 1 qt. Atrazine Post: 3 oz. Capreno®, 1 qt. Roundup PowerMAX

Insecticides Escalate™

Starter 10 gal. 28-0-0 2x2

Total Nitrogen

215 units as UAN

Brand 5131AMXT™*

Soil Type Miami (silt loam)Soil Test Values

pH O.M. % CEC6.9 2.5 11.2

Percent Base Saturation

Ca Mg K H75.9 19.0 3.6 1.5

Parts per Million

P K S59 157 6

Zn Mn B1.9 50 0.5

• With the genetic improvements to stalk strength in new corn hybrids, stalks take longer to break down.

• The products tested in this study either introduced bacteria that physically feed on the residue and/or contained certain nutrients that act as an energy source for bacteria that are already present in the soil.

• Physical differences in residue breakdown are not always noticeable. Differences in yield could be due to last year's residue breaking down into plant available nutrients at varying rates.

RESIDUE MANAGEMENT STUDY

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Bran

d

Trea

tmen

ts

Plan

ted

Popu

latio

n (S

eeds

/A.)

Perc

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Diff

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345R4™*

Control 140,000 12.2 88.6 --

High-Management

140,000 12.5 90.1 +1.5125,000 11.8 93.1 +4.5110,000 11.9 93.7 +5.1

AVG. 12.1 91.4 +3.7

387R4™*

Control 140,000 12.3 92.3 --

High-Management

140,000 12.7 94.5 +2.2125,000 12.4 95.9 +3.6110,000 12.4 94.0 +1.7

AVG. 12.5 94.2 +2.5*®XL is a registered trademark of Pioneer. XL® brand seed is distributed by Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc. Individual results may vary.

PURPOSE To raise high yielding soybeans through the use of various seed treatments, product applications, and intensive management strategies.

STUDY INFORMATIONPlanted 4/18/2016Harvested 10/10/2016Population VariousRow Width 15 in.Previous Crop CornTillage Fall Disk-Rip, Spring

S-TineHerbicides Pre: 8 oz. Authority®

Assist, 1 qt. Roundup PowerMAX® Post: 1 qt. Roundup PowerMAX

Insecticides Escalate™

Soil Type Crosby (silt loam)Soil Test Values

pH O.M. % CEC7.1 2.2 8.9

Percent Base Saturation

Ca Mg K H81.9 13.2 4.9 0.0

Parts per Million

P K S41 170 5

Zn Mn B1.8 47 0.5

CONTROLAll Entries: Escalate™ + Poncho®/VOTiVO® + ILeVO® + Optimize®

HIGH-MANAGEMENT TREATMENTSPlanting: 10 oz. Optify®/Stretch + 6 oz. Headline® + 3.4 oz. Capture® LFR®

Pre-Emerge: 1 qt. Wex®

V4: 2 gal. PCT Soybean Foliar Xtra + 40 oz. Toggle™ + 1 pt. Liquid Manganese 5% + 1 pt. Liquid Boron 10%

V6: 1 pt. Liquid Manganese 5% + 1 pt. Liquid Boron 10%

R2: 2 gal. PCT Soybean Foliar Xtra + 8 oz. Priaxor® + 4 oz. Mustang® Maxx

R3: 2 gal. Feast®-XL 26-0-0 w/0.5B+ 40 oz. Toggle

R4: 2 gal. Feast-XL 26-0-0 w/0.5B + 8 oz. Priaxor + 4 oz. Mustang Maxx

R5: 2 gal. Feast-XL 26-0-0 w/0.5B + 40 oz. Toggle

HIGH YIELD ATTEMPT

• These soybeans grew tall and robust throughout the vegetative stages as a result of the above average rainfall we experienced and the ideal soybean growing conditions. When soybeans get tall early, there is increased likelihood of having lodging issues later in the season, particularly in high-yielding environments.

• It was evident at the R4 growth stage that lodging was going to be a challenge, specifically in the higher populations of the high-management treatments.

• As we decreased population, standablility and yield improved.

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0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% 120%

19-Year Planting Date Yield

March 16-31 April 1-15 April 16-30 May 1-15 May 16-31 June 1-15

Percent of Average Yield

PURPOSE To determine the optimum planting date window by planting on multiple dates throughout the growing season.

STUDY INFORMATIONPlanted VariousHarvested VariousPopulation 140,000 Seeds/A.Row Width 15 in.Previous Crop CornTillage Fall Disk-Rip, Spring

S-TineHerbicides Pre: 8 oz. Authority®

Assist, 1 qt. Roundup PowerMAX® Post: 1 qt. Liberty®

Insecticides Escalate™

Soil Type Crosby (silt loam)Soil Test Values

pH O.M. % CEC6.6 2.6 11.7

Percent Base Saturation

Ca Mg K H70.6 16.0 3.1 10.3

Parts per Million

P K S47 142 6

Zn Mn B2.0 42 0.3

Soybean reproductive development is determined by day-length and temperature. Planting soybeans earlier increases the time of vegetative growth prior to flower initiation. The increased vegetative growth from early planting results in more nodes to set pods and therefore, higher yield.

PLANTING DATE STUDY

2016 RESULTS

Plan

ting

Dat

e

Bran

d

Perc

ent

Moi

stur

e

Bu./

A.

March 22314L4 11.8 96.2354L4 11.8 98.3

AVG. 11.8 97.3

April 5314L4 11.9 98.9354L4 11.9 96.0

AVG. 11.9 97.5

April 19314L4 12.0 99.2354L4 12.4 95.1

AVG. 12.2 97.2

April 25314L4 12.4 95.5354L4 12.0 93.9

AVG. 12.2 94.7

May 7314L4 12.6 88.7354L4 13.0 89.1

AVG. 12.8 88.9

May 16314L4 12.3 89.1354L4 13.8 88.7

AVG. 13.1 88.9

June 1314L4 13.5 75.8354L4 13.5 81.1

AVG. 13.5 78.5

June 7314L4 13.8 71.8354L4 13.2 83.2

AVG. 13.5 77.5

Individual results may vary.

12-YEAR OPTIMUM PLANTING DATE WINDOW

March 15-31

April 1 - 15

April 16 - 30

May 1 - 15

May 16 - 31

June 1 - 15

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Plat

ing

Dep

th

(Inc

hes)

Emer

ged

Popu

latio

n

Popu

latio

n D

iffer

ence

Bu./

A.

Bu./

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Diff

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0.5 34,000 -4,667 54.5 -9.1

Control: 1.0 38,667 -- 63.6 --

1.5 82,667 +44,000 78.5 +14.9

2.0 94,000 +55,333 76.7 +13.1

2.5 91,333 +52,666 78.1 +14.5

*®XL is a registered trademark of Pioneer. XL® brand seed is distributed by Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc. Individual results may vary.

• Soybean planting depth is a very controversial, yet important factor in soybean production. While the ideal soybean planting depth varies between environments, its often the evenness of moisture and temperature at a depth of at least 1.5 in. that makes for optimum emergence and establishment.

• It is also important to note that soybean nodulation typically begins at the seeding depth. Nodule forming bacteria prefer a moist, relatively cool environment for maximum nitrogen fixation.

PURPOSE To examine how planting depth impacts plant population, emergence and yield.

STUDY INFORMATIONPlanted 5/19/2016Harvested 10/10/2016Population 130,000 Seeds/A.Row Width 30 in.Previous Crop CornTillage No-TillHerbicides Fall burndown:

12 oz. Authority® MTZ DF, 1 qt. Brash®, 1 qt. Roundup PowerMAX® Pre: 8 oz. Authority® Assist Post: 1 qt. Roundup PowerMAX

Insecticides Escalate™

Brand 297R4™*

Soil Type Patton (silty clay loam)

Soil Test Values

pH O.M. % CEC6.6 4.0 16.2

Percent Base Saturation

Ca Mg K H69.4 19.3 4.0 7.4

Parts per Million

P K S88 252 5

Zn Mn B3.2 31 0.6

PLANTING DEPTH STUDY

55 60 65 70 75 80 85

2-Year Planting Depth Yield Data

0.5 1.0 1.5 2.0 2.5

2-YEAR PLANTING DEPTH YIELD ADVANTAGE

0.5 in.

Bu./A.

Control: 1.0 in.

1.5 in.

2.0 in.

2.5 in.

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0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14

7-Year Escalate Yield Advantage

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

7-YEAR ESCALATE™ YIELD ADVANTAGE

Bu./A.

+6.0 Bu./A. Escalate

Advantage Over Untreated

PURPOSE To evaluate the yield and final population of Beck’s Escalate yield enhancement system on multiple soybean varieties compared to untreated seed.

STUDY INFORMATIONPlanted 4/18/2016Harvested 9/22/2016Population 160,000 Seeds/A.Row Width 15 in.Previous Crop CornTillage Fall Disk-Rip, Spring

S-TineHerbicides Pre: 8 oz. Authority®

Assist, 1 qt. Roundup PowerMAX® Post: 1 qt. Roundup PowerMAX

Soil Type Crosby (silt loam)Soil Test Values

pH O.M. % CEC6.3 2.6 10.4

Percent Base Saturation

Ca Mg K H67.3 16.8 4.3 11.5

Parts per Million

P K S44 174 4

Zn Mn B1.5 38 0.3

This plot was planted early on April 18, and it turned cold and wet shortly after emergence. Beck's Escalate™ seed treatment provides protection against of early season diseases like Pythium, Rhizoctonia, and Phytophthora, which are common in central Indiana soils during early spring. Multi-year PFR data suggests that optimum soybean yields come from planting dates between April 16 and April 30. Escalate seed treatment gives farmers the confidence to hit the fields early to capture as much yield potential as possible.

SEED TREATMENT STUDYEscalate™ vs. Untreated

2016 RESULTS

Bran

d

Treatments Emer

ged

Popu

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n

Popu

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iffer

ence

Perc

ent

Moi

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e

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Bu./

A.

Diff

eren

ce

297R

4™*

Control: Untreated 123,333 -- 11.7 83.7 --

Escalate™ 124,000 +667 11.8 88.9 +5.2

312R

4™*

Control: Untreated 123,000 -- 11.8 89.3 --

Escalate 123,333 +333 11.8 97.0 +7.732

3R4™

*

Control: Untreated 124,000 -- 11.9 93.1 --

Escalate 124,333 +333 12.0 97.1 +4.0

339R

2 Control: Untreated 123,667 -- 12.2 82.1 --

Escalate 124,333 +666 12.3 89.2 +7.1

4-Va

riety

Av

erag

e Control: Untreated 123,500 -- 11.9 87.1 --

Escalate 124,000 +500 12.0 93.1 +6.0

*®XL is a registered trademark of Pioneer. XL® brand seed is distributed by Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc. Individual results may vary.

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IANAPURPOSE

To compare the differences in yield and profitability when using ILeVO on different soybean varieties with contrasting genetic tolerance to Sudden Death Syndrome (SDS). Earlier and later planting dates were evaluated with three different seed treatments.

STUDY INFORMATIONPlanted VariousHarvested 9/22/16Population 160,000 Seeds/A.Row Width 15 in.Previous Crop SoybeansTillage Fall Disk-Rip, Spring

S-TineHerbicides Pre: 8 oz. Authority®

Assist, 1 qt. Roundup PowerMAX® Post: 1 qt. Roundup PowerMAX

Soil Type Brookston (silty clay loam)

Soil Test Values

pH O.M. % CEC6.3 3.7 16.9

Percent Base Saturation

Ca Mg K H64.9 17.0 3.9 14.2

Parts per Million

P K S76 258 5

Zn Mn B2.7 25 0.5

SEED TREATMENT STUDYILeVO®

2016 RESULTS

Dat

e

Bran

d

SDS

Tole

ranc

e

Treatments Emer

ged

Popu

latio

n

Popu

latio

n D

iffer

ence

Bu./

A.

Bu./

A.

Diff

eren

ce

Retu

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vest

men

t

April

18

Earli

er P

lant

ing

285R

4™*

Aver

age

Control: Escalate™ 127,667 -- 90.3 -- --

Escalate SDS 126,667 -1,000 91.3 +1.0 -$0.06

Poncho®/VOTiVO® + ILeVO® 127,333 -334 95.1 +4.8 +$27.65

297R

4™*

Very

Goo

d Control: Escalate 127,333 -- 88.4 -- --

Escalate SDS 127,667 +334 90.1 +1.7 +$6.58

Poncho/VOTiVO + ILeVO 126,667 -666 93.3 +4.9 +$28.60

May

16

Late

r Pla

ntin

g 285R

4™*

Aver

age

Control: Escalate 125,667 -- 88.7 -- --

Escalate SDS 127,667 +2,000 91.1 +2.4 +$13.21

Poncho/VOTiVO + ILeVO 127,000 +1,333 93.8 +5.1 +$30.50

297R

4™*

Very

Goo

d Control: Escalate 126,667 -- 86.2 -- --

Escalate SDS 127,000 +333 89.4 +3.2 +$20.80

Poncho/VOTiVO + ILeVO 127,333 +666 91.4 +5.2 +$31.45

Soybeans $9.48/Bu. Escalate SDS $7.75/unit. Poncho®/VOTiVO® + ILeVO® $14.50/unit. Escalate™ $0.00/unit.*®XL is a registered trademark of Pioneer. XL® brand seed is distributed by Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc. Individual results may vary.

$0 $5 $10 $15 $20 $25 $30 $35 $40

2-Year Return on Investment

Escalate SDS Poncho/VOTiVO + ILeVO

2-YEAR SEED TREATMENT RETURN ON INVESTMENT

Control: Escalate™

Bu./A.

Poncho®/VOTiVO® + ILeVO®

Earlier this year, the Escalate™ label was revised to include early season control of Septoria Brown Spot. There were visual differences this spring in the severity of Septoria brown spot lesions between the control and the ILeVO® treatments. Typically, early season Septoria brown spot has little impact on yield. However, at yield levels this high, could protection from Septoria Brown Spot contribute to the yield bump we saw with both Escalate SDS and Poncho®/Votivo® + ILeVO?

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STARTER FERTILIZER STUDY

PURPOSE To evaluate various soybean starter fertilizers applied in-furrow and their effects on yield and profitability.

STUDY INFORMATIONPlanted 4/19/2016Harvested 9/23/2016Population 140,000 Seeds/A.Row Width 15 in.Previous Crop CornTillage Fall Disk-Rip, Spring

S-TineHerbicides Pre: 8 oz. Authority®

Assist, 1 qt. Roundup PowerMAX® Post: 1 qt. Roundup PowerMAX

Insecticides Escalate™

Brand 345R4™*

Soil Type Crosby (silt loam)Soil Test Values

pH O.M. % CEC6.6 2.2 9.9

Percent Base Saturation

Ca Mg K H65.4 18.9 3.7 12.1

Parts per Million

P K S34 143 4

Zn Mn B1.8 50 0.4

Indiana PFR reached over 100 Bu./A. soybeans! This plot was in an ideal, mostly stress free environment this year. Ideal growing conditions likely contributed to the starter products having an insignificant effect on yield this year. We will continue to test soybean starter products in an effort to uncover products that consistently add to your bottom line.

2016 RESULTS

In-Furrow Treatments Emer

ged

Popu

latio

n

Popu

latio

n D

iffer

ence

Bu./

A.

Bu./

A.

Diff

eren

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t

Control: No Starter 115,333 -- 98.5 -- --

3 gal. RoMax® Soybean with SoyMix (2-14-8) 122,667 +7,334 100.4 +1.9 +$5.26

3 gal. NACHURS® Rhyzo-Link® 3-10-13 118,000 +2,667 101.3 +2.8 -$3.16

3 gal. NACHURS Triple Option® (4-13-17-1S) 116,667 +1,334 99.4 +0.9 -$10.67

3 gal. First Pass® with MicroCarb ZMB™ (3-5-15) 114,667 -666 98.7 +0.2 -$15.89

Soybeans $9.48/Bu. RoMax® Soybean with SoyMix (2-14-8) $4.25/gal. NACHURS® Rhyzo-Link® 3-10-13 $9.90/gal. First Pass® with MicroCarb ZMB™ (3-5-15) $5.93/gal. NACHURS® Triple Option® (4-13-17-1S) $6.40/gal. *®XL is a registered trademark of Pioneer. XL® brand seed is distributed by Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc. Individual results may vary.

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2016 Beck’s Practical Farm Research | 101

IND

IANAPURPOSE

To evaluate two in-furrow rates of the carbon-based product, Restore™, and its effect on seed germination, root growth and profitability.

STUDY INFORMATIONPlanted 4/18/2016Harvested 9/23/2016Population 140,000 Seeds/A.Row Width 15 in.Previous Crop CornTillage Fall Disk-Rip, Spring

S-TineHerbicides Pre: 8 oz. Authority®

Assist, 1 qt. Roundup PowerMAX® Post: 1 qt. Roundup PowerMAX

Insecticides Escalate™

Soil Type Brookston (silty clay loam)

Soil Test Values

pH O.M. % CEC6.8 2.7 10.3

Percent Base Saturation

Ca Mg K H75.3 17.8 3.9 3.0

Parts per Million

P K S30 156 4

Zn Mn B2.0 46 0.4

Restore™ is an energized carbon product, derived from humates sourced from Leonardite, that is designed to enhance germination and improve root growth throughout the season. Theoretically Restore should increase water and nutrient uptake. While we did not observe any significant emergence or root growth differences between treatments, Restore did have a positive effect on yield in both soybean varieties we tested it on.

CARBON STUDYIn-Furrow

2016 RESULTS

Bran

d

In-F

urro

w

Trea

tmen

ts

Emer

ged

Popu

latio

n

Popu

latio

n D

iffer

ence

Bu./

A.

Bu./

A.

Diff

eren

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Retu

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297R4™*

Control 120,333 -- 79.2 -- --1 gal. Restore™ 121,000 +667 81.9 +2.7 +$10.592 gal. Restore 120,667 +334 81.2 +2.0 -$11.04

312R4™*

Control 119,667 -- 87.3 -- --1 gal. Restore 120,333 +666 89.6 +2.3 +$6.812 gal. Restore 122,000 +2,333 91.5 +4.2 +$9.82

2-Variety Average

Control 120,000 -- 83.3 -- --1 gal. Restore 120,667 +667 85.8 +2.5 +$8.702 gal. Restore 121,334 +1,334 86.4 +3.1 -$0.61

Soybeans $9.48/Bu. Restore™ $15.00/gal. *®XL is a registered trademark of Pioneer. XL® brand seed is distributed by Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc. Individual results may vary.

WHAT IS LEONARDITE?Leonardite is a mineraloid that can be found across many geographies, but was originally discovered in North Dakota. It is associated with lignite deposits found with near-surface mining. Leonardite is a natural, organic form of humates containing high levels of carbon. When applied to soil, these humates help build soil organic matter and kick start soil microbial life.

Strip mining lignite at Tagebau Garzweiler near Grevenbroich, Germany. Attribution: Ekem at the English language Wikipedia.

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2016 RESULTS

Treatments Perc

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Moi

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Diff

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Control 13.7 65.3 -- --

10 oz. Optify®/Stretch In-Furrow 13.9 64.9 -0.4 -$12.29

40 oz. Toggle™ @ R3 13.9 65.6 +0.3 -$9.65

10 oz. Optify/Stretch In-Furrow + 40 oz. Toggle @ R3

13.6 65.2 -0.1 -$21.94

Soybeans $9.48/Bu. Toggle™ $40.00/gal. Optify®/Stretch $108.80/gal. *®XL is a registered trademark of Pioneer. XL® brand seed is distributed by Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc. Individual results may vary.

PURPOSE To evaluate two different biologicals, one as a row starter additive and one as a foliar product. These two products were evaluated for their effects on plant health, yield and profitability.

STUDY INFORMATIONPlanted 5/18/2016Harvested 10/10/2016Population 130,000 Seeds/A.Row Width 30 in.Previous Crop CornTillage No-TillHerbicides Fall burndown:

12 oz. Authority® MTZ DF, 1 qt. Brash®, 1 qt. Roundup PowerMAX® Pre: 8 oz. Authority® Assist, 1 qt. Roundup PowerMAX Post: 1 qt. Roundup PowerMAX

Insecticides Escalate™

Brand 278R4™*

Soil Type Crosby (silt loam)Soil Test Values

pH O.M. % CEC6.2 2.7 11.7

Percent Base Saturation

Ca Mg K H62.1 13.9 3.4 20.6

Parts per Million

P K S58 153 6

Zn Mn B2.0 37 0.5

When observing this plot from emergence through its early vegetative growth stage, the addition of Optify®/Stretch appeared to have no effect on root establishment. Toggle™ and Optify/Stretch are both marketed as stress mitigation products, which leads us to question if the ample August rains and lack of overall stress were responsible for the lack of yield response.

BIOLOGICAL STUDY

Lincoln Gaston, PFR Operator, spraying soybeans.

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Bran

d

In-Furrow Treatments Perc

ent

Moi

stur

e

Bu./

A.

Bu./

A.

Diff

eren

ce

Retu

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men

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297R

4™*

Control 12.1 64.6 -- --

12.8 oz. TerraMax Liquid™ 11.9 66.8 +2.2 +$17.25

48 oz. Yield Igniter® + 12.8 oz. TerraMax Liquid 12.1 66.8 +2.2 +$8.25

48 oz. Yield Igniter 12.0 65.1 +0.5 -$4.26

0.68 oz. Custom N2™ 12.0 65.2 +0.6 -$6.38

48 oz. Yield Igniter + 0.68 oz. Custom N2 12.1 64.6 +0.0 -$21.07

323R

4™*

Control 12.2 69.3 -- --

48 oz. Yield Igniter + 12.8 oz. TerraMax Liquid 12.2 70.6 +1.3 -$0.27

12.8 oz. TerraMax Liquid 12.2 69.2 -0.1 -$4.54

48 oz. Yield Igniter 12.1 69.2 -0.1 -$9.94

0.68 oz. Custom N2 12.2 69.5 +0.2 -$10.17

48 oz. Yield Igniter + 0.68 oz. Custom N2 12.2 68.8 -0.5 -$25.81

2-Va

riety

Ave

rage

Control 12.2 67.0 -- --

12.8 oz. TerraMax Liquid 12.1 68.0 +1.0 +$6.35

48 oz. Yield Igniter + 12.8 oz. TerraMax Liquid 12.2 68.7 +1.7 +$3.99

48 oz. Yield Igniter 12.1 67.2 +0.2 -$7.10

0.68 oz. Custom N2 12.1 67.4 +0.4 -$8.28

48 oz. Yield Igniter + 0.68 oz. Custom N2 12.2 66.7 -0.3 -$23.44

Soybeans $9.48/Bu. Yield Igniter® $24.00/gal. TerraMax Liquid™ $36.00/gal. Custom N2™ $2271.25/gal. *®XL is a registered trademark of Pioneer. XL® brand seed is distributed by Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc. Individual results may vary.

PURPOSE To evaluate different biological nitrogen fixation products and their effects on yield and profitability.

STUDY INFORMATIONPlanted 5/20/2016Harvested 10/11/2016Population 130,000 Seeds/A.Row Width 30 in.Previous Crop CornTillage Fall Disk-Rip, Spring

S-TineHerbicides Pre: 8 oz. Authority®

Assist, 1 qt. Roundup PowerMAX® Post: 1 qt. Roundup PowerMAX

Insecticides Escalate™

Soil Type Brookston (silty clay loam)

Soil Test Values

pH O.M. % CEC6.5 3.1 14.6

Percent Base Saturation

Ca Mg K H73.6 14.8 3.3 8.2

Parts per Million

P K S47 190 7

Zn Mn B2.1 19 0.6

• The biological products tested in this study are designed to be used in an in-furrow application. The basic concept is to concentrate and colonize specific microbes around the root zone. These beneficial bacteria aid in nitrogen fixation, increase soybean nodulation, and produce plant growth hormones which positively influence root growth and overall plant health.

• We suspect the field already had a well-established population of bacteria present in the soil, due to the corn/soybean rotation on this particular farm, which resulted in little to no yield benefit from the applications.

BIOLOGICAL STUDYNitrogen Fixation

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$0 $10 $20 $30 $40 $50

2-Year Wex Return on Investment

2015 2016

2-YEAR WEX® RETURN ON INVESTMENT

+$26.41/A. Average

2016 RESULTS

Treatments Perc

ent

Moi

stur

e

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A.

Bu./

A.

Diff

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Control 12.0 66.6 -- --

1 qt. Wex® Pre-Emerge 11.9 71.4 +4.8 +$40.26

Soybeans $9.48/Bu. Wex® $20.96/gal. Individual results may vary.

PURPOSE To evaluate Wex, a soil amendment product, its ability to stimulate root development, improve water and nutrient uptake, and increase yield and profitability.

STUDY INFORMATIONPlanted 5/17/2016Harvested 10/11/2016Population 130,000 Seeds/A.Row Width 30 in.Previous Crop SoybeansTillage No-TillHerbicides Fall burndown:

12 oz. Authority® MTZ DF, 1 qt. Brash®, 1 qt. Roundup PowerMAX® Pre: 8 oz. Authority® Assist, 1 qt. Roundup PowerMAX Post: 1 qt. Interline®

Insecticides Escalate™

Brand 379L4

Soil Type Crosby (silt loam)Soil Test Values

pH O.M. % CEC7.2 2.1 10.0

Percent Base Saturation

Ca Mg K H77.7 19.6 2.6 0.0

Parts per Million

P K S23 103 4

Zn Mn B1.5 45 0.4

SOIL AMENDMENT STUDYWex®

Dollars/A.

2015

2016

In years past, we have seen positive yield responses to Wex®, which we attributed to the reduction of soil crusting and increased stands. This year we did not have any soil crusting due to the weather conditions at and immediately following planting. We cannot be positive as to what effect Wex had on the plants to create such a sizeable advantage over the control.

“The PFR trials are a great resource for third-party product testing, agronomic trials, and long-term plot data. I'm impressed at how much farmer-driven research is completed each year. I review the PFR book annually to see how our yields can be taken to the next level.”

Don Shoemaker | Brownstown, IN

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IANAPURPOSE

To evaluate different soybean populations planted at different times throughout the growing season, in an attempt to determine the Economic Optimum Seeding Rate (EOSR) at each planting date.

STUDY INFORMATIONPlanted VariousHarvested 9/22/16Population VariousRow Width 15 in.Previous Crop SoybeansTillage Fall Disk-Rip, Spring

S-TineHerbicides Pre: 8 oz. Authority®

Assist, 1 qt. Roundup PowerMAX® Post: 1 qt. Roundup PowerMAX

Insecticides Escalate™

Brand 278R4™*

Soil Type Brookston (silty clay loam)

Soil Test Values

pH O.M. % CEC6.1 3.0 12.8

Percent Base Saturation

Ca Mg K H62.4 15.6 3.3 18.7

Parts per Million

P K S42 164 6

Zn Mn B2.5 34 0.4

POPULATION & TIMING STUDY15 in.Rows

2016 RESULTS

Plan

ting

Dat

e

Plan

ted

Popu

latio

n (S

eeds

/A.)

Bu./

A.

Seed

C

ost/

A.

Net R

etur

n

Earl

y Pl

antin

g Ad

vant

age

($/A

.)

April

18

Earli

er P

lant

ing 100,000 85.6 $39.57 $771.92 +$69.21

125,000 85.5 $49.46 $761.08 +$83.42150,000 86.8 $59.35 $763.51 +$102.38175,000 84.6 $69.25 $732.76 +$90.06200,000 86.1 $79.14 $737.09 +$96.7

May

16

Late

r Pla

ntin

g 100,000 78.3 $39.57 $702.71 --125,000 76.7 $49.46 $677.66 --150,000 76.0 $59.35 $661.13 --175,000 75.1 $69.25 $642.70 --200,000 75.9 $79.14 $640.39 --

Soybeans $9.48/Bu. XL® 278R4™*brand $51.44/unit. *®XL is a registered trademark of Pioneer. XL® brand seed is distributed by Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc. Individual results may vary.

200,000 Seeds/A.

100,000 Seeds/A.

POPULATION VS. SOYBEANS Indeterminate soybeans have an amazing ability to compensate throughout the growing season. As populations decrease the branching of plants increases, creating more nodes for pod development. Therefore, pod count and seeds per plant are greater in soybeans at lower densities. On average, 60 to 75 percent of all soybean flowers produced abort and never contribute to yield. This over production of flowers and pods, along with an extended flowering period, offer an escape from short periods of stress throughout the reproductive stages of development. The final growth stage with a heavy influence on yield is pod fill. Seed size is heavily determined by moisture availability during this period, and can affect yield by up to 20 percent.

Population Study

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2016 RESULTS

Treatments Nitr

ogen

So

urce

Perc

ent

Moi

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Bu./

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Diff

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Control: No Nitrogen -- 13.7 71.6 -- --30 units N @ Pre-plant UAN 13.6 71.7 +0.1 -$14.3530 units N Sidedress @ V6 UAN 13.7 73.1 +1.5 -$1.0830 units N 360 Y-DROP® @ R4 UAN 13.6 72.8 +1.2 -$3.9330 units N Broadcast @ R4 Urea 13.4 71.0 -0.6 -$19.19

Soybeans $9.48/Bu. Urea $0.45/unit of nitrogen. UAN $0.51/unit of nitrogen. Individual results may vary.

PURPOSE To evaluate the yield and profitability of applying various forms of nitrogen (N) to soybeans at various growth stages.

STUDY INFORMATIONPlanted 5/18/2016Harvested 10/6/2016Population 130,000 Seeds/A.Row Width 30 in.Previous Crop CornTillage Fall Disk-Rip, Spring

S-TineHerbicides Post: 1 qt. Roundup

PowerMAX®

Insecticides Escalate™

Brand 365R2

Soil Type Crosby (silt loam)Soil Test Values

pH O.M. % CEC6.7 2.6 10.4

Percent Base Saturation

Ca Mg K H67.4 17.6 3.4 11.5

Parts per Million

P K S41 139 5

Zn Mn B1.8 47 0.4

When reviewing the last three years of data from this study, we noticed a pattern. Supplemental N applications had the largest impact on yield when the application timing preceded extended periods of saturated soil conditions.

Agronomically, this makes sense because N fixation is greatly reduced with anaerobic soil conditions and does not immediately pick back up as soil moisture returns to optimum levels. Due to the insufficient amount of N fixation occurring during this time, the addition of supplemental N fertilizer can fill this void until N production returns to normal rates.

• 2014: Prolonged anaerobic soil conditions 0 to 30 days after planting.

• +9.9 Bu./A. compared to the pre-plant application.

• 2015: Prolonged anaerobic soil conditions 30 to 60 days after planting.

• +3 Bu./A. when compared to V6 sidedress application.

• 2016: Short, infrequent anaerobic soil conditions all season.

• No significant advantage to supplemental N.

NITROGEN TIMING STUDY

$0 $5 $10 $15 $20 $25 $30

3-Year Return on Investment

Broadcast @ R4 Sidedress @ V6 Preplant

3-YEAR NITROGEN TIMING ROI

Sidedress @ V6Pre-plant

Dollars/A.

Broadcast @ R4

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Treatments Emer

ged

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Control: No Pre-emergent Herbicide

118,000 -- 13.0 64.9 --

4 oz. Fierce® XLT 116,333 -1,667 13.4 67.3 +2.4

4 oz. Authority® XL 116,667 -1,333 13.6 66.8 +1.9

8 oz. Trivence® 116,667 -1,333 13.0 65.8 +0.9

12 oz. Authority® MTZ DF 116,000 -2,000 13.3 65.1 +0.2

10 oz. Authority® Assist 117,333 -667 13.0 64.6 -0.3

*®XL is a registered trademark of Pioneer. XL® brand seed is distributed by Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc. Individual results may vary.

PURPOSE To evaluate various pre-emergent herbicides and their effectiveness in controlling weeds.

STUDY INFORMATIONPlanted 5/18/2016Harvested 9/23/2016Population 130,000 Seeds/A.Row Width 30 in.Previous Crop SoybeansTillage No-TillHerbicides Fall burndown:

12 oz. Authority® MTZ DF, 1 qt. Brash®, 1 qt. Roundup PowerMAX® Post: 1 qt. Roundup PowerMAX

Insecticides Escalate™

Brand 297R4™*

Soil Type Crosby (silt loam)Soil Test Values

pH O.M. % CEC6.1 2.3 10.6

Percent Base Saturation

Ca Mg K H61.5 11.8 3.9 22.7

Parts per Million

P K S59 161 5

Zn Mn B1.6 37 0.3

• There was very little weed pressure in this plot, even in the untreated control.

• The temperatures immediately following planting were warm, so little PPO injury was observed.

PRE-EMERGENT HERBICIDE STUDY

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PURPOSE To evaluate fungicide applied at the R3 growth stage across multiple soybean varieties, in an effort to determine yield and profitability.

STUDY INFORMATIONPlanted 5/17/2016Harvested 10/10/2016Population 130,000 Seeds/A.Row Width 30 in.Previous Crop CornTillage Fall Disk-Rip, Spring

S-TineHerbicides Pre: 8 oz. Authority®

Assist, 1 qt. Roundup PowerMAX® Post: 1 qt. Roundup PowerMAX

Insecticides Escalate™

Soil Type Shoals (silt loam)Soil Test Values

pH O.M. % CEC6.8 2.4 10.6

Percent Base Saturation

Ca Mg K H75.6 16.5 4.8 3.0

Parts per Million

P K S55 200 5

Zn Mn B2.0 44 0.6

• Multi-year data shows that the use of foliar fungicides on soybeans, even in the absence of foliar disease, often provides positive yield results.

• We attribute positive yield gains in this study, specifically in the case of the later maturity varieties, to delayed plant senescence from the fungicide application.

• A timely rain event during those last days of pod fill likely contributed to larger seed size, which ultimately influenced yield.

FUNGICIDE STUDYVariety Response

2016 RESULTS

Trea

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Bran

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Bu./

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Con

trol

312R4™* 11.9 63.0 -- --323R4™* 11.7 64.1 -- --339R2 11.9 64.4 -- --

345R4™* 11.4 69.0 -- --365R2 12.4 67.5 -- --

387R4™* 11.5 71.6 -- --AVG. 11.8 66.6

4 oz

. Pria

xor®

@

R3

312R4™* 11.6 65.3 +2.3 +$3.65323R4™* 11.6 69.6 +5.5 +$33.99339R2 11.8 67.7 +3.3 +$13.14

345R4™* 11.5 72.2 +3.2 +$12.19365R2 12.6 73.5 +6.0 +$38.73

387R4™* 11.8 75.7 +4.1 +$20.72AVG. 11.8 70.7 +4.1 +$20.40

Soybeans $9.48/Bu. Priaxor® $580.92/gal. *®XL is a registered trademark of Pioneer. XL® brand seed is distributed by Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc. Individual results may vary.

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R3 Treatments Perc

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Control: No Fungicide 13.5 75.9 -- --

14.5 oz. Trivapro® 14.2 81.1 +5.2 +$31.80

4 oz. Priaxor® 14.0 79.8 +3.9 +$18.82

5 oz. Preemptor™ SC 13.6 79.8 +3.9 +$16.59

4 oz. Stratego® YLD 13.8 78.9 +3.0 +$12.95

Soybeans $9.48/Bu. Priaxor® $580.92/gal. Stratego® YLD $495.67/gal. Preemptor™ SC $521.83/gal. Trivapro® $17.50/A. Individual results may vary.

PURPOSE To evaluate various fungicide applications applied at the R3 growth stage. This study assessed the different diseases that are present throughout the growing season and the value of each fungicide product in terms of plant health, yield and profitability.

STUDY INFORMATIONPlanted 5/17/2016Harvested 10/7/2016Population 130,000 Seeds/A.Row Width 30 in.Previous Crop CornTillage No-TillHerbicides Fall burndown:

12 oz. Authority® MTZ DF, 1 qt. Brash®, 1 qt. Roundup PowerMAX® Pre: 8 oz. Authority® Assist, 1 qt. Roundup PowerMAX Post: 1 qt. Liberty®

Insecticides Escalate™

Brand 366L4

Soil Type Crosby (silt loam)Soil Test Values

pH O.M. % CEC6.4 2.5 10.1

Percent Base Saturation

Ca Mg K H69.1 15.6 3.4 11.8

Parts per Million

P K S36 134 6

Zn Mn B1.6 38 0.2

• Only a small amount of foliar disease was present in this plot, yet we saw a substantial increase in yield with all fungicides tested.

• This is likely due to other physiological benefits from foliar fungicides (aside from disease protection) such as increased stress tolerance, increased water use efficiency, improved CO2 assimilation, and/or delayed plant senescence.

FUNGICIDE STUDYFoliar

$0 $10 $20 $30 $40 $50

3-Year Return on Investment

Preemptor SC Stratego YLD Priaxor

3-YEAR FOLIAR FUNGICIDE ROI

Stratego® YLD

Preemptor™ SC

Dollars/A.

Priaxor®

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PURPOSE To evaluate the yield and profitability of applying various fungicides in-furrow.

STUDY INFORMATIONPlanted 4/19/2016Harvested 9/23/2016Population 140,000 Seeds/A.Row Width 15 in.Previous Crop CornTillage Fall Disk-Rip, Spring

S-TineHerbicides Pre: 8 oz. Authority®

Assist, 1 qt. Roundup PowerMAX® Post: 1 qt. Roundup PowerMAX

Insecticides Escalate™

Soil Type Crosby (silt loam)Soil Test Values

pH O.M. % CEC6.9 2.8 10.3

Percent Base Saturation

Ca Mg K H75.5 19.5 3.5 1.5

Parts per Million

P K S53 141 5

Zn Mn B3.2 46 0.4

• We intentionally selected two soybean varieties for this test: one fast emerging product (XL® 345R4brand), and one with average emergence (BECK 339R2brand).

• The purpose of this was to draw out any differences between the two varieties. The fast growing XL® 345R4brand was able to outgrow the pressure from seedling diseases during the cold, wet weather we experienced following planting. The addition of a fungicide showed little advantage.

• On the contrary, the slower emerging BECK 339R2brand showed a significant gain with both fungicide treatments.

2016 RESULTS

Bran

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Emer

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In-Furrow Treatments Emer

ged

Popu

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339R

2

Slow

er

Control 119,667 -- 90.6 -- --

1 pt. Serenade® ASO 119,000 -667 95.7 +5.1 +$44.04

6 oz. Headline® 120,667 +1,000 95.2 +4.6 +$21.87

345R

4™*

Fast

Control 118,333 -- 83.4 -- --

1 pt. Serenade ASO 119,333 +1,000 84.3 +0.9 +$4.22

6 oz. Headline 119,667 +1,334 85.3 +1.9 -$3.73

3-Va

riety

Av

erag

e Control 119,000 -- 87.0 -- --

1 pt. Serenade ASO 119,167 +167 90.0 +3.0 +$24.13

6 oz. Headline 120,167 +1,167 90.3 +3.3 +$9.07

Soybeans $9.48/Bu. Headline® $463.78/gal. Serenade® ASO $34.47/gal. *®XL is a registered trademark of Pioneer. XL® brand seed is distributed by Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc. Individual results may vary.

$0 $5 $10 $15 $20

2-Year Headline Return on Investment

2015 2016

2-YEAR HEADLINE® RETURN ON INVESTMENT

Dollars/A.

2015

2016

FUNGICIDE STUDYIn-Furrow

+$11.42/A. Average

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2016 Beck’s Practical Farm Research | 111

IND

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To evaluate the yield and profitability of an insecticide when applied in-furrow.

STUDY INFORMATIONPlanted 4/19/2016Harvested 9/23/2016Population 140,000 Seeds/A.Row Width 15 in.Previous Crop CornTillage Fall Disk-Rip, Spring

S-TineHerbicides Pre: 8 oz. Authority®

Assist, 1 qt. Roundup PowerMAX® Post: 1 qt. Roundup PowerMAX

Insecticides Escalate™

Soil Type Crosby (silt loam)Soil Test Values

pH O.M. % CEC6.9 2.8 10.3

Percent Base Saturation

Ca Mg K H75.5 19.5 3.5 1.5

Parts per Million

P K S53 141 5

Zn Mn B3.2 46 0.4

Although Beck's Escalate™ yield enhancement system includes the highest rate of a seed applied insecticide, the addition of Capture® LFR® in-furrow has proven to be a profitable practice over the course of this three-year study by extending the window of insect protection for the young seedling.

INSECTICIDE STUDYCapture® LFR®

2016 RESULTS

Bran

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In-Furrow Treatments Emer

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339R

2

Slow

er Control 119,667 -- 90.6 -- --

3.4 oz. Capture® LFR® 119,667 +0 92.1 +1.5 +$4.2934

5R4™

*

Fast

Control 118,333 -- 83.4 -- --

3.4 oz. Capture LFR 120,333 +2,000 87.8 +4.4 +$31.78

2-Va

riety

Av

erag

e Control 119,000 -- 87.0 -- --

3.4 oz. Capture LFR 120,000 +1,000 90.0 +3.0 +$18.04

Soybeans $9.48/Bu. Capture® LFR® $373.81/gal. *®XL is a registered trademark of Pioneer. XL® brand seed is distributed by Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc. Individual results may vary.

$0 $5 $10 $15 $20 $25 $30

3-Year Capture LFR Return on Investment

2014 2015 2016

3-YEAR CAPTURE® LFR® RETURN ON INVESTMENT

2014

Dollars/A.

+$22.97/A. Average

2015

2016

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Tim

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Treatments Bu./

A.

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Control 75.2 -- --

R1

2 qt. MicroNourish® 76.1 +0.9 +$1.43

2 qt. MAX-IN® Ultra ZMB® 76.7 +1.5 +$3.22

2 qt. Versa Max™ AC 74.3 -0.9 -$18.29

R3

2 qt. MicroNourish 78.2 +3.0 +$21.34

2 qt. MAX-IN Ultra ZMB 75.3 +0.1 -$10.06

2 qt. Versa Max AC 74.2 -1.0 -$19.23

Soybeans $9.48/Bu. MAX-IN® Ultra ZMB® $22.00/gal. Versa Max™ AC $19.50/gal. MicroNourish® $14.20/gal. Individual results may vary.

PURPOSE To evaluate the yield and profitability of various micronutrient products when applied at the recommended R1 growth stage versus a later R3 application.

STUDY INFORMATIONPlanted 4/26/2016Harvested 10/7/2016Population 130,000 Seeds/A.Row Width 30 in.Previous Crop CornTillage Fall Disk-Rip, Spring

S-TineHerbicides Pre: 8 oz. Authority®

Assist, 1 qt. Roundup PowerMAX® Post: 1 qt. Roundup PowerMAX

Insecticides Escalate™

Brand 365R2

Soil Type Brookston (silty clay loam)

Soil Test Values

pH O.M. % CEC6.6 2.6 13.5

Percent Base Saturation

Ca Mg K H63.1 24.7 3.3 8.9

Parts per Million

P K S33 173 5

Zn Mn B1.5 39 0.4

• Soil test levels revealed low levels of sulfur, zinc, manganese, and boron (B).

• Versa Max™ AC does not contain B, while MicroNourish® contains nearly 2.5 times the amount of B as MAX-IN® Ultra ZMB®.

• It appears that B availability could have been limited around R3, which resulted in the largest yield gain coming from MicroNourish.

MICRONUTRIENT TIMING STUDYFoliar

“Thanks to the PFR book and all it’s studies, I know with certainty that each test has been evaluated and examined down to profit and/or loss per acre. So, when I implement a new technology, whether it’s a fungicide, or a seed treatment. I am confident that I haven't wasted my time and money!”

Jonathan Pollert | Seymour, IN

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IND

IANAPURPOSE

To evaluate the foliar product, PCT Soybean Foliar Xtra, and its ability to increase plant health and profitability.

STUDY INFORMATIONPlanted 5/20/2016Harvested 10/11/2016Population 130,000 Seeds/A.Row Width 30 in.Previous Crop CornTillage Fall Disk-Rip, Spring

S-TineHerbicides Pre: 8 oz. Authority®

Assist, 1 qt. Roundup PowerMAX® Post: 1 qt. Roundup PowerMAX

Insecticides Escalate™

Soil Type Brookston (silty clay loam)

Soil Test Values

pH O.M. % CEC6.4 2.8 12.6

Percent Base Saturation

Ca Mg K H71.4 14.6 4.5 9.5

Parts per Million

P K S53 221 5

Zn Mn B2.0 31 0.4

• PCT Soybean Foliar Xtra is a foliar nutrient product with an analysis of 7-7-7-1Mn-.5B. In addition to its macro and micronutrients, PCT Soybean Foliar Xtra also contains plant growth promoting rhizobacterias and the hormones cytokinin and gibberellin.

• When compared to other foliar nutrient products we have tested, PCT Soybean Foliar Xtra has a much higher rate of use and is more complex. An all-in-one product like this does come at a higher cost, and even though we saw a nice bump in yield, the return on investment was relatively low.

FOLIAR PRODUCT STUDYPCT Soybean Foliar Xtra

2016 RESULTS

Bran

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V4 Treatments Perc

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278R

4™* Control 11.6 60.5 -- --

2 gal. PCT Soybean Foliar Xtra 11.7 63.6 +3.1 +$8.83

285R

4™* Control 11.3 67.1 -- --

2 gal. PCT Soybean Foliar Xtra 11.3 68.7 +1.6 -$5.39

2-Va

riety

Av

erag

e Control 11.5 63.8 -- --

2 gal. PCT Soybean Foliar Xtra 11.5 66.2 +2.4 +$1.72

Soybeans $9.48/Bu. PCT Soybean Foliar Xtra $10.28/gal. *®XL is a registered trademark of Pioneer. XL® brand seed is distributed by Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc. Individual results may vary.

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R1 Treatments Perc

ent

Moi

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Control 13.7 70.0 -- --

10 oz. Foliar X-CYTO® 13.6 74.8 +4.8 +$35.50

1 pt. X-Cyte™ 14.0 69.1 -0.9 -$16.72

Soybeans $9.48/Bu. X-Cyte™ $65.48/gal. Foliar X-CYTO® $128.00/gal. *®XL is a registered trademark of Pioneer. XL® brand seed is distributed by Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc. Individual results may vary.

PURPOSE To evaluate various cytokinin products and their ability to influence yield and profitability.

STUDY INFORMATIONPlanted 5/16/2016Harvested 10/10/2016Population 130,000 Seeds/A.Row Width 30 in.Previous Crop SoybeansTillage No-TillHerbicides Fall burndown:

12 oz. Authority® MTZ DF, 1 qt. Brash®, 1 qt. Roundup PowerMAX® Pre: 8 oz. Authority® Assist, 1 qt. Roundup PowerMAX Post: 1 qt. Roundup PowerMAX

Insecticides Escalate™

Brand 345R4™*

Soil Type Brookston (silty clay loam)

Soil Test Values

pH O.M. % CEC6.5 2.4 11.2

Percent Base Saturation

Ca Mg K H69.3 16.4 3.6 10.7

Parts per Million

P K S52 155 6

Zn Mn B1.8 34 0.2

• Cytokinin is a hormone that promotes cell division in plant roots and shoots as well as the growth of buds, resulting in a faster growing and healthier plant.

• A cytokinin application at the R1 growth stage on soybeans can help increase flower retention and ultimately increase the number of pods per plant.

• It appears that for two years Foliar X-Cyto® may be living up to its claims. We look forward to testing Foliar X-Cyto for one more year to see if it can become a PFR Proven™ product.

PLANT GROWTH REGULATOR STUDYCytokinin

-$30 -$20 -$10 $0 $10 $20 $30

2-Year Return on Investment

X-Cyte Foliar X-CYTO

2-YEAR PLANT GROWTH REGULATOR ROI

X-Cyte™

Dollars/A.

Foliar X-CYTO®

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2016 Beck’s Practical Farm Research | 115

IND

IANAPURPOSE

To evaluate different populations in a double crop system to determine the Economic Optimum Seeding Rate (EOSR).

STUDY INFORMATIONPlanted 6/30/2016Harvested 10/18/2016Population VariousRow Width 15 in.Previous Crop WheatTillage No-TillHerbicides Post: 1 qt. Liberty®

Insecticides Escalate™

Soil Type Brookston (silty clay loam)

Soil Test Values

pH O.M. % CEC6.6 2.6 13.5

Percent Base Saturation

Ca Mg K H63.1 24.7 3.3 8.9

Parts per Million

P K S33 173 5

Zn Mn B1.5 39 0.4

• Most years, the EOSR for double crop soybeans is pretty high. This is due to the general lack of moisture during the shortened growing season. There is also a challenge in getting enough height and overall vegetative growth to the plant prior to going into the reproductive stages.

• This year was somewhat of an exception, particularly with BECK 314L4brand, due to the above average amount of rainfall we experienced during the summer months.

DOUBLE CROP POPULATION STUDY15 in. Rows

2016 RESULTS

Bran

d

Plan

ted

Popu

latio

n (S

eeds

/A.)

Perc

ent

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Bu./

A.

Seed

C

ost/

A.

Net R

etur

n

314L

4

140,000 14.1 38.4 $57.34 $306.69

170,000 14.1 44.6 $69.62 $353.19

200,000 14.0 45.7 $81.91 $351.33

230,000 14.3 44.6 $94.19 $328.62

260,000 14.1 43.3 $106.48 $304.00

338L

4

140,000 15.7 45.6 $59.27 $373.02

170,000 15.3 46.2 $71.98 $366.00

200,000 15.3 49.9 $84.68 $388.37

230,000 15.1 50.8 $97.38 $384.20

260,000 15.7 55.9 $110.08 $419.85

2-Va

riety

Ave

rage

140,000 14.9 42.0 $58.31 $339.86

170,000 14.7 45.4 $70.80 $359.60

200,000 14.7 47.8 $83.30 $369.85

230,000 14.7 47.7 $95.79 $356.41

260,000 14.9 49.6 $108.28 $361.93

Soybeans $9.48/Bu. 314L4brand $53.24/unit. 338L4brand $55.04/unit. Individual results may vary.

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Tillage Bran

d

Perc

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Bu./

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Diff

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Conventional-Till

337L4 13.6 78.6 --349L4 12.6 85.7 --366L4 15.7 79.7 --379L4 17.9 85.9 --

AVG. 15.2 82.5 --

Vertical-Till

337L4 13.3 80.1 +1.5349L4 13.4 92.0 +6.3366L4 16.1 86.5 +6.8379L4 17.2 90.9 +5.0

AVG. 16.8 87.4 +4.9

Individual results may vary.

PURPOSE To evaluate vertical-till and conventional-till systems and their effect on yield in a soybean after corn rotation.

STUDY INFORMATIONPlanted 4/26/2016Harvested 9/23/2016Population 140,000 Seeds/A.Row Width 15 in.Previous Crop CornTillage VariousHerbicides Pre: 8 oz. Authority®

Assist, 1 qt. Roundup PowerMAX® Post: 1 qt. Liberty®

Insecticides Escalate™

Soil Type Crosby (silt loam)Soil Test Values

pH O.M. % CEC6.5 2.1 10.1

Percent Base Saturation

Ca Mg K H66.8 18.1 3.2 11.9

Parts per Million

P K S38 125 5

Zn Mn B1.9 60 0.3

• The conventional-till plot was worked in the fall with a Case IH Ecolo-Tiger® 875 disk ripper followed by a Kongskilde 3500 Field Cultivator in the spring.

• The vertical-till plot included one fall pass with a Case IH 330 True-Tandem™ Turbo vertical-till tool followed by another pass in the spring.

TILLAGE STUDYConventional-Till vs. Vertical-Till

20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100

2013

2014

2015

2016

4-Year Yield Data

Vertical-Till Conventional-Till

4-YEAR TILLAGE YIELD ADVANTAGE

Bu./A.

Vertical-Till

Conventional-Till

Vertical-Till

Conventional-Till

Vertical-Till

Conventional-Till

Vertical-Till

Conventional-Till+0.7 Bu./A.

Vertical-Till Advantage

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0 20 40 60 80 100

24-Year Yield Data

No-Till Conventional-Till

24-YEAR TILLAGE YIELD ADVANTAGE

Conventional-Till

No-Till

Bu./A.

+0.2 Bu./A. Conventional-Till

Advantage

2016 RESULTS

Tillage Bran

d

Perc

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Moi

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Bu./

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Bu./

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Diff

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Conventional-Till278R4™* 11.1 58.7 --285R4™* 11.0 67.5 --

AVG. 11.1 63.1

No-Till278R4™* 11.0 62.4 +3.7285R4™* 10.9 66.2 -1.3

AVG. 11.0 64.3 +1.2

Strip-Till278R4™* 11.3 61.8 +3.1285R4™* 11.3 65.5 -2.0

AVG. 11.3 63.7 +0.6

*®XL is a registered trademark of Pioneer. XL® brand seed is distributed by Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc. Individual results may vary.

PURPOSE To evaluate three tillage practices and their affect on yield in a soybean after corn rotation. No-till, strip-till, and conventional-till methods were compared in this study. The strip-till method consisted of a fall strip-till pass, and the conventional-till method consisted of a fall plow pass and a pass in the spring with a finishing tool.

STUDY INFORMATIONPlanted 5/17/2016Harvested 9/23/2016Population 130,000 Seeds/A.Row Width 30 in.Previous Crop CornTillage VariousHerbicides Fall burndown:

12 oz. Authority® MTZ DF, 1 qt. Brash®, 1 qt. Roundup PowerMAX® Pre: 8 oz. Authority® Assist, 1 qt. Roundup PowerMAX Post: 1 qt. Roundup PowerMAX

Insecticides Escalate™

Soil Type Crosby (silt loam)Soil Test Values

pH O.M. % CEC6.6 1.9 8.4

Percent Base Saturation

Ca Mg K H68.9 12.5 4.3 14.4

Parts per Million

P K S32 140 4

Zn Mn B1.6 56 0.2

• Long term results have been inconsistent when comparing no-till to conventional-till systems. Outcomes vary year to year based on conditions at planting, but also due to weather conditions during the year.

• Early planting dates or unseasonably cold/wet weather at or shortly after planting would favor a conventional-till system. This is due to a larger amount of exposed soil with conventional-till ground that in turn warms up quicker and is more favorable to plant growth.

• In years with more favorable weather at or shortly following planting, or during drought stress years, there is likely an advantage to a no-till system.

• In short, both tillage systems can be profitable under the correct management.

TILLAGE STUDYNo-Till vs. Conventional-Till vs. Strip-Till

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2016 Kentucky Weather Chart April - September

118 | 2016 Beck’s Practical Farm Research

KENTUCKY PFRAND SUPPORT STAFF

Brandon SomersPFR Operator812.239.2337

Chris RobinsonPFR Location Lead

270.855.9358

Austin ScottKY/TN/Southeast

MO (Bootheel)Field Agronomist

731.234.3625

Dave WilsonPrecision Farming

Field Advisor812.459.6867

Nate RotteroKY/TN Precision

Farming Field Advisor317.719.2891

Susan PowellKY/TN Regional

Product Specialist270.604.2017

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CORN STUDIESHigh Yield Attempt ...................................................................................................................... 120Planting Date Study ..................................................................................................................... 121Replant Study .............................................................................................................................. 1223RIVE 3D™ Application System Study - In-Furrow ....................................................................... 123Closing Wheel Study .................................................................................................................... 124Closing Wheel Study - Placement ............................................................................................... 125Seed Treatment Study - Escalate™ vs. Industry Standard vs. Untreated ..................................... 126Seed Treatment Study - Seed Box Additive................................................................................. 127Starter Fertilizer Study ................................................................................................................ 128Starter Additive Study - In-Furrow .............................................................................................. 129Starter Fertilizer Study - Placement ............................................................................................ 130Biological Study ............................................................................................................................ 131Population vs. Nitrogen Rate Study - 30 in. Rows ....................................................................... 132Population vs. Nitrogen Rate Study - 20 in. Rows ....................................................................... 134Population & High Management Study ....................................................................................... 136Nitrogen Rate Study - Anhydrous Ammonia - Corn after Soybeans ........................................... 137Nitrogen Rate Study - Corn After Soybeans................................................................................ 138Nitrogen Rate Study - Corn After Corn ....................................................................................... 139Nitrogen Timing Study - Anhydrous Ammonia ............................................................................ 140Nitrogen Timing Study .................................................................................................................. 141Nitrogen Placement Study - Sidedress ....................................................................................... 142Nitrogen Sealer Study ................................................................................................................. 143Sidedress Spacing Study - 30 in. vs. 60 in. Centers .................................................................... 144Cover Crop Study - Nitrogen Rate .............................................................................................. 145Fungicide Study - Hybrid Response ............................................................................................ 146Fungicide Additive Study ............................................................................................................. 147Fungicide & Insecticide Study - In-Furrow .................................................................................. 148Micronutrient Study - Foliar ........................................................................................................ 149Micronutrient Study - 360 Y-DROP® ........................................................................................... 150Residue Management Study ........................................................................................................ 151

SOYBEAN STUDIESHigh Yield Attempt ...................................................................................................................... 152Planting Date Study .................................................................................................................... 153Seed Treatment Study - Escalate™ vs. Untreated ........................................................................ 154Seed Treatment Study - ILeVO® ................................................................................................... 155Starter Additive Study - In-Furrow .............................................................................................. 156Carbon Study - In-Furrow ........................................................................................................... 157Biological Study ........................................................................................................................... 158Row Width & Population Study .................................................................................................... 159Population & Timing Study - 15 in. Rows ..................................................................................... 160Nitrogen Timing Study .................................................................................................................. 161Cover Crop Study - Planting Date............................................................................................... 162Fungicide Study - Variety Response ............................................................................................ 163Fungicide Study - Foliar .............................................................................................................. 164Fungicide Study - In-Furrow ....................................................................................................... 165Insecticide Study - Capture® LFR® ............................................................................................... 166Insecticide Study - Capture® VGR™ .............................................................................................. 167Micronutrient Timing Study - Foliar ............................................................................................ 168Plant Growth Regulator Study - Cytokinin .................................................................................. 169Double Crop Seed Treatment Study - Escalate™ vs. Untreated ................................................... 170Double Crop Population Study - 15 in. Rows ................................................................................ 171

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Plan

ted

Popu

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/A.)

Yiel

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Bran

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Rela

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Mat

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Test

W

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Bu./

A.

34,000 4 5828AMX™* 110 59.5 21.4 258.045,000 3 6076V2P 110 54.1 19.2 272.734,000 5 6365AMX™* 113 54.7 22.3 242.545,000 2 6589V2P 115 54.5 20.1 274.638,000 1 6674SX 116 56.5 21.6 277.3

*®XL, Optimum, and AcreMax are registered trademarks of Pioneer. XL® brand seed is distributed by Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc. Individual results may vary.

PURPOSE To raise high yielding corn through the use of various seed treatments, product applications, and intensive management strategies.

STUDY INFORMATIONPlanted 5/23/2016Harvested 9/24/2016Population VariousRow Width 30 in.Previous Crop SoybeansTillage Fall Chisel, Spring

Vertical-Till/Field Cultivation

Herbicides Pre: 1 qt. Atrazine, 3.5 oz. Corvus® Post: 1 qt. Atrazine, 3 oz. Capreno®

Insecticides Escalate™

Total Nitrogen

300 units

Soil Type Dekoven & Wakeland (silt loams)

Soil Test Values

pH O.M. % CEC6.0 2.8 11.2

Percent Base Saturation

Ca Mg K H62.4 14.1 2.0 21.4

Parts per Million

P K S28 89 8

Zn Mn B2.2 36 0.3

HIGH YIELD ATTEMPT

This year the 300 bushel challenge became the high yield attempt, because our goal is to achieve the absolute highest yield possible. In order to attain this, we started the season off with a soil test from samples taken on 0.10 acre grids. From these samples we found that the plot area was low in sulfur, zinc and boron. We based our product applications off of this information to ensure a nutrient-deficiency free growing season. This year BECK 6076V2Pbrand was our top performer with a yield of 272.7 Bu./A. In 2016, we had higher than average precipitation mixed in with some very high temperatures and high humidity.

Along with excessive amounts of water, this plot suffered from high-wind events that occurred in early July. This caused all of the hybrids to be root lodged at varying degrees of severity. Thankfully they were able to overcome this stress and achieve respectable yields.

HIGH-MANAGEMENT TREATMENTSPre-plant Incorporated: 100 lb. AMS (21-0-0-24S)

2x2: 10 gal. 30-0-0

In-Furrow: 5 gal. PureGrade® Diamond 6-24-6 + 4 oz. Headline® + 2 qt. Versa Max™ Corn

V3: 14.5 oz. Trivapro® + 24 oz. NutriMax AC™

V4 Sidedress: 52 gal. 30-0-0 + 5 gal. Thio-Sul® (12-0-0-26S)

V7: 3.25 gal. PCT Corn Foliar Xtra + 8 oz. Priaxor® + 3.2 oz. Fastac™ EC

V10: 14 gal. 30-0-0 + 5 gal. Thio-Sul (12-0-0-26S) 360 Y-DROP®

VT: 10 oz. Headline AMP® + 3.2 oz. Fastac EC

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PLANTING DATE STUDY

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% 120%

12-Year Planting Date Yield

March 15 - 31April 1 - 15April 16 - 30May 1 - 15May 16 - 31June 1 - 15

12-YEAR OPTIMUM PLANTING DATE WINDOW

March 15-31

April 1 - 15

April 16 - 30

May 1 - 15

May 16 - 31

June 1 - 15

Percent of Average Yield

2016 RESULTS

Plan

ting

Dat

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Emer

ged

Popu

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NEPS

%

Perc

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Moi

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A.

March 18 27,834 80.3 18.3 184.1

April 6 34,833 77.6 18.8 191.1

April 19 33,084 78.8 19.4 218.0

May 9 34,167 96.1 22.2 168.4

May 23 33,583 93.3 19.7 149.2

June 1 33,750 94.8 21.6 120.1

*®XL is a registered trademark of Pioneer. XL® brand seed is distributed by Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc. Individual results may vary.

PURPOSE To determine the optimum planting date window by planting on multiple dates throughout the growing season.

STUDY INFORMATIONPlanted VariousHarvested VariousPopulation 34,000 Seeds/A.Row Width 30 in.Previous Crop SoybeansTillage Fall Chisel, Spring

Vertical-Till/Field Cultivation

Herbicides Burndown: 1 qt. Roundup WeatherMAX® Pre: 1 qt. Atrazine, 3.5 oz. Corvus® Post: 1 qt. Roundup WeatherMAX, 1 qt. Atrazine

Insecticides Escalate™

Starter 9 gal. 30-0-0 2x2

Total Nitrogen

190 units as UAN

Brand 6225HR™*

Soil Type Dekoven & Wakeland (silt loams)

Soil Test Values

pH O.M. % CEC6.6 2.1 8.3

Percent Base Saturation

Ca Mg K H69.6 13.1 2.8 14.5

Parts per Million

P K S31 90 4

Zn Mn B2.6 39 0.2

• The benefits of earlier crop development and beating the summer heat during crucial reproductive stages has proven to outweigh the effect of a lesser Net Effective Plant Stand (NEPS) in the April 19 planting date.

• These results coincide with the long-term Kentucky PFR optimum planting date window of April 16 to April 30.

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-$300.00

-$200.00

-$100.00

$0.00

$100.00

$200.00

$300.00

April 1-15

April 16-30

May 1-15

May 16-31

June 1-15

June 16-30

8-Year Replant Return on Investment

8-YEAR REPLANT RETURN ON INVESTMENT

Replant Date

2016 RESULTS

Planting Date Plan

ted

Popu

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eeds

/A.)

NEPS

%

Bu./

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Bu./

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Diff

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Net R

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Retu

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men

t

March 18 20,000 62.7 139.9 -- $540.01 --April 6 (Replanted) 34,000 77.6 191.1 +51.2 $712.65 +$172.64April 6 20,000 54.2 143.3 -- $553.14 --April 19 (Replanted) 34,000 78.8 218.0 +74.7 $816.48 +$263.34April 19 20,000 43.4 158.4 -- $611.42 --May 9 (Replanted) 34,000 96.1 168.4 +10.0 $625.02 +$13.60May 9 20,000 50.0 148.1 -- $571.67 --May 23 (Replanted) 34,000 93.3 149.2 +1.1 $550.91 -$20.76May 23 20,000 58.8 133.8 -- $516.47 --June 1 (Replanted) 34,000 94.8 120.1 -13.7 $438.59 -$77.88

Corn $3.86/Bu. Replant Cost $25.00/A. *®XL is a registered trademark of Pioneer. XL® brand seed is distributed by Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc. Individual results may vary.

PURPOSE To evaluate corn stands and determine whether or not replant is a profitable decision at various planting and replanting dates. This study evaluated the yield performance of corn planted at 20,000 seeds/A. with random spacing versus a more uniform 34,000 seeds/A.

STUDY INFORMATIONPlanted VariousHarvested VariousPopulation VariousRow Width 30 in.Previous Crop SoybeansTillage Fall Chisel, Spring

Vertical-Till/Field Cultivation

Herbicides Burndown: 1 qt. Roundup WeatherMAX® Pre: 1 qt. Atrazine, 3.5 oz. Corvus® Post: 1 qt. Roundup WeatherMAX, 1 qt. Atrazine

Insecticides Escalate™

Starter 9 gal. 30-0-0 2x2

Total Nitrogen

190 units as UAN

Brand 6225HR™*

Soil Type Dekoven & Wakeland (silt loams)

Soil Test Values

pH O.M. % CEC6.6 2.1 8.3

Percent Base Saturation

Ca Mg K H69.6 13.1 2.8 14.5

Parts per Million

P K S31 90 4

Zn Mn B2.6 39 0.2

The replant study at our Kentucky PFR site continued its 8-year trend in 2016. This year’s data proved that replanting a 20,000 emerged population would provide a positive return through mid-May. The most profitable time to replant would be the last two weeks of April. This coincides with our 12-year planting date study which indicates that April 16 to April 30 is the most profitable planting window.

REPLANT STUDY

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Bran

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w

Trea

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Emer

ged

Popu

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Popu

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5828

RR™

*

Control 33,555 -- 175.7 -- --

4 oz. Capture® 3RIVE 3D™ 33,833 +278 177.8 +2.1 -$4.29

8 oz. Capture 3RIVE 3D 33,500 -55 173.8 -1.9 -$32.14

5828

AMX™

*

Control 33,278 -- 170.9 -- --

4 oz. Capture 3RIVE 3D 33,500 +222 172.6 +1.7 -$5.83

8 oz. Capture 3RIVE 3D 33,500 +222 171.8 +0.9 -$21.33

2-H

ybrid

Av

erag

e

Control 33,417 -- 173.3 -- --

4 oz. Capture 3RIVE 3D 33,667 +250 175.2 +1.9 -$5.06

8 oz. Capture 3RIVE 3D 33,500 +83 172.8 -0.5 -$26.74

Corn $3.86/Bu. Capture® 3RIVE 3D™ $396.95/gal. *®XL, Optimum, and AcreMax are registered trademarks of Pioneer. XL® brand seed is distributed by Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc. Individual results may vary.

PURPOSE To evaluate the new 3RIVE 3D in-furrow application system for its ease of use and efficiency. We also tested the in-furrow insecticide product Capture®, through the 3RIVE 3D unit, at two different rates and on two different trait platforms in an effort to determine potential yield and profitability.

STUDY INFORMATIONPlanted 5/23/2016Harvested 9/24/2016Population 34,000 Seeds/A.Row Width 30 in.Previous Crop SoybeansTillage Fall Chisel, Spring

Vertical-Till/Field Cultivation

Herbicides Pre: 1 qt. Atrazine, 3.5 oz. Corvus® Post: 1 qt. Atrazine, 3 oz. Capreno®

Insecticides Escalate™

Starter 9 gal. 30-0-0 2x2

Total Nitrogen

190 units as UAN

Soil Type Dekoven & Wakeland (silt loams)

Soil Test Values

pH O.M. % CEC6.0 3.0 12.3

Percent Base Saturation

Ca Mg K H63.1 14.9 2.4 19.5

Parts per Million

P K S29 116 5

Zn Mn B2.0 35 0.2

• Planting conditions were ideal with good soil moisture and soil temperatures in 70s.

• Corn emerged in short order because of the favorable weather following planting, and early season growth was vigorous.

• As a result of vigorous growth, the corn was able to outgrow insect pressure that we experienced this year, resulting in little-to-no positive influence from the insecticide.

3RIVE 3D™ APPLICATION SYSTEM STUDYIn-Furrow

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150 165 180 195 210 225

2-Year Yield Data

Control: 2 Solid Rubbers 2 Copperhead Ag Furrow Cruisers 1 Martin Spade & 1 Solid

2-YEAR CLOSING WHEEL YIELD ADVANTAGE

Bu./A.

+9.2 Bu./A.Martin Spade

& Solid Advantage

Over Control

2016 RESULTS

Closing Wheels Pres

sure

Se

ttin

g

Emer

ged

Popu

latio

n

Popu

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iffer

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Bu./

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Bu./

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Diff

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Control: 2 Solid Rubbers 2nd Notch 33,000 -- 172.8 --

2 SI Distributing Finger-Till Wheels

1st Notch 32,889 -111 178.6 +5.8

1 Martin Spade & 1 Solid 2nd Notch 32,500 -500 178.6 +5.8

2 Copperhead Ag Furrow Cruisers® 1st Notch 32,889 -111 175.9 +3.1

*®XL, Optimum, and AcreMax are registered trademarks of Pioneer. XL® brand seed is distributed by Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc. Individual results may vary.

PURPOSE To determine what effect different closing wheel types have on plant emergence and yield. Unfavorable planting conditions were targeted for this study.

STUDY INFORMATIONPlanted 5/23/2016Harvested 9/27/2016Population 34,500 Seeds/A.Row Width 30 in.Previous Crop DC SoybeansTillage No-TillHerbicides Burndown:

1 qt. Roundup WeatherMAX® Pre: 1 qt. Atrazine, 3.5 oz. Corvus® Post: 1 qt. Roundup WeatherMAX, 1 qt. Atrazine

Insecticides Escalate™

Starter 9 gal. 30-0-0 2x2

Total Nitrogen

190 units as UAN

Brand 5828AMX™*

Soil Type Henshaw (silt loam)Soil Test Values

pH O.M. % CEC6.5 2.5 8.0

Percent Base Saturation

Ca Mg K H65.4 17.1 2.6 14.9

Parts per Million

P K S35 81 5

Zn Mn B3.6 44 0.2

• Multi-year data at Beck's Kentucky PFR site has demonstrated one significant take home message: these soil types benefit from a crumbling, closing action, not a pressing action.

• Alternative closing wheel setups consistently outperform two solid rubber closing wheels in our research.

CLOSING WHEEL STUDY

Control: 2 Solid Rubbers

2 Copperhead Ag Furrow Cruisers®

1 Martin Spade & 1 Solid

Martin Spading-Closing Wheels

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CLOSING WHEEL STUDYPlacement

2016 RESULTS

Treatments Perc

ent

Moi

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Bu./

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Bu./

A.

Diff

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ce

Control: JD Closing Wheel Tail 19.0 205.2 --

Schaffert G2 Linkage 19.3 208.5 +3.3

Individual results may vary.

PURPOSE To determine if the Schaffert G2 Linkage system, an independent closing wheel linkage setup, which offsets the closing wheels, provides better seed slot closure, seed-to-soil contact, and ultimately yield, when compared to a traditional closing wheel tail.

STUDY INFORMATIONPlanted 4/18/2016Harvested 9/8/2016Population 34,000 Seeds/A.Row Width 30 in.Previous Crop SoybeansTillage Fall Chisel, Spring

Vertical-Till/Field Cultivation

Herbicides Burndown: 1 qt. Roundup WeatherMAX® Pre: 1 qt. Atrazine, 3.5 oz. Corvus® Post: 1 qt. Roundup WeatherMAX, 1 qt. Atrazine

Insecticides Escalate™

Starter 9 gal. 30-0-0 2x2

Total Nitrogen

190 units as UAN

Brand 6589V2PSoil Type Dekoven & Wakeland

(silt loams)Soil Test Values

pH O.M. % CEC6.0 2.0 7.3

Percent Base Saturation

Ca Mg K H65.3 15.5 2.7 16.5

Parts per Million

P K S25 77 5

Zn Mn B2.3 41 0.2

• This study was purposefully planted into less than ideal conditions on a part of the farm that traditionally holds soil moisture.

• Not only was there a high amount of soil moisture at the time of planting, we received 6 in. of rainfall within the first few weeks after planting.

• Although emergence was uniform throughout this study, the Schaffert G2 Linkage provided a 3.3 Bu./A. advantage which we believe was a result of the better seed-to-soil contact provided by this setup. This allowed the corn to develop a more efficient root system early on and continue throughout the growing season.

Schaffert G2 Linkage. Photo c/o Schaffert Mfg. Co., Inc.

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Treatments Emer

ged

Popu

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Popu

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NEPS

%

Bu./

A.

Bu./

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Diff

eren

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Control: Untreated 33,750 -- 89.2 186.8 --

Industry Standard 33,750 +0 85.6 192.8 +6.0

Escalate™ 33,667 -83 87.9 192.0 +5.2

Individual results may vary.

PURPOSE To evaluate the yield differences of Beck’s Escalate yield enhancement system on corn compared to both the industry standard treatment system and an untreated control.

STUDY INFORMATIONPlanted 4/15/2016Harvested 9/13/2016Population 34,000 Seeds/A.Row Width 30 in.Previous Crop SoybeansTillage Fall Chisel, Spring

Vertical-Till/Field Cultivation

Herbicides Burndown: 1 qt. Roundup WeatherMAX® Pre: 1 qt. Atrazine, 3.5 oz. Corvus® Post: 1 qt. Atrazine, 3 oz. Capreno®

Starter 9 gal. 30-0-0 2x2Total Nitrogen

190 units as UAN

Brand 5829A4

Soil Type Patton (silty clay loam)

Soil Test Values

pH O.M. % CEC5.3 2.2 12.1

Percent Base Saturation

Ca Mg K H47.5 11.4 1.5 39.7

Parts per Million

P K S13 70 3

Zn Mn B1.7 38 0.3

SEED TREATMENT STUDYEscalate™ vs. Industry Standard vs. Untreated

170 175 180 185 190 195 200 205

2-Year Yield Data

Control: Untreated Industry Standard Escalate

2-YEAR SEED TREATMENT YIELD ADVANTAGE

Industry Standard

Control: Untreated

Bu./A.

Escalate™

+10.8 Bu./A. Escalate™ Advantage

Over Untreated

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SEED TREATMENT STUDYSeed Box Additive

2016 RESULTS

Treatments Emer

ged

Popu

latio

n

Popu

latio

n D

iffer

ence

NEPS

%

Bu./

A.

Bu./

A.

Diff

eren

ce

Retu

rn o

n In

vest

men

t

Control 34,000 -- 87.6 204.2 -- --

2 oz./50 lb. of seed Amplify-D® 33,722 -278 84.9 203.7 -0.5 -$4.30

4 oz./50 lb. of seed MycoGold™ Corn Blend

33,778 -222 88.1 204.5 +0.3 -$4.84

Corn $3.86/Bu. Amplify-D® $2.37/A. MycoGold™ Corn Blend $6.00/A. Individual results may vary.

PURPOSE To evaluate two different seed box additive treatments, one a seed germination aid and the other a biological inoculant, and their ability to affect yield and profitability.

STUDY INFORMATIONPlanted 4/16/2016Harvested 9/12/2016Population 34,000 Seeds/A.Row Width 30 in.Previous Crop CornTillage Fall Chisel, Spring

Vertical-Till/Field Cultivation

Herbicides Pre: 1 qt. Atrazine, 3.5 oz. Corvus® Post: 1 qt. Roundup WeatherMAX®, 1 qt. Atrazine

Insecticides Escalate™

Starter 9 gal. 30-0-0 2x2

Total Nitrogen

215 units as UAN

Brand 6076SXSoil Type Henshaw (silt loam)Soil Test Values

pH O.M. % CEC6.6 2.3 8.8

Percent Base Saturation

Ca Mg K H68.0 16.5 1.9 13.6

Parts per Million

P K S18 64 5

Zn Mn B2.1 48 0.2

• This plot was planted perfectly into a beautiful seedbed and, as a result, negligible differences in emerged population and Net Effective Plants Stands (NEPS) were observed.

• In this circumstance, the use of a biological emergence aid provided no additional value.

"We used Beck's PFR data to optimize our seed population, nitrogen (N) application, and N rates. We've seen increased yields three years in a row since using PFR as a resource. We are also starting to use cover crops to increase our farm's production thanks to PFR study results."

John & David Boggess | Greenville, KY

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PURPOSE To evaluate various starter fertilizers applied in-furrow and their effects on yield and profitability.

STUDY INFORMATIONPlanted 4/20/2016Harvested 9/20/2016Population 34,000 Seeds/A.Row Width 30 in.Previous Crop SoybeansTillage No-TillHerbicides Burndown:

1 qt. Roundup WeatherMAX® Pre: 1 qt. Atrazine, 3.5 oz. Corvus® Post: 1 qt. Atrazine, 3 oz. Capreno®

Insecticides Escalate™

Total Nitrogen

190 units as UAN

Soil Type Henshaw (silt loam)Soil Test Values

pH O.M. % CEC5.9 2.2 9.5

Percent Base Saturation

Ca Mg K H60.8 11.0 2.7 25.4

Parts per Million

P K S25 101 5

Zn Mn B2.3 38 0.2

• In the 10 days following planting of this plot, we received nearly 6 in. of rain. The anaerobic conditions caused by soil saturation is likely what caused these yield results.

• It is extremely important to keep your focus on return on investment (ROI) and not simply yield as the highest yielding treatment in this study only provided the third highest ROI. The less expensive PureGrade® Diamond 6-24-6 provided the greatest return for the dollar spent.

STARTER FERTILIZER STUDY

2016 RESULTS

Bran

d

Emer

genc

e

In-Furrow Treatments Emer

ged

Popu

latio

n

Popu

latio

n D

iffer

ence

Bu./

A.

Bu./

A.

Diff

eren

ce

Retu

rn o

n In

vest

men

t

5828

AMX™

*

Slow

er

Control: No Starter Fertilizer 33,167 -- 183.9 -- --

5 gal. PureGrade® Diamond 6-24-6 33,333 +166 192.0 +8.1 +$10.02

5 gal. NACHURS® imPulse® (10-18-4) 32,944 -223 191.3 +7.4 +$3.57

5 gal. NACHURS Rhyzo-Link® 9-15-3 32,611 -556 194.8 +10.9 +$1.08

3 gal. Season Pass® Plus with MicroCarb ZMB™ (6-18-6) 32,417 -750 191.1 +7.2 +$7.10

6365

AMX™

*

Fast

Control: No Starter Fertilizer 33,278 -- 212.6 -- --

5 gal. PureGrade Diamond 6-24-6 33,611 +333 219.9 +7.3 +$6.92

5 gal. NACHURS imPulse (10-18-4) 33,167 -111 221.2 +8.6 +$8.19

5 gal. NACHURS Rhyzo-Link 9-15-3 33,056 -222 225.3 +12.7 +$8.02

3 gal. Season Pass Plus with MicroCarb ZMB (6-18-6) 33,222 -56 213.0 +0.4 -$19.16

2-H

ybrid

Ave

rage

Control: No Starter Fertilizer 33,222 -- 198.3 -- --

5 gal. PureGrade Diamond 6-24-6 33,472 +250 206.0 +7.7 +$8.47

5 gal. NACHURS imPulse (10-18-4) 33,056 -166 206.3 +8.0 +$5.88

5 gal. NACHURS Rhyzo-Link 9-15-3 32,834 -388 210.1 +11.8 +$4.55

3 gal. Season Pass Plus with MicroCarb ZMB (6-18-6) 32,819 -403 202.1 +3.8 -$6.03

Corn $3.86/Bu. PureGrade® Diamond 6-24-6 $4.25/gal. NACHURS® Rhyzo-Link® 9-15-3 $8.20/gal. NACHURS® imPulse® (10-18-4) $5.00/gal. Season Pass® Plus with MicroCarb ZMB™ (6-18-6) $6.90/gal. *®XL, Optimum, and AcreMax are registered trademarks of Pioneer. XL® brand seed is distributed by Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc. Individual results may vary.

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STARTER ADDITIVE STUDYIn-Furrow

PURPOSE To evaluate various starter additive products, applied in-furrow at planting, in an attempt to increase plant health, yield and profitability.

STUDY INFORMATIONPlanted 4/19/2016Harvested 9/13/2016Population 34,000 Seeds/A.Row Width 30 in.Previous Crop CornTillage Fall Chisel, Spring

Vertical-Till/Field Cultivation

Herbicides Burndown: 1 qt. Roundup WeatherMAX® Pre: 1 qt. Atrazine, 3.5 oz. Corvus® Post: 1 qt. Atrazine, 3 oz. Capreno®

Insecticides Escalate™

Starter 5 gal. PureGrade® 6-24-6 In-Furrow

Total Nitrogen

215 units as UAN

Soil Type Dekoven & Wakeland (silt loams)

Soil Test Values

pH O.M. % CEC7.1 2.3 7.8

Percent Base Saturation

Ca Mg K H80.2 17.6 2.2 0.0

Parts per Million

P K S19 67 4

Zn Mn B2.8 41 0.2

• The additional nitrogen fixation from Azospirilla provided a generous increase in return on investment despite the wet, saturated conditions we experienced this year.

• Azospirilla are surface-colonizing bacteria that are widely known for their positive plant root interaction and nitrogen fixing capabilities.

• MicroAZ-IF Liquid™ contains a plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria called Azospirillum.

2016 RESULTS

Bran

d

In-Furrow Treatments Emer

ged

Popu

latio

n

Popu

latio

n D

iffer

ence

Bu./

A.

Bu./

A.

Diff

eren

ce

Retu

rn o

n In

vest

men

t

6589

V2P

Control: Starter 31,389 -- 208.6 -- --

Starter + 12.8 oz. MicroAZ-IF Liquid™ 31,667 +278 219.5 +10.9 +$36.07

Starter + 1 pt. Puma 30,055 -1,334 206.0 -2.6 -$17.04

6948

A3

Control: Starter 31,055 -- 194.2 -- --

Starter + 12.8 oz. MicroAZ-IF Liquid 31,833 +778 200.0 +5.8 +$16.39

Starter + 1 pt. Puma 32,222 +1,167 199.4 +5.2 +$13.07

2-H

ybrid

Av

erag

e

Control: Starter 31,222 -- 201.4 -- --

Starter + 12.8 oz. MicroAZ-IF Liquid 31,750 +528 209.8 +8.4 +$26.23

Starter + 1 pt. Puma 31,139 -83 202.7 +1.3 -$1.99

Corn $3.86/Bu. MicroAZ-IF Liquid™ $60.00/gal. Puma $56.00/gal. Individual results may vary.

Root Nodule Medicago italica root nodules photo

c/o wikimedia.org. 20 July 2009. Wikimedia Commons.

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YETTER 2968 SERIESThe Yetter 2968 Series achieves consistent off-the-row starter or nitrogen (N) fertilizer placement. It can be set to apply fertilizer from 1.5 to 2 in. off the row. It utilizes a 10 in. disk for easier penetration that is located behind the gauge wheel, eliminating fertilizer buildup on the gauge wheel. The depth can be adjusted in 0.25 in. increments up to 0.5 in. below the seed.

TOTALLY TUBULAR TT300This tube applies a liquid fertilizer solution beside the seed trench, behind the closing wheels. It is fully adjustable by the user as far as the distance of placement from the seed trench. A fertilizer hose may be added to end of the tube to achieve placement even closer to the soil.

SCHAFFERT G2 2X2The G2 liquid disc is designed on a walking beam axle with three points of contact with the soil at all times. This patented walking beam design provides stability and balanced pressure to both press wheels to close the seed trench. It also provides even fertilizer depth in uneven terrains. Fertilizers can be placed 2 to 3 in. to the side of the row and up to 2 in. deep.

STARTER FERTILIZER STUDYPlacement

2016 RESULTS

Treatments Perc

ent

Moi

stur

e

Bu./

A.

Bu./

A.

Diff

eren

ce

Control: 2x2 Coulter 20.1 210.0 --Schaffert G2 2x2 19.9 219.2 +9.2Totally Tubular TT300 19.9 216.9 +6.9Yetter 2968 Series 19.8 215.7 +5.7

Individual results may vary.

PURPOSE To evaluate starter fertilizer placement technologies and their impact on yield.

STUDY INFORMATIONPlanted 4/15/2016Harvested 9/7/2016Population 34,000 Seeds/A.Row Width 30 in.Previous Crop SoybeansTillage Fall Chisel, Spring

Vertical-Till/Field Cultivation

Herbicides Burndown: 1 qt. Roundup WeatherMAX® Pre: 1 qt. Atrazine, 3.5 oz. Corvus® Post: 1 qt. Roundup WeatherMAX, 1 qt. Atrazine

Insecticides Escalate™

Starter 9 gal. 30-0-0 2x2

Total Nitrogen

190 units as UAN

Brand 6589V2PSoil Type Dekoven & Wakeland

(silt loams)Soil Test Values

pH O.M. % CEC6.1 2.1 7.7

Percent Base Saturation

Ca Mg K H68.2 13.5 2.6 15.6

Parts per Million

P K S22 79 6

Zn Mn B2.1 42 0.2

Photo c/o Schaffert Mfg. Co., Inc.

Photo c/o Yetter Manufacturing Company, Inc.

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2016 RESULTS

Treatments Perc

ent

Moi

stur

e

Bu./

A.

Bu./

A.

Diff

eren

ce

Retu

rn o

n In

vest

men

t

Control: Starter 15.0 146.3 -- --

Starter + 10 oz. Optify®/Stretch In-Furrow

15.0 149.8 +3.5 +$5.01

Starter + 40 oz. Toggle™ @ V5 14.9 143.7 -2.6 -$22.54

Starter + 10 oz. Optify/Stretch In-Furrow + 40 oz. Toggle @ V5

14.8 147.6 +1.3 -$15.98

Corn $3.86/Bu. Toggle™ $40.00/gal. Optify®/Stretch $108.80/gal. *®XL, Optimum, and AcreMax are registered trademarks of Pioneer. XL® brand seed is distributed by Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc. Individual results may vary.

PURPOSE To evaluate two different biologicals, one as a row starter additive and one as a foliar product. These two products were evaluated for their effects on plant health, yield and profitability.

STUDY INFORMATIONPlanted 5/23/2016Harvested 9/23/2016Population 34,000 Seeds/A.Row Width 30 in.Previous Crop CornTillage Fall Disk-Rip, Spring

Vertical-Till/Field Cultivation

Herbicides Burndown: 1 qt. Roundup WeatherMAX® Pre: 1 qt. Atrazine, 3.5 oz. Corvus® Post: 1 qt. Atrazine, 3 oz. Capreno®

Insecticides Escalate™

Starter 5 gal. PureGrade® 6-24-6 In-Furrow

Total Nitrogen

215 units as UAN

Brand 6158AM™*

Soil Type Dekoven & Wakeland (silt loams)

Soil Test Values

pH O.M. % CEC5.8 3.3 13.5

Percent Base Saturation

Ca Mg K H57.4 13.6 2.4 26.7

Parts per Million

P K S28 124 6

Zn Mn B2.0 35 0.2

• We did not observe any differences in root growth or plant biomass between the biostimulant treatments.

• In this first-year study, we saw a yield advantage and positive return on investment with in-furrow treatments.

BIOLOGICAL STUDY

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PURPOSE To evaluate different nitrogen (N) rates in 30 in. rows, applied to multiple populations, to determine the Economic Optimum Nitrogen Rate (EONR) and Economic Optimum Seeding Rate (EOSR) combination.

STUDY INFORMATIONPlanted 4/15/2016Harvested 9/13/2016Population VariousRow Width 30 in.Previous Crop SoybeansTillage Fall Chisel, Spring

Vertical-Till/Field Cultivation

Herbicides Burndown: 1 qt. Roundup WeatherMAX® Pre: 1 qt. Atrazine, 3.5 oz. Corvus® Post: 1 qt. Roundup WeatherMAX, 1 qt. Atrazine

Insecticides Escalate™

Starter 9 gal. 30-0-0 2x2

Total Nitrogen

Various

Soil Type Dekoven (silt loam)Soil Test Values

pH O.M. % CEC5.6 2.1 12.1

Percent Base Saturation

Ca Mg K H53.9 14.2 2.1 29.9

Parts per Million

P K S19 98 4

Zn Mn B2.0 38 0.2

POPULATION VS. NITROGEN RATE STUDY30 in. Rows

2016 RESULTS

Bran

d

Resp

onse

to

Hig

her P

opul

atio

n

Nitr

ogen

Res

pons

e

Plan

ted

Popu

latio

n (S

eeds

/A.)

Nitr

ogen

(U

nits

/A.)

Bu./

A.

Bu./

A. D

iffer

ence

Net R

etur

n

5832

A3**

Med

ium

N E

ffici

ent

30,000

190 193.3 -- $562.20

230 187.6 -5.7 $519.80

270 195.7 +2.4 $530.66

34,000

190 194.5 -- $555.22

230 197.4 +2.9 $546.01

270 188.0 -6.5 $489.33

38,000

190 192.3 -- $535.13

230 195.7 +3.4 $527.85

270 189.3 -3.0 $482.75

6158

AM™

*

Med

ium

Hig

her N

Res

pons

e

30,000

190 204.8 -- $599.84

230 208.6 +3.8 $594.11

270 203.5 -1.3 $554.02

34,000

190 203.7 -- $583.08

230 206.6 +2.9 $573.88

270 208.3 +4.6 $560.04

38,000

190 201.9 -- $563.63

230 207.7 +5.8 $565.62

270 207.2 +5.3 $543.29

Corn $3.86/Bu. UAN $0.51/unit of nitrogen. Phoenix® 5832A3**brand $232.11/unit. XL® 6158AM™*brand $250.11/unit. *®XL, Optimum, and AcreMax are registered trademarks 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. Individual results may vary.

• With today’s grain prices, the combination of 190 units of N and 30,000 planted population did not provide the highest yields, but it did provide the highest net returns.

• Because of the weather conditions this year, the lower populations showed greater kernel depth and filled more to the tip.

Population Study

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2016 NET RETURN

Phoenix® 5832A3**brand

Seed

s/A.

Dollars/A.

XL® 6158AM™*brand

Seed

s/A.

Dollars/A.

$450 $500 $550 $600 $650

2016 6158AM™* Net Return

270 230 190 270 230 190 270 230

$450 $500 $550 $600 $650

2016 5832A3** Net Return

270 230 190 270 230 190 270 230 190

230270 190

38,0

0034

,000

30,0

00

38,0

0034

,000

30,0

00

$450 $500 $550 $600 $650

2016 6158AM™* Net Return

270 230 190 270 230 190 270 230

$450 $500 $550 $600 $650

2016 5832A3** Net Return

270 230 190 270 230 190 270 230 190

230270 190

38,0

0034

,000

30,0

00

38,0

0034

,000

30,0

00

$450 $500 $550 $600 $650

2016 6158AM™* Net Return

270 230 190 270 230 190 270 230

$450 $500 $550 $600 $650

2016 5832A3** Net Return

270 230 190 270 230 190 270 230 190

230270 190

38,0

0034

,000

30,0

00

38,0

0034

,000

30,0

00

Nitrogen (Units/A.)

EONR & EOSR Phoenix® 5832A3**brand

190 units N 30,000 Seeds/A.

EONR & EOSR XL® 6158AM™*brand

190 units N 30,000 Seeds/A.

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PURPOSE To evaluate different nitrogen (N) rates in 20 in. rows, applied to multiple populations, to determine the Economic Optimum Nitrogen Rate (EONR) and Economic Optimum Seeding Rate (EOSR) combination.

STUDY INFORMATIONPlanted 5/23/2016Harvested 9/21/2016Population VariousRow Width 20 in.Previous Crop SoybeansTillage Fall Chisel, Spring

Vertical-Till/Field Cultivation

Herbicides Pre: 1 qt. Atrazine, 3.5 oz. Corvus® Post: 1 qt. Atrazine, 1 qt. Roundup WeatherMAX®, 3 oz. Capreno®

Insecticides Escalate™

Total Nitrogen

Various

Soil Type Dekoven & Wakeland (silt loams)

Soil Test Values

pH O.M. % CEC6.4 2.1 9.0

Percent Base Saturation

Ca Mg K H69.8 14.0 2.9 13.4

Parts per Million

P K S20 100 4

Zn Mn B2.4 39 0.5

POPULATION VS. NITROGEN RATE STUDY 20 in. Rows

2016 RESULTS

Bran

d

Resp

onse

to

Hig

her P

opul

atio

n

Nitr

ogen

Res

pons

e

Plan

ted

Popu

latio

n (S

eeds

/A.)

Nitr

ogen

(U

nits

/A.)

Bu./

A.

Bu./

A. D

iffer

ence

Net R

etur

n

5832

A3**

Med

ium

N E

ffici

ent

36,000

190 160.4 -- $417.79

240 164.1 +3.7 $406.58

290 166.6 +6.2 $390.73

40,000

190 164.9 +4.5 $423.55

240 162.5 +2.1 $388.79

290 164.9 +4.5 $372.55

44,000

190 163.9 +3.5 $408.09

240 164.1 +3.7 $383.37

290 168.3 +7.9 $374.08

6158

AM™

*

Med

ium

Hig

her N

Res

pons

e

36,000

190 135.6 -- $313.97

240 143.9 +8.3 $320.50

290 138.9 +3.3 $275.70

40,000

190 133.6 -2.0 $293.74

240 134.0 -1.6 $269.78

290 128.2 -7.4 $221.89

44,000

190 118.0 -17.6 $221.02

240 120.9 -14.7 $206.71

290 130.4 -5.2 $217.88

Corn $3.86/Bu. UAN $0.51/unit of nitrogen. Phoenix® 5832A3**brand $232.11/unit. XL® 6158AM™*brand $250.11/unit. *®XL, Optimum, and AcreMax are registered trademarks 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. Individual results may vary.

Population Study

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Seed

s/A.

2016 NET RETURN

Phoenix® 5832A3**brand

$100 $150 $200 $250 $300 $350 $400 $450

2016 6158AM™* Net Return

290 240 190 290 240 190 290 240 190

$100 $150 $200 $250 $300 $350 $400 $450

2016 5832A3** Net Return

290 240 190 290 240 190 290 240 190

240290 190

44,0

0040

,000

36,0

00

44,0

0040

,000

36,0

00

$100 $150 $200 $250 $300 $350 $400 $450

2016 6158AM™* Net Return

290 240 190 290 240 190 290 240 190

$100 $150 $200 $250 $300 $350 $400 $450

2016 5832A3** Net Return

290 240 190 290 240 190 290 240 190

240290 190

44,0

0040

,000

36,0

00

44,0

0040

,000

36,0

00

Dollars/A.

• A wind storm came through the Kentucky PFR site at the V8 growth stage, which led to green snap and goosenecking of the plants.

• The 20 in. corn in this field experienced greater wind damage than the 30 in. corn, which was evident by the final yields.

• As illustrated in the graph above for Phoenix® 5832A3**brand, 190 units of N provided the highest net return, regardless of population planted.

• XL® 6158AM™*brand often responds to higher N rates. In this study, it showed an advantage with 240 unites of N at a 36,000 population.

XL® 6158AM™*brand

Seed

s/A.

Dollars/A.

$100 $150 $200 $250 $300 $350 $400 $450

2016 6158AM™* Net Return

290 240 190 290 240 190 290 240 190

$100 $150 $200 $250 $300 $350 $400 $450

2016 5832A3** Net Return

290 240 190 290 240 190 290 240 190

240290 190

44,0

0040

,000

36,0

00

44,0

0040

,000

36,0

00Nitrogen (Units/A.)

EONR & EOSR Phoenix® 5832A3**brand

190 units N 40,000 Seeds/A.

EONR & EOSR XL® 6158AM™*brand

190 units N 40,000 Seeds/A.

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Population Study

PURPOSE To determine if yield and profitability can be increased by applying various high-management practices in a high-population environment.

STUDY INFORMATIONPlanted 5/24/2016Harvested 9/27/2016Population VariousRow Width 30 in.Previous Crop CornTillage Fall Chisel, Spring

Vertical-Till/Field Cultivation

Herbicides Burndown: 1 qt. Roundup WeatherMAX® Pre: 1 qt. Atrazine, 3.5 oz. Corvus® Post: 1 qt. Atrazine, 3 oz. Capreno®

Insecticides Escalate™

Starter 9 gal. 30-0-0 2x2

Total Nitrogen

250 units as UAN

Soil Type Henshaw (silt loam)Soil Test Values

pH O.M. % CEC6.6 1.9 8.2

Percent Base Saturation

Ca Mg K H63.7 18.7 3.0 14.6

Parts per Million

P K S21 96 3

Zn Mn B2.1 44 0.2 CAN WE MANAGE HIGH POPULATION PROFITABLY?

In this study, the answer is yes. As we increased the population to 38,000 seeds/A., our high management plan provided the plants what they needed to achieve higher yields.

POPULATION & HIGH MANAGEMENT STUDY

2016 RESULTS

Bran

d

Resp

onse

to

Hig

her

Popu

latio

n

Plan

ted

Popu

latio

n

Treatments Bu./

A.

Bu./

A.

Diff

eren

ce

Retu

rn o

n In

vest

men

t

5832

A3**

Med

ium

34,0

00

Control: No Micronutrients or Fungicide 176.0 -- --

2 qt. Versa Max™ AC @ V4 172.8 -3.2 -$22.10

10 oz. Headline AMP® @ VT + 2 qt. Versa Max AC @ V4 191.9 +15.9 +$38.58

38,0

00

No Micronutrients or Fungicide 179.2 +3.2 +$0.75

2 qt. Versa Max AC @ V4 174.7 -1.3 -$26.37

10 oz. Headline AMP @ VT + 2 qt. Versa Max AC @ V4 202.1 +26.1 +$66.36

6158

AM™

*

Med

ium

34,0

00

Control: No Micronutrients or Fungicide 128.6 -- --

2 qt. Versa Max AC @ V4 131.4 +2.8 +$1.05

10 oz. Headline AMP @ VT + 2 qt. Versa Max AC @ V4 147.9 +19.3 +$51.70

38,0

00

No Micronutrients or Fungicide 122.0 -6.6 -$37.98

2 qt. Versa Max AC @ V4 128.2 -0.4 -$23.80

10 oz. Headline AMP @ VT + 2 qt. Versa Max AC @ V4 158.3 +29.7 +$79.35

Corn $3.86/Bu. Headline AMP® $166.92/gal. Versa Max™ AC $19.50/gal. Phoenix® 5832A3** $232.11/unit. XL® 6158AM™* $250.11/unit. *®XL, Optimum, and AcreMax are registered trademarks 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. Individual results may vary.

High Management Advantages of 38,000 seeds/A. over 34,000 seeds/A.

Phoenix® 5832A3**brand $27.78/A. ROIXL® 6158AMX™*brand $27.65/A. ROI

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NITROGEN RATE STUDYAnhydrous Ammonia | Corn after Soybeans

2016 RESULTS

Bran

d

Nitr

ogen

Re

spon

se

Nitr

ogen

(U

nits

/A.)

Perc

ent

Moi

stur

e

Bu./

A.

Nitr

ogen

C

ost/

A.

Net R

etur

n

5828

AMX™

*

N E

ffici

ent

100 19.3 149.5 $36.00 $541.07125 19.8 152.1 $45.00 $542.11150 19.7 157.8 $54.00 $555.11175 19.4 155.2 $63.00 $536.07200 19.3 154.4 $72.00 $523.98225 19.3 158.1 $81.00 $529.27250 19.4 165.2 $90.00 $547.67

6158

AM™

*

Hig

her N

Res

pons

e 100 18.8 154.4 $36.00 $559.98125 18.3 162.5 $45.00 $582.25150 18.2 167.5 $54.00 $592.55175 18.2 170.1 $63.00 $593.59200 17.9 168.4 $72.00 $578.02225 17.7 175.4 $81.00 $596.04250 17.9 175.4 $90.00 $587.04

2-H

ybrid

Av

erag

e

100 19.1 152.0 $36.00 $550.53125 19.1 157.3 $45.00 $562.18150 19.0 162.7 $54.00 $573.83175 18.8 162.7 $63.00 $564.83200 18.6 161.4 $72.00 $551.00225 18.5 166.8 $81.00 $562.66250 18.7 170.3 $90.00 $567.36

Corn $3.86/Bu. Anhydrous Ammonia $0.36/unit of nitrogen. *®XL, Optimum, and AcreMax are registered trademarks of Pioneer. XL® brand seed is distributed by Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc. Individual results may vary.

PURPOSE To determine the Economic Optimum Nitrogen Rate (EONR), which is the rate of nitrogen (N) that maximizes profitability. Prior to planting, anhydrous ammonia was applied to meet the total amount of N for each treatment.

STUDY INFORMATIONPlanted 4/16/2016Harvested 9/8/2016Population 34,000 Seeds/A.Row Width 30 in.Previous Crop SoybeansTillage Fall Chisel, Spring

Vertical-Till/Field Cultivation

Herbicides Burndown: 1 qt. Roundup WeatherMAX® Pre: 1 qt. Atrazine, 3.5 oz. Corvus® Post: 1 qt. Roundup WeatherMAX, 1 qt. Atrazine

Insecticides Escalate™

Starter 9 gal. 30-0-0 2x2

Total Nitrogen

Various

Soil Type Alford (silt loam)Soil Test Values

pH O.M. % CEC5.9 1.9 10.1

Percent Base Saturation

Ca Mg K H54.2 20.5 1.6 23.7

Parts per Million

P K S6 62 3

Zn Mn B1.3 61 0.2

• The EONR can vary based on genetic families. The 4-year data shows our EONR over an average of different hybrids.

• The EONR for XL® 6158AM™*brand, which shows a higher response to N, is significantly higher at 225 units.

• XL® 5828AMX™*brand, which is a more efficient user of N, has an EONR of 150 units.

$720

$730

$740

$750

$760

$770

$780

130 140 150 160 170 180 190 200Dol

lars

/A.

Units of Anhydrous Ammonia

4-Year Economic Optimum Nitrogen Rate

$0.30/unit $0.40/unit $0.50/unit

4-YEAR ECONOMIC OPTIMUM NITROGEN RATE

Nitrogen (Units/A.)

160 at $0.50/unit

163 at $0.40/unit

167 at $0.30/unit

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PURPOSE To determine the Economic Optimum Nitrogen Rate (EONR), which is the rate of nitrogen (N) that maximizes profitability. All entries received 30 units of N as UAN in a 2x2 application at planting. This was followed by a sidedress application of UAN at the V3 growth stage, meeting the total amount of N for each treatment.

STUDY INFORMATIONPlanted 4/19/2016Harvested 9/19/2016Population 34,000 Seeds/A.Row Width 30 in.Previous Crop SoybeansTillage Fall Chisel, Spring

Vertical-Till/Field Cultivation

Herbicides Burndown: 1 qt. Atrazine, 1 qt. Roundup WeatherMAX® Post: 1 qt. Atrazine, 3 oz. Capreno®

Insecticides Escalate™

Starter 9 gal. 30-0-0 2x2

Total Nitrogen

Various

Soil Type Patton (silty clay loam)

Soil Test Values

pH O.M. % CEC6.4 3.2 11.6

Percent Base Saturation

Ca Mg K H69.1 19.1 1.4 10.4

Parts per Million

P K S16 65 5

Zn Mn B2.1 38 0.4 • Lower corn prices typically decrease the EONR, as demonstrated

by the results of this study. Interestingly, genetics also play a key role in EONR.

• XL® 6158AM™*brand showed a higher response to N with an EONR of 150 units of N/A. XL® 5828AMX™*brand, an efficient user of N, showed a lower EONR of 100 units of N/A.

NITROGEN RATE STUDYCorn After Soybeans

2016 RESULTS

Bran

d

Nitr

ogen

Re

spon

se

Nitr

ogen

(U

nits

/A.)

Perc

ent

Moi

stur

e

Bu./

A.

Nitr

ogen

C

ost/

A.

Net

Retu

rn

5828

AMX™

*

N E

ffici

ent

100 17.6 191.6 $51.00 $688.58125 17.6 190.3 $63.75 $670.81150 17.6 195.5 $76.50 $678.13175 17.2 198.1 $89.25 $675.42200 16.9 194.0 $102.00 $646.84225 17.2 203.1 $114.75 $669.22250 17.0 206.7 $127.50 $670.36

6158

AM™

*

Hig

her N

Res

pons

e 100 16.7 220.5 $51.00 $800.13125 17.1 226.4 $63.75 $810.15150 17.1 230.6 $76.50 $813.62175 16.6 227.4 $89.25 $788.51200 16.6 234.8 $102.00 $804.33225 16.1 238.4 $114.75 $805.47250 17.7 230.5 $127.50 $762.23

2-H

ybrid

Av

erag

e

100 17.2 206.1 $51.00 $744.36125 17.4 208.4 $63.75 $740.48150 17.4 213.1 $76.50 $745.88175 16.9 212.8 $89.25 $731.97200 16.8 214.4 $102.00 $725.59225 16.7 220.8 $114.75 $737.35250 17.4 218.6 $127.50 $716.30

Corn $3.86/Bu. UAN $0.51/unit of nitrogen. *®XL, Optimum, and AcreMax are registered trademarks of Pioneer. XL® brand seed is distributed by Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc. Individual results may vary.

$780

$800

$820

$840

150 155 160 165 170 175 180 185 190 195 200

Dol

lars

/A.

Units of UAN

8-Year Economic Optimum Nitrogen Rate

$0.40/unit $0.50/unit $0.60/unit

8-YEAR ECONOMIC OPTIMUM NITROGEN RATE

Nitrogen (Units/A.)

Dol

lars

/A.

179 at $0.40/unit

174 at $0.50/unit

169 at $0.60/unit

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PURPOSE To determine the Economic Optimum Nitrogen Rate (EONR), which is the rate of nitrogen (N) that maximizes profitability. All entries received 30 units of N as UAN in a 2x2 application at planting. This was followed by a sidedress application of UAN at the V3 growth stage, meeting the total amount of N for each treatment.

STUDY INFORMATIONPlanted 4/18/2016Harvested 9/19/2016Population 34,000 Seeds/A.Row Width 30 in.Previous Crop CornTillage Fall Chisel, Spring

Vertical-Till/Field Cultivation

Herbicides Burndown: 1 qt. Roundup WeatherMAX® Pre: 1 qt. Atrazine, 3.5 oz. Corvus® Post: 1 qt. Roundup WeatherMAX, 1 qt. Atrazine

Insecticides Escalate™

Starter 9 gal. 30-0-0 2x2

Total Nitrogen

Various

Soil Type Dekoven & Wakeland (silt loams)

Soil Test Values

pH O.M. % CEC6.9 2.0 6.8

Percent Base Saturation

Ca Mg K H80.5 13.4 4.6 1.5

Parts per Million

P K S34 123 5

Zn Mn B2.4 38 0.2

NITROGEN RATE STUDYCorn After Corn

• In this nitrogen (N) rate corn after corn study, the (EONR) was 175 units of N for both hybrids tested. This rate is certainly lower than our 7-year EONR.

• Abundant rainfall throughout the growing season can cause N loss. However, adequate rainfall and good growing conditions can improve fertilizer N use efficiency.

2016 RESULTS

Bran

d

Nitr

ogen

Re

spon

se

Nitr

ogen

(U

nits

/A.)

Perc

ent

Moi

stur

e

Bu./

A.

Nitr

ogen

C

ost/

A.

Net

Retu

rn

5828

AMX™

*

N E

ffici

ent

125 16.8 181.3 $63.75 $636.07150 17.1 181.8 $76.50 $625.25175 16.4 191.0 $89.25 $648.01200 17.3 186.0 $102.00 $615.96225 17.6 187.6 $114.75 $609.39250 17.7 184.1 $127.50 $583.13275 17.4 184.5 $140.25 $571.92

6158

AM™

*

Hig

her N

Res

pons

e 125 16.2 194.6 $63.75 $687.41150 16.4 200.4 $76.50 $697.04175 16.5 205.8 $89.25 $705.14200 16.7 201.4 $102.00 $675.40225 16.5 204.6 $114.75 $675.01250 17.1 203.0 $127.50 $656.08275 17.2 204.0 $140.25 $647.19

2-H

ybrid

Av

erag

e

125 16.5 188.0 $63.75 $661.74150 16.8 191.1 $76.50 $661.15175 16.5 198.4 $89.25 $676.58200 17.0 193.7 $102.00 $645.68225 17.1 196.1 $114.75 $642.20250 17.4 193.6 $127.50 $619.61275 17.3 194.3 $140.25 $609.56

Corn $3.86/Bu. UAN $0.51/unit of nitrogen. *®XL, Optimum, and AcreMax are registered trademarks of Pioneer. XL® brand seed is distributed by Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc Individual results may vary.

$720

$740

$760

$780

$800

175 180 185 190 195 200 205 210 215 220 225

Dol

lars

/A.

Units of UAN

7-Year Economic Optimum Nitrogen Rate

$0.40/unit $0.50/unit $0.60/unit

7-YEAR ECONOMIC OPTIMUM NITROGEN RATE

Nitrogen (Units/A.)

Dol

lars

/A.

196 at $0.40/unit 192 at $0.50/unit

188 at $0.60/unit

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NITROGEN TIMING STUDYAnhydrous Ammonia

PURPOSE To evaluate the differences in yield and profitability between sidedress applications of UAN and NH3. Both systems received a total of 190 units/A of nitrogen.

STUDY INFORMATIONPlanted 4/15/2016Harvested 9/7/2016Population 34,000 Seeds/A.Row Width 30 in.Previous Crop SoybeansTillage Fall Chisel, Spring

Vertical-Till/Field Cultivation

Herbicides Burndown: 1 qt. Roundup WeatherMAX® Pre: 1 qt. Atrazine, 3.5 oz. Corvus® Post: 1 qt. Roundup WeatherMAX, 1 qt. Atrazine

Insecticides Escalate™

Starter 9 gal. 30-0-0 2x2Total Nitrogen

190 units

Brand 6589V2PSoil Type Dekoven & Wakeland

(silt loams)Soil Test Values

pH O.M. % CEC6.5 1.9 7.4

Percent Base Saturation

Ca Mg K H67.1 14.0 2.8 16.1

Parts per Million

P K S26 81 4

Zn Mn B2.5 41 0.2

• The cost of crop inputs are a very important factor to consider when making management decisions.

• If you look at the average over both hybrids, there is a $10.36/A. advantage in favor of split-applying anhydrous over pre-plant incorporated.

• We observed a $25.55/A. net revenue gain when applying NH₃ over 30% UAN.

2016 RESULTS

Bran

d

Nitr

ogen

Re

spon

se

Nitr

ogen

(U

nits

/A.)

Application Timing Perc

ent

Moi

stur

e

Bu./

A.

Bu./

A.

Diff

eren

ce

Retu

rn o

n In

vest

men

t

6365

AMX™

*

Hig

her N

Res

pons

e 190 Control: NH3 Pre-plant Incorporated 18.4 209.6 -- --

30, 160 2x2, NH3 Sidedress @ V3 17.8 211.2 +1.6 +$1.67

30, 160 2x2, UAN Sidedress @ V3 18.2 211.4 +1.8 -$21.5669

48A3

N E

ffici

ent

190 Control: NH3 Pre-plant Incorporated 18.7 171.2 -- --

30, 160 2x2, NH3 Sidedress @ V3 18.4 177.3 +6.1 +$19.05

30, 160 2x2, UAN Sidedress @ V3 18.7 176.3 +5.1 -$8.81

2-H

ybrid

Av

erag

e

190 Control: NH3 Pre-plant Incorporated 18.6 190.4 -- --

30, 160 2x2, NH3 Sidedress @ V3 18.1 194.3 +3.9 +$10.36

30, 160 2x2, UAN Sidedress @ V3 18.5 193.9 +3.5 -$15.19

Corn $3.86/Bu. Anhydrous Ammonia $0.36/unit of nitrogen. UAN $0.51/unit of nitrogen. *®XL, Optimum, and AcreMax are registered trademarks of Pioneer. XL® brand seed is distributed by Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc. Individual results may vary.

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NITROGEN TIMING STUDY

2016 RESULTS

Bran

d

Nitr

ogen

Re

spon

se

Nitr

ogen

(U

nits

/A.)

Appl

icat

ion

Tim

ing

Perc

ent

Moi

stur

e

Bu./

A.

Bu./

A.

Diff

eren

ce

Retu

rn o

n In

vest

men

t

5832

A3**

N E

ffici

ent

30, 160 Control: 2x2, Sidedress @ V3 18.0 208.5 -- --

30, 80, 80 Control + 360 Y-DROP® @ V7 17.9 195.9 -12.6 -$48.64

30, 80, 80 Control + 360 Y-DROP @ V10 18.1 208.3 -0.2 -$0.77

30, 80, 80 Control + 360 Y-DROP @ VT 17.9 197.3 -11.2 -$43.23

6158

AM™

*

Hig

her N

Res

pons

e 30, 160 Control: 2x2, Sidedress @ V3 16.8 211.0 -- --

30, 80, 80 Control + 360 Y-DROP @ V7 16.5 208.6 -2.4 -$9.26

30, 80, 80 Control + 360 Y-DROP @ V10 16.9 214.8 +3.8 +$14.67

30, 80, 80 Control + 360 Y-DROP @ VT 16.8 208.0 -3.0 -$11.58

2-H

ybrid

Ave

rage

30, 160 Control: 2x2, Sidedress @ V3 17.4 209.8 -- --

30, 80, 80 Control + 360 Y-DROP @ V7 17.2 202.3 -7.5 -$28.95

30, 80, 80 Control + 360 Y-DROP @ V10 17.5 211.6 +1.8 +$6.95

30, 80, 80 Control + 360 Y-DROP @ VT 17.4 202.7 -7.1 -$27.41

Corn $3.86/Bu. UAN $0.51/unit of nitrogen. *®XL, Optimum, and AcreMax are registered trademarks 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. Individual results may vary.

PURPOSE To evaluate various nitrogen (N) application timings and their effects on N use efficiency and yield. Each treatment in this study received a total of 190 units of N/A. as UAN.

STUDY INFORMATIONPlanted 4/15/2016Harvested 9/8/2016Population 34,000 Seeds/A.Row Width 30 in.Previous Crop SoybeansTillage Fall Chisel, Spring

Vertical-Till/Field Cultivation

Herbicides Burndown: 1 qt. Roundup WeatherMAX® Pre: 1 qt. Atrazine, 3.5 oz. Corvus® Post: 1 qt. Roundup WeatherMAX, 1 qt. Atrazine

Insecticides Escalate™

Starter 9 gal. 30-0-0 2x2

Total Nitrogen

190 units as UAN

Soil Type Dekoven & Wakeland (silt loams)

Soil Test Values

pH O.M. % CEC6.4 2.0 7.8

Percent Base Saturation

Ca Mg K H67.7 14.0 2.9 15.5

Parts per Million

P K S27 87 4

Zn Mn B2.4 40 0.2

• Beck's long-term PFR nitrogen (N) timing data suggests that 30 units of N in a 2x2 starter followed by 160 units of N at V3 is the most profitable corn after soybeans N management program.

• We continue to put this program to the test and have yet to find a more profitable program.

• The only entry that provided a greater ROI was the starter followed by a V3 sidedress and a V10 360 Y-DROP® applied to XL® 6158AM™*brand. Even then, only 3.8 Bu./A. was added over the control.

• When taking into account the cost of the additional application, it would be difficult to justify the additional trip based on these results. We will continue to evaluate this study in the future.

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NITROGEN PLACEMENT STUDYSidedress

PURPOSE To evaluate a traditional sidedress application versus a 360 Y-DROP® and dribble hose application at the V5 growth stage, and their effect on yield and profitability.

STUDY INFORMATIONPlanted 4/16/2016Harvested 9/12/2016Population 34,000 Seeds/A.Row Width 30 in.Previous Crop SoybeansTillage Fall Chisel, Spring

Vertical-Till/Field Cultivation

Herbicides Pre: 1 qt. Atrazine, 3.5 oz. Corvus® Post: 1 qt. Atrazine, 3 oz. Capreno®

Insecticides Escalate™

Starter 9 gal. 30-0-0 2x2

Total Nitrogen

190 units as UAN

Soil Type Uniontown (silt loam)Soil Test Values

pH O.M. % CEC6.4 2.1 8.2

Percent Base Saturation

Ca Mg K H67.5 15.3 2.5 14.7

Parts per Million

P K S17 78 5

Zn Mn B2.2 42 0.5

Does fertilizer placement matter? It did this year at the Kentucky PFR site. The 2016 season was full of rain, rain and more rain!

• The saturated soils were not conducive to root growth.

• Ultimately, the placement of UAN at the base of the plant put more nitrogen (N) within reach of the less than ideal root system.

• Additionally, rain that fell literally minutes following the N applications on this plot eliminated any potential for volatilization of the surface applied UAN.

2016 RESULTS

Bran

d

V5 Treatments Perc

ent

Moi

stur

e

Bu./

A.

Bu./

A.

Diff

eren

ce

6365

AM™

* Control: Sidedress Applicator 17.8 225.2 --360 Y-DROP® 17.7 229.2 +4.0Dribble Hose 17.7 226.8 +1.6

AVG. 17.7 227.1 +2.8

6948

A3Control: Sidedress Applicator 18.0 200.3 --360 Y-DROP 18.1 206.0 +5.7Dribble Hose 18.3 202.5 +2.2

AVG. 18.1 202.9 +4.0

2-H

ybrid

Av

erag

e Control: Sidedress Applicator 17.9 212.8 --360 Y-DROP 17.9 217.6 +4.8Dribble Hose 18.0 214.7 +1.9

AVG. 17.9 215.0 +3.4

*®XL, Optimum, and AcreMax are registered trademarks of Pioneer. XL® brand seed is distributed by Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc. Individual results may vary.

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2016 RESULTS

Treatments Perc

ent

Moi

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Bu./

A.

Bu./

A.

Diff

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ce

Control: No Sealers 19.2 199.6 --

Nitrogen Sealers 19.0 200.4 +0.8

Individual results may vary.

PURPOSE To test nitrogen sealers and their effect on nitrogen (N) retention and yield. Nitrogen sealers are a pair of coulters that attach to the sidedress bar behind the knife. The coulters pull soil over the trench opened by the knife, sealing the opening and holding in N that could otherwise volatilize.

STUDY INFORMATIONPlanted 4/15/2016Harvested 9/7/2016Population 34,000 Seeds/A.Row Width 30 in.Previous Crop CornTillage Fall Chisel, Spring

Vertical-Till/Field Cultivation

Herbicides Burndown: 1 qt. Roundup WeatherMAX® Pre: 1 qt. Atrazine, 3.5 oz. Corvus® Post: 1 qt. Roundup WeatherMAX, 1 qt. Atrazine

Insecticides Escalate™

Starter 9 gal. 30-0-0 2x2

Total Nitrogen

215 units as UAN

Brand 6589V2PSoil Type Dekoven & Wakeland

(silt loams)Soil Test Values

pH O.M. % CEC7.1 2.1 8.7

Percent Base Saturation

Ca Mg K H72.2 25.5 2.3 0.0

Parts per Million

P K S30 76 5

Zn Mn B2.0 44 0.3

• Volatilization is often overlooked as a form of N loss when sidedressing with a liquid N applicator.

• Many times we are forced to make sidedress applications in less than ideal soil conditions, however even with ideal conditions, some soil types are conducive to leaving an open slot from the knife or disk blade.

• Two days after the application in this plot, we received a rain substantial enough to incorporate the UAN with the open slot, resulting in no real difference for this study.

NITROGEN SEALER STUDY

NITROGEN VOLATILIZATIONThere are many factors that contributed to N loss from volatilization with urea based fertilizers. Therefore, it is very difficult to predict how much and how fast N will be lost in a given situation. A good rule of thumb is to incorporate N (via tillage, rain, irrigation, etc.) within two days of application.

Factors Influencing Volatilization:

• Nitrogen source used

• Surface applied or injected

• Temperature and moisture after application

• Use of a N stabilizer

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SIDEDRESS SPACING STUDY30 in. vs. 60 in. Centers

PURPOSE To evaluate the differences between 30 in. and 60 in. sidedress spacing.

STUDY INFORMATIONPlanted 4/15/2016Harvested 9/7/2016Population 34,000 Seeds/A.Row Width 30 in.Previous Crop SoybeansTillage Fall Chisel, Spring

Vertical-Till/Field Cultivation

Herbicides Burndown: 1 qt. Roundup WeatherMAX® Pre: 1 qt. Atrazine, 3.5 oz. Corvus® Post: 1 qt. Roundup WeatherMAX, 1 qt. Atrazine

Insecticides Escalate™

Starter 9 gal. 30-0-0 2x2

Total Nitrogen

190 units as UAN

Soil Type Dekoven & Wakeland (silt loams)

Soil Test Values

pH O.M. % CEC6.5 2.0 7.4

Percent Base Saturation

Ca Mg K H64.6 16.4 2.6 16.3

Parts per Million

P K S20 75 5

Zn Mn B1.9 41 0.2

Sidedressing on 60 in. centers is a nitrogen (N) management practice that some farmers use. This two-year study, along with other N placement studies in PFR, illustrate similar conclusions. Nitrogen placement matters! As part of a best management plan for N, applying it as close to the plants as possible decreases the risk of loss due to the various N loss mechanisms.

175 180 185 190 195 200 205 210

2-Year Yield Data

60 in. Control: 30 in.

2-YEAR SIDEDRESS SPACING YIELD ADVANTAGE

Control: 30 in. Centers

60 in. Centers

Bu./A.

+6.5 Bu./A. Yield Advantage

30 in. Centers

2016 RESULTS

Bran

d

Nitr

ogen

Re

spon

se

Sidedress Spacing Perc

ent

Moi

stur

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Bu./

A.

Bu./

A.

Diff

eren

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6365

AMX™

*

Hig

her N

Re

spon

se Control: 30 in. Centers 17.8 201.6 --

60 in. Centers 18.0 199.7 -1.9

6948

A3

N E

ffici

ent

Control: 30 in. Centers 19.5 188.2 --

60 in. Centers 18.5 180.8 -7.42-

Hyb

rid

Aver

age Control: 30 in. Centers 18.7 194.9 --

60 in. Centers 18.3 190.3 -4.6

*®XL, Optimum, and AcreMax are registered trademarks of Pioneer. XL® brand seed is distributed by Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc. Individual results may vary.

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PURPOSE To evaluate the advantage of planting cover crops and their ability to increase yield by improving soil tilth, scavenging for and producing nitrogen (N), and shattering compaction. Corn was planted into three different cover crop systems which were seeded in the fall of 2015. In addition, two N programs were evaluated to assess N scavenging and sequestration. These N rates consisted of 190 units of N (normal program) and 160 units of N (reduced program), both as UAN.

STUDY INFORMATIONPlanted 4/20/2016Harvested 9/20/2016Population 34,000 Seeds/A.Row Width 30 in.Previous Crop SoybeansTillage No-TillHerbicides Pre: 3 pt.

Gramoxone® SL 2.0 Post: 1 qt. Atrazine, 3 oz. Capreno®

Insecticides Escalate™

Starter 9 gal. 30-0-0 2x2

Total Nitrogen

Various

Brand 5828AMX™*

Soil Type Hosmer (silt loam)Soil Test Values

pH O.M. % CEC6.4 2.1 8.1

Percent Base Saturation

Ca Mg K H67.9 14.4 2.8 14.8

Parts per Million

P K S19 90 4

Zn Mn B2.1 42 0.2

• This particular plot had to overcome several adverse environmental conditions this spring.

• First, closing the seed trench was a struggle in the annual ryegrass due to the massive amount of biomass. Typically, this is an advantage of ryegrass, however, continued rain events did not allow the residue to dry out, leading to uneven stands.

• After planting we terminated the cover crops that overwintered. We were left with an enormous amount of residue, specifically in the annual ryegrass and cereal rye treatments. This created a mat of residue that held excessive moisture with the nearly 6 in. of rain during the three weeks following planting. This, coupled with the cool night time temperatures in April, made for very sluggish early season corn growth.

• Finally, as temperatures rose and the soil dried, it became evident that the corn development was slower in the cereal rye treatment, which we attribute to the allelopathic effect from the cereal rye.

COVER CROP STUDYNitrogen Rate

2016 RESULTS

Nitr

ogen

(U

nits

/A.)

Cover Crop Emer

ged

Popu

latio

n

Popu

latio

n D

iffer

ence

Bu./

A.

Bu./

A.

Diff

eren

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Retu

rn o

n In

vest

men

t

190

Control: No Cover Crop 32,833 -- 198.7 -- --8 lb. Beck's GroundBuilder Radish 31,584 -1,249 206.8 +8.1 +$14.4716 lb. Beck's Corn Champion Mix 31,250 -1,583 199.2 +0.5 -$24.3135 lb. Beck's Oat Radish Mix 29,750 -3,083 194.0 -4.7 -$42.6412 lb. Beck's Crimson Clover 31,250 -1,583 190.6 -8.1 -$48.0635 lb. Beck's Cereal Rye 28,417 -4,416 187.8 -10.9 -$55.3712 lb. Beck's Annual Ryegrass 17,667 -15,166 174.6 -24.1 -$102.38

160

8 lb. Beck's GroundBuilder Radish 30,167 -2,666 192.8 -5.9 -$24.2716 lb. Beck's Corn Champion Mix 30,917 -1,916 192.9 -5.8 -$33.3335 lb. Beck's Oat Radish Mix 31,917 -916 177.3 -21.4 -$91.8012 lb. Beck's Crimson Clover 31,334 -1,499 187.0 -11.7 -$46.6635 lb. Beck's Cereal Rye 28,333 -4,500 157.3 -41.4 -$157.8012 lb. Beck's Annual Ryegrass 21,000 -11,833 161.0 -37.7 -$139.58

Corn $3.86/Bu. Beck’s Annual Ryegrass $0.78/lb. Beck’s Crimson Clover $1.40/lb. Beck’s Corn Champion Mix $1.64/lb. Beck’s GroundBuilder Radish $2.10/lb. UAN $0.51/unit of nitrogen. Beck’s Cereal Rye $0.38/lb. Beck’s Oat Radish Mix $0.70/lb. *®XL, Optimum, and AcreMax are registered trademarks of Pioneer. XL® brand seed is distributed by Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc Individual results may vary.

Beck's GroundBuilder

Radish

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PURPOSE To evaluate the yield response and return on investment when applying fungicide at the VT growth stage on multiple hybrids.

STUDY INFORMATIONPlanted 5/24/2016Harvested 10/4/2016Population 34,000 Seeds/A.Row Width 30 in.Previous Crop CornTillage Fall Chisel, Spring

Vertical-Till/Field Cultivation

Herbicides Burndown: 1 qt. Roundup WeatherMAX® Pre: 1 qt. Atrazine, 3.5 oz. Corvus® Post: 1 qt. Atrazine, 3 oz. Capreno®

Insecticides Escalate™

Starter 9 gal. 30-0-0 2x2

Total Nitrogen

215 units as UAN

Soil Type Dekoven & Wakeland (silt loams

Soil Test Values

pH O.M. % CEC6.1 2.4 10.5

Percent Base Saturation

Ca Mg K H59.3 15.4 2.4 22.8

Parts per Million

P K S23 100 2

Zn Mn B1.9 39 0.2

• In this study we observed moderate Gray Leaf Spot pressure soon after pollination.

• Then, during grainfill, Southern Rust moved in heavily. We believe that intense disease pressure is what contributed to the yield gains we saw with the use of a fungicide across the hybrids.

FUNGICIDE STUDYHybrid Response

2016 RESULTS

Trea

tmen

ts

Fung

icid

e Re

spon

se

Bran

d

Perc

ent

Moi

stur

e

Bu./

A.

Bu./

A.

Diff

eren

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Retu

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vest

men

t

Con

trol

: No

Fung

icid

e -- 5829A4 16.7 143.3 -- --

-- 5828AMX™* 17.6 161.6 -- --

-- 6076SX 16.8 147.0 -- --

-- 6158AM™* 16.6 115.0 -- --

-- 6225HR™* 17.0 144.7 -- --

-- 6365AMX™* 17.9 158.9 -- --

AVG. 17.1 145.1

4 oz

. Str

ateg

o® Y

LD

@ V

T

Low 5829A4 17.5 159.9 +16.6 +$48.58

Medium 5828AMX™* 18.4 172.8 +11.2 +$27.74

Medium 6076SX 17.5 162.2 +15.2 +$43.18

High 6158AM™* 17.1 128.7 +13.7 +$37.39

Medium 6225HR™* 18.3 163.7 +19.0 +$57.85

Medium 6365AMX™* 18.1 178.0 +19.1 +$58.24

AVG. 17.8 160.9 +15.8 +$45.50

Corn $3.86/Bu. Stratego® YLD $495.67/gal. *®XL, Optimum, and AcreMax are registered trademarks of Pioneer. XL® brand seed is distributed by Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc Individual results may vary.

Southern Rust

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Bran

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VT Treatments Perc

ent

Moi

stur

e

Bu./

A.

Bu./

A.

Diff

eren

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Retu

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men

t

6175

AM™

*

Control: Fungicide 19.4 165.0 -- --

Fungicide + 6 oz. Boron Plus® 19.5 165.1 +0.1 -$1.01

Fungicide + 3.2 oz. Eagle 19.6 169.2 +4.2 +$10.21

Fungicide + 40 oz. Toggle™ 19.5 160.7 -4.3 -$29.10

Fungicide + 1 qt. CropKarb® 19.0 163.5 -1.5 -$15.46

6225

HR™

*

Control: Fungicide 20.1 181.3 -- --

Fungicide + 6 oz. Boron Plus 20.3 187.3 +6.0 +$21.76

Fungicide + 3.2 oz. Eagle 20.0 183.1 +1.8 +$0.95

Fungicide + 40 oz. Toggle 20.1 186.1 +4.8 +$6.03

Fungicide + 1 qt. CropKarb 19.9 181.0 -0.3 -$10.83

2-H

ybrid

Ave

rage

Control: Fungicide 19.8 173.2 -- --

Fungicide + 6 oz. Boron Plus 19.9 176.2 +3.0 +$10.38

Fungicide + 3.2 oz. Eagle 19.8 176.2 +3.0 +$5.58

Fungicide + 40 oz. Toggle 19.8 173.4 +0.2 -$11.53

Fungicide + 1 qt. CropKarb 19.5 172.3 -0.9 -$13.14

Corn $3.86/Bu. CropKarb® $38.69/gal. Boron Plus® $29.94/gal. Eagle $240.00/gal. Toggle™ $40.00/gal. *®XL, Optimum, and AcreMax are registered trademarks of Pioneer. XL® brand seed is distributed by Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc. Individual results may vary.

PURPOSE To evaluate the use of various additives, applied with a fungicide at the VT growth stage, in an attempt to increase plant health, yield and profitability.

STUDY INFORMATIONPlanted 5/23/2016Harvested 9/29/2016Population 34,000 Seeds/A.Row Width 30 in.Previous Crop CornTillage Fall Chisel, Spring

Vertical-Till/Field Cultivation

Herbicides Burndown: 1 qt. Roundup WeatherMAX® Pre: 1 qt. Atrazine, 3.5 oz. Corvus® Post: 1 qt. Atrazine, 3 oz. Capreno®

Insecticides Escalate™

Fungicides 10 oz. Headline AMP®

Starter 9 gal. 30-0-0 2x2Total Nitrogen

215 units as UAN

Soil Type Dekoven & Wakeland (silt loams)

Soil Test Values

pH O.M. % CEC5.8 2.2 9.9

Percent Base Saturation

Ca Mg K H60.6 12.2 2.9 24.3

Parts per Million

P K S30 111 4

Zn Mn B2.3 35 0.3

• Environmental stress during the early reproductive stages can have a large impact on pollination, seed set, and yield.

• Boron Plus® is a foliar micronutrient product that specifically addresses boron deficiencies. Boron plays an important role in plant metabolism and sufficient concentrations are required for successful pollination.

• Eagle is a foliar applied product specifically designed to reduce the impact of heat and drought stress by aiding in water retention and efficiency in the plant.

FUNGICIDE ADDITIVE STUDY

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• A wet spring with cool April nights made for lethargic early growth. This slow development increased the plants' susceptibility to early-season seedling disease and insect pressure.

• On average, there was a 9.8 Bu./A. advantage with the fungicide and insecticide products tested on the “slower emerging” BECK 6076SXbrand, compared to the 5.9 Bu./A. advantage seen with the “fast emerging” Phoenix® 5832A3**brand.

FUNGICIDE & INSECTICIDE STUDYIn-Furrow

2016 RESULTS

Bran

d

Emer

genc

e

In-Furrow Treatments Perc

ent

Moi

stur

e

Bu./

A.

Bu./

A.

Diff

eren

ce

Retu

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men

t

6076

SX

Slow

er

Control: Starter 15.4 173.8 -- --Starter + 1 pt. Serenade® ASO 15.3 185.1 +11.3 +$39.31Starter + 3.4 oz. Capture® LFR® 15.2 186.2 +12.4 +$37.93Starter + 7.2 oz. Xanthion™ 15.4 181.0 +7.2 +$8.33Starter + 3.4 oz. Ethos® XB 15.0 182.1 +8.3 +$21.98

5832

A3**

Fast

Control: Starter 15.3 177.8 -- --Starter + 1 pt. Serenade ASO 15.2 185.0 +7.2 +$23.48Starter + 3.4 oz. Capture LFR 15.4 182.7 +4.9 +$8.98Starter + 7.2 oz. Xanthion 15.1 187.7 +9.9 +$18.75Starter + 3.4 oz. Ethos XB 15.2 179.4 +1.6 -$3.89

2-H

ybrid

Av

erag

e

Control: Starter 15.4 175.8 -- --Starter + 1 pt. Serenade ASO 15.3 185.1 +9.3 +$31.40Starter + 3.4 oz. Capture LFR 15.3 184.5 +8.7 +$23.46Starter + 7.2 oz. Xanthion 15.3 184.4 +8.6 +$13.54Starter + 3.4 oz. Ethos XB 15.1 180.8 +5.0 +$9.05

Corn $3.86/Bu. Capture® LFR® $373.81/gal. Serenade® ASO $34.47/gal. Xanthion™ $19.46/A. Ethos® XB $378.56/gal. **Phoenix® is a registered trademark of a Syngenta Group Company. Phoenix® brand seed is distributed by Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc. Individual results may vary.

-$10 $0 $10 $20 $30 $40

2016 Return on Investment

Ethos XB Xanthion Capture LFR Serenade ASO

2016 FUNGICIDE & INSECTICIDE ROI

Ethos® XB

Dollars/A.

Phoe

nix®

58

32A3

**

Xanthion™

Capture® LFR®

Serenade® ASO

Xanthion

Capture LFR

Serenade ASO

Ethos XB

PURPOSE To evaluate the yield and profitability of various fungicides and insecticides when applied in-furrow.

STUDY INFORMATIONPlanted 4/20/2016Harvested 9/21/2016Population 34,000 Seeds/A.Row Width 30 in.Previous Crop SoybeansTillage Fall Chisel, Spring

Field CultivationHerbicides Burndown:

1 qt. Roundup WeatherMAX® Pre: 1 qt. Atrazine, 3.5 oz. Corvus® Post: 1 qt. Atrazine, 3 oz. Capreno®

Insecticides Escalate™

Starter 5 gal. PureGrade® 6-24-6 In-Furrow

Total Nitrogen

190 units as UAN

Soil Type Henshaw (silt loam)Soil Test Values

pH O.M. % CEC5.5 2.2 9.4

Percent Base Saturation

Ca Mg K H45.3 15.1 1.3 38.3

Parts per Million

P K S11 48 5

Zn Mn B1.3 45 0.2

BECK

60

76SX

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PURPOSE To evaluate the yield and profitability of various micronutrient products applied at the V4 growth stage.

STUDY INFORMATIONPlanted 4/16/2016Harvested 9/12/2016Population 34,000 Seeds/A.Row Width 30 in.Previous Crop SoybeansTillage Fall Chisel, Spring

Vertical-Till/Field Cultivation

Herbicides Pre: 3.5 oz. Corvus®, 1 qt. Atrazine Post: 1 qt. Roundup WeatherMAX®, 1 qt. Atrazine

Insecticides Escalate™

Starter 9 gal. 30-0-0 2x2

Total Nitrogen

190 units as UAN

Soil Type Henshaw (silt loam)Soil Test Values

pH O.M. % CEC6.9 2.1 7.4

Percent Base Saturation

Ca Mg K H74.4 21.4 2.7 1.5

Parts per Million

P K S13 77 3

Zn Mn B2.1 45 0.2

• Excessive rainfall and anaerobic soil conditions in 2016 limited root growth and nutrient uptake. Micronutrient foliar products can bridge short-term nutrient deficiency.

• Both products tested in this study contain zinc, manganese, and sulfur. Versa Max™ AC also contains nitrogen, potassium, and iron.

• We hypothesize that one of these three nutrients may have contributed to the increased yield using Versa Max AC.

MICRONUTRIENT STUDYFoliar

2016 RESULTS

Bran

d

V4 Treatments Perc

ent

Moi

stur

e

Bu./

A.

Bu./

A.

Diff

eren

ce

Retu

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vest

men

t

6575

HR™

* Control 20.0 206.6 -- --

1 qt. Versa Max™ AC 19.9 215.3 +8.7 +$28.70

1 qt. MAX-IN® Ultra ZMB® 19.9 204.6 -2.0 -$13.2265

89V2

P Control 18.8 211.5 -- --

1 qt. Versa Max AC 18.8 216.2 +4.7 +$13.26

1 qt. MAX-IN Ultra ZMB 18.9 214.4 +2.9 +$5.69

2-H

ybrid

Av

erag

e Control 19.4 209.1 -- --

1 qt. Versa Max AC 19.4 215.8 +6.7 +$20.98

1 qt. MAX-IN Ultra ZMB 19.4 209.5 +0.4 -$3.77

Corn $3.86/Bu. MAX-IN® Ultra ZMB® $22.00/gal. Versa Max™ AC $19.50/gal. *®XL is a registered trademark of Pioneer. XL® brand seed is distributed by Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc. Individual results may vary.

ANAEROBIC SOIL CONDITIONSSoil volume is primarily comprised of solid matter, water and air. During excessive rains or flooding conditions water displaces the air within the soil. This creates a low oxygen environment known as anaerobic soil conditions. Anaerobic conditions slow root growth and negatively affect beneficial soil bacteria.

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2016 RESULTS

Bran

d

V10 Treatments Perc

ent

Moi

stur

e

Bu./

A.

Bu./

A.

Diff

eren

ce

Retu

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men

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5828

AM™

* Control 16.2 93.2 -- --2 qt. Ultra-Che® Zinc 9% EDTA 16.5 96.4 +3.2 -$0.407 gal. Thio-Sul® (12-0-0-26S) 17.3 93.7 +0.5 -$8.952 qt. Liquid Boron 10% 16.7 93.4 +0.2 -$7.61

6076

SXControl 15.4 86.0 -- --2 qt. Ultra-Che Zinc 9% EDTA 15.6 92.7 +6.7 +$13.117 gal. Thio-Sul (12-0-0-26S) 15.3 94.2 +8.2 +$20.772 qt. Liquid Boron 10% 15.7 89.1 +3.1 +$3.59

2-H

ybrid

Av

erag

e Control 15.8 89.6 -- --2 qt. Ultra-Che Zinc 9% EDTA 16.1 94.6 +5.0 +$6.357 gal. Thio-Sul (12-0-0-26S) 16.3 94.0 +4.4 +$5.912 qt. Liquid Boron 10% 16.2 91.3 +1.7 -$2.01

Corn $3.86/Bu. Thio-Sul® (12-0-0-26S) $2.21/gal. Ultra-Che® Zinc 9% EDTA $25.50/gal. UAN $0.51/unit of nitrogen. Liquid Boron 10% $16.75/gal. *®XL, Optimum, and AcreMax are registered trademarks of Pioneer. XL® brand seed is distributed by Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc. Individual results may vary.

PURPOSE To evaluate the yield and profitability of various micronutrient products applied with 360 Y-DROP at the V10 growth stage.

STUDY INFORMATIONPlanted 6/1/2016Harvested 9/22/2016Population 34,000 Seeds/A.Row Width 30 in.Previous Crop SoybeansTillage Fall Chisel, Spring

Vertical-Till/Field Cultivation

Herbicides Burndown: 1 qt. Roundup WeatherMAX® Pre: 1 qt. Atrazine, 3.5 oz. Corvus® Post: 1 qt. Atrazine, 3 oz. Capreno®

Insecticides Escalate™

Starter 9 gal. 30-0-0 2x2

Total Nitrogen

190 units as UAN

Soil Type Dekovan (silt loam)Soil Test Values

pH O.M. % CEC6.2 2.1 8.1

Percent Base Saturation

Ca Mg K H62.0 21.7 1.5 14.9

Parts per Million

P K S8 46 5

Zn Mn B1.4 52 0.4

• All treatments were applied with UAN as the carrier, for a total of 25 units/A. of nitrogen.

• The Kentucky PFR site received 10 in. of rain during the months of April and May that wreaked havoc on the no-tile portion of the field. Because of this, the decision was made to replant on June 1.

• Even with the reduced yield potential due to the planting date, we observed yield improvements with the late-season micronutrient applications with the 360 Y-DROP®

MICRONUTRIENT STUDY360 Y-DROP®

WHAT DOES YOUR CROP NEED? WHEN?• 65% of boron is required after V14

• 71% of zinc is required after V14

• 33% of potassium is required after VT

• 33% of nitrogen is required after VT

• 50% of sulfur is required after VT

• 50% of phosphorus is required after VT

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2016 RESULTS

Fall Treatments Bu./

A.

Bu./

A.

Diff

eren

ce

Retu

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men

t

Control 199.5 -- --

16 oz. Res Plus 204.4 +4.9 +$9.91

0.5 oz. BPE-5C 202.6 +3.1 +$2.97

1 qt. Robust® 201.0 +1.5 -$5.49

1 gal. Humi-Till® 200.4 +0.9 -$9.33

Corn $3.86/Bu. Robust® $45.10/gal. Res Plus $72.00/gal. Humi-Till® $12.80/gal. BPE-5C $288.00/lb. Individual results may vary.

PURPOSE To evaluate various residue management products and their ability to increase yields by breaking down excessive surface residue. These products were fall applied on October 19, 2015.

STUDY INFORMATIONPlanted 4/18/2016Harvested 9/29/2016Population 34,000 Seeds/A.Row Width 30 in.Previous Crop CornTillage No-TillHerbicides Burndown:

1 qt. Roundup WeatherMAX® Pre: 1 qt. Atrazine, 3.5 oz. Corvus® Post: 1 qt. Roundup WeatherMAX, 1 qt. Atrazine

Insecticides Escalate™

Starter 9 gal. 30-0-0 2x2

Total Nitrogen

215 units as UAN

Brand 6589V2PSoil Type Dekoven & Wakeland

(silt loams)Soil Test Values

pH O.M. % CEC6.5 2.0 8.2

Percent Base Saturation

Ca Mg K H70.2 12.7 2.4 14.6

Parts per Million

P K S25 78 6

Zn Mn B2.2 38 0.2

• While physical differences in stalk residue decomposition are not always visible, minor differences in breakdown can affect the amount and availability of nutrients for the crop the following year.

• Since we did not see any visual differences between the amount of residue remaining at planting and all treatments had similar stand establishment, we attribute the differences in yield to the breakdown and availability of nutrients between treatments.

RESIDUE MANAGEMENT STUDY

Residue was measured in a 4 ft. x 4 ft. box prior to and after applications of residue management products.

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2016 RESULTS

Brand Treatments Perc

ent

Moi

stur

e

Bu./

A.

Bu./

A.

Diff

eren

ce

366L4

Control 13.5 67.3 --Treatment 1 13.3 70.8 +3.5Treatment 2 13.3 68.6 +1.3Treatment 3 13.3 73.3 +6.0Treatment 4 13.3 70.8 +3.5

394L4

Control 13.3 68.9 --Treatment 1 13.2 69.0 +0.1Treatment 2 13.1 69.8 +0.9Treatment 3 13.2 68.3 -0.6Treatment 4 13.2 70.5 +1.6

424L4

Control 13.2 60.3 --Treatment 1 13.2 60.3 +0.0Treatment 2 13.1 60.0 -0.3Treatment 3 13.3 64.2 +3.9Treatment 4 13.0 61.9 +1.6

474L4

Control 13.1 54.2 --Treatment 1 13.2 52.7 -1.5Treatment 2 13.0 55.3 +1.1Treatment 3 13.2 55.2 +1.0Treatment 4 13.0 56.8 +2.6

4-Variety Average

Control 13.3 62.7 --Treatment 1 13.2 63.2 +0.5Treatment 2 13.1 63.4 +0.7Treatment 3 13.3 65.3 +2.6Treatment 4 13.1 65.0 +2.3

Individual results may vary.

PURPOSE To raise high yielding soybeans through the use of various seed treatments, product applications, and intensive management strategies.

STUDY INFORMATIONPlanted 5/24/2016Harvested 10/4/2016Population 140,000 Seeds/A.Row Width 15 in.Previous Crop CornTillage Fall Chisel, Spring

Vertical-Till/Field Cultivation

Herbicides Burndown: 1 qt. Roundup WeatherMAX® Pre: 8 oz. Authority® Assist Post: 1 qt. Liberty®, 4 oz. Section® Three

Insecticides Escalate™

Soil Type Dekoven & Wakeland (silt loams)

Soil Test Values

pH O.M. % CEC6.2 2.8 9.9

Percent Base Saturation

Ca Mg K H70.8 14.7 2.4 12.1

Parts per Million

P K S19 91 5

Zn Mn B2.0 36 0.3

Despite our best efforts in the high yield soybean attempt, Mother Nature had other plans. Frequent, heavy rains and saturated soil conditions were not conducive to our 100 Bu./A. yield goal.

HIGH YIELD ATTEMPT

HIGH-MANAGEMENT TREATMENTSControl: Escalate™ + Poncho®/VOTiVO® + ILeVO® + Optimize®

Treatment 1: Control + 143 lb. AMS (21-0-0-24S) Pre-plant Incorporated + 6 oz. Headline® In-Furrow + 1 pt. X-Cyte™ @ V3 + 4 oz. Priaxor® & 3.2 oz. Fastac™ EC @ R3

Treatment 2: Treatment 1 + 200 lb. Potash @ R2

Treatment 3: Treatment 2 + 46 units Nitrogen (Urea) @ R2

Treatment 4: Treatment 3 + 1 oz. Aim® EC @ V3

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PURPOSE To determine the optimum planting date window by planting on multiple dates throughout the growing season.

STUDY INFORMATIONPlanted VariousHarvested VariousPopulation 140,000 Seeds/A.Row Width 15 in.Previous Crop CornTillage Fall Chisel, Spring

Vertical-Till/Field Cultivation

Herbicides Burndown: 1 qt. Roundup WeatherMAX® Post: 4 oz. Section® Three, 27 oz. Flexstar® GT 3.5, 0.3 oz. FirstRate®

Insecticides Escalate™

Soil Type Dekoven & Wakeland (silt loams)

Soil Test Values

pH O.M. % CEC6.2 2.5 8.3

Percent Base Saturation

Ca Mg K H66.7 15.2 3.6 14.5

Parts per Million

P K S29 117 5

Zn Mn B2.5 41 0.2

• Planting soybeans early increases the likelihood of full canopy closure prior to the summer solstice.

• This year, early planted BECK 365R2brand was yield limited by Sudden Death Syndrome.

• Soil moisture is preserved and soil temperature is significantly lowered with early canopy closure. This is crucial because soybean nodulation, which starts with planting depth, is the most productive in cool, moist environments.

PLANTING DATE STUDY

2016 RESULTS

Planting Date Brand Percent Moisture Bu./A.

March 18365R2 11.4 44.9433R2™* 11.7 72.8

AVG. 11.6 58.9

April 6365R2 11.0 51.9433R2™* 11.1 92.1

AVG. 11.1 72.0

April 19365R2 10.6 72.8433R2™* 13.8 94.4

AVG. 12.2 83.6

May 9365R2 14.8 67.4433R2™* 16.2 76.9

AVG. 15.5 72.2

May 23365R2 14.7 73.8433R2™* 17.2 79.0

AVG. 16.0 76.4*®XL is a registered trademark of Pioneer. XL® brand seed is distributed by Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc. Individual results may vary.

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% 120%

12-Year Planting Date Yield

March 15 - 31 April 1 - 15 April 16 - 30 May 1 - 15 May 16 - 31 June 1 - 15 June 16 - 30

12-YEAR OPTIMUM PLANTING DATE WINDOW

March 15-31

April 1 - 15

April 16 - 30

May 1 - 15

May 16 - 31

June 1 - 15

Percent of Average Yield

June 16-30

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SEED TREATMENT STUDYEscalate™ vs. Untreated

2016 RESULTS

Bran

d

Treatments Emer

ged

Popu

latio

n

Popu

latio

n D

iffer

ence

Perc

ent

Moi

stur

e

Bu./

A.

Bu./

A.

Diff

eren

ce

339R

2 Control: Untreated 112,288 -- 12.0 66.2 --

Escalate™ 122,452 +10,164 12.2 68.0 +1.8

345R

4™* Control: Untreated 119,548 -- 12.3 65.7 --

Escalate 121,968 +2,420 12.2 67.2 +1.5

2-Va

riety

Av

erag

e Control: Untreated 115,918 -- 12.2 66.0 --

Escalate 122,210 +6,292 12.2 67.6 +1.6

*®XL is a registered trademark of Pioneer. XL® brand seed is distributed by Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc. Individual results may vary.

PURPOSE To evaluate the yield and final population of Beck’s Escalate yield enhancement system on multiple soybean varieties compared to untreated seed.

STUDY INFORMATIONPlanted 4/14/2016Harvested 9/14/2016Population 140,000 Seeds/A.Row Width 15 in.Previous Crop CornTillage Fall Chisel, Spring

Vertical-Till/Field Cultivation

Herbicides Burndown: 1 qt. Roundup WeatherMAX® Pre: 8 oz. Authority® Assist Post: 4 oz. Section® Three, 27 oz. Flexstar® GT 3.5, 0.3 oz. FirstRate®

Soil Type Dekoven & Wakeland (silt loams)

Soil Test Values

pH O.M. % CEC6.4 2.1 7.3

Percent Base Saturation

Ca Mg K H65.0 14.8 3.8 16.4

Parts per Million

P K S23 107 5

Zn Mn B2.5 40 0.3

• This plot was planted early and the three weeks following planting were not very conducive to soybean growth. During this time, we measured over 6 in. of rainfall and recorded low nighttime temperatures in the 30s.

• Emergence was slow and early seedling growth was stagnant until daily temperatures climbed to normal levels.

• Beck's Escalate™ seed treatment provides protection from early-season diseases such as Pythium and Phytophthora, which are most damaging during long periods of cool, saturated soil conditions.

50 55 60 65 70 75

2-Year Yield Data

Control: Untreated Escalate

2-YEAR ESCALATE™ YIELD ADVANTAGE

Bu./A.

+2.7 Bu./A.

Control: Untreated

Escalate

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PURPOSE To compare the differences in yield and profitability when using ILeVO on different soybean varieties with contrasting genetic tolerance to Sudden Death Syndrome (SDS). Earlier and later planting dates were evaluated with three different seed treatments.

STUDY INFORMATIONPlanted VariousHarvested VariousPopulation 160,000 Seeds/A.Row Width 15 in.Previous Crop CornTillage Fall Chisel, Spring

Vertical-Till/Field Cultivation

Herbicides Post: 1 qt. Liberty®, 4 oz. Section® Three

Soil Type Dekoven (silt loam)Soil Test Values

pH O.M. % CEC6.3 2.1 8.5

Percent Base Saturation

Ca Mg K H68.0 14.8 3.1 14.2

Parts per Million

P K S25 101 6

Zn Mn B2.6 38 0.2

SEED TREATMENT STUDYILeVO®

• Cool, wet conditions were conducive for an infection of SDS in the early planting date of this study. Visual signs of infection appeared in August.

• The May 24 planting date showed no visual symptoms of SDS, which accounts for the smaller yield response to ILeVO®.

2016 RESULTS

Dat

e

Bran

d

SDS

Tole

ranc

e

Treatments Emer

ged

Popu

latio

n

Popu

latio

n D

iffer

ence

Bu./

A.

Bu./

A.

Diff

eren

ce

Retu

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n In

vest

men

t

April

14 (E

arlie

r Pla

ntin

g)

449L

4

Exce

llent

Control: Escalate™ 110,417 -- 62.8 -- --

Escalate SDS 110,083 -334 67.8 +5.0 +$37.86

Poncho®/VOTiVO® + ILeVO® 112,667 +2,250 70.4 +7.6 +$54.20

474L

4

Belo

w A

vera

ge Control: Escalate 111,000 -- 37.9 -- --

Escalate SDS 110,417 -583 36.3 -1.6 -$24.71

Poncho/VOTiVO + ILeVO 114,167 +3,167 43.8 +5.9 +$38.08

May

24

(Lat

er P

lant

ing)

449L

4

Exce

llent

Control: Escalate 110,583 -- 63.0 -- --

Escalate SDS 111,250 +667 65.5 +2.5 +$14.16

Poncho/VOTiVO + ILeVO 110,833 +250 64.1 +1.1 -$7.42

474L

4

Belo

w A

vera

ge Control: Escalate 111,250 -- 53.4 -- --

Escalate SDS 112,167 +917 52.7 -0.7 -$16.18

Poncho/VOTiVO + ILeVO 111,333 +83 55.3 +1.9 +$0.16

Soybeans $9.48/Bu. Escalate SDS $7.75/unit. Poncho®/VOTiVO® + ILeVO® $14.50/unit. Escalate™ $0.00/unit. Individual results may vary.

-$6 -$4 -$2 $0 $2 $4 $6

2-Year Return on Investment

Poncho/VOTiVO + ILeVO Escalate SDS

2-YEAR SEED TREATMENT RETURN ON INVESTMENT

Poncho®/VOTiVO® + ILeVO®

Bu./A.

Escalate SDS

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STARTER ADDITIVE STUDYIn-Furrow

PURPOSE To evaluate various starter additive products, applied in-furrow at planting, in an attempt to increase plant health, yield and profitability.

STUDY INFORMATIONPlanted 6/1/2016Harvested 10/4/2016Population 140,000 Seeds/A.Row Width 15 in.Previous Crop CornTillage Fall Chisel, Spring

Vertical-Till/Field Cultivation

Herbicides Burndown: 1 qt. Roundup WeatherMAX® Pre: 8 oz. Authority® Assist Post: 1 qt. Liberty®, 4 oz. Section® Three

Insecticides Escalate™

Starter 3 gal. PureGrade® 6-24-6 In-Furrow

Brand 394L4Soil Type Dekoven &

Wakeland (silt loams)

Soil Test Values

pH O.M. % CEC6.4 2.2 8.3

Percent Base Saturation

Ca Mg K H69.4 13.6 2.5 14.5

Parts per Million

P K S20 82 5

Zn Mn B2.0 40 0.2

2016 RESULTS

In-Furrow Treatments Perc

ent

Moi

stur

e

Bu./

A.

Bu./

A.

Diff

eren

ce

Retu

rn o

n In

vest

men

t

Control: Starter 13.0 68.8 -- --

Starter + 1 pt. Generate® 13.0 72.1 +3.3 +$21.54

Starter + 2 qt. SG Complete 13.2 70.9 +2.1 +$5.91

Soybeans $9.48/Bu. Generate® $78.00/gal. SG Complete $28.00/gal. Individual results may vary.

• The Generate® treated entries appeared to have a slight development advantage early on when compared to the control.

• As the season progressed, the advantage was less pronounced. This was likely due to the favorable growing conditions we experienced in late July and early August.

• Timely August rains allowed these soybeans to yield extremely well considering their late June 1 planting date.

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2016 RESULTS

Bran

d

In-F

urro

w

Trea

tmen

ts

Perc

ent

Moi

stur

e

Bu./

A.

Bu./

A.

Diff

eren

ce

Retu

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vest

men

t

449L

4

Control 12.1 76.0 -- --

1 gal. Restore™ 12.2 73.8 -2.2 -$35.86

2 gal. Restore 12.4 74.0 -2.0 -$48.9645

4L4

Control 12.3 71.7 -- --

1 gal. Restore 12.2 74.5 +2.8 +$11.54

2 gal. Restore 12.1 74.8 +3.1 -$0.62

2-Va

riety

Av

erag

e Control 12.2 73.9 -- --

1 gal. Restore 12.2 74.2 +0.3 -$12.16

2 gal. Restore 12.3 74.4 +0.5 -$24.79

Soybeans $9.48/Bu. Restore™ $15.00/gal. Individual results may vary.

PURPOSE To evaluate two in-furrow rates of the carbon-based product, Restore™, and its effect on seed germination, root growth and profitability.

STUDY INFORMATIONPlanted 6/1/2016Harvested 10/10/2016Population 140,000 Seeds/A.Row Width 15 in.Previous Crop CornTillage Fall Chisel, Spring

Vertical-Till/Field Cultivation

Herbicides Burndown: 1 qt. Roundup WeatherMAX® Pre: 8 oz. Authority® Assist Post: 1 qt. Liberty®

Insecticides Escalate™

Soil Type Dekoven & Wakeland (silt loams)

Soil Test Values

pH O.M. % CEC7.9 2.3 17.9

Percent Base Saturation

Ca Mg K H89.4 9.8 0.8 0.0

Parts per Million

P K S12 54 10

Zn Mn B2.7 46 0.3

• The wet spring delayed planting until June 1.

• Warm soil temperatures were conducive for fast emergence and early growth of planting.

• No visual differences in emergence or early growth were observed.

CARBON STUDYIn-Furrow

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2016 RESULTS

Treatments Perc

ent

Moi

stur

e

Bu./

A.

Bu./

A.

Diff

eren

ce

Retu

rn o

n In

vest

men

t

Control 12.2 57.3 -- --

10 oz. Optify®/Stretch In-Furrow 12.2 56.9 -0.4 -$12.29

40 oz. Toggle™ @ R3 12.1 57.7 +0.4 -$8.70

10 oz. Optify/Stretch In-Furrow + 40 oz. Toggle @ R3

12.3 59.3 +2.0 -$2.04

Soybeans $9.48/Bu. Toggle™ $40.00/gal. Optify®/Stretch $108.80/gal. Individual results may vary.

PURPOSE To evaluate two different biologicals, one as a row starter additive and one as a foliar product. These two products were evaluated for their effects on plant health, yield and profitability.

STUDY INFORMATIONPlanted 5/25/2016Harvested 10/10/2016Population 140,000 Seeds/A.Row Width 15 in.Previous Crop CornTillage Fall Chisel, Spring

Vertical-Till/Field Cultivation

Herbicides Burndown: 1 qt. Roundup WeatherMAX® Pre: 8 oz. Authority® Assist Post: 1 qt. Roundup WeatherMAX, 2 oz. Zidua®

Insecticides Escalate™

Brand 481R2

Soil Type Dekoven (silt loam)Soil Test Values

pH O.M. % CEC6.3 2.6 10.2

Percent Base Saturation

Ca Mg K H69.0 16.4 2.8 11.8

Parts per Million

P K S26 111 5

Zn Mn B2.4 40 0.2

• Optify®/Stretch and Toggle™ are biological products that claim to mitigate stress.

• We had some very high temperatures, but our primary stress factor in 2016 was excessive moisture.

• We did not observe yield responses to treatments where water was abundant. Nor did we observe visual differences in root development or vegetative growth throughout the growing season.

BIOLOGICAL STUDY

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PURPOSE To compare 15 in. and 30 in. rows, at various planting populations in an attempt to determine the Economic Optimum Seeding Rate (EOSR) for each row width.

STUDY INFORMATIONPlanted 5/25/2016Harvested 10/11/2016Population VariousRow Width VariousPrevious Crop CornTillage Fall Chisel, Spring

Vertical-Till/Field Cultivation

Herbicides Burndown: 1 qt. Roundup WeatherMAX® Pre: 8 oz. Authority® Assist Post: 1 qt. Interline®, 4 oz. Section® Three

Insecticides Escalate™

Brand 483NL

Soil Type Alford (silt loam)Soil Test Values

pH O.M. % CEC6.0 2.5 10.4

Percent Base Saturation

Ca Mg K H50.3 25.5 1.3 23.0

Parts per Million

P K S7 51 2

Zn Mn B1.3 54 0.2

Seeding costs are one of the primary input expenses on the farm. Beck's PFR set out to evaluate what the EOSR is in 15 in. rows versus 30 in. rows. When taking into account today’s grain prices and seed costs, our 10-year multi-location data suggests it is much lower than we would think. We will continue to conduct this study in Kentucky in an effort to provide you with the most reliable EOSR.

ROW WIDTH & POPULATION STUDY

2016 RESULTS

Row

Wid

th

Plan

ted

Popu

latio

n (S

eeds

/A.)

Emer

ged

Popu

latio

n

Bu./

A.

Seed

C

ost/

A.

Net R

etur

n

15 in

. Row

s

100,000 63,888 53.8 $39.57 $470.45

125,000 87,846 57.5 $49.46 $495.64

150,000 104,544 59.4 $59.35 $503.76

175,000 116,160 60.6 $69.25 $505.24

200,000 135,036 60.6 $79.14 $495.35

30 in

. Row

s

100,000 70,059 52.2 $39.57 $455.29

125,000 90,750 53.8 $49.46 $460.56

150,000 92,928 57.3 $59.35 $483.85

175,000 113,256 52.2 $69.25 $425.61

200,000 116,160 49.5 $79.14 $390.12

Soybeans $9.48/Bu. 483NL $51.44/unit. Individual results may vary.

“The PFR information on row spacing in soybeans has led me to do more research on my own farm with soybean spacing and possibly changing my soybean management plan.”

Brent Moore | Pittsford, MI

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Plan

ting

Dat

e

Plan

ted

Popu

latio

n (S

eeds

/A.)

Bu./

A.

Seed

Cos

t/A.

Net R

etur

n

May

9

Earli

er P

lant

ing

Dat

e 100,000 63.1 $40.95 $557.24

125,000 65.8 $51.19 $572.59

150,000 64.3 $61.43 $548.13

175,000 62.3 $71.67 $518.93

200,000 63.8 $81.91 $522.91 Ju

ne 7

La

ter P

lant

ing

Dat

e 100,000 63.6 $40.95 $561.98

125,000 65.1 $51.19 $565.96

150,000 65.5 $61.43 $559.51

175,000 64.0 $71.67 $535.05

200,000 65.1 $81.91 $535.24

Soybeans $9.48/Bu. 424L4 $53.24/unit. Individual results may vary.

PURPOSE To evaluate different soybean populations planted at different times throughout the growing season, in an attempt to determine the Economic Optimum Seeding Rate (EOSR) at each planting date.

STUDY INFORMATIONPlanted VariousHarvested VariousPopulation VariousRow Width 15 in.Previous Crop SoybeansTillage Fall Chisel, Spring

Vertical-Till/Field Cultivation

Herbicides Post: 1 qt. Liberty®, 4 oz. Section® Three

Insecticides Escalate™

Brand 424L4

Soil Type Dekoven & Wakeland (silt loams)

Soil Test Values

pH O.M. % CEC6.3 2.6 9.4

Percent Base Saturation

Ca Mg K H69.3 15.5 2.4 12.8

Parts per Million

P K S16 88 4

Zn Mn B2.0 37 0.2

Want to know the EOSR for your farm? Sign up today to conduct this test on your farm in 2017 through our PFR Partners Program. Contact your Beck’s representative for more details.

POPULATION & TIMING STUDY15 in. Rows

$550 $600 $650 $700 $750 $800 $850 $900 $950

May

16 -

June

15Ap

ril 16

-M

ay 15

5-Year Economic Optimum Seeding Rate (EOSR)

100,000 125,000 150,000 175,000 200,000

5-YEAR ECONOMIC OPTIMUM SEEDING RATE

100,000

Dollars/A.

EOSR

EOSR

200,000175,000

125,000150,000

100,000

200,000175,000

125,000150,000

Population Study

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Treatments Nitr

ogen

So

urce

Perc

ent

Moi

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Bu./

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Control: No Nitrogen 12.4 58.9 -- --

30 units N @ Pre-plant UAN 12.9 60.3 +1.4 -$2.03

30 units N Sidedress @ V6 UAN 12.8 59.2 +0.3 -$12.45

30 units N 360 Y-DROP® @ R4 UAN 12.4 58.6 -0.3 -$18.14

30 units N Broadcast @ R4 Urea 11.9 58.3 -0.6 -$19.19

Soybeans $9.48/Bu. Urea $0.45/unit of nitrogen. UAN $0.51/unit of nitrogen. Individual results may vary.

PURPOSE To evaluate the yield and profitability of applying various forms of nitrogen (N) to soybeans at various growth stages.

STUDY INFORMATIONPlanted 5/25/2016Harvested 10/10/2016Population 120,000 Seeds/A.Row Width 30 in.Previous Crop CornTillage Fall Chisel, Spring

Vertical-Till/Field Cultivation

Herbicides Burndown: 1 qt. Roundup WeatherMAX® Pre: 8 oz. Authority® Assist Post: 4 oz. Section® Three, 27 oz. Flexstar® GT 3.5, 0.3 oz. FirstRate®

Insecticides Escalate™

Brand 481R2

Soil Type Dekoven & Wakeland (silt loams)

Soil Test Values

pH O.M. % CEC6.2 1.9 7.1

Percent Base Saturation

Ca Mg K H67.1 13.0 2.9 17.0

Parts per Million

P K S21 81 4

Zn Mn B2.3 42 0.2

At other locations where we have multi-year data on this study, we have discovered a pattern:

• Supplemental N applications have the most impact on yield when the applications precede extended periods of saturated soil conditions. We definitely experienced our fair share of saturated, anaerobic soil conditions in Kentucky this year.

• The key difference in 2016 was we had so much rain immediately following the V6 N application that it leached out of the soil root zone before it dried out enough for the plants to resume uptake.

• By the R4 growth stage, yield was already limited due to excessive rainfall and additional N late in the season showed no yield increase.

NITROGEN TIMING STUDY

Urea granules on leaves after application.

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2015 Cover Crop Planting Date Treatments Pe

rcen

t M

oist

ure

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Bu./

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--Control:

No Cover Crop 12.4 63.7 -- --

September 1219 lb. Beck's Bean

Builder Mix 12.4 76.3 +12.6 +$96.64

October 219 lb. Beck's Bean

Builder Mix 12.3 75.2 +11.5 +$86.22

Soybeans $9.48/Bu. Beck’s Bean Builder Mix $1.20/lb. *®XL is a registered trademark of Pioneer. XL® brand seed is distributed by Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc. Individual results may vary.

PURPOSE To evaluate if the yield and profitability of a fall cover crop followed by soybean rotation can provide a greater return over soybeans alone.

STUDY INFORMATIONPlanted 6/8/16Harvested 10/11/16Population 140,000 Seeds/A.Row Width 15 in.Previous Crop CornTillage Fall Chisel, Spring

Vertical-Till/No-Till/Field Cultivation

Herbicides Pre: 3 pt. Gramoxone® SL 2.0 Post: 27 oz. Flexstar® GT 3.5, 0.3 oz. FirstRate®

Insecticides Escalate™

Brand 345R4™*

Soil Type Henshaw (silt loam)Soil Test Values

pH O.M. % CEC6.9 2.3 7.1

Percent Base Saturation

Ca Mg K H73.9 21.1 3.5 1.5

Parts per Million

P K S28 96 4

Zn Mn B4.9 47 0.2

Conditions didn't allow for planting until June 8, as the cover crop vegetation did not dry out from the heavy spring rains. Warm soil temperatures helped the soybeans jump out of the ground and residue cover from the terminated cover crop helped retain moisture during the July heat, resulting in yield gains following a winter cover. Finally, ample August rains helped to finish the soybeans making for very impressive yields despite the late start.

COVER CROP STUDYPlanting Date

Beck's Bean Builder Mix growing in corn stalks

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PURPOSE To evaluate fungicide applied at the R3 growth stage across multiple soybean varieties, in an effort to determine yield and profitability.

STUDY INFORMATIONPlanted 6/1/2016Harvested 10/11/2016Population 140,000 Seeds/A.Row Width 30 in.Previous Crop CornTillage Fall Chisel, Spring

Vertical-Till/Field Cultivation

Herbicides Burndown: 1 qt. Roundup WeatherMAX® Pre: 8 oz. Authority® Assist Post: 1 qt. Liberty®, 4 oz. Section® Three

Insecticides Escalate™

Soil Type Henshaw (silt loam)Soil Test Values

pH O.M. % CEC5.8 1.7 8.4

Percent Base Saturation

Ca Mg K H50.7 18.9 1.7 28.6

Parts per Million

P K S15 57 3

Zn Mn B1.5 43 0.3

FUNGICIDE STUDYVariety Response

2016 RESULTS

Trea

tmen

ts

Bran

d

Perc

ent

Moi

stur

e

Bu./

A.

Bu./

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Diff

eren

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Con

trol

354L4 11.6 48.0 -- --366L4 11.3 56.2 -- --394L4 11.2 56.4 -- --424L4 11.0 58.4 -- --449L4 11.2 55.1 -- --454L4 11.4 58.6 -- --474L4 11.4 57.3 -- --

AVG. 11.3 55.7

4 oz

. Pria

xor®

@ R

3

354L4 11.7 53.0 +5.0 +$29.25366L4 11.5 59.6 +3.4 +$14.08394L4 11.4 59.8 +3.4 +$14.08424L4 11.1 60.3 +1.9 -$0.14449L4 11.3 60.3 +5.2 +$31.14454L4 11.4 63.4 +4.8 +$27.35474L4 11.2 66.3 +9.0 +$67.17

AVG. 11.4 60.4 +4.7 +$26.13

Soybeans $9.48/Bu. Priaxor® $580.92/gal. Individual results may vary.

• An application of 4 oz. of Priaxor® resulted in an average yield increase of 4.7 Bu./A. and a corresponding average ROI increase of $26.13/A.

• Excessive late-season rainfall and humidity favored disease development and fungicide response this season.

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R3 Treatments Perc

ent

Moi

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Bu./

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Diff

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Control: No Fungicide 12.0 69.1 -- --

4 oz. Priaxor® 12.1 72.6 +3.5 +$15.03

14.5 oz. Trivapro® 12.1 72.1 +3.0 +$10.94

5 oz. Preemptor™ SC 12.0 72.1 +3.0 +$8.06

4 oz. Stratego® YLD 11.9 70.9 +1.8 +$1.57

Soybeans $9.48/Bu. Priaxor® $580.92/gal. Stratego® YLD $495.67/gal. Preemptor™ SC $521.83/gal. Trivapro® $17.50/A. *®XL is a registered trademark of Pioneer. XL® brand seed is distributed by Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc. Individual results may vary.

PURPOSE To evaluate various fungicide applications applied at the R3 growth stage. This study evaluated the different diseases that are present throughout the growing season and the value of each fungicide product in terms of yield and profitability.

STUDY INFORMATIONPlanted 5/24/2016Harvested 10/11/2016Population 140,000 Seeds/A.Row Width 15 in.Previous Crop SoybeansTillage Fall Chisel, Spring

Vertical-Till/Field Cultivation

Herbicides Burndown: 1 qt. Roundup WeatherMAX® Post: 1 qt. Roundup WeatherMAX, 4 oz. Section® Three

Insecticides Escalate™

Brand 453R4™*

Soil Type Henshaw (silt loam)Soil Test Values

pH O.M. % CEC6.8 1.8 7.4

Percent Base Saturation

Ca Mg K H78.2 15.3 3.6 3.0

Parts per Million

P K S31 102 4

Zn Mn B2.9 41 0.3

FUNGICIDE STUDYFoliar

-$20 -$15 -$10 -$5 $0 $5 $10 $15 $20

4-Year Priaxor Return on Investment

2013 2014 2015 2016

4-YEAR PRIAXOR® RETURN ON INVESTMENT

Dollars/A.

+$3.90/A. Average

2013

2015

2016

2014

WHY DO FUNGICIDES SOMETIMES PAY, EVEN IN THE ABSENCE OF DISEASE SYMPTOMOLOGY?

The development of soybean diseases requires a susceptible host, the pathogen, and environmental conditions conducive to the establishment of the disease. Some diseases have a latent period where no disease symptoms are present, but the infection has already occurred. This latent period can last for several weeks. Therefore, it is possible for fungicides to provide a return on investment due to disease suppression when you can’t visibly see the symptoms of disease.

Excessive rainfall during the reproductive stages caused a high infection of Frogeye Leaf Spot in

Kentucky this year.

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PURPOSE To evaluate the yield and profitability of applying various fungicides in-furrow.

STUDY INFORMATIONPlanted 5/24/2016Harvested 10/5/2016Population 140,000 Seeds/A.Row Width 15 in.Previous Crop CornTillage Fall Chisel, Spring

Vertical-Till/Field Cultivation

Herbicides Burndown: 1 qt. Roundup WeatherMAX® Post: 1 qt. Roundup WeatherMAX, 4 oz. Section® Three

Insecticides Escalate™

Soil Type Dekoven & Wakeland (silt loams)

Soil Test Values

pH O.M. % CEC7.0 2.0 7.9

Percent Base Saturation

Ca Mg K H79.0 17.9 3.1 0.0

Parts per Million

P K S40 95 5

Zn Mn B2.6 43 0.2

• Weather conditions following planting were conducive to fast, vigorous early-soybean growth.

• Typically, any disease infection at this time is outgrown and does not affect yield.

• The addition of an in-furrow fungicide with this year's conditions did not result in an ROI increase.

FUNGICIDE STUDYIn-Furrow

2016 RESULTS

Bran

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Emer

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In-Furrow Treatments Perc

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Moi

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Bu./

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339R

2

Slow

er

Control 14.6 66.0 -- --

1 pt. Serenade® ASO 14.5 65.5 -0.5 -$9.05

6 oz. Headline® 14.4 67.9 +1.9 -$3.7334

5R4™

*

Fast

Control 14.1 79.2 -- --

1 pt. Serenade ASO 14.0 80.1 +0.9 +$4.22

6 oz. Headline 14.0 80.2 +1.0 -$12.26

2-Va

riety

Av

erag

e Control 14.4 72.6 -- --

1 pt. Serenade ASO 14.3 72.8 +0.2 -$2.41

6 oz. Headline 14.2 74.1 +1.5 -$7.99

Soybeans $9.48/Bu. Headline® $463.78/gal. Serenade® ASO $34.47/gal. *®XL is a registered trademark of Pioneer. XL® brand seed is distributed by Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc. Individual results may vary.

-$20 -$10 $0 $10 $20 $30 $40 $50

3-Year Headline Return on Investment

2014 2015 2016

3-YEAR HEADLINE® RETURN ON INVESTMENT

Dollars/A.

+$14.28/A. Average2015

2014

2016

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Bran

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In-Furrow Treatments Perc

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339R

2

Slow

er Control 14.6 66.0 -- --

3.4 oz. Capture® LFR® 14.4 67.1 +1.1 +$0.50

345R

4™*

Fast

Control 14.1 79.2 -- --

3.4 oz. Capture LFR 14.2 82.5 +3.3 +$21.352-

Varie

ty

Aver

age Control 14.4 72.6 -- --

3.4 oz. Capture LFR 14.3 74.8 +2.2 +$10.93

Soybeans $9.48/Bu. Capture® LFR® $373.81/gal. *®XL is a registered trademark of Pioneer. XL® brand seed is distributed by Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc. Individual results may vary.

PURPOSE To evaluate the yield and profitability of an insecticide when applied in-furrow.

STUDY INFORMATIONPlanted 5/24/2016Harvested 10/5/2016Population 140,000 Seeds/A.Row Width 15 in.Previous Crop CornTillage Fall Chisel, Spring

Vertical-Till/Field Cultivation

Herbicides Burndown: 1 qt. Roundup WeatherMAX® Post: 1 qt. Roundup WeatherMAX, 4 oz. Section® Three

Insecticides Escalate™

Soil Type Dekoven & Wakeland (silt loams)

Soil Test Values

pH O.M. % CEC7.0 2.0 7.9

Percent Base Saturation

Ca Mg K H79.0 17.9 3.1 0.0

Parts per Million

P K S40 95 5

Zn Mn B2.6 43 0.2

• Capture® LFR® was tested on a poorly drained portion of the farm.

• Early crop development was slow due to saturated soil conditions following planting. This increased the likelihood of yield-damaging feeding from insects.

• Capture LFR protected the treated stand and increased yields at harvest.

INSECTICIDE STUDYCapture® LFR®

Chris Robinson, Kentucky PFR Location Lead and Austin Scott, Field Agronomist (right).

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Bran

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In-Furrow Treatments Perc

ent

Moi

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Bu./

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Bu./

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Diff

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354L

4 Control 14.3 51.5 -- --

3.4 oz. Capture® VGR™ 14.0 52.1 +0.6 -$4.2439

4L4 Control 14.3 67.1 -- --

3.4 oz. Capture VGR 14.3 70.0 +2.9 +$17.56

2-Va

riety

Av

erag

e Control 14.3 59.3 -- --

3.4 oz. Capture VGR 14.2 61.1 +1.8 +$6.66

Soybeans $9.48/Bu. Capture® VGR™ $373.81/gal. Individual results may vary.

PURPOSE To evaluate the yield and profitability of an insecticide-based product when applied in-furrow at planting.

STUDY INFORMATIONPlanted 5/24/2016Harvested 10/4/2016Population 140,000 Seeds/A.Row Width 30 in.Previous Crop CornTillage Fall Chisel, Spring

Vertical-Till/Field Cultivation

Herbicides Pre: 8 oz. Authority® Assist Post: 1 qt. Liberty®, 4 oz. Section® Three

Insecticides Escalate™

Soil Type Dekoven & Wakeland (silt loams)

Soil Test Values

pH O.M. % CEC6.1 2.4 10.1

Percent Base Saturation

Ca Mg K H61.9 12.0 2.3 23.8

Parts per Million

P K S27 90 5

Zn Mn B2.4 34 0.2

INSECTICIDE STUDYCapture® VGR™

• Both varieties chosen for this study have excellent emergence and they both came up out of the ground equally well. Throughout the early growth stages, both varieties developed very fast due to the warm temperatures this year.

• The fast, early growth of the soybeans helped them outgrow any minor insect damage, possibly limiting the value of insecticide. However the BECK 394L4brand variety yielded much higher overall and also exhibited a greater response to the Capture® VGR™.

• As yield levels increase, so do nutrient demands. Were the beneficial bacteria from the VGR soil amendment able to increase nutrient availability and therefore yield?

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PURPOSE To evaluate the yield and profitability of various micronutrient products when applied at the recommended R1 growth stage versus a later R3 application.

STUDY INFORMATIONPlanted 5/24/2016Harvested 10/11/2016Population 140,000 Seeds/A.Row Width 15 in.Previous Crop CornTillage Fall Chisel, Spring

Vertical-Till/Field Cultivation

Herbicides Burndown: 1 qt. Roundup WeatherMAX® Pre: 8 oz. Authority® Assist Post: 1 qt. Roundup WeatherMAX, 2 oz. Zidua®

Insecticides Escalate™

Brand 465R4™*

Soil Type Dekoven & Wakeland (silt loams)

Soil Test Values

pH O.M. % CEC6.9 2.2 7.9

Percent Base Saturation

Ca Mg K H82.5 13.2 2.8 1.5

Parts per Million

P K S24 86 6

Zn Mn B2.7 38 0.2

Timely rains toward the end of July and through August created optimum soil conditions for nutrient uptake. A foliar micronutrient application this year did not provide additional value.

MICRONUTRIENT TIMING STUDYFoliar

2016 RESULTS

Tim

ing

Treatments Perc

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Control 11.0 75.0 -- --

R1

2 qt. MicroNourish® 11.4 74.0 -1.0 -$16.58

2 qt. MAX-IN® Ultra ZMB® 10.9 74.7 -0.3 -$13.84

2 qt. Versa Max™ AC 11.6 75.1 +0.1 -$8.80R3

2 qt. MicroNourish 11.2 75.8 +0.8 +$0.48

2 qt. MAX-IN Ultra ZMB 11.2 75.7 +0.7 -$4.36

2 qt. Versa Max AC 11.2 74.1 -0.9 -$18.28

Soybeans $9.48/Bu. MAX-IN® Ultra ZMB® $22.00/gal. Versa Max™ AC $19.50/gal. MicroNourish® $14.20/gal. *®XL is a registered trademark of Pioneer. XL® brand seed is distributed by Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc. Individual results may vary.

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R1 Treatments Perc

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Control 13.2 65.0 -- --

1 pt. X-Cyte™ 13.2 68.5 +3.5 +$24.99

10 oz. Foliar X-CYTO® 13.1 66.4 +1.4 +$3.27

Soybeans $9.48/Bu. X-Cyte™ $65.48/gal. Foliar X-CYTO® $128.00/gal. Individual results may vary.

PURPOSE To evaluate various cytokinin products and their ability to influence yield and profitability.

STUDY INFORMATIONPlanted 5/25/2016Harvested 10/4/2016Population 140,000 Seeds/A.Row Width 15 in.Previous Crop CornTillage Fall Chisel, Spring

Vertical-Till/Field Cultivation

Herbicides Burndown: 1 qt. Roundup WeatherMAX® Pre: 8 oz. Authority® Assist Post: 1 qt. Liberty®, 4 oz. Section® Three

Insecticides Escalate™

Brand 419L4

Soil Type Dekoven (silt loam)Soil Test Values

pH O.M. % CEC6.5 1.5 8.2

Percent Base Saturation

Ca Mg K H61.1 22.9 1.4 14.7

Parts per Million

P K S10 44 4

Zn Mn B1.5 54 0.2

• Cytokinin is a hormone that promotes cell division in plant roots and shoots as well as the growth of buds, resulting in a faster growing and healthier plant.

• Cytokinin plays a vital role in flower development and retention.

• A large portion of the flowers produced and pollinated by a soybean plant are aborted. Therefore, we targeted the R1 growth stage (start of flowering) for the application of these two cytokinin-based products.

• What we observed near the time of pod fill was a higher concentration of pods at the top nodes of the plant with the X-Cyte™ treatments. Pod fill was excellent due to the timely August rain.

PLANT GROWTH REGULATOR STUDYCytokinin

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PURPOSE To evaluate the differences in yield and final population of Beck’s Escalate yield enhancement system on multiple soybean varieties compared to untreated seed.

STUDY INFORMATIONPlanted 6/17/2016Harvested 10/17/2016Population 220,000 Seeds/A.Row Width 15 in.Previous Crop WheatTillage No-TillHerbicides Post: 27 oz. Flexstar®

GT 3.5, 0.3 oz. FirstRate®

Soil Type Henshaw (silt loam)Soil Test Values

pH O.M. % CEC7.1 1.9 7.2

Percent Base Saturation

Ca Mg K H76.4 21.4 2.2 0.0

Parts per Million

P K S17 61 5

Zn Mn B1.9 51 0.2

DOUBLE CROP SEED TREATMENT STUDYEscalate™ vs. Untreated

2016 RESULTS

Bran

d

Emer

genc

e

Treatments Perc

ent

Moi

stur

e

Bu./

A.

Bu./

A.

Diff

eren

ce

339R

2

Slow

er Control: Untreated 13.1 37.2 --

Escalate™ 13.1 38.6 +1.4

345R

4™*

Fast

Control: Untreated 12.7 39.0 --

Escalate 12.8 40.1 +1.136

5R2

Slow

er Control: Untreated 11.6 33.9 --

Escalate 12.0 37.3 +3.4

3-Va

riety

Av

erag

e Control: Untreated 12.5 36.7 --

Escalate 12.6 38.7 +2.0

*®XL is a registered trademark of Pioneer. XL® brand seed is distributed by Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc. Individual results may vary.

Escalate™Control: Untreated

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2016 RESULTS

Plan

ted

Popu

latio

n (S

eeds

/A.)

Perc

ent

Moi

stur

e

Bu./

A.

Seed

Cos

t/A.

Net R

etur

n

140,000 12.9 55.0 $54.43 $466.97

170,000 12.8 57.5 $66.09 $479.01

200,000 12.8 60.8 $77.75 $498.63

230,000 13.0 62.5 $89.42 $503.08

260,000 12.8 62.2 $101.08 $488.58

Soybeans $9.48/Bu. XL® 465R4™*brand $50.54/unit. *®XL is a registered trademark of Pioneer. XL® brand seed is distributed by Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc. Individual results may vary.

PURPOSE To evaluate different populations in a double crop system to determine the Economic Optimum Seeding Rate (EOSR).

STUDY INFORMATIONPlanted 6/14/2016Harvested 10/17/2016Population VariousRow Width 15 in.Previous Crop WheatTillage No-TillHerbicides Post: 27 oz. Flexstar®

GT 3.5, 0.3 oz. FirstRate®

Insecticides Escalate™

Brand 465R4™*

Soil Type Henshaw (silt loam)Soil Test Values

pH O.M. % CEC6.8 2.1 7.4

Percent Base Saturation

Ca Mg K H74.0 20.7 2.3 3.0

Parts per Million

P K S15 67 4

Zn Mn B2.3 43 0.2

• The challenge with double crop soybeans is establishing enough vegetative growth and plant height to maximize nodal development during the shortened season.

• The amount and frequency of precipitation and resulting plant-available water impact vegetative development. We can influence soybean plant height by increasing the seeding population.

• As population increases, in-row plant-to-plant spacing decreases. This generates more competition between plants for sunlight, resulting in taller plants, potential for increased nodes, and higher pod count.

DOUBLE CROP POPULATION STUDY15 in. Rows

$420 $440 $460 $480 $500 $520 $540 $560 $580

3-Year Economic Optimum Seeding Rate (EOSR)

140,000 170,000 200,000 230,000 260,000

3-YEAR DOUBLE CROP POPULATION EOSR

Dollars/A.

140,000 Seeds/A.

170,000 Seeds/A.

200,000 Seeds/A.

230,000 Seeds/A.

260,000 Seeds/A.

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172 | 2016 Beck’s Practical Farm Research

Daniel FultonPFR Operator217.871.0415

Clayton Stufflebeam

PFR Location Lead309.224.9320

CENTRAL ILLINOIS PFRAND SUPPORT STAFF

Craig KilbyField Agronomist

309.360.7403

Chad KalaherField Agronomist

309.319.8680

Jon SkinnerField Agronomist

309.373.7623

Matt QuattlanderIL/WI Regional

Product Specialist217.690.3494

Timothy HartmanPrecision Farming

Field Advisor815.216.6898

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2016 Central Illinois Weather Chart April - September

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CORN STUDIESHigh Yield Attempt ...................................................................................................................... 174Planting Date Study .................................................................................................................... 175Replant Study .............................................................................................................................. 1763RIVE 3D™ Application System Study - In-Furrow ....................................................................... 177Seed Treatment Study - Escalate™ vs. Industry Standard vs. Untreated ..................................... 178Seed Treatment Study - Seed Box Additive................................................................................. 179Starter Fertilizer Study ................................................................................................................ 180Starter Additive Study - In-Furrow ............................................................................................... 181Biological Study ........................................................................................................................... 182Population & High Management Study ....................................................................................... 183Population vs. Nitrogen Rate Study - 30 in. Rows ....................................................................... 184Nitrogen Rate Study - Corn After Soybeans................................................................................ 186Nitrogen Rate Study - Corn After Corn ....................................................................................... 187Nitrogen Timing Study ................................................................................................................. 188Nitrogen Placement Study - Sidedress ....................................................................................... 189Nitrogen Management Study - 360 SOILSCAN™ vs. PSNT ........................................................... 190Fungicide Study - Hybrid Response ............................................................................................ 192Fungicide Additive Study ............................................................................................................. 193Fungicide Timing Study ............................................................................................................... 194Insecticide Study - Capture® VGR™ .............................................................................................. 195Micronutrient Study - Foliar ........................................................................................................ 196Micronutrient Study - 360 Y-DROP® ........................................................................................... 197Sulfur Study ................................................................................................................................. 198Fertilizer Study - Strip-Till ........................................................................................................... 199Residue Management Study - Equipment .................................................................................. 200Tillage Study - Corn After Soybeans .......................................................................................... 202Tillage Study - Corn After Corn .................................................................................................. 203Tillage Study - SoilWarrior® X .................................................................................................... 204

SOYBEAN STUDIES High Yield Attempt ..................................................................................................................... 205Planting Date Study ................................................................................................................... 206Seed Treatment Study - ILeVO® .................................................................................................. 207Starter Fertilizer Study ............................................................................................................... 208Starter Additive Study - In-Furrow ............................................................................................. 209Carbon Study - In-Furrow ........................................................................................................... 210Soil Amendment Study - Wex® ...................................................................................................... 211Biological Study ........................................................................................................................... 212Row Width & Population Study .................................................................................................... 213Nitrogen Timing Study ................................................................................................................. 214Pre-Emergent Herbicide Study ................................................................................................... 215Fungicide Study - Variety Response ............................................................................................ 216Fungicide Study - Foliar .............................................................................................................. 217Fungicide Study - In-Furrow ....................................................................................................... 218Insecticide Study - Capture® LFR® ............................................................................................... 219Micronutrient Timing Study - Foliar ........................................................................................... 220Tillage Study - Soybeans After Corn ........................................................................................... 221

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PURPOSE To raise high yielding corn through the use of various seed treatments, product applications, and intensive management strategies.

STUDY INFORMATIONPlanted 5/6/2016Harvested 10/3/2016Population VariousRow Width 30 in.Previous Crop SoybeansTillage Fall Chisel, Spring

Field CultivationHerbicides Pre: 1 qt. Atrazine,

3.5 oz. Corvus®, 1 qt. Roundup WeatherMAX® Post: 1 pt. Atrazine, 3 oz. Capreno®, 1 qt. Roundup WeatherMAX

Insecticides Escalate™

Total Nitrogen

Various

Soil Type Ipava (silt loam)Soil Test Values

pH O.M. % CEC6.6 3.8 16.4

Percent Base Saturation

Ca Mg K H76.0 13.9 2.7 7.3

Parts per Million

P K S43 176 7

Zn Mn B2.0 39 0.5

HIGH YIELD ATTEMPT

2016 RESULTS

Trea

tmen

ts

Yiel

d Ra

nk

Bran

d

Rela

tive

Mat

urity

Test

Wei

ght

Perc

ent

Moi

stur

e

Bu./

A.

Bu./

A.

Diff

eren

ce

Con

trol

3 5883SX 108 55.4 18.2 212.2 --

4 5828AMX™* 110 57.0 18.8 207.0 --

1 6076SX 110 56.0 18.1 229.2 --

2 6165AMX™* 111 56.7 18.9 215.3 --

5 6418SX 114 56.8 19.3 205.8 --H

igh-

Man

agem

ent 3 5883SX 108 55.6 19.0 226.2 +14.0

4 5828AMX™* 110 57.8 19.5 224.0 +17.0

1 6076SX 110 55.4 18.6 245.3 +16.1

2 6165AMX™* 111 57.9 19.2 238.2 +22.9

5 6418SX 114 56.9 19.6 223.9 +18.1

*®XL, Optimum, and AcreMax are registered trademarks of Pioneer. XL® brand seed is distributed by Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc. Individual results may vary.

CONTROLPlanting: 34,500 Seeds/A.

2x2: 10 gal. 28-0-0

V4 (Sidedress): 53 gal. 28-0-0

HIGH-MANAGEMENT TREATMENTSPre-plant Incorporated: 100 lb. AMS (21-0-0-24S)

Planting: 40,000 Seeds/A. + 2 oz./ 50 lb. of seed Amplify-D® + 4.4 lb. Force® 3G

2x2: 10 gal. 28-0-0 + 6 gal. 10-34-0 + 1 pt. Ultra-Che® Zinc 9% EDTA + 1 pt. Liquid Boron 10%

In-Furrow: 5 gal. Feast® Yield Master™ 2-15-19 w/3%S + 1 pt. PercPlus™ + 6.4 oz. P Max® LFS

V3 Sidedress: 40 gal. 28-0-0 + 4 gal. Thio-Sul® (12-0-0-26S)

V5: 5 oz. Preemptor™ SC + 40 oz. Toggle™ + 1 qt. Versa Max™ AC

V10: 30 gal. 28-0-0 + 2 gal. Thio-Sul (12-0-0-26S) + 2 gal. P Max® Plus + 10 oz. Cipher™ 360 Y-DROP®

V14: 30 gal. 28-0-0 + 1 qt. Versa Max AC 360 Y-DROP

R1: 10 oz. Headline AMP® + 3.2 oz. Fastac™ EC + 1 gal. Sable® + 1 qt. Versa Max AC 360 UNDERCOVER®

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PURPOSE To determine the optimum planting date window by planting on multiple dates throughout the growing season.

STUDY INFORMATIONPlanted VariousHarvested VariousPopulation 34,000 Seeds/A.Row Width 30 in.Previous Crop SoybeansTillage Fall Chisel, Spring

Vertical-TillHerbicides Pre: 1 qt. Atrazine,

3.5 oz. Corvus®, 1 qt. Roundup WeatherMAX® Post: 3 oz. Capreno®, 1 qt. Roundup WeatherMAX

Insecticides Escalate™

Starter 10 gal. 28-0-0 2x2

Total Nitrogen

190 units as UAN

Brand 5939AMXT™*

Soil Type Ipava (silt loam)Soil Test Values

pH O.M. % CEC6.8 3.9 15.8

Percent Base Saturation

Ca Mg K H79.2 15.6 2.2 3.0

Parts per Million

P K S32 137 4

Zn Mn B1.7 35 0.6

PLANTING DATE STUDY

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% 120%

12-Year Planting Date Yield

March 16 - 31April 1 - 15April 16 - 30May 1 - 15May 16 - 31June 1 - 15

12-YEAR OPTIMUM PLANTING DATE WINDOW

March 15-31

April 1 - 15

April 16 - 30

May 1 - 15

May 16 - 31

June 1 - 15

Percent of Average Yield

2016 RESULTS

Plan

ting

Dat

e

Perc

ent

Moi

stur

e

Bu./

A.

March 23 17.6 236.0

April 5 17.7 240.2

April 18 18.5 269.9

May 5 20.6 177.0

May 21 21.2 227.1

June 7 25.4 144.6

*®XL, Optimum, and AcreMax are registered trademarks of Pioneer. XL® brand seed is distributed by Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc. Individual results may vary.

The results of the 2016 planting date study continued to follow the 12-year trend, that the highest yield is achieved with the April 16 to April 30 planting window.

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2016 RESULTS

Planting Date Plan

ted

Popu

latio

n (S

eeds

/A.)

Bu./

A.

Bu./

A.

Diff

eren

ce

Net R

etur

n

Retu

rn o

n In

vest

men

t

March 23 20,000 163.3 -- $630.34 -- April 5 (Replanted) 34,000 240.2 +76.9 $902.17 +$271.83 April 5 20,000 177.4 -- $684.76 -- April 18 (Replanted) 34,000 269.9 +92.5 $1,016.81 +$332.05 April 18 20,000 185.1 -- $714.49 -- May 5 (Replanted) 34,000 177.0 -8.1 $658.22 -$56.27 May 5 20,000 129.5 -- $499.87 -- May 21 (Replanted) 34,000 227.1 +97.6 $851.61 +$351.74 May 21 20,000 172.8 -- $667.01 -- June 7 (Replanted) 34,000 144.6 -28.2 $533.16 -$133.85

Corn $3.86/Bu. Replant Cost $25.00/A. *®XL, Optimum, and AcreMax are registered trademarks of Pioneer. XL® brand seed is distributed by Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc. Individual results may vary.

REPLANT STUDY

PURPOSE To evaluate corn stands and determine whether or not replant is a profitable decision at various planting and replanting dates. This study evaluated the yield performance of corn planted at 20,000 seeds/A. with random spacing versus a more uniform 34,000 seeds/A.

STUDY INFORMATIONPlanted VariousHarvested VariousPopulation VariousRow Width 30 in.Previous Crop SoybeansTillage Fall Chisel, Spring

Vertical-TillHerbicides Pre: 1 qt. Atrazine,

3.5 oz. Corvus®, 1 qt. Roundup WeatherMAX® Post: 3 oz. Capreno®, 1 qt. Roundup WeatherMAX

Insecticides Escalate™

Starter 10 gal. 28-0-0 2x2

Total Nitrogen

190 units as UAN

Brand 5939AMXT™*

Soil Type Ipava (silt loam)Soil Test Values

pH O.M. % CEC6.8 3.9 15.8

Percent Base Saturation

Ca Mg K H79.2 15.6 2.2 3.0

Parts per Million

P K S32 137 4

Zn Mn B1.7 35 0.6

-$200.00

-$100.00

$0.00

$100.00

$200.00

$300.00

$400.00

April 1 - 15

April 16 - 30

May 1 - 15

May 16 - 31

June 1 - 15

8-Year Replant Return on Investment

8-YEAR REPLANT RETURN ON INVESTMENT

Replant Date

• One concern for farmers every spring is if there will be a need for replant. The results from 2016 vary from previous year’s data.

• The weather in 2016 delivered a very profitable response to replanting a 20,000 seeds/A. sporadic stand on May 21.

• Cumulative data collected over the last eight years in Central IL has shown that replanting in mid-to-late May nears the breakeven point for profitability.

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PURPOSE To evaluate the new 3RIVE 3D in-furrow application system for its ease of use and efficiency. We also tested the in-furrow insecticide product Capture®, through the 3RIVE 3D unit, at two different rates and on two different trait platforms in an effort to determine potential yield and profitability.

STUDY INFORMATIONPlanted 4/25/2016Harvested 9/26/2016Population 34,500 Seeds/A.Row Width 30 in.Previous Crop CornTillage Fall Chisel, Spring

Vertical-TillHerbicides Pre: 1 qt. Atrazine,

3.5 oz. Corvus®, 1 qt. Roundup WeatherMAX® Post: 1 pt. Atrazine, 3 oz. Capreno®, 1 qt. Roundup WeatherMAX

Insecticides Escalate™

Starter 10 gal. 28-0-0 2x2

Total Nitrogen

215 units as UAN

Soil Type Catlin (silt loam)Soil Test Values

pH O.M. % CEC6.5 2.9 12.2

Percent Base Saturation

Ca Mg K H72.0 15.8 2.3 9.9

Parts per Million

P K S21 111 5

Zn Mn B1.6 45 0.3

• In this study, we tested the same genetics but with different traits. XL® 5828RR™*brand exclusively contains a herbicide trait while XL® 5828AMX™*brand protects against rootworm and corn borer, in addition to containing a herbicide trait.

• The AMX trait provided little to no difference in yield and resulted in a negative return on investment (ROI).

• The herbicide-only version (RR) had a positive ROI for both rates of Capture using the 3RIVE 3D application system.

3RIVE 3D™ APPLICATION SYSTEM STUDYIn-Furrow

2016 RESULTS

Bran

d

In-Furrow Treatments Emer

ged

Popu

latio

n

Popu

latio

n D

iffer

ence

NEPS

%

Bu./

A.

Bu./

A.

Diff

eren

ce

Retu

rn o

n In

vest

men

t

5828

RR™

* Control 32,111 -- 79.2 213.1 -- --

4 oz. Capture® 3RIVE 3D™ 31,889 -222 83.1 218.9 +5.8 +$9.98

8 oz. Capture 3RIVE 3D 33,000 +889 83.1 225.9 +12.8 +$24.5958

28AM

X™* Control 32,278 -- 84.1 219.9 -- --

4 oz. Capture 3RIVE 3D 33,667 +1,389 91.8 222.3 +2.4 -$3.13

8 oz. Capture 3RIVE 3D 33,111 +833 87.9 219.5 -0.4 -$26.35

2-H

ybrid

Av

erag

e Control 32,194 -- 81.6 216.5 -- --

4 oz. Capture 3RIVE 3D 32,778 +584 87.4 220.6 +4.1 +$3.43

8 oz. Capture 3RIVE 3D 33,056 +862 85.5 222.7 +6.2 -$0.88

Corn $3.86/Bu. Capture® 3RIVE 3D™ $396.95/gal. *®XL, Optimum, and AcreMax are registered trademarks of Pioneer. XL® brand seed is distributed by Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc. Individual results may vary.

3RIVE 3D™ Application System Dispensing Capture

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SEED TREATMENT STUDYEscalate™ vs. Industry Standard vs. Untreated

2016 RESULTS

Treatments Emer

ged

Popu

latio

n

Popu

latio

n D

iffer

ence

NEPS

%

Bu./

A.

Bu./

A.

Diff

eren

ce

Individual results may vary.

2016 RESULTS

Treatments Emer

ged

Popu

latio

n

Popu

latio

n D

iffer

ence

NEPS

%

Bu./

A.

Bu./

A.

Diff

eren

ce

Control: Untreated 32,833 -- 85.0 212.3 --

Escalate™ 33,611 +778 93.7 230.4 +18.1

Industry Standard 33,722 +889 90.8 225.4 +13.1

Individual results may vary.

PURPOSE To evaluate the yield differences of Beck’s Escalate yield enhancement system on corn compared to both the industry standard treatment system and an untreated control.

STUDY INFORMATIONPlanted 4/15/2016Harvested 9/13/2016Population 34,500 Seeds/A.Row Width 30 in.Previous Crop SoybeansTillage Fall Chisel, Spring

Field CultivationHerbicides Pre: 1 qt. Atrazine,

3.5 oz. Corvus® Post: 1 pt. Atrazine, 3 oz. Capreno®, 1 qt. Roundup WeatherMAX®

Starter 10 gal. 28-0-0 2x2Total Nitrogen

190 units as UAN

Brand 5829A4

Soil Type Ipava (silt loam)Soil Test Values

pH O.M. % CEC6.4 3.0 14.6

Percent Base Saturation

Ca Mg K H63.5 16.9 3.1 16.5

Parts per Million

P K S25 175 4

Zn Mn B1.7 40 0.4

• Escalate™ achieved an 18.1 Bu./A. advantage over the untreated control.

• Escalate treated plants had a more uniform emergence and NEPS %, which translated to a 5 Bu./A. increase over the industry standard treatment.

180 190 200 210 220 230 240

2-Year Yield Data

Control: Untreated Industry Standard Escalate

2-YEAR ESCALATE™ YIELD ADVANTAGE

Industry Standard

Control: Untreated

Bu./A.

+19.6 Bu./A.Escalate Advantage

Over Untreated

Escalate

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PURPOSE To evaluate two different seed box additive treatments, one a seed germination aid and the other a biological inoculant, and their ability to affect yield and profitability.

STUDY INFORMATIONPlanted 4/25/2016Harvested 9/27/2016Population 34,500 Seeds/A.Row Width 30 in.Previous Crop CornTillage Fall Chisel, Spring

Vertical-TillHerbicides Pre: 1 qt. Atrazine,

3.5 oz. Corvus®, 1 qt. Roundup WeatherMAX® Post: 1 pt. Atrazine, 3 oz. Capreno®, 1 qt. Roundup WeatherMAX

Insecticides Escalate™

Starter 10 gal. 28-0-0 2x2

Total Nitrogen

215 units as UAN

Brand 5828AMX™*

Soil Type Osco (silt loam)Soil Test Values

pH O.M. % CEC7.0 3.2 12.7

Percent Base Saturation

Ca Mg K H72.8 23.9 3.2 0.0

Parts per Million

P K S24 160 5

Zn Mn B1.9 53 0.6

GERMINATION AIDAmplify-D® contains micronutrients designed to enhance the supply of AMP (adenosine monophosphate) which is utilized by the seeds to jump start growth. This product resulted in an 8.5 Bu./A. increase in yield and a $30.44 increase in ROI.

BIOLOGICALMycoGold™ contains both bacteria and fungi that promote root growth and development. The MycoGold Corn Blend resulted in a 3.2 Bu./A. increase in yield and a $6.35 increase in ROI.

SEED TREATMENT STUDYSeed Box Additive

2016 RESULTS

Treatments Emer

ged

Popu

latio

n

Popu

latio

n D

iffer

ence

Bu./

A.

Bu./

A.

Diff

eren

ce

Retu

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men

t

Control 32,444 -- 220.2 -- --

2 oz./50 lb. of seed Amplify-D® 32,167 -277 228.7 +8.5 +$30.44

4 oz./50 lb. of seed MycoGold™ Corn Blend 32,722 +278 223.4 +3.2 +$6.35

Corn $3.86/Bu. Amplify-D® $2.37/A. MycoGold™ Corn Blend $6.00/A. *®XL is a registered trademark of Pioneer. XL® brand seed is distributed by Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc. Individual results may vary. Individual results may vary.

BIOLOGICALS VS. BIOSTIMULANTSThe first step in maximizing yield potential is to establish a uniform, fast growing, and vigorous stand of corn. The second is to establish a strong nodal root system free from disease and/or insect pressure.

Products marketed as biologicals or biostimulants are often marketed to influence those two steps and others. Biologicals are generally considered to be referencing beneficial soil bacteria, mycorrhizae, and fungi. Products such as umic and fulvic acids and enzymes are often marketed as biostimulants an can affect a plant’s ability to grow. Beck’s PFR will continue to evaluate new products in these classifications to determine any benefits to the farmer.

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2016 RESULTS

In-Furrow Treatments Emer

ged

Popu

latio

n

Popu

latio

n D

iffer

ence

NEPS

%

Bu./

A.

Bu./

A.

Diff

eren

ce

Retu

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vest

men

t

Control: No Starter Fertilizer

33,833 -- 87.0 245.7 -- --

5 gal. PureGrade® Diamond 6-24-6

34,167 +334 86.0 266.5 +20.8 +$59.04

4 gal. 6-18-6 PPRS™ 33,667 -166 87.0 261.6 +15.9 +$40.38

2 gal. P Max® Plus 34,333 +500 93.7 252.9 +7.2 +$7.01

5 gal. RoMax® Corn (8-18-4)

34,000 +167 84.1 254.7 +9.0 +$5.99

Corn $3.86/Bu. PureGrade® Diamond 6-24-6 $4.25/gal. P Max® Plus $10.39/gal. RoMax® Corn (8-18-4) $5.75/gal. 6-18-6 PPRS™ $5.25/gal. *®XL, Optimum, and AcreMax are registered trademarks of Pioneer. XL® brand seed is distributed by Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc. Individual results may vary.

PURPOSE To evaluate various starter fertilizers applied in-furrow and their effects on yield and profitability.

STUDY INFORMATIONPlanted 4/19/2016Harvested 9/22/2016Population 34,000 Seeds/A.Row Width 30 in.Previous Crop SoybeansTillage No-TillHerbicides Burndown: 1 pt.

2,4-D Pre: 1 qt. Atrazine, 3.5 oz. Corvus® Post: 1 pt. Atrazine, 3 oz. Capreno®, 1 qt. Roundup WeatherMAX®

Insecticides Escalate™

Total Nitrogen

190 units as UAN

Brand 6365AMX™*

Soil Type Catlin (silt loam)Soil Test Values

pH O.M. % CEC6.4 5.0 19.3

Percent Base Saturation

Ca Mg K H70.1 15.6 1.9 12.5

Parts per Million

P K S37 141 4

Zn Mn B2.2 34 0.5

• Starter fertilizers placed in close proximity to the seed can provide young corn plants with various macro & micronutrients.

• Starter fertilizers can promote a more vigorous plant that translates to increased yields, especially when encountering substantial early-season stress.

• All four starter products tested provided a positive ROI in 2016.

STARTER FERTILIZER STUDY

$0 $5 $10 $15 $20 $25

2-Year Return on Investment

P Max Plus 6-18-6 PPRS

2-YEAR STARTER FERTILIZER ROI

Dollars/A.

P Max® Plus

6-18-6 PPRS™

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PURPOSE To evaluate various starter additive products, applied in-furrow at planting, in an attempt to increase plant health, yield and profitability.

STUDY INFORMATIONPlanted 4/19/2016Harvested 9/13/2016Population 34,500 Seeds/A.Row Width 30 in.Previous Crop CornTillage Fall Chisel, Spring

Vertical-TillHerbicides Pre: 1 qt. Atrazine,

3.5 oz. Corvus® Post: 1 pt. Atrazine, 3 oz. Capreno®, 1 qt. Roundup WeatherMAX®

Insecticides Escalate™

Starter 5 gal. PureGrade® 6-24-6 In-Furrow

Total Nitrogen

215 units as UAN

Soil Type Sable (silty clay loam)

Soil Test Values

pH O.M. % CEC6.2 4.3 15.5

Percent Base Saturation

Ca Mg K H67.8 14.3 2.5 15.5

Parts per Million

P K S36 150 5

Zn Mn B1.8 37 0.4

STARTER ADDITIVE STUDYIn-Furrow

• Generate® resulted in an average increase of 1.6 Bu./A. across both hybrids.

• A negative return on investment (ROI) resulted, even with the yield increase.

• While plants treated with starter additives often look greener early on, this does not always result in a positive ROI.

2016 RESULTS

Bran

d

In-Furrow Treatments Em

erge

d Po

pula

tion

Popu

latio

n D

iffer

ence

NEPS

%

Bu./

A.

Bu./

A.

Diff

eren

ce

Retu

rn o

n In

vest

men

t

5234

AMX™

*

Control: Starter 35,000 -- 89.9 217.2 -- --

Starter + 1 pt. Generate® 34,500 -500 94.7 219.1 +1.9 -$2.41

Starter + 1 pt. Puma 33,000 -2,000 93.7 217.1 -0.1 -$7.38

5337

SX

Control: Starter 34,500 -- 96.6 213.0 -- --

Starter + 1 pt. Generate 34,500 +0 95.7 214.2 +1.2 -$5.12

Starter + 1 pt. Puma 34,000 -500 91.8 213.2 +0.2 -$6.23

2-H

ybrid

Av

erag

e

Control: Starter 34,750 -- 93.3 215.1 -- --

Starter + 1 pt. Generate 34,500 -250 95.2 216.7 +1.6 -$3.77

Starter + 1 pt. Puma 33,500 -1,250 92.8 215.2 +0.1 -$6.81

Corn $3.86/Bu. Generate® $78.00/gal. Puma $56.00/gal. *®XL, Optimum, and AcreMax are registered trademarks of Pioneer. XL® brand seed is distributed by Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc. Individual results may vary.

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PURPOSE To evaluate two different biologicals, one as a row starter additive and one as a foliar product. These two products were evaluated for their effects on plant health, yield and profitability.

STUDY INFORMATIONPlanted 4/25/2016Harvested 9/22/2016Population 34,500 Seeds/A.Row Width 30 in.Previous Crop CornTillage Fall Chisel, Spring

Vertical-TillHerbicides Pre: 1 qt. Atrazine,

3.5 oz. Corvus® Post: 1 pt. Atrazine, 3 oz. Capreno®, 1 qt. Roundup WeatherMAX®

Insecticides Escalate™

Starter 5 gal. PureGrade® 6-24-6 In-Furrow

Total Nitrogen

215 units as UAN

Brand 5665AMX™*

Soil Type Osco (silt loam)Soil Test Values

pH O.M. % CEC6.3 3.1 12.7

Percent Base Saturation

Ca Mg K H64.7 14.1 2.4 18.8

Parts per Million

P K S16 120 5

Zn Mn B1.3 44 0.4

BIOLOGICAL STUDY

2016 RESULTS

Treatments Emer

ged

Popu

latio

n

Popu

latio

n D

iffer

ence

Bu./

A.

Bu./

A.

Diff

eren

ce

Retu

rn o

n In

vest

men

t

Control: Starter 33,556 -- 234.7 -- --

Starter + 10 oz. Optify®/Stretch In-Furrow

33,278 -278 230.5 -4.2 -$24.71

Starter + 40 oz. Toggle™ @ V5 32,833 -723 243.7 +9.0 +$22.24

Starter + 10 oz. Optify/Stretch In-Furrow + 40 oz. Toggle @ V5

33,333 -223 225.7 -9.0 -$55.74

Corn $3.86/Bu. Toggle™ $40.00/gal. Optify®/Stretch $108.80/gal. *®XL, Optimum, and AcreMax are registered trademarks of Pioneer. XL® brand seed is distributed by Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc. Individual results may vary.

Zinc levels were highest in the Toggle™ treatment compared to the others at the end of the season.

0 10 20 30 40 50

Control

Optify/Stretch

Optify/Stretch + Toggle

Toggle

Nutrient Content (ppm)

Trea

tmen

t

Nutrient Content in Toggle Study- R4

Cu Zn B

2016 NUTRIENT CONTENT AT R4 GROWTH STAGE

Cu

Nutrient Content (ppm)

ZnB

CuZnB

CuZnB

CuZnBCo

ntro

l: St

arte

rO

ptify

/ St

retc

hO

ptify

®/S

tretc

h +

Togg

leTo

ggle

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PURPOSE To determine if yield and profitability can be increased by applying various high-management practices in a high-population environment.

STUDY INFORMATIONPlanted 5/6/2016Harvested 10/3/2016Population VariousRow Width 30 in.Previous Crop SoybeansTillage Fall Chisel, Spring

Field CultivationHerbicides Pre: 1 qt. Atrazine,

3.5 oz. Corvus® Post: 1 pt. Atrazine, 3 oz. Capreno®, 1 qt. Roundup WeatherMAX®

Insecticides Escalate™

Starter 10 gal. 28-0-0 2x2

Total Nitrogen

250 units as UAN

Soil Type Osco (silt loam)Soil Test Values

pH O.M. % CEC6.5 3.4 13.3

Percent Base Saturation

Ca Mg K H75.2 13.5 2.3 00.0

Parts per Million

P K S21 118 4

Zn Mn B1.6 44 0.5

POPULATION & HIGH MANAGEMENT STUDY

2016 RESULTS

Bran

d

Resp

onse

to

Hig

her

Popu

latio

n

Plan

ted

Popu

latio

n

Treatments Bu./

A.

Bu./

A.

Diff

eren

ce

Retu

rn o

n In

vest

men

t

5665

AMX™

*

Low

34,0

00

Control: No Micronutrients or Fungicide 222.8 -- --

2 qt. Versa Max™ AC @ V4 219.8 -3.0 -$21.33

2 qt. Versa Max AC @ V4 & 10 oz. Headline AMP® @ VT 226.8 +4.0 -$7.35

38,0

00No Micronutrients or Fungicide 215.5 -7.3 -$44.51

2 qt. Versa Max AC @ V4 220.5 -2.3 -$34.96

2 qt. Versa Max AC @ V4 & 10 oz. Headline AMP @ VT 227.4 +4.6 -$21.37

5829

A4

Med

ium

34,0

00

Control: No Micronutrients or Fungicide 220.2 -- --

2 qt. Versa Max AC @ V4 229.3 +9.1 +$25.38

2 qt. Versa Max AC @ V4 & 10 oz. Headline AMP @ VT 231.8 +11.6 +$21.99

38,0

00

No Micronutrients or Fungicide 229.1 +8.9 +$22.30

2 qt. Versa Max AC @ V4 228.4 +8.2 +$9.84

2 qt. Versa Max AC @ V4 & 10 oz. Headline AMP @ VT 231.1 +10.9 +$7.23

Corn $3.86/Bu. Headline AMP® $166.92/gal. Versa Max™ AC $19.50/gal. 5829A4brand $241.11/unit. XL® 5665AMX™*brand $326.61/unit. *®XL, Optimum, and AcreMax are registered trademarks of Pioneer. XL® brand seed is distributed by Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc. Individual results may vary.

XL® 5665AMX™*brand - A hybrid with a low response to high populations.

• The the most profitable treatment was the control.

• Although multiple treatments provided yield gains, all treatments resulted in a negative return on investment (ROI).

BECK 5829A4brand - A hybrid with a medium response to high populations.

• The the least profitable treatment was the control.

• All treatments resulted in a positive ROI over the control.

Population Study

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PURPOSE To evaluate different nitrogen (N) rates in 30 in. rows, applied to multiple populations, to determine the Economic Optimum Nitrogen Rate (EONR) and Economic Optimum Seeding Rate (EOSR) combination.

STUDY INFORMATIONPlanted 5/6/2016Harvested 10/3/2016Population VariousRow Width 30 in.Previous Crop SoybeansTillage Fall Chisel, Spring

Field CultivationHerbicides Pre: 1 qt. Atrazine,

3.5 oz. Corvus® Post: 1 pt. Atrazine, 3 oz. Capreno®, 1 qt. Roundup WeatherMAX®

Insecticides Escalate™

Starter 10 gal. 28-0-0 2x2

Total Nitrogen

Various

Soil Type Sable (silty clay loam)

Soil Test Values

pH O.M. % CEC6.8 3.6 15.1

Percent Base Saturation

Ca Mg K H77.6 16.8 2.6 3.0

Parts per Million

P K S29 154 4

Zn Mn B2.3 50 0.5

POPULATION VS. NITROGEN RATE STUDY30 in. Rows

2016 RESULTS

Bran

d

Resp

onse

to

Hig

her P

opul

atio

n

Nitr

ogen

Res

pons

e

Plan

ted

Popu

latio

n (S

eeds

/A.)

Nitr

ogen

(U

nits

/A.)

Bu./

A.

Bu./

A. D

iffer

ence

Net R

etur

n

5665

AMX™

*

Low

Hig

her N

Res

pons

e

30,000

190 212.5 -- $600.87

230 213.9 +1.4 $585.87

270 215.9 +3.4 $573.19

34,000

190 212.7 -- $585.31

230 214.7 +2.0 $572.63

270 215.8 +3.1 $556.48

38,000

190 210.1 -- $558.95

230 217.6 +7.5 $567.50

270 217.9 +7.8 $548.25

5829

A4

Med

ium

N E

ffici

ent

30,000

190 214.6 -- $641.04

230 216.0 +1.4 $626.04

270 219.1 +4.5 $617.61

34,000

190 221.6 -- $656.01

230 220.8 -0.8 $632.52

270 222.3 +0.7 $617.91

38,000

190 224.1 -- $653.60

230 222.4 -1.7 $626.63

270 226.2 +2.1 $620.90

Corn $3.86/Bu. UAN $0.51/unit of nitrogen. XL® 5665AMX™*brand $326.61/unit. 5829A4brand $241.11/unit. *®XL, Optimum, and AcreMax are registered trademarks of Pioneer. XL® brand seed is distributed by Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc. Individual results may vary.

Population Study

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$480 $530 $580 $630 $680

2016 5829A4 Net Return

190 270 230

$480 $530 $580 $630 $680

2016 5665AMX™* Net Return

190 270 230

230270 190

38,0

0034

,000

30,0

00

38,0

0034

,000

30,0

00

XL® 5665AMX™*brand

Seed

s/A.

Dollars/A.

• XL® 5665AMX™*brand, a hybrid that responds to lower plant populations, resulted in more dollars/A. when planted at 30,000 seeds/A.

• BECK 5829A4brand, a hybrid with medium population response, saw slightly more dollars/A. as populations increased.

• This study confirmed that hybrid genetics vary significantly in population response.

• We found that the yields increased the majority of the time when we increased nitrogen (N) rates within a population. However, when we evaluated the return on investment, the EONR remained at the lowest rate of 190 units of N/A.

$480 $530 $580 $630 $680

2016 5829A4 Net Return

190 270 230

$480 $530 $580 $630 $680

2016 5665AMX™* Net Return

190 270 230

230270 190

38,0

0034

,000

30,0

00

38,0

0034

,000

30,0

00

BECK 5829A4brand

Seed

s/A.

Dollars/A.

$480 $530 $580 $630 $680

2016 5829A4 Net Return

190 270 230

$480 $530 $580 $630 $680

2016 5665AMX™* Net Return

190 270 230

230270 190

38,0

0034

,000

30,0

00

38,0

0034

,000

30,0

00

Nitrogen (Units/A.)

2016 NET RETURN

EONR & EOSR BECK 5829A4brand

190 units N 34,000 Seeds/A.

EONR & EOSR XL® 5665AMX™*brand

190 units N 30,000 Seeds/A.

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PURPOSE To determine the Economic Optimum Nitrogen Rate (EONR), which is the rate of nitrogen (N) that maximizes profitability. All entries received 30 units of N as UAN in a 2x2 application at planting. This was followed by a sidedress application of UAN at the V3 growth stage, meeting the total amount of N for each treatment.

STUDY INFORMATIONPlanted 4/18/2016Harvested 9/21/2016Population 34,000 Seeds/A.Row Width 30 in.Previous Crop SoybeansTillage Fall Chisel, Spring

Vertical-TillHerbicides Pre: 1 qt. Atrazine,

3.5 oz. Corvus® Post: 1 pt. Atrazine, 3 oz. Capreno®, 1 qt. Roundup WeatherMAX®

Insecticides Escalate™

Starter 10 gal. 28-0-0 2x2

Total Nitrogen

Various

Soil Type Catlin (silt loam)Soil Test Values

pH O.M. % CEC6.8 3.6 14.3

Percent Base Saturation

Ca Mg K H80.2 14.2 2.6 3.0

Parts per Million

P K S26 144 4

Zn Mn B2.2 45 0.6

NITROGEN RATE STUDYCorn After Soybeans

This year we compared XL® 5828AMX™*brand, an efficient N user with XL® 6165AMX™*brand which is a hybrid that shows a higher N response. With this season’s weather patterns and pricing, 100 units of N showed the greatest return on XL® 5828AMX™*brand and 175 units of N showed the greatest return on XL® 6165AMX™*brand.

2016 RESULTS

Bran

d

Nitr

ogen

Re

spon

se

Nitr

ogen

(U

nits

/A.)

Perc

ent

Moi

stur

e

Bu./

A.

Nitr

ogen

C

ost/

A.

Net

Retu

rn

5828

AMX™

*

N E

ffici

ent

100 19.9 229.6 $51.00 $835.26125 19.8 228.6 $63.75 $818.65150 20.1 235.2 $76.50 $831.37175 19.9 237.1 $89.25 $825.96200 20.2 234.6 $102.00 $803.56225 19.7 242.3 $114.75 $820.53250 20.0 240.2 $127.50 $799.67

6165

AMX™

*

Hig

her N

Res

pons

e 100 19.6 227.6 $51.00 $827.54125 19.7 226.0 $63.75 $808.61150 19.6 232.5 $76.50 $820.95175 19.8 243.2 $89.25 $849.50200 19.9 241.0 $102.00 $828.26225 19.7 241.8 $114.75 $818.60250 19.8 247.1 $127.50 $826.31

2-H

ybrid

Av

erag

e

100 19.8 228.6 $51.00 $831.40125 19.8 227.3 $63.75 $813.63150 19.9 233.9 $76.50 $826.16175 19.9 240.2 $89.25 $837.73200 20.1 237.8 $102.00 $815.91225 19.7 242.1 $114.75 $819.57250 19.9 243.7 $127.50 $812.99

Corn $3.86/Bu. UAN $0.51/unit of nitrogen. *®XL, Optimum, and AcreMax are registered trademarks of Pioneer. XL® brand seed is distributed by Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc. Individual results may vary.

$740

$760

$780

$800

$820

$840

175 180 185 190 195 200 205 210 215 220 225Dol

lars

/A.

Units of UAN

8-Year Economic Optimum Nitrogen Rate

$0.40/unit $0.50/unit $0.60/unit

Nitrogen (Units/A.)

8-YEAR ECONOMIC OPTIMUM NITROGEN RATE

Dol

lars

/A.

194 at $0.40/unit 189 at $0.50/unit

185 at $0.60/unit

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2016 RESULTS

Bran

d

Nitr

ogen

Re

spon

se

Nitr

ogen

(U

nits

/A.)

Perc

ent

Moi

stur

e

Bu./

A.

Nitr

ogen

C

ost/

A.

Net

Retu

rn

5828

AMX™

*

N E

ffici

ent

125 22.7 200.9 $63.75 $711.72150 23.0 203.8 $76.50 $710.17175 23.6 206.6 $89.25 $708.23200 23.3 210.9 $102.00 $712.07225 23.6 210.4 $114.75 $697.39250 23.8 210.5 $127.50 $685.03275 23.4 219.3 $140.25 $706.25

6165

AMX™

*

Hig

her N

Res

pons

e 125 24.1 219.7 $63.75 $784.29150 24.3 224.2 $76.50 $788.91175 24.4 227.8 $89.25 $790.06200 24.9 233.3 $102.00 $798.54225 24.7 238.6 $114.75 $806.25250 25.0 234.9 $127.50 $779.21275 24.4 248.1 $140.25 $817.42

2-H

ybrid

Av

erag

e

125 23.4 210.3 $63.75 $748.01150 23.7 214.0 $76.50 $749.54175 24.0 217.2 $89.25 $749.15200 24.1 222.1 $102.00 $755.31225 24.2 224.5 $114.75 $751.82250 24.4 222.7 $127.50 $732.12275 23.9 233.7 $140.25 $761.84

Corn $3.86/Bu. UAN $0.51/unit of nitrogen. *®XL, Optimum, and AcreMax are registered trademarks of Pioneer. XL® brand seed is distributed by Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc. Individual results may vary.

PURPOSE To determine the Economic Optimum Nitrogen Rate (EONR), which is the rate of nitrogen (N) that maximizes profitability. All entries received 30 units of N as UAN in a 2x2 application at planting. This was followed by a sidedress application of UAN at the V3 growth stage, meeting the total amount of N for each treatment.

STUDY INFORMATIONPlanted 4/18/2016Harvested 9/19/2016Population 34,000 Seeds/A.Row Width 30 in.Previous Crop CornTillage Fall Chisel, Spring

Vertical-TillHerbicides Pre: 1 qt. Atrazine,

3.5 oz. Corvus® Post: 1 pt. Atrazine, 3 oz. Capreno®, 1 qt. Roundup WeatherMAX®

Insecticides Escalate™

Starter 10 gal. 28-0-0 2x2

Total Nitrogen

Various

Soil Type Catlin (silt loam)Soil Test Values

pH O.M. % CEC6.3 3.5 14.3

Percent Base Saturation

Ca Mg K H68.3 12.3 2.7 16.8

Parts per Million

P K S26 149 5

Zn Mn B1.5 41 0.5

The Central IL PFR team observed a wide range of differences in the EONR when comparing the N efficient hybrid XL® 5828AMX™*brand to the hybrid XL® 6165AMX™*brand, which has a higher N response. We will continue to evaluate hybrids and their EONR in an effort to provide you with the best agronomic management data.

NITROGEN RATE STUDYCorn After Corn

$700$710$720$730$740$750$760$770$780$790

200 205 210 215 220 225 230 235 240 245 250Dol

lars

/A.

Units of UAN

8-Year Economic Optimum Nitrogen Rate

$0.40/unit $0.50/unit $0.60/unit

8-YEAR ECONOMIC OPTIMUM NITROGEN RATE

Nitrogen (Units/A.)

Dol

lars

/A.

225 at $0.40/unit

222 at $0.50/unit

220 at $0.60/unit

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PURPOSE To evaluate various nitrogen (N) application timings and their effects on N use efficiency and yield. Each treatment in this study received a total of 190 units of N/A. as UAN.

STUDY INFORMATIONPlanted 4/15/2016Harvested 9/19/2016Population 34,000 Seeds/A.Row Width 30 in.Previous Crop SoybeansTillage Fall Chisel, Spring

Vertical-TillHerbicides Pre: 1 qt. Atrazine,

3.5 oz. Corvus® Post: 1 pt. Atrazine, 3 oz. Capreno®, 1 qt. Roundup WeatherMAX®

Insecticides Escalate™

Starter 10 gal. 28-0-0 2x2

Total Nitrogen

190 units as UAN

Soil Type Osco (silt loam)Soil Test Values

pH O.M. % CEC7.0 3.1 12.8

Percent Base Saturation

Ca Mg K H79.8 17.5 2.7 0.0

Parts per Million

P K S29 136 4

Zn Mn B2.9 44 0.6

When looking at the 2-hybrid average, it appears that there was no advantage to applications of N made after the V3 growth stage.However, significant differences were found between the two different genetic families.

• XL® 5665AMX™*brand typically responds to higher rates of N. • The V10 and VT growth stage applications on

XL® 5665AMX™*brand appear to have been applied too late to maximize yields with this year’s environmental growing conditions, reducing yield by over 11 Bu./A.

• BECK 5829A4brand tends to be a more efficient user of N.• Both the V10 and VT applications resulted in positive yield

increases. Although small, they at least did not result in losses as in the case of XL® 5665AMX™*brand.

NITROGEN TIMING STUDY

2016 RESULTS

Bran

d

Nitr

ogen

Re

spon

se

Nitr

ogen

(U

nits

/A.)

Appl

icat

ion

Tim

ing

Perc

ent

Moi

stur

e

Bu./

A.

Bu./

A.

Diff

eren

ce

Retu

rn o

n In

vest

men

t

5665

AMX™

*

Hig

her N

Res

pons

e 30, 160 Control: 2x2, Sidedress @ V3 21.6 244.7 -- --

30, 80, 80 2x2, Sidedress @ V3, 360 Y-DROP® @ V7 21.6 242.9 -1.8 -$6.95

30, 80, 80 2x2, Sidedress @ V3, 360 Y-DROP @ V10 21.3 233.6 -11.1 -$42.84

30, 80, 80 2x2, Sidedress @ V3, 360 Y-DROP @ VT 21.5 233.3 -11.4 -$44.00

5829

A4

N E

ffici

ent

30, 160 Control: 2x2, Sidedress @ V3 22.5 219.0 -- --

30, 80, 80 2x2, Sidedress @ V3, 360 Y-DROP @ V7 22.6 216.5 -2.5 -$9.65

30, 80, 80 2x2, Sidedress @ V3, 360 Y-DROP @ V10 22.3 222.1 +3.1 +$11.97

30, 80, 80 2x2, Sidedress @ V3, 360 Y-DROP @ VT 22.2 220.3 +1.3 +$5.02

2-H

ybrid

Av

erag

e

30, 160 Control: 2x2, Sidedress @ V3 22.1 231.9 -- --

30, 80, 80 2x2, Sidedress @ V3, 360 Y-DROP @ V7 22.1 229.7 -2.2 -$8.30

30, 80, 80 2x2, Sidedress @ V3, 360 Y-DROP @ V10 21.8 227.9 -4.0 -$15.43

30, 80, 80 2x2, Sidedress @ V3, 360 Y-DROP @ VT 21.9 226.8 -5.1 -$19.49

Corn $3.86/Bu. UAN $0.51/unit of nitrogen. *®XL, Optimum, and AcreMax are registered trademarks of Pioneer. XL® brand seed is distributed by Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc. Individual results may vary.

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NITROGEN PLACEMENT STUDYSidedress

PURPOSE To evaluate a traditional sidedress application versus a 360 Y-DROP® at the V5 growth stage and their effect on yield.

STUDY INFORMATIONPlanted 4/15/2016Harvested 9/13/2016Population 34,000 Seeds/A.Row Width 30 in.Previous Crop SoybeansTillage Fall Chisel, Spring

Vertical-TillHerbicides Pre: 1 qt. Atrazine,

3.5 oz. Corvus® Post: 1 pt. Atrazine, 3 oz. Capreno®, 1 qt. Roundup WeatherMAX®

Insecticides Escalate™

Starter 10 gal. 28-0-0 2x2

Total Nitrogen

190 units as UAN

Soil Type Peotone (silty clay loam)

Soil Test Values

pH O.M. % CEC6.8 3.8 17.3

Percent Base Saturation

Ca Mg K H77.9 16.6 2.5 3.0

Parts per Million

P K S46 166 5

Zn Mn B2.1 37 0.6

• Nitrogen applications were made on May 31. The next rain event was 1.6 in. on June 14.

• XL® 6165AMX™*brand, a hybrid that has a high nitrogen (N) response, showed a 14.2 Bu./A. advantage with 360 Y-DROP® over the traditional sidedress application. The N efficient XL® 5828AMX™*brand showed less than 1 Bu./A. difference between the two application methods.

• This 2016 study shows that different hybrids will respond to the placement of N in different ways. Managing N placement by hybrid may have merit.

2016 RESULTS

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Nitr

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Re

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V5 Treatments Perc

ent

Moi

stur

e

Bu./

A.

Bu./

A.

Diff

eren

ce

5828

AMX™

*

N E

ffici

ent

Control: Sidedress Applicator 26.7 213.2 --

360 Y-DROP® 26.1 214.0 +0.861

65AM

X™*

Hig

her N

Re

spon

se Control: Sidedress Applicator 25.1 250.1 --

360 Y-DROP 24.9 264.3 +14.2

2-H

ybrid

Av

erag

e Control: Sidedress Applicator 25.9 231.7 --

360 Y-DROP 25.5 239.2 +7.5

*®XL, Optimum, and AcreMax are registered trademarks of Pioneer. XL® brand seed is distributed by Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc. Individual results may vary.

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NITROGEN MANAGEMENT STUDY360 SOILSCAN™ vs. PSNT

PURPOSE To evaluate various nitrogen (N) sampling methods and technologies to determine if one method better predicts N needs, leading to higher yields and profitability.

STUDY INFORMATIONPlanted 4/25/2016Harvested 10/10/2016Population 34,000 Seeds/A.Row Width 30 in.Previous Crop SoybeansTillage Fall Chisel, Spring

Vertical-TillHerbicides Pre: 1 qt. Atrazine,

3.5 oz. Corvus® Post: 1 pt. Atrazine, 3 oz. Capreno®, 1 qt. Roundup WeatherMAX®

Insecticides Escalate™

Starter 10 gal. 28-0-0 2x2

Total Nitrogen

Various

Soil Type Osco (silt loam)Soil Test Values

pH O.M. % CEC6.5 3.0 12.4

Percent Base Saturation

Ca Mg K H74.6 9.7 6.0 9.7

Parts per Million

P K S51 288 5

Zn Mn B2.3 42 0.4

This study compares the profitability of both a pre-sidedress soil nitrate test (PSNT) and the 360 SOILSCAN™ machine, to that of the PFR standard N program.

• The main differentiating factor between the tests was that the 360 SOILSCAN did not offer an ammonium reading.

• The difference in recommendations was only 4 units of N between systems. Also the PSNT must be sent to a lab, whereas the 360 SOILSCAN is mobile and can be performed in the field.

• The similarity in recommendations and yield results brings peace of mind knowing that the 360 SOILSCAN is a reliable test.

360 SOILSCAN™

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2016 RESULTS

Bran

d

Nitr

ogen

Re

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Nitr

ogen

(U

nits

/A.)

Application Timing Nitrogen Program Bu./

A.

Bu./

A.

Diff

eren

ce

Retu

rn o

n In

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men

t

5665

AMX™

*

Hig

her N

Res

pons

e

30, 160 Control: 2x2, Sidedress @ V3 PFR Standard Practice (190 total N) 233.5 -- --

30, 60, 141 2x2, Sidedress @ V3, 360 Y-DROP® @ V14

360 SOILSCAN™ Recommendation @ V14 (231 total N) 248.2 +14.7 +$35.83

30, 60, 100 2x2, Sidedress @ V3, 360 Y-DROP @ V14 3-Split Applications (190 total N) 235.9 +2.4 +$9.26

30, 60, 145 2x2, Sidedress @ V3, 360 Y-DROP @ V14

PSNT Recommendation @ V14 (235 total N) 243.7 +10.2 +$16.42

5829

A4

N E

ffici

ent

30, 160 Control: 2x2, Sidedress @ V3 PFR Standard Practice (190 total N) 226.3 -- --

30, 60, 141 2x2, Sidedress @ V3, 360 Y-DROP @ V14

360 SOILSCAN Recommendation @ V14 (231 total N) 226.6 +0.3 -$19.75

30, 60, 100 2x2, Sidedress @ V3, 360 Y-DROP @ V14 3-Split Applications (190 total N) 227.5 +1.2 +$4.63

30, 60, 145 2x2, Sidedress @ V3, 360 Y-DROP @ V14

PSNT Recommendation @ V14 (235 total N) 229.7 +3.4 -$9.83

2-H

ybrid

Av

erag

e

30, 160 Control: 2x2, Sidedress @ V3 PFR Standard Practice (190 total N) 229.9 -- --

30, 60, 141 2x2, Sidedress @ V3, 360 Y-DROP @ V14

360 SOILSCAN Recommendation @ V14 (231 total N) 237.4 +7.5 +$8.04

30, 60, 100 2x2, Sidedress @ V3, 360 Y-DROP @ V14 3-Split Applications (190 total N) 231.7 +1.8 +$6.94

30, 60, 145 2x2, Sidedress @ V3, 360 Y-DROP @ V14

PSNT Recommendation @ V14 (235 total N) 236.7 +6.8 +$3.29

Corn $3.86/Bu. UAN $0.51/unit of nitrogen. *®XL, Optimum, and AcreMax are registered trademarks of Pioneer. XL® brand seed is distributed by Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc. Individual results may vary.

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PURPOSE To evaluate the yield response and return on investment when applying fungicide at the VT growth stage on multiple hybrids.

STUDY INFORMATIONPlanted 4/18/2016Harvested 9/26/2016Population 34,500 Seeds/A.Row Width 30 in.Previous Crop CornTillage Fall Chisel, Spring

Vertical-TillHerbicides Pre: 1 qt. Atrazine,

3.5 oz. Corvus® Post: 3 oz. Capreno®, 1 qt. Roundup WeatherMAX®

Insecticides Escalate™

Starter 10 gal. 28-0-0 2x2

Total Nitrogen

215 units as UAN

Soil Type Catlin (silt loam)Soil Test Values

pH O.M. % CEC7.0 4.2 15.1

Percent Base Saturation

Ca Mg K H77.7 20.1 2.2 0.0

Parts per Million

P K S31 128 5

Zn Mn B1.9 41 0.6

UNEXPECTED RESULTSIn this study, the two hybrids with the highest yield responses were XL® 6158AM™*brand, a high fungicide response hybrid, and BECK 5829A4brand, a low response hybrid. In the four years that the Beck’s product development team has worked with BECK 5829A4brand, they have observed extremely good late-season plant health and tremendous staygreen. Until this year, we have not seen a yield response like this. Interestingly, this plot did not experience significant disease pressure this year. In the absence of disease pressure, fungicides can provide additional benefits such as stress reduction. This stress mitigation response could be responsible for the yield increase observed on BECK 5829A4brand.

What does this teach us?Hybrids are living organisms. We use results from previous years to help predict how products will perform in the future. Every year is different and how a certain hybrid responds to its environment can vary.

What are the take home messages? • Scout your fields

• Use the hybrid’s known fungicide response as a guide

• Identify what other stresses the plant may be under

FUNGICIDE STUDYHybrid Response

2016 RESULTS

Trea

tmen

ts

Fung

icid

e Re

spon

se

Bran

d

Perc

ent

Moi

stur

e

Bu./

A.

Bu./

A.

Diff

eren

ce

Retu

rn o

n In

vest

men

t

Con

trol

: No

Fung

icid

e -- 5829A4 17.2 222.7 -- ---- 5828AMX™* 17.4 233.6 -- ---- 6076SX 17.2 238.4 -- ---- 6158AM™* 17.3 232.9 -- ---- 6225HR™* 19.2 242.0 -- ---- 6365AMX™* 19.1 244.8 -- --

AVG. 17.9 235.7

4 oz

. St

rate

go® Y

LD

@ V

TLow 5829A4 16.9 247.2 +24.5 +$79.08

Medium 5828AMX™* 17.6 231.2 -2.4 -$24.76Medium 6076SX 17.4 243.9 +5.5 +$5.74

High 6158AM™* 17.7 264.2 +31.3 +$105.33Medium 6225HR™* 19.6 242.3 +0.3 -$14.33Medium 6365AMX™* 19.3 245.7 +0.9 -$12.02

AVG. 18.1 245.8 +10.0 +$23.17

Corn $3.86/Bu. Stratego® YLD $495.67/gal. *®XL, Optimum, and AcreMax are registered trademarks of Pioneer. XL® brand seed is distributed by Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc. Individual results may vary.

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PURPOSE To evaluate the use of various additives, applied with a fungicide at the VT growth stage, in an attempt to increase plant health, yield and profitability.

STUDY INFORMATIONPlanted 4/18/2016Harvested 9/26/2016Population 36,000 Seeds/A.Row Width 30 in.Previous Crop CornTillage Fall Chisel, Spring

Vertical-TillHerbicides Pre: 1 qt. Atrazine,

3.5 oz. Corvus® Post: 1 pt. Atrazine, 3 oz. Capreno®, 1 qt. Roundup WeatherMAX®

Insecticides Escalate™

Fungicides 10 oz. Headline AMP®

Starter 10 gal. 28-0-0 2x2Total Nitrogen

215 units as UAN

Soil Type Catlin (silt loam)Soil Test Values

pH O.M. % CEC6.6 3.9 14.8

Percent Base Saturation

Ca Mg K H74.3 15.2 2.4 8.1

Parts per Million

P K S28 137 5

Zn Mn B1.4 39 0.4

• Will a tank mix addition of a nutrient or biological additive in your fungicide treatment increase yield by providing the plant more of what it needs at that time?

• The crop still has a relatively high demand for late season nitrogen, potassium, phosphorus and micronutrients. Only two products in this study provided us with additional revenue.

According to its manufacturer, Eagle is designed to assist a plant’s water uptake and modify transpiration. This allows the plant to effectively and more efficiently move water to where it is needed at a lower energy cost to the plant. Boron plays a key role in the growth of tissue and the strengthening of cell walls, as seen in the positive return on investment with Boron Plus®.

We will continue to evaluate these products in an effort to understand why we are seeing these results.

FUNGICIDE ADDITIVE STUDY

2016 RESULTS

Bran

d

VT Treatments Perc

ent

Moi

stur

e

Bu./

A.

Bu./

A.

Diff

eren

ce

Retu

rn o

n In

vest

men

t

5509

A3

Control: Fungicide 18.2 233.3 -- --

Fungicide + 3.2 oz. Eagle 18.1 236.1 +2.8 +$4.81

Fungicide + 6 oz. Boron Plus® 18.1 231.7 -1.6 -$7.58

Fungicide + 1 qt. CropKarb® 18.0 228.1 -5.2 -$29.74

Fungicide + 40 oz. Toggle™ 17.9 226.4 -6.9 -$39.14

5829

A4

Control: Fungicide 17.1 242.4 -- --

Fungicide + 3.2 oz. Eagle 17.6 244.1 +1.7 +$0.57

Fungicide + 6 oz. Boron Plus 16.9 245.8 +3.4 +$11.73

Fungicide + 1 qt. CropKarb 17.2 243.1 +0.7 -$6.96

Fungicide + 40 oz. Toggle 17.5 240.2 -2.2 -$20.99

2-H

ybrid

Av

erag

e

Control: Fungicide 17.7 237.9 -- --

Fungicide + 3.2 oz. Eagle 17.9 240.1 +2.2 +$2.69

Fungicide + 6 oz. Boron Plus 17.5 238.8 +0.9 +$2.08

Fungicide + 1 qt. CropKarb 17.6 235.6 -2.3 -$18.35

Fungicide + 40 oz. Toggle 17.7 233.3 -4.6 -$30.06

Corn $3.86/Bu. CropKarb® $38.69/gal. Boron Plus® $29.94/gal. Eagle $240.00/gal. Toggle™ $40.00/gal. Individual results may vary.

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PURPOSE To evaluate Preemptor™ SC and Trivapro® at two different timings to determine if they can sustain season-long control with one early foliar application. This study evaluated the different diseases that are present throughout the growing season as well as the value of each product in terms of plant health, yield and profitability.

STUDY INFORMATIONPlanted 4/15/2016Harvested 9/23/2016Population 34,000 Seeds/A.Row Width 30 in.Previous Crop CornTillage Fall Chisel, Spring

Vertical-TillHerbicides Pre: 1 qt. Atrazine,

3.5 oz. Corvus® Post: 1 pt. Atrazine, 3 oz. Capreno®, 1 qt. Roundup WeatherMAX®

Insecticides Escalate™

Starter 10 gal. 28-0-0 2x2

Total Nitrogen

215 units as UAN

Soil Type Ipava (silt loam)Soil Test Values

pH O.M. % CEC6.6 3.9 15.0

Percent Base Saturation

Ca Mg K H73.5 15.6 2.8 8.0

Parts per Million

P K S44 166 6

Zn Mn B1.9 41 0.4

Syngenta, claims their product Trivapro® is the longest lasting fungicide on the market. FMC claims that their Preemptor™ SC fungicide offers the ability to spray a single, early application for season-long control. We decided to put both of those claims to the test. With little to no disease pressure at the Central Illinois PFR site, we saw definite differences in product performance by application timing, as well as differences in yield response to fungicide by hybrid.

• Preemptor SC increased yield at the V8 application compared to the R1 application.

• Trivapro performed better at the R1 application compared to the V8 application.

• XL® 6158AM™*brand (high response to fungicide) added an average of 8.4 Bu./A. as compared to BECK 6076SXbrand (medium response to fungicide) which only provided a 1.7 Bu./A. increase.

FUNGICIDE TIMING STUDY

2016 RESULTS

Bran

d

Fung

icid

e Re

spon

se

Treatments Perc

ent

Moi

stur

e

Bu./

A.

Bu./

A.

Diff

eren

ce

Retu

rn o

n In

vest

men

t

6076

SX

Med

ium

Control: No Fungicide 18.3 224.1 -- --5 oz. Preemptor™ SC @ V8 18.0 228.1 +4.0 -$4.9414.5 oz. Trivapro® @ V8 18.1 222.2 -1.9 -$24.845 oz. Preemptor SC @ R1 17.6 222.7 -1.4 -$25.7914.5 oz. Trivapro @ R1 18.7 230.0 +5.9 +$5.27

6158

AM™

*

Hig

h

Control: No Fungicide 18.1 261.9 -- --5 oz. Preemptor SC @ V8 17.5 272.0 +10.1 +$18.6114.5 oz. Trivapro @ V8 17.7 266.9 +5.0 +$1.805 oz. Preemptor SC @ R1 18.2 271.0 +9.1 +$14.7514.5 oz. Trivapro @ R1 18.0 271.2 +9.3 +$18.40

2-H

ybrid

Av

erag

e

Control: No Fungicide 18.2 243.0 -- --5 oz. Preemptor SC @ V8 17.8 250.1 +7.1 +$6.8414.5 oz. Trivapro @ V8 17.9 244.6 +1.6 -$11.525 oz. Preemptor SC @ R1 17.9 246.9 +3.9 -$5.5214.5 oz. Trivapro @ R1 18.4 250.6 +7.6 +$11.84

Corn $3.86/Bu. Preemptor™ SC $521.83/gal. Trivapro® $17.50/A. *®XL, Optimum, and AcreMax are registered trademarks of Pioneer. XL® brand seed is distributed by Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc. Individual results may vary.

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2016 RESULTS

Treatments Emer

ged

Popu

latio

n

Popu

latio

n D

iffer

ence

Bu./

A.

Bu./

A.

Diff

eren

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Retu

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t

Control: Starter 29,166 -- 230.3 -- --

Starter + 3.4 oz. Capture® VGR™ In-Furrow

29,778 +612 237.4 +7.1 +$17.47

Corn $3.86/Bu. Capture® VGR™ $373.81/gal. *®XL, Optimum, and AcreMax are registered trademarks of Pioneer. XL® brand seed is distributed by Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc. Individual results may vary.

PURPOSE To determine if Capture VGR, a combination product consisting of Capture® LFR® and VGR soil amendment, can increase plant health, yield and profitability.

STUDY INFORMATIONPlanted 4/20/2016Harvested 10/10/2016Population 34,000 Seeds/A.Row Width 30 in.Previous Crop SoybeansTillage Fall Chisel, Spring

Vertical-TillHerbicides Pre: 1 qt. Atrazine,

3.5 oz. Corvus® Post: 1 pt. Atrazine, 3 oz. Capreno®, 1 qt. Roundup WeatherMAX®

Insecticides Escalate™

Starter 5 gal. PureGrade® 6-24-6 In-Furrow, 10 gal. 28-0-0 2x2

Total Nitrogen

190 units as UAN

Brand 5828AMX™*

Soil Type Peotone (silty clay loam)

Soil Test Values

pH O.M. % CEC6.5 3.2 12.6

Percent Base Saturation

Ca Mg K H75.3 11.9 3.3 9.5

Parts per Million

P K S29 160 5

Zn Mn B2.7 48 0.4

CAPTURE® LFR® IS AN IN-FURROW APPLICATION OF INSECTICIDE THAT:• Reduces insect feeding

CAPTURE VGR™ IS A SOIL AMENDMENT THAT: • Influences a larger root system

• Increases water use efficiency

• Improves nutrient uptake

With a mild winter, soil-borne insects thrived. One proactive management solution is the use of an in-furrow insecticide. Capture VGR contains both an insecticide and a biological soil amendment.

Was the $17.47/A. return on investment (ROI) a result of the insecticide or the VGR component? We can’t be entirely sure, however, we are beginning to see a greater number of unconventional crop management products (biologicals/biostimulants/PGR’s/soil amendments, etc.) that are providing a positive ROI.

INSECTICIDE STUDYCapture® VGR™

WHAT IS BACILLUS LICHENIFORMIS?VGR soil amendment contains a specific strain of Bacillus licheniformis, a naturally occurring bacteria which rapidly colonizes actively growing roots. This results in larger root systems, improved water use efficiency, increased phosphorus solubility for better nutrient uptake, and improved plant defense against abiotic stresses.

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MICRONUTRIENT STUDYFoliar

PURPOSE To evaluate the yield and profitability of various micronutrient products applied at the V4 growth stage.

STUDY INFORMATIONPlanted 4/19/2016Harvested 9/13/2016Population 34,500 Seeds/A.Row Width 30 in.Previous Crop CornTillage Fall Chisel, Spring

Field CultivationHerbicides Pre: 1 qt. Atrazine,

3.5 oz. Corvus® Post: 1 pt. Atrazine, 3 oz. Capreno®, 1 qt. Roundup WeatherMAX®

Insecticides Escalate™

Starter 10 gal. 28-0-0 2x2

Total Nitrogen

215 units as UAN

Soil Type Catlin (silt loam)Soil Test Values

pH O.M. % CEC6.4 4.4 16.2

Percent Base Saturation

Ca Mg K H67.8 14.4 3.1 14.8

Parts per Million

P K S40 194 6

Zn Mn B1.9 38 0.4

• MicroNourish® did not provide a yield increase when used on XL® 5234AMX™*brand but did offer almost 6 Bu./A. increase when used on BECK 5337SXbrand.

• MicroBlitz™ had more consistent results with an average increase of 2.7 Bu./A.

• MicroBlitz is an 11-8-5 product with micronutrients while MicroNourish is a 4-0-0 product with sulfur and micronutrients.

2016 RESULTS

Bran

d

V4 Treatments Perc

ent

Moi

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e

Bu./

A.

Bu./

A.

Diff

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Retu

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men

t

5234

AMX™

* Control 22.8 221.4 -- --

1 qt. MicroBlitz™ 22.9 222.9 +1.5 +$3.66

1 qt. MicroNourish® 23.2 221.3 -0.1 -$3.93

5337

SXControl 22.5 203.8 -- --

1 qt. MicroBlitz 22.6 207.7 +3.9 +$12.92

1 qt. MicroNourish 22.9 209.6 +5.8 +$18.84

2-H

ybrid

Av

erag

e Control 22.7 212.6 -- --

1 qt. MicroBlitz 22.8 215.3 +2.7 +$8.29

1 qt. MicroNourish 23.1 215.5 +2.9 +$7.45

Corn $3.86/Bu. MicroNourish® $14.20/gal. MicroBlitz™ $8.50/gal. *®XL, Optimum, and AcreMax are registered trademarks of Pioneer. XL® brand seed is distributed by Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc. Individual results may vary.

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PURPOSE To evaluate the yield and profitability of various micronutrient products applied with 360 Y-DROP at the V10 growth stage.

STUDY INFORMATIONPlanted 4/18/2016Harvested 9/19/16Population 34,500 Seeds/A.Row Width 30 in.Previous Crop CornTillage Fall Chisel, Spring

Vertical-TillHerbicides Pre: 1 qt. Atrazine,

3.5 oz. Corvus® Post: 1 pt. Atrazine, 3 oz. Capreno®, 1 qt. Roundup WeatherMAX®

Insecticides Escalate™

Starter 10 gal. 28-0-0 2x2

Total Nitrogen

215 units as UAN

Soil Type Catlin (silt loam)Soil Test Values

pH O.M. % CEC6.4 3.3 12.1

Percent Base Saturation

Ca Mg K H74.2 12.4 3.6 9.9

Parts per Million

P K S25 170 5

Zn Mn B2.0 49 0.4

All treatments were applied with UAN as the carrier, for a total of 25 units/A. of nitrogen.

• If micronutrients are applied at the right time, can we increase yields? This study indicates that we can.

• What is the best application method?

• Is it through the 360 Y-DROP® such as was the case in this study?

• Or, is it through a foliar application with a fungicide as in the case of the fungicide additive study?

• We will continue these studies in an effort to answer these questions.

MICRONUTRIENT STUDY360 Y-DROP®

2016 RESULTS

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Moi

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Bu./

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Diff

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Retu

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men

t

6076

SX

Control 22.8 229.8 -- --

7 gal. Thio-Sul® (12-0-0-26S) 22.4 237.5 +7.7 +$18.84

2 qt. Liquid Boron 10% 22.5 233.8 +4.0 +$7.06

2 qt. Ultra-Che® Zinc 9% EDTA 23.1 226.4 -3.4 -$25.88

6165

AMX™

*

Control 22.9 252.8 -- --

2 qt. Liquid Boron 10% 22.9 259.4 +6.6 +$17.09

2 qt. Ultra-Che Zinc 9% EDTA 23.2 254.8 +2.0 -$5.03

7 gal. Thio-Sul (12-0-0-26S) 23.2 249.7 -3.1 -$22.85

2-H

ybrid

Ave

rage Control 22.9 241.3 -- --

2 qt. Liquid Boron 10% 22.7 246.6 +5.3 +$12.08

7 gal. Thio-Sul (12-0-0-26S) 22.8 243.6 +2.3 -$2.00

2 qt. Ultra-Che Zinc 9% EDTA 23.2 240.6 -0.7 -$15.45

Corn $3.86/Bu. Thio-Sul® (12-0-0-26S) $2.21/gal. Ultra-Che® Zinc 9% EDTA $25.50/gal. UAN $0.51/unit of nitrogen. Liquid Boron 10% $16.75/gal. *®XL, Optimum, and AcreMax are registered trademarks of Pioneer. XL® brand seed is distributed by Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc. Individual results may vary.

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2016 RESULTS

V3 Treatments Nitr

ogen

(U

nits

/A.)

Sulfu

r (U

nits

/A.)

Perc

ent

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men

t

Control: 185 units N 185 -- 26.2 235.7 -- --

176 units N + 7 gal. Thio-Sul® (12-0-0-26S) 185 20 26.4 237.3 +1.6 -$4.70

156 units N + 7 gal. Thio-Sul (12-0-0-26S) 165 20 25.4 237.9 +2.2 +$7.81

Corn $3.86/Bu. Thio-Sul® (12-0-0-26S) $2.21/gal. UAN $0.51/unit of nitrogen. *®XL, Optimum, and AcreMax are registered trademarks of Pioneer. XL® brand seed is distributed by Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc. Individual results may vary.

PURPOSE To evaluate the use of Thio-Sul® in a sidedress application at the V3 growth stage, in an attempt to increase nitrogen use efficiency, plant health, yield and profitability.

STUDY INFORMATIONPlanted 4/18/2016Harvested 9/19/2016Population 34,500 Seeds/A.Row Width 30 in.Previous Crop CornTillage Fall Vertical-Till/

Chisel, Spring Vertical-Till

Herbicides Pre: 1 qt. Atrazine, 3.5 oz. Corvus® Post: 3 oz. Capreno®, 1 qt. Roundup WeatherMAX®

Insecticides Escalate™

Starter 10 gal. 28-0-0 2x2

Total Nitrogen

Various

Brand 6365AMX™*

Soil Type Catlin (silt loam)Soil Test Values

pH O.M. % CEC7.0 3.6 15.4

Percent Base Saturation

Ca Mg K H77.7 19.7 2.6 0.0

Parts per Million

P K S33 158 4

Zn Mn B2.5 51 0.6

• We have seen a significant decrease in air pollutant levels as the EPA lowers allowable emissions.

• As a result, sulfur (S) content is not as abundant in early to mid-season rains as it once was.

• One of the most cost-effective S applications is to mix S with nitrogen due to the similarities in crop uptake and possible nitrogen stabilization.

SULFUR STUDY

Interested in incorporating S into your fertilizer program?

Here’s a general rule of thumb: Apply 1 unit of S for every 14 units of N.

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Fall Treatments Perc

ent

Moi

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Bu./

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Bu./

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Diff

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Retu

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men

t

300 lb. 9-23-30 17.7 209.6 -- --

150 lb. MicroEssentials® SZ™ (12-40-0-10S-1Zn) + 150 lb. 0-0-60 17.4 209.0 -0.6 -$6.98

210 lb. 9-23-30 17.7 200.1 -9.5 -$19.28

105 lb. MicroEssentials SZ (12-40-0-10S-1Zn) + 105 lb. 0-0-60 17.8 200.4 -9.2 -$21.39

Corn $3.86/Bu. 9-23-30 $386.44/ton 0-0-60 $335.00/ton MicroEssentials® SZ™ (12-40-0-10S-1Zn) $500.00/ton. *®XL, Optimum, and AcreMax are registered trademarks of Pioneer. XL® brand seed is distributed by Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc. Individual results may vary.

PURPOSE To determine the impact on yield and profitability when two different types of fertilizer are applied in a strip-till system. A mosaic fertilizer blend was compared to a conventional dry fertilizer blend of the same analysis, both applied in a strip.

STUDY INFORMATIONPlanted 4/25/2016Harvested 9/26/2016Population 34,000 Seeds/A.Row Width 30 in.Previous Crop CornTillage Fall Strip-Till, Spring

No-TillHerbicides Pre: 1 qt. Atrazine,

3.5 oz. Corvus® Post: 1 pt. Atrazine, 3 oz. Capreno®, 1 qt. Roundup WeatherMAX®

Insecticides Escalate™

Starter 10 gal. 28-0-0 2x2

Total Nitrogen

215 units as UAN

Brand 5939AMXT™*

Soil Type Catlin (silt loam)Soil Test Values

pH O.M. % CEC6.2 3.5 17.0

Percent Base Saturation

Ca Mg K H63.4 13.5 1.9 21.2

Parts per Million

P K S31 125 4

Zn Mn B2.1 38 0.4

MicroEssentials® SZ™ is a granular fertilizer comprised of 12 percent nitrogen (N), 40 percent phosphorous (P), 10 percent sulfur (S), and 1 percent zinc (Zn).

What makes MicroEssentials SZ unique is Mosaic’s patented Fusion® technology process, which combines all four nutrients into one granule. This greatly increases the evenness of nutrient distribution throughout the field. Season-long S availability is an additional benefit of MicroEssentials SZ. A portion of the S is immediately made available in the form of sulfate S. The remaining S is in the elemental form, which breaks down and is released over time.

FERTILIZER STUDYStrip-Till

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PURPOSE To evaluate various residue management tools in both no-till and conventional-till scenarios and to determine which method breaks down residue faster, allows earlier planting, and ultimately, offers the highest yield.

STUDY INFORMATIONPlanted 4/25/2016Harvested 9/22/2016Population 34,000 Seeds/A.Row Width 30 in.Previous Crop CornTillage VariousHerbicides Pre: 1 qt. Atrazine,

3.5 oz. Corvus® Post: 1 pt. Atrazine, 3 oz. Capreno®, 1 qt. Roundup WeatherMAX®

Insecticides Escalate™

Starter 10 gal. 28-0-0 2x2

Total Nitrogen

215 units as UAN

Brand 5665AMX™*

Soil Type Sable (silty clay loam)

Soil Test Values

pH O.M. % CEC6.5 3.5 12.4

Percent Base Saturation

Ca Mg K H72.5 15.1 2.7 9.7

Parts per Million

P K S17 129 5

Zn Mn B1.5 44 0.3

RESIDUE MANAGEMENT STUDYEquipment

2016 RESULTS

Tilla

ge

Treatments Perc

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Moi

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Bu./

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Bu./

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Diff

eren

ce

No-

Till

Control: NDY Stalk Stompers 19.3 213.1 --

Capello® Quasar Corn Head 19.3 230.6 +17.5

Yetter Stalk Devastator™ 20.1 206.6 -6.5

Con

vent

iona

l-Ti

llControl: NDY Stalk Stompers 19.8 229.6 --

Capello Quasar Corn Head 19.1 241.4 +11.8

Yetter Stalk Devastator 19.8 238.4 +8.8

*®XL, Optimum, and AcreMax are registered trademarks of Pioneer. XL® brand seed is distributed by Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc. Individual results may vary.

150 160 170 180 190 200 210

No-T

illCo

nven

tiona

l-Till

2-Year Yield Data

Control: NDY Stalk Stompers Yetter Stalk Devastator Capello Quasar Corn Head

2-YEAR RESIDUE MANAGEMENT YIELD ADVANTAGE

Yetter Stalk Devastator™

Bu./A.

NDY Stalk Stompers

Capello® Quasar Corn Head

Yetter Stalk Devastator

NDY Stalk Stompers

Capello Quasar Corn Head

2-Year +23.6 Bu./A. Advantage of Capello® Quasar Corn Head

Over NDY Stalk Stompers in No-Till CAC

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NDY

Stal

k

Stom

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Yett

er S

talk

D

evas

tato

r™C

apel

lo® Q

uasa

r C

orn

Hea

d

One square foot of residue was collected from harvest 2015 to demonstrate how “sizing” residue, in both a no-till and a conventional-till scenario, can lead to faster residue decomposition. Whether residue managing combine attachments chop, crush or split residue, the goal is the same — to increase residue surface area in contact with soil microbs.

By sizing residue in a corn after corn environment, we have observed the following:

• More residue surface area in contact with the soil

• Increased soil microbial activity leading to an increase in decomposed residue

• Reduced carbon penalty (nitrogen tie-up)

• Increased yields

By reducing the carbon penalty, more nutrients are available to the following corn crop. This has translated to increased corn yields two years in a row.

1 sq. ft. residue collected 9/22/2016

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PURPOSE To evaluate no-till, strip-till, vertical-till, conventional-till, and moldboard plow in corn after soybean rotations.

STUDY INFORMATIONPlanted 4/19/2016Harvested 9/26/2016Population 32,000 Seeds/A.Row Width 30 in.Previous Crop SoybeansTillage Strip-till: Fall

SoilWarrior® X Vertical-till: Spring McFarlane Incite® Conv.-till: Fall disk chisel f/b field cultivator Moldboard plow: Fall f/b field cultivator in spring

Herbicides Burndown: 1 pt. 2,4-D, 1 qt. Roundup WeatherMAX® Pre: 1 qt. Atrazine, 3.5 oz. Corvus® Post: 1 pt. Atrazine, 3 oz. Capreno®, 1 qt. Roundup WeatherMAX

Insecticides Escalate™

Starter 10 gal. 28-0-0 2x2

Total Nitrogen

190 units as UAN

Brand 5829A4Soil Type Catlin (silt loam)Soil Test Values

pH O.M. % CEC6.2 3.1 13.9

Percent Base Saturation

Ca Mg K H64.6 15.8 2.4 17.2

Parts per Million

P K S22 130 5

Zn Mn B1.4 41 0.3

TILLAGE STUDYCorn After Soybeans

2016 RESULTS

Fall

Ti

llage

Sprin

g Ti

llage

Perc

ent

Moi

stur

e

Bu./

A.

Bu./

A.

Diff

eren

ce

Control: Chisel Plow Control: Vertical-Till 17.3 236.9 --No-Till No-Till 17.7 221.6 -15.3

Strip-Till No-Till 17.2 232.8 -4.1Moldboard Plow Vertical-Till 17.5 228.6 -8.3

Vertical-Till Vertical-Till 16.8 230.8 -6.1

Individual results may vary.

The 2016 PFR data continues to support the 8-year trend of tillage after soybeans leading to an increase in yield.

• Exposed soil from conventional-till leads to warmer soil conditions.

• The moldboard plow and chisel can aid in yield increase by removing compaction.

• Removal of residue from the seed bed aids emergence by improving seed-to-soil contact.

150 160 170 180 190 200 210 220

8-Year Yield Data

No-Till Control: Chisel Vertical-Till Strip-Till

8-YEAR TILLAGE YIELD ADVANTAGE

Control: Chisel

Bu./A.

Vertical-Till

Strip-Till

No-Till

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PURPOSE To evaluate no-till, strip-till, vertical-till, conventional-till, and moldboard plow in a corn after corn rotation.

STUDY INFORMATIONPlanted 4/19/2016Harvested 9/26/2016Population 32,000 Seeds/A.Row Width 30 in.Previous Crop CornTillage Strip-till: Fall

SoilWarrior® X Vertical-till: Spring McFarlane Incite® Conv.-till: Fall disk chisel f/b field cultivator Moldboard plow: Fall f/b field cultivator in spring

Herbicides Burndown: 1 pt. 2,4-D, 1 qt. Roundup WeatherMAX® Pre: 1 qt. Atrazine, 3.5 oz. Corvus® Post: 1 pt. Atrazine, 3 oz. Capreno®, 1 qt. Roundup WeatherMAX

Insecticides Escalate™

Starter 10 gal. 28-0-0 2x2

Total Nitrogen

215 units as UAN

Brand 5829A4Soil Type Sable (silty clay

loam)Soil Test Values

pH O.M. % CEC6.2 3.2 14.4

Percent Base Saturation

Ca Mg K H65.9 15.0 2.3 16.7

Parts per Million

P K S33 132 6

Zn Mn B1.6 37 0.4

Why did the moldboard plow achieve higher yields than a typical conventional-till system in a corn after corn rotation in 2016?

• Warmer soil temperatures at planting• More soil-to-residue contact resulted in less carbon penalty due

to higher microbial activity• Burying residue in corn after corn rotations can limit

overwintering diseases and insects

TILLAGE STUDYCorn After Corn

2016 RESULTS

Fall

Ti

llage

Sprin

g Ti

llage

Perc

ent

Moi

stur

e

Bu./

A.

Bu./

A.

Diff

eren

ce

Control: Chisel Plow Control: Vertical-Till 16.7 224.8 --Moldboard Plow Vertical-Till 16.6 232.4 +7.6

Vertical-Till Vertical-Till 16.2 223.4 -1.4Strip-Till No-Till 16.3 212.1 -12.7No-Till No-Till 15.8 205.5 -19.3

Individual results may vary.

60 80 100 120 140 160 180 200 220

8-Year Yield Data

No-Till Strip-Till Vertical-Till Control: Chisel

8-YEAR TILLAGE YIELD ADVANTAGE

Strip-Till

Bu./A.

Vertical-Till

Control: Chisel

No-Till

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Strip-Till Treatments Perc

ent

Moi

stur

e

Bu./

A.

Bu./

A.

Diff

eren

ce

Control: Fall 18.5 216.8 --Fall & Spring 18.5 221.8 +5.0Spring 18.5 204.6 -12.2

*®XL, Optimum, and AcreMax are registered trademarks of Pioneer. XL® brand seed is distributed by Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc. Individual results may vary.

PURPOSE To evaluate fall, fall and spring, and spring strip-till methods to discover which will produce the highest yield.

STUDY INFORMATIONPlanted 4/25/2016Harvested 9/27/2016Population 34,500 Seeds/A.Row Width 30 in.Previous Crop CornTillage Various Herbicides Pre: 1 qt. Atrazine,

3.5 oz. Corvus® Post: 1 pt. Atrazine, 3 oz. Capreno®, 1 qt. Roundup WeatherMAX®

Insecticides Escalate™

Starter 10 gal. 28-0-0 2x2

Total Nitrogen

215 units as UAN

Brand 6365AMX™*

Soil Type Osco (silt loam)Soil Test Values

pH O.M. % CEC7.6 2.9 15.5

Percent Base Saturation

Ca Mg K H72.6 24.8 2.6 0.0

Parts per Million

P K S26 157 4

Zn Mn B2.0 65 0.6

• SoilWarrior® X provides a unique fall and spring strip tillage application.

• SoilWarrior X builds strips and tills at 8 to 12 in. depths with the fall coulter which helps bury residue and provide a clean strip for spring planting.

• The spring tillage coulters prepare the strip for a more even seed bed.

TILLAGE STUDYSoilWarrior® X

150 160 170 180 190 200 210 220

2-Year Yield Data

Spring Fall & Spring Control: Fall

2-YEAR SOILWARRIOR® X YIELD ADVANTAGE

Fall & Spring

Bu./A.

Control: Fall

Spring

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Bran

d

Trea

tmen

ts

Plan

ted

Popu

latio

n (S

eeds

/A.)

Perc

ent

Moi

stur

e

Bu./

A.

366L

4

Treatment 1

110,000 13.6 70.8

130,000 13.8 69.6

150,000 13.6 70.1

Treatment 2

110,000 14.0 73.2

130,000 13.9 71.3

150,000 13.8 74.2

AVG. 13.8 72.2

394L

4

Treatment 1

110,000 13.6 75.9

130,000 13.6 73.2

150,000 13.4 73.3

Treatment 2

110,000 14.3 80.5

130,000 14.1 79.8

150,000 13.5 77.6

AVG. 13.8 77.0

Individual results may vary.

PURPOSE To raise high yielding soybeans through the use of various seed treatments, product applications, and intensive management strategies.

STUDY INFORMATIONPlanted 5/19/2016Harvested 10/4/2016Population VariousRow Width 30 in.Previous Crop CornTillage Fall Chisel, Spring

Vertical-TillHerbicides Pre: 8 oz. Authority®

Assist Post: 1 qt. Liberty®, 2 oz. Zidua®

Insecticides Escalate™

Soil Type Ipava (silt loam)Soil Test Values

pH O.M. % CEC6.3 4.3 14.8

Percent Base Saturation

Ca Mg K H66.1 15.0 2.7 16.3

Parts per Million

P K S26 155 3

Zn Mn B1.7 35 0.4

HIGH YIELD ATTEMPT

HIGH-MANAGEMENT TREATMENTSApplied to all entries: Escalate™ + Poncho®/VOTiVO® + ILeVO® + Optimize®

TREATMENT 1Planting: 2 oz. Seed Coat™

V6: 1 qt. Versa Max™ AC + 16 oz. PercPlus™

V8: 1 qt. Versa Max AC + 16 oz. PercPlus + 20 oz. Cobalt® Advanced

R2: 4 oz. Priaxor® + 1 pt. Liquid Boron 10% + 1 qt. Versa Max ACR3: 1 gal. Sable® + 40 oz. Toggle™

TREATMENT 2In-Furrow: 5 gal. PureGrade® Diamond 6-24-6 + 10 oz. Optify®/StretchV5: 5 gal. 0-0-14 360 Y-DROP®

V6: 1 qt. Versa Max AC

R1: 4 oz. PriaxorR2: 15 gal. 28-0-0 360 Y-DROPR3: 4 oz. Priaxor + 3.2 oz. Fastac™ EC

+3.9 Bu./A. Treatment 2 Advantage

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PURPOSE To determine the optimum planting date window by planting on multiple dates throughout the growing season.

STUDY INFORMATIONPlanted VariousHarvested VariousPopulation 150,000 Seeds/A.Row Width 30 in.Previous Crop CornTillage Fall Chisel, Spring

Vertical-TillHerbicides Pre: 8 oz. Authority®

Assist Post: 1 qt. Liberty®

Insecticides Escalate™

Soil Type Sable (silty clay loam)

Soil Test Values

pH O.M. % CEC6.0 4.3 17.0

Percent Base Saturation

Ca Mg K H63.2 13.2 2.4 21.2

Parts per Million

P K S37 157 5

Zn Mn B2.1 35 0.4

PLANTING DATE STUDY

2016 RESULTS

Plan

ting

Dat

e

Bran

d

Perc

ent

Moi

stur

e

Bu./

A.

March 23234L4 10.6 66.8314L4 10.5 70.5

AVG. 10.6 68.7

April 5234L4 10.4 71.9314L4 10.4 70.2

AVG. 10.4 71.1

April 18234L4 10.7 66.1314L4 10.3 66.7

AVG. 10.5 66.4

May 6234L4 10.5 70.4314L4 10.3 63.1

AVG. 10.4 66.8

May 21234L4 10.7 71.6314L4 10.3 73.2

AVG. 10.5 72.4

June 6234L4 12.6 66.3314L4 12.7 62.1

AVG. 12.7 64.2

Individual results may vary.

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% 120%

11-Year Planting Date Yield

March 16-31 April 1-15 April 16-30 May 1-15 May 16-31 June 1-15 June 16-30

11-YEAR OPTIMUM PLANTING DATE WINDOW

March 15-31

April 1 - 15

April 16 - 30

May 1 - 15

May 16 - 31

June 1 - 15

Percent of Average Yield

June 16-30

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• The combination of genetic resistance plus the ILeVO® seed treatment provides the best all-around defense in a high Sudden Death Syndrome (SDS) environment.

• It’s important to note that in fields with irregular SDS pressure, locally adapted products (regardless of SDS rating) should be used when they are the correct agronomic fit.

• Yield levels were highest on products that had two forms of Soybean Cyst Nematode (SCN) protection: VOTiVO® + ILeVO. This leads us to believe that higher SCN levels may be driving yields.

PURPOSE To compare the differences in yield and profitability when using ILeVO on different soybean varieties with contrasting genetic tolerance to Sudden Death Syndrome (SDS). Earlier and later planting dates were evaluated with three different seed treatments.

STUDY INFORMATIONPlanted VariousHarvested 9/20/16Population 130,000 Seeds/A.Row Width 30 in.Previous Crop CornTillage Fall Chisel, Spring

Vertical-TillHerbicides Pre: 8 oz. Authority®

Assist Post: 1 qt. Roundup WeatherMAX®, 7.25 oz. Marvel™

Soil Type Catlin (silt loam)Soil Test Values

pH O.M. % CEC7.2 3.7 14.4

Percent Base Saturation

Ca Mg K H80.0 17.1 2.9 0.0

Parts per Million

P K S28 163 4

Zn Mn B2.1 50 0.6

SEED TREATMENT STUDYILeVO®

+7.1 Bu./A. Advantage for April Planting

Plant early.

Protect your crop with ILeVO®!

2016 RESULTS

Dat

e

Bran

d

SDS

Tole

ranc

e

Trea

tmen

ts

Emer

ged

Popu

latio

n

Popu

latio

n D

iffer

ence

Bu./

A.

Bu./

A.

Diff

eren

ce

Retu

rn o

n In

vest

men

t

April

15

Earli

er P

lant

ing 28

5R4™

*

Aver

age

Control: Escalate™ 92,202 -- 72.9 -- --

Escalate SDS 96,921 +4,719 77.0 +4.1 +$29.33

Poncho®/VOTiVO® + ILeVO® 117,249 +25,047 80.0 +7.1 +$49.46

297R

4™*

Very

Goo

d Control: Escalate 100,188 -- 72.2 -- --

Escalate SDS 105,633 +5,445 73.2 +1.0 -$0.06

Poncho/VOTiVO + ILeVO 113,256 +13,068 77.0 +4.8 +$27.65

May

19

Late

r Pla

ntin

g 285R

4™*

Aver

age

Control: Escalate 99,825 -- 63.6 -- --

Escalate SDS 104,907 +5,082 74.4 +10.8 +$92.84

Poncho/VOTiVO + ILeVO 119,427 +19,602 72.7 +9.1 +$68.42

297R

4™*

Very

Goo

d Control: Escalate 103,818 -- 61.8 -- --

Escalate SDS 109,989 +6,171 66.1 +4.3 +$31.22

Poncho/VOTiVO + ILeVO 115,071 +11,253 67.7 +5.9 +$38.08

Soybeans $9.48/Bu. Escalate SDS $7.75/unit. Poncho®/VOTiVO® + ILeVO® $14.50/unit. Escalate™ $0.00/unit. *®XL is a registered trademark of Pioneer. XL® brand seed is distributed by Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc. Individual results may vary.

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PURPOSE To evaluate various soybean starter fertilizers applied in-furrow and their effects on yield and profitability.

STUDY INFORMATIONPlanted 5/21/2016Harvested 10/5/2016Population 150,000 Seeds/A.Row Width 30 in.Previous Crop CornTillage Fall No-Till, Spring

Vertical-TillHerbicides Pre: 8 oz. Authority®

Assist Post: 1 qt. Roundup WeatherMAX®, 7.25 oz. Marvel™

Insecticides Escalate™

Soil Type Sable (silty clay loam)

Soil Test Values

pH O.M. % CEC6.2 2.7 12.5

Percent Base Saturation

Ca Mg K H62.0 16.0 2.8 19.2

Parts per Million

P K S16 135 5

Zn Mn B1.4 40 0.3

• Starter fertilizers provide a young soybean plant with various macro and micronutrients, and the placement of the fertilizer is fundamental.

• Starter fertilizers can promote a more vigorous plant which can translate to increased yields, especially when dealing with substantial early season stress.

• This study illustrates that a starter fertilizer was a wise investment in a spring with substantial rainfall, especially on a slower emerging variety.

STARTER FERTILIZER STUDY

2016 RESULTS

Bran

d

Emer

genc

e

In-Furrow Treatments Perc

ent

Moi

stur

e

Bu./

A.

Bu./

A.

Diff

eren

ce

Retu

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n In

vest

men

t

345R

4™*

Fast

Control: No Starter 11.5 66.6 -- --

1.5 gal. NACHURS® Triple Option® (4-13-17-1S) 11.3 71.9 +5.3 +$40.64

2 gal. First Pass® with MicroCarb ZMB™ (3-5-15) 11.6 68.6 +2.0 +$7.10

1.5 gal. NACHURS Rhyzo-Link® 3-10-13 11.4 68.8 +2.2 +$6.00

2 gal. RoMax® Soybean with SoyMix (2-14-8) 11.2 67.6 +1.0 +$0.98

365R

2

Slow

er

Control: No Starter 12.6 67.1 -- --

1.5 gal. NACHURS Triple Option (4-13-17-1S) 12.1 71.5 +4.4 +$32.11

2 gal. First Pass with MicroCarb ZMB (3-5-15) 12.2 71.2 +4.1 +$27.01

1.5 gal. NACHURS Rhyzo-Link 3-10-13 12.1 71.6 +4.5 +$27.81

2 gal. RoMax Soybean with SoyMix (2-14-8) 12.4 69.3 +2.2 +$12.35

2-Va

riety

Av

erag

e

Control: No Starter 12.1 66.9 -- --

1.5 gal. NACHURS Triple Option (4-13-17-1S) 11.7 71.7 +4.8 +$36.38

2 gal. First Pass with MicroCarb ZMB (3-5-15) 11.9 69.9 +3.0 +$17.06

1.5 gal. NACHURS Rhyzo-Link 3-10-13 11.8 70.2 +3.3 +$16.91

2 gal. RoMax Soybean with SoyMix (2-14-8) 11.8 68.5 +1.6 +$6.67

Soybeans $9.48/Bu. RoMax® Soybean with SoyMix (2-14-8) $4.25/gal. NACHURS® Rhyzo-Link® 3-10-13 $9.90/gal. First Pass® with MicroCarb ZMB™ (3-5-15) $5.93/gal. NACHURS® Triple Option® (4-13-17-1S) $6.40/gal. *®XL is a registered trademark of Pioneer. XL® brand seed is distributed by Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc. Individual results may vary.

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PURPOSE To evaluate various starter additive products, applied in-furrow at planting, in an attempt to increase plant health, yield and profitability.

STUDY INFORMATIONPlanted 5/21/2016Harvested 10/5/2016Population 130,000 Seeds/A.Row Width 30 in.Previous Crop CornTillage Fall Chisel, Spring

Field CultivationHerbicides Pre: 8 oz. Authority®

Assist, 1 qt. Roundup WeatherMAX® Post: 1 qt. Liberty®, 2 oz. Zidua®

Insecticides Escalate™

Starter 3 gal. PureGrade® 6-24-6 In-Furrow

Brand 314L4

Soil Type Sable (silty clay loam)

Soil Test Values

pH O.M. % CEC6.4 4.5 18.6

Percent Base Saturation

Ca Mg K H69.8 15.2 2.1 12.9

Parts per Million

P K S40 156 4

Zn Mn B2.3 33 0.5

By mid-season it was clear that SG Complete and Generate® had the upper hand on branching and vegetative growth compared to the control. This is a great example of how observational differences do not always translate to a higher return.

STARTER ADDITIVE STUDYIn-Furrow

2016 RESULTS

In-Furrow Treatments Perc

ent

Moi

stur

e

Bu./

A.

Bu./

A.

Diff

eren

ce

Retu

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vest

men

t

Control: Starter 12.7 72.1 -- --

Starter + 1 pt. Generate® 12.6 72.2 +0.1 -$8.80

Starter + 2 qt. SG Complete 12.7 70.9 -1.2 -$25.38

Soybeans $9.48/Bu. Generate® $78.00/gal. SG Complete $28.00/gal. Individual results may vary.

-$20 -$10 $0 $10 $20 $30 $40

2-Year Generate Return on Investment

2015 2016

2-YEAR GENERATE® RETURN ON INVESTMENT

2015

Dollars/A.

2016

SC Complete Control: Starter Generate®

+$11.06/A. Average

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PURPOSE To evaluate two in-furrow rates of the carbon-based product, Restore™, and its effect on seed germination, root growth and profitability.

STUDY INFORMATIONPlanted 5/21/2016Harvested 10/10/2016Population 150,000 Seeds/A.Row Width 30 in.Previous Crop CornTillage Fall Chisel, Spring

Vertical-TillHerbicides Pre: 8 oz. Authority®

Assist, 1 qt. Roundup WeatherMAX® Post: 1 qt. Roundup WeatherMAX, 2 oz. Zidua®, 7.25 oz. Marvel™

Insecticides Escalate™

Soil Type Sable (silty clay loam)

Soil Test Values

pH O.M. % CEC5.4 4.3 14.9

Percent Base Saturation

Ca Mg K H52.0 11.5 4.4 32.2

Parts per Million

P K S57 255 4

Zn Mn B1.7 42 0.3

• Restore™ is a carbon-based product designed to replenish the carbon and oxygen levels required by plants.

• An in-furrow application of Restore (a humic acid) is said to help promote nutrient uptake, resulting in a healthier root and plant system.

• While there was a yield advantage to using Restore, it was not enough to have a positive return on investment. One reason could be the high organic matter present in our soils.

• Refer to page 101 to see how Restore impacts soybeans planted in a soil with lower organic matter content.

CARBON STUDYIn-Furrow

2016 RESULTS

Bran

d

In-Furrow Treatments Pe

rcen

t M

oist

ure

Bu./

A.

Bu./

A.

Diff

eren

ce

Retu

rn o

n In

vest

men

t

312R

4™* Control 11.1 63.2 -- --

1 gal. Restore™ 11.2 63.5 +0.3 -$12.16

2 gal. Restore 11.1 64.4 +1.2 -$18.63

323R

4™* Control 11.1 68.8 -- --

1 gal. Restore 11.0 69.0 +0.2 -$13.10

2 gal. Restore 11.2 69.0 +0.2 -$28.10

2-Va

riety

Av

erag

e Control 11.1 66.0 -- --

1 gal. Restore 11.1 66.3 +0.3 -$12.63

2 gal. Restore 11.2 66.7 +0.7 -$23.36

Soybeans $9.48/Bu. Restore™ $15.00/gal. *®XL is a registered trademark of Pioneer. XL® brand seed is distributed by Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc. Individual results may vary.

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2016 RESULTS

Treatments Perc

ent

Moi

stur

e

Bu./

A.

Bu./

A.

Diff

eren

ce

Retu

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men

t

Control 12.4 61.0 -- --

1 qt. Wex® Pre-Emerge 12.4 62.7 +1.7 +$10.88

Soybeans $9.48/Bu. Wex® $20.96/gal. Individual results may vary.

PURPOSE To evaluate Wex, a soil amendment product, and its ability to improve water and nutrient uptake, stimulate root development, and determine its ability to influence yield and profitability.

STUDY INFORMATIONPlanted 5/23/2016Harvested 10/4/2016Population 150,000 Seeds/A.Row Width 30 in.Previous Crop CornTillage Fall Chisel, Spring

Vertical-TillHerbicides Pre: 8 oz. Authority®

Assist Post: 2 oz. Zidua®, 29 oz. Interline®

Insecticides Escalate™

Brand 349L4

Soil Type Sable (silty clay loam)

Soil Test Values

pH O.M. % CEC6.6 4.0 15.6

Percent Base Saturation

Ca Mg K H72.1 18.4 1.7 7.7

Parts per Million

P K S17 106 3

Zn Mn B1.9 36 0.5

Wex® is a soil amendment product that can increase water and nutrient uptake by promoting a healthier root system. This plot was planted in ideal conditions, which is not an environment where we have seen responses from Wex at other PFR sites. However, later in the season we experienced excessive rainfall which could have led to a decreased ability of roots to access soil nutrients.

SOIL AMENDMENT STUDYWex®

Before Beck’s started marketing in my area, I would seek out the PFR book and try to find ways to implement its studies onto my own farm. I view PFR as the standard that other ag research entities should aspire towards.

Cade Bushnell | Stillman Valley, IL

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PURPOSE To evaluate two different biologicals, one as a row starter additive and one as a foliar product. These two products were evaluated for their effects on plant health, yield and profitability.

STUDY INFORMATIONPlanted 5/23/2016Harvested 10/4/2016Population 150,000 Seeds/A.Row Width 30 in.Previous Crop CornTillage Fall Chisel, Spring

Field CultivationHerbicides Pre: 8 oz. Authority®

Assist Post: 29 oz. Interline®, 7.25 oz. Marvel™

Insecticides Escalate™

Brand 366L4

Soil Type Sable (silty clay loam)

Soil Test Values

pH O.M. % CEC6.1 4.6 16.2

Percent Base Saturation

Ca Mg K H63.4 12.6 1.7 22.3

Parts per Million

P K S25 105 3

Zn Mn B1.7 34 0.3

All treatments in this study provided a positive return on investment (ROI). Visual differences were noted in the Optify®/Stretch in-furrow application. The 10 oz. of Optify/Stretch in-furrow treatment was a trifoliate ahead of the control by the V3 to V4 growth stage. Although Toggle™ did not provide the most visual differences, it did provide the highest ROI. More research is needed to better understand how these products influence the growth and development of soybeans.

BIOLOGICAL STUDY

2016 RESULTS

Treatments Perc

ent

Moi

stur

e

Bu./

A.

Bu./

A.

Diff

eren

ce

Retu

rn o

n In

vest

men

t

Control 12.7 70.4 -- --

10 oz. Optify®/Stretch In-Furrow 12.9 72.7 +2.3 +$13.31

40 oz. Toggle™ @ R3 13.0 74.5 +4.1 +$26.37

10 oz. Optify/Stretch In-Furrow + 40 oz. Toggle @ R3

13.0 73.5 +3.1 +$8.39

Soybeans $9.48/Bu. Toggle™ $40.00/gal. Optify®/Stretch $108.80/gal. Individual results may vary.

Control Optify®/Stretch

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PURPOSE To compare 15 in. and 30 in. rows, at various planting populations in an attempt to determine the Economic Optimum Seeding Rate (EOSR) for each row width.

STUDY INFORMATIONPlanted 5/20/2016Harvested 10/11/2016Population VariousRow Width VariousPrevious Crop CornTillage Fall Chisel, Spring

Vertical-TillHerbicides Post: 2 qt. Flexstar®

GT 3.5Insecticides Escalate™

Brand 365R2

Soil Type Ipava (silt loam)Soil Test Values

pH O.M. % CEC6.6 3.9 15.0

Percent Base Saturation

Ca Mg K H73.5 15.6 2.8 8.0

Parts per Million

P K S44 166 6

Zn Mn B1.9 41 0.4

• For 10 consecutive years, the 15 in. row soybeans have yielded an average 7.1 Bu./A. better than 30 in. rows on average at the Central Illinois PFR site.

• To maximize your investment, a seeding rate of 100,000 in 15 in. rows and 125,000 in 30 in. rows will provide the highest return.

ROW WIDTH & POPULATION STUDY

2016 RESULTS

Row

W

idth

Plan

ted

Popu

latio

n (S

eeds

/A.)

Bu./

A.

Seed

C

ost/

A.

Net

Retu

rn

15 in

. Row

s

100,000 81.5 $49.26 $723.36125,000 84.8 $61.58 $742.32150,000 84.4 $73.89 $726.22175,000 83.0 $86.21 $700.63200,000 82.6 $98.52 $684.53

30 in

. Row

s 100,000 76.8 $49.26 $678.80125,000 76.2 $61.58 $660.80150,000 75.0 $73.89 $637.11175,000 76.5 $86.21 $639.01200,000 76.2 $98.52 $623.86

Soybeans $9.48/Bu. 365R2 $64.04/unit. Individual results may vary.

$580 $600 $620 $640 $660 $680 $700 $720

30 in

. Row

s15

in. R

ows

10-Year Economic Optimum Seeding Rate (EOSR)

100,000 125,000 150,000 175,000 200,000

10-YEAR ROW WIDTH & POPULATION EOSR

100,000

Dollars/A.

+$33.56/A. Advantage 15 in. Rows

125,000150,000175,000200,000

100,000125,000150,000175,000200,000

EOSR

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2016 RESULTS

Treatments Nitr

ogen

So

urce

Perc

ent

Moi

stur

e

Bu./

A.

Bu./

A.

Diff

eren

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Retu

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Control: No Nitrogen 12.2 69.7 -- --

30 units N @ Pre-plant UAN 12.2 69.0 -0.7 -$21.94

30 units N Sidedress @ V6 UAN 12.2 70.0 +0.3 -$12.46

30 units N 360 Y-DROP® @ R4 UAN 12.2 69.5 -0.2 -$17.20

30 units N Broadcast @ R4 Urea 12.1 70.8 +1.1 -$3.08

Soybeans $9.48/Bu. Urea $0.45/unit of nitrogen. UAN $0.51/unit of nitrogen. Individual results may vary.

PURPOSE To evaluate the yield and profitability of applying various forms of nitrogen (N) to soybeans at various growth stages.

STUDY INFORMATIONPlanted 5/21/2016Harvested 10/5/2016Population 150,000 Seeds/A.Row Width 30 in.Previous Crop CornTillage Fall Chisel, Spring

Field CultivationHerbicides Pre: 8 oz. Authority®

Assist, 1 qt. Roundup WeatherMAX® Post: 1 qt. Liberty®, 2 oz. Zidua®

Insecticides Escalate™

Brand 354L4

Soil Type Sable (silty clay loam)

Soil Test Values

pH O.M. % CEC6.4 5.4 19.5

Percent Base Saturation

Ca Mg K H69.4 16.5 1.8 12.3

Parts per Million

P K S45 135 3

Zn Mn B2.6 31 0.7

NITROGEN TIMING STUDY

• Although we have seen responses to applying N on soybeans at other sites in the past, apparently a lack of N was not the yield limiting factor in this study.

• When studying all PFR N rate data in corn and soybeans for 2016, Central Illinois PFR concluded that there was a higher rate of N mineralization from organic matter than compared to past years.

• The additional available N from mineralization most likely contributed to the lack of response seen here.

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Fierce® XLTControl

2016 RESULTS

Treatments Perc

ent

Moi

stur

e

Bu./

A.

Bu./

A.

Diff

eren

ce

Retu

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n In

vest

men

t

Control: No Pre-Emergent Herbicide 11.9 57.9 -- --

4.5 oz. Fierce® XLT 11.1 63.9 +6.0 +$29.29

6.45 oz. Sonic® 11.4 64.5 +6.6 +$27.90

2.5 pt. Prefix® 11.3 61.6 +3.7 +$19.81

7.5 oz. Authority® XL 11.4 63.0 +5.1 +$14.84

10 oz. Authority® Assist 11.3 60.5 +2.6 -$5.82

Soybeans $9.48/Bu. Authority® XL $71.48/lb. Fierce® XLT $98.10/lb. Sonic® $86.00/lb. Authority® Assist $390.00/gal. Prefix® $48.86/gal. Individual results may vary.

PURPOSE To evaluate various pre-emergent herbicides and their effectiveness in controlling weeds.

STUDY INFORMATIONPlanted 5/23/2016Harvested 10/10/2016Population 130,000 Seeds/A.Row Width 30 in.Previous Crop SoybeansTillage Fall Moldboard,

Spring Field Cultivation

Herbicides Post: 1 qt. Liberty®

Insecticides Escalate™

Brand 349L4

Soil Type Sable (silty clay loam)

Soil Test Values

pH O.M. % CEC5.9 5.4 19.9

Percent Base Saturation

Ca Mg K H59.1 15.3 1.4 24.2

Parts per Million

P K S37 107 4

Zn Mn B2.2 27 0.5

• Weed pressure was substantial in this plot and began as early as June 8. They included velvetleaf, waterhemp, and prickly sida to name a few.

• Fierce® XLT performed well, as the field remained weed free up to 50 days after application and planting.

• The picture below illustrates the weed pressure in the trial. With such high pressure, we expected to see all treatments with positive returns.

PRE-EMERGENT HERBICIDE STUDY

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2016 RESULTS

Bran

d

R3 Treatments Perc

ent

Moi

stur

e

Bu./

A.

Bu./

A.

Diff

eren

ce

Retu

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men

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354L

4 Control: No Fungicide 11.5 63.0 -- --

4 oz. Priaxor® 11.6 67.3 +4.3 +$22.61

366L

4 Control: No Fungicide 11.6 69.1 -- --

4 oz. Priaxor 11.5 71.3 +2.2 +$2.7037

9L4 Control: No Fungicide 12.2 65.5 -- --

4 oz. Priaxor 12.1 67.5 +2.0 +$0.81

3-Va

riety

Av

erag

e Control: No Fungicide 11.8 65.9 -- --

4 oz. Priaxor 11.7 68.7 +2.8 +$8.70

Soybeans $9.48/Bu. Priaxor® $580.92/gal. Individual results may vary.

PURPOSE To evaluate fungicide applied at the R3 growth stage across multiple soybean varieties, in an effort to determine yield and profitability.

STUDY INFORMATIONPlanted 5/23/2016Harvested 10/5/2016Population 130,000 Seeds/A.Row Width 30 in.Previous Crop SoybeansTillage Fall Moldboard,

Spring Field Cultivation

Herbicides Pre: 8 oz. Authority® Assist Post: 1 qt. Liberty®, 2 oz. Zidua®

Insecticides Escalate™

Soil Type Sable (silty clay loam)

Soil Test Values

pH O.M. % CEC6.3 5.3 24.5

Percent Base Saturation

Ca Mg K H66.2 17.8 1.3 14.7

Parts per Million

P K S54 124 4

Zn Mn B3.4 23 0.8

While there was little disease pressure in this plot, all three varieties had a positive response to 4 oz. of Priaxor® applied over-the-top at R3. Why?

This variety response study is one of our only trials conducted in a soybean after soybean rotation. Although we saw no visually significant disease pressure in this plot, we still experienced yield gains and a positive return on investment with Priaxor. Some fungicides have shown benefits of stress mitigation which could be the reason for yield increases.

FUNGICIDE STUDYVariety Response

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PURPOSE To evaluate various fungicide applications applied at the R3 growth stage. This study evaluated the different diseases that are present throughout the growing season and the value of each fungicide product in terms of plant health, yield and profitability.

STUDY INFORMATIONPlanted 4/26/2016Harvested 10/4/2016Population 150,000 Seeds/A.Row Width 30 in.Previous Crop CornTillage Fall Chisel, Spring

Field CultivationHerbicides Pre: 8 oz. Authority®

Assist Post: 1 qt. Roundup WeatherMAX®, 12 oz. Flexstar®, 2 oz. Zidua®

Insecticides Escalate™

Brand 387R4™*

Soil Type Peotone (silty clay loam)

Soil Test Values

pH O.M. % CEC6.6 3.9 15.4

Percent Base Saturation

Ca Mg K H74.5 15.6 2.1 7.8

Parts per Million

P K S24 127 3

Zn Mn B2.0 36 0.4

FUNGICIDE STUDYFoliar

2016 RESULTS

R3 Treatments Perc

ent

Moi

stur

e

Bu./

A.

Bu./

A.

Diff

eren

ce

Retu

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vest

men

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Control: No Fungicide 13.3 72.8 -- --

14.5 oz. Trivapro® 13.3 85.4 +12.6 +$101.95

5 oz. Preemptor™ SC 13.2 79.0 +6.2 +$38.40

4 oz. Priaxor® 13.4 77.4 +4.6 +$25.46

Soybeans $9.48/Bu. Priaxor® $580.92/gal. Preemptor™ SC $521.83/gal. Trivapro® $17.50/A. *®XL is a registered trademark of Pioneer. XL® brand seed is distributed by Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc. Individual results may vary.

$0 $10 $20 $30 $40 $50 $60 $70 $80

4-Year Priaxor Return on Investment

2013 2014 2015 2016

4-YEAR PRIAXOR® RETURN ON INVESTMENT

Dollars/A.

+$31.67/A. Average2013

2015

2016

2014

• All three fungicides provided positive results, but the highest was Trivapro® which delivered a $100/A. return on investment!

• Fungicides provided a healthier plant which allowed the soybeans to increase seed size, resulting in the high yields.

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PURPOSE To evaluate the yield and profitability of applying various fungicides in-furrow.

STUDY INFORMATIONPlanted 5/19/2016Harvested 9/27/2016Population 150,000 Seeds/A.Row Width 30 in.Previous Crop CornTillage No-TillHerbicides Pre: 8 oz. Authority®

Assist Post: 1 qt. Roundup WeatherMAX®, 7.25 oz. Marvel™

Insecticides Escalate™

Soil Type Sable (silty clay loam)

Soil Test Values

pH O.M. % CEC5.9 3.2 14.5

Percent Base Saturation

Ca Mg K H58.8 14.4 1.9 24.9

Parts per Million

P K S23 108 5

Zn Mn B1.5 39 0.3

• Following planting, we experienced excellent growing conditions conducive to rapid plant growth.

• Both varieties tested experienced strong early-season growth and development.

• Earlier planting into cold, wet soils, wouldn’t typically show a greater fungicide response. That is what we saw at the Indiana PFR site this year. See page 110.

FUNGICIDE STUDYIn-Furrow

2016 RESULTS

Bran

d

Emer

genc

e

In-Furrow Treatments Perc

ent

Moi

stur

e

Bu./

A.

Bu./

A.

Diff

eren

ce

Retu

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men

t

339R

2

Slow

er

Control 10.4 62.3 -- --

1 pt. Serenade® ASO 10.8 61.3 -1.0 -$13.79

6 oz. Headline® 11.7 63.0 +0.7 -$15.10

345R

4™*

Fast

Control 10.3 63.7 -- --

1 pt. Serenade ASO 10.3 65.2 +1.5 +$9.91

6 oz. Headline 10.3 65.2 +1.5 -$7.52

2-Va

riety

Av

erag

e Control 10.4 63.0 -- --

1 pt. Serenade ASO 10.6 63.3 +0.3 -$1.94

6 oz. Headline 11.0 64.1 +1.1 -$11.31

Soybeans $9.48/Bu. Headline® $463.78/gal. Serenade® ASO $34.47/gal. *®XL is a registered trademark of Pioneer. XL® brand seed is distributed by Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc. Individual results may vary.

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PURPOSE To evaluate the yield and profitability of an insecticide when applied in-furrow.

STUDY INFORMATIONPlanted 5/19/2016Harvested 9/27/2016Population 150,000 Seeds/A.Row Width 30 in.Previous Crop CornTillage No-TillHerbicides Pre: 8 oz. Authority®

Assist Post: 1 qt. Roundup WeatherMAX®, 7.25 oz. Marvel™

Insecticides Escalate™

Soil Type Sable (silty clay loam)

Soil Test Values

pH O.M. % CEC5.9 3.2 14.5

Percent Base Saturation

Ca Mg K H58.8 14.4 1.9 24.9

Parts per Million

P K S23 108 5

Zn Mn B1.5 39 0.3

Capture® LFR® is one of the only Bifenthrin products on the market that is labeled for soybeans. Bifenthrin controls insects such as:

• Wireworms

• White grubs

• Seedcorn maggots

• Black cutworm

Beck’s Central Illinois PFR site did not experience pressure from any of these insects in our soybean fields in 2016 which resulted in a minimal yield response.

• BECK 339R2brand is slower to emerge and benefited from the additional insect protection in Capture® LFR®.

INSECTICIDE STUDYCapture® LFR®

2016 RESULTS

Bran

d

Emer

genc

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In-Furrow Treatments Perc

ent

Moi

stur

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Bu./

A.

Bu./

A.

Diff

eren

ce

Retu

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vest

men

t

339R

2

Slow

er Control 10.4 62.3 -- --

3.4 oz. Capture® LFR® 10.8 63.9 +1.6 +$5.2434

5R4™

*

Fast

Control 10.3 63.7 -- --

3.4 oz. Capture LFR 10.3 62.7 -1.0 -$19.41

2-Va

riety

Av

erag

e Control 10.4 63.0 -- --

3.4 oz. Capture LFR 10.6 63.3 +0.3 -$7.08

Soybeans $9.48/Bu. Capture® LFR® $373.81/gal. *®XL is a registered trademark of Pioneer. XL® brand seed is distributed by Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc. Individual results may vary.

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PURPOSE To evaluate the yield and profitability of various micronutrient products when applied at the recommended R1 growth stage versus a later R3 application.

STUDY INFORMATIONPlanted 5/19/2016Harvested 9/27/2016Population 150,000 Seeds/A.Row Width 30 in.Previous Crop CornTillage Fall Chisel, Spring

Field CultivationHerbicides Pre: 8 oz. Authority®

Assist, 1 qt. Roundup WeatherMAX® Post: 1 qt. Roundup WeatherMAX, 7.25 oz. Marvel™

Insecticides Escalate™

Brand 312R4™*

Soil Type Sable (silty clay loam)

Soil Test Values

pH O.M. % CEC6.3 3.5 14.6

Percent Base Saturation

Ca Mg K H65.1 16.3 2.1 16.5

Parts per Million

P K S22 121 4

Zn Mn B2.0 45 0.4

• MicroNourish® has an analysis of 4-0-0-3S-0.25B-3Mn-3Zn.

• MAX-IN® Ultra ZMB® is a foliar product that supplies zinc (Zn), manganese (Mn) and boron (B).

• Versa Max™ AC has an analysis of 7-0-1-3S-1Fe-2Mn-2Zn.

• MicroNourish and MAX-IN Ultra ZMB outperformed Versa Max AC in this study. When comparing these products, Versa Max AC does not contain B, while the other two products do.

MICRONUTRIENT TIMING STUDYFoliar

2016 RESULTS

Tim

ing

Treatments Bu./

A.

Bu./

A.

Diff

eren

ce

Retu

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men

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Control 65.3 -- --

R1

2 qt. MicroNourish® 70.2 +4.9 +$39.36

2 qt. MAX-IN® Ultra ZMB® 69.1 +3.8 +$25.03

2 qt. Versa Max™ AC 64.7 -0.6 -$15.43R3

2 qt. MicroNourish 69.2 +3.9 +$29.88

2 qt. MAX-IN Ultra ZMB 69.3 +4.0 +$26.92

2 qt. Versa Max AC 67.3 +2.0 +$9.21

Soybeans $9.48/Bu. MAX-IN® Ultra ZMB® $22.00/gal. Versa Max™ AC $19.50/gal. MicroNourish® $14.20/gal. *®XL is a registered trademark of Pioneer. XL® brand seed is distributed by Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc. Individual results may vary.

-$10 $0 $10 $20 $30 $40

2-Year Versa Max AC Return on Investment

2016 2015

2-YEAR VERSA MAX™ AC RETURN ON INVESTMENT

2015

2016

Dollars/A.

+$15.12/A. Average

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2016 RESULTS

Fall Tillage Spring Tillage Perc

ent

Moi

stur

e

Bu./

A.

Bu./

A.

Diff

eren

ce

Control: Chisel Plow Control: Vertical-Till 10.7 74.8 --

Vertical-Till Vertical-Till 11.2 83.7 +8.9

Strip-Till No-Till 10.7 79.2 +4.4

Moldboard Plow Vertical-Till 10.4 77.4 +2.6

*®XL is a registered trademark of Pioneer. XL® brand seed is distributed by Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc. Individual results may vary.

PURPOSE To evaluate no-till, strip-till, vertical-till, conventional-till, and moldboard plow systems in soybean after corn rotations. No-till consisted of a planter equipped with row cleaners while the strip-till was completed with a SoilWarrior® X zone-till machine in the fall. Vertical-till consisted of a McFarlane Incite® used in the spring. Conventional-till consisted of a disk chisel plow in the fall followed by a field cultivator pass in the spring. For the moldboard plow, a pass was made in the fall, with a field cultivator pass made in the spring.

STUDY INFORMATIONPlanted 4/19/2016Harvested 9/20/2016Population 150,000 Seeds/A.Row Width 30 in.Previous Crop CornTillage VariousHerbicides Pre: 8 oz. Authority®

Assist Post: 1 qt. Roundup WeatherMAX®, 7.25 oz. Marvel™

Insecticides Escalate™

Brand 323R4™*

Soil Type Sable (silty clay loam)

Soil Test Values

pH O.M. % CEC5.9 3.0 14.3

Percent Base Saturation

Ca Mg K H57.7 14.9 2.2 25.2

Parts per Million

P K S22 122 5

Zn Mn B1.4 41 0.3

TILLAGE STUDYSoybeans After Corn

40 45 50 55 60 65 70

8-Year Yield Data

No-Till Strip-Till Control: Conv.-Till (Chisel) Vertical-Till

8-YEAR TILLAGE YIELD

Strip-Till

Bu./A.

Control: Conv.-Till (Chisel)

Vertical-Till

No-Till

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SOUTHERN ILLINOIS PFRAND SUPPORT STAFF

Joe BoltePFR Operator314.471.5142

Sean NettletonField Agronomist

Precision Farming Field Advisor 618.707.5232

Matt AtwoodIL/MO Regional

Product Specialist618.381.3224

Jonathan PerkinsPFR Location Lead

217.690.0509

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2016 Southern Illinois Weather Chart April - September

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CORN STUDIESHigh Yield Attempt ..................................................................................................................... 224Planting Date Study ....................................................................................................................225Planting Depth Study ..................................................................................................................226Replant Study ..............................................................................................................................227Soil Amendment Study - Wex® .....................................................................................................228Biological Study ...........................................................................................................................229Population vs. Nitrogen Rate Study - 20 in. Rows ...................................................................... 230Population & High Management Study .......................................................................................232Nitrogen Timing Study .................................................................................................................233Nitrogen Management Study - 360 SOILSCAN™ vs. PSNT .......................................................... 234Nitrogen Sealer Study .................................................................................................................236Fungicide Study - Hybrid Response ............................................................................................237Fungicide Additive Study .............................................................................................................238Fungicide Timing Study ...............................................................................................................239Fungicide Placement Study - 360 UNDERCOVER® ..................................................................... 240Insecticide Study - Capture® VGR™ .............................................................................................. 241Micronutrient Study - 360 Y-DROP® .......................................................................................... 242Water Management Study - Tile Spacing & Depth .................................................................... 243Water Management Study - Drip-Irrigation .............................................................................. 244Water Management Study - Sub-Irrigation .............................................................................. 245

SOYBEAN STUDIES High Yield Attempt ..................................................................................................................... 246Planting Date Study ................................................................................................................... 247Planting Depth Study ................................................................................................................. 248Seed Treatment Study - Escalate™ vs. Untreated ....................................................................... 249Seed Treatment Study - ILeVO® .................................................................................................. 250Soil Amendment Study - Wex® ..................................................................................................... 251Biological Study ...........................................................................................................................252Nitrogen Timing Study .................................................................................................................253Pre-Emergent Herbicide Study .................................................................................................. 254Fungicide Study - Variety Response ........................................................................................... 255Insecticide Study - In-Furrow ..................................................................................................... 256Micronutrient Timing Study - Foliar ............................................................................................257Water Management Study - Sub-Irrigation ............................................................................... 258Water Management Study - Tile Spacing & Depth .................................................................... 260Double Crop Row Width Study .................................................................................................... 261Double Crop Population Study - 15 in. Rows ...............................................................................262Double Crop Fungicide Study ......................................................................................................263

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HIGH YIELD ATTEMPT

2016 RESULTS

Yiel

d Ra

nk

Bran

d

Rela

tive

Mat

urity

Test

Wei

ght

Perc

ent

Moi

stur

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Bu./

A.

1 5828AM™* 110 56.0 19.6 258.5

5 6076V2P 110 58.4 19.2 243.0

3 6158AM™* 111 55.4 21.6 249.9

4 6225HR™* 112 56.2 21.0 244.6

2 6365AM™* 113 57.8 25.4 255.3

6 6589V2P 115 56.1 22.9 233.0

AVG. 56.7 21.6 247.4

*®XL, Optimum, and AcreMax are registered trademarks of Pioneer. XL® brand seed is distributed by Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc. Individual results may vary.

PURPOSE To raise high yielding corn through the use of various seed treatments, product applications, and intensive management strategies.

STUDY INFORMATIONPlanted 4/20/2016Harvested 9/8/2016Population 36,000 Seeds/A.Row Width 30 in.Previous Crop SoybeansTillage Fall Disk-Rip, Spring

Vertical-TillHerbicides Pre: 3.5 oz. Corvus®,

1 qt. Atrazine Post: 3 oz. Capreno®, 1 qt. Roundup PowerMAX®

Insecticides Escalate™

Total Nitrogen

408 units

Soil Type Cisne (silt loam)Soil Test Values

pH O.M. % CEC7.1 2.2 7.5

Percent Base Saturation

Ca Mg K H79.9 15.5 4.5 0.0

Parts per Million

P K S63 132 6

Zn Mn B2.1 50 0.3

HIGH-MANAGEMENT TREATMENTSPlanting 4.4 lb. Force® 3G

2x2 10 gal. 28-0-0

In-Furrow 5 gal. PureGrade® Diamond 6-24-6 + 6 oz. Ascend® + 8 oz. Capture® LFR® + 5.2 oz. Headline® + 8 oz. Ultra-Che® Zinc 9% EDTA + 1 qt. Soil Booost

V3 (Sidedress) 34 gal. 28-0-0

V5 (Sidedress) 50 gal. 28-0-0

V5 4 oz. Priaxor® + 1 pt. Liquid Boron 10%

V10 39 gal. 28-0-0 360 Y-DROP®

VT 10 oz. Headline AMP® + 2 qt. Versa Max™ AC

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0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% 120% 140%

3-Year Planting Date Yield

March 15 - 31April 1 - 15May 16 - 31June 1 - 15June 16-30

3-YEAR OPTIMUM PLANTING DATE WINDOW

March 15-31

April 1 - 15

May 16 - 31

June 1 - 15

June 16-30

Percent of Average Yield

2016 RESULTS

Plan

ting

Dat

e

Emer

ged

Popu

latio

n

NEPS

%

Perc

ent

Moi

stur

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Bu./

A.

March 23 20,500 48.3 21.3 150.1

April 5 26,000 68.0 21.8 151.9

May 22 25,500 67.2 20.2 144.4

June 4 23,500 65.2 22.0 120.8

June 16 32,000 81.2 23.9 97.3

June 1 33,750 94.8 21.6 120.1

*®XL is a registered trademark of Pioneer. XL® brand seed is distributed by Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc. Individual results may vary.

PLANTING DATE STUDY

PURPOSE To determine the optimum planting date window by planting on multiple dates throughout the growing season.

STUDY INFORMATIONPlanted VariousHarvested VariousPopulation 34,000 Seeds/A.Row Width 30 in.Previous Crop CornTillage Fall Vertical-Till,

Spring Vertical-TillHerbicides Pre: 3.5 oz. Corvus®,

1 qt. Atrazine Post: 3 oz. Capreno®, 1 qt. Roundup PowerMAX®

Insecticides Escalate™

Starter 10 gal. 28-0-0 2x2

Total Nitrogen

215 units as UAN

Brand 6225HR™*

Soil Type Cisne (silt loam)Soil Test Values

pH O.M. % CEC6.1 2.2 8.2

Percent Base Saturation

Ca Mg K H64.1 19.3 1.9 14.7

Parts per Million

P K S15 61 5

Zn Mn B1.8 39 0.2

• Early plant establishment leads to an earlier flowering window. This is beneficial because the deeper we get into summer, the more likely we are to experience hot, droughty weather that is not ideal for pollination.

• There is also risk with planting too early. Cold, wet weather associated with planting too early can result in a less than acceptable stand establishment.

• Over the last three years, we have found the most profitable corn planting window to be the first two weeks of April.

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CONSEQUENCES OF SHALLOW PLANTED CORN• Inconsistent stands due to erratic soil temperature

swings and variable soil moisture.

• Compressed or underdeveloped nodal root development as well as rootless corn syndrome.

• Increased risk of late season standablility issues.

NODAL ROOT DEVELOPMENTAs the mescocotyl pushes up towards the surface of the soil at about 0.75 in., it senses light and forms the coleoptile node. Regardless of planting depth, nodal roots develop with one exception; extremely shallow planted corn. In deep corn planted less than 0.75 in., nodal roots will develop improperly at the soil surface. This often results in rootless corn syndrome, A.K.A. floppy corn syndrome.

PLANTING DEPTH STUDY

2016 RESULTS

Plan

ting

Dep

th

(Inc

hes)

Emer

ged

Popu

latio

n

Popu

latio

n D

iffer

ence

Perc

ent

Moi

stur

e

Bu./

A.

Bu./

A.

Diff

eren

ce

1.0 21,056 -1,000 20.8 139.7 -4.5Control: 1.5 22,056 -- 21.4 144.2 --

2.0 20,111 -1,945 22.5 141.0 -3.22.5 15,722 -6,334 21.3 117.9 -26.33.0 10,389 -11,667 20.8 84.7 -59.5

Individual results may vary.

PURPOSE To examine how planting depth impacts plant population, emergence and yield.

STUDY INFORMATIONPlanted 6/3/2016Harvested 10/4/2016Population 34,000 Seeds/A.Row Width 30 in.Previous Crop SoybeansTillage Fall Disk-Rip, Spring

Vertical-TillHerbicides Burndown: 1 qt.

Gramoxone® SL 2.0 Pre: 3.5 oz. Corvus®, 1 qt. Atrazine, 1 qt. Roundup PowerMAX® Post: 3 oz. Capreno®, 1 qt. Roundup PowerMAX

Insecticides Escalate™

Starter 10 gal. 28-0-0 2x2

Total Nitrogen

190 units as UAN

Brand 6589V2PSoil Type Huey (silt loam)Soil Test Values

pH O.M. % CEC6.8 2.2 6.9

Percent Base Saturation

Ca Mg K H76.2 15.1 5.7 3.0

Parts per Million

P K S116 153 8

Zn Mn B3.4 37 0.2

Due to poorly drained silt loam soils with a shallow claypan, we had to be cognizant of the potential for soil crusting at planting. We were hit hard with 1 in. of rain the day after planting this plot. This was followed by hot, sunny weather, creating a hard crust at the soil surface that prevented the deeper planted seeds from breaking through. Stand, or lack thereof, was the yield limiting factor in this plot. In general, planting depths ranging from 1.5 in. to 1.75 in. result in the best yields for this area.

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PURPOSE To evaluate corn stands and determine whether or not replant is a profitable decision at various planting and replanting dates. This study evaluated the yield performance of corn planted at 20,000 seeds/A. with random spacing versus a more uniform 34,000 seeds/A.

STUDY INFORMATIONPlanted VariousHarvested VariousPopulation VariousRow Width 30 in.Previous Crop CornTillage Fall Vertical-Till,

Spring Vertical-TillHerbicides Pre: 3.5 oz. Corvus®,

1 qt. Atrazine Post: 3 oz. Capreno®, 1 qt. Roundup PowerMAX®

Insecticides Escalate™

Starter 10 gal. 28-0-0 2x2

Total Nitrogen

215 units as UAN

Brand 6225HR™*

Soil Type Cisne (silt loam)Soil Test Values

pH O.M. % CEC6.1 2.2 8.2

Percent Base Saturation

Ca Mg K H64.1 19.3 1.9 14.7

Parts per Million

P K S15 61 5

Zn Mn B1.8 39 0.2

Replant decisions are often emotionally driven as replanting can be a gamble. Beck’s Southern Illinois PFR shows that on average, it is a wise financial decision to replant corn if you can get back into the field before June. If replanting is delayed until June, the benefits of a longer growing season and earlier pollination window most often outweigh the negative effect of a less than ideal stand.

REPLANT STUDY

2016 RESULTS

Planting Date Plan

ted

Popu

latio

n (S

eeds

/A.)

NEPS

%

Bu./

A.

Bu./

A.

Diff

eren

ce

Net R

etur

n

Retu

rn o

n In

vest

men

t

March 23 20,000 49.2 81.0 -- $312.66 --

April 5 (Replanted) 34,000 68.0 151.9 +70.9 $561.33 +$248.67

April 5 20,000 39.9 107.6 -- $415.34 --

May 22 (Replanted) 34,000 67.2 144.4 +36.8 $532.38 +$117.04

May 22 20,000 43.5 116.8 -- $450.85 --

June 4 (Replanted) 34,000 65.2 120.8 +4.0 $441.29 -$9.56

June 4 20,000 38.4 89.4 -- $345.08 --

June 16 (Replanted) 34,000 81.2 97.3 +7.9 $350.58 +$5.50

Corn $3.86/Bu. Replant cost $25.00/A. *®XL is a registered trademark of Pioneer. XL® brand seed is distributed by Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc. Individual results may vary.

Replanted corn emerges quickly in warm soil, but still has to catch up to

corn that is planted in a timely manner.

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SOIL AMENDMENT STUDYWex®

2016 RESULTS

Treatments Perc

ent

Moi

stur

e

Bu./

A.

Bu./

A.

Diff

eren

ce

Retu

rn o

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men

t

Control 21.4 152.7 -- --

1 qt. Wex® Pre-Emerge 21.4 155.8 +3.1 +$6.73

Corn $3.86/Bu. Wex® $20.96/gal. Individual results may vary.

PURPOSE To evaluate Wex, a soil amendment product, and its ability to stimulate root development, improve water and nutrient uptake, and increase yield and profitability.

STUDY INFORMATIONPlanted 6/3/2016Harvested 9/22/2016Population 34,000 Seeds/A.Row Width 30 in.Previous Crop SoybeansTillage Fall Disk-Rip, Spring

Vertical-TillHerbicides Burndown: 1 qt.

Gramoxone® SL 2.0, 1 qt. Roundup PowerMAX®, 1 qt. Liberty® Pre: 3.5 oz. Corvus®, 1 qt. Atrazine, 1 qt. Roundup PowerMAX Post: 3 oz. Capreno®, 1 qt. Roundup PowerMAX

Insecticides Escalate™

Starter 10 gal. 28-0-0 2x2

Total Nitrogen

190 units as UAN

Brand 5829A4Soil Type Cisne (silt loam)Soil Test Values

pH O.M. % CEC6.5 2.2 7.3

Percent Base Saturation

Ca Mg K H68.8 11.5 3.2 16.5

Parts per Million

P K S20 92 6

Zn Mn B1.4 63 0.2

• We observed significant soil crusting in this plot as a result of a 1 in. hard rain the day after planting.

• It appeared as though the crusting was not as severe in the Wex® treatments, allowing more plants to emerge and contribute to the final yield.

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2016 RESULTS

Treatments Perc

ent

Moi

stur

e

Bu./

A.

Bu./

A.

Diff

eren

ce

Retu

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n In

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men

t

Control: Starter 18.7 118.5 -- --

Starter + 10 oz. Optify®/Stretch In-Furrow

18.9 122.5 +4.0 +$6.94

Starter + 40 oz. Toggle™ @ V5 18.6 121.6 +3.1 -$0.53

Starter + 10 oz. Optify/Stretch In-Furrow + 40 oz. Toggle @ V5

18.6 124.0 +5.5 +$0.23

Corn $3.86/Bu. Toggle™ $40.00/gal. Optify®/Stretch $108.80/gal. *®XL, Optimum, and AcreMax are registered trademarks of Pioneer. XL® brand seed is distributed by Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc. Individual results may vary.

PURPOSE To evaluate two different biologicals, one as a row starter additive and one as a foliar product. These two products were evaluated for their effects on plant health, yield and profitability.

STUDY INFORMATIONPlanted 6/3/2016Harvested 10/4/2016Population 34,000 Seeds/A.Row Width 30 in.Previous Crop SoybeansTillage Fall Disk-Rip, Spring

Vertical-TillHerbicides Burndown: 1 qt.

Gramoxone® SL 2.0 Pre: 3.5 oz. Corvus®, 1 qt. Atrazine, 1 qt. Roundup PowerMAX® Post: 3 oz. Capreno®, 1 qt. Roundup PowerMAX

Insecticides Escalate™

Starter 5 gal. PureGrade® 6-24-6 In-Furrow

Total Nitrogen

190 units as UAN

Brand 6158AM™*

Soil Type Huey (silt loam)Soil Test Values

pH O.M. % CEC7.0 2.2 7.9

Percent Base Saturation

Ca Mg K H76.0 16.9 7.1 0.0

Parts per Million

P K S155 218 11

Zn Mn B4.1 39 0.2

• Optify®/Stretch and Toggle™ are biological products designed to help the plant establish a healthy root system.

• Unfortunately, we can’t pinpoint significant nutrient differences between treatments from the tissue tests we collected throughout the season. That being said, Optify/Stretch and Toggle both positively influenced yield in this study which makes us wonder if the larger root systems were able to access more moisture, minimizing the stress from the hot, dry weather we experienced in July.

BIOLOGICAL STUDY

Optify®/StretchControl: Starter

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$150 $200 $250 $300 $350

2016 6158AM™* Net Return

290 240 190 290 240 190 290 240 190

240290 190

44,0

0040

,000

36,0

00

PURPOSE To evaluate different nitrogen (N) rates in 20 in. rows, applied to multiple populations, to determine the Economic Optimum Nitrogen Rate (EONR) and Economic Optimum Seeding Rate (EOSR) combination.

STUDY INFORMATIONPlanted 6/8/2016Harvested 10/6/2016Population VariousRow Width 20 in.Previous Crop SoybeansTillage Fall Vertical-Till,

Spring Vertical-TillHerbicides Burndown:

1 oz. Sharpen®, 1 qt. Roundup PowerMAX® Pre: 3.5 oz. Corvus®, 1 qt. Atrazine, 1 qt. Roundup PowerMAX Post: 3 oz. Capreno®, 1 qt. Roundup PowerMAX

Insecticides Escalate™

Total Nitrogen

Various

Brand 6158AM™*

Soil Type Cisne (silt loam)Soil Test Values

pH O.M. % CEC6.0 2.0 6.7

Percent Base Saturation

Ca Mg K H56.4 24.4 1.2 18.0

Parts per Million

P K S10 30 6

Zn Mn B1.6 35 0.2

2016 RESULTS

Plan

ted

Popu

latio

n (S

eeds

/A.)

Nitr

ogen

(U

nits

/A.)

Bu./

A.

Bu./

A.

Diff

eren

ce

Net R

etur

n

36,000

190 129.7 -- $285.12

240 140.6 +10.9 $301.70

290 138.0 +8.3 $266.16

40,000

190 139.1 -- $308.22

240 141.0 +1.9 $290.05

290 143.1 +4.0 $272.66

44,000

190 134.5 -- $277.28

240 135.6 +1.1 $256.03

290 140.9 +6.4 $250.98

Corn $3.86/Bu. UAN $0.51/unit of nitrogen. XL® 6158AM™*brand $263.61/unit. *®XL, Optimum, and AcreMax are registered trademarks of Pioneer. XL® brand seed is distributed by Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc. Individual results may vary.

2016 NET RETURN XL® 6158AM™*brand

Seed

s/A.

Dollars/A.

Nitrogen (Units/A.)

POPULATION VS. NITROGEN RATE STUDY20 in. Rows

EONR & EOSR

Population Study

$150 $200 $250 $300 $350

2016 6158AM™* Net Return

290 240 190 290 240 190 290 240 190

240290 190

44,0

0040

,000

36,0

00

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RESULTS NOT WHAT YOU EXPECTED?Logic tells us that if we have more plants, then we should need more nitrogen (N). While we did receive an increase in yield as the N increased across all populations, the most significant yield increase actually occurred at the lowest population tested.

Why might this happen?In southern Illinois, we know that we cannot push populations too high due to the nature of the soil and the typical weather patterns during the growing season. Our past multi-location seeding rate data indicates that as we push populations higher, the net return in yield is simply not there when we exceed 36,000 seeds/A. in 20 in. rows.

Takeaway• One-year data indicates that increasing N rates does increase yield, but not enough to pay for it in

most cases.

• Environmental conditions still trump all other variables involved in increasing plant populations and N rates.

“We appreciate all of the information provided by Beck’s PFR, especially the long-term research on certain products and agronomic principles. Too many times companies try to sell their product based on 1 to 2 years worth of data. PFR has tested many products for 5 to 10 years, which gives farmers more accurate, consistent data on which to make decisions. PFR really fills the void left by land grant universities, whose budgets and Ag programs have been cut.”

Nathan Wentworth | Warrensburg, IL

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Population Study

2016 RESULTS

Bran

d

Resp

onse

to

Hig

her P

opul

atio

n

Plan

ted

Popu

latio

n (S

eeds

/A.)

Treatments Bu./

A.

Bu./

A. D

iffer

ence

Retu

rn o

n In

vest

men

t

5832

A3**

Med

ium

34,0

00

Control: No Micronutrients or Fungicide 175.7 -- --

2 qt. Versa Max™ AC @ V4 171.5 -4.2 -$25.96

2 qt. Versa Max AC @ V4 & 10 oz. Headline AMP® @ VT 172.1 -3.6 -$36.68

38,0

00No Micronutrients or Fungicide 162.7 -13.0 -$62.68

2 qt. Versa Max AC @ V4 163.9 -11.8 -$67.80

2 qt. Versa Max AC @ V4 & 10 oz. Headline AMP @ VT 176.7 +1.0 -$31.43

6158

AM™

*

Med

ium

34,0

00

Control: No Micronutrients or Fungicide 176.2 -- --

2 qt. Versa Max AC @ V4 176.1 -0.1 -$10.13

2 qt. Versa Max AC @ V4 & 10 oz. Headline AMP @ VT 184.0 +7.8 +$7.32

38,0

00

Control: No Micronutrients or Fungicide 179.3 +3.1 -$1.21

2 qt. Versa Max AC @ V4 179.7 +3.5 -$9.42

2 qt. Versa Max AC @ V4 & 10 oz. Headline AMP @ VT 181.4 +5.2 -$15.90

Corn $3.86/Bu. Headline AMP® $166.92/gal. Versa Max™ AC $19.50/gal. Phoenix® 5832A3**brand $250.11/unit. XL® 6158AM™*brand $263.61/unit. *®XL, Optimum, and AcreMax are registered trademarks 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. Individual results may vary.

PURPOSE To determine if yield and profitability can be increased by applying various high-management practices in a high-population environment.

STUDY INFORMATIONPlanted 5/25/2016Harvested 9/23/2016Population VariousRow Width 30 in.Previous Crop SoybeansTillage Fall Disk-Rip, Spring

Vertical-TillHerbicides Burndown: 1 qt.

Gramoxone® SL 2.0 Pre: 3.5 oz. Corvus®, 1 qt. Atrazine, 1 qt. Roundup PowerMAX® Post: 3 oz. Capreno®, 1 qt. Roundup PowerMAX

Insecticides 4.4 lb. Force® 3G, Escalate™

Starter 10 gal. 28-0-0 2x2

Total Nitrogen

250 units as UAN

Soil Type Cisne (silt loam)Soil Test Values

pH O.M. % CEC6.8 2.3 7.9

Percent Base Saturation

Ca Mg K H76.1 15.3 5.6 3.0

Parts per Million

P K S138 171 9

Zn Mn B4.1 36 0.2

POPULATION & HIGH MANAGEMENT STUDY

• This year the late planting date and challenging weather at pollination proved to be too much of a yield limiting factor for this high-management approach.

• Southern Rust did not set in on this plot until the corn was dented, unlike other plots on this farm that saw large responses from fungicide.

• When dealing with down markets, it takes a larger yield response to pay back investments in an intensive management system.

• This shows how important it is to adjust your management plan in-season to extract the most value from every acre.

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PURPOSE To evaluate various nitrogen (N) application timings and their effects on N use efficiency and yield. Each treatment in this study received a total of 190 units of N/A. as UAN.

STUDY INFORMATIONPlanted 5/24/2016Harvested 9/22/2016Population 34,000 Seeds/A.Row Width 30 in.Previous Crop SoybeansTillage Fall Disk-Rip, Spring

Vertical-TillHerbicides Burndown: 1 qt.

Gramoxone® SL 2.0 Pre: 3.5 oz. Corvus®, 1 qt. Atrazine, 1 qt. Roundup PowerMAX® Post: 3 oz. Capreno®, 1 qt. Roundup PowerMAX

Insecticides 4.4 lb. Force® 3G, Escalate™

Starter 10 gal. 28-0-0 2x2

Total Nitrogen

190 units as UAN

Soil Type Huey (silt loam)Soil Test Values

pH O.M. % CEC7.0 2.4 7.2

Percent Base Saturation

Ca Mg K H76.4 16.8 6.8 0.0

Parts per Million

P K S145 191 8

Zn Mn B3.3 25 0.4

Phoenix® 5832A3**brand is a hybrid that efficiently manages N and typically performs better when it is front-loaded. XL® 6158AM™*brand typically provides a higher response from increasing rates and later applications. What we historically knew about these hybrids played out with the highest yielding entry for Phoenix® 5832A3**brand coming from the treatment with a 360 Y-DROP® application at V7. The late VT 360 Y-DROP application provided the highest yield for XL® 6158AM™*brand. This year we found that significant differences may in fact exist in the way we manage N by hybrid, not only with timing but also rate. We will continue to study N management in greater depth to provide you with agronomic knowledge to maximize your N investment by genetic family.

NITROGEN TIMING STUDY

2016 RESULTS

Bran

d

Nitr

ogen

Re

spon

se

Nitr

ogen

(U

nits

/A.)

Application Timing Perc

ent

Moi

stur

e

Bu./

A.

Bu./

A.

Diff

eren

ce

Retu

rn o

n In

vest

men

t

5832

A3**

N E

ffici

ent

30, 160 Control: 2x2, Sidedress @ V3 20.7 172.0 -- --

30, 80, 80 2x2, Sidedress @ V3, 360 Y-DROP® @ V7 21.8 188.3 +16.3 +$62.92

30, 80, 80 2x2, Sidedress @ V3, 360 Y-DROP @ V10 20.2 172.3 +0.3 +$1.16

30, 80, 80 2x2, Sidedress @ V3, 360 Y-DROP @ VT 23.0 178.9 +6.9 +$26.63

6158

AM™

*

Hig

her N

Res

pons

e 30, 160 Control: 2x2, Sidedress @ V3 17.3 186.4 -- --

30, 80, 80 2x2, Sidedress @ V3, 360 Y-DROP @ V7 18.0 184.0 -2.4 -$9.26

30, 80, 80 2x2, Sidedress @ V3, 360 Y-DROP @ V10 17.9 180.9 -5.5 -$21.23

30, 80, 80 2x2, Sidedress @ V3, 360 Y-DROP @ VT 18.1 188.1 +1.7 +$6.57

2-H

ybrid

Av

erag

e

30, 160 Control: 2x2, Sidedress @ V3 19.0 179.2 -- --

30, 80, 80 2x2, Sidedress @ V3, 360 Y-DROP @ V7 19.9 186.2 +7.0 +$26.83

30, 80, 80 2x2, Sidedress @ V3, 360 Y-DROP @ V10 19.1 176.6 -2.6 -$10.03

30, 80, 80 2x2, Sidedress @ V3, 360 Y-DROP @ VT 20.6 183.5 +4.3 +$16.60

Corn $3.86/Bu. UAN $0.51/unit of nitrogen. *®XL, Optimum, and AcreMax are registered trademarks 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. Individual results may vary.

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NITROGEN MANAGEMENT STUDY360 SOILSCAN™ vs. PSNT

PURPOSE To evaluate various nitrogen (N) sampling methods and technologies to determine if one method better predicts N needs, leading to higher yields and profitability.

STUDY INFORMATIONPlanted 5/24/2016Harvested 9/21/2016Population 34,000 Seeds/A.Row Width 30 in.Previous Crop SoybeansTillage Fall No-Till, Spring

Vertical-TillHerbicides Burndown:

1 oz. Sharpen®, 1 qt. Roundup PowerMAX® Pre: 3.5 oz. Corvus®, 1 qt. Atrazine, 1 qt. Roundup PowerMAX Post: 3 oz. Capreno®, 1 qt. Roundup PowerMAX

Insecticides 4.4 lb. Force® 3G, Escalate™

Starter 10 gal. 28-0-0 2x2

Total Nitrogen

Various

Soil Type Cisne (silt loam)Soil Test Values

pH O.M. % CEC6.8 1.9 6.2

Percent Base Saturation

Ca Mg K H72.3 19.4 5.2 3.0

Parts per Million

P K S81 127 5

Zn Mn B6.9 48 0.2

CAN WE UTILIZE THIS TECHNOLOGY TO HELP DETERMINE THE MOST PROFITABLE NITROGEN MANAGEMENT PLAN? • The results from this study indicate that answer is yes.

• In this study, we applied 30 units of N with the planter and sidedressed 60 units of N at the V3 growth stage. The remaining N was 360 Y-DROP® applied at V14, changing the rates based off of the results of either a pre-sidedress soil nitrate test (PSNT) or a 360 SOILSCAN™ machine.

• We compared those results to a 360 Y-DROP application at V14 with 100 units of N and the PFR standard practice as the control with 30 units of N 2x2 followed by 160 units at V3.

• All systems outyielded the PFR standard practice, however, the PSNT program proved to be the most profitable. We decreased our total cost of N and achieved our highest yields, making the PSNT recommendation by far the most profitable.

“PFR sets Beck’s apart from and ahead of other seed companies. It’s great information for farmers.”

Allen Williams | Cerro Gordo, IL

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2016 RESULTS

Bran

d

Nitr

ogen

Re

spon

se

Nitr

ogen

(U

nits

/A.)

Application Timing Nitrogen Program (Total Units N/A.) Bu./

A.

Bu./

A.

Diff

eren

ce

Retu

rn o

n In

vest

men

t

5665

AMX™

*

Hig

her N

Res

pons

e

30, 160 Control: 2x2, Sidedress @ V3

PFR Standard Practice (190 total N) 185.9 -- --

30, 60, 72 2x2, Sidedress @ V3, 360 Y-DROP® @ V14

PSNT Recommendation @ V14 (162 total N) 195.7 +9.8 +$52.11

30, 60, 100 2x2, Sidedress @ V3, 360 Y-DROP @ V14

3-Split Applications (190 total N) 192.1 +6.2 +$23.94

30, 60, 98 2x2, Sidedress @ V3, 360 Y-DROP @ V14

360 SOILSCAN™ Recommendation @ V14 (188 total N) 188.2 +2.3 +$9.90

5829

A4

N E

ffici

ent

30, 160 Control: 2x2, Sidedress @ V3

PFR Standard Practice (190 total N) 187.2 -- --

30, 60, 72 2x2, Sidedress @ V3, 360 Y-DROP @ V14

PSNT Recommendation @ V14 (162 total N) 188.8 +1.6 +$20.46

30, 60, 100 2x2, Sidedress @ V3, 360 Y-DROP @ V14

3-Split Applications (190 total N) 189.2 +2.0 +$7.72

30, 60, 98 2x2, Sidedress @ V3, 360 Y-DROP @ V14

360 SOILSCAN Recommendation @ V14 (188 total N) 188.9 +1.7 +$7.58

2-H

ybrid

Ave

rage

30, 160 Control: 2x2, Sidedress @ V3

PFR Standard Practice (190 total N) 186.6 -- --

30, 60, 72 2x2, Sidedress @ V3, 360 Y-DROP @ V14

PSNT Recommendation @ V14 (162 total N) 192.3 +5.7 +$36.29

30, 60, 100 2x2, Sidedress @ V3, 360 Y-DROP @ V14

3-Split Applications (190 total N) 190.7 +4.1 +$15.83

30, 60, 98 2x2, Sidedress @ V3, 360 Y-DROP @ V14

360 SOILSCAN Recommendation @ V14 (188 total N) 188.6 +2.0 +$8.74

Corn $3.86/Bu. UAN $0.51/unit of nitrogen. *®XL, Optimum, and AcreMax are registered trademarks of Pioneer. XL® brand seed is distributed by Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc. Individual results may vary.

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2016 RESULTS

Treatments Perc

ent

Moi

stur

e

Bu./

A.

Bu./

A.

Diff

eren

ce

Control: No Sealers 18.5 145.5 --

Nitrogen Sealers 17.9 150.9 +5.4

Individual results may vary.

PURPOSE To test nitrogen sealers and their effect on nitrogen (N) retention and yield. Nitrogen sealers are a pair of coulters that attach to the sidedress bar behind the knife. The coulters pull soil over the trench opened by the knife, sealing the opening and holding in N that could otherwise volatilize.

STUDY INFORMATIONPlanted 5/25/2016Harvested 9/15/2016Population 34,000 Seeds/A.Row Width 30 in.Previous Crop CornTillage Fall Disk-Rip, Spring

Vertical-TillHerbicides Burndown: 1 qt.

Gramoxone® SL 2.0, 1 qt. Roundup PowerMAX®, 1 qt. Liberty® Pre: 3.5 oz. Corvus®, 1 qt. Atrazine, 1 qt. Roundup PowerMAX Post: 3 oz. Capreno®, 1 qt. Roundup PowerMAX

Insecticides 4.4 lb. Force® 3G, Escalate™

Starter 10 gal. 28-0-0 2x2

Total Nitrogen

215 units as UAN

Brand 5509A3Soil Type Cisne (silt loam)Soil Test Values

pH O.M. % CEC5.6 2.0 7.0

Percent Base Saturation

Ca Mg K H53.4 10.7 1.8 34.1

Parts per Million

P K S20 50 5

Zn Mn B1.3 39 0.2

At Beck’s Southern IL PFR site, the most common reasons for N loss are denitrification and urea volatilization. Denitrification losses typically occur early in the season due to saturated soil conditions. Urea volatilization is a challenge with surface applied UAN or even when leaving a knife slot open during sidedressing. The urease enzyme in the soil rapidly converts part of the N in UAN to ammonia gas, which leaves the soil. Rain or incorporating UAN in the soil slows this process down. Nitrogen sealers are a management tool that cover the knife slot with soil during sidedress, greatly reducing any risk of volatilization.

NITROGEN SEALER STUDY

3 FORMS OF NITROGEN LOSS1. Denitrification: When soils are saturated, oxygen is removed

from the soil, converting nitrate (NO3-) into gas (N2O & N2), which

can escape into the air.

• This is the most common form of N loss, especially in poorly drained soils.

2. Leaching: The movement of nitrates down through the largest pores in the soil profile due to excessive rain.

• Typically, leaching is more problematic in coarse soils (sand).

3. Volatilization: Loss of gaseous N compounds to the atmosphere.

• Volatization is common when urea-containing fertilizers (urea, UAN, manure) are surface applied.

• It can also occur if the soil doesn’t seal behind the applicator.

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PURPOSE To evaluate the yield response and return on investment when applying fungicide at the VT growth stage on multiple hybrids.

STUDY INFORMATIONPlanted 6/3/2016Harvested 9/27/2016Population 34,000 Seeds/A.Row Width 30 in.Previous Crop CornTillage Fall Disk-Rip, Spring

Vertical-TillHerbicides Burndown: 1 qt.

Gramoxone® SL 2.0 Pre: 3.5 oz. Corvus®, 1 qt. Atrazine, 1 qt. Roundup PowerMAX® Post: 3 oz. Capreno®, 1 qt. Roundup PowerMAX

Insecticides 4.4 lb. Force® 3G, Escalate™

Starter 10 gal. 28-0-0 2x2

Total Nitrogen

215 units as UAN

Soil Type Cisne (silt loam)Soil Test Values

pH O.M. % CEC6.0 1.9 7.0

Percent Base Saturation

Ca Mg K H57.0 22.6 3.3 17.1

Parts per Million

P K S12 89 9

Zn Mn B2.7 30 1.0

FUNGICIDE STUDYHybrid Response

2016 RESULTS

Trea

tmen

ts

Fung

icid

e Re

spon

se

Bran

d

Perc

ent

Moi

stur

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Bu./

A.

Bu./

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Diff

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Retu

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men

t

Con

trol

: No

Fung

icid

e -- 5829A4 17.9 138.4 -- ---- 5828AMX™* 19.7 139.1 -- ---- 6076SX 19.8 141.4 -- ---- 6158AM™* 17.8 122.5 -- ---- 6225HR™* 21.0 126.4 -- ---- 6365AMX™* 22.1 141.2 -- --

AVG. 19.7 134.8

4 oz

. Str

ateg

o® Y

LD

@ V

T

Low 5829A4 19.6 165.2 +26.8 +$87.96Medium 5828AMX™* 21.1 141.9 +2.8 -$4.69Medium 6076SX 20.2 152.1 +10.7 +$25.82Medium 6225HR™* 21.3 142.4 +16.0 +$46.27Medium 6365AMX™* 25.0 151.3 +10.1 +$23.50

High 6158AM™* 19.2 141.1 +18.6 +$56.31AVG. 21.1 149.0 +14.2 +$39.20

Corn $3.86/Bu. Stratego® YLD $495.67/gal. *®XL, Optimum, and AcreMax are registered trademarks of Pioneer. XL® brand seed is distributed by Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc. Individual results may vary.

SOUTHERN RUST RATING

Brand Rating

5828AMX™* Excellent5829A4 Average6076SX Average6158AM™* Below Average6225HR™* Average6365AMX™* Good

The most prevalent disease found in this study was Southern Rust, which can be extremely yield limiting. With the exception of XL® 5828AMX™*brand, which has an excellent Southern Rust rating, every hybrid tested showed a significant yield response to a fungicide application.

Southern Rust at the Southern Illinois PFR site

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PURPOSE To evaluate the use of various additives, applied with a fungicide at the VT growth stage, in an attempt to increase plant health, yield and profitability.

STUDY INFORMATIONPlanted 6/3/2016Harvested 9/28/2016Population 34,000 Seeds/A.Row Width 30 in.Previous Crop CornTillage Fall Disk-Rip, Spring

Vertical-TillHerbicides Burndown: 1 qt.

Gramoxone® SL 2.0 Pre: 3.5 oz. Corvus®, 1 qt. Atrazine, 1 qt. Roundup PowerMAX® Post: 3 oz. Capreno®, 1 qt. Roundup PowerMAX

Insecticides 4.4 lb. Force® 3G, Escalate™

Fungicides 10 oz. Headline AMP®

Starter 10 gal. 28-0-0 2x2Total Nitrogen

215 units as UAN

Soil Type Cisne (silt loam)Soil Test Values

pH O.M. % CEC6.4 2.0 6.3

Percent Base Saturation

Ca Mg K H63.7 13.9 3.3 19.1

Parts per Million

P K S53 81 5

Zn Mn B1.4 38 0.2

• Beck’s Southern IL team set out to determine if the addition of a nutrient or biological additive into a fungicide treatment would increase yields by providing the plant more of what it needs at that time.

• Late in the season the crop still has a relatively high demand for late-season nitrogen, potassium, phosphorus and micronutrients for grainfill. All products in this study provided us with additional yield and revenue.

FUNGICIDE ADDITIVE STUDY

2016 RESULTS

Bran

d

VT Treatments Perc

ent

Moi

stur

e

Bu./

A.

Bu./

A.

Diff

eren

ce

Retu

rn o

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men

t

6175

AM™

*

Control: Fungicide 19.2 147.1 -- --

Fungicide + 1 qt. CropKarb® 18.8 150.2 +3.1 +$2.29

Fungicide + 3.2 oz. Eagle 19.0 147.6 +0.5 -$4.07

Fungicide + 6 oz. Boron Plus® 19.1 145.9 -1.2 -$6.04

Fungicide + 40 oz. Toggle™ 19.0 146.5 -0.6 -$14.82

6225

HR™

*

Control: Fungicide 19.2 129.2 -- --

Fungicide + 1 qt. CropKarb 19.3 136.1 +6.9 +$16.97

Fungicide + 3.2 oz. Eagle 19.5 134.9 +5.7 +$16.00

Fungicide + 6 oz. Boron Plus 19.4 133.7 +4.5 +$15.97

Fungicide + 40 oz. Toggle 19.2 137.2 +8.0 +$18.38

2-H

ybrid

Ave

rage

Control: Fungicide 19.2 138.2 -- --

Fungicide + 1 qt. CropKarb 19.1 143.2 +5.0 +$9.63

Fungicide + 3.2 oz. Eagle 19.3 141.3 +3.1 +$5.97

Fungicide + 6 oz. Boron Plus 19.3 139.8 +1.6 +$4.97

Fungicide + 40 oz. Toggle 19.1 141.9 +3.7 +$1.78

Corn $3.86/Bu. CropKarb® $38.69/gal. Boron Plus® $29.94/gal. Eagle $240.00/gal. Toggle™ $40.00/gal. *®XL, Optimum, and AcreMax are registered trademarks of Pioneer. XL® brand seed is distributed by Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc. Individual results may vary.

Be careful not to add surfactants, specifically non-iconic surfactants, to any foliar application

made between V12 and VT, because it could induce arrested ear development.

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PURPOSE To evaluate Preemptor™ SC and Trivapro® at two different timings to determine if they can sustain season-long control with one early foliar application. This study evaluated the different diseases that are present throughout the growing season as well as the value of each product in terms of plant health, yield and profitability.

STUDY INFORMATIONPlanted 6/3/2016Harvested 9/27/2016Population 36,000 Seeds/A.Row Width 30 in.Previous Crop CornTillage Fall Disk-Rip, Spring

Vertical-TillHerbicides Burndown: 1 qt.

Gramoxone® SL 2.0 Pre: 3.5 oz. Corvus®, 1 qt. Atrazine, 1 qt. Roundup PowerMAX® Post: 3 oz. Capreno®, 1 qt. Roundup PowerMAX

Insecticides 4.4 lb. Force® 3G, Escalate™

Starter 10 gal. 28-0-0 2x2

Total Nitrogen

215 units as UAN

Soil Type Cisne (silt loam)Soil Test Values

pH O.M. % CEC5.9 2.2 8.3

Percent Base Saturation

Ca Mg K H54.3 13.6 3.1 29.0

Parts per Million

P K S45 100 5

Zn Mn B1.3 40 0.2

FUNGICIDE TIMING STUDY

2016 RESULTS

Bran

d

Fung

icid

e Re

spon

se

Treatments Perc

ent

Moi

stur

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Bu./

A.

Bu./

A.

Diff

eren

ce

Retu

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men

t

6076

SX

Med

ium

Control: No Fungicide 16.1 69.6 -- --5 oz. Preemptor™ SC @ V8 18.1 80.0 +10.4 +$19.7614.5 oz. Trivapro® @ V8 18.2 78.9 +9.3 +$18.395 oz. Preemptor SC @ R1 19.3 89.6 +20.0 +$56.8214.5 oz. Trivapro @ R1 25.5 104.4 +34.8 +$116.82

6158

AM™

*

Hig

hControl: No Fungicide 17.2 73.4 -- --5 oz. Preemptor SC @ V8 17.2 73.0 -0.4 -$21.9214.5 oz. Trivapro @ V8 18.3 83.1 +9.7 +$19.955 oz. Preemptor SC @ R1 20.1 83.9 +10.5 +$20.1514.5 oz. Trivapro @ R1 27.9 104.8 +31.4 +$103.71

2-H

ybrid

Av

erag

e

Control: No Fungicide 16.7 71.5 -- --5 oz. Preemptor SC @ V8 17.7 76.5 +5.0 -$1.0814.5 oz. Trivapro @ V8 18.3 81.0 +9.5 +$19.175 oz. Preemptor SC @ R1 19.7 86.8 +15.3 +$38.4914.5 oz. Trivapro @ R1 26.7 104.6 +33.1 +$110.27

Corn $3.86/Bu. Preemptor™ SC $521.83/gal. Trivapro® $17.50/A. *®XL, Optimum, and AcreMax are registered trademarks of Pioneer. XL® brand seed is distributed by Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc. Individual results may vary.

Jonathan Perkins, Southern IL PFR Agronomist scouting for Southern Rust.

We had a severe amount of Southern Rust set in this year. Due to the late planting date of this plot, the timing of infection was early enough to have a large impact on yield. Infection occurred around brown silk, therefore, the R1 timing provided the greatest control with both products tested. Trivapro® fungicide is unique in that it offers three modes of action and is the only fungicide on the market to receive an EXCELLENT rating for Southern Rust in Purdue University’s Fungicide Efficacy for Control of Corn Diseases.

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2016 RESULTS

Bran

d

Fung

icid

e Re

spon

se

VT Treatments Perc

ent

Moi

stur

e

Bu./

A.

Bu./

A.

Diff

eren

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Retu

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men

t

6418

SX

Med

ium

Control: No Fungicide 20.5 184.6 -- --

10 oz. Headline AMP® 360 UNDERCOVER® 21.2 189.5 +4.9 +$5.87

10 oz. Headline AMP Over-the-Top 21.0 187.0 +2.4 -$3.78

6948

A3

Low

Control: No Fungicide 24.7 182.0 -- --

10 oz. Headline AMP 360 UNDERCOVER 23.3 192.3 +10.3 +$26.72

10 oz. Headline AMP Over-the-Top 23.5 191.9 +9.9 +$25.17

2-H

ybrid

Av

erag

e

Control: No Fungicide 22.6 183.3 -- --

10 oz. Headline AMP 360 UNDERCOVER 22.3 190.9 +7.6 +$16.30

10 oz. Headline AMP Over-the-Top 22.3 189.5 +6.2 +$10.70

Corn $3.86/Bu. Headline AMP® $166.92/gal. Individual results may vary.

PURPOSE To evaluate traditional over-the-top fungicide applications compared to 360 UNDERCOVER inner-canopy applications of fungicide at the VT growth stage.

STUDY INFORMATIONPlanted 5/24/2016Harvested 9/23/2016Population 34,000 Seeds/A.Row Width 30 in.Previous Crop SoybeansTillage Fall Disk-Rip, Spring

Vertical-TillHerbicides Burndown:

1 oz. Sharpen®, 1 qt. Roundup PowerMAX® Pre: 3.5 oz. Corvus®, 1 qt. Atrazine, 1 qt. Roundup PowerMAX Post: 3 oz. Capreno®, 1 qt. Roundup PowerMAX

Insecticides 4.4 lb. Force® 3G, Escalate™

Starter 10 gal. 28-0-0 2x2

Total Nitrogen

190 units as UAN

Soil Type Bluford (silt loam)Soil Test Values

pH O.M. % CEC7.4 2.5 7.7

Percent Base Saturation

Ca Mg K H81.3 11.9 6.8 0.0

Parts per Million

P K S159 204 8

Zn Mn B7.7 42 0.3

FUNGICIDE PLACEMENT STUDY360 UNDERCOVER®

Miller sprayer outfitted with 360 Undercover® unit. Photo courtesy of 360 Yield Center.

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2016 RESULTS

Treatments Emer

ged

Popu

latio

n

Popu

latio

n D

iffer

ence

Bu./

A.

Bu./

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Diff

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t

Control: Starter 27,889 -- 116.1 -- --

Starter + 3.4 oz. Capture® VGR™ In-Furrow

27,278 -611 119.2 +3.1 +$2.03

Corn $3.86/Bu. Capture® VGR™ $373.81/gal. *®XL, Optimum, and AcreMax are registered trademarks of Pioneer. XL® brand seed is distributed by Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc. Individual results may vary.

PURPOSE To determine if Capture VGR, a combination product consisting of Capture LFR® and VGR soil amendment, can increase plant health, yield and profitability.

STUDY INFORMATIONPlanted 6/3/2016Harvested 10/4/2016Population 34,000 Seeds/A.Row Width 30 in.Previous Crop CornTillage Fall Disk-Rip, Spring

Vertical-TillHerbicides Burndown: 1 qt.

Gramoxone® SL 2.0 Pre: 3.5 oz. Corvus®, 1 qt. Atrazine, 1 qt. Roundup PowerMAX® Post: 3 oz. Capreno®, 1 qt. Roundup PowerMAX

Insecticides Escalate™

Starter 5 gal. PureGrade® 6-24-6 In-Furrow, 10 gal. 28-0-0 2x2

Total Nitrogen

215 units as UAN

Brand 5828AMX™*

Soil Type Huey (silt loam)Soil Test Values

pH O.M. % CEC6.8 2.1 6.9

Percent Base Saturation

Ca Mg K H76.3 15.1 5.6 3.0

Parts per Million

P K S125 150 7

Zn Mn B3.4 34 0.2

INSECTICIDE STUDYCapture® VGR™

WHAT IS BACILLUS LICHENIFORMIS?VGR soil amendment contains a specific strain of Bacillus licheniformis, a naturally occurring bacteria which rapidly colonizes actively growing roots. This results in larger root systems, improved water use efficiency, increased phosphorus solubility for better nutrient uptake, and improved plant defense against abiotic stresses.

This year planting was delayed until June 3 and warm soils with adequate moisture made for ideal early growing conditions. Very little insect pressure was noted. There was still a positive ROI even without much insect pressure or abiotic stress.

Southern IL PFR soil types challenge us to continue our search for soil amendments.

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MICRONUTRIENT STUDY360 Y-DROP®

PURPOSE To evaluate the yield and profitability of various micronutrient products applied with 360 Y-DROP at the V10 growth stage.

STUDY INFORMATIONPlanted 5/24/2016Harvested 9/16/2016Population 34,000 Seeds/A.Row Width 30 in.Previous Crop CornTillage Fall Disk-Rip, Spring

Vertical-TillHerbicides Burndown: 1 qt.

Gramoxone® SL 2.0, 1 qt. Roundup PowerMAX®, 1 qt. Liberty® Pre: 3.5 oz. Corvus®, 1 qt. Atrazine, 1 qt. Roundup PowerMAX Post: 3 oz. Capreno®, 1 qt. Roundup PowerMAX

Insecticides 4.4 lb. Force® 3G, Escalate™

Starter 10 gal. 28-0-0 2x2

Total Nitrogen

215 units as UAN

Soil Type Cisne (silt loam)Soil Test Values

pH O.M. % CEC6.6 2.1 6.8

Percent Base Saturation

Ca Mg K H66.4 12.3 3.6 17.7

Parts per Million

P K S32 94 5

Zn Mn B1.5 41 0.2

All treatments were applied with UAN as the carrier, for a total of 25 units/A. of nitrogen. A corn crop requires approximately 50 percent of its sulfur after VT, over 70 percent of its zinc after VT and 65 percent of its boron after V14.

• If micronutrients are applied at the right time, can we increase yields? This study would indicate that we can.

• What is the best application method?

• Is it through the 360 Y-DROP® as it was in this study?

• Or, is it through a foliar application with a fungicide as we saw in the fungicide additive study on page 238?

• We will continue these studies in an effort to answer these questions.

2016 RESULTS

Bran

d

V10 Treatments Perc

ent

Moi

stur

e

Bu./

A.

Bu./

A.

Diff

eren

ce

Retu

rn o

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vest

men

t

5665

AMX™

*

Control 21.2 169.1 -- --

2 qt. Ultra-Che® Zinc 9% EDTA 22.5 171.1 +2.0 -$5.03

2 qt. Liquid Boron 10% 21.9 168.5 -0.6 -$10.70

7 gal. Thio-Sul® (12-0-0-26S) 21.6 174.1 +5.0 +$8.4258

29A4

Control 22.1 166.4 -- --

2 qt. Ultra-Che Zinc 9% EDTA 22.7 171.2 +4.8 +$5.78

2 qt. Liquid Boron 10% 21.5 170.1 +3.7 +$5.91

7 gal. Thio-Sul (12-0-0-26S) 22.8 161.2 -5.2 -$30.95

2-H

ybrid

Ave

rage Control 21.7 167.8 -- --

2 qt. Ultra-Che Zinc 9% EDTA 22.6 171.2 +3.4 +$0.37

2 qt. Liquid Boron 10% 21.7 169.3 +1.5 -$2.40

7 gal. Thio-Sul (12-0-0-26S) 22.2 167.7 -0.1 -$11.27

Corn $3.86/Bu. Thio-Sul® (12-0-0-26S) $2.21/gal. Ultra-Che® Zinc 9% EDTA $25.50/gal. UAN $0.51/unit of nitrogen. Liquid Boron 10% $16.75/gal. *®XL, Optimum, and AcreMax are registered trademarks of Pioneer. XL® brand seed is distributed by Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc. Individual results may vary.

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WATER MANAGEMENT STUDYTile Spacing & Depth

PURPOSE To determine the yield differences between tile spaced at 15 ft., 30 ft., and 60 ft. widths at two different depths of 24 in. and 36 in.

STUDY INFORMATIONPlanted 4/26/2016Harvested 9/24/2016Population 34,000 Seeds/A.Row Width 30 in.Previous Crop CornTillage Fall Disk-Rip, Spring

Vertical-Till/Field Cultivation

Herbicides Pre: 3.5 oz. Corvus®, 1 qt. Atrazine Post: 3 oz. Capreno®, 1 qt. Roundup PowerMAX®

Insecticides 4.4 lb. Force® 3G, Escalate™

Starter 10 gal. 28-0-0 2x2

Total Nitrogen

215 units as UAN

Brand 6365AM™*

Soil Type Cisne (silt loam)Soil Test Values

pH O.M. % CEC6.7 2.3 10.3

Percent Base Saturation

Ca Mg K H70.5 15.0 2.9 11.7

Parts per Million

P K S46 115 6

Zn Mn B1.8 41 0.2

• Significant differences were noticed early in the season in soil drying rates. The 15 ft. and 30 ft. tile spacings at both tile depths dried out at a much quicker rate than the 60 ft. spacing at either depth.

• No visual differences in the rate of drying or condition of the crop was noted between the 24 in. and 36 in. depth.

• The 36 in. tile depth out-yielded the 24 in. depth by an average of 2.1 Bu./A. across all tile spacings.

• We also noticed that yield differences exist between rows directly above tile lines, and rows harvested from the middle of tile rows, as shown in the illustration of percent yield loss above.

2016 RESULTS

Tile

Dep

th

(Inc

hes)

Tile

Sp

acin

g (F

eet)

Perc

ent

Moi

stur

e

Bu./

A.

Bu./

A.

Diff

eren

ce

24

Control: No Tile 17.8 173.7 --15 17.2 231.9 +58.230 16.6 225.8 +52.160 17.5 208.2 +34.5

36Control: No Tile 17.8 173.7 --

15 16.9 228.9 +55.230 15.6 221.8 +48.160 15.1 221.3 +47.6

*®XL, Optimum, and AcreMax are registered trademarks of Pioneer. XL® brand seed is distributed by Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc. Individual results may vary.

-15% -10% -5% 0%

Percent Yield Loss Between Tile

15 ft. 30 ft. 60 ft.

PERCENT YIELD LOSS BETWEEN TILE SPACINGS

15 ft.

Percent Yield Loss

36 in. Tile D

epth

30 ft. 60 ft.

24 in. Tile D

epth

15 ft. 30 ft. 60 ft.

15 ft. 30 ft. 60 ft.

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WATER MANAGEMENT STUDYDrip-Irrigation

2016 RESULTS

Bran

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Treatments Perc

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Moi

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Bu./

A.

Bu./

A.

Diff

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5828

AM™

* Control: No Drainage/Irrigation 20.2 204.9 --30 ft. Tile Drainage + Drip-Irrigated 17.2 239.7 +34.830 ft. Tile Drainage 18.1 238.9 +34.0Drip-Irrigated 17.8 229.1 +24.2

6076

V2P Control: No Drainage/Irrigation 19.3 168.8 --

30 ft. Tile Drainage + Drip-Irrigated 16.3 227.7 +58.930 ft. Tile Drainage 17.6 215.3 +46.5Drip-Irrigated 16.9 193.6 +24.8

2-H

ybrid

Av

erag

e Control: No Drainage/Irrigation 19.8 186.9 --30 ft. Tile Drainage + Drip-Irrigated 16.8 233.7 +46.830 ft. Tile Drainage 17.9 227.1 +40.2Drip-Irrigated 17.4 211.4 +24.5

*®XL, Optimum, and AcreMax are registered trademarks of Pioneer. XL® brand seed is distributed by Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc. Individual results may vary.

PURPOSE To determine the yield differences between no drainage or irrigation and three other water management systems: 30 ft. tile drainage, 30 ft. tile drainage plus drip-irrigation, and drip-irrigation alone with no tile drainage.

STUDY INFORMATIONPlanted 4/26/2016Harvested 9/15/2016Population 34,000 Seeds/A.Row Width 30 in.Previous Crop CornTillage Fall Disk-Rip, Spring

Vertical-Till/Field Cultivation

Herbicides Pre: 3.5 oz. Corvus®, 1 qt. Atrazine Post: 3 oz. Capreno®, 1 qt. Roundup PowerMAX®

Insecticides 4.4 lb. Force® 3G, Escalate™

Starter 10 gal. 28-0-0 2x2

Total Nitrogen

215 units as UAN

Soil Type Cisne (silt loam)Soil Test Values

pH O.M. % CEC7.5 2.5 9.3

Percent Base Saturation

Ca Mg K H80.6 16.1 3.3 0.0

Parts per Million

P K S111 120 8

Zn Mn B4.8 34 0.4

SHOULD I TILE OR IRRIGATE?During the spring, water does not drain well with the claypans that are common across our geography. But then by late summer, we struggle to keep enough water in the soil profile.

Visual Observations• We saw quicker drying soils in the tiled portions of the plot.

• Plant height and health advantages to the tiled and irrigated portions as compared to the control, were also noted.

• After the massive amounts of rainfall we received during the spring, it’s hard to imagine our crops needing more water. However, drip irrigation allowed us to make sure that there was an adequate supply of moisture during the key stages of crop development.

NutraDrip installing the drip-irrigation system

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CAN TILE WORK FOR MORE THAN JUST DRAINAGE?We evaluated both draining the soil profile during the wet times of the season and recharging the water table when it became hot and dry. The tile in this portion of the plot is set up on 15 ft. widths that follow the contour of the ground. This allowed for maximum drainage and improved water movement through the soil profile.

Visual Differences• There were uniform, increased plant stands and

improved plant health compared to the control.

• The tiled area dried out 1 to 2 days sooner, allowing for earlier planting than most plots on the farm.

Hybrid Differences• XL® 5828AM™*brand is an Aquamax®

hybrid with an improved ability to handle moisture stress.

Sensor-Based Sub-Irrigation www.cropx.com

WATER MANAGEMENT STUDY Sub-Irrigation

2016 RESULTS

Bran

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Treatments Perc

ent

Moi

stur

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Bu./

A.

Bu./

A.

Diff

eren

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5828

AM™

*

Control: No Drainage/Irrigation 20.6 197.5 --Sensor-Based Sub-Irrigation 18.3 239.0 +41.5Controlled Water Table 18.5 236.7 +39.2Contour Tile Drainage 18.0 233.3 +35.8Manual Sub-Irrigation 18.8 228.7 +31.2

6076

V2P

Control: No Drainage/Irrigation 19.9 176.8 --Controlled Water Table 18.0 230.8 +54.0Sensor-Based Sub-Irrigation 17.1 226.2 +49.4Contour Tile Drainage 17.3 224.3 +47.5Manual Sub-Irrigation 17.6 219.1 +42.3

2-H

ybrid

Av

erag

e

Control: No Drainage/Irrigation 20.3 187.2 --Controlled Water Table 18.3 233.8 +46.6Sensor-Based Sub-Irrigation 17.7 232.6 +45.4Contour Tile Drainage 17.7 228.8 +41.6Manual Sub-Irrigation 18.2 223.9 +36.7

*®XL, Optimum, and AcreMax are registered trademarks of Pioneer. XL® brand seed is distributed by Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc. Individual results may vary.

PURPOSE To determine the yield differences between no drainage or irrigation and four other water management systems: sensor-based sub-irrigation, controlled water table, tile drainage, and manual sub-irrigation. We also evaluated the yield performance of two different genetic families, one possessing an improved ability to handle moisture stress.

STUDY INFORMATIONPlanted 4/26/2016Harvested 9/14/2016Population 34,000 Seeds/A.Row Width 30 in.Previous Crop CornTillage Fall Disk-Rip, Spring

Vertical-Till/Field Cultivation

Herbicides Pre: 3.5 oz. Corvus®, 1 qt. Atrazine Post: 3 oz. Capreno®, 1 qt. Roundup PowerMAX®

Insecticides 4.4 lb. Force® 3G, Escalate™

Starter 10 gal. 28-0-0 2x2

Total Nitrogen

215 units as UAN

Soil Type Cisne (silt loam)

+8.7 Bu./A. AdvantageSensor Controlled

Sub-Irrigation vs. Manual

Water Management Studies in Collaboration with

AGREM, LLC. CropX Inc.

360 Water Solutions

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PURPOSE To raise high yielding soybeans through the use of various seed treatments, product applications, and intensive management strategies.

STUDY INFORMATIONPlanted 5/23/2016Harvested 10/13/2016Population 140,000 Seeds/A.Row Width 15 in.Previous Crop CornTillage Fall No-Till, Spring

Vertical-TillHerbicides Burndown: 1 qt.

Gramoxone® SL 2.0 Pre: 8 oz. Authority® Assist, 1 qt. Roundup PowerMAX® Post: 1 qt. Roundup PowerMAX, 1 qt. Liberty®, 4 oz. Anthem® Maxx, 4 oz. Section® Three

Insecticides Escalate™

Soil Type Cisne (silt loam)Soil Test Values

pH O.M. % CEC7.1 1.9 6.3

Percent Base Saturation

Ca Mg K H75.9 18.7 5.4 0.0

Parts per Million

P K S100 132 5

Zn Mn B7.0 41 0.2

We were unsure about our potential to hit 100 Bu./A. due to late planting and the massive amounts of rain we experienced this spring. Luckily, Mother Nature decided to cooperate and conditions were much more favorable later in the year, particularly with timely rains during the reproductive stages of soybean development. Although we didn’t quite reach 100 Bu./A., we are very pleased with our results given the challenges we faced this year. The best yields were from soybeans sidedressed with a starter fertilizer at the R3 growth stage.

HIGH YIELD ATTEMPT

2016 RESULTS

Bran

d

Trea

tmen

ts

Perc

ent

Moi

stur

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Bu./

A.

Bu./

A.

Diff

eren

ce

345R4™*

Control 14.5 82.9 --Treatment 1 14.7 83.4 +0.5Treatment 2 12.7 90.7 +7.8

387R4™*

Control 13.8 80.1 --Treatment 1 13.6 93.7 +13.6Treatment 2 12.4 96.2 +16.1

394L4Control 13.3 79.2 --

Treatment 1 11.5 84.4 +5.2Treatment 2 12.6 93.0 +13.8

449L4Control 14.5 73.2 --

Treatment 1 15.1 90.7 +17.5Treatment 2 12.8 90.4 +17.2

453R4™*

Control 14.7 83.4 --Treatment 1 17.0 80.5 -2.9Treatment 2 15.0 88.9 +5.5

5-Variety Average

Control 14.2 79.8 --Treatment 1 14.4 86.5 +6.7Treatment 2 13.1 91.8 +12.0

*®XL is a registered trademark of Pioneer. XL® brand seed is distributed by Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc. Individual results may vary.

HIGH-MANAGEMENT TREATMENTSCONTROL Escalate™ + Poncho®/VOTiVO® + ILeVO® + Optimize®

TREATMENT 1 Control + 5 oz. Ascend® & 4 oz. Capture® LFR® & 1 qt. Soil Booost In-Furrow

TREATMENT 2 Treatment 1 + 10 gal. 28-0-0 Pre-plant Incorporated + 2 qt. Versa Max™ AC & 2 lb. Sugar & 100 lb. Potash @ R3

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Typically, planting soybeans early results in increased vegetative growth and nodal development. By increasing the number of nodes on a soybean plant, we in turn increase yield potential. However, there is risk with planting early. Heavy spring rains can be very detrimental to early planted crops due to the poor drainage characteristics of our soil.

PURPOSE To determine the optimum planting date window by planting on multiple dates throughout the growing season.

STUDY INFORMATIONPlanted VariousHarvested VariousPopulation 140,000 Seeds/A.Row Width 15 in.Previous Crop CornTillage Fall Vertical-Till,

Spring Vertical-TillHerbicides Burndown:

1 qt. Roundup PowerMAX® Post: 1 qt. Roundup PowerMAX

Insecticides Escalate™

Soil Type Cisne (silt loam)Soil Test Values

pH O.M. % CEC6.9 2.2 7.1

Percent Base Saturation

Ca Mg K H70.0 26.8 1.7 1.5

Parts per Million

P K S11 46 6

Zn Mn B1.9 53 0.2

PLANTING DATE STUDY

2016 RESULTS

Plan

ting

Dat

e

Bran

d

Perc

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Moi

stur

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Bu./

A.

March 23387R4™* 12.6 76.0421R2 12.5 85.5

AVG. 12.6 80.8

April 5387R4™* 12.4 81.9421R2 12.8 87.3

AVG. 12.6 84.6

April 19387R4™* 12.7 82.0421R2 14.1 89.6

AVG. 13.4 85.8

May 22387R4™* 11.7 69.5421R2 12.1 74.3

AVG. 11.9 71.9

June 4387R4™* 11.4 66.4421R2 12.2 69.2

AVG. 11.8 67.8

June 16387R4™* 11.9 66.0421R2 14.6 70.3

AVG. 13.3 68.2

*®XL is a registered trademark of Pioneer. XL® brand seed is distributed by Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc. Individual results may vary.

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% 120% 140%

3-Year Planting Date Yield

March 16-31April 1-15April 16-30May 1-15May 16-31June 1-15June 15-30

3-YEAR OPTIMUM PLANTING DATE WINDOW

March 16-31

Percent of Average Yield

April 1-15April 16-30May 1-15May 16-31June 1-15June 15-30

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PLANTING DEPTH STUDY

PURPOSE To examine how planting depth impacts plant population, emergence and yield.

STUDY INFORMATIONPlanted 5/25/2016Harvested 10/15/2016Population 140,000 Seeds/A.Row Width 30 in.Previous Crop CornTillage Fall Disk-Rip, Spring

Vertical-TillHerbicides Burndown: 1 qt.

Gramoxone® SL 2.0 Post: 4 oz. Anthem® Maxx, 1 qt. Roundup PowerMAX®, 4 oz. Section® Three

Insecticides Escalate™

Brand 465R4™*

Soil Type Huey (silt loam)Soil Test Values

pH O.M. % CEC7.3 2.3 8.0

Percent Base Saturation

Ca Mg K H78.0 16.1 5.9 0.0

Parts per Million

P K S129 183 8

Zn Mn B3.9 41 0.2

Generally speaking, as planting depth increases, soil temperature and soil moisture tend to be more uniform. Seeds that imbibe water emerge more uniformly and have better stand establishment. The challenge with planting deep is the increased amount of time and energy required for emergence. Our soils have the potential to crust with the right weather conditions (heavy, fast rain, followed by warm temperatures), so we must be cognizant of this risk and manage accordingly.

2016 RESULTS

Plat

ing

Dep

th

(Inc

hes)

Emer

ged

Popu

latio

n

Popu

latio

n D

iffer

ence

Bu./

A.

Bu./

A.

Diff

eren

ce

0.5 113,256 -1,210 82.8 +0.2

Control: 1.0 114,466 -- 82.6 --

1.5 113,619 -847 87.5 +4.9

2.0 92,686 -21,780 83.0 +0.4

2.5 74,778 -39,688 74.2 -8.4

*®XL is a registered trademark of Pioneer. XL® brand seed is distributed by Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc. Individual results may vary.

55 60 65 70 75

2-Year Planting Depth Yield Data

0.5 1.0 1.5 2.0 2.5

2-YEAR PLANTING DEPTH YIELD ADVANTAGE

0.5 in.

Bu./A.

Control 1.0 in.

1.5 in.

2.0 in.

2.5 in.

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SEED TREATMENT STUDYEscalate™ vs. Untreated

PURPOSE To evaluate the yield and final population of Beck’s Escalate yield enhancement system on multiple soybean varieties compared to untreated seed.

STUDY INFORMATIONPlanted 5/22/2016Harvested 10/3/2016Population 160,000 Seeds/A.Row Width 15 in.Previous Crop CornTillage Fall Vertical-Till,

Spring Vertical-TillHerbicides Burndown: 1 qt.

Gramoxone® SL 2.0 Pre: 8 oz. Authority® Assist, 1 qt. Roundup PowerMAX® Post: 1 qt. Roundup PowerMAX, 4 oz. Anthem® Maxx, 4 oz. Section® Three

Soil Type Darmstadt (silt loam)Soil Test Values

pH O.M. % CEC5.7 2.0 5.5

Percent Base Saturation

Ca Mg K H58.6 17.3 2.5 21.6

Parts per Million

P K S12 54 6

Zn Mn B1.8 40 0.2

• Due to the nature of our soil and sizable rains, we fought saturated soil conditions all spring.

• The anaerobic conditions that resulted from saturated soils limited seedling growth. This increased the likelihood of susceptibility to soil-borne diseases.

• Beck’s Escalate™ yield enhancement system had a positive impact on emerged population, and also provided enough disease protection until weather conditions turned favorable for seedling growth.

2016 RESULTS

Bran

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Trea

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Emer

ged

Popu

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Popu

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iffer

ence

Perc

ent

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Bu./

A.

Bu./

A.

Diff

eren

ce

339R

2 Control: Untreated 89,540 -- 14.1 67.5 --

Escalate™ 90,992 +1,452 13.7 70.5 +3.034

5R4™

* Control: Untreated 115,676 -- 14.0 74.6 --

Escalate 117,612 +1,936 13.7 75.8 +1.2

365R

2 Control: Untreated 52,272 -- 15.0 65.6 --

Escalate 78,408 +26,136 15.1 75.2 +9.6

3-Va

riety

Av

erag

e Control: Untreated 85,829 -- 14.4 69.2 --

Escalate 95,671 +9,842 14.2 73.8 +4.6

*®XL is a registered trademark of Pioneer. XL® brand seed is distributed by Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc. Individual results may vary.

2-Year +4.7 Bu./A. Escalate™ Advantage

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PURPOSE To compare the differences in yield and profitability when using ILeVO on different soybean varieties with contrasting genetic tolerance to Sudden Death Syndrome (SDS).

STUDY INFORMATIONPlanted 6/7/16Harvested 10/13/16Population 160,000 Seeds/A.Row Width 15 in.Previous Crop CornTillage Fall Vertical-Till,

Spring Vertical-TillHerbicides Burndown: 1 qt.

Gramoxone® SL 2.0 Pre: 8 oz. Authority® Assist, 1 qt. Roundup PowerMAX® Post: 1 qt. Liberty®

Soil Type Cisne (silt loam)Soil Test Values

pH O.M. % CEC5.9 2.1 5.9

Percent Base Saturation

Ca Mg K H59.7 17.8 2.1 20.5

Parts per Million

P K S14 47 5

Zn Mn B1.8 38 0.2

SEED TREATMENT STUDYILeVO®

WHAT WERE THE CONDITIONS LIKE THIS SEASON?In 2016 we were unable to get an early start on planting in April and ended up planting the “early” target on May 22. Unfortunately that data was inconsistent and not worthy of publishing due to portions of the study being impacted by saturated soils. Our second date was planted into better conditions and delivered the results above.

INTERPRETING THE DATALater planting dates reduce the chance of SDS infecting our soybean fields. Planting conditions throughout the growing season did not favor SDS and, as a result, we saw no visual symptoms of SDS in the plot. Even though visual symptoms often show the extremes of SDS, it can still affect yield without actually showing symptoms. This correlates well with the 2-year data set where we have not seen SDS, but have seen positive yield gains with ILeVO® containing treatments.

2016 RESULTS

Bran

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SDS

Tole

ranc

e

Trea

tmen

ts

Emer

ged

Popu

latio

n

Popu

latio

n D

iffer

ence

Bu./

A.

Bu./

A.

Diff

eren

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Retu

rn o

n In

vest

men

t

449L

4

Exce

llent

Control: Escalate™ 143,748 -- 68.0 -- --

Escalate SDS 150,524 +6,776 69.3 +1.3 +$2.78

Poncho®/VOTiVO® + ILeVO® 153,912 +10,164 70.9 +2.9 +$9.64

474L

4

Belo

w A

vera

ge Control: Escalate 152,944 -- 77.8 -- --

Escalate SDS 145,200 -7,744 77.0 -0.8 -$17.12

Poncho/VOTiVO + ILeVO 147,136 -5,808 80.1 +2.3 +$3.95

Soybeans $9.48/Bu. Escalate SDS $7.75/unit. Poncho®/VOTiVO® + ILeVO® $14.50/unit. Escalate™ $0.00/unit. Individual results may vary.

-$8 -$6 -$4 -$2 $0 $2 $4 $6 $8

2-Year Return on Investment

Poncho/VOTiVO + ILeVO Escalate SDS

2-YEAR SEED TREATMENT RETURN ON INVESTMENT

Escalate SDS

Bu./A.

Poncho®/VOTiVO® + ILeVO®

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2016 RESULTS

Treatments Perc

ent

Moi

stur

e

Bu./

A.

Bu./

A.

Diff

eren

ce

Retu

rn o

n In

vest

men

t

Control 12.3 77.7 -- --

1 qt. Wex® Pre-Emerge 12.2 82.3 +4.6 +$38.36

Soybeans $9.48/Bu. Wex® $20.96/gal. Individual results may vary.

PURPOSE To evaluate Wex, a soil amendment product, its ability to stimulate root development, improve water and nutrient uptake, and increase yield and profitability.

STUDY INFORMATIONPlanted 5/25/2016Harvested 10/8/16Population 140,000 Seeds/A.Row Width 30 in.Previous Crop CornTillage Fall Disk-Rip, Spring

Vertical-TillHerbicides Burndown:

1 qt. Roundup PowerMAX®, 1 qt. Liberty®, 1 qt. Gramoxone® SL 2.0 Pre: 8 oz. Authority® Assist, 1 qt. Roundup PowerMAX Post: 1 qt. Liberty, 4 oz. Anthem® Maxx, 4 oz. Section® Three

Insecticides Escalate™

Brand 394L4

Soil Type Cisne (silt loam)Soil Test Values

pH O.M. % CEC6.7 2.7 5.3

Percent Base Saturation

Ca Mg K H75.9 20.6 3.6 0.0

Parts per Million

P K S18 73 5

Zn Mn B1.5 53 0.2

SOIL AMENDMENT STUDYWex®

• Three days after planting, we recorded around 0.9 in. of rain and temperatures rose abruptly with highs in the mid to upper 80s.

• Due to the nature of our soil, these weather conditions caused significant soil crusting.

• Crusting was less severe in the Wex® treated entries and emergence was noticeably better when compared to the untreated control.

Soybeans emerging through crusted soil.

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PURPOSE To evaluate two different biologicals, one as a row starter additive and one as a foliar product. These two products were evaluated for their effects on plant health, yield and profitability.

STUDY INFORMATIONPlanted 5/25/2016Harvested 10/8/2016Population 140,000 Seeds/A.Row Width 30 in.Previous Crop CornTillage Fall Disk-Rip, Spring

Vertical-TillHerbicides Burndown: 1 qt.

Gramoxone® SL 2.0 Pre: 8 oz. Authority® Assist, 1 qt. Roundup PowerMAX® Post: 1 qt. Interline®, 4 oz. Anthem® Maxx, 4 oz. Section® Three

Insecticides Escalate™

Brand 366L4

Soil Type Huey (silt loam)Soil Test Values

pH O.M. % CEC7.3 2.2 7.5

Percent Base Saturation

Ca Mg K H76.2 17.1 6.6 0.0

Parts per Million

P K S126 195 7

Zn Mn B3.8 43 0.2

• Optify®/Stretch & Toggle™ are biologicals that stimulate root growth and mitigate plant stress.

• No visual differences in root mass or vegetative growth were observed between treatments.

• Optify/Stretch had a positive impact on emerged population, however, it did not translate to yield.

BIOLOGICAL STUDY

2016 RESULTS

Treatments Emer

ged

Popu

latio

n

Popu

latio

n D

iffer

ence

Bu./

A.

Bu./

A.

Diff

eren

ce

Retu

rn o

n In

vest

men

t

Control 84,216 -- 84.5 -- --

10 oz. Optify®/Stretch In-Furrow

85,668 +1,452 84.3 -0.2 -$10.40

40 oz. Toggle™ @ R3 84,458 +242 84.0 -0.5 -$17.24

10 oz. Optify/Stretch In-Furrow + 40 oz. Toggle @ R3

86,394 +2,178 84.6 +0.1 -$20.05

Soybeans $9.48/Bu. Toggle™ $40.00/gal. Optify®/Stretch $108.80/gal. Individual results may vary.

Optify®/StretchUntreated

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PURPOSE To evaluate the yield and profitability of applying various forms of nitrogen (N) to soybeans at various growth stages.

STUDY INFORMATIONPlanted 5/24/2016Harvested 10/8/2016Population 140,000 Seeds/A.Row Width 30 in.Previous Crop CornTillage Fall No-Till, Spring

Vertical-TillHerbicides Burndown: 1 qt.

Gramoxone® SL 2.0 Pre: 8 oz. Authority® Assist, 1 qt. Roundup PowerMAX® Post: 1 qt. Liberty®, 4 oz. Anthem® Maxx, 4 oz. Section® Three

Insecticides Escalate™

Brand 419L4

Soil Type Cisne (silt loam)Soil Test Values

pH O.M. % CEC7.1 1.9 6.3

Percent Base Saturation

Ca Mg K H75.9 18.7 5.4 0.0

Parts per Million

P K S100 132 5

Zn Mn B7.0 41 0.2

• At other PFR locations where we have multi-year data on this study, we have observed a pattern. Supplemental N applications have the most impact on yield in environments with extended periods of saturated soil conditions.

• We started the year extremely wet, which delayed planting until May 24. From that point forward, rainfall was more normal and soil conditions were ideal for N fixation.

• Between N fixation and soil mineralization, enough N was available to produce the yield levels we experienced while the addition of supplemental N provided no value.

NITROGEN TIMING STUDY

2016 RESULTS

Treatments Nitr

ogen

So

urce

Perc

ent

Moi

stur

e

Bu./

A.

Bu./

A.

Diff

eren

ce

Retu

rn o

n In

vest

men

t

Control: No Nitrogen 11.8 73.8 -- --30 units N @ Pre-plant UAN 12.2 72.0 -1.8 -$32.3630 units N Sidedress @ V6 UAN 12.2 71.6 -2.2 -$36.1530 units N 360 Y-DROP® @ R4 UAN 12.2 73.9 +0.1 -$14.3530 units N Broadcast @ R4 Urea 12.1 75.0 +1.2 -$2.12

Soybeans $9.48/Bu. Urea $0.45/unit of nitrogen. UAN $0.51/unit of nitrogen. Individual results may vary.

-$35 -$30 -$25 -$20 -$15 -$10 -$5 $0

2-Year Return on Investment

Broadcast @ R4 Sidedress @ V6 Preplant

2-YEAR NITROGEN TIMING ROI

Broadcast @ R4

Dollars/A.

Sidedress @ V6

Pre-plant

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2016 RESULTS

Treatments Emer

ged

Popu

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Popu

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Control: No Pre-Emergent Herbicide 131,406 -- 10.7 68.2 --3 oz. Zidua® 136,488 +5,082 10.4 67.7 -0.57.5 oz. Authority® XL 58,806 -72,600 11.6 67.0 -1.22.4 pt. Pendant™ 3.3 EC 119,064 -12,342 10.6 66.6 -1.665 oz. Warrant® Ultra 132,132 +726 10.7 65.5 -2.72.5 pt. Prefix® 133,584 +2,178 10.5 65.2 -3.07.5 oz. Authority Maxx 48,642 -82,764 10.8 64.5 -3.74.5 oz. Fierce® XLT 80,586 -50,820 10.5 63.6 -4.66 oz. Trivence® 66,066 -65,340 10.5 63.3 -4.96.45 oz. Sonic® 64,614 -66,792 10.4 60.7 -7.5

*®XL is a registered trademark of Pioneer. XL® brand seed is distributed by Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc. Individual results may vary.

PURPOSE To evaluate various pre-emergent herbicides and their effectiveness in controlling weeds.

STUDY INFORMATIONPlanted 5/23/2016Harvested 10/11/2016Population 140,000 Seeds/A.Row Width 15 in.Previous Crop SoybeansTillage Fall Vertical-Till,

Spring Vertical-TillHerbicides Burndown: 1 qt.

Gramoxone® SL 2.0 Post: 1.6 pt. Flexstar®, 44 oz. Roundup PowerMAX®

Insecticides Escalate™

Brand 433R2™*

Soil Type Cisne (silt loam)Soil Test Values

pH O.M. % CEC6.6 2.0 7.3

Percent Base Saturation

Ca Mg K H58.1 24.5 1.1 16.4

Parts per Million

P K S10 31 6

Zn Mn B1.8 34 0.2

• Cool, wet soils at the time of pre-emergent herbicide applications can result in stand reductions and plant injury.

• Twenty-eight days after treatment (DAT), Zidua® and Pendant™ 3.3 EC’s control of large seeded weeds such as ivy leaf and pitted morningglory was reduced compared to other treatments. Control of waterhemp and yellow foxtail was effective across all treatments.

• As the season continued, the herbicides began to breakdown which made the differences between treatments more apparent. Products such as Authority® Maxx, Authority XL, Fierce® XLT, Trivence® and Sonic® resulted in broader spectrum weed control that was still effective 39 DAT. However, the weed control provided by products such as Pendant 3.3 EC, Prefix®, Warrant® Ultra and Zidua® was substantially reduced by 39 DAT.

• A rescue post application of Flexstar® and Roundup PowerMAX® was effective across all treatments, making for clean field conditions at harvest.

PRE-EMERGENT HERBICIDE STUDY

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2016 RESULTS

Trea

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Bran

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Retu

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Con

trol

354L4 11.9 62.2 -- --

366L4 11.5 71.4 -- --

394L4 11.6 74.4 -- --

424L4 12.0 67.1 -- --

449L4 12.6 62.7 -- --

483NL 22.5 62.5 -- --

AVG. 13.7 66.7

4 oz

. Pria

xor®

@

R3

354L4 12.1 64.1 +1.9 -$0.14

366L4 11.6 73.3 +1.9 -$0.14

394L4 12.0 72.0 -2.4 -$40.90

424L4 12.1 71.0 +3.9 +$18.82

449L4 12.7 63.6 +0.9 -$9.62

483NL 21.3 68.8 +6.3 +$41.57

AVG. 13.6 68.8 +2.1 +$1.60

Soybeans $9.48/Bu. Priaxor® $580.92/gal. Individual results may vary.

PURPOSE To evaluate fungicide applied at the R3 growth stage across multiple soybean varieties, in an effort to determine yield and profitability.

STUDY INFORMATIONPlanted 5/25/2016Harvested 10/11/2016Population 140,000 Seeds/A.Row Width 30 in.Previous Crop FescueTillage Fall Chisel, Spring

Vertical-TillHerbicides Burndown: 1 qt.

Gramoxone® SL 2.0, 1 qt. Roundup PowerMAX®, 1 qt. Liberty® Pre: 8 oz. Authority® Assist, 1 qt. Roundup PowerMAX Post: 1 qt. Liberty, 4 oz. Anthem® Maxx, 4 oz. Section® Three

Insecticides Escalate™

Soil Type Ava (silt loam)

FUNGICIDE STUDYVariety Response

$0 $5 $10 $15 $20 $25

4-Year Fungicide Return on Investment

354L4 394L4 483NL

4-YEAR FUNGICIDE RETURN ON INVESTMENT

354L4

Dollars/A.

394L4

483NL

Even in years with minimal disease pressure, we have seen positive yield responses and more importantly, a positive ROI by applying fungicide to soybeans. We are not recommending a blanket fungicide application, but encourage you to talk with your Beck’s seed advisor or dealer and scout your fields to ensure the best outcome.

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PURPOSE To evaluate the yield and profitability of various insecticide-based products when applied in-furrow at planting.

STUDY INFORMATIONPlanted 5/23/2016Harvested 10/7/16Population 140,000 Seeds/A.Row Width 15 in.Previous Crop CornTillage Fall Vertical-Till,

Spring Vertical-TillHerbicides Burndown: 1 qt.

Gramoxone® SL 2.0 Pre: 8 oz. Authority® Assist, 1 qt. Roundup PowerMAX® Post: 1 qt. Roundup PowerMAX, 4 oz. Anthem® Maxx, 4 oz. Section® Three

Insecticides Escalate™

Soil Type Ebbert (silt loam)Soil Test Values

pH O.M. % CEC6.1 2.2 6.2

Percent Base Saturation

Ca Mg K H60.3 17.4 3.0 19.3

Parts per Million

P K S9 72 5

Zn Mn B1.6 49 0.2

• We expected to see a larger response to an in-furrow fungicide application with the slower emerging XL® 393R4™*brand, when compared to the faster emerging XL® 418NR™*brand. However, what we witnessed was very similar emergence and vigor between these two varieties which was most likely due to the warm temperatures and favorable weather conditions that came with later planting.

• Interestingly, Capture® VGR™ showed some real promise in both varieties. Capture VGR is Capture LFR®, with the addition of a specific strain of beneficial bacteria, Bacillus licheniformis which increases water use efficiency and nutrient availability.

• We will continue to test products such as these to determine the potential benefit they could bring to our Southern IL soil types.

INSECTICIDE STUDYIn-Furrow

2016 RESULTS

Bran

d

Emer

genc

e

In-Furrow Treatments Perc

ent

Moi

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Bu./

A.

Bu./

A.

Diff

eren

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Retu

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men

t

393R

4™*

Slow

er

Control 12.9 81.9 -- --

3.4 oz. Capture® VGR™ 13.2 83.7 +1.8 +$7.14

3.4 oz. Capture® LFR® 13.0 82.3 +0.4 -$6.14

3.4 oz. Ethos® XB 13.1 82.2 +0.3 -$7.2141

8NR™

*

Fast

Control 13.1 83.1 -- --

3.4 oz. Capture VGR 13.4 86.8 +3.7 +$25.14

3.4 oz. Capture LFR 12.8 85.9 +2.8 +$16.61

3.4 oz. Ethos XB 13.5 85.2 +2.1 +$9.85

2-Va

riety

Av

erag

e

Control 13.0 82.5 -- --

3.4 oz. Capture VGR 13.3 85.3 +2.8 +$16.14

3.4 oz. Capture LFR 12.9 84.1 +1.6 +$5.24

3.4 oz. Ethos XB 13.3 83.7 +1.2 +$1.32

Soybeans $9.48/Bu. Capture® LFR® $373.81/gal. Ethos® XB $378.56/gal. Capture® VGR™ $373.81/gal. *®XL is a registered trademark of Pioneer. XL® brand seed is distributed by Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc. Individual results may vary.

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$0 $5 $10 $15 $20 $25

2-Year Versa Max AC Return on Investment

2016 2015

2-YEAR VERSA MAX™ AC RETURN ON INVESTMENT

2015

2016

Dollars/A.

+$15.69/A. Average

PURPOSE To evaluate the yield and profitability of various micronutrient products when applied at the recommended R1 growth stage versus a later R3 application.

STUDY INFORMATIONPlanted 5/24/2016Harvested 10/3/2016Population 140,000 Seeds/A.Row Width 30 in.Previous Crop CornTillage Fall Disk-Rip, Spring

Vertical-TillHerbicides Burndown: 1 qt.

Gramoxone® SL 2.0, 1 qt. Roundup PowerMAX®, 1 qt. Liberty® Pre: 8 oz. Authority® Assist, 1 qt. Roundup PowerMAX Post: 1 qt. Roundup PowerMAX, 4 oz. Anthem® Maxx, 4 oz. Section® Three

Insecticides Escalate™

Brand 339R2

Soil Type Cisne (silt loam)Soil Test Values

pH O.M. % CEC6.8 2.0 6.0

Percent Base Saturation

Ca Mg K H79.1 14.6 3.3 3.0

Parts per Million

P K S31 77 6

Zn Mn B1.5 39 0.2

• Nutrient needs often change based on moisture availability and the amount of stress present at the time of application.

• The foliar products containing nitrogen had the most yield impact at the R1 growth stage.

• At the R3 growth stage, Versa Max™ AC, which contains potassium and iron, was the only product to increase yield.

MICRONUTRIENT TIMING STUDYFoliar

2016 RESULTS

Tim

ing

Treatments Perc

ent

Moi

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Bu./

A.

Bu./

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Diff

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Retu

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men

t

R1

Control 14.3 72.0 -- --

2 qt. MicroNourish® 14.8 75.0 +3.0 +$21.34

2 qt. Versa Max™ AC 14.7 73.4 +1.4 +$3.52

2 qt. MAX-IN® Ultra ZMB® 14.5 72.2 +0.2 -$9.10

R3

2 qt. MicroNourish 14.7 71.0 -1.0 -$16.58

2 qt. Versa Max AC 14.4 74.0 +2.0 +$9.21

2 qt. MAX-IN Ultra ZMB 15.3 71.0 -1.0 -$20.48

Soybeans $9.48/Bu. MAX-IN® Ultra ZMB® $22.00/gal. Versa Max™ AC $19.50/gal. MicroNourish® $14.20/gal. Individual results may vary.

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WATER MANAGEMENT STUDYSub-Irrigation

PURPOSE To determine the yield differences between no drainage or irrigation and four other water management systems: sensor-based sub-irrigation, controlled water table, tile drainage, and manual sub-irrigation.

STUDY INFORMATIONPlanted 5/23/2016Harvested 10/10/2016Population 140,000 Seeds/A.Row Width 30 in.Previous Crop CornTillage Fall Disk-Rip, Spring

Vertical-TillHerbicides Pre: 8 oz. Authority®

Assist, 1 qt. Roundup PowerMAX® Post: 1 qt. Roundup PowerMAX, 4 oz. Anthem® Maxx, 4 oz. Section® Three

Insecticides Escalate™

Soil Type Cisne (silt loam)Soil Test Values

pH O.M. % CEC7.6 2.6 11.0

Percent Base Saturation

Ca Mg K H83.9 12.8 3.3 0.0

Parts per Million

P K S110 141 7

Zn Mn B5.0 34 0.3

2016 RESULTS

Bran

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Treatments Perc

ent

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345R

4™*

Control: No Drainage/Irrigation 11.7 68.3 --

Sensor-Based Sub-Irrigation 12.4 85.0 +16.7

Manual Sub-Irrigation 12.6 83.4 +15.1

Controlled Water Table 11.9 79.0 +10.7

Tile Drainage 11.8 72.5 +4.236

5R2

Control: No Drainage/Irrigation 11.5 76.2 --

Sensor-Based Sub-Irrigation 12.2 79.8 +3.6

Manual Sub-Irrigation 12.5 78.4 +2.2

Controlled Water Table 11.8 79.3 +3.1

Tile Drainage 11.3 74.6 -1.6

2-Va

riety

Av

erag

e

Control: No Drainage/Irrigation 11.6 72.3 --

Sensor-Based Sub-Irrigation 12.3 82.4 +10.1

Manual Sub-Irrigation 12.6 80.9 +8.6

Controlled Water Table 11.9 79.2 +6.9

Tile Drainage 11.6 73.6 +1.3

*®XL is a registered trademark of Pioneer. XL® brand seed is distributed by Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc. Individual results may vary.

Sub-irrigation tiles were installed based on the contour of the land as recommended by AGREM, LLC.

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360 Water Solutions installing sub-irrigation tile.

CAN TILE DO MORE FOR SOYBEANS BEYOND JUST DRAINAGE?• Just like in corn, we used tile for more than just draining the soil profile in the early part of the growing

season.

• We also put water back into the tile later in the season for irrigation. In another portion of the study, we held water back with a gate to control the water table.

• The data clearly shows that tile drainage can help, but holding water in the profile with gates and adding water to the system proved to be even more beneficial.

• Sub-irrigation, with the use of a sensor from CropX, provided the highest yield advantage. The CropX sensor measured moisture in the soil profile at 8 in. and 16 in. and gave us a warning when the soil reached 50 percent water capacity so we knew to turn on the irrigation.

• By controlling the water table, yield gains were still substantial compared to regular tile, but more water was needed than what Mother Nature provided.

DO TREATMENTS VARY BY VARIETY?• Two varieties of soybeans were tested in this study, XL® 345R4™*brand and XL® 365R2™*brand. Of the two

soybean varieties, XL® 345R4™*brand provided the larger response in each treatment. One reason for this could be that XL® 345R4™*brand is a variety that has more top-end yield potential and therefore responded better to management improvements.

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15 ft. Tile Spacing

30 ft. Tile Spacing

60 ft. Tile Spacing

WATER MANAGEMENT STUDYTile Spacing & Depth

PURPOSE To determine the yield differences between tile spaced at 15 ft., 30 ft., and 60 ft. widths at two different depths of 24 in. and 36 in.

STUDY INFORMATIONPlanted 5/22/2016Harvested 10/11/2016Population 140,000 Seeds/A.Row Width 30 in.Previous Crop CornTillage Fall Disk-Rip, Spring

Vertical-TillHerbicides Pre: 8 oz. Authority®

Assist, 1 qt. Roundup PowerMAX® Post: 1 qt. Interline®, 4 oz. Anthem® Maxx, 4 oz. Section® Three

Insecticides Escalate™

Brand 394L4Soil Type Cisne (silt loam)Soil Test Values

pH O.M. % CEC6.7 2.3 10.3

Percent Base Saturation

Ca Mg K H70.5 15.0 2.9 11.7

Parts per Million

P K S46 115 6

Zn Mn B1.8 41 0.2

2016 RESULTS

Tile

Dep

th

(Inc

hes)

Tile

Sp

acin

g (F

eet)

Perc

ent

Moi

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A.

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Diff

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24

Control: No Tile 13.4 66.2 --15 13.2 74.9 +8.730 12.1 71.9 +5.760 11.6 71.0 +4.8

36

Control: No Tile 13.4 66.2 --15 11.6 69.6 +3.430 11.4 69.4 +3.260 11.5 69.8 +3.6

Individual results may vary.

How can tile benefit soybeans in Southern Illinois?• Tile can improve early-season drainage of the soil profile,

allowing for earlier planting compared to other non-tiled areas of the farm.

• In corn, we saw that both tile depths consistently added comparable yield until we increased the width to 60 ft. where we saw higher yields at the 36 in. depth. In soybeans, we saw a different pattern: the shallow depth showed higher yield increases, especially as it became narrower. Soybeans have a shallower rooting system than corn which could be why we saw such yield gains in the 24 in. depths as the width went from 60 to 15 ft.

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DOUBLE CROP ROW WIDTH STUDY

2016 RESULTS

Bran

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424L4Control: 7.5 in. Drill 12.7 51.4 --

15 in. Planter 12.5 70.4 +19.0

449L4Control: 7.5 in. Drill 12.4 53.2 --

15 in. Planter 12.4 63.8 +10.6

2-Variety Average

Control: 7.5 in. Drill 12.6 52.3 --15 in. Planter 12.5 67.1 +14.8

Individual results may vary.

PURPOSE To evaluate drilled soybeans in a narrow row system compared to planting soybeans with a planter in 15 in. rows.

STUDY INFORMATIONPlanted 7/11/2016Harvested 10/25/2016Population 200,000 Seeds/A.Row Width VariousPrevious Crop WheatTillage No-TillHerbicides Post: 1 qt. Interline®,

4 oz. Anthem® Maxx, 4 oz. Section® Three

Insecticides Escalate™

Soil Type Huey (silt loam)Soil Test Values

pH O.M. % CEC6.8 1.9 6.2

Percent Base Saturation

Ca Mg K H72.3 19.4 5.2 3.0

Parts per Million

P K S81 127 5

Zn Mn B6.9 48 0.2

We know that narrow rows pay in double crop soybeans, so at first glance you might ask: why were 15 in. rows so much better than 7.5 in. rows?

• At wheat harvest, conditions were very dry. In fact, we had to wait for a rain to even get the planter into the ground when planting these double crop soybeans.

• Stand establishment was noticeably better with the planted 15 in. rows when compared to the drilled 7.5 in. rows.

• We contribute this to the increased consistency in planting depth and seed-to-soil contact we were able to achieve with the planter compared to the drill.

7.5 in. Drill 15 in. Planter

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140,000 Seeds/A. 260,000 Seeds/A.

DOUBLE CROP POPULATION STUDY15 in. Rows

2016 RESULTS

Plan

ted

Popu

latio

n (S

eeds

/A.)

Emer

ged

Popu

latio

n

Perc

ent

Moi

stur

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Bu./

A.

Seed

Cos

t/A.

Net R

etur

n

140,000 104,544 15.1 58.6 $54.43 $501.10

170,000 114,708 15.5 62.0 $66.09 $521.67

200,000 143,748 15.5 64.7 $77.75 $535.61

230,000 180,774 15.8 64.7 $89.42 $523.94

260,000 211,992 15.3 70.7 $101.08 $569.16

Soybeans $9.48/Bu. XL® 465R4™*brand $50.54/unit. *®XL is a registered trademark of Pioneer. XL® brand seed is distributed by Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc. Individual results may vary.

PURPOSE To evaluate different populations in a double crop system to determine the Economic Optimum Seeding Rate (EOSR).

STUDY INFORMATIONPlanted 7/11/2016Harvested 10/24/2016Population VariousRow Width 15 in.Previous Crop WheatTillage No-TillHerbicides Post: 1 qt. Interline®,

4 oz. Anthem® Maxx, 4 oz. Section® Three

Insecticides Escalate™

Brand 465R4™*

Soil Type Cisne (silt loam)Soil Test Values

pH O.M. % CEC7.4 1.9 6.5

Percent Base Saturation

Ca Mg K H76.4 19.7 3.9 0.0

Parts per Million

P K S36 99 4

Zn Mn B4.2 58 0.2

• The challenge with double crop soybeans is making the most efficient use of sunlight during the shortened growing season.

• By planting soybeans in narrow rows and increasing populations, we achieved quicker row closure, which in turn made more efficient use of the available sunlight, resulting in higher yields.

• Above average rainfall in August made for phenomenal double crop yields in 2016.

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DOUBLE CROP FUNGICIDE STUDY

PURPOSE To evaluate the profitability of various fungicide products when applied at the R3 growth stage.

STUDY INFORMATIONPlanted 7/11/2016Harvested 10/24/2016Population 200,000 Seeds/A.Row Width 15 in.Previous Crop WheatTillage No-TillHerbicides Post: 1 qt. Interline®,

4 oz. Anthem® Maxx, 4 oz. Section® Three

Insecticides 2 oz. Warrior II, Escalate™

Soil Type Cisne (silt loam)Soil Test Values

pH O.M. % CEC7.1 1.7 5.7

Percent Base Saturation

Ca Mg K H79.1 17.6 3.3 0.0

Parts per Million

P K S22 73 4

Zn Mn B3.5 61 0.2

• Similar to our early planted soybeans, we observed little foliar disease pressure in our double crop soybeans. However, the addition of fungicide, particularly Priaxor®, provided an increase in yield.

• One of the most common reactions to foliar applied fungicides, even in the absence of disease pressure, is delayed plant senescence.

• We speculate that because the fungicide-treated soybeans stayed healthier later into the season, they were better able to utilize the abnormal late summer rains we experienced this year. This resulted in higher yields compared to the untreated control.

2016 RESULTS

Bran

d

R3 Treatments Perc

ent

Moi

stur

e

Bu./

A.

Bu./

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Diff

eren

ce

Retu

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n In

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men

t

379L4

Control: No Fungicide 14.1 64.2 -- --

14.5 oz. Trivapro® 14.7 67.4 +3.2 +$12.83

4 oz. Priaxor® 13.4 67.0 +2.8 +$8.39

4 oz. Stratego® YLD 14.0 65.2 +1.0 -$6.01

394L4

Control: No Fungicide 14.9 72.2 -- --

4 oz. Priaxor 15.4 75.4 +3.2 +$12.18

14.5 oz. Trivapro 16.6 73.9 +1.7 -$1.39

4 oz. Stratego YLD 16.7 71.6 -0.6 -$21.18

2-Variety Average

Control: No Fungicide 14.5 68.2 -- --

4 oz. Priaxor 14.4 71.2 +3.0 +$10.29

14.5 oz. Trivapro 15.7 70.7 +2.5 +$5.72

4 oz. Stratego YLD 15.4 68.4 +0.2 -$13.59

Soybeans $9.48/Bu. Priaxor® $580.92/gal. Stratego® YLD $495.67/gal. Trivapro® $17.50/A. Individual results may vary.

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264 | 2016 Beck’s Practical Farm Research

Tyler SchindelPFR Operator937.477.6745

Jared ChesterPFR Location Lead

740.637.7578

OHIO PFRAND SUPPORT STAFF

Mike HannewaldPrecision Farming

Field Advisor317.385.2444

Alexandra KnightPFR Agronomist

614.562.3164

Mark ApeltRegional Product

Specialist614.314.5007

Luke SchulteField Agronomist

937.605.0241

Matt KarhoffPrecision Farming

Field Advisor419.890.9820

OH

IO

2016 Ohio Weather Chart April - September

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CORN STUDIESHigh Yield Attempt ......................................................................................................................266Replant Study ..............................................................................................................................267Planting Date Study ................................................................................................................... 268Closing Wheel Study ................................................................................................................... 2703RIVE 3D™ Application System Study - In-Furrow ....................................................................... 271Seed Treatment Study - Escalate™ vs. Industry Standard vs. Untreated .....................................272Soil Amendment Study - Wex® .....................................................................................................273Starter Fertilizer Study ................................................................................................................274Starter Additive Study - Sugar ....................................................................................................276Biological Study ...........................................................................................................................278Population & High Management Study .......................................................................................279Population vs. Nitrogen Rate Study - 30 in. Rows ...................................................................... 280Nitrogen Rate Study - Corn After Soybeans................................................................................282Nitrogen Rate Study - Corn After Corn ...................................................................................... 284Nitrogen Timing Study ................................................................................................................ 286Nitrogen Timing Study - Urea .....................................................................................................287Nitrogen Placement Study - Sidedress ...................................................................................... 288Nitrogen Sealer Study ................................................................................................................ 289Sidedress Placement Study - 7.5 in. vs. 15 in. ............................................................................. 290Fungicide Study - Hybrid Response ............................................................................................ 291Fungicide Timing Study ...............................................................................................................292Fungicide & Insecticide Study - In-Furrow ................................................................................. 294Insecticide Study - Capture® VGR™ ............................................................................................. 295Micronutrient Study - 360 Y-DROP® ...........................................................................................296Sulfur Study .................................................................................................................................297Water Management Study - Tile Spacing .................................................................................. 298Residue Management Study .......................................................................................................299

SOYBEAN STUDIES High Yield Attempt ..................................................................................................................... 300Planting Date Study .................................................................................................................... 301Planting Depth Study ................................................................................................................. 302Seed Treatment Study - Escalate™ vs. Untreated ....................................................................... 303Seed Treatment Study - ILeVO® .................................................................................................. 304Starter Fertilizer Study ............................................................................................................... 306Starter Additive Study - Sugar & Starch .................................................................................... 307Carbon Study - In-Furrow .......................................................................................................... 308Biological Study .......................................................................................................................... 309Population Study - 15 in. Rows .................................................................................................... 310Nitrogen Timing Study .................................................................................................................. 311Fungicide Study - Variety Response ............................................................................................ 312Fungicide Study - Foliar .............................................................................................................. 313Fungicide Study - In-Furrow ....................................................................................................... 314Insecticide Study - Capture® LFR® ............................................................................................... 315Micronutrient Timing Study - Foliar ............................................................................................ 316Plant Growth Regulator Study - Cytokinin .................................................................................. 317Lime Study - High Calcium .......................................................................................................... 318Water Management Study - Tile Spacing ................................................................................... 319Interseeding Study - Soybeans into Wheat ................................................................................ 320Double Crop Population Study - 15 in. Rows ............................................................................... 321

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PURPOSE To raise high yielding corn through the use of various seed treatments, product applications, and intensive management strategies.

STUDY INFORMATIONPlanted 4/20/2016Harvested 9/23/2016Population VariousRow Width 30 in.Previous Crop CornTillage Fall Disk-Rip, Spring

Field CultivationHerbicides Pre: 3.5 oz. Corvus®,

1 qt. Atrazine Post: 3 oz. Capreno®, 1 qt. Roundup PowerMAX®

Insecticides 4.4 lb. Force® 3G, Escalate™

Total Nitrogen

330 units

Soil Type Sloan (silty clay loam)

Soil Test Values

pH O.M. % CEC7.6 5.4 22.2

Percent Base Saturation

Ca Mg K H65.4 32.1 2.4 0.0

Parts per Million

P K S56 211 14

Zn Mn B4.4 58 2.5

2016 RESULTS

Plan

ted

Popu

latio

n (S

eeds

/A.)

Yiel

d Ra

nk

Bran

d

Rela

tive

Mat

urity

Test

Wei

ght

Perc

ent

Moi

stur

e

Bu./

A.

Bu./

A.

Resp

onse

to

Popu

latio

n

32,0

00

3 5840AM™* 108 56.9 16.8 233.9 --6 5828AM™* 110 55.8 18.2 215.1 --7 6076SX 110 56.1 17.8 203.9 --2 6158AM™* 111 57.4 17.5 244.5 --5 6225HR™* 112 57.9 19.9 229.0 --1 6365AM™* 113 54.6 19.4 246.4 --4 6589V2P 115 57.3 21.4 230.1 --

36,0

00

6 5840AM™* 108 54.9 17.7 215.3 -18.63 5828AM™* 110 56.7 18.1 232.5 +17.47 6076SX 110 52.2 18.8 201.3 -2.65 6158AM™* 111 59.0 18.6 220.9 -23.64 6225HR™* 112 57.1 19.4 225.6 -3.41 6365AM™* 113 55.0 19.2 253.8 +7.42 6589V2P 115 56.9 20.4 253.6 +23.5

40,0

00

4 5840AM™* 108 58.2 16.4 232.0 -1.97 5828AM™* 110 53.4 17.7 211.3 -3.85 6076SX 110 56.1 16.8 230.2 +26.36 6158AM™* 111 53.1 17.8 222.4 -22.13 6225HR™* 112 60.8 17.5 239.2 +10.22 6365AM™* 113 54.8 19.1 240.1 -6.31 6589V2P 115 58.2 19.7 250.9 +20.8

*®XL, Optimum, and AcreMax are registered trademarks of Pioneer. XL® brand seed is distributed by Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc. Individual results may vary.

HIGH YIELD ATTEMPT

HIGH-MANAGEMENT TREATMENTSPlanting: 4.4 lb. Force® 3G

2x2: 10 gal. 28-0-0 + 2 pt. FunctioN™ + 2 qt. Ultra-Che® Zinc 9% EDTA

In-Furrow: 5 gal. PureGrade® Diamond 6-24-6 + 48 oz. USA 500™

V3 (Sidedress): 50 gal. 28-0-0 + 0.5%/100 gal. NutriSphere-N® + 7 gal. Thio-Sul® (12-0-0-26S)

V6: 6 oz. Headline® + 40 oz. Toggle™ + 6 oz. Boron Plus®

V10: 6 oz. Headline + 40 oz. Toggle + 1 qt. Versa Max™ Corn

V10: 30 gal. 28-0-0 360 Y-DROP®

V15: 20 gal. 28-0-0 360 Y-DROP

V15: 1 qt. CropKarb® + 1 qt. ENERGY POWER™ 360 UNDERCOVER®

VT: 10 oz. Headline AMP® + 1 qt. Versa Max AC + 1 pt. CropKarb + 1 qt. Sulfur Plus™ 360 UNDERCOVER

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2016 RESULTS

Planting Date Plan

ted

Popu

latio

n (S

eeds

/A.)

Bu./

A.

Bu./

A.

Diff

eren

ce

Net R

etur

n

Retu

rn o

n In

vest

men

t

April 6 20,000 148.9 -- $574.75 --

April 20 (Replanted) 34,000 179.4 +30.5 $667.48 +$92.73

April 20 20,000 143.0 -- $551.98 --

May 9 (Replanted) 34,000 173.9 +30.9 $646.25 +$94.27

May 9 20,000 154.5 -- $596.37 --

May 24 (Replanted) 34,000 182.4 +27.9 $679.06 +$82.69

May 24 20,000 156.2 -- $602.93 --

June 8 (Replanted) 34,000 159.4 +3.2 $590.28 -$12.65

*®XL, Optimum, and AcreMax are registered trademarks of Pioneer. XL® brand seed is distributed by Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc. Corn $3.86/Bu. Replant Cost $25.00/A. Individual results may vary.

PURPOSE To evaluate corn stands and determine whether or not replant is a profitable decision at various planting and replanting dates. This study evaluated the yield performance of corn planted at 20,000 seeds/A. with random spacing versus a more uniform 34,000 seeds/A.

STUDY INFORMATIONPlanted VariousHarvested VariousPopulation VariousRow Width 30 in.Previous Crop CornTillage Fall Disk-Rip, Spring

Field CultivationHerbicides Pre: 3.5 oz. Corvus®,

1 qt. Atrazine Post: 3 oz. Capreno®, 1 qt. Roundup PowerMAX®

Insecticides Escalate™

Starter 10 gal. 28-0-0 2x2

Total Nitrogen

215 units as UAN

Brand 5939AMXT™*

Soil Type Crosby-Lewisburg (silt loam)

Soil Test Values

pH O.M. % CEC6.2 2.5 9.1

Percent Base Saturation

Ca Mg K H55.1 28.0 3.6 13.2

Parts per Million

P K S51 128 7

Zn Mn B1.4 47 0.2 Four years of data from the Ohio PFR site show that replanting on

June 1 or later results in a flat or negative return on investment. However, we also know that each year and each field is unique when it comes to replant. When determining whether or not replant would be profitable, emerged population and plant date should be considered. Previous research has shown that by planting in the optimal timeframe of mid-to-late April, you can still attain 95 percent of your optimal yield with a stand of only 26,000 plants/A.

REPLANT STUDY

-$150

-$100

-$50

$0

$50

$100

$150

April 16-30

May 1-15

May 16-31

June 1-15

June 16-30

4-Year Replant Return on Investment

4-YEAR REPLANT RETURN ON INVESTMENT

Planting Date

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0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% 120%

4-Year Planting Date Yield

April 1 - 15April 16 - 30May 1 - 15May 16 - 31June 1 - 15

PLANTING DATE STUDY

4-YEAR PLANTING DATE YIELD ADVANTAGE

April 1 - 15

April 16 - 30

May 16 - 31

June 1 - 15

Percent of Average Yield

2016 RESULTS

Plan

ting

Dat

e

Emer

ged

Popu

latio

n

NEPS

%

Perc

ent

Moi

stur

e

Bu./

A.

April 6 32,500 90.8 17.8 169.2

April 20 33,500 94.0 18.3 179.4

May 9 32,000 95.3 16.8 173.9

May 24 33,750 93.9 18.5 182.4

June 8 33,750 97.1 22.8 159.4

*®XL, Optimum, and AcreMax are registered trademarks of Pioneer. XL® brand seed is distributed by Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc. Individual results may vary.

PURPOSE To determine the optimum planting date window by planting on multiple dates throughout the growing season.

STUDY INFORMATIONPlanted VariousHarvested VariousPopulation 34,000 Seeds/A.Row Width 30 in.Previous Crop CornTillage Fall Disk-Rip, Spring

Field CultivationHerbicides Pre: 3.5 oz. Corvus®,

1 qt. Atrazine Post: 3 oz. Capreno®, 1 qt. Roundup PowerMAX®

Insecticides Escalate™

Starter 10 gal. 28-0-0 2x2

Total Nitrogen

215 units as UAN

Brand 5939AMXT™*

Soil Type Crosby-Lewisburg (silt loam)

Soil Test Values

pH O.M. % CEC6.2 2.5 9.1

Percent Base Saturation

Ca Mg K H55.1 28.0 3.6 13.2

Parts per Million

P K S51 128 7

Zn Mn B1.4 47 0.2

May 1 - 15

• At the May planting date, all plants emerged in 42 hours. Emergence took 84 hours in June.

• Four years of planting date data in Ohio has shown that planting in mid-to-late April out-yields other dates.

• Mid-to-late April has provided the best combination of final population and length of growing season to achieve the highest yield.

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0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

40

45

50

June 13 AM

June 13 PM

June 14 AM

June 14 PM

June 15 PM

June 20 AM

Num

ber o

f Pla

nts

Emergence Date & Time

Does 12-Hour Emergence Impact Silking & Tasseling

Not Silking Silking Silking + Tasseling

12-HOUR EMERGENCE IMPACT ON SILKING & TASSELING

Emergence Date & Time

June 8 Planting Date Pink flags mark corn that emerged 12 hours

before those marked with yellow flags

• The later plants emerge, the more impact there is on pollination timing and ultimately yield. This data demonstrates the lasting ramifications of uneven emergence at planting.

• We see more variation in silking and tasseling occurring simultaneously as the emergence window widens. This is another reason why our goal should be to have all of our plants emerged within 24 hours.

Num

ber o

f Pla

nts

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

40

45

50

June 13 AM

June 13 PM

June 14 AM

June 14 PM

June 15 PM

June 20 AM

Num

ber o

f Pla

nts

Emergence Date & Time

Does 12-Hour Emergence Impact Silking & Tasseling

Not Silking Silking Silking + Tasseling

Pink Flag Yellow Flag

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2016 RESULTS

Closing Wheels Pres

sure

Se

ttin

g

Emer

ged

Popu

latio

n

Popu

latio

n D

iffer

ence

Bu./

A.

Bu./

A.

Diff

eren

ce

Control: 2 Solid Rubbers 2nd Notch 30,945 -- 191.4 --

1 Dawn Curvetine™ & 1 Solid 3rd Notch 31,500 +555 194.1 +2.7

2 Dawn Curvetine 2nd Notch 31,167 +222 193.4 +2.0

2 Yetter Spikes with Drag Chain 3rd Notch 30,833 -112 191.9 +0.5

1 Yetter Spike & 1 Solid 2nd Notch 31,000 +55 191.8 +0.4

*®XL, Optimum, and AcreMax are registered trademarks of Pioneer. XL® brand seed is distributed by Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc. Individual results may vary.

PURPOSE To determine what effect different closing wheel types have on plant emergence and yield. Unfavorable planting conditions were targeted for this study.

STUDY INFORMATIONPlanted 5/6/2016Harvested 10/12/2016Population 32,271 Seeds/A.Row Width 30 in.Previous Crop CornTillage Fall Disk-Rip, Spring

Field CultivationHerbicides Pre: 3.5 oz. Corvus®,

1 qt. Atrazine Post: 3 oz. Capreno®, 1 qt. Roundup PowerMAX®

Insecticides Escalate™

Starter 10 gal. 28-0-0 2x2

Total Nitrogen

215 units as UAN

Brand 5828AMX™*

Soil Type Crosby-Lewisburg (silt loam)

Soil Test Values

pH O.M. % CEC5.7 2.8 13.6

Percent Base Saturation

Ca Mg K H48.0 22.4 3.0 26.6

Parts per Million

P K S44 161 9

Zn Mn B1.5 38 0.2

CLOSING WHEEL STUDY

130 135 140 145 150 155 160 165 170

3-Year Yield Data

Control: 2 Solid Rubbers 2 Dawn Curvetines

1 Yetter Spike & 1 Solid 2 Yetter Spikes with Drag Chain

3-YEAR CLOSING WHEEL YIELD

Bu./A.

Control: 2 Solid Rubbers

2 Dawn Curvetine™

1 Yetter Spike & 1 Solid

2 Yetter Spikes with Drag Chain

• It rained two days prior to planting this closing wheel study, which created marginal conditions, but the seed trench was closed in all treatments.

• Early in the season, the two Dawn Curvetine™ treatments delivered more uniform plants and overall better looking plant stands. The one Dawn Curvetine and one solid closing wheel resulted in the best yield increase with 2.7 Bu./A., followed by the two Dawn Curvetines with a 2.0 Bu./A. advantage.

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PURPOSE To evaluate the new 3RIVE 3D in-furrow application system for its ease of use and efficiency. We also tested the in-furrow insecticide product Capture®, through the 3RIVE 3D unit, at two different rates and on two different trait platforms in an effort to determine potential yield and profitability.

STUDY INFORMATIONPlanted 4/22/2016Harvested 10/18/2016Population 34,000 Seeds/A.Row Width 30 in.Previous Crop CornTillage Fall Disk-Rip, Spring

Field CultivationHerbicides Pre: 3.5 oz. Corvus®,

1 qt. Atrazine Post: 3 oz. Capreno®, 1 qt. Roundup PowerMAX®

Insecticides Escalate™

Starter 10 gal. 28-0-0 2x2

Total Nitrogen

215 units as UAN

Soil Type Crosby-Lewisburg (silt loam)

Soil Test Values

pH O.M. % CEC6.1 3.7 18.3

Percent Base Saturation

Ca Mg K H55.9 22.3 2.2 19.6

Parts per Million

P K S37 158 9

Zn Mn B1.9 32 0.3

• In this study, the same family of genetics was tested both with and without insect traits.

• There was low insect pest pressure in 2016.

• All seed was protected with Beck's Escalate™ yield enhancement system, which has the highest seed-applied insecticide rate. The low pest pressure combined with the protection of Escalate meant that there was a negative return on investment for additional insecticide applications.

3RIVE 3D™ APPLICATION SYSTEM STUDYIn-Furrow

2016 RESULTS

Bran

d

In-Furrow Treatments Emer

ged

Popu

latio

n

Popu

latio

n D

iffer

ence

Bu./

A.

Bu./

A.

Diff

eren

ce

Retu

rn o

n In

vest

men

t

5828

RR™

* Control 33,778 -- 192.3 -- --

4 oz. Capture® 3RIVE 3D™ 34,250 +472 192.2 -0.1 -$12.79

8 oz. Capture 3RIVE 3D 33,222 -556 196.8 +4.5 -$7.4458

28AM

X™*

Control 34,611 -- 198.7 -- --

4 oz. Capture 3RIVE 3D 33,722 -889 199.8 +1.1 -$8.15

8 oz. Capture 3RIVE 3D 33,778 -833 196.3 -2.4 -$34.07

2-H

ybrid

Av

erag

e Control 34,195 -- 195.5 -- --

4 oz. Capture 3RIVE 3D 33,986 -209 196.0 +0.5 -$10.47

8 oz. Capture 3RIVE 3D 33,500 -695 196.6 +1.1 -$20.75

Corn $3.86/Bu. Capture® 3RIVE 3D™ $396.95/gal. *®XL, Optimum, and AcreMax are registered trademarks of Pioneer. XL® brand seed is distributed by Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc. Individual results may vary.

The 3RIVE 3D™ in-furrow application system provides a three-dimensional, continuous zone of protection directly into the furrow.

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2-YEAR SEED TREATMENT YIELD ADVANTAGE

SEED TREATMENT STUDYEscalate™ vs. Industry Standard vs. Untreated

2016 RESULTS

Treatments Emer

ged

Popu

latio

n

Popu

latio

n D

iffer

ence

NEPS

%

Bu./

A.

Bu./

A.

Diff

eren

ce

Individual results may vary.

2016 RESULTS

Treatments Emer

ged

Popu

latio

n

Popu

latio

n D

iffer

ence

NEPS

%

Bu./

A.

Bu./

A.

Diff

eren

ce

Control: Untreated 30,250 -- 82.4 172.6 --

Escalate™ 31,222 +972 87.7 181.4 +8.8

Industry Standard 31,445 +1,195 91.8 178.7 +6.1

Individual results may vary.

PURPOSE To evaluate the yield differences of Beck’s Escalate yield enhancement system on corn compared to both the industry standard treatment and an untreated control.

STUDY INFORMATIONPlanted 4/18/2016Harvested 9/26/2016Population 32,271 Seeds/A.Row Width 30 in.Previous Crop CornTillage Fall Disk-Rip, Spring

Field CultivationHerbicides Pre: 3.5 oz. Corvus®,

1 qt. Atrazine Post: 3 oz. Capreno®, 1 qt. Roundup PowerMAX®

Starter 10 gal. 28-0-0 2x2Total Nitrogen

215 units as UAN

Brand 5829A4

Soil Type Crosby-Lewisburg (silt loam)

Soil Test Values

pH O.M. % CEC5.3 2.6 9.7

Percent Base Saturation

Ca Mg K H43.8 13.8 5.3 37.1

Parts per Million

P K S74 199 12

Zn Mn B2.4 50 0.2

Bu./A.

• Beck’s Escalate™ yield enhancement system led to greener, healthier looking plants early in the season.

• The Net Effective Plant Stand (NEPS) was increased with both seed treatments when compared to the control. However, the proprietary formulation of Escalate continued to add yield over both industry standard and the control.

140 150 160 170 180 190 200

2-Year Yield Data

Control: Untreated Industry Standard Escalate

Industry Standard

Control: Untreated

Escalate™

2-Year +21.9 Bu./A. Escalate™ Advantage

Over Untreated

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2016 RESULTS

Treatments Perc

ent

Moi

stur

e

Bu./

A.

Bu./

A.

Diff

eren

ce

Retu

rn o

n In

vest

men

t

Control 17.7 195.7 -- --

1 qt. Wex® Pre-Emerge 18.1 193.7 -2.0 -$12.96

Corn $3.86/Bu. Wex® $20.96/gal. *®XL, Optimum, and AcreMax are registered trademarks of Pioneer. XL® brand seed is distributed by Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc. Individual results may vary.

PURPOSE To evaluate Wex, a soil amendment product, and its ability to stimulate root development, improve water and nutrient uptake, and increase yield and profitability.

STUDY INFORMATIONPlanted 5/25/2016Harvested 10/11/2016Population 32,271 Seeds/A.Row Width 30 in.Previous Crop CornTillage Fall Disk-Rip, Spring

Field CultivationHerbicides Pre: 3.5 oz. Corvus®,

1 qt. Atrazine Post: 3 oz. Capreno®, 1 qt. Roundup PowerMAX®

Insecticides Escalate™

Starter 10 gal. 28-0-0 2x2

Total Nitrogen

215 units as UAN

Brand 5840AM™*

Soil Type Kokomo (silty clay loam)

Soil Test Values

pH O.M. % CEC7.5 4.0 17.4

Percent Base Saturation

Ca Mg K H77.7 19.4 2.9 0.0

Parts per Million

P K S44 194 13

Zn Mn B3.7 43 1.2

• Mid-season differences such as increased root growth were observed in corn where Wex® had been applied when compared to the control.

• Greater root growth did not result in increased yields in this plot.

• This has been the exception and not the rule compared to multi-year data. Wex performed very well at other PFR locations in 2016.

SOIL AMENDMENT STUDYWex®

Wex

®C

ontr

ol

At ear development, plants treated with Wex® had more substantial root growth when compared to untreated control.

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PURPOSE To evaluate various starter fertilizers applied in-furrow and their effects on yield and profitability.

STUDY INFORMATIONPlanted 5/24/2016Harvested 10/13/2016Population 32,271 Seeds/A.Row Width 30 in.Previous Crop CornTillage Fall No-Till, Spring

Vertical-Till/Field Cultivation

Herbicides Pre: 3.5 oz. Corvus®, 1 qt. Atrazine, 1 qt. Liberty® Post: 3 oz. Capreno®, 1 qt. Roundup PowerMAX®

Insecticides Escalate™

Total Nitrogen

215 units as UAN

Soil Type Crosby-Lewisburg (silt loam)

Soil Test Values

pH O.M. % CEC6.6 2.4 10.3

Percent Base Saturation

Ca Mg K H55.8 29.9 2.6 11.6

Parts per Million

P K S27 105 4

Zn Mn B1.7 59 0.2

STARTER FERTILIZER STUDY

2016 RESULTS

Bran

d

Emer

genc

e

In-F

urro

w

Trea

tmen

ts

Emer

ged

Popu

latio

n

Popu

latio

n D

iffer

ence

NEPS

%

Bu./

A.

Bu./

A.

Diff

eren

ce

Retu

rn o

n In

vest

men

t

5828

AMX™

*

Slow

er

Control: No Starter Fertilizer 32,167 -- 90.8 170.9 -- --

5 gal. NACHURS® imPulse® (10-18-4)

30,584 -1,583 95.6 182.8 +11.9 +$20.94

5 gal. PureGrade® Diamond 6-24-6 31,667 -500 90.6 180.6 +9.7 +$16.20

5 gal. NACHURS® Rhyzo-Link® 9-15-3 31,417 -750 87.5 178.2 +7.3 -$12.82

3 gal. Season Pass® Plus with MicroCarb

ZMB™ (6-18-6)32,000 -167 91.6 169.2 -1.7 -$27.26

6365

AMX™

*

Fast

Control: No Starter Fertilizer

32,083 -- 87.4 193.8 -- --

5 gal. NACHURS imPulse (10-18-4) 31,417 -666 92.0 197.4 +3.6 -$11.11

5 gal. PureGrade Diamond 6-24-6 30,750 -1,333 93.8 194.5 +0.7 -$18.55

5 gal. NACHURS Rhyzo-Link 9-15-3 32,333 +250 89.1 195.8 +2.0 -$33.28

3 gal. Season Pass Plus with MicroCarb

ZMB (6-18-6)32,167 +84 92.6 191.2 -2.6 -$30.74

2-H

ybrid

Av

erag

e

Control: No Starter Fertilizer 32,125 -- 89.1 182.4 -- --

5 gal. NACHURS imPulse (10-18-4)

31,000 -1,125 93.8 190.1 +7.7 +$4.92

5 gal. PureGrade Diamond 6-24-6 31,208 -917 92.2 187.6 +5.2 -$1.17

5 gal. NACHURS Rhyzo-Link 9-15-3 31,875 -250 88.3 187.0 +4.6 -$23.05

3 gal. Season Pass Plus with MicroCarb

ZMB (6-18-6)32,083 -42 92.1 180.2 -2.2 -$29.00

Corn $3.86/Bu. PureGrade® Diamond 6-24-6 $4.25/gal. NACHURS® Rhyzo-Link® 9-15-3 $8.20/gal. NACHURS® imPulse® (10-18-4) $5.00/gal. Season Pass® Plus with MicroCarb ZMB™ (6-18-6) $6.90/gal. *®XL, Optimum, and AcreMax are registered trademarks of Pioneer. XL® brand seed is distributed by Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc. Individual results may vary.

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-$25 -$20 -$15 -$10 -$5 $0 $5 $10 $15 $20 $25

2-Year Return on Investment

NACHURS Rhyzo-Link 9-15-3 PureGrade Diamond 6-24-6

2-YEAR STARTER FERTILIZER RETURN ON INVESTMENT

NACHURS® Rhyzo-Link® 9-15-3

Dollars/A.

• In this starter fertilizer study we noticed a significant difference in the yield response between the two different hybrids.

• The slower emerging hybrid, XL® 5828AMX™*brand averaged a yield increase of 6.8 Bu./A. with starter fertilizer. The faster emerging hybrid, XL® 6365AMX™*brand only averaged a 0.9 Bu./A. increase.

PureGrade® Diamond 6-24-6

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STARTER ADDITIVE STUDYSugar

PURPOSE To determine if applying sugar in-furrow increases plant health, yield and profitability.

STUDY INFORMATIONPlanted 4/23/2016Harvested 10/18/2016Population 32,271 Seeds/A.Row Width 30 in.Previous Crop CornTillage Fall Disk-Rip, Spring

Field CultivationHerbicides Pre: 3.5 oz. Corvus®,

1 qt. Atrazine Post: 3 oz. Capreno®, 1 qt. Roundup PowerMAX®

Insecticides Escalate™

Starter 10 gal. 28-0-0 2x2

Total Nitrogen

215 units as UAN

Soil Type Crosby-Lewisburg (silt loam)

Soil Test Values

pH O.M. % CEC6.2 4.3 16.9

Percent Base Saturation

Ca Mg K H50.3 26.1 23.1 21.3

Parts per Million

P K S38 151 9

Zn Mn B1.5 33 0.2

2016 RESULTS

Bran

d

In-Furrow Treatments Emer

ged

Popu

latio

n

Popu

latio

n D

iffer

ence

Bu./

A.

Bu./

A.

Diff

eren

ce

Retu

rn o

n In

vest

men

t

5828

AM™

*

Control: No Starter 32,000 -- 189.6 -- --

4 lb. Sugar 32,556 +556 190.2 +0.6 -$1.17

5840

AM™

*Control: No Starter 32,583 -- 188.9 -- --

4 lb. Sugar 31,944 -639 188.5 -0.4 -$5.02

2-H

ybrid

Av

erag

e Control: No Starter 32,292 -- 189.3 -- --

4 lb. Sugar 32,250 -42 189.4 +0.1 -$3.10

5828

AM™

* Control: 5 gal. PureGrade® Diamond 6-24-6

32,250 -- 192.3 -- --

4 lb. Sugar 32,250 +0 191.4 -0.9 -$6.96

5840

AM™

* Control: 5 gal. PureGrade Diamond 6-24-6

32,055 -- 207.1 -- --

4 lb. Sugar 32,750 +695 207.1 +0.0 -$3.48

2-H

ybrid

Av

erag

e Control: 5 gal. PureGrade Diamond 6-24-6

32,153 -- 199.7 -- --

4 lb. Sugar 32,500 +347 199.3 -0.4 -$5.22

Corn $3.86/Bu. Sugar $0.87/lb. PureGrade® Diamond 6-24-6 $4.25/gal. *®XL, Optimum, and AcreMax are registered trademarks of Pioneer. XL® brand seed is distributed by Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc. Individual results may vary.

-$10 $0 $10 $20 $30 $40 $50

2-Year Sugar Return on Investment

2015 2016

2-YEAR SUGAR RETURN ON INVESTMENT

2015

Dollars/A.

2016

+$17.84/A. Average

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In-furrow sugar can help jump-start beneficial microbe populations in the spring. PureGrade® Diamond is a liquid starter fertilizer. Does it pay to feed the plant with fertilizer or to feed the soil microbes with sugar?

• The in-furrow sugar treatment showed greener, healthier looking plants early in the season. Around the V8 growth stage, differences were noted in plants with larger stalks where sugar was applied. The day before harvest, stalk integrity was observed to be greater in the sugar treated portions over that of the control.

• Due to water limitations the sugar provided little to no yield increase this year, although observations indicate that standability can be improved.

0 1 2 3 4

5840

AM™

*58

28AM

™*

Stalk Circumference (in inches)

Stalk Circumference at V8 Based on In-Furrow Applications

Sugar PureGrade 6-24-6 + Sugar PureGrade 6-24-6 Control

XL® 5

828A

M™

* bran

dXL

® 5

840A

M™

* bran

d

V8 STALK CIRCUMFERENCE

Stalk Circumference (inches)

Sugar

Control

PureGrade 6-24-6

PureGrade® 6-24-6 + Sugar

Sugar

Control

PureGrade 6-24-6

PureGrade 6-24-6 + Sugar

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BIOLOGICAL STUDY

2016 RESULTS

Treatments Emer

ged

Popu

latio

n

Popu

latio

n D

iffer

ence

NEPS

%

Bu./

A.

Bu./

A.

Diff

eren

ce

Retu

rn o

n In

vest

men

t

Control: Starter 31,667 -- 96.1 195.4 -- --

Starter + 10 oz. Optify®/Stretch In-Furrow

30,333 -1,334 95.5 194.5 -0.9 -$11.97

Starter + 40 oz. Toggle™ @ V5 31,000 -667 94.3 196.7 +1.3 -$7.48

Starter + 10 oz. Optify/Stretch In-Furrow + 40 oz. Toggle @ V5

30,500 -1,167 93.8 193.7 -1.7 -$27.56

Corn $3.86/Bu. Toggle™ $40.00/gal. Optify®/Stretch $108.80/gal. *®XL, Optimum, and AcreMax are registered trademarks of Pioneer. XL® brand seed is distributed by Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc. Individual results may vary.

PURPOSE To evaluate two different biologicals, one as a row starter additive and one as a foliar product. These two products were evaluated for their effects on plant health, yield and profitability.

STUDY INFORMATIONPlanted 4/23/2016Harvested 10/13/2016Population 32,271 Seeds/A.Row Width 30 in.Previous Crop CornTillage Fall Disk-Rip, Spring

Field CultivationHerbicides Pre: 3.5 oz. Corvus®,

1 qt. Atrazine Post: 3 oz. Capreno®, 1 qt. Roundup PowerMAX®

Insecticides Escalate™

Starter 5 gal. PureGrade® 6-24-6 In-Furrow

Total Nitrogen

215 units as UAN

Brand 5665AMX™*

Soil Type Crosby-Lewisburg (silt loam)

Soil Test Values

pH O.M. % CEC6.0 4.0 15.8

Percent Base Saturation

Ca Mg K H50.7 24.3 2.1 22.8

Parts per Million

P K S31 132 8

Zn Mn B1.6 36 0.4

• Early in the season, crops treated with Optify®/Stretch showed increased root growth over the control.

• As plants reached the V5 growth stage, differences were seen in foliage growth.

• Results show the V5 application made the greatest difference in yield with an increase of 1.3 Bu./A. with the application of Toggle™, but still provided no economic gain.

Control: Starter Optify®/Stretch

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Population Study

POPULATION & HIGH MANAGEMENT STUDY

PURPOSE To determine if yield and profitability can be increased by applying various high-management practices in a high-population environment.

STUDY INFORMATIONPlanted 4/21/2016Harvested 10/12/2016Population VariousRow Width 30 in.Previous Crop SoybeansTillage Fall Disk-Rip, Spring

Field CultivationHerbicides Burndown:

1 qt. Roundup PowerMAX® Pre: 3.5 oz. Corvus®, 1 qt. Atrazine Post: 3 oz. Capreno®, 1 qt. Roundup PowerMAX

Insecticides Escalate™

Starter 10 gal. 28-0-0 2x2

Total Nitrogen

250 units as UAN

Soil Type Kokomo (silty clay loam)

Soil Test Values

pH O.M. % CEC6.1 5.4 19.2

Percent Base Saturation

Ca Mg K H54.8 24.8 1.6 18.8

Parts per Million

P K S37 122 7

Zn Mn B2.0 30 0.8

2016 RESULTS

Bran

d

Resp

onse

to H

ighe

r Po

pula

tion

Plan

ted

Popu

latio

n (S

eeds

/A.)

Treatments Bu./

A.

Bu./

A. D

iffer

ence

Retu

rn o

n In

vest

men

t

5665

AMX™

*

Low

34,0

00

Control: No Micronutrients or Fungicide 201.7 -- --

2 qt. Versa Max™ AC @ V4 205.8 +4.1 +$6.08

2 qt. Versa Max AC @ V4 & 10 oz. Headline AMP® @ VT 209.7 +8.0 +$8.09

38,0

00

No Micronutrients or Fungicide 203.2 +1.5 -$8.74

2 qt. Versa Max AC @ V4 205.1 +3.4 -$11.15

2 qt. Versa Max AC @ V4 & 10 oz. Headline AMP @ VT 203.1 +1.4 -$31.91

5829

A4

Med

ium

34,0

00

Control: No Micronutrients or Fungicide 196.3 -- --

2 qt. Versa Max AC @ V4 201.2 +4.9 +$9.16

2 qt. Versa Max AC @ V4 & 10 oz. Headline AMP @ VT 199.2 +2.9 -$11.60

38,0

00

No Micronutrients or Fungicide 195.4 -0.9 -$14.64

2 qt. Versa Max AC @ V4 200.7 +4.4 -$3.93

2 qt. Versa Max AC @ V4 & 10 oz. Headline AMP @ VT 195.8 -0.5 -$35.88

Corn $3.86/Bu. Headline AMP® $166.92/gal. Versa Max™ AC $19.50/gal. 5829A4 brand $223.11/unit. XL® 5665AMX™*brand $290.61/unit. *®XL, Optimum, and AcreMax are registered trademarks of Pioneer. XL® brand seed is distributed by Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc. Individual results may vary.

• Although little disease pressure was observed during the season and we added yield with almost every treatment, we could not make high population profitable in today's low price environment.

• At 34,000 seeds/A. we were able to increase yield and return on investment (ROI) with each high management input.

• When we increased seeding rate on both hybrids, we did not increase the ROI.

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$400 $500 $600

2016 5829A4 Net Return

270 230 190 270 230

$400 $500 $600

2016 5665AMX™* Net Return

270 230 190 270 230

230270 190

38,0

0034

,000

30,0

00

38,0

0034

,000

30,0

00

$400 $500 $600

2016 5829A4 Net Return

270 230 190 270 230

$400 $500 $600

2016 5665AMX™* Net Return

270 230 190 270 230

230270 190

38,0

0034

,000

30,0

00

38,0

0034

,000

30,0

00

POPULATION VS. NITROGEN RATE STUDY30 in. Rows

PURPOSE To evaluate different nitrogen (N) rates in 30 in. rows, applied to multiple populations, to determine the Economic Optimum Nitrogen Rate (EONR) and Economic Optimum Seeding Rate (EOSR) combination.

STUDY INFORMATIONPlanted 4/27/2016Harvested 10/12/2016Population VariousRow Width 30 in.Previous Crop SoybeansTillage Fall Disk-Rip, Spring

Field CultivationHerbicides Pre: 3.5 oz. Corvus®,

1 qt. Atrazine Post: 3 oz. Capreno®, 1 qt. Roundup PowerMAX®

Insecticides Escalate™

Starter 10 gal. 28-0-0 2x2

Total Nitrogen

Various

Soil Type Kokomo (silty clay loam)

Soil Test Values

pH O.M. % CEC6.3 4.8 17.4

Percent Base Saturation

Ca Mg K H57.5 26.8 1.9 13.8

Parts per Million

P K S38 131 6

Zn Mn B1.7 30 0.4

2016 RESULTS

Bran

d

Resp

onse

to

Hig

her

Popu

latio

n

Nitr

ogen

Re

spon

se

Plan

ted

Popu

latio

n (S

eeds

/A.)

Nitr

ogen

(U

nits

/A.)

Bu./

A.

Bu./

A.

Diff

eren

ce

Net R

etur

n

5665

AMX™

*

Low

Hig

her N

Res

pons

e 30,000190 202.0 -- $573.84 230 200.0 -2.0 $545.72 270 199.9 -2.1 $524.93

34,000190 191.6 -- $519.17 230 190.8 -0.8 $495.68 270 189.6 -2.0 $470.65

38,000190 194.5 -- $515.83 230 193.2 -1.3 $490.41 270 193.6 -0.9 $471.56

5829

A4

Med

ium

N E

ffici

ent

30,000190 195.7 -- $574.83 230 193.5 -2.2 $545.94 270 195.1 -0.6 $531.72

34,000190 185.9 -- $525.85 230 185.6 -0.3 $504.30 270 186.8 +0.9 $488.53

38,000190 189.4 -- $528.20 230 189.5 +0.1 $508.19 270 189.7 +0.3 $488.56

Corn $3.86/Bu. UAN $0.51/unit of nitrogen. XL® 5665AMX™*brand $290.61/unit. 5829A4 brand $223.11/unit. *®XL, Optimum, and AcreMax are registered trademarks of Pioneer. XL® brand seed is distributed by Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc. Individual results may vary.

2016 NET RETURN

Seed

s/A.

Dollars/A. Dollars/A.

Nitrogen (Units/A.)

XL® 5665AMX™*brand BECK 5829A4brand

$400 $500 $600

2016 5829A4 Net Return

270 230 190 270 230

$400 $500 $600

2016 5665AMX™* Net Return

270 230 190 270 230

230270 190

38,0

0034

,000

30,0

00

38,0

0034

,000

30,0

00

Population Study

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• Stalk nitrate samples at black layer demonstrated the difference between our higher nitrogen (N) response hybrid (XL® 5665AMX™*brand) and the N efficient hybrid.

• The N efficient hybrid (BECK 5829A4brand) needed less N and therefore, had a greater amount of N remaining in the stalk.

0500

10001500200025003000350040004500

5665AMX™* 5829A4

Nitr

ate-

Nitr

ogen

(ppm

)

N Rate x Population

Stalk Nitrate

190 230 270 190 230 270 190 230 270

Stal

k N

itrat

e (p

pm)

STALK NITRATE AT BLACK LAYER

XL® 5665AMX™*brand BECK 5829A4brand

38,00034,00030,000 38,00034,00030,000

Nitrogen (Units/A.) & Population (Seeds/A.)

190

230

270

190

230

270

190

230

270

190

230

270

190

230

270

190

230

270

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NITROGEN RATE STUDYCorn After Soybeans

PURPOSE To determine the Economic Optimum Nitrogen Rate (EONR), which is the rate of nitrogen (N) that maximizes profitability. All entries received 30 units of N as UAN in a 2x2 application at planting. This was followed by a sidedress application of UAN at the V3 growth stage, meeting the total amount of N for each treatment.

STUDY INFORMATIONPlanted 5/25/2016Harvested 10/14/2016Population 32,271 Seeds/A.Row Width 30 in.Previous Crop CornTillage Fall Disk-Rip, Spring

Field CultivationHerbicides Pre: 3.5 oz. Corvus®,

1 qt. Atrazine, 1 qt. Liberty® Post: 3 oz. Capreno®, 1 qt. Roundup PowerMAX®

Insecticides Escalate™

Starter 10 gal. 28-0-0 2x2

Total Nitrogen

Various

Soil Type Kokomo (silty clay loam)

Soil Test Values

pH O.M. % CEC7.7 4.1 20.2

Percent Base Saturation

Ca Mg K H75.5 22.9 1.6 0.0

Parts per Million

P K S16 128 11

Zn Mn B2.3 49 1.2

2016 RESULTS

Bran

d

Nitr

ogen

Re

spon

se

Nitr

ogen

(U

nits

/A.)

Perc

ent

Moi

stur

e

Bu./

A.

Nitr

ogen

C

ost/

A.

Net

Retu

rn

5828

AMX™

*

N E

ffici

ent

100 15.7 160.5 $51.00 $568.53125 15.9 168.6 $63.75 $587.05150 15.9 174.2 $76.50 $595.91175 15.3 178.3 $89.25 $598.99200 15.7 178.6 $102.00 $587.40225 15.6 180.6 $114.75 $582.37250 15.6 183.1 $127.50 $579.27

6165

AMX™

*

Hig

her N

Res

pons

e 100 16.0 173.3 $51.00 $617.94125 16.0 172.7 $63.75 $602.87150 15.9 179.5 $76.50 $616.37175 15.7 184.2 $89.25 $621.76200 15.7 186.2 $102.00 $616.73225 15.9 190.0 $114.75 $618.65250 15.9 191.8 $127.50 $612.85

2-H

ybrid

Av

erag

e

100 15.9 166.9 $51.00 $593.24125 16.0 170.7 $63.75 $594.96150 15.9 176.9 $76.50 $606.14175 15.5 181.3 $89.25 $610.38200 15.7 182.4 $102.00 $602.07225 15.8 185.3 $114.75 $600.51250 15.8 187.5 $127.50 $596.06

Corn $3.86/Bu. UAN $0.51/unit of nitrogen. *®XL, Optimum, and AcreMax are registered trademarks of Pioneer. XL® brand seed is distributed by Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc. Individual results may vary.

$580

$600

$620

$640

$660

$680

$700

150 160 170 180 190 200 210 220

Dol

lars

/A.

Units of UAN

4-Year Economic Optimum Nitrogen Rate

$0.40/unit $0.50/unit $0.60/unit

4-YEAR ECONOMIC OPTIMUM NITROGEN RATE

Nitrogen (Units/A.)

Dol

lars

/A.

191 at $0.40/unit 186 at $0.50/unit

180 at $0.60/unit

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• The ideal rate of nitrogen (N) will vary year to year in a given environment due to the mobile nature of N.

• Stalk nitrate data for XL® 5828AMX™*brand showed the optimum level of nitrate remaining at black layer could be reached with an application of only 125 units of N in a growing season.

• During 2016, 175 units of N was the most economical rate of N to apply in a corn after soybean rotation.

• While it may not always be economical, in 2016 we saw higher yields with increased N rates.

2016 STALK NITRATE LEVELS

Stalk Nitrate (ppm)

= Optimal Stalk Nitrate Level

Nitr

ogen

(Uni

ts/A

.)

"Data about everything you think about all year long is at your fingertips. From nitrogen timing and rates, there’s nothing else like it. I always have new ideas in my mind and I use PFR as a way to explore my options to better my farm practices."

Rob Alt | Baltimore, Ohio

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NITROGEN RATE STUDYCorn After Corn

PURPOSE To determine the Economic Optimum Nitrogen Rate (EONR), which is the rate of nitrogen (N) that maximizes profitability. All entries received 30 units of N as UAN in a 2x2 application at planting. This was followed by a sidedress application of UAN at the V3 growth stage, meeting the total amount of N for each treatment.

STUDY INFORMATIONPlanted 4/26/2016Harvested 10/6/2016Population 32,271 Seeds/A.Row Width 30 in.Previous Crop CornTillage Fall Disk-Rip, Spring

Field CultivationHerbicides Pre: 3.5 oz. Corvus®,

1 qt. Atrazine Post: 3 oz. Capreno®, 1 qt. Roundup PowerMAX®

Insecticides Escalate™

Starter 10 gal. 28-0-0 2x2

Total Nitrogen

Various

Soil Type Crosby-Lewisburg (silt loam)

Soil Test Values

pH O.M. % CEC5.8 3.2 12.3

Percent Base Saturation

Ca Mg K H46.7 21.3 2.7 29.2

Parts per Million

P K S37 131 9

Zn Mn B1.6 45 0.2

2016 RESULTS

Bran

d

Nitr

ogen

Re

spon

se

Nitr

ogen

(U

nits

/A.)

Perc

ent

Moi

stur

e

Bu./

A.

Nitr

ogen

C

ost/

A.

Net

Retu

rn

5828

AMX™

*

N E

ffici

ent

125 18.2 178.4 $63.75 $624.87150 18.7 191.5 $76.50 $662.69175 19.2 189.2 $89.25 $641.06200 19.5 195.3 $102.00 $651.86225 19.8 198.7 $114.75 $652.23250 20.0 195.8 $127.50 $628.29275 18.7 193.9 $140.25 $608.20

6165

AMX™

*

Hig

her N

Res

pons

e 125 18.2 169.2 $63.75 $589.36150 18.1 177.0 $76.50 $606.72175 19.3 183.5 $89.25 $619.06200 19.2 193.9 $102.00 $646.45225 19.4 193.2 $114.75 $631.00250 19.5 194.1 $127.50 $621.73275 18.5 193.1 $140.25 $605.12

2-H

ybrid

Av

erag

e

125 18.2 173.8 $63.75 $607.12150 18.4 184.3 $76.50 $634.71175 19.3 186.4 $89.25 $630.06200 19.4 194.6 $102.00 $649.16225 19.6 196.0 $114.75 $641.62250 19.8 195.0 $127.50 $625.01275 18.6 193.5 $140.25 $606.66

Corn $3.86/Bu. UAN $0.51/unit of nitrogen. *®XL, Optimum, and AcreMax are registered trademarks of Pioneer. XL® brand seed is distributed by Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc. Individual results may vary.

$540

$560

$580

$600

$620

$640

$660

175 185 195 205 215 225 235 245

Dol

lars

/A.

Units of Nitrogen

2-Year Economic Optimum Nitrogen Rate

$0.40/unit $0.50/unit $0.60/unit

2-YEAR ECONOMIC OPTIMUM NITROGEN RATE

Nitrogen (Units/A.)

Dol

lars

/A.

224 at $0.40/unit 208 at $0.50/unit

192 at $0.60/unit

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• Both the nitrogen (N) efficient hybrid (XL® 58285AMX™*brand) and higher N response hybrid (XL® 6165AMX™*brand) showed adequate N at a rate of 200 units based on the stalk nitrate data.

• The highest yield with XL® 5828AMX™*brand was at a rate of 225 units of N and at 250 units of N in XL® 6165AMX™*brand, demonstrating how XL® 6165AMX™*brand responds to higher N applications.

• This study shows that certain hybrids respond to different N rates. Farmers should always look for the EONR for each hybrid.

2016 STALK NITRATE LEVELS AT BLACK LAYER

Stalk Nitrate (ppm)

Nitr

ogen

(Uni

ts/A

.)

= XL® 6165AMX™* = XL® 5828AMX™*

= Optimal Stalk Nitrate Level

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NITROGEN TIMING STUDY

PURPOSE To evaluate various nitrogen (N) application timings and their effects on N use efficiency and yield. Each treatment in this study received a total of 190 units of N/A. as UAN.

STUDY INFORMATIONPlanted 4/26/2016Harvested 10/7/2016Population 34,000 Seeds/A.Row Width 30 in.Previous Crop SoybeansTillage Fall Disk-Rip, Spring

Field CultivationHerbicides Pre: 3.5 oz. Corvus®,

1 qt. Atrazine Post: 3 oz. Capreno®, 1 qt. Roundup PowerMAX®

Insecticides Escalate™

Starter 10 gal. 28-0-0 2x2

Total Nitrogen

190 units as UAN

Soil Type Crosby-Lewisburg (silt loam)

Soil Test Values

pH O.M. % CEC5.8 3.4 13.7

Percent Base Saturation

Ca Mg K H49.3 21.9 2.4 26.3

Parts per Million

P K S28 130 8

Zn Mn B1.5 38 0.2 Late season N requirements and the availability of newer equipment

technologies such as the 360 Y-DROP® have led farmers to try multiple sidedress applications of N.

• Each treatment in this study received a total of 190 units of N.

• A second sidedress application at the V7 or V10 growth stages resulted in both a yield increase and positive return on investment (ROI).

• Later applications of N, prior to tassel show a positive ROI.

2016 RESULTS

Bran

d

Nitr

ogen

Re

spon

se

Nitr

ogen

(U

nits

/A.)

Appl

icat

ion

Tim

ing

Perc

ent

Moi

stur

e

Bu./

A.

Bu./

A.

Diff

eren

ce

Retu

rn o

n In

vest

men

t

5829

A4

N E

ffici

ent

30,160 Control: 2x2, Sidedress @ V3 19.2 188.4 -- --

30,80,80 2x2, Sidedress @ V3, 360 Y-DROP® @ V7 18.5 191.7 +3.3 +$12.74

30,80,80 2x2, Sidedress @ V3, 360 Y-DROP @ V10 18.6 193.0 +4.6 +$17.76

30,80,80 2x2, Sidedress @ V3, 360 Y-DROP @ VT 18.7 184.8 -3.6 -$13.89

5665

AMX™

*

Hig

her N

Res

pons

e 30,160 Control: 2x2, Sidedress @ V3 17.6 192.3 -- --

30,80,80 2x2, Sidedress @ V3, 360 Y-DROP @ V7 17.6 201.0 +8.7 +$33.58

30,80,80 2x2, Sidedress @ V3, 360 Y-DROP @ V10 17.5 198.6 +6.3 +$24.32

30,80,80 2x2, Sidedress @ V3, 360 Y-DROP @ VT 17.8 188.9 -3.4 -$13.13

2-H

ybrid

Av

erag

e

30,160 Control: 2x2, Sidedress @ V3 18.4 190.4 -- --

30,80,80 2x2, Sidedress @ V3, 360 Y-DROP @ V7 18.1 196.4 +6.0 +$23.16

30,80,80 2x2, Sidedress @ V3, 360 Y-DROP @ V10 18.1 195.8 +5.4 +$21.04

30,80,80 2x2, Sidedress @ V3, 360 Y-DROP @ VT 18.3 186.9 -3.5 -$13.51

Corn $3.86/Bu. UAN $0.51/unit of nitrogen. *®XL, Optimum, and AcreMax are registered trademarks of Pioneer. XL® brand seed is distributed by Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc. Individual results may vary.

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NITROGEN TIMING STUDYUrea

• As a late season N source, urea can be complicated as it requires timely rainfall for both incorporation and activation.

• SUPERU® protects urea from being lost to the environment for a time after application.

• Results from this season indicated that on average the V3 growth stage application of urea (+4.9 Bu./A.) or SUPERU (+5.8 Bu./A.) resulted in a greater yield increase than that of SUPERU at the V6 growth stage (+1.7 Bu./A.).

PURPOSE To evaluate various nitrogen (N) application timings and how they affect N use efficiency, N loss, and yield. Each treatment in this study received a total of 190 units of N/A.

STUDY INFORMATIONPlanted 5/20/2016Harvested 10/14/2016Population 34,000 Seeds/A.Row Width 30 in.Previous Crop SoybeansTillage Fall Disk-Rip, Spring

Field CultivationHerbicides Pre: 3.5 oz. Corvus®,

1 qt. Atrazine, 1 qt. Liberty® Post: 3 oz. Capreno®, 1 qt. Roundup PowerMAX®

Insecticides Escalate™

Starter 10 gal. 28-0-0 2x2

Total Nitrogen

190 units

Soil Type Crosby-Lewisburg (silt loam)

Soil Test Values

pH O.M. % CEC8.1 2.6 22.7

Percent Base Saturation

Ca Mg K H85.0 13.6 1.4 0.0

Parts per Million

P K S15 127 14

Zn Mn B1.8 50 0.8

2016 RESULTS

Bran

d

Nitr

ogen

Re

spon

se

Nitr

ogen

(U

nits

/A.)

Nitr

ogen

So

urce

&

Appl

icat

ion

Tim

ing

Bu./

A.

Bu./

A.

Diff

eren

ce

Retu

rn o

n In

vest

men

t

5665

AMX™

*

Hig

her N

Res

pons

e 160 Control: Urea @ Preplant 181.6 -- --

80,80 Urea @ Pre-plant, Urea @ V3 187.9 +6.3 +$24.31

80,80 Urea @ Pre-plant, SUPERU® @ V3 189.9 +8.3 +$17.63

80,80 Urea @ Pre-plant, SUPERU @ V6 182.0 +0.4 -$12.86

5829

A4

N E

ffici

ent

160 Control: Urea @ Pre-plant 163.9 -- --

80,80 Urea @ Pre-plant, Urea @ V3 167.5 +3.6 +$13.90

80,80 Urea @ Pre-plant, SUPERU @ V3 167.2 +3.3 -$1.66

80,80 Urea @ Pre-plant, SUPERU @ V6 166.9 +3.0 -$2.82

2-H

ybrid

Av

erag

e

160 Control: Urea @ Pre-plant 172.8 -- --

80,80 Urea @ Pre-plant, Urea @ V3 177.7 +4.9 +$19.10

80,80 Urea @ Pre-plant, SUPERU @ V3 178.6 +5.8 +$7.98

80,80 Urea @ Pre-plant, SUPERU @ V6 174.5 +1.7 -$7.84

Corn $3.86/Bu. SUPERU® $0.63/unit of nitrogen. Urea $0.45/unit of nitrogen. *®XL, Optimum, and AcreMax are registered trademarks of Pioneer. XL® brand seed is distributed by Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc. Individual results may vary.

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NITROGEN PLACEMENT STUDYSidedress

2016 RESULTS

V5 Treatments Perc

ent

Moi

stur

e

Bu./

A.

Bu./

A.

Diff

eren

ce

Control: Sidedress Applicator 15.5 193.8 --

360 Y-DROP® 14.8 196.6 +2.8

*®XL, Optimum, and AcreMax are registered trademarks of Pioneer. XL® brand seed is distributed by Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc. Individual results may vary.

• The traditional sidedress applicator will place nitrogen (N) in a row center while the 360 Y-DROP® places N near the base of corn plants.

• The 360 Y-DROP applicators resulted in a 2.8 Bu./A. increase in yield.

• These results demonstrate the importance of N placement.

PURPOSE To evaluate a traditional sidedress application versus a 360 Y-DROP® at the V5 growth stage and their effect on yield.

STUDY INFORMATIONPlanted 4/25/2016Harvested 10/12/2016Population 32,271 Seeds/A.Row Width 30 in.Previous Crop SoybeansTillage Fall Disk-Rip, Spring

Field CultivationHerbicides Pre: 3.5 oz. Corvus®,

1 qt. Atrazine Post: 3 oz. Capreno®, 1 qt. Roundup PowerMAX®

Insecticides Escalate™

Starter 10 gal. 28-0-0 2x2

Total Nitrogen

190 units as UAN

Brand 6158AM™*

Soil Type Crosby-Lewisburg (silt loam)

Soil Test Values

pH O.M. % CEC5.5 4.1 18.3

Percent Base Saturation

Ca Mg K H45.2 19.6 2.4 32.9

Parts per Million

P K S43 168 9

Zn Mn B1.8 30 0.2

360 Y-DROP® unit sidedressing corn.

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NITROGEN SEALER STUDY

2016 RESULTS

Treatments Perc

ent

Moi

stur

e

Bu./

A.

Bu./

A.

Diff

eren

ce

Control: No Sealers 17.7 187.9 --

Nitrogen Sealers 17.4 185.1 -2.8

*®XL, Optimum, and AcreMax are registered trademarks of Pioneer. XL® brand seed is distributed by Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc. Individual results may vary.

PURPOSE To test nitrogen sealers and their effect on nitrogen (N) retention and yield. Nitrogen sealers are a pair of coulters that attach to the sidedress bar behind the knife. The coulters pull soil over the trench opened by the knife, sealing the opening and holding in N that could otherwise volatilize.

STUDY INFORMATIONPopulation 32,271 Seeds/A.Row Width 30 in.Previous Crop CornTillage Fall Disk-Rip, Spring

Field CultivationHerbicides Pre: 3.5 oz. Corvus®,

1 qt. Atrazine Post: 3 oz. Capreno®, 1 qt. Roundup PowerMAX®

Insecticides Escalate™

Starter 10 gal. 28-0-0 2x2Total Nitrogen

215 units as UAN

Brand 6165AMX™*

Soil Type Crosby-Lewisburg (silt loam)

Soil Test Values

pH O.M. % CEC6.0 2.8 11.7

Percent Base Saturation

Ca Mg K H49.2 27.5 2.8 20.5

Parts per Million

P K S27 128 8

Zn Mn B1.3 48 0.3

Nitrogen (N) is the nutrient needed most by a corn crop and is one of the most mobile nutrients in a cropping system. This means it is a constant concern for farmers.

• Strategies to keep N in a cropping system to be utilized by the crop are critical. Due to the mobile nature of N, results will vary from one year to another and from one environment to another.

• While N sealers prevent N loss through volatilization, we did not have conditions that promoted volatilization of N in 2016. Our two-year data shows an average yield increase of 2.5 Bu./A. with the use of N sealers.

150 160 170 180 190 200

2-Year Yield Data

Control: No Sealers Nitrogen Sealers

2-YEAR NITROGEN SEALER YIELD

Bu./A.

Nitrogen Sealers

Control: No Sealers

+2.5 Bu./A. Advantage

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PURPOSE To compare two different UAN sidedress placements and how they affect yield and profitability.

STUDY INFORMATIONPopulation 32,271 Seeds/A.Row Width 30 in.Previous Crop SoybeansTillage Fall Disk-Rip, Spring

Field CultivationHerbicides Pre: 3.5 oz. Corvus®,

1 qt. Atrazine Post: 3 oz. Capreno®, 1 qt. Roundup PowerMAX®

Insecticides Escalate™

Starter 10 gal. 28-0-0 2x2Total Nitrogen

190 units as UAN

Brand 5840AM™*

Soil Type Kokomo (silty clay loam)

Soil Test Values

pH O.M. % CEC6.5 4.3 14.1

Percent Base Saturation

Ca Mg K H56.7 32.2 2.6 8.5

Parts per Million

P K S45 143 7

Zn Mn B1.7 27 0.4

SIDEDRESS PLACEMENT STUDY 7.5 in. vs. 15 in.

2-YEAR SIDEDRESS SPACING YIELD ADVANTAGE

Bu./A.

2016 RESULTS

Placement Perc

ent

Moi

stur

e

Bu./

A.

Bu./

A.

Diff

eren

ce

Control: Center of Row 16.6 195.8 --

7.5 in. from Plant 16.4 193.1 -2.7

*®XL, Optimum, and AcreMax are registered trademarks of Pioneer. XL® brand seed is distributed by Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc. Individual results may vary.

Adequate, early season moisture led to adequate nitrogen reaching the plant when placed in the center of the row. In a year with less moisture surrounding the sidedress application, we could expect to see a bump in yield similar to 2015.

120 130 140 150 160 170 180 190 200

2015

2016

2-Year Yield Data

Control: Center of row 7.5 in. from plant

7.5 in. from Plant

Center of Row

7.5 in. from Plant

Center of Row

+0.8 Bu./A. 7.5 in.

Advantage

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FUNGICIDE STUDYHybrid Response

PURPOSE To evaluate the yield response and return on investment when applying fungicide at the VT growth stage on multiple hybrids.

STUDY INFORMATIONPlanted 4/25/2016Harvested 10/17/2016Population 32,271 Seeds/A.Row Width 30 in.Previous Crop CornTillage Fall Disk-Rip, Spring

Field CultivationHerbicides Pre: 3.5 oz. Corvus®,

1 qt. Atrazine Post: 3 oz. Capreno®, 1 qt. Roundup PowerMAX®

Insecticides Escalate™

Starter 10 gal. 28-0-0 2x2

Total Nitrogen

215 units as UAN

Soil Type Crosby-Lewisburg (silt loam)

Soil Test Values

pH O.M. % CEC6.5 3.0 13.9

Percent Base Saturation

Ca Mg K H61.3 27.3 2.7 8.7

Parts per Million

P K S31 147 7

Zn Mn B2.3 54 0.3

2016 RESULTS

Trea

tmen

ts

Fung

icid

e Re

spon

se

Bran

d

Perc

ent

Moi

stur

e

Bu./

A.

Bu./

A.

Diff

eren

ce

Retu

rn o

n In

vest

men

t

Con

trol

: N

o Fu

ngic

ide

-- 5829A4 16.3 175.5 -- ---- 5828AMX™* 17.0 179.2 -- ---- 6076SX 16.2 178.7 -- ---- 6158AM™* 15.7 187.3 -- ---- 6225HR™* 16.8 185.9 -- ---- 6365AMX™* 16.5 190.7 -- --

AVG. 16.4 182.9

4 oz

. Str

ateg

o® Y

LD

@ V

T

Low 5829A4 16.2 185.1 +9.6 +$21.57Medium 5828AMX™* 16.9 177.9 -1.3 -$20.51Medium 6076SX 16.1 183.6 +4.9 +$3.43

High 6158AM™* 15.4 193.5 +6.2 +$8.44Medium 6225HR™* 17.5 196.9 +11.0 +$26.97Medium 6365AMX™* 17.3 193.3 +2.6 -$5.45

AVG. 16.6 188.4 +5.5 +$5.74

Corn $3.86/Bu. Stratego® YLD $495.67/gal. *®XL, Optimum, and AcreMax are registered trademarks of Pioneer. XL® brand seed is distributed by Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc. Individual results may vary.

• Of all the diseases Stratego® YLD controls, Gray Leaf Spot (GLS) was the only disease present in this study.

• The presence of GLS meant nearly all hybrids treated with the fungicide showed an improvement over the control.

• The two hybrids showing the greatest improvement with use of fungicide in 2016 were XL® 6225HR™*brand (+11.0 Bu./A.) and BECK 5829A4brand

(+9.6 Bu./A.).

• In addition to disease control, some fungicides are able to reduce stress. Stress mitigation, as well as minimizing GLS, led to nearly all hybrids showing a positive response.

Early Gray Leaf Spot Infection

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FUNGICIDE TIMING STUDY

PURPOSE To evaluate Preemptor™ SC and Trivapro® at two different timings to determine if they can sustain season-long control with one early foliar application. This study evaluated the different diseases that are present throughout the growing season as well as the value of each product in terms of plant health, yield and profitability.

STUDY INFORMATIONPlanted 4/29/2016Harvested 10/17/2016Population 36,000 Seeds/A.Row Width 30 in.Previous Crop CornTillage Fall Disk-Rip, Spring

Field CultivationHerbicides Pre: 3.5 oz. Corvus®,

1 qt. Atrazine Post: 3 oz. Capreno®, 1 qt. Roundup PowerMAX®

Insecticides Escalate™

Starter 10 gal. 28-0-0 2x2

Total Nitrogen

215 units as UAN

Soil Type Kokomo (silty clay loam)

Soil Test Values

pH O.M. % CEC6.2 3.4 13.8

Percent Base Saturation

Ca Mg K H56.1 23.5 2.9 17.4

Parts per Million

P K S45 157 7

Zn Mn B2.7 42 0.3

2016 RESULTS

Bran

d

Fung

icid

e Re

spon

se

Treatments Perc

ent

Moi

stur

e

Bu./

A.

Bu./

A.

Diff

eren

ce

Retu

rn o

n In

vest

men

t

6076

SX

Med

ium

Control: No Fungicide 17.1 184.3 -- --

5 oz. Preemptor™ SC @ V8 16.4 196.0 +11.7 +$24.78

14.5 oz. Trivapro® @ V8 16.6 189.7 +5.4 +$3.34

5 oz. Preemptor SC @ R1 16.7 200.4 +16.1 +$41.76

14.5 oz. Trivapro @ R1 16.7 192.2 +7.9 +$12.99

6158

AM™

*

Hig

h

Control: No Fungicide 15.7 191.6 -- --

5 oz. Preemptor SC @ V8 15.9 200.3 +8.7 +$13.20

14.5 oz. Trivapro @ V8 15.8 191.9 +0.3 -$16.35

5 oz. Preemptor SC @ R1 15.9 203.5 +11.9 +$25.55

14.5 oz. Trivapro @ R1 16.4 193.5 +1.9 -$10.17

2-H

ybrid

Av

erag

e

Control: No Fungicide 16.4 188.0 -- --

5 oz. Preemptor SC @ V8 16.2 198.2 +10.2 +$18.99

14.5 oz. Trivapro @ V8 16.2 190.8 +2.8 -$6.50

5 oz. Preemptor SC @ R1 16.3 202.0 +14.0 +$33.66

14.5 oz. Trivapro @ R1 16.6 192.9 +4.9 +$1.41

Corn $3.86/Bu. Preemptor™ SC $521.83/gal. Trivapro® $17.50/A. *®XL, Optimum, and AcreMax are registered trademarks of Pioneer. XL® brand seed is distributed by Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc. Individual results may vary.

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• In 2016 we had minimal leaf diseases, however Gray Leaf Spot (GLS) and Northern Corn Leaf Blight (NCLB) were both present.

• We saw significant differences in yield response between both fungicide treatments.

• At both the V8 and R1 growth stages, Preemptor™ SC treatments resulted in much larger ears and significant yield increases.

• The month of June was well below average for moisture. Fungicides reduce stress which could be the reason we saw such a high response and return on investment in 2016.

Gray Leaf Spot (GLS)

Preemptor™ SC @ V8

Control: No Fungicide

Preemptor™ SC @ R1

Control: No Fungicide

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FUNGICIDE & INSECTICIDE STUDYIn-Furrow

• There were few differences in emerged population among all treatments, although there were some hybrid differences.

• The minimal disease and insect pressure observed in 2016 led to minimal or negative return on investment.

PURPOSE To evaluate the yield and profitability of various fungicides and insecticides when applied in-furrow.

STUDY INFORMATIONPlanted 4/18/2016Harvested 10/17/2016Population 32,271 Seeds/A.Row Width 30 in.Previous Crop CornTillage Fall Disk-Rip, Spring

Field CultivationHerbicides Pre: 3.5 oz. Corvus®,

1 qt. Atrazine Post: 3 oz. Capreno®, 1 qt. Roundup PowerMAX®

Insecticides Escalate™

Starter 5 gal. PureGrade® 6-24-6 In-Furrow

Total Nitrogen

215 units as UAN

Soil Type Crosby-Lewisburg (silt loam)

Soil Test Values

pH O.M. % CEC6.0 3.1 14.7

Percent Base Saturation

Ca Mg K H47.5 26.0 2.1 24.4

Parts per Million

P K S28 123 8

Zn Mn B1.6 36 0.3

2016 RESULTS

Bran

d

Emer

genc

e

In-Furrow Treatments Emer

ged

Popu

latio

n

Popu

latio

n D

iffer

ence

Bu./

A.

Bu./

A.

Diff

eren

ce

Retu

rn o

n In

vest

men

t

5832

A3**

Fast

Control: Starter 34,500 -- 191.4 -- --

Starter + 3.4 oz. Ethos® XB 35,389 +889 191.6 +0.2 -$9.28

Starter + 1 pt. Serenade® ASO 35,500 +1,000 188.6 -2.8 -$15.11

Starter + 3.4 oz. Capture® LFR® 35,417 +917 189.0 -2.4 -$19.19

Starter + 7.2 oz. Xanthion™ 34,667 +167 191.6 +0.2 -$18.68

6076

SX

Slow

er

Control: Starter 35,417 -- 188.5 -- --

Starter + 3.4 oz. Ethos XB 34,945 -472 191.2 +2.7 +$0.36

Starter + 1 pt. Serenade ASO 34,889 -528 187.7 -0.8 -$7.40

Starter + 3.4 oz. Capture LFR 35,056 -361 186.3 -2.2 -$18.42

Starter + 7.2 oz. Xanthion 34,889 -528 185.4 -3.1 -$31.43

2-H

ybrid

Ave

rage

Control: Starter 34,958 -- 190.0 -- --

Starter + 3.4 oz. Ethos XB 35,167 +209 191.4 +1.4 -$4.46

Starter + 1 pt. Serenade ASO 35,195 +237 188.2 -1.8 -$11.26

Starter + 3.4 oz. Capture LFR 35,236 +278 187.7 -2.3 -$18.81

Starter + 7.2 oz. Xanthion 34,778 -180 188.5 -1.5 -$25.06

Corn $3.86/Bu. Capture® LFR® $373.81/gal. Serenade® ASO $34.47/gal. Xanthion™ $19.46/A. Ethos® XB $378.56/gal. **Phoenix® is a registered trademark of a Syngenta Group Company. Phoenix® brand seed is distributed by Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc. Individual results may vary.

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2016 RESULTS

Treatments Emer

ged

Popu

latio

n

Popu

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n D

iffer

ence

Bu./

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Bu./

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Control: Starter 31,584 -- 198.5 -- --

Starter + 3.4 oz. Capture® VGR™ In-Furrow

32,084 +500 201.7 +3.2 +$2.42

Corn $3.86/Bu. Capture® VGR™ $373.81/gal. *®XL, Optimum, and AcreMax are registered trademarks of Pioneer. XL® brand seed is distributed by Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc. Individual results may vary.

• Capture® VGR™ is the combination of both an insecticide and a soil amendment containing the beneficial bacteria Bacillus licheniformis.

• While no visible differences were observed in corn plants treated with Capture VGR, the lack of insect pressure early in the season suggests the increase in yield observed with this application may have been as a result of the Bacillus licheniformis in Capture VGR.

PURPOSE To determine if Capture VGR, a combination product consisting of Capture LFR® and VGR soil amendment, can increase plant health, yield and profitability.

STUDY INFORMATIONPlanted 4/25/2016Harvested 10/7/2016Population 32,271 Seeds/A.Row Width 30 in.Previous Crop SoybeansTillage Fall Disk-Rip, Spring

Field CultivationHerbicides Pre: 3.5 oz. Corvus®,

1 qt. Atrazine Post: 3 oz. Capreno®, 1 qt. Roundup PowerMAX®

Insecticides Escalate™

Starter 5 gal. PureGrade® 6-24-6 In-Furrow, 10 gal. 28-0-0 2x2

Total Nitrogen

190 units as UAN

Brand 5828AMX™*

Soil Type Crosby-Lewisburg (silt loam)

Soil Test Values

pH O.M. % CEC5.9 4.3 18.9

Percent Base Saturation

Ca Mg K H50.2 22.0 2.5 25.4

Parts per Million

P K S53 182 8

Zn Mn B1.7 33 0.4

INSECTICIDE STUDYCapture® VGR™

WHAT IS BACILLUS LICHENIFORMIS?VGR soil amendment contains a specific strain of Bacillus licheniformis, a naturally occurring bacteria which rapidly colonizes actively growing roots. This results in larger root systems, improved water use efficiency, increased phosphorus solubility for better nutrient uptake, and improved plant defense against abiotic stresses.

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• All treatments were applied with UAN as the carrier, for a total of 25 units/A. of nitrogen (N).

• When soil sampling in 2015, we discovered that the boron (B), zinc (Zn) and sulfur (S) levels were low across the majority of our acres.

• Typically 50 percent of S, 65 percent of B, and 71 percent of Zn is not utilized until after the V10 growth stage, with the majority of these nutrients not being used until after tassel (VT).

• We chose to make the 360 Y-DROP® application at V10 to allow enough time for incorporation by rain, prior to peak demand.

• The application of supplemental S resulted in an average yield increase of 1.7 Bu./A. and the supplemental B resulted in an additional 0.5 Bu./A. across both hybrids.

• It is important to note that the secondary micronutrients are required in much smaller quantities than N, phosphorus (P) and potassium (K).

• In this case, we were most likely able to access adequate amounts of B, Zn, and S from the soil due to the ample rainfall and above average growing conditions we experienced in 2016.

• Yield increases still resulted in a negative return on investment. Investing in micronutrients makes the most sense in a higher price environment.

PURPOSE To evaluate the yield and profitability of various micronutrient products applied with 360 Y-DROP at the V10 growth stage.

STUDY INFORMATIONPlanted 4/26/2016Harvested 10/7/2016Population 32,271 Seeds/A.Row Width 30 in.Previous Crop SoybeansTillage Fall Disk-Rip, Spring

Field CultivationHerbicides Pre: 3.5 oz. Corvus®,

1 qt. Atrazine Post: 3 oz. Capreno®, 1 qt. Roundup PowerMAX®

Insecticides Escalate™

Starter 10 gal. 28-0-0 2x2

Total Nitrogen

190 units as UAN

Soil Type Crosby-Lewisburg (silt loam)

Soil Test Values

pH O.M. % CEC6.2 4.0 14.5

Percent Base Saturation

Ca Mg K H55.1 25.8 2.5 16.5

Parts per Million

P K S33 141 8

Zn Mn B1.5 37 0.3

MICRONUTRIENT STUDY360 Y-DROP®

2016 RESULTS

Bran

d

V10 Treatments Perc

ent

Moi

stur

e

Bu./

A.

Bu./

A.

Diff

eren

ce

Retu

rn o

n In

vest

men

t

5140

HR™

* Control 17.1 188.5 -- --7 gal. Thio-Sul® (12-0-0-26S) 17.0 191.8 +3.3 +$1.862 qt. Liquid Boron 10% 17.0 187.7 -0.8 -$11.472 qt. Ultra-Che® Zinc 9% EDTA 17.0 184.7 -3.8 -$27.42

5840

AM™

* Control 17.4 190.8 -- --7 gal. Thio-Sul (12-0-0-26S) 17.8 191.0 +0.2 -$10.112 qt. Liquid Boron 10% 17.6 192.7 +1.9 -$1.052 qt. Ultra-Che Zinc 9% EDTA 17.2 190.4 -0.4 -$14.30

2-H

ybrid

Av

erag

e Control 17.3 189.7 -- --7 gal. Thio-Sul (12-0-0-26S) 17.4 191.4 +1.7 -$4.122 qt. Liquid Boron 10% 17.3 190.2 +0.5 -$6.262 qt. Ultra-Che Zinc 9% EDTA 17.1 187.6 -2.1 -$20.86

Corn $3.86/Bu. Thio-Sul® (12-0-0-26S) $2.21/gal. Ultra-Che® Zinc 9% EDTA $25.50/gal. UAN $0.51/unit of nitrogen. Liquid Boron 10% $16.75/gal. *®XL, Optimum, and AcreMax are registered trademarks of Pioneer. XL® brand seed is distributed by Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc. Individual results may vary.

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SULFUR STUDY

• Nitrogen (N) and sulfur (S) create a synergy with one another by improving N uptake when S is added to the field.

• This year’s S study in Ohio resulted in no gain with the addition of S. These results suggest that S was not a limiting factor in N use in this field.

• Sulfur response should be higher on lower organic matter or lower CEC soils.

PURPOSE To evaluate the use of Thio-Sul® in a sidedress application at the V3 growth stage, in an attempt to increase nitrogen use efficiency, plant health, yield and profitability.

STUDY INFORMATIONPlanted 5/25/2016Harvested 10/11/2016Population 32,271 Seeds/A.Row Width 30 in.Previous Crop SoybeansTillage Fall Disk-Rip, Spring

Field CultivationHerbicides Pre: 3.5 oz. Corvus®,

1 qt. Atrazine, 1 qt. Liberty® Post: 3 oz. Capreno®, 1 qt. Roundup PowerMAX®

Insecticides Escalate™

Starter 10 gal. 28-0-0 2x2

Total Nitrogen

Various

Brand 6158AM™*

Soil Type Crosby-Lewisburg (silt loam)

Soil Test Values

pH O.M. % CEC8.2 2.7 25.7

Percent Base Saturation

Ca Mg K H83.6 15.2 1.1 0.0

Parts per Million

P K S7 113 15

Zn Mn B1.6 50 0.8

2016 RESULTS

V3 Treatments Nitr

ogen

(U

nits

/A.)

Sulfu

r (U

nits

/A.)

Perc

ent

Moi

stur

e

Bu./

A.

Bu./

A.

Diff

eren

ce

Retu

rn o

n In

vest

men

t

Control: 160 units N 160 16.2 155.1 -- --

151 units N + 7 gal. Thio-Sul® (12-0-0-26S) 160 20 16.3 154.5 -0.6 -$13.20

131 units N + 7 gal. Thio-Sul (12-0-0-26S) 140 20 16.1 153.7 -1.4 -$6.09

Corn $3.86/Bu. Thio-Sul® (12-0-0-26S) $2.21/gal. UAN $0.51/unit of nitrogen. *®XL, Optimum, and AcreMax are registered trademarks of Pioneer. XL® brand seed is distributed by Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc. Individual results may vary.

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WATER MANAGEMENT STUDYTile Spacing

2016 RESULTS

Bran

d

Tile

Spa

cing

(F

eet)

Bu./

A.

Bu./

A.

Diff

eren

ce

Tile

Cos

t/A.

Bala

nce

to

Pay

off a

fter

2

Year

s of

C

orn

6225HR™* &

6365AM™*

2-Hybrid Average

Control: No Tile 175.2 -- -- --

7.5 202.5 +27.3 $4,842.00 $4,612.40

20 190.7 +15.5 $1,803.00 $1,601.67

30 197.6 +22.4 $1,202.00 $980.46

40 187.3 +12.1 $900.00 $786.56

50 196.9 +21.7 $721.00 $594.63

60 193.3 +18.1 $600.00 $522.90

*®XL, Optimum, and AcreMax are registered trademarks of Pioneer. XL® brand seed is distributed by Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc. Individual results may vary.

• When compared to no tile, all tiled treatments showed an increase in yield. The two highest yielding tile spacings were 7.5 ft. at 202.5 Bu./A. and 30 ft. at 197.6 Bu./A.

• After two years of corn, 7.5 ft. tiling would have a balance of $4,612.40 to pay off while the 30 ft. tile spacing would only have a balance of $980.46 to pay off.

PURPOSE To compare different subsurface tile widths and their effects on yield and return on investment.

STUDY INFORMATIONPlanted 5/25/2016Harvested 10/13/2016Population 32,271 Seeds/A.Row Width 30 in.Previous Crop CornTillage Fall Disk-Rip, Spring

Field CultivationHerbicides Pre: 3.5 oz. Corvus®,

1 qt. Atrazine, 1 qt. Liberty® Post: 3 oz. Capreno®, 1 qt. Roundup PowerMAX®

Insecticides Escalate™

Starter 10 gal. 28-0-0 2x2

Total Nitrogen

215 units as UAN

Soil Type Crosby-Lewisburg (silt loam)

Soil Test Values

pH O.M. % CEC6.0 3.7 16.2

Percent Base Saturation

Ca Mg K H51.3 24.7 2.1 21.9

Parts per Million

P K S29 126 5

Zn Mn B2.0 37 0.6

140 150 160 170 180 190 200

2-Year Yield Data

Control: No Tile 7.5 20 30 40 50 60

2-YEAR TILE SPACING YIELD ADVANTAGE

Control: No Tile

Bu./A.

7.52030405060

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RESIDUE MANAGEMENT STUDY

2016 RESULTS

Fall Treatments Perc

ent

Moi

stur

e

Bu./

A.

Bu./

A.

Diff

eren

ce

Retu

rn o

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vest

men

t

Control 14.8 172.8 -- --

1 qt. Robust® 14.8 183.6 +10.8 +$30.41

16 oz. Res Plus 14.9 181.1 +8.3 +$23.04

1 gal. Humi-Till® 15.0 175.0 +2.2 -$4.31

0.5 oz. BPE-5C 14.9 172.0 -0.8 -$12.09

Corn $3.86/Bu. Robust® $45.10/gal. Res Plus $72.00/gal. Humi-Till® $12.80/gal. BPE-5C $288.00/lb. *®XL, Optimum, and AcreMax are registered trademarks of Pioneer. XL® brand seed is distributed by Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc. Individual results may vary.

PURPOSE To evaluate various residue management products and their ability to increase yields by breaking down excessive surface residue. These products were fall applied on October 30, 2015.

STUDY INFORMATIONPlanted 4/25/2016Harvested 10/14/2016Population 32,271 Seeds/A.Row Width 30 in.Previous Crop CornTillage No-TillHerbicides Burndown:

1 qt. Roundup PowerMAX®, 10.5 oz. 2,4-D Pre: 3.5 oz. Corvus®, 1 qt. Atrazine Post: 3 oz. Capreno®, 1 qt. Roundup PowerMAX

Insecticides Escalate™

Starter 10 gal. 28-0-0 2x2

Total Nitrogen

215 units as UAN

Brand 5939AMXT™*

Soil Type Sloan (silty clay loam)

Soil Test Values

pH O.M. % CEC7.9 4.6 19.6

Percent Base Saturation

Ca Mg K H70.0 27.2 2.8 0.0

Parts per Million

P K S67 215 13

Zn Mn B4.4 57 2.1

Jared Chester, Ohio PFR Location Lead, applying residue management products in the fall of 2015.

• These residue management products were applied one week following harvest in 2015.

• Robust® showed the greatest results of all the residue management products tested in 2016, with a 10.8 Bu./A. increase. Res Plus has delivered a positive return on investment over four years, achieving PFR Proven™ status.

• Res Plus is advertised as a dual-action residue management product that contains both the essentials needed for residue breakdown. This includes chelated micronutrients and macronutrients combined with an enhanced residue degradation booster.

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HIGH YIELD ATTEMPT

• Previous research has shown that soybeans require five units of total nitrogen (N) to produce 1 Bu./A., whether fixed from the air or acquired from soil reserves.

• In this high yield attempt, the greatest yields were achieved with the treatment of N applied pre-plant.

• Adding N to early planted soybeans, when soils are cool and wet, could prove to be beneficial.

PURPOSE To raise high yielding soybeans through the use of various seed treatments, product applications, and intensive management strategies.

STUDY INFORMATIONPlanted 4/20/2016Harvested 10/6/2016Population 150,000 Seeds/A.Row Width 15 in.Previous Crop CornTillage Fall Disk-Rip, Spring

Field CultivationHerbicides Pre: 8 oz.

Authority® Assist Post: 1 qt. Roundup PowerMAX®

Insecticides Escalate™

Soil Type Crosby-Lewisburg (silt loam)

Soil Test Values

pH O.M. % CEC6.8 5.2 17.4

Percent Base Saturation

Ca Mg K H66.0 28.9 2.1 3.0

Parts per Million

P K S61 144 7

Zn Mn B2.9 32 0.9

2016 RESULTS

Bran

d

Trea

tmen

ts

Perc

ent

Moi

stur

e

Bu./

A.

Bu./

A.

Diff

eren

ce

345R4™*

Control 11.7 94.2 --Treatment 1 11.6 84.8 -9.4Treatment 2 11.6 95.8 +1.6

387R4™*

Control 12.1 93.3 --Treatment 1 12.5 89.6 -3.7Treatment 2 12.0 97.7 +4.4

418NR™*

Control 11.6 90.1 --Treatment 1 12.0 91.7 +1.6Treatment 2 12.0 94.9 +4.8

3-Variety Average

Control 11.8 92.5 --Treatment 1 12.0 88.7 -3.8Treatment 2 11.9 96.1 +3.6

*®XL is a registered trademark of Pioneer. XL® brand seed is distributed by Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc. Individual results may vary.

HIGH-MANAGEMENT TREATMENTSCONTROL Escalate™ + Poncho®/VOTiVO® + ILeVO® + Optimize®

TREATMENT 1 Control + 3.4 oz. Capture® LFR® In-Furrow + 6 oz. Aproach®, 6 oz. Hero®, 40 oz. Toggle™, 1 qt. Sulfur Plus™, 1 qt. Boron Plus® @ R3

TREATMENT 2 Treatment 1 + 10 gal. 28-0-0 Pre-plant Incorporated

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PLANTING DATE STUDY

PURPOSE To determine the optimum planting date window by planting on multiple dates throughout the growing season.

STUDY INFORMATIONPlanted VariousHarvested VariousPopulation 150,000 Seeds/A.Row Width 15 in.Previous Crop CornTillage Fall Disk-Rip, Spring

Field CultivationHerbicides Pre: 8 oz.

Authority® Assist Post: 1 qt. Liberty®

Insecticides Escalate™

Soil Type Kokomo (silty clay loam)

Soil Test Values

pH O.M. % CEC7.1 6.1 20.2

Percent Base Saturation

Ca Mg K H66.7 30.9 2.4 0.0

Parts per Million

P K S48 187 6

Zn Mn B3.0 32 1.1

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% 120% 140%

3-Year Planting Date Yield

April 1 - 15April 16 - 30May 1 - 15May 16 - 31June 1- 15June 16 - 30

Percent of Average Yield

2016 RESULTS

Plan

ting

Dat

e

Bran

d

Perc

ent

Moi

stur

e

Bu./

A.

April 6314L4 12.3 91.1394L4 12.4 91.0

AVG. 12.4 91.1

April 20314L4 12.1 93.6394L4 12.2 88.0

AVG. 12.2 90.8

May 9314L4 11.9 88.5394L4 11.9 85.2

AVG. 11.9 86.9

May 24314L4 11.7 80.7394L4 11.9 78.7

AVG. 11.8 79.7

June 8314L4 10.8 68.1394L4 10.4 72.4

AVG. 10.6 70.3

June 22314L4 10.9 57.7394L4 11.2 54.1

AVG. 11.1 55.9

Individual results may vary.

3-YEAR OPTIMUM PLANTING DATE WINDOW

April 1 - 15April 16 - 30May 1 - 15May 16 - 31June 1- 15June 16 - 30

Data from 2014, 2015 and 2016 has shown that April planted soybeans out-yield later planted soybeans. This early planting date advantage could be due to earlier flowering. Our April planted soybeans began flowering approximately a week before the May 9 planted soybeans and about three weeks before our May 24 planted soybeans. Earlier flowering, quicker canopy and more nodes make early planting pay off in many years.

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1.9 %

5.6 %

9.4 %

9.3 %

7.3 %

2.8 %

0.5 in.

1.0 in.

1.5 in.

2.0 in.

2.5 in.

3.0 in.

PLANTING DEPTH STUDY

A uniform plant stand is critical to soybean production. The shallow planting depth of 0.5 in. resulted in fewer emerged plants due to poor seed-to-soil contact. A planting depth of 2.5 in. resulted in a poor emerged stand. Planting deeper results in seed placement in cooler soils, taking more time and energy to get out of the ground.

PURPOSE To examine how planting depth impacts plant population, emergence and yield.

STUDY INFORMATIONPlanted 6/1/2016Harvested 10/11/2016Population 150,000 Seeds/A.Row Width 15 in.Previous Crop CornTillage Fall Disk-Rip, Spring

Field CultivationHerbicides Pre: 2 oz. Zidua®,

1 qt. Liberty® Post: 1 qt. Roundup PowerMAX®

Insecticides Escalate™

Brand 312R4™*

Soil Type Crosby-Lewisburg (silt loam)

Soil Test Values

pH O.M. % CEC7.7 4.3 20.0

Percent Base Saturation

Ca Mg K H75.2 23.2 1.7 0.0

Parts per Million

P K S17 129 10

Zn Mn B3.4 40 1.4

2016 RESULTS

Plat

ing

Dep

th

(Inc

hes)

Emer

ged

Popu

latio

n

Popu

latio

n D

iffer

ence

Bu./

A.

Bu./

A.

Diff

eren

ce

0.5 123,420 -22,748 52.9 -0.1Control: 1.0 146,168 -- 53.0 --

1.5 143,748 -2,420 52.9 -0.12.0 137,940 -8,228 50.9 -2.12.5 122,452 -23,716 50.8 -2.2

*®XL is a registered trademark of Pioneer. XL® brand seed is distributed by Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc. Individual results may vary.

PLANTING DEPTH CANOPY COVERAGE

Canopy Cover 20 Days After PlantingCanopy coverage image from Canopeo. www.canopeoapp.com

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SEED TREATMENT STUDYEscalate™ vs. Untreated

2016 RESULTS

Bran

d

Treatments Perc

ent

Moi

stur

e

Bu./

A.

Bu./

A.

Diff

eren

ce

297R4™*Control: Untreated 12.7 81.8 --

Escalate™ 12.6 82.1 +0.3

312R4™*Control: Untreated 12.6 85.9 --

Escalate 12.6 86.6 +0.7

323R4™*Control: Untreated 12.8 83.2 --

Escalate 12.8 86.8 +3.6

3-Variety Average

Control: Untreated 12.7 83.6 --

Escalate 12.7 85.2 +1.6

*®XL is a registered trademark of Pioneer. XL® brand seed is distributed by Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc. Individual results may vary. Individual results may vary.

This study was planted into ideal soil conditions. The average daily high temperature for the week following planting was 74 degrees, with an average nightly low of 47 degrees. All varieties, whether treated or untreated, flew out of the ground. The plot received 0.25 in. of rain one week after planting with a total of just under 1 in. for the five weeks following planting. These conditions led to a lower response than what has been historically gained from using Escalate™. In four years of testing at Ohio PFR, Escalate has demonstrated a 3.2 Bu./A. increase over untreated seed.

PURPOSE To evaluate the yield and final population of Beck’s Escalate yield enhancement system on multiple soybean varieties compared to untreated seed.

STUDY INFORMATIONPlanted 4/19/2016Harvested 9/27/2016Population 160,000 Seeds/A.Row Width 15 in.Previous Crop CornTillage Fall Disk-Rip, Spring

Field CultivationHerbicides Pre: 8 oz.

Authority® Assist Post: 1 qt. Roundup PowerMAX®

Soil Type Crosby-Lewisburg (silt loam)

Soil Test Values

pH O.M. % CEC6.0 3.2 11.9

Percent Base Saturation

Ca Mg K H52.5 24.1 3.3 20.1

Parts per Million

P K S35 151 8

Zn Mn B1.7 43 0.2

0 2 4 6 8 10 12

4-Year Escalate Yield Advantage

2013 2014 2015 2016

4-YEAR ESCALATE™ YIELD ADVANTAGE

Bu./A.

+3.2 Bu./A.Average

2013201420152016

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SEED TREATMENT STUDYILeVO®

PURPOSE To compare the differences in yield and profitability when using ILeVO on different soybean varieties with contrasting genetic tolerance to Sudden Death Syndrome (SDS). Earlier and later planting dates were evaluated with three different seed treatments.

STUDY INFORMATIONPlanted VariousHarvested 9/27/16Population 160,000 Seeds/A.Row Width 15 in.Previous Crop CornTillage Fall Disk-Rip, Spring

Field CultivationHerbicides Pre: 8 oz.

Authority® Assist Post: 1 qt. Roundup PowerMAX®

Soil Type Kokomo (silty clay loam)

Soil Test Values

pH O.M. % CEC6.1 2.8 13.0

Percent Base Saturation

Ca Mg K H55.9 23.1 2.5 18.5

Parts per Million

P K S39 127 10

Zn Mn B1.6 36 0.2

2016 RESULTS

Dat

e

Bran

d

SDS

Tole

ranc

e

Treatments Emer

ged

Popu

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n

Popu

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iffer

ence

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A.

Bu./

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Diff

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April

19

Earli

er P

lant

ing 28

5R4™

*

Aver

age

Control: Escalate™ 153,428 -- 72.7 -- --

Escalate SDS 154,396 +968 76.1 +3.4 +$22.69

Poncho®/VOTiVO® + ILeVO® 156,816 +3,388 79.1 +6.4 +$42.82

297R

4™*

Very

Goo

d Control: Escalate 154,880 -- 79.7 -- --

Escalate SDS 148,104 -6,776 81.4 +1.7 +$6.58

Poncho/VOTiVO + ILeVO 151,008 -3,872 81.2 +1.5 -$3.63

May

25

Late

r Pla

ntin

g 285R

4™*

Aver

age

Control: Escalate 152,460 -- 76.6 -- --

Escalate SDS 153,912 +1,452 78.7 +2.1 +$10.37

Poncho/VOTiVO + ILeVO 157,300 +4,840 80.9 +4.3 +$22.91

297R

4™*

Very

Goo

d Control: Escalate 155,848 -- 78.5 -- --

Escalate SDS 157,300 +1,452 79.6 +1.1 +$0.89

Poncho/VOTiVO + ILeVO 143,748 -12,100 81.0 +2.5 +$5.85

Soybeans $9.48/Bu. Escalate SDS $7.75/unit. Poncho®/VOTiVO® + ILeVO® $14.50/unit. Escalate™ $0.00/unit. *®XL is a registered trademark of Pioneer. XL® brand seed is distributed by Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc. Individual results may vary. Individual results may vary.

ILeVO®No ILeVO®

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$0 $2 $4 $6 $8 $10

2-Year Return on Investment

Poncho/VOTiVO + ILeVO Escalate SDS

2-YEAR SEED TREATMENT RETURN ON INVESTMENT

Escalate SDS

Poncho®/VOTiVO® + ILeVO®

Dollars/A.

• Visually, there was a minimal amount of SDS present.

• XL® 297R4™*brand, the variety with a higher SDS tolerance rating showed less of a response to the ILeVO® treatment with a 1.5 Bu./A. increase at the early plant date and a 2.5 Bu./A. increase at the later plant date.

• XL® 285R4™*brand has a lower SDS rating and showed a 3.4 Bu./A. increase when planted earlier and a 4.3 Bu./A. when planted later.

• Keep in mind your fields history and each variety's genetic tolerance to SDS when considering Escalate SDS.

Sudden Death Syndrome (SDS)

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STARTER FERTILIZER STUDY

2016 RESULTS

Bran

d

Emer

genc

e

In-Furrow Treatments Perc

ent

Moi

stur

e

Bu./

A.

Bu./

A.

Diff

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Retu

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345R

4™*

Fast

Control: No Starter 11.1 74.6 -- --

3 gal. First Pass® with MicroCarb ZMB™ (3-5-15) 11.3 76.8 +2.2 +$3.06

3 gal. RoMax® Soybean with SoyMix (2-14-8) 11.3 73.2 -1.4 -$26.02

3 gal. NACHURS® Triple Option® (4-13-17-1S) 11.1 73.5 -1.1 -$29.63

3 gal. NACHURS Rhyzo-Link® 3-10-13 11.2 72.5 -2.1 -$49.61

365R

2

Slow

er

Control: No Starter 11.1 88.0 -- --

3 gal. First Pass with MicroCarb ZMB (3-5-15) 11.1 88.2 +0.2 -$15.89

3 gal. RoMax Soybean with SoyMix (2-14-8) 11.1 90.2 +2.2 +$8.11

3 gal. NACHURS Triple Option (4-13-17-1S) 11.1 84.7 -3.3 -$50.48

3 gal. NACHURS Rhyzo-Link 3-10-13 11.1 87.3 -0.7 -$36.34

2-Va

riety

Ave

rage

Control: No Starter 11.1 81.3 -- --

3 gal. First Pass with MicroCarb ZMB (3-5-15) 11.2 82.5 +1.2 -$6.42

3 gal. RoMax Soybean with SoyMix (2-14-8) 11.2 81.7 +0.4 -$8.96

3 gal. NACHURS Triple Option (4-13-17-1S) 11.1 79.1 -2.2 -$40.06

3 gal. NACHURS Rhyzo-Link 3-10-13 11.2 79.9 -1.4 -$42.98

Soybeans $9.48/Bu. RoMax® Soybean with SoyMix (2-14-8) $4.25/gal. NACHURS® Rhyzo-Link® 3-10-13 $9.90/gal. First Pass® with MicroCarb ZMB™ (3-5-15) $5.93/gal. NACHURS® Triple Option® (4-13-17-1S) $6.40/gal. *®XL is a registered trademark of Pioneer. XL® brand seed is distributed by Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc. Individual results may vary.

• We saw inconsistent yield results with each of the starter products.

• The variability was due to favorable growing conditions at emergence and high soil test levels for phosphorus and potassium in these soils.

PURPOSE To evaluate various soybean starter fertilizers applied in-furrow and their effects on yield and profitability.

STUDY INFORMATIONPlanted 4/19/2016Harvested 10/7/2016Population 150,000 Seeds/A.Row Width 15 in.Previous Crop CornTillage Fall Disk-Rip, Spring

Field CultivationHerbicides Pre: 8 oz.

Authority® Assist Post: 1 qt. Roundup PowerMAX®

Insecticides Escalate™

Soil Type Crosby-Lewisburg (silt loam)

Soil Test Values

pH O.M. % CEC5.7 2.6 11.1

Percent Base Saturation

Ca Mg K H47.3 16.9 3.4 32.4

Parts per Million

P K S58 147 9

Zn Mn B1.4 48 0.3

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STARTER ADDITIVE STUDYSugar & Starch

2016 RESULTS

In-Furrow Treatments Perc

ent

Moi

stur

e

Bu./

A.

Bu./

A.

Diff

eren

ce

Retu

rn o

n In

vest

men

t

Control 11.8 62.1 -- --

4 lb. Sugar 11.8 63.0 +0.9 +$5.05

4 lb. Sugar + 4 lb. Corn Starch 11.8 62.9 +0.8 +$0.10

Soybeans $9.48/Bu. Sugar $0.87/lb. Corn Starch $1.00/lb. *®XL is a registered trademark of Pioneer. XL® brand seed is distributed by Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc. Individual results may vary.

• Applying sugar and starch is thought to provide a ready food source for beneficial soil microbes.

• When observing this study in early July, differences in vegetative growth could be noticed based on the treatment applied (see picture below).

• An increase in growth was evident where sugar alone had been applied in-furrow.

PURPOSE To determine if applying sugar and starch in-furrow will increase yield and profitability.

STUDY INFORMATIONPlanted 5/25/2016Harvested 10/11/2016Population 150,000 Seeds/A.Row Width 15 in.Previous Crop CornTillage Fall Disk-Rip, Spring

Field CultivationHerbicides Pre: 2 oz. Zidua®,

1 qt. Liberty® Post: 1 qt. Roundup PowerMAX®

Insecticides Escalate™

Brand 387R4™*

Soil Type Crosby-Lewisburg (silt loam)

Soil Test Values

pH O.M. % CEC7.9 2.8 24.0

Percent Base Saturation

Ca Mg K H82.2 16.7 1.1 0.0

Parts per Million

P K S12 103 8

Zn Mn B1.8 44 0.5

Sugar No Sugar

Trifoliates from plants grown in sugar amended soil are larger than those from the control plot.

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CARBON STUDYIn-Furrow

2016 RESULTS

Bran

d

In-Furrow Treatments Pe

rcen

t M

oist

ure

Bu./

A.

Bu./

A.

Diff

eren

ce

Retu

rn o

n In

vest

men

t

323R

4™* Control 13.4 74.2 -- --

1 gal. Restore™ 13.3 75.4 +1.2 -$3.63

2 gal. Restore 13.4 76.1 +1.9 -$11.99

345R

4™* Control 12.6 78.4 -- --

1 gal. Restore 12.8 77.5 -0.9 -$23.53

2 gal. Restore 12.8 78.5 +0.1 -$29.05

2-Va

riety

Av

erag

e Control 13.0 76.3 -- --

1 gal. Restore 13.1 76.5 +0.2 -$13.58

2 gal. Restore 13.1 77.3 +1.0 -$20.52

Soybeans $9.48/Bu. Restore™ $15.00/gal. *®XL is a registered trademark of Pioneer. XL® brand seed is distributed by Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc. Individual results may vary.

• Restore™ is a carbon-based product that is thought to stimulate root growth and enhance water and nutrient uptake in the plant.

• On average, a 0.2 Bu./A. increase was noticed when applying 1 gal. of Restore and 1.0 Bu./A. increase when applying 2 gal. of Restore.

• Neither rate showed a positive return on investment in 2016.

PURPOSE To evaluate two in-furrow rates of the carbon-based product, Restore™, and its effect on seed germination, root growth and profitability.

STUDY INFORMATIONPlanted 5/25/2016Harvested 10/11/2016Population 150,000 Seeds/A.Row Width 15 in.Previous Crop CornTillage Fall Disk-Rip, Spring

Field CultivationHerbicides Pre: 2 oz. Zidua®,

1 qt. Liberty® Post: 1 qt. Roundup PowerMAX®

Insecticides Escalate™

Soil Type Kokomo (silty clay loam)

Soil Test Values

pH O.M. % CEC7.2 4.4 15.8

Percent Base Saturation

Ca Mg K H74.6 22.7 2.7 0.0

Parts per Million

P K S29 165 9

Zn Mn B4.1 37 1.0

Soybeans at emergence.

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BIOLOGICAL STUDY

• The application of Optify®/Stretch In-Furrow resulted in an increase in emerged population, but that did not translate to added yield.

• Following emergence, little difference was noted in soybeans between the control and the Optify/Stretch In-Furrow treatment.

• The Toggle™ application at the R3 growth stage provided a strong return on investment.

PURPOSE To evaluate two different biologicals, one as a row starter additive and one as a foliar product. These two products were evaluated for their effects on plant health, yield and profitability.

STUDY INFORMATIONPlanted 5/24/2016Harvested 10/8/2016Population 140,000 Seeds/A.Row Width 30 in.Previous Crop CornTillage Fall No-Till, Spring

Vertical-Till/Field Cultivation

Herbicides Pre: 8 oz. Authority® Assist, 1 qt. Liberty® Post: 1 qt. Liberty

Insecticides Escalate™

Brand 366L4

Soil Type Crosby-Lewisburg (silt loam)

Soil Test Values

pH O.M. % CEC6.9 2.7 12.7

Percent Base Saturation

Ca Mg K H60.9 35.0 2.6 1.5

Parts per Million

P K S25 130 3

Zn Mn B1.8 56 0.6

2016 RESULTS

Treatments Emer

ged

Popu

latio

n

Popu

latio

n D

iffer

ence

Bu./

A.

Bu./

A.

Diff

eren

ce

Retu

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n In

vest

men

t

Control 94,380 -- 56.7 -- --

10 oz. Optify®/Stretch In-Furrow 107,085 +12,705 56.3 -0.4 -$12.30

40 oz. Toggle™ @ R3 94,138 -242 61.4 +4.7 +$32.05

10 oz. Optify/Stretch In-Furrow + 40 oz. Toggle @ R3

109,626 +15,246 61.4 +4.7 +$23.55

Soybeans $9.48/Bu. Toggle™ $40.00/gal. Optify®/Stretch $108.80/gal. Individual results may vary.

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POPULATION STUDY15 in. Rows

• Soybeans planted early at lower populations tend to branch and have a bushy plant structure due to less competition. This leads to more pods per plant and a greater return on investment (ROI).

• While our highest yield was achieved with 150,000 seeds/A., our greatest ROI was at 100,000 seeds/A.

PURPOSE To evaluate various plant populations of soybeans to determine an Economic Optimum Seeding Rate (EOSR).

STUDY INFORMATIONPlanted 4/23/2016Harvested 10/6/2016Population VariousRow Width 15 in.Previous Crop CornTillage Fall Disk-Rip, Spring

Field CultivationHerbicides Pre: 8 oz.

Authority® Assist Post: 1 qt. Liberty®

Insecticides Escalate™

Brand 366L4

Soil Type Kokomo (silty clay loam)

Soil Test Values

pH O.M. % CEC6.2 4.9 18.8

Percent Base Saturation

Ca Mg K H51.7 27.2 1.9 19.1

Parts per Million

P K S42 143 7

Zn Mn B1.9 21 0.5

2016 RESULTS

Plan

ted

Popu

latio

n (S

eeds

/A.)

Perc

ent

Moi

stur

e

Bu./

A.

Seed

Cos

t/A.

Net R

etur

n

100,000 11.4 80.3 $40.95 $720.29

125,000 11.3 80.6 $51.19 $712.90

150,000 11.4 82.0 $61.43 $715.93

175,000 11.3 79.8 $71.67 $684.83

200,000 11.5 79.7 $81.91 $673.65

Soybeans $9.48/Bu. 366L4 brand $53.24/unit. Individual results may vary.

100,000Planted Population (Seeds/A.)125,000 150,000 175,000 200,000

Physical differences in soybean plants at populations from 100,000 to 200,000 seeds/A.

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PURPOSE To evaluate the yield and profitability of applying various forms of nitrogen (N) to soybeans at various growth stages.

STUDY INFORMATIONPlanted 4/29/2016Harvested 10/6/2016Population 70,000 Seeds/A.Row Width 30 in.Previous Crop SoybeansTillage Fall Disk-Rip, Spring

Field CultivationHerbicides Pre: 8 oz.

Authority® Assist Post: 1 qt. Roundup PowerMAX®

Insecticides Escalate™

Brand 345R4™*

Soil Type Crosby-Lewisburg (silt loam)

Soil Test Values

pH O.M. % CEC6.1 3.7 14.8

Percent Base Saturation

Ca Mg K H52.4 20.0 3.3 24.3

Parts per Million

P K S71 191 9

Zn Mn B2.6 47 0.6

Control Urea @ R4

0.00 0.25 0.50 0.75 1.00 1.25 1.50 1.75 2.00 2.25 2.50

Pod Size (Inches)

Average Pod Size Based on Nitrogen Source and Timing

Urea @ R4

UAN @ R4

UAN @ V6

UAN @ Preplant

Control

2016 NITROGEN TIMING POD SIZE COMPARISON

Pod Size (inches)

Control

Urea @ R4UAN @ R4UAN @ V6UAN @ Pre-plant

NITROGEN TIMING STUDY

2016 RESULTS

Treatments Nitr

ogen

So

urce

Perc

ent

Moi

stur

e

Bu./

A.

Bu./

A.

Diff

eren

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Control: No Nitrogen -- 11.2 71.5 -- --30 units N @ Pre-plant UAN 11.2 73.0 +1.5 -$1.0830 units N Sidedress @ V6 UAN 11.3 72.6 +1.1 -$4.8730 units N 360 Y-DROP® @ R4 UAN 11.2 73.8 +2.3 +$6.5030 units N Broadcast @ R4 Urea 11.2 74.1 +2.6 +$11.15

Soybeans $9.48/Bu. Urea $0.45/unit of nitrogen. UAN $0.51/unit of nitrogen. *®XL is a registered trademark of Pioneer. XL® brand seed is distributed by Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc. Individual results may vary.

• We received a very gentle and timely rain shortly after the urea application at the R4 growth stage.

• This rain reduced N volatization and provided the most consistent pod size, pod fill, and return on investment.

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FUNGICIDE STUDYVariety Response

Across all varieties tested, the Priaxor® treatment resulted in increased yield. With minimal disease pressure this past season, the yield advantage we observed was a result of two other factors.

• The fungicide treated soybeans remained green and alive longer and were able to capitalize on later season rains.

• The fungicide also aided in stress mitigation.

PURPOSE To evaluate fungicide applied at the R3 growth stage across multiple soybean varieties, in an effort to determine yield and profitability.

STUDY INFORMATIONPlanted 4/23/2016Harvested 9/22/2016Population 70,000 Seeds/A.Row Width 30 in.Previous Crop CornTillage Fall Disk-Rip, Spring

Field CultivationHerbicides Pre: 8 oz.

Authority® Assist Post: 1 qt. Liberty®

Insecticides Escalate™

Soil Type Crosby-Lewisburg (silt loam)

Soil Test Values

pH O.M. % CEC6.3 3.6 14.6

Percent Base Saturation

Ca Mg K H53.0 27.6 3.0 16.4

Parts per Million

P K S46 171 7

Zn Mn B2.3 29 0.6

2016 RESULTS

Bran

d

R3 Treatments Perc

ent

Moi

stur

e

Bu./

A.

Bu./

A.

Diff

eren

ce

Retu

rn o

n In

vest

men

t

264L4Control: No Fungicide 9.9 64.4 -- --

4 oz. Priaxor® 9.9 69.4 +5.0 +$29.25

298L4Control: No Fungicide 10.2 70.3 -- --

4 oz. Priaxor 10.2 70.5 +0.2 -$16.25

314L4Control: No Fungicide 10.1 72.3 -- --

4 oz. Priaxor 10.2 74.0 +1.7 -$2.03

3-Variety Average

Control: No Fungicide 10.1 69.0 -- --

4 oz. Priaxor 10.1 71.3 +2.3 +$3.65

Soybeans $9.48/Bu. Priaxor® $580.92/gal. Individual results may vary.

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FUNGICIDE STUDYFoliar

2016 RESULTS

R3 Treatments Perc

ent

Moi

stur

e

Bu./

A.

Bu./

A.

Diff

eren

ce

Retu

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vest

men

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Control: No Fungicide 12.2 52.2 -- --

14.5 oz. Trivapro® 12.3 55.2 +3.0 +$10.94

5 oz. Preemptor™ SC 12.3 55.3 +3.1 +$9.00

4 oz. Stratego® YLD 12.3 54.0 +1.8 +$1.57

4 oz. Priaxor® 12.2 53.7 +1.5 -$3.93

Soybeans $9.48/Bu. Priaxor® $580.92/gal. Stratego® YLD $495.67/gal. Preemptor™ SC $521.83/gal. Trivapro® $17.50/A. *®XL is a registered trademark of Pioneer. XL® brand seed is distributed by Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc. Individual results may vary.

• In previous studies we have seen an increase in soybean yields with later season fungicide applications.

• In 2016, we saw positive yield increases with all treatments, but only found 2 of the 4 products to provide a positive return on investment.

• While disease was minimal this past season, our yield increase was due to keeping our soybeans alive longer, allowing them to capitalize on the late season rains.

PURPOSE To evaluate various fungicide applications applied at the R3 growth stage. This study evaluated the different diseases that are present throughout the growing season, and the value of each fungicide product in terms of plant health, yield and profitability.

STUDY INFORMATIONPlanted 5/25/2016Harvested 10/11/2016Population 140,000 Seeds/A.Row Width 30 in.Previous Crop CornTillage Fall Disk-Rip, Spring

Field CultivationHerbicides Pre: 2 oz. Zidua®,

1 qt. Liberty® Post: 1 qt. Roundup PowerMAX®, 0.33 oz. FirstRate®

Insecticides Escalate™

Brand 323R4™*

Soil Type Crosby-Lewisburg (silt loam)

Soil Test Values

pH O.M. % CEC7.9 3.3 21.9

Percent Base Saturation

Ca Mg K H80.0 18.7 1.3 0.0

Parts per Million

P K S10 112 8

Zn Mn B1.9 46 0.7

2-YEAR FUNGICIDE ROI

Dollars/A.

$0 $5 $10 $15 $20 $25

2-Year Return on Investment

Priaxor Preemptor SC Stratego YLD

Priaxor®

Preemptor™ SC

Stratego® YLD

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FUNGICIDE STUDYIn-Furrow

-$20 -$10 $0 $10 $20

2-Year Headline Return on Investment

2015 2016

Dollars/A.

2015

2015

2-YEAR HEADLINE® RETURN ON INVESTMENT

• Serenade® ASO is labeled for damping off, which was noticed early in the season (shown below) in other plots on the farm.

• This plot experienced very little disease pressure early on, which resulted in little to no yield increase with in-furrow fungicide applications.

• Response to fungicide applications in-furrow varied based on the varietal emergence speed.

PURPOSE To evaluate the yield and profitability of applying various fungicides in-furrow.

STUDY INFORMATIONPlanted 4/19/2016Harvested 10/7/2016Population 150,000 Seeds/A.Row Width 15 in.Previous Crop CornTillage Fall Disk-Rip, Spring

Field CultivationHerbicides Pre: 8 oz.

Authority® Assist Post: 1 qt. Roundup PowerMAX®

Insecticides Escalate™

Soil Type Crosby-Lewisburg (silt loam)

Soil Test Values

pH O.M. % CEC5.7 2.7 10.7

Percent Base Saturation

Ca Mg K H44.5 18.0 3.8 33.7

Parts per Million

P K S61 159 10

Zn Mn B1.7 48 0.2

2016 RESULTS

Bran

d

Emer

genc

e

In-Furrow Treatments Emer

ged

Popu

latio

n

Popu

latio

n D

iffer

ence

Bu./

A.

Bu./

A.

Diff

eren

ce

Retu

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n In

vest

men

t

339R

2

Slow

er

Control 161,172 -- 80.7 -- --

1 pt. Serenade® ASO 148,104 -13,068 81.4 +0.7 +$2.32

6 oz. Headline® 159,720 -1,452 83.0 +2.3 +$0.06

345R

4™*

Fast

Control 151,976 -- 82.2 -- --

1 pt. Serenade ASO 157,300 +5,324 81.0 -1.2 -$15.69

6 oz. Headline 151,008 -968 80.9 -1.3 -$34.07

2-Va

riety

Av

erag

e Control 156,574 -- 81.5 -- --

1 pt. Serenade ASO 152,702 -3,872 81.2 -0.3 -$6.68

6 oz. Headline 155,364 -1,210 82.0 +0.5 -$17.00

Soybeans $9.48/Bu. Headline® $463.78/gal. Serenade® ASO $34.47/gal. *®XL is a registered trademark of Pioneer. XL® brand seed is distributed by Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc. Individual results may vary.

-$4.04/A. Average

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INSECTICIDE STUDYCapture® LFR®

PURPOSE To evaluate the yield and profitability of an insecticide when applied in-furrow.

STUDY INFORMATIONPlanted 4/19/2016Harvested 10/7/2016Population 160,000 Seeds/A.Row Width 15 in.Previous Crop CornTillage Fall Disk-Rip, Spring

Field CultivationHerbicides Pre: 8 oz.

Authority® Assist Post: 1 qt. Roundup PowerMAX®

Insecticides Escalate™

Soil Type Crosby-Lewisburg (silt loam)

Soil Test Values

pH O.M. % CEC5.7 2.7 10.7

Percent Base Saturation

Ca Mg K H44.5 18.0 3.8 33.7

Parts per Million

P K S61 159 10

Zn Mn B1.7 48 0.2

2016 RESULTS

Bran

d

Emer

genc

e

In-Furrow Treatments Emer

ged

Popu

latio

n

Popu

latio

n D

iffer

ence

Bu./

A.

Bu./

A.

Diff

eren

ce

Retu

rn o

n In

vest

men

t

339R

2

Slow

er Control 161,172 -- 80.7 -- --

3.4 oz. Capture® LFR® 157,784 -3,388 80.8 +0.1 -$8.9934

5R4™

*

Fast

Control 151,976 -- 82.2 -- --

3.4 oz. Capture LFR 156,332 +4,356 81.8 -0.4 -$13.73

2-Va

riety

Av

erag

e Control 156,574 -- 81.5 -- --

3.4 oz. Capture LFR 157,058 +484 81.3 -0.2 -$11.36

Soybeans $9.48/Bu. Capture® LFR® $373.81/gal. *®XL is a registered trademark of Pioneer. XL® brand seed is distributed by Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc. Individual results may vary.

• When applied in-furrow, Capture® LFR® is labeled for the control of pests such as rootworm larvae, grubs, seedcorn maggot, wireworm, and cutworm suppression.

• At planting, we did not see insect pressure for these pests which resulted in little to no change in yield with the addition of an insecticide.

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MICRONUTRIENT TIMING STUDYFoliar

• Regardless of the application timing at either R1 or R3, MAX-IN® Ultra ZMB® showed the greatest yield increase. This was likely from the greater zinc (Zn) and sulfur (S) content in this product over others.

• The R3 application of MAX-IN Ultra ZMB had the greatest yield increase. At the R3 growth stage, soybeans required a larger amount of manganese. MAX-IN Ultra ZMB fulfilled this late-season need and increased yield.

PURPOSE To evaluate the yield and profitability of various micronutrient products when applied at the recommended R1 growth stage versus a later R3 application.

STUDY INFORMATIONPlanted 5/20/2016Harvested 10/8/2016Population 140,000 Seeds/A.Row Width 30 in.Previous Crop CornTillage Fall Disk-Rip, Spring

Field CultivationHerbicides Pre: 8 oz. Authority®

Assist, 1 qt. Liberty® Post: 1 qt. Roundup PowerMAX®

Insecticides Escalate™

Brand 345R4™*

Soil Type Westland (silty clay loam)

Soil Test Values

pH O.M. % CEC6.1 5.0 18.6

Percent Base Saturation

Ca Mg K H53.7 23.3 3.7 19.3

Parts per Million

P K S53 268 10

Zn Mn B3.8 31 0.9

2016 RESULTS

Tim

ing

Treatments Perc

ent

Moi

stur

e

Bu./

A.

Bu./

A.

Diff

eren

ce

Retu

rn o

n In

vest

men

t

Control 12.2 62.3 -- --

R1

2 qt. MAX-IN® Ultra ZMB® 12.2 64.2 +1.9 +$7.02

2 qt. Versa Max™ AC 12.1 62.9 +0.6 -$4.06

2 qt. MicroNourish® 12.0 61.5 -0.8 -$14.68

R3

2 qt. MAX-IN Ultra ZMB 12.1 64.8 +2.5 +$12.70

2 qt. Versa Max AC 12.2 62.4 +0.1 -$8.80

2 qt. MicroNourish 12.0 61.5 -0.8 -$14.68

Soybeans $9.48/Bu. MAX-IN® Ultra ZMB® $22.00/gal. Versa Max™ AC $19.50/gal. MicroNourish® $14.20/gal. *®XL is a registered trademark of Pioneer. XL® brand seed is distributed by Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc. Individual results may vary.

“After looking through the PFR book and seeing the results of foliar applications on soybeans, I decided to give it a try this year using micros and sugar. I saw a 15 Bu./A. yield bump when compared to the control row where I shut off the sprayer.”

Todd Kahr | Wauseon, OH

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PLANT GROWTH REGULATOR STUDYCytokinin

• Cytokinin is a hormone that promotes cell division in plant roots and shoots as well as the growth of buds, resulting in a faster growing and healthier plant.

• Both Foliar X-CYTO® and X-Cyte™ have the hormone cytokinin as an active ingredient.

• Although there was little to no difference noted in plant growth during the season, yields showed a 1.7 Bu./A. advantage with the use of Foliar X-CYTO.

PURPOSE To evaluate various cytokinin products and their ability to influence yield and profitability.

STUDY INFORMATIONPlanted 5/25/2016Harvested 10/11/2016Population 140,000 Seeds/A.Row Width 30 in.Previous Crop CornTillage Fall Disk-Rip, Spring

Field CultivationHerbicides Pre: 2 oz. Zidua®,

1 qt. Liberty® Post: 1 qt. Roundup PowerMAX®, 0.33 oz. FirstRate®

Insecticides Escalate™

Brand 365R2

Soil Type Kokomo (silty clay loam)

Soil Test Values

pH O.M. % CEC7.9 4.4 22.3

Percent Base Saturation

Ca Mg K H75.0 23.3 1.7 0.0

Parts per Million

P K S26 144 12

Zn Mn B2.6 39 1.4

2016 RESULTS

R1 Treatments Perc

ent

Moi

stur

e

Bu./

A.

Bu./

A.

Diff

eren

ce

Retu

rn o

n In

vest

men

t

Control 11.2 61.8 -- --

10 oz. Foliar X-CYTO® 11.0 63.5 +1.7 +$6.12

1 pt. X-Cyte™ 11.0 62.6 +0.8 -$0.60

Soybeans $9.48/Bu. X-Cyte™ $65.48/gal. Foliar X-CYTO® $128.00/gal. Individual results may vary.

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40

30

20

10

0

LIME STUDYHigh Calcium

2016 RESULTS

Treatments Perc

ent

Moi

stur

e

Bu./

A.

Bu./

A.

Diff

eren

ce

Retu

rn o

n In

vest

men

t

Control: No Lime 13.4 67.9 -- --

300 lb. High Calcium Lime Pre-plant Incorporated

13.5 73.2 +5.3 +$7.50

Soybeans $9.48/Bu. High Calcium Lime $285.00/ton. Individual results may vary.

PURPOSE To determine if applying high calcium lime on a soil with a pH of 6.3 will increase soybean yield and profitability.

STUDY INFORMATIONPlanted 4/19/2016Harvested 9/27/2016Population 150,000 Seeds/A.Row Width 15 in.Previous Crop CornTillage Fall Disk-Rip, Spring

Field CultivationHerbicides Pre: 8 oz.

Authority® Assist Post: 1 qt. Interline®

Insecticides Escalate™

Brand 314L4

Soil Type Crosby-Lewisburg (silt loam)

Soil Test Values

pH O.M. % CEC6.3 3.2 13.0

Percent Base Saturation

Ca Mg K H48.1 29.8 3.6 18.5

Parts per Million

P K S56 180 5

Zn Mn B1.7 35 0.3

40

30

20

10

0

Control: No Lime

2016 PLANT HEIGHT DIFFERENCES FROM LIME

High Calcium Lime

Hei

ght (

inch

es)

= Height Range Between Tallest & Shortest Plants

• In this study we monitored the impact on yields of utilizing a low rate of lime ahead of soybeans.

• Observations during the season showed that the lime treatment had better soil moisture retention and more uniform plant growth. Early season, limed soybeans also had greater root growth.

• Soybeans in the lime treated soils had increased root mass, increased canopy height, and produced thicker stems.

• These physical characteristics led to an increase of 5.3 Bu./A. with the lime treatment.

Soybean plants grown in soil amended with high calcium lime (right) are taller than those from

untreated soil at pH 6.3.

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WATER MANAGEMENT STUDY Tile Spacing

• When comparing soybean yields within this study, the variability between the tile spacings can be attributed to the soil differences.

• Overall, the weather during the 2016 growing season led to minimal differences in yield based on tile spacing.

PURPOSE To compare different subsurface tile widths and their effects on yield and return on investment.

STUDY INFORMATIONPlanted 5/25/2016Harvested 10/10/2016Population 150,000 Seeds/A.Row Width 15 in.Previous Crop CornTillage Fall Disk-Rip, Spring

Field CultivationHerbicides Pre: 8 oz. Authority®

Assist, 1 qt. Liberty® Post: 1 qt. Liberty

Insecticides Escalate™

Soil Type Crosby-Lewisburg (silt loam)

Soil Test Values

pH O.M. % CEC6.3 3.6 16.9

Percent Base Saturation

Ca Mg K H56.0 25.4 2.1 16.5

Parts per Million

P K S26 140 5

Zn Mn B1.8 39 0.6

2016 RESULTS

Bran

d

Tile

Spa

cing

(F

eet)

Bu./

A.

Bu./

A.

Diff

eren

ce

Tile

Cos

t/A.

Bala

nce

to

Pay

Off

/A.

2-Va

riety

Ave

rage

31

4L4

& 39

4L4

Control: No Tile

77.1 -- -- --

7.5 82.0 +4.9 $4,842.00 $4,795.55

20 78.1 +1.0 $1,803.00 $1,793.52

30 81.8 +4.7 $1,202.00 $1,157.44

40 75.8 -1.3 $900.00 $900.00

50 82.3 +5.2 $721.00 $671.70

60 75.9 -1.2 $600.00 $600.00

Soybeans $9.48/Bu. Individual results may vary.

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INTERSEEDING STUDYSoybeans into Wheat

2016 RESULTS

Plan

ting

Dat

e

Treatments Soyb

eans

Bu

./A.

Bu./

A.

Diff

eren

ce

Soyb

ean

Net

Retu

rn

Whe

at

Bu./

A.

Whe

at N

et

Retu

rn

Tota

l Net

Re

turn

April

20

Control: First Crop Soybeans 76.5 -- $663.79 -- -- $663.79

Interseeded Soybeans into 7.5 in. Wheat

17.2 -59.3 $101.63 56.9 $231.03 $332.66

Interseeded Soybeans into 15 in. Wheat

17.7 -58.8 $106.37 50.4 $199.18 $305.55

June

30

Double Crop Soybeans Following 7.5 in. Wheat

45.6 -30.9 $370.86 62.5 $258.47 $629.33

Double Crop Soybeans Following 15 in. Wheat

43.3 -33.2 $349.05 57.3 $232.99 $582.04

May

20

Control: First Crop Soybeans 77.3 -- $671.37 -- -- $671.37

Interseeded Soybeans into 7.5 in. Wheat

39.0 -38.3 $308.29 26.9 $84.03 $392.32

Interseeded Soybeans into 15 in. Wheat

35.8 -41.5 $277.95 42.6 $160.96 $438.91

June

30

Double Crop Soybeans Following 7.5 in. Wheat

45.6 -31.7 $370.86 62.5 $258.47 $629.33

Double Crop Soybeans Following 15 in. Wheat

43.3 -34.0 $349.05 57.3 $232.99 $582.04

Soybeans $9.48/Bu. 314L4 brand $53.24/unit. Wheat $4.90/Bu. 120 brand $23.89/unit. Individual results may vary.

• In 2016, we saw the greatest return on investment (ROI) with the control treatment of first crop soybeans when compared to interseeded soybeans, regardless of date planted.

• The decrease in ROI from interseeded soybeans resulted from a decrease in wheat yield due to wheat run over during soybean planting. We also saw a decrease in soybean yield with soybeans stunted due to wheat competition.

• In the case of double crop soybeans, those planted into the 7.5 in. wheat stubble showed the greatest ROI due to greater wheat and soybean yields in a 7.5 in. row spacing.

PURPOSE To determine which wheat and soybean planting date combination will provide the greatest profitability.

STUDY INFORMATIONPlanted VariousHarvested VariousPopulation 150,000 Seeds/A.Row Width 15 in.Previous Crop VariousTillage VariousHerbicides Pre: 8 oz.

Authority® Assist Post: 1 qt. Liberty®

Insecticides Escalate™

Brand 314L4

Soil Type Crosby-Lewisburg (silt loam)

Soil Test Values

pH O.M. % CEC6.3 4.0 15.9

Percent Base Saturation

Ca Mg K H55.1 27.5 2.3 15.1

Parts per Million

P K S31 141 6

Zn Mn B2.3 39 0.5

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DOUBLE CROP POPULATION STUDY15 in. Rows

PURPOSE To evaluate different populations in a double crop system to determine the Economic Optimum Seeding Rate (EOSR).

STUDY INFORMATIONPlanted 6/30/2016Harvested 10/18/2016Population VariousRow Width 15 in.Previous Crop WheatTillage No-TillHerbicides Post: 1 qt. Liberty®

Insecticides Escalate™

Brand 366L4

Soil Type Crosby-Lewisburg (silt loam)

Soil Test Values

pH O.M. % CEC6.0 3.9 14.4

Percent Base Saturation

Ca Mg K H48.6 23.7 2.7 25.0

Parts per Million

P K S30 152 5

Zn Mn B2.2 32 0.2

• When comparing populations of double crop soybeans, the greatest yield was achieved at a population of 230,000 (50.9 Bu./A.).

• The greatest net return of $402.48/A. was achieved at a population of 170,000.

• Late season rains this year helped to increase yields with greater pod fill.

2016 RESULTS

Plan

ted

Popu

latio

n (S

eeds

/A.)

Perc

ent

Moi

stur

e

Bu./

A.

Seed

C

ost/

A.

Net R

etur

n

140,000 13.0 47.0 $57.34 $388.22

170,000 13.6 49.8 $69.62 $402.48

200,000 12.6 49.9 $81.91 $391.14

230,000 12.3 50.9 $94.19 $388.34

260,000 12.0 50.9 $106.48 $376.05

Soybeans $9.48/Bu. 366L4brand $53.24/unit. Individual results may vary.

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322 | 2016 Beck’s Practical Farm Research

Greg ShepherdField Agronomist

319.217.3891

IOWA PFRAND SUPPORT STAFF

Ben JahnkePFR Location Lead

920.344.0721

Wes MackiePrecision Farming

Field Advisor563.343.8746

Brian AltRegional Product

Specialist641.758.1397

Wade KentField Agronomist

515.201.0322

Pat HollowayField Agronomist

515.318.8272

IOW

A

2016 Iowa Weather Chart April - September

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CORN STUDIESHigh Yield Attempt ..................................................................................................................... 324Planting Date Study ....................................................................................................................325Replant Study ..............................................................................................................................326Closing Wheel Study ....................................................................................................................3273RIVE 3D™ Application System Study - In-Furrow .......................................................................328Seed Treatment Study - Escalate™ vs. Industry Standard vs. Untreated .....................................329Starter Fertilizer Study ............................................................................................................... 330Biological Study ........................................................................................................................... 331Population vs. Nitrogen Rate Study - 30 in. Rows .......................................................................332Population & High Management Study ...................................................................................... 334Nitrogen Rate Study - Corn After Soybeans................................................................................335Nitrogen Rate Study - Corn After Corn .......................................................................................336Nitrogen Timing Study .................................................................................................................337Fungicide Study - Hybrid Response ............................................................................................338Fungicide Additive Study .............................................................................................................339Fungicide & Insecticide Study - In-Furrow ................................................................................. 340Fungicide Timing Study .............................................................................................................. 342

SOYBEAN STUDIES High Yield Attempt ..................................................................................................................... 343Planting Date Study ................................................................................................................... 344Seed Treatment Study - Escalate™ vs. Untreated ....................................................................... 345Seed Treatment Study - ILeVO® .................................................................................................. 346Starter Fertilizer Study ............................................................................................................... 347Biological Study - Nitrogen Fixation .......................................................................................... 348Biological Study .......................................................................................................................... 350Nitrogen Timing Study ................................................................................................................. 351Insecticide Study - Capture® LFR® ...............................................................................................352Micronutrient Timing Study - Foliar ............................................................................................353

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HIGH YIELD ATTEMPT

PURPOSE To raise high yielding corn through the use of various seed treatments, product applications, and intensive management strategies.

STUDY INFORMATIONPlanted 4/16/2016Harvested 9/19/2016Population VariousRow Width 30 in.Previous Crop CornTillage Fall Vertical-Till,

Spring Vertical-TillHerbicides Pre: 5.6 oz. Corvus®,

1 qt. AtrazineInsecticides 4.4 lb. Force® 3G,

Escalate™

Starter 8.5 gal. 32-0-0 2x2Total Nitrogen

257 units

Soil Type Nevin (silty clay loam)Soil Test Values

pH O.M. % CEC6.1 4.5 17.1

Percent Base Saturation

Ca Mg K H55.7 20.3 2.9 21.1

Parts per Million

P K S30 192 5

Zn Mn B3.2 55 0.2

• Early in the season, the combination of in-furrow and 2x2 applications seemed to add extra growth to the crop.

• This application seemed critical to pushing yields.

• The highest yield achieved in Iowa was XL® 6225HR™*brand, which resulted in 262.9 Bu./A. at a population of 38,000.

• At the 34,000 population, BECK 6589V2Pbrand was the highest yielder with 250.2 Bu./A.

2016 RESULTS

Plan

ted

Popu

latio

n (S

eeds

/A.)

Yiel

d Ra

nk

Bran

d

Rela

tive

Mat

urity

Test

Wei

ght

Perc

ent

Moi

stur

e

Bu./

A.

Bu./

A.

Diff

eren

ce

34,0

00

2 5665AMX™* 106 58.8 22.7 248.0 --3 5883SX 108 55.5 23.8 243.9 --4 5828AMX™* 110 57.4 22.8 241.7 --6 6076SX 110 56.5 23.8 229.9 --7 6165AMX™* 111 59.5 23.8 226.9 --5 6225HR™* 112 59.3 26.1 241.3 --1 6589V2P 115 57.8 26.1 250.2 --

38,0

00

4 5665AMX™* 106 56.8 22.2 237.7 -10.33 5883SX 108 58.0 23.8 245.4 +1.56 5828AMX™* 110 57.2 23.1 229.0 -12.77 6076SX 110 58.0 23.4 223.2 -6.75 6165AMX™* 111 58.0 25.7 236.9 +10.01 6225HR™* 112 56.4 24.5 262.9 +21.62 6589V2P 115 56.9 26.2 249.0 -1.2

*®XL, Optimum, and AcreMax are registered trademarks of Pioneer. XL® brand seed is distributed by Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc. Individual results may vary.

HIGH-MANAGEMENT TREATMENTSFall 125 units N as anhydrous ammonia

Planting 4.4 lb. Force® 3G

2x2 8.5 gal. 32-0-0

In-Furrow 5 gal. RoMax® Corn (8-18-4)

V3 Sidedress 28 gal. 32-0-0

V8 Sidedress 10 gal. KTS® (0-0-25-17S)

V8 2 oz. Stratego® YLD

V10 2 qt. MAX-IN® Ultra ZMB®

VT 10 oz. Headline AMP®

R3 10 oz. Headline AMP

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PLANTING DATE STUDY

PURPOSE To determine the optimum planting date window by planting on multiple dates throughout the growing season.

STUDY INFORMATIONPlanted VariousHarvested VariousPopulation 34,000 Seeds/A.Row Width 30 in.Previous Crop CornTillage Fall Vertical-Till,

Spring Vertical-TillHerbicides Pre: 5.6 oz. Corvus®,

1 qt. AtrazineInsecticides 4.4 lb. Force® 3G,

Escalate™

Starter 8.5 gal. 32-0-0 2x2

Total Nitrogen

215 units as UAN

Brand 5939AMXT™*

Soil Type Nevin (silty clay loam)Soil Test Values

pH O.M. % CEC6.0 3.3 16.0

Percent Base Saturation

Ca Mg K H53.2 20.6 3.6 22.5

Parts per Million

P K S39 226 6

Zn Mn B3.9 53 0.2

2016 RESULTS

Plan

ting

Dat

e

Perc

ent

Moi

stur

e

Bu./

A.

April 13 22.1 246.1

April 26 23.4 240.9

May 12 23.9 232.1

May 23 22.1 228.9

June 6 26.9 202.1

June 18 22.0 160.5

*®XL, Optimum, and AcreMax are registered trademarks of Pioneer. XL® brand seed is distributed by Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc. Individual results may vary.

IMBIBITIONAL CHILLING INJURY IS A COMMON CAUSE FOR REPLANT

The first water that is imbibed, or taken in, by the corn plant is the most critical. The water temperature that the seed imbibes in the first 24 to 36 hours after planting begins the germination process. If the cell tissues of a kernel are too cold, then those cells can rupture during the swelling process. If this happens you could see several symptoms including:

• Kernels that fail to germinate

• Corkscrewed mesocotyl

• Seminal root system death and subsequent plant death

• Arrested growth of the radical or coleoptile

• Leafing out underground

How cold does it need to be? Soil temperatures below 50 degrees increase the risk of injury.

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2016 RESULTS

Plan

ting

Dat

e

Plan

ted

Popu

latio

n (S

eeds

/A.)

Bu./

A.

Bu./

A.

Diff

eren

ce

Net R

etur

n

Retu

rn o

n In

vest

men

t

April 13 20,000 189.1 -- $729.93 --

April 26 (Replanted) 34,000 240.9 +51.8 $904.87 +$174.94

April 26 20,000 184.0 -- $710.24 --

May 12 (Replanted) 34,000 232.1 +48.1 $870.91 +$160.67

May 12 20,000 177.9 -- $686.69 --

May 23 (Replanted) 34,000 228.9 +51.0 $858.55 +$171.86

May 23 20,000 180.0 -- $694.80 --

June 6 (Replanted) 34,000 202.1 +22.1 $755.11 +$60.31

June 6 20,000 166.8 -- $643.85 --

June 18 (Replanted) 34,000 160.5 -6.3 $594.53 -$49.32

Corn $3.86/Bu. Replant Cost $25.00/A. *®XL, Optimum, and AcreMax are registered trademarks of Pioneer. XL® brand seed is distributed by Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc. Individual results may vary.

PURPOSE To evaluate corn stands and determine whether or not replant is a profitable decision at various planting and replanting dates. This study evaluated the yield performance of corn planted at 20,000 seeds/A. with random spacing versus a more uniform 34,000 seeds/A.

STUDY INFORMATIONPlanted VariousHarvested VariousPopulation VariousRow Width 30 in.Previous Crop CornTillage Fall Vertical-Till,

Spring Vertical-TillHerbicides Pre: 5.6 oz. Corvus®,

1 qt. AtrazineInsecticides 4.4 lb. Force® 3G,

Escalate™

Starter 8.5 gal. 32-0-0 2x2Total Nitrogen

215 units as UAN

Brand 5939AMXT™*

Soil Type Nevin (silty clay loam)Soil Test Values

pH O.M. % CEC6.0 3.3 16.0

Percent Base Saturation

Ca Mg K H53.2 20.6 3.6 22.5

Parts per Million

P K S39 226 6

Zn Mn B3.9 53 0.2

• According to our first year replant data in Iowa, it may still be profitable to replant in early June due to high-yield potential.

• We will need multiple seasons of data to be more clear on what the timeline is for a profitable replant in Iowa.

REPLANT STUDY

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2016 RESULTS

Clo

sing

W

heel

s

Pres

sure

Se

ttin

g

Emer

ged

Popu

latio

n

Popu

latio

n D

iffer

ence

NEPS

%

Bu./

A.

Bu./

A.

Diff

eren

ce

Control: 2 Solid Rubbers 3rd Notch 35,250 -- 89.6 223.8 --

2 Dawn Curvetine™ 3rd Notch 35,333 +83 90.0 227.9 +4.1

1 Yetter Spike & 1 Solid 2nd Notch 35,417 +167 90.1 224.7 +0.9

2 Martin Spades with Drag Chain 3rd Notch 34,958 -292 91.4 222.0 -1.8

2 Pro Stitches 3rd Notch 35,042 -208 89.7 220.6 -3.2

2 Copperhead Ag Furrow Cruisers® 2nd Notch 34,958 -292 90.4 220.0 -3.8

*®XL, Optimum, and AcreMax are registered trademarks of Pioneer. XL® brand seed is distributed by Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc. Individual results may vary.

PURPOSE To determine what effect different closing wheel types have on plant emergence and yield. Unfavorable planting conditions were targeted for this study.

STUDY INFORMATIONPlanted 4/23/2016Harvested 9/22/2016Population 36,000 Seeds/A.Row Width 30 in.Previous Crop CornTillage Fall Vertical-Till,

Spring Vertical-TillHerbicides Pre: 5.6 oz. Corvus®,

1 qt. AtrazineInsecticides 4.4 lb. Force® 3G,

Escalate™

Starter 8.5 gal. 32-0-0 2x2

Total Nitrogen

215 units as UAN

Brand 5828AMX™*

Soil Type Nevin (silty clay loam)Soil Test Values

pH O.M. % CEC6.0 4.3 15.9

Percent Base Saturation

Ca Mg K H55.0 19.6 2.8 22.6

Parts per Million

P K S29 173 4

Zn Mn B2.7 56 0.2

• Planted into poor conditions, this field received 1.25 in. of rain between the first 4 to 7 days following planting.

• This led to no major differences between treatments in emergence.

• For more data on closing wheels, reference our other PFR sites that experienced more challenging weather early in the season.

CLOSING WHEEL STUDY

Solid Rubber

Martin Spade Pro StitchCopperhead Ag Furrow Crusier®

Dawn Curventine™ Yetter Spike

Martin Spading-Closing Wheels

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Bran

d

In-Furrow Treatments Emer

ged

Popu

latio

n

Popu

latio

n D

iffer

ence

Bu./

A.

Bu./

A.

Diff

eren

ce

Retu

rn o

n In

vest

men

t

5828

RR™

* Control 34,278 -- 225.8 -- --

4 oz. Capture® 3RIVE 3D™ 34,611 +333 230.2 +4.4 +$4.58

8 oz. Capture 3RIVE 3D 34,889 +611 232.5 +6.7 +$1.05

5828

AMX™

*Control 34,444 -- 226.6 -- --

4 oz. Capture 3RIVE 3D 34,333 -111 229.0 +2.4 -$3.14

8 oz. Capture 3RIVE 3D 34,555 +111 224.7 -1.9 -$32.15

2-H

ybrid

Av

erag

e Control 34,361 -- 226.2 -- --

4 oz. Capture 3RIVE 3D 34,472 +111 229.6 +3.4 +$0.72

8 oz. Capture 3RIVE 3D 34,722 +361 228.6 +2.4 -$15.55

Corn $3.86/Bu. Capture® 3RIVE 3D™ $396.95/gal. *®XL, Optimum, and AcreMax are registered trademarks of Pioneer. XL® brand seed is distributed by Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc. Individual results may vary.

PURPOSE To evaluate the new 3RIVE 3D in-furrow application system for its ease of use and efficiency. We also tested the in-furrow insecticide product Capture®, through the 3RIVE 3D unit, at two different rates and on two different trait platforms in an effort to determine potential yield and profitability.

STUDY INFORMATIONPlanted 4/16/2016Harvested 9/20/2016Population 36,000 Seeds/A.Row Width 30 in.Previous Crop CornTillage Fall Vertical-Till,

Spring Vertical-TillHerbicides Pre: 5.6 oz. Corvus®,

1 qt. AtrazineInsecticides Escalate™

Starter 8.5 gal. 32-0-0 2x2

Total Nitrogen

215 units as UAN

Soil Type Judson (silt loam)Soil Test Values

pH O.M. % CEC6.4 3.1 12.0

Percent Base Saturation

Ca Mg K H62.4 22.9 4.7 10.0

Parts per Million

P K S28 222 8

Zn Mn B2.8 57 0.2

• The in-furrow product Capture® is designed to control corn rootworm when applied in-furrow on corn. Can Capture 3RIVE 3D™ lead to a yield increase when applied to both a hybrid with a rootworm trait and one without a rootworm trait?

• Beck's PFR tested this by applying this product in-furrow on XL® 5828RR™*brand and XL® 5828AMX™*brand.

• The results showed a negative return on investment (ROI) when using Capture 3RIVE 3D on the rootworm traited product, XL® 5828AMX™*brand. When no rootworm trait was present, the use of Capture 3RIVE 3D resulted in a positive ROI of $4.58/A.

3RIVE 3D™ APPLICATION SYSTEM STUDYIn-Furrow

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PURPOSE To evaluate the yield differences of Beck’s Escalate yield enhancement system on corn compared to both the industry standard treatment system and an untreated control.

STUDY INFORMATIONPlanted 4/14/2016Harvested 9/19/2016Population 36,000 Seeds/A.Row Width 30 in.Previous Crop CornTillage Fall Vertical-

Till, Spring Vertical-Till/S-Tine

Herbicides Pre: 5.6 oz. Corvus®, 1 qt. Atrazine

Insecticides 4.4 lb. Force® 3GStarter 8.5 gal. 32-0-0 2x2

Total Nitrogen

215 units as UAN

Brand 5829A4Soil Type Nevin (silty clay loam)Soil Test Values

pH O.M. % CEC6.7 3.9 13.7

Percent Base Saturation

Ca Mg K H65.9 22.6 2.7 8.8

Parts per Million

P K S28 143 7

Zn Mn B2.8 66 0.4

SEED TREATMENT STUDYEscalate™ vs. Industry Standard vs. Untreated

2016 RESULTS

Treatments Emer

ged

Popu

latio

n

Popu

latio

n D

iffer

ence

Bu./

A.

Bu./

A.

Diff

eren

ce

Control: Untreated 32,667 -- 220.8 --

Escalate™ 35,667 +3,000 224.1 +3.3

Industry Standard 35,334 +2,667 221.4 +0.6

Individual results may vary.

• Both Escalate™ and the industry standard treatment increased the emerged population over the control in spite of ideal weather in the days following planting.

• The four days following planting averaged 79 degrees for a high and 53 degrees for a low.

• The increase in emerged population and plant health led to yield increases with treated seed.

• The industry standard treatment resulted in a 0.6 Bu./A. increase over the control while Escalate resulted in a 3.3 Bu./A. increase over the control.

Escalate™ includes the highest rate of Poncho® 1250 to give you an extra layer of protection against yield robbing insects.

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330 | 2016 Beck’s Practical Farm Research

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2016 RESULTS

Bran

d

Emer

genc

e

In-Furrow Treatments Em

erge

d Po

pula

tion

Popu

latio

n D

iffer

ence

NEPS

%

Bu./

A.

Bu./

A.

Diff

eren

ce

Retu

rn o

n In

vest

men

t

5828

AMX™

*

Slow

er

Control: No Starter Fertilizer 33,833 -- 89.4% 218.1 -- --

5 gal. PureGrade® Diamond 6-24-6 35,444 +1,611 89.4% 220.7 +2.6 -$11.22

4 gal. 6-18-6 PPRS™ 35,833 +2,000 90.9% 218.0 -0.1 -$21.39

2 gal. P Max® Plus 36,611 +2,778 90.6% 219.7 +1.6 -$14.61

5 gal. RoMax® Corn (8-18-4) 34,667 +834 91.0% 217.9 -0.2 -$29.53

6365

AMX™

*

Fast

Control: No Starter Fertilizer 36,167 -- 89.1% 235.4 -- --

5 gal. PureGrade Diamond 6-24-6 34,611 -1,556 92.7% 240.9 +5.5 -$0.02

4 gal. 6-18-6 PPRS 35,889 -278 92.3% 235.0 -0.4 -$22.54

2 gal. P Max Plus 34,889 -1,278 89.9% 231.7 -3.7 -$35.06

5 gal. RoMax Corn (8-18-4) 35,778 -389 91.0% 234.3 -1.1 -$32.99

Corn $3.86/Bu. PureGrade® Diamond 6-24-6 $4.25/gal. P Max® Plus $10.39/gal. RoMax® Corn (8-18-4) $5.75/gal. 6-18-6 PPRS™ $5.25/gal. *®XL, Optimum, and AcreMax are registered trademarks of Pioneer. XL® brand seed is distributed by Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc. Individual results may vary.

PURPOSE To evaluate various starter fertilizers applied in-furrow and their effects on yield and profitability.

STUDY INFORMATIONPlanted 4/15/2016Harvested 9/20/2016Population 36,000 Seeds/A.Row Width 30 in.Previous Crop CornTillage Fall Vertical-Till,

Spring Vertical-TillHerbicides Pre: 5.6 oz. Corvus®,

1 qt. AtrazineInsecticides 4.4 lb. Force® 3G,

Escalate™

Total Nitrogen

215 units as UAN

Soil Type Nevin (silty clay loam)Soil Test Values

pH O.M. % CEC6.6 4.0 14.6

Percent Base Saturation

Ca Mg K H68.5 20.5 2.8 8.2

Parts per Million

P K S29 157 7

Zn Mn B3.5 64 0.3

• We observed similar emergence and time to canopy closure across all treatments.

• The lack of difference between starters is likely due to the soil having high P and K content.

• The greatest yield increase was 4.0 Bu./A. with a treatment of 5 gal. PureGrade® Diamond 6-24-6, but it did not provide a return on investment.

STARTER FERTILIZER STUDY

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Treatments Perc

ent

Moi

stur

e

Bu./

A.

Bu./

A.

Diff

eren

ce

Retu

rn o

n In

vest

men

t

Control: Starter 21.9 229.0 -- --

Starter + 10 oz. Optify®/Stretch In-Furrow 21.4 229.3 +0.3 -$7.34

Starter + 40 oz. Toggle™ @ V5 21.7 228.6 -0.4 -$14.04

Starter + 10 oz. Optify/Stretch In-Furrow + 40 oz. Toggle @ V5 21.7 226.8 -2.2 -$29.49

Corn $3.86/Bu. Toggle™ $40.00/gal. Optify®/Stretch $108.80/gal. *®XL, Optimum, and AcreMax are registered trademarks of Pioneer. XL® brand seed is distributed by Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc. Individual results may vary.

PURPOSE To evaluate two different biologicals, one as a row starter additive and one as a foliar product. These two products were evaluated for their effects on plant health, yield and profitability.

STUDY INFORMATIONPlanted 4/16/2016Harvested 9/21/2016Population 36,000 Seeds/A.Row Width 30 in.Previous Crop CornTillage Fall Vertical-Till,

Spring Vertical-TillHerbicides Pre: 5.6 oz. Corvus®,

1 qt. AtrazineInsecticides 4.4 lb. Force® 3G,

Escalate™

Starter 5 gal. PureGrade® 6-24-6 In-Furrow

Total Nitrogen

215 units as UAN

Brand 5665AMX™*

Soil Type Tuskeego (silt loam)Soil Test Values

pH O.M. % CEC6.2 4.6 18.1

Percent Base Saturation

Ca Mg K H59.4 18.7 2.0 19.9

Parts per Million

P K S40 144 4

Zn Mn B4.5 47 0.2

• Optify®/Stretch and Toggle™ are biological products believed to help mitigate environmental plant stresses.

• Early in the season, differences were noted in the surface area of the roots between the control and the areas where Optify/Stretch had been applied.

• Tissue tests following the Toggle application indicated little to no difference in plant nutrient content between treated areas versus the control. The treatment did not result in an increased yield, demonstrating that early season root growth did not correlate with yield this year.

BIOLOGICAL STUDY

0 20 40 60 80 100

Surface Area (cm2)

Early Season Root Surface Area

Optify/Stretch Control

V5 ROOT SURFACE AREA

Control: Starter

Optify®/Stretch

Surface Area (cm2)

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PURPOSE To evaluate different nitrogen (N) rates in 30 in. rows, applied to multiple populations, to determine the Economic Optimum Nitrogen Rate (EONR) and Economic Optimum Seeding Rate (EOSR) combination.

STUDY INFORMATIONPlanted 4/19/2016Harvested 10/1/2016Population VariousRow Width 30 in.Previous Crop SoybeansTillage Fall No-Till, Spring

Vertical-TillHerbicides Pre: 5.6 oz. Corvus®,

1 qt. Atrazine Post: 1 qt. Liberty®, 1 pt. Atrazine

Insecticides Escalate™

Starter 8.5 gal. 32-0-0 2x2

Total Nitrogen

Various

Soil Type Zook (silty clay loam)Soil Test Values

pH O.M. % CEC6.3 2.9 17.1

Percent Base Saturation

Ca Mg K H61.5 22.9 1.6 14.0

Parts per Million

P K S23 105 3

Zn Mn B2.6 53 0.2

POPULATION VS. NITROGEN RATE STUDY30 in. Rows

2016 RESULTS

Bran

d

Resp

onse

to

Hig

her P

opul

atio

n

Nitr

ogen

Res

pons

e

Plan

ted

Popu

latio

n (S

eeds

/A.)

Nitr

ogen

(Uni

ts/A

.)

Bu./

A.

Bu./

A. D

iffer

ence

Net R

etur

n

5665

AMX™

*

Low

Hig

her N

Res

pons

e

30,000

190 222.3 -- $642.08

230 231.1 +8.8 $655.65

270 230.7 +8.4 $633.70

34,000

190 223.7 -- $631.60

230 226.2 +2.5 $620.85

270 224.8 +1.1 $595.05

38,000

190 215.4 -- $583.68

230 228.2 +12.8 $612.69

270 228.7 +13.3 $594.22

5829

A4

Med

ium

N E

ffici

ent

30,000

190 209.4 -- $624.34

230 210.7 +1.3 $608.96

270 212.0 +2.6 $593.58

34,000

190 201.0 -- $580.31

230 207.6 +6.6 $585.39

270 211.3 +10.3 $579.27

38,000

190 203.7 -- $579.13

230 209.6 +5.9 $581.51

270 210.3 +6.6 $563.81

Corn $3.86/Bu. UAN $0.51/unit of nitrogen. XL® 5665AMX™*brand $317.61/unit. 5829A4 brand $232.11/unit. *®XL, Optimum, and AcreMax are registered trademarks of Pioneer. XL® brand seed is distributed by Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc. Individual results may vary.

Healthy lower leaves are an indication of adequate plant-available N.

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$450 $500 $550 $600 $650 $700

2016 5829A4 Net Return

270 230 190 270 230 190 270 230 190

$450 $500 $550 $600 $650 $700

2016 5665AMX™* Net Return

270 230 190 270 230 190 270 230 190

230270 190

38,0

0034

,000

30,0

00

38,0

0034

,000

30,0

00

$450 $500 $550 $600 $650 $700

2016 5829A4 Net Return

270 230 190 270 230 190 270 230 190

$450 $500 $550 $600 $650 $700

2016 5665AMX™* Net Return

270 230 190 270 230 190 270 230 190

230270 190

38,0

0034

,000

30,0

00

38,0

0034

,000

30,0

00

XL® 5665AMX™*brand

Seed

s/A.

Dollars/A.

Could we increase yields in 2016 by simply increasing the population beyond 30,000 seeds/A. in 30 in. rows?

• 30,000 average yield was 219.4 Bu./A.

• 34,000 average yield was 215.8 Bu./A.

• 38,000 average yield was 216.0 Bu./A.

The average yields of both hybrids decreased as the populations increased.

What about increasing the nitrogen (N) rate at the same time we increase population? The answer is, most of the time.

• Four of the six entries with 270 units of N provided the highest yields in the population grouping.

• However, none of the entries with 270 units of N provided the most profitable N rate.

BECK 5829A4brand

Seed

s/A.

Dollars/A.

$450 $500 $550 $600 $650 $700

2016 5829A4 Net Return

270 230 190 270 230 190 270 230 190

$450 $500 $550 $600 $650 $700

2016 5665AMX™* Net Return

270 230 190 270 230 190 270 230 190

230270 190

38,0

0034

,000

30,0

00

38,0

0034

,000

30,0

00Nitrogen (Units/A.)

EONR & EOSR XL® 5665AMX™*brand

230 units N 30,000 Seeds/A.

EONR & EOSR BECK 5829A4brand

190 units N 30,000 Seeds/A.

2016 NET RETURN

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Population Study

PURPOSE To determine if yield and profitability can be increased by applying various high-management practices in a high-population environment.

STUDY INFORMATIONPlanted 4/25/2016Harvested 10/3/2016Population VariousRow Width 30 in.Previous Crop SoybeansTillage Fall No-Till, Spring

Vertical-TillHerbicides Pre: 5.6 oz. Corvus®,

1 qt. Atrazine Post: 1 qt. Liberty®, 1 pt. Atrazine

Insecticides Escalate™

Starter 8.5 gal. 32-0-0 2x2

Total Nitrogen

250 units as UAN

Soil Type Wabash (silty clay)Soil Test Values

pH O.M. % CEC6.5 4.0 21.5

Percent Base Saturation

Ca Mg K H63.9 24.0 0.9 11.2

Parts per Million

P K S33 76 4

Zn Mn B2.6 42 0.4

CAN WE MAKE HIGH POPULATION PAY? • BECK 5829A4brand had a positive return on investment (ROI) at

high populations with all three treatments. Adding Versa Max™ AC foliar micronutrient pushed the ROI even higher.

• We will continue our research to better understand how to unlock yield potential in high population environments.

POPULATION & HIGH MANAGEMENT STUDY

2016 RESULTS

Bran

d

Resp

onse

to

Hig

her P

opul

atio

n

Plan

ted

Popu

latio

n (S

eeds

/A.)

Treatments Bu./

A.

Bu./

A. D

iffer

ence

Retu

rn o

n In

vest

men

t

5665

AMX™

*

Low

34,0

00

Control: No Micronutrients or Fungicide 204.6 -- --

2 qt. Versa Max™ AC @ V4 213.0 +8.4 +$22.67

2 qt. Versa Max AC @ V4 & 10 oz. Headline AMP® @ VT 211.3 +6.7 +$3.07

38,0

00No Micronutrients or Fungicide 211.5 +6.9 +$10.75

2 qt. Versa Max AC @ V4 210.8 +6.2 -$1.70

2 qt. Versa Max AC @ V4 & 10 oz. Headline AMP @ VT 209.1 +4.5 -$21.30

5829

A4

Med

ium

34,0

00

Control: No Micronutrients or Fungicide 202.0 -- --

2 qt. Versa Max AC @ V4 204.1 +2.1 -$1.64

2 qt. Versa Max AC @ V4 & 10 oz. Headline AMP @ VT 200.7 -1.3 -$27.81

38,0

00

No Micronutrients or Fungicide 211.1 +9.1 +$23.53

2 qt. Versa Max AC @ V4 217.0 +15.0 +$36.55

2 qt. Versa Max AC @ V4 & 10 oz. Headline AMP @ VT 214.3 +12.3 +$13.09

Corn $3.86/Bu. Headline AMP® $166.92/gal. Versa Max™ AC $19.50/gal. XL® 5665AMX™*brand $317.61/unit. 5829A4 brand $232.11/unit. *®XL, Optimum, and AcreMax are registered trademarks of Pioneer. XL® brand seed is distributed by Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc. Individual results may vary.

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PURPOSE To determine the Economic Optimum Nitrogen Rate (EONR), which is the rate of nitrogen (N) that maximizes profitability. All entries received a 2x2 application of 30 units of N as UAN at planting. This was followed by a sidedress application of UAN at the V3 growth stage, meeting the total amount of N for each treatment.

STUDY INFORMATIONPlanted 5/19/2016Harvested 10/1/2016Population 34,000 Seeds/A.Row Width 30 in.Previous Crop SoybeansTillage Fall No-Till, Spring

Vertical-TillHerbicides Pre: 5.6 oz. Corvus®,

1 qt. Atrazine Post: 1 qt. Liberty®, 1 pt. Atrazine

Insecticides Escalate™

Starter 8.5 gal. 32-0-0 2x2

Total Nitrogen

Various

Soil Type Zook (silty clay loam)Soil Test Values

pH O.M. % CEC6.5 3.3 20.8

Percent Base Saturation

Ca Mg K H63.7 23.8 0.9 11.5

Parts per Million

P K S23 74 3

Zn Mn B2.4 41 0.2

NITROGEN RATE STUDYCorn After Soybeans

2016 RESULTS

Bran

d

Nitr

ogen

Re

spon

se

Nitr

ogen

(U

nits

/A.)

Perc

ent

Moi

stur

e

Bu./

A.

Nitr

ogen

C

ost/

A.

Net

Retu

rn

5828

AMX™

*

N E

ffici

ent

100 21.0 183.3 $51.00 $656.54

125 21.7 205.7 $63.75 $730.25

150 21.2 214.0 $76.50 $749.54

175 22.1 220.8 $89.25 $763.04

200 22.2 219.5 $102.00 $745.27

225 23.0 225.0 $114.75 $753.75

250 23.0 247.8 $127.50 $829.01

6165

AMX™

*

Hig

her N

Res

pons

e

100 21.2 173.8 $51.00 $619.87

125 21.7 188.2 $63.75 $662.70

150 21.8 190.7 $76.50 $659.60

175 21.6 207.3 $89.25 $710.93

200 22.1 216.2 $102.00 $732.53

225 22.7 223.7 $114.75 $748.73

250 23.1 234.0 $127.50 $775.74

2-H

ybrid

Av

erag

e

100 21.1 178.6 $51.00 $638.21

125 21.7 197.0 $63.75 $696.48

150 21.5 202.4 $76.50 $704.57

175 21.9 214.1 $89.25 $736.99

200 22.2 217.9 $102.00 $738.90

225 22.9 224.4 $114.75 $751.24

250 23.1 240.9 $127.50 $802.38

Corn $3.86/Bu. UAN $0.51/unit of nitrogen. *®XL, Optimum, and AcreMax are registered trademarks of Pioneer. XL® brand seed is distributed by Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc. Individual results may vary.

• Both the efficient N user (XL® 5828AMX™*brand) and the product with a higher N response (XL® 6165AMX™*brand) resulted in increased yields when N rates were applied.

• Both hybrids saw the greatest yields at the highest applied N rate.

• These results are not typical for the area, however growing conditions were ideal. Applying 250 units of N would not typically be a recommended practice in Iowa.

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2016 RESULTS

Bran

d

Nitr

ogen

Re

spon

se

Nitr

ogen

(U

nits

/A.)

Perc

ent

Moi

stur

e

Bu./

A.

Nitr

ogen

C

ost/

A.

Net R

etur

n

5828

AMX™

*

N E

ffici

ent

125 20.7 214.5 $63.75 $764.22150 20.4 231.7 $76.50 $817.86175 21.0 232.6 $89.25 $808.59200 21.3 233.7 $102.00 $800.08225 21.1 240.3 $114.75 $812.81250 21.6 238.3 $127.50 $792.34275 21.3 243.2 $140.25 $798.50

6165

AMX™

*

Hig

her N

Res

pons

e 125 20.7 205.2 $63.75 $728.32150 21.1 222.5 $76.50 $782.35175 21.1 231.5 $89.25 $804.34200 21.4 248.1 $102.00 $855.67225 21.7 248.2 $114.75 $843.30250 22.1 248.2 $127.50 $830.55275 21.3 253.9 $140.25 $839.80

2-H

ybrid

Av

erag

e

125 20.7 209.9 $63.75 $746.27150 20.8 227.1 $76.50 $800.11175 21.1 232.1 $89.25 $806.47200 21.4 240.9 $102.00 $827.88225 21.4 244.3 $114.75 $828.06250 21.9 243.3 $127.50 $811.45275 21.3 248.6 $140.25 $819.15

Corn $3.86/Bu. UAN $0.51/unit of nitrogen. *®XL, Optimum, and AcreMax are registered trademarks of Pioneer. XL® brand seed is distributed by Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc. Individual results may vary.

PURPOSE To determine the Economic Optimum Nitrogen Rate (EONR), which is the rate of nitrogen (N) that maximizes profitability. All entries received 30 units of N as UAN in a 2x2 application at planting. This was followed by a sidedress application of UAN at the V3 growth stage, meeting the total amount of N for each treatment.

STUDY INFORMATIONPlanted 4/15/2016Harvested 9/21/2016Population 36,000 Seeds/A.Row Width 30 in.Previous Crop CornTillage Fall Vertical-Till,

Spring Vertical-TillHerbicides Pre: 5.6 oz. Corvus®,

1 qt. AtrazineInsecticides 4.4 lb. Force® 3G,

Escalate™

Starter 8.5 gal. 32-0-0 2x2

Total Nitrogen

Various

Soil Type Tuskeego (silt loam)Soil Test Values

pH O.M. % CEC6.2 5.0 20.1

Percent Base Saturation

Ca Mg K H59.6 19.9 2.7 17.9

Parts per Million

P K S33 209 3

Zn Mn B4.4 49 0.2

NITROGEN RATE STUDYCorn After Corn

• As an efficient N user, XL® 5828AMX™*brand demonstrated that less N was required to produce optimal yields. XL® 6165AMX™*brand has a higher N response and therefore more N resulted in yield increases.

• The greatest ROI with XL® 5828AMX™*brand was at a N rate of 150 units, while XL® 6165AMX™*brand maximized ROI at 200 units of N.

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NITROGEN TIMING STUDY

PURPOSE To evaluate various nitrogen (N) application timings and their effects on N use efficiency and yield. Each treatment in this study received a total of 190 units of N/A. as UAN.

STUDY INFORMATIONPlanted 4/19/2016Harvested 10/1/2016Population 34,000 Seeds/A.Row Width 30 in.Previous Crop SoybeansTillage Fall No-Till, Spring

Vertical-TillHerbicides Pre: 5.6 oz. Corvus®,

1 qt. Atrazine Post: 1 qt. Liberty®, 1 pt. Atrazine

Insecticides Escalate™

Starter 8.5 gal. 32-0-0 2x2

Total Nitrogen

190 units as UAN

Soil Type Zook (silty clay loam)

Soil Test Values

pH O.M. % CEC6.9 4.3 19.2

Percent Base Saturation

Ca Mg K H70.5 27.2 0.9 1.5

Parts per Million

P K S30 65 4

Zn Mn B3.0 56 0.4 The N program for the control (30 units/A. of N as a 2x2 application

followed by 160 units/A. of N sidedressed at V3) was chosen because it has been the most profitable N timing system in PFR over multiple years at multiple sites.

• Each N application with 360 Y-DROP® was followed by timely rainfall.

• Both the N efficient and higher N response hybrids had the greatest yield in the control treatment.

• Yield reduction in treatments using the 360 Y-DROP indicate that the plants needed more N early in the season.

2016 RESULTS

Bran

d

Nitr

ogen

Re

spon

se

Nitr

ogen

(U

nits

/A.)

Appl

icat

ion

Tim

ing

Perc

ent

Moi

stur

e

Bu./

A.

Bu./

A.

Diff

eren

ce

Retu

rn o

n In

vest

men

t

5829

A4

N E

ffici

ent

30,160 Control: 2x2, Sidedress @ V3 18.1 217.5 -- --

30,80,80 2x2, Sidedress @ V3, 360 Y-DROP® @ V7 17.9 213.5 -4.0 -$15.44

30,80,80 2x2, Sidedress @ V3, 360 Y-DROP @ V10 17.7 210.6 -6.9 -$26.63

30,80,80 2x2, Sidedress @ V3, 360 Y-DROP @ VT 18.3 215.1 -2.4 -$9.26

5665

AMX™

*

Hig

her N

Res

pons

e 30,160 Control: 2x2, Sidedress @ V3 18.0 234.9 -- --

30,80,80 2x2, Sidedress @ V3, 360 Y-DROP @ V7 17.8 233.3 -1.6 -$6.17

30,80,80 2x2, Sidedress @ V3, 360 Y-DROP @ V10 17.5 230.8 -4.1 -$15.82

30,80,80 2x2, Sidedress @ V3, 360 Y-DROP @ VT 17.8 229.3 -5.6 -$21.61

2-H

ybrid

Av

erag

e

30,160 Control: 2x2, Sidedress @ V3 18.1 226.2 -- --

30,80,80 2x2, Sidedress @ V3, 360 Y-DROP @ V7 17.9 223.4 -2.8 -$10.80

30,80,80 2x2, Sidedress @ V3, 360 Y-DROP @ V10 17.6 220.7 -5.5 -$21.22

30,80,80 2x2, Sidedress @ V3, 360 Y-DROP @ VT 18.1 222.2 -4.0 -$15.43

Corn $3.86/Bu. UAN $0.51/unit of nitrogen. *®XL, Optimum, and AcreMax are registered trademarks of Pioneer. XL® brand seed is distributed by Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc. Individual results may vary.

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PURPOSE To evaluate the yield response and return on investment when applying fungicide at the VT growth stage on multiple hybrids.

STUDY INFORMATIONPlanted 4/25/2016Harvested 9/27/2016Population 36,000 Seeds/A.Row Width 30 in.Previous Crop CornTillage Fall Vertical-Till,

Spring Vertical-TillHerbicides Pre: 5.6 oz. Corvus®,

1 qt. AtrazineInsecticides 4.4 lb. Force® 3G,

Escalate™

Starter 8.5 gal. 32-0-0 2x2

Total Nitrogen

215 units as UAN

Soil Type Nevin (silty clay loam)Soil Test Values

pH O.M. % CEC6.0 4.5 17.0

Percent Base Saturation

Ca Mg K H55.9 19.4 3.5 21.2

Parts per Million

P K S34 231 5

Zn Mn B3.3 53 0.2

• In this study we selected hybrids for their known response to fungicide. The fungicide Stratego® YLD is labeled for both Northern Corn Leaf Blight and Gray Leaf Spot, which commonly impacts Midwestern corn.

• As a hybrid with a moderate response to fungicide, XL® 5828AMX™*brand showed a negative 0.8 Bu./A. response.

• With a high response to fungicide, XL® 6158AM™*brand showed a 12.2 Bu./A. increase.

• Although each hybrid has a rating for its response to fungicide, other variables for disease pressure will differ in a given season. The combination of the time of infection, spread above the ear leaf, and the environmental conditions will determine the response to fungicide.

FUNGICIDE STUDYHybrid Response

2016 RESULTS

Trea

tmen

ts

Fung

icid

e Re

spon

se

Bran

d

Perc

ent

Moi

stur

e

Bu./

A.

Bu./

A.

Diff

eren

ce

Retu

rn o

n In

vest

men

t

Con

trol

: N

o Fu

ngic

ide

-- 5829A4 20.4 221.8 -- ---- 5828AMX™* 20.8 227.6 -- ---- 6076SX 20.4 240.2 -- ---- 6158AM™* 19.8 237.0 -- ---- 6225HR™* 22.3 237.2 -- ---- 6365AMX™* 22.5 209.4 -- --

AVG. 21.0 228.9 -- --

4 oz

. Str

ateg

YLD

@ V

T

Low 5829A4 20.9 231.4 +9.6 +$21.56Medium 5828AMX™* 21.4 228.4 +0.8 -$12.41Medium 6076SX 20.9 235.6 -4.6 -$33.24

High 6158AM™* 20.6 249.2 +12.2 +$31.60Medium 6225HR™* 22.3 252.6 +15.4 +$43.96Medium 6365AMX™* 23.1 214.6 +5.2 +$4.59

AVG. 21.5 235.3 +6.4 +$9.34

Corn $3.86/Bu. Stratego® YLD $495.67/gal. *®XL, Optimum, and AcreMax are registered trademarks of Pioneer. XL® brand seed is distributed by Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc. Individual results may vary.

The Disease TriangleA susceptible host, disease pathogen, and a conductive environment must all coincide for a disease to develop.

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PURPOSE To evaluate the use of various additives, applied with a fungicide at the VT growth stage, in an attempt to increase plant health, yield and profitability.

STUDY INFORMATIONPlanted 4/15/2016Harvested 9/22/2016Population 36,000 Seeds/A.Row Width 30 in.Previous Crop CornTillage Fall Vertical-Till,

Spring Vertical-TillHerbicides Pre: 5.6 oz. Corvus®,

1 qt. AtrazineInsecticides 4.4 lb. Force® 3G,

Escalate™

Fungicides 10 oz. Headline AMP®

Starter 8.5 gal. 32-0-0 2x2Total Nitrogen

215 units as UAN

Soil Type Nevin (silty clay loam)Soil Test Values

pH O.M. % CEC6.1 3.5 15.6

Percent Base Saturation

Ca Mg K H54.6 19.3 3.0 23.1

Parts per Million

P K S35 182 5

Zn Mn B3.6 52 0.2

FUNGICIDE ADDITIVE STUDY

2016 RESULTS

Bran

d

Treatments Perc

ent

Moi

stur

e

Bu./

A.

Bu./

A.

Diff

eren

ce

Retu

rn o

n In

vest

men

t

6076

SX

Control: Fungicide 24.6 233.3 -- --Fungicide + 3.2 oz. Eagle 22.7 244.2 +10.9 +$36.07Fungicide + 6 oz. Boron Plus® 23.8 241.2 +7.9 +$29.09Fungicide + 1 qt. CropKarb® 23.7 236.9 +3.6 +$4.22Fungicide + 40 oz. Toggle™ 23.8 233.3 +0.0 -$12.50

6158

AM™

*

Control: Fungicide 22.9 234.3 -- --Fungicide + 3.2 oz. Eagle 21.9 241.4 +7.1 +$21.40Fungicide + 6 oz. Boron Plus 22.8 235.7 +1.4 +$4.00Fungicide + 1 qt. CropKarb 22.5 237.1 +2.8 +$1.14Fungicide + 40 oz. Toggle 22.5 238.1 +3.8 +$2.17

2-H

ybrid

Av

erag

e

Control: Fungicide 23.8 233.8 -- --Fungicide + 3.2 oz. Eagle 22.3 242.8 +9.0 +$28.74Fungicide + 6 oz. Boron Plus 23.3 238.5 +4.7 +$16.55Fungicide + 1 qt. CropKarb 23.1 237.0 +3.2 +$2.68Fungicide + 40 oz. Toggle 23.2 235.7 +1.9 -$5.16

Corn $3.86/Bu. CropKarb® $38.69/gal. Boron Plus® $29.94/gal. Eagle $240.00/gal. Toggle™ $40.00/gal. *®XL, Optimum, and AcreMax are registered trademarks of Pioneer. XL® brand seed is distributed by Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc. Individual results may vary.

Can the addition of a nutrient or biological additive into a fungicide increase yields even further by providing the plant more of what it needs at that time?

• We know the crop still has a relatively high demand for late season nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus. Micronutrients, especially boron, are needed at that time as well.

• All products in this study provided us with additional bushels per acre, however, the two products that really stood out from a financial standpoint were Boron Plus® and Eagle.

• According to its manufacturer, Eagle is designed to assist the water flux of the plant and modify transpiration. This allows the plant to effectively and more efficiently move water to where it's needed at a lower energy cost to the plant.

• We look forward to continuing this evaluation in an effort to understand why we are seeing these results.

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340 | 2016 Beck’s Practical Farm Research

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PURPOSE To evaluate the yield and profitability of various fungicides and insecticides when applied in-furrow.

STUDY INFORMATIONPlanted 4/15/2016Harvested 9/21/2016Population 36,000 Seeds/A.Row Width 30 in.Previous Crop CornTillage Fall Vertical-Till,

Spring Vertical-TillHerbicides Pre: 5.6 oz. Corvus®,

1 qt. AtrazineInsecticides 4.4 lb. Force® 3G,

Escalate™

Starter 5 gal. PureGrade® 6-24-6 In-Furrow

Total Nitrogen

215 units as UAN

Soil Type Judson (silt loam)Soil Test Values

pH O.M. % CEC6.4 3.6 12.4

Percent Base Saturation

Ca Mg K H64.3 22.4 3.6 9.7

Parts per Million

P K S36 173 7

Zn Mn B3.8 60 0.2

FUNGICIDE & INSECTICIDE STUDYIn-Furrow

2016 RESULTS

Bran

dEm

erge

nce

In-Furrow Treatments Emer

ged

Popu

latio

n

Popu

latio

n D

iffer

ence

Bu./

A.

Bu./

A.

Diff

eren

ce

Retu

rn o

n In

vest

men

t

5832

A3**

Fast

Control: Starter 36,333 -- 252.2 -- --

Starter + 1 pt. Serenade® ASO 36,000 -333 251.1 -1.1 -$8.55

Starter + 7.2 oz. Xanthion™ 36,667 +334 253.6 +1.4 -$14.05

Starter + 8 oz. Ethos® XB 35,500 -833 254.8 +2.6 -$13.62

Starter + 8 oz. Capture® LFR® 36,250 -83 253.6 +1.4 -$17.95

6076

SXSl

ower

Control: Starter 36,750 -- 212.2 -- --

Starter + 1 pt. Serenade ASO 35,417 -1,333 207.8 -4.4 -$21.29

Starter + 7.2 oz. Xanthion 36,667 -83 210.3 -1.9 -$26.79

Starter + 8 oz. Ethos XB 36,167 -583 210.5 -1.7 -$30.22

Starter + 8 oz. Capture LFR 36,167 -583 208.2 -4.0 -$38.80

2-H

ybrid

Ave

rage

Control: Starter 36,542 -- 232.2 -- --

Starter + 1 pt. Serenade ASO 35,708 -834 229.5 -2.7 -$14.92

Starter + 7.2 oz. Xanthion 36,667 +125 232.0 -0.2 -$20.42

Starter + 8 oz. Ethos XB 35,833 -709 232.7 +0.5 -$21.92

Starter + 8 oz. Capture LFR 36,208 -334 230.9 -1.3 -$28.37

Corn $3.86/Bu. Capture® LFR® $373.81/gal. Serenade® ASO $34.47/gal. Xanthion™ $19.46/A. Ethos® XB $378.56/gal. **Phoenix® is a registered trademark of a Syngenta Group Company. Phoenix® brand seed is distributed by Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc. Individual results may vary.

0 1 2 3 4 5 6

Canopy Coverage (%)

Canopy Coverage Based on Fungicide/Insecticide In Furrow

Control Serenade Xanthion Ethos Capture

V3 CANOPY COVERAGE BY IN-FURROW TREATMENT

Capture® LFR®

Percent Canopy Cover

Ethos® XB

Xanthion™

Serenade® ASO

Control

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Ethos® XB Control: Starter

• The fast emerging product Phoenix® 5832A3**brand was evaluated alongside the slower emerging BECK 6076SXbrand.

• Early in the season, the starter with Ethos® XB showed greater growth and more canopy coverage when compared to the control (image below, graph on previous page).

• The slower emerging variety showed no yield or ROI increase with the in-furrow applications while the fast emerging variety showed yield increases from all in-furrow treatments except that of starter + 1 pt. Serenade® ASO.

• Regardless of these increases in yield and early season plant health, there was no increase in ROI this year.

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2016 RESULTS

Bran

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Fung

icid

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se

Treatments Perc

ent

Moi

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Bu./

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6076

SX

Med

ium

Control 19.9 218.2 -- --

5 oz. Preemptor™ SC @ V8 20.1 221.5 +3.3 -$7.64

14.5 oz. Trivapro® @ V8 20.2 227.1 +8.9 +$16.86

5 oz. Preemptor SC @ R1 20.8 224.6 +6.4 +$4.33

14.5 oz. Trivapro @ R1 21.4 222.0 +3.8 -$2.83

6158

AM™

*

Hig

hControl 20.0 235.1 -- --

5 oz. Preemptor SC @ V8 19.6 243.4 +8.3 +$11.65

14.5 oz. Trivapro @ V8 19.3 239.9 +4.8 +$1.02

5 oz. Preemptor SC @ R1 19.8 239.4 +4.3 -$3.79

14.5 oz. Trivapro @ R1 20.7 239.5 +4.4 -$0.52

2-H

ybrid

Ave

rage

Control 20.0 226.7 -- --

5 oz. Preemptor SC @ V8 19.9 232.5 +5.8 +$2.01

14.5 oz. Trivapro @ V8 19.8 233.5 +6.8 +$8.94

5 oz. Preemptor SC @ R1 20.3 232.0 +5.3 +$0.27

14.5 oz. Trivapro @ R1 21.1 230.8 +4.1 -$1.67

Corn $3.86/Bu. Preemptor™ SC $521.83/gal. Trivapro® $17.50/A. *®XL, Optimum, and AcreMax are registered trademarks of Pioneer. XL® brand seed is distributed by Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc. Individual results may vary.

PURPOSE To evaluate Preemptor™ SC and Trivapro® at two different timings to determine if they can sustain season-long control with one early foliar application. This study evaluated the different diseases that are present throughout the growing season as well as the value of each product in terms of plant health, yield and profitability.

STUDY INFORMATIONPlanted 4/18/2016Harvested 9/27/2016Population 36,000 Seeds/A.Row Width 30 in.Previous Crop CornTillage Fall Vertical-Till,

Spring Vertical-TillHerbicides Pre: 5.6 oz. Corvus®,

1 qt. AtrazineInsecticides 4.4 lb. Force® 3G,

Escalate™

Starter 8.5 gal. 32-0-0 2x2

Total Nitrogen

215 units as UAN

Soil Type Nevin (silty clay loam)Soil Test Values

pH O.M. % CEC6.0 4.0 15.8

Percent Base Saturation

Ca Mg K H55.4 19.0 2.9 22.8

Parts per Million

P K S35 178 4

Zn Mn B2.9 56 0.2

• Syngenta, the maker of Trivapro®, claims it is the longest lasting fungicide. Likewise, FMC claims their Preemptor™ SC fungicide, offers the ability to spray one single early application for season-long control. We decided to put both of those claims to the test.

• This year there was little to no disease pressure so both products performed extremely well at an early V8 application.

• Under these limited disease conditions, the V8 growth stage applications provided a consistent return on investment over applications made at the R1 growth stage.

FUNGICIDE TIMING STUDY

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HIGH YIELD ATTEMPT

2016 RESULTS

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Plan

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Popu

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eeds

/A.)

Perc

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285R

4™* Control 160,000 12.0 87.7 --

180,000 12.2 86.0 --High-

Management 160,000 12.1 96.3 +8.6180,000 11.7 92.6 +6.6

AVG. 12.0 90.7 +7.632

3R4™

* Control 160,000 12.0 95.4 --180,000 11.9 94.5 --

High-Managment

160,000 12.0 98.4 +3.0180,000 12.0 103.0 +8.5

AVG. 12.0 97.8 +5.8*®XL is a registered trademark of Pioneer. XL® brand seed is distributed by Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc. Individual results may vary.

TREATMENTSALL ENTRIES Escalate™ + Poncho®/VOTiVO® + ILeVO® + Optimize®

HIGH-MANAGEMENT TREATMENTS

In-Furrow: 2 gal. RoMax Soybean with SoyMix (2-14-8)

V6: 17 gal. 32-0-0 + 10 gal. KTS® (0-0-25-17S)

R1: 2 qt. Versa Max™ Soybean

R3: 8.5 gal. 32-0-0 360 Y-DROP®

R3: 6 oz. Headline® + 3.2 oz. Mustang® Maxx

R4: 6 oz. Headline

CONTROL In-Furrow: 2 gal. RoMax® Soybean with SoyMix (2-14-8)

One of the goals at each of our PFR sites every year is to achieve higher yields than ever before. This year, Beck's Iowa PFR site implemented applications of nitrogen at both V6 and R1 growth stages and a foliar feed application at R1. Applications of late-season fungicide and insecticide were used to control pests, but they also likely prolonged time for pod fill, which increased yield. This resulted in a yield of over 100 Bu./A. with XL® 323R4™*brand!

PURPOSE To raise high yielding soybeans through the use of various seed treatments, product applications, and intensive management strategies.

STUDY INFORMATIONPlanted 4/18/2016Harvested 10/9/2016Population VariousRow Width 30 in.Previous Crop CornTillage Fall Vertical-Till,

Spring Vertical-TillHerbicides Pre: 10 oz.

Authority® Assist Post: 1.3 pt. Dual II Magnum®

Insecticides Escalate™

Soil Type Judson (silt loam)Soil Test Values

pH O.M. % CEC5.9 3.6 13.2

Percent Base Saturation

Ca Mg K H49.3 20.2 3.2 27.3

Parts per Million

P K S23 165 8

Zn Mn B2.8 45 0.2

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PURPOSE To determine the optimum planting date window by planting on multiple dates throughout the growing season.

STUDY INFORMATIONPlanted VariousHarvested VariousPopulation 130,000 Seeds/A.Row Width 30 in.Previous Crop CornTillage Fall Vertical-Till,

Spring Vertical-TillHerbicides Pre: 10 oz.

Authority® Assist Post: 5 oz. Clethodim, 1.3 pt. Dual II Magnum®

Insecticides Escalate™

Soil Type Judson (silt loam)Soil Test Values

pH O.M. % CEC5.9 3.5 13.9

Percent Base Saturation

Ca Mg K H50.2 20.6 3.3 25.8

Parts per Million

P K S31 179 7

Zn Mn B3.3 53 0.2

Early planting dates with XL® 247R4™*brand showed high levels of Sudden Death Syndrome (SDS), but still out-yielded the later planting dates. Higher yields with early planting dates can be attributed to earlier canopy closure of soybeans. Earlier canopy closure leads to maximum photosynthesis, cooler soil temperatures in the heat of summer, and improved water usage.

PLANTING DATE STUDY

2016 RESULTS

Plan

ting

Dat

e

Bran

d

Perc

ent

Moi

stur

e

Bu./

A.

April 13247R4™* 13.1 73.3312R4™* 13.0 85.0

AVG. 13.1 79.2

April 26247R4™* 13.1 75.1312R4™* 13.2 80.3

AVG. 13.2 77.7

May 12247R4™* 11.8 69.3312R4™* 12.2 79.1

AVG. 12.0 74.2

May 23247R4™* 11.9 70.0312R4™* 12.4 74.4

AVG. 12.2 72.2

June 6247R4™* 11.2 59.2312R4™* 13.6 71.1

AVG. 12.4 65.2

June 18247R4™* 12.2 59.6312R4™* 12.9 61.9

AVG. 12.6 60.8*®XL is a registered trademark of Pioneer. XL® brand seed is distributed by Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc. Individual results may vary.

SUDDEN DEATH SYNDROMESDS incidence increases when planting into cool, moist soil conditions early in the season. The disease infection takes place during those early vegetative growth stages, but visual symptoms are not recognized until the reproductive stages. Many times, areas that are compacted or have poor drainage are the patches in a field where SDS symptomology is first recognized.

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SEED TREATMENT STUDYEscalate™ vs. Untreated

PURPOSE To evaluate the yield and final population of Beck’s Escalate yield enhancement system on multiple soybean varieties compared to untreated seed.

STUDY INFORMATIONPlanted 4/18/2016Harvested 9/29/2016Population 130,000 Seeds/A.Row Width 30 in.Previous Crop SoybeansTillage Fall No-Till, Spring

Vertical-TillHerbicides Pre: 10 oz.

Authority® Assist Post: 1.3 pt. Flexstar®

Soil Type Zook (silty clay loam)

Soil Test Values

pH O.M. % CEC6.7 3.9 19.8

Percent Base Saturation

Ca Mg K H65.5 27.5 1.0 6.0

Parts per Million

P K S26 74 3

Zn Mn B3.1 50 0.4

2016 RESULTS

Bran

d

Treatments Perc

ent

Moi

stur

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Bu./

A.

Bu./

A.

Diff

eren

ce

297R4™*Control: Untreated 12.9 55.4 --

Escalate™ 12.8 58.4 +3.0

312R4™*Control: Untreated 12.7 46.6 --

Escalate 12.7 48.2 +1.6

2-Variety Average

Control: Untreated 12.8 51.0 --

Escalate 12.8 53.3 +2.3

*®XL is a registered trademark of Pioneer. XL® brand seed is distributed by Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc. Individual results may vary.

• Little visual difference was noted between the control and the Escalate™ treated seed throughout the season.

• XL® 297R4™*brand and XL® 312R4™*brand treated with Escalate resulted in an average yield increase of 2.3 Bu./A. over the control.

Con

trol

: Un

trea

ted

Esca

late

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Instances of the halo effect were observed in the early season ILeVO® treated soybeans. They also appeared to have some increased damage due to the PPO-containing herbicide Authority® Assist

which was applied pre-emerge. This damage didn't appear to impact soybean growth later in the season. Escalate SDS and Poncho®/VOTiVO® + ILeVO showed comparable increases in yield. Escalate SDS had an average increase of 2.1 Bu./A. Poncho/VOTiVO + ILeVO had an average increase of 2.5 Bu./A.

2016 RESULTS

Dat

e

Bran

d

SDS

Tole

ranc

e

Trea

tmen

ts

Emer

ged

Popu

latio

n

Popu

latio

n D

iffer

ence

Bu./

A.

Bu./

A.

Diff

eren

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Retu

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n In

vest

men

t

April

18

Earli

er P

lant

ing 28

5R4™

*

Aver

age

Control: Escalate™ 113,740 -- 59.7 -- --

Escalate SDS 121,000 +7,260 63.4 +3.7 +$25.54

Poncho®/VOTiVO® + ILeVO® 116,886 +3,146 62.8 +3.1 +$11.54

297R

4™*

Very

Goo

d Control: Escalate 114,708 -- 57.7 -- --

Escalate SDS 119,064 +4,356 60.7 +3.0 +$18.90

Poncho/VOTiVO + ILeVO 119,064 +4,356 61.4 +3.7 +$17.23

May

12

Late

r Pla

ntin

g 285R

4™*

Aver

age

Control: Escalate 104,060 -- 49.1 -- --

Escalate SDS 108,416 +4,356 49.4 +0.3 -$6.70

Poncho/VOTiVO + ILeVO 98,736 -5,324 49.3 +0.2 -$15.95

297R

4™*

Very

Goo

d Control: Escalate 110,110 -- 44.7 -- --

Escalate SDS 106,238 -3,872 46.2 +1.5 +$4.68

Poncho/VOTiVO + ILeVO 103,334 -6,776 47.6 +2.9 +$9.64

Soybeans $9.48/Bu. Escalate SDS $7.75/unit. Poncho®/VOTiVO® + ILeVO® $14.50/unit. Escalate™ $0.00/unit. *®XL is a registered trademark of Pioneer. XL® brand seed is distributed by Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc. Individual results may vary.

PURPOSE To compare the differences in yield and profitability when using ILeVO on different soybean varieties with contrasting genetic tolerance to Sudden Death Syndrome (SDS). Earlier and later planting dates were evaluated with three different seed treatments.

STUDY INFORMATIONPlanted VariousHarvested 10/3/16Population 130,000 Seeds/A.Row Width 30 in.Previous Crop SoybeansTillage Fall No-Till, Spring

Vertical-TillHerbicides Pre: 10 oz.

Authority® Assist Post: 1 qt. Roundup PowerMAX®, 1.3 pt. Flexstar®

Soil Type Zook (silty clay loam)

Soil Test Values

pH O.M. % CEC6.4 4.3 22.3

Percent Base Saturation

Ca Mg K H58.2 24.6 1.0 16.1

Parts per Million

P K S27 89 4

Zn Mn B2.9 46 0.2

SEED TREATMENT STUDYILeVO®

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2016 RESULTS

Bran

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Emer

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In-Furrow Treatments Perc

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Bu./

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345R

4™*

Fast

Control: No Starter 12.3 81.6 -- --

2 gal. First Pass® with MicroCarb ZMB™ (3-5-15) 12.4 83.5 +1.9 +$6.15

1.5 gal. NACHURS® Rhyzo-Link® 3-10-13 12.3 80.5 -1.1 -$25.28

2 gal. RoMax® Soybean with SoyMix (2-14-8) 12.2 82.6 +1.0 +$0.98

1.5 gal. NACHURS Triple Option® (4-13-17-1S) 12.3 80.8 -0.8 -$17.19

365R

2

Slow

er

Control: No Starter 12.4 75.3 -- --

2 gal. First Pass with MicroCarb ZMB (3-5-15) 12.5 77.4 +2.1 +$8.05

1.5 gal. NACHURS Rhyzo-Link 3-10-13 12.6 79.4 +4.1 +$24.02

2 gal. RoMax Soybean with SoyMix (2-14-8) 12.6 74.9 -0.4 -$12.29

1.5 gal. NACHURS Triple Option (4-13-17-1S) 12.9 75.5 +0.2 -$7.70

2-Va

riety

Ave

rage

Control: No Starter 12.4 78.5 -- --

2 gal. First Pass with MicroCarb ZMB (3-5-15) 12.5 80.5 +2.0 +$7.10

1.5 gal. NACHURS Rhyzo-Link 3-10-13 12.5 80.0 +1.5 -$0.63

2 gal. RoMax Soybean with SoyMix (2-14-8) 12.4 78.8 +0.3 -$5.66

1.5 gal. NACHURS Triple Option (4-13-17-1S) 12.6 78.2 -0.3 -$12.45

Soybeans $9.48/Bu. RoMax® Soybean with SoyMix (2-14-8) $4.25/gal. NACHURS® Rhyzo-Link® 3-10-13 $9.90/gal. First Pass® with MicroCarb ZMB™ (3-5-15) $5.93/gal. NACHURS Triple Option® (4-13-17-1S) $6.40/gal. *®XL is a registered trademark of Pioneer. XL® brand seed is distributed by Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc. Individual results may vary.

PURPOSE To evaluate various soybean starter fertilizers applied in-furrow and their effects on yield and profitability.

STUDY INFORMATIONPlanted 5/5/2016Harvested 10/10/2016Population 130,000 Seeds/A.Row Width 30 in.Previous Crop CornTillage Fall Vertical-Till,

Spring Vertical-TillHerbicides Pre: 10 oz.

Authority® Assist Post: 5 oz. Clethodim, 1.3 pt. Dual II Magnum®

Insecticides Escalate™

Soil Type Tuskeego (silt loam)Soil Test Values

pH O.M. % CEC6.2 4.1 17.8

Percent Base Saturation

Ca Mg K H58.9 17.8 3.1 20.2

Parts per Million

P K S27 215 5

Zn Mn B3.5 57 0.2

• The variable results were likely due to the presence of Sudden Death Syndrome (SDS). Multiple areas in the study showed symptoms of SDS which led to variable results.

• MicroCarb ZMB™ resulted in the greatest yield across genetics with an average 2.0 Bu./A. yield increase over the control.

STARTER FERTILIZER STUDY

Soybeans exhibiting visual signs of SDS at Iowa PFR.

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BIOLOGICAL STUDYNitrogen Fixation

2016 RESULTS

Bran

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In-Furrow Treatments Perc

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Bu./

A.

Bu./

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Diff

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Retu

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285R

4™*

Control 13.0 54.4 -- --

12.8 oz. TerraMax Liquid™ 13.0 54.0 -0.4 -$7.39

48 oz. Yield Igniter® + 12.8 oz. TerraMax Liquid 12.7 54.1 -0.3 -$15.44

1 pt. N+ 12.3 53.3 -1.1 -$17.93

48 oz. Yield Igniter 12.8 53.9 -0.5 -$13.74

20 mL. Custom N2™ 12.9 54.8 +0.4 -$8.28

1 pt. PSB Experimental 13.2 52.7 -1.7 -$26.11

48 oz. Yield Igniter + 1 pt. N+ 12.5 53.5 -0.9 -$25.03

48 oz. Yield Igniter + 20 mL. Custom N2 12.7 55.4 +1.0 -$11.59

297R

4™*

Control 12.7 51.8 -- --

12.8 oz. TerraMax Liquid 13.0 54.9 +3.1 +$25.79

48 oz. Yield Igniter + 12.8 oz. TerraMax Liquid 13.9 55.8 +4.0 +$25.32

1 pt. N+ 12.4 55.4 +3.6 +$26.63

48 oz. Yield Igniter 12.8 54.6 +2.8 +$17.55

20 mL. Custom N2 13.1 53.9 +2.1 +$7.84

1 pt. PSB Experimental 13.2 53.9 +2.1 +$9.91

48 oz. Yield Igniter + 1 pt. N+ 13.5 53.4 +1.6 -$1.33

48 oz. Yield Igniter + 20 mL. Custom N2 12.9 52.3 +0.5 -$16.33

Soybeans $9.48/Bu. Yield Igniter® $24.00/gal. TerraMax Liquid™ $36.00/gal. Custom N2™ $12.07/A. PSB Experimental $80.00/gal. N+ $60.00/gal. *®XL is a registered trademark of Pioneer. XL® brand seed is distributed by Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc. Individual results may vary.

PURPOSE To evaluate different biological nitrogen fixation products and their effects on yield and profitability.

STUDY INFORMATIONPlanted 4/26/2016Harvested 9/15/2016Population 130,000 Seeds/A.Row Width 30 in.Previous Crop SoybeansTillage Fall No-Till, Spring

Vertical-TillHerbicides Pre: 10 oz

Authority® Assist Post: 1 qt. Roundup PowerMAX®, 1.3 pt. Flexstar®

Insecticides Escalate™

Soil Type Wabash (silty clay)Soil Test Values

pH O.M. % CEC6.3 4.3 23.7

Percent Base Saturation

Ca Mg K H59.1 24.8 0.9 15.2

Parts per Million

P K S28 79 4

Zn Mn B3.1 52 0.4

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IRON DEFICIENCY

CHLOROSIS (IDC) IDC is a disease that limits available iron in a plant. Managing IDC is a critical step in growing soybeans. The limitation is that there is no way to correct it with a fertilizer application because there’s plenty of iron available in the soil. It really comes down to selecting varieties that can do a better job of chelating soil iron into plant available forms.

Wade Kent, Ph.D. Beck’s Field AgronomistMoisture is one factor that largely impacts the nitrogen (N) cycle and

within four days of planting, this field received 1.25 in. of rainfall. This study was grown on the south field where we experienced periods of standing water. We observed iron deficiency chlorosis (IDC) in this plot which could have contributed to the results of this study.

• XL® 285R4™*brand demonstrated a greater IDC tolerance than XL® 297R4™*brand

• XL® 297R4™*brand responded with an average ROI increase of $11.93/A. with the use of N fixation products

A Healthy and Active Soybean Nodule

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2016 RESULTS

Treatments Perc

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Control 13.9 82.3 -- --

10 oz. Optify®/Stretch In-Furrow 13.8 80.9 -1.4 -$21.77

40 oz. Toggle™ @ R3 14.0 84.2 +1.9 +$5.52

10 oz. Optify/Stretch In-Furrow + 40 oz. Toggle @ R3 13.7 81.2 -1.1 -$31.42

Soybeans $9.48/Bu. Toggle™ $40.00/gal. Optify®/Stretch $108.80/gal. *®XL is a registered trademark of Pioneer. XL® brand seed is distributed by Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc. Individual results may vary.

PURPOSE To evaluate two different biologicals, one as a row starter additive and one as a foliar product. These two products were evaluated for their effects on plant health, yield and profitability.

STUDY INFORMATIONPlanted 5/5/2016Harvested 10/4/2016Population 130,000 Seeds/A.Row Width 30 in.Previous Crop CornTillage Fall Vertical-Till,

Spring Vertical-TillHerbicides Pre: 10 oz.

Authority® Assist Post: 5 oz. Clethodim, 1.3 pt. Dual II Magnum®

Insecticides Escalate™

Brand 278R4™*

Soil Type Nevin (silty clay loam)Soil Test Values

pH O.M. % CEC6.0 3.4 14.6

Percent Base Saturation

Ca Mg K H53.2 19.1 3.0 24.7

Parts per Million

P K S22 171 4

Zn Mn B3.0 50 0.2 • Early season results indicated that Optify®/Stretch had a greater

number of nodules over the control. In addition to higher nodule count, there was increased root growth in this treatment.

• However, increased root growth and nodulation did not result in higher yields.

• The greatest yield in this study resulted from the Toggle™ treatment at R3 with 1.9 Bu./A. increase over the control.

BIOLOGICAL STUDY

0 2 4 6 8 10

Average Number of Nodules

Trea

tmen

t

Nodules on Control and Optify®/Stretch Treated Soybeans

Optify Stretch Control

2016 BIOLOGICAL STUDY NODULE COUNT

Optify®/Stretch

Average Number of Nodules

Control

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2016 RESULTS

Treatments Nitr

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So

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Perc

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Moi

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Bu./

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Diff

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Control: No Nitrogen -- 11.9 82.6 -- --

30 units N @ Pre-plant UAN 12.0 80.3 -2.3 -$37.11

30 units N Sidedress @ V6 UAN 12.2 81.8 -0.8 -$22.89

30 units N 360 Y-DROP® @ R4 UAN 11.9 79.9 -2.7 -$40.90

30 units N Broadcast @ R4 Urea 12.1 80.5 -2.1 -$33.41

Soybeans $9.48/Bu. Urea $0.45/unit of nitrogen. UAN $0.51/unit of nitrogen. Individual results may vary.

PURPOSE To evaluate the yield and profitability of applying various forms of nitrogen (N) to soybeans at various growth stages.

STUDY INFORMATIONPlanted 5/5/2016Harvested 9/29/2016Population 130,000 Seeds/A.Row Width 30 in.Previous Crop CornTillage Fall Vertical-Till,

Spring Vertical-TillHerbicides Pre: 10 oz.

Authority® Assist Post: 5 oz. Clethodim, 1.3 pt. Dual II Magnum®

Insecticides Escalate™

Brand 314L4

Soil Type Nevin (silty clay loam)Soil Test Values

pH O.M. % CEC5.8 4.2 14.8

Percent Base Saturation

Ca Mg K H54.1 18.3 3.2 24.4

Parts per Million

P K S29 185 4

Zn Mn B2.6 54 0.2

• Previous research has shown that it takes approximately five units of N to produce one bushel of soybeans.

• All N applied treatments resulted in soybean yield loss which could be the result of less N production in nodules due to N application.

• Another possible explanation could be that the lack of adequate sulfur limited N uptake in soybeans.

NITROGEN TIMING STUDY

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PURPOSE To evaluate the yield and profitability of an insecticide when applied in-furrow.

STUDY INFORMATIONPlanted 5/5/2016Harvested 10/10/2016Population 130,000 Seeds/A.Row Width 30 in.Previous Crop CornTillage Fall Vertical-Till,

Spring Vertical-TillHerbicides Pre: 10 oz.

Authority® Assist Post: 5 oz. Clethodim, 1.3 pt. Dual II Magnum®

Insecticides Escalate™

Soil Type Tuskeego (silt loam)Soil Test Values

pH O.M. % CEC6.0 4.3 16.8

Percent Base Saturation

Ca Mg K H56.6 18.9 3.1 21.5

Parts per Million

P K S30 201 6

Zn Mn B3.7 56 0.2

• Early season insect pressure was not observed to be an issue at the Iowa PFR site.

• The application of Capture® LFR® in-furrow resulted in an average increase of 2.4 Bu./A.

• The slower emerging soybean (BECK 339R2brand) showed double the yield increase of the fast emerging soybean (XL® 345R4™*brand)

INSECTICIDE STUDYCapture® LFR®

2016 RESULTS

Bran

d

Emer

genc

e

In-Furrow Treatments Perc

ent

Moi

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Bu./

A.

Bu./

A.

Diff

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Retu

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339R

2

Slow

er Control 13.9 82.4 -- --

3.4 oz. Capture® LFR® 13.9 85.4 +3.0 +$18.51

345R

4™*

Fast

Control 13.3 86.2 -- --

3.4 oz. Capture LFR 13.1 87.9 +1.7 +$6.18

2-Va

riety

Av

erag

e Control 13.6 84.3 -- --

3.4 oz. Capture LFR 13.5 86.7 +2.4 +$12.34

Soybeans $9.48/Bu. Capture® LFR® $373.81/gal. *®XL is a registered trademark of Pioneer. XL® brand seed is distributed by Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc. Individual results may vary.

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PURPOSE To evaluate the yield and profitability of various micronutrient products when applied at the recommended R1 growth stage versus a later R3 application.

STUDY INFORMATIONPlanted 4/26/2016Harvested 10/9/2016Population 130,000 Seeds/A.Row Width 30 in.Previous Crop CornTillage Fall Vertical-Till,

Spring Vertical-TillHerbicides Pre: 10 oz.

Authority® Assist Post: 5 oz. Clethodim, 1.3 pt. Dual II Magnum®

Insecticides Escalate™

Brand 264L4

Soil Type Nevin (silty clay loam)Soil Test Values

pH O.M. % CEC5.9 4.0 15.1

Percent Base Saturation

Ca Mg K H53.1 19.1 3.8 23.9

Parts per Million

P K S39 225 5

Zn Mn B4.0 48 0.2

• In general, the three micronutrient products did better during the R3 application over the R1 application. This is likely because R3 is the start of pod fill. By applying micronutrient products at this time, pod fill is increased.

• We also noted that MicroNourish® was the highest performer on average with a 3.8 Bu./A. increase, regardless of time it was applied. This average increase in yield can likely be attributed to the higher boron (B) content in this product, as B is known to contribute to reproductive growth (ie. pod formation).

MICRONUTRIENT TIMING STUDYFoliar

2016 RESULTS

Tim

ing

Treatments Perc

ent

Moi

stur

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Bu./

A.

Bu./

A.

Diff

eren

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Retu

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Control 11.8 76.4 -- --

R12 qt. MicroNourish® 11.7 80.0 +3.6 +$27.03

2 qt. Versa Max™ AC 11.7 79.5 +3.1 +$19.64

2 qt. MAX-IN® Ultra ZMB® 11.9 78.6 +2.2 +$9.86

R3

2 qt. MicroNourish 11.8 80.4 +4.0 +$30.82

2 qt. Versa Max AC 11.8 80.1 +3.7 +$25.33

2 qt. MAX-IN Ultra ZMB 11.7 80.7 +4.3 +$29.77

Soybeans $9.48/Bu. MAX-IN® Ultra ZMB® $22.00/gal. Versa Max™ AC $19.50/gal. MicroNourish® $14.20/gal. Individual results may vary.

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354 | 2016 Beck’s Practical Farm Research

Alex LongMO PFR Agronomist

573.219.8649

PFR PARTNERSAND SUPPORT STAFF

PART

NER

S

Travis BurnettIN/MI PFR Agronomist

317.376.9104

David HughesMO Field Agronomist

573.219.8202

Austin ScottKY/TN/Southeast

MO (Bootheel)Field Agronomist

731.234.3625

Interested in becoming a PFR Partner? Contact your Beck’s representative

to sign up for 2017.

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CORN STUDIESPlanting Date Study ................................................................................................................... 356Replant Study .............................................................................................................................357Seed Treatment Study - Escalate™ vs. Industry Standard vs. Untreated .................................... 358Population vs. Nitrogen Rate Study - 30 in. Rows ...................................................................... 359Row Width & Population - 20 in. vs. 30 in. Rows ........................................................................ 360Nitrogen Timing Study .................................................................................................................362Nitrogen Application Study - Sidedress ..................................................................................... 364Fungicide Timing Study .............................................................................................................. 365Silage Study................................................................................................................................ 366

SOYBEAN STUDIES Planting Date Study ...................................................................................................................367Planting Date Study ................................................................................................................... 368Planting Depth Study ................................................................................................................. 369Starter Additive Study - Stimulate™ ........................................................................................... 370Population Study - 15 in. Rows .................................................................................................... 371

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PLANTING DATE STUDY

2016 RESULTS

Plan

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Dat

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Perc

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Moi

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April 5 13.0 111.5

April 25 13.1 95.8

May 30 14.8 81.7

June 16 22.0 55.7

*®XL, Optimum, and AcreMax are registered trademarks of Pioneer. XL® brand seed is distributed by Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc. Individual results may vary.

PURPOSE To determine the optimum planting date window by planting on multiple dates throughout the growing season.

STUDY INFORMATIONPlanted VariousHarvested VariousPopulation 31,500 Seeds/A.Row Width 30 in.Previous Crop SoybeansTillage No-TillHerbicides Burndown: 1 pt.

2,4-D, 1 qt. Roundup PowerMAX® Pre: 2 qt. Acuron® Post: 2.5 qt. Halex® GT

Insecticides Escalate™

Brand 5939AM™*

Soil Type Collins (silt loam)

• We started the 2016 season off with good growing conditions, which lasted until about two weeks prior to tassel of the earliest planted entry. Then the rain stopped and we had little to no rainfall during the month of July.

• Heat and drought stress made for very poor pollination, particularly in the later planting dates. This favored the earlier planted corn, which flowered prior to peak stress levels.

IL KY MI MO TN WI

PARTICIPATING STATES

WHAT CAUSES PURPLE CORN?Every spring, agronomists receive phone calls from farmers with concerns about their corn plants turning purple. They usually think they have phosphorous (P) deficiency but many times a lack of P is not the culprit. Anthocyanin, the pigment responsible for purpling, builds up in the leaves after a prolonged period of cool weather or other stresses. In most cases, after returning to more favorable growing conditions, the purpling disappears and is not considered a yield limiting factor.

Research in Collaboration with

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REPLANT STUDY

2016 RESULTS

Plan

ting

Dat

e

Plan

ted

Popu

latio

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Bu./

A.

Bu./

A.

Diff

eren

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Net R

etur

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Retu

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April 5 20,000 96.6 -- $372.88 --

April 25 (Replanted) 34,000 95.8 -0.8 $344.79 -$28.09

April 25 20,000 92.7 -- $357.82 --

May 30 (Replanted) 34,000 81.7 -11.0 $290.36 -$67.46

May 30 20,000 70.7 -- $272.90 --

June 16 (Replanted) 34,000 55.7 -15.0 $190.00 -$82.90

Corn $3.86/Bu. Replant Cost $25.00/A. *®XL, Optimum, and AcreMax are registered trademarks of Pioneer. XL® brand seed is distributed by Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc. Individual results may vary.

PURPOSE To evaluate corn stands and determine whether or not replant is a profitable decision at various planting and replanting dates. This study evaluated the yield performance of corn planted at 20,000 seeds/A. with random spacing versus a more uniform 34,000 seeds/A.

STUDY INFORMATIONPlanted VariousHarvested VariousPopulation VariousRow Width 30 in.Previous Crop SoybeansTillage No-Till Herbicides Burndown: 1 pt.

2,4-D, 1 qt. Roundup PowerMAX® Pre: 2 qt. Acuron® Post: 2.5 qt. Halex® GT

Insecticides Escalate™

Brand 5939AM™*

Soil Type Collins (silt loam)

• If you reference the planting date study on the previous page, you can see that we experienced extremely stressful pollination conditions in Tennessee. This proved devastating for overall corn production, but had the largest impact on the late planted corn. Therefore, this year’s data is drastically skewed due to these extreme environmental conditions.

• The 8-year replant return on investment from Henderson, KY is shown above. This graph is likely more representative of what to expect in a replant scenario, and proves the value of multi-year research, when compared to single year, single site data.

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-$300

-$200

-$100

$0

$100

$200

$300

April 1-15

April 16-30

May 1-15

May 16-31

June 1-15

June 16-30

8-Year Kentucky PFR Replant Return on Investment

8-YEAR KENTUCKY PFR REPLANT ROI

Replant Date

Dol

lars

/A.

Research in Collaboration with

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IS ADDITIONAL INSECT PROTECTION NECESSARY?

Sometimes we do see yield increases with the addition of in-furrow insecticide. In-furrow insecticide provides another level of protection that may be needed under high insect pressure. Healthy plants with even emergence and growth from the VE to V6 growth stage (end of stand establishment) creates the foundation for strong yield potential.

SEED TREATMENT STUDYEscalate™ vs. Industry Standard vs. Untreated

PURPOSE To evaluate the yield differences of Beck’s Escalate yield enhancement system on corn compared to both the industry standard treatment system and an untreated control.

STUDY INFORMATIONPlanted 4/15/2016Harvested 9/15/2016Population 31,500 Seeds/A.Row Width 30 in.Previous Crop SoybeansTillage No-TillHerbicides Burndown: 1 pt.

2,4-D, 1 qt. Roundup PowerMAX® Pre: 2 qt. Acuron® Post: 2.5 qt. Halex® GT

Brand 5829A4Soil Type Collins (silt loam)

• Cool, wet soil conditions common with early planting are not conducive to fast, vigorous seedling growth.

• During times of slower development the plant is susceptible to seedling pathogens such as Fusarium and Pythium.

• The fungicides in Beck’s Escalate™ yield enhancement system offer protection from these pathogens, while Poncho® 1250 provides season-long insect control.

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Black Cutworm

Seedcorn Maggot White Grub

Wireworm

2016 RESULTS

Trea

tmen

ts

Perc

ent

Moi

stur

e

Bu./

A.

Bu./

A.

Diff

eren

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Control: Untreated 13.1 110.6 --Escalate™ 12.8 117.0 +6.4

Industry Standard 13.4 114.5 +3.9

Individual results may vary.

Research in Collaboration with

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POPULATION VS. NITROGEN RATE STUDY30 in. Rows

2016 RESULTS

Nitr

ogen

(U

nits

/A.)

Plan

ted

Popu

latio

n (S

eeds

/A.)

Perc

ent

Moi

stur

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Bu./

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Nitr

ogen

C

ost/

A.

Seed

Cos

t/A.

Net R

etur

n

180

26,000 13.6 198.1 $91.80 $81.29 $591.58

29,000 13.3 207.2 $91.80 $90.66 $617.33

32,000 13.7 213.9 $91.80 $100.04 $633.81

35,000 13.6 221.1 $91.80 $109.42 $652.23

220

26,000 14.2 189.3 $112.20 $81.29 $537.21

29,000 14.2 197.9 $112.20 $90.66 $561.03

32,000 13.9 211.1 $112.20 $100.04 $602.61

35,000 14.2 217.4 $112.20 $109.42 $617.54

Corn $3.86/Bu. UAN $0.51/unit of nitrogen. 6076V2P $250.11/unit. Individual results may vary.

PURPOSE To find the economic optimum planting population for BECK 6076V2Pbrand and to determine if additional nitrogen had any effect on that population.

STUDY INFORMATIONPlanted 4/23/2016Harvested 9/30/2016Population VariousRow Width 30 in.Previous Crop SoybeansTillage Fall No-Till, Spring

Vertical-TillHerbicides Post: 3 qt. Lexar®,

1 qt. GlyphosateInsecticides Escalate™

Total Nitrogen

Various

Brand 6076V2P

Soil Type Putnam (silt loam)

• BECK 6076V2Pbrand responded to an increased seeding rate up to 35,000 seeds/A.

• Average corn yields for this silty loam soil type in east central Missouri are historically around 140 Bu./A.

• Due to the near ideal growing conditions, we experienced yields for this plot far exceeded the average.

• The above average amounts of rainfall are likely responsible for the high yields and net return that came from the highest planted population.

• This replicated population study with the lower nitrogen (N) rate (180 units/A.) was planted in an area of the farm which held more moisture. This may be the reason for the slightly higher yield levels when compared to the higher N rate (220 units/A.). Ultimately, it appears that N availability was not yield limiting in this study.

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Population Study

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ROW WIDTH & POPULATION STUDY20 in. vs. 30 in. Rows

PURPOSE To compare 20 in. and 30 in. rows, at various planting populations in an attempt to determine the Economic Optimum Seeding Rate (EOSR) for each row width.

• Yield slightly increased as population increased with both hybrids in the 20 in. row spacing. Even though the yield did increase, the difference was not substantial enough to offset the increased seeding cost that comes as a result of higher populations.

• It appears that the lower populations in both row spacings were better able to overcome stressful periods of hot, dry weather near tassel formation and pollination. The only exception to this was XL® 5665AMX™*brand in 30 in. rows.

PARTICIPATING STATES

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2016 RESULTS

Bran

d

Row

Wid

th

(Inc

hes)

Plan

ted

Popu

latio

n (S

eeds

/A.)

Perc

ent

Moi

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Bu./

A.

Trea

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ost

Net R

etur

n

5665

AMX™

*

20

32,000 17.3 181.9 $130.64 $571.49

36,000 17.9 185.3 $146.97 $568.29

40,000 17.4 183.8 $163.31 $546.16

44,000 17.5 184.5 $179.64 $532.53

30

28,000 17.5 175.6 $114.31 $563.51

32,000 17.3 179.8 $130.64 $563.39

36,000 17.7 185.3 $146.97 $568.29

40,000 17.0 186.1 $163.31 $555.04

5828

AMX™

*

20

32,000 17.3 177.8 $127.04 $559.27

36,000 17.8 179.8 $142.92 $551.11

40,000 17.7 179.1 $158.81 $532.52

44,000 17.0 174.6 $174.69 $499.27

30

28,000 17.5 186.4 $111.16 $608.34

32,000 17.9 181.3 $127.04 $572.78

36,000 17.4 180.7 $142.92 $554.58

40,000 17.4 176.9 $158.81 $524.02

Corn $3.86/Bu. XL® 5665AMX™*brand $326.61/unit. XL® 5828AMX™*brand $317.61/unit. *®XL, Optimum, and AcreMax are registered trademarks of Pioneer. XL® brand seed is distributed by Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc. Individual results may vary.

Row Width & Population Study in Collaboration with

AGCO

Capello USA

CapstanAG

Hagie Manufacturing

Harvest International

Precision Planting

Schlipf Precision Ag

Yetter Manufacturing

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$500

$510

$520

$530

$540

$550

$560

$570

$580

$590

$600

32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40

Dol

lars

/A.

Planted Population (Seeds/A. x 1,000)

Multi-Location 20 in. vs. 30 in. Rows Economic Optimum Seed Rate (EOSR)

20 in. Rows 30 in. Rows

MULTI-LOCATION 20 IN. VS. 30 IN. ROWS ECONOMIC OPTIMUM SEED RATE

Planted Population (Seeds/A. x 1,000)

Dol

lars

/A.

$500

$510

$520

$530

$540

$550

$560

$570

$580

$590

$600

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Dol

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Planted Population (Seeds/A. x 1,000)

Multi-Location 20 in. vs. 30 in. Rows Economic Optimum Seed Rate (EOSR)

20 in. Rows 30 in. Rows

20 in. EOSR = 32,000

30 in. EOSR = 32,000

+$4.60/A. Average Advantage 20 in. Rows

CapstanAG PinPoint N-Ject LF Hagie 20 in. vs. 30 in. Nitrogen Toolbar

Harvest International 20 in. vs. 30 in. Planter AGCO Challenger® X-Edition MT775E

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NITROGEN TIMING STUDY

2016 RESULTS

Nitr

ogen

(U

nits

/A.)

Application Timing Perc

ent

Moi

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Bu./

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Diff

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181, 20 Control: Preplant, 2x2 20.1 132.3 -- --

91, 20, 90Preplant, 2x2, 360 Y-DROP® @ V7 20.0 130.3 -2.0 -$7.72

91, 20, 90Preplant, 2x2, 360 Y-DROP @ V10 20.1 130.5 -1.8 -$6.95

91, 20, 45, 45Preplant, 2x2, 360 Y-DROP @ V7, 360 Y-DROP @ V10 20.0 129.5 -2.8 -$10.81

Corn $3.86/Bu. UAN $0.51/unit of nitrogen. *®XL is a registered trademark of Pioneer. XL® brand seed is distributed by Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc. Individual results may vary.

PURPOSE To evaluate various nitrogen (N) application timings and their effects on N use efficiency and yield. Each treatment in this study received a total of 201 units of N.

STUDY INFORMATIONPlanted 4/25/16Harvested 10/28/16Population 31,500 Seeds/A.Row Width 30 in.Previous Crop SoybeansTillage No-TillHerbicides Pre: 2 qt. Acuron®

Insecticides Escalate™

Starter 10 gal. 18-18-0 2x2

Total Nitrogen

201 units

Brand 5140HR™*

Soil Type Hillsdale/Riddles (sandy loam)

• The first substantial amount of rain following planting fell on July 29 and July 30. This drastically limited yield potential from the beginning.

• Because of the minimal amount of rainfall this year, we didn’t have N loss from leaching. This has historically been a challenge due to our sandy loam soils.

• Therefore, all methods/timings proved to supply adequate amounts of N in this limited environment.

PARTICIPATING STATES

IL KY MI MO TN WI

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PRE-SIDEDRESS SOIL NITRATE TESTING (PSNT)

Treatment

Nitrogen (Units/A.) Applied Prior to Samping NO3-N (ppm)

Michigan Interpretation

Control 201 29 High

V7 + V10 156 31 High

V10 111 16 Medium

PSNT taken prior to V10 360 Y-DROP® application.

MICHIGAN SOIL NITRATE TEST FOR CORN

Soil Nitrate ppm NO3-N Interpretation Soil N Credit (units N/A.)†

≤10 Low 0

11-15 Medium-Low 30

16-20 Medium 60

21-25 Medium-High 90

≥26 High No additional nitrogen fertilizer is recommended.

Data c/o Field Crop Advisory Team Alert, Michigan State University Extension, 14 May 2009 † Nitrogen credit for corn when N recommendation is based on maximum return to N.

PSNT results show adequate soil nitrate levels, even prior to the final application of 45 units of nitrogen (N) on the split applied treatment. This confirms that the timing of the application had little effect on yield, specifically because of an abundance of available N due to the dry weather conditions we experienced in 2016.

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NITROGEN APPLICATION STUDYSidedress

2016 RESULTS

Anhy

drou

s Am

mon

ia

Trea

tmen

t

UAN

Trea

tmen

ts

Nitr

ogen

Pr

ogra

m

Perc

ent

Moi

stur

e

Bu./

A.

Bu./

A.

Diff

eren

ce

Retu

rn o

n In

vest

men

t

110 u

nits

N P

PI

Control: 70 units N

Sidedress @ V5

Control: Grower Standard Practice

(180 total N)15.7 244.7 -- --

61 units N Sidedress @ V5

OptRx® Recommendation @ V5 (171 total N)

15.7 240.0 -4.7 -$13.55

52 units N Sidedress @ V5

NDVI Recommendation @ V5 (162 total N)

15.7 223.2 -21.5 -$73.81

Corn $3.86/Bu. UAN $0.51/unit of nitrogen. Anhydrous Ammonia $0.36/unit of nitrogen. *®XL, Optimum, and AcreMax are registered trademarks of Pioneer. XL® brand seed is distributed by Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc. Individual results may vary.

PURPOSE To evaluate multiple nitrogen (N) management practices to identify methods that improve efficiency of in-season N applications and ultimately maximize return on investment (ROI).

STUDY INFORMATIONPlanted 4/25/2016Harvested 10/10/16Population 30,000 Seeds/A.Row Width 30 in.Previous Crop SoybeansTillage Fall No-Till, Spring

Field CultivationHerbicides Pre: 20 oz.

Armezon® PRO Post: 1 qt. Glyphosate

Insecticides Escalate™

Total Nitrogen

Various

Brand 6365AM™*

Soil Type Putnam (silt loam)

• A 200 Bu./A. yield goal was used to calculate N application rates.

• The excellent growing conditions we experienced this year resulted in unusually high yields.

• The 65 Family of genetics shows a high response to N.

• It appears that N was limited at these yield levels, resulting in the control (highest total N rate) providing the highest ROI.

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“After looking at the nitrogen trials in the PFR book, I was reassured that I’m implementing the most profitable nitrogen management practices on my own farm operation.”

Leo Riley | Mauston, WI

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FUNGICIDE TIMING STUDY

2016 RESULTS

Treatments Perc

ent

Moi

stur

e

Bu./

A.

Bu./

A.

Diff

eren

ce

Retu

rn o

n In

vest

men

t

Control: No Fungicide 14.8 240.0 -- --

4 oz. Priaxor® @ V5 14.9 239.0 -1.0 -$22.01

10 oz. Headline AMP® @ VT 14.8 237.4 -2.6 -$23.08

10 oz. Headline AMP @ VT & R2 15.4 242.4 +2.4 -$16.82

Corn $3.86/Bu. Headline AMP® $166.92/gal. Priaxor® $580.92/gal. *®XL, Optimum, and AcreMax are registered trademarks of Pioneer. XL® brand seed is distributed by Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc. Individual results may vary.

PURPOSE To evaluate various fungicides and timings to determine their effects on yield and profitability.

STUDY INFORMATIONPlanted 4/6/16Harvested 9/23/16Population 33,000 Seeds/A.Row Width 30 in.Previous Crop SoybeanTillage Fall No-Till, Spring

Diamond HarrowHerbicides Pre: 1.5 oz.

LeadOff®, 1 qt. Glyphosate Post: 1 lb. Atrazine, 3 oz. Capreno®

Insecticides Escalate™

Total Nitrogen

220 units as UAN

Brand 6365AM™*

Soil Type Pembroke (silt loam)

At the Kentucky PFR site there was above average rainfall and little foliar disease present at the VT growth stage.

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SILAGE STUDY

TWO-LOCATION AVERAGE Randolph, WI & Spring Green, WI

Com

pany

Bran

d

Yiel

d To

n/A.

at 3

5%

Dry

Mat

ter

Perc

ent

Moi

stur

e

Perc

ent

Star

ch

Perc

ent

NDF

NDFD

30

Hou

rPe

rcen

t of N

DF

Perc

ent

Cru

de P

rote

in

IVTD

30

Hou

rPe

rcen

t of D

M

Perc

ent

TDN

NEL

Mca

l/lb

.

Perc

ent

ADF

Milk

/Ton

Milk

(lb.

)/A.

BECK'S 6127A3 25.2 67.5 33.0 43.8 51.0 6.8 78.0 73.0 0.75 25.6 3,022 26,746

BECK'S 5829A4 24.7 66.4 34.1 43.1 52.5 6.5 79.5 74.0 0.76 24.4 3,069 26,477

BECK'S 6175AMXT™* 22.2 67.1 33.7 42.4 54.5 7.7 81.0 75.0 0.77 24.5 3,141 24,372

BECK'S 6158AM™* 22.8 69.4 31.8 44.1 52.5 7.0 79.0 73.0 0.75 25.9 2,993 23,949

BECK'S 6575HR™* 21.9 67.4 31.4 43.1 55.5 7.5 81.0 74.5 0.77 24.9 3,077 23,617

BECK'S 6674SX 23.1 67.1 28.9 45.5 51.5 7.1 78.0 71.5 0.72 26.6 2,899 23,502

BECK'S 5140HR™* 21.7 67.2 34.6 42.5 52.5 7.3 79.5 73.5 0.76 24.3 3,056 23,255

BECK'S 6948A3 21.3 68.1 33.3 42.5 53.5 7.5 80.0 74.5 0.77 24.2 3,089 23,003

BECK'S 6225HR™* 21.3 67.3 34.3 41.8 50.5 7.2 79.0 73.5 0.76 24.4 3,094 22,961

BECK'S 6165AMX™* 21.6 67.8 29.2 46.0 58.0 7.7 81.0 74.0 0.75 27.1 2,992 22,724

BECK'S 6365AM™* 22.7 70.4 29.5 44.8 50.5 7.9 77.5 71.0 0.72 26.9 2,858 22,718

BECK'S 5665AMX™* 21.1 67.9 33.6 40.5 49.5 7.0 79.5 72.5 0.76 23.8 3,038 22,509

BECK'S 5840AM™* 21.1 68.9 33.1 42.2 51.5 7.3 79.5 73.5 0.75 24.8 3,041 22,397

BECK'S 6347VR 21.2 67.4 31.8 44.7 50.5 7.5 77.5 72.0 0.74 26.2 2,947 21,846

BECK'S 6432VZ** 21.4 66.3 32.3 42.8 48.0 7.5 78.0 71.0 0.73 24.6 2,901 21,753

BECK'S 6873AM™* 21.2 67.5 31.1 44.3 50.5 7.3 78.0 72.0 0.74 25.9 2,926 21,658

PIONEER P1197AM 19.7 69.5 33.5 42.2 55.0 7.9 81.0 74.5 0.77 24.1 3,091 21,370

PIONEER P0825AMXT 20.5 70.2 31.2 44.3 53.0 7.7 79.5 73.0 0.75 25.6 2,927 21,016

*®XL, Optimum, and AcreMax are registered trademarks 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.

PURPOSE To evaluate various hybrids and their value when being harvested for silage.

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PLANTING DATE STUDY

2016 RESULTS

Plan

ting

Dat

e

Bran

d

Perc

ent

Moi

stur

e

Bu./

A.

April 25

366L4 13.7 71.5

454L4 13.4 48.1

AVG. 13.6 59.8

May 20

366L4 13.5 70.1

454L4 14.0 57.7

AVG. 13.8 63.9

Individual results may vary.

PURPOSE To determine the optimum planting date window by planting on multiple dates throughout the growing season.

STUDY INFORMATIONPlanted VariousHarvested 10/10/16Population 145,000 Seeds/A.Row Width 15 in.Previous Crop CornTillage Fall No-Till, Spring

Vertical-TillHerbicides Pre: 1 pt. 2,4-D,

1 qt. Glyphosate, 40 oz. Matador® Post: 1 qt. Liberty®, 6 oz. Anthem®

Insecticides Escalate™

• Timing of rainfall seemed to favor seed fill and development in the earlier 366L4 variety.

• No Sudden Death Syndrome symptomology was observed at either planting date.

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“We performed a PFR Partner study this year looking at soybean planting dates with respect to two soybean maturities. It was interesting to learn that we can extend our soybean planting window earlier and increase yield potential. Before, we would wait until about May 10 but planting a percentage of our beans earlier now gives us some peace of mind knowing some of that crop is in the ground. And we saw higher yields as well when we planted our BECK 366L4brand soybeans early! That’s a win-win.”

Lance Dobson | Lexington, MO

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PLANTING DATE STUDY

2016 RESULTS

Plan

ting

Dat

e

Bran

d

Perc

ent

Moi

stur

e

Bu./

A.

April 15

421R2 12.1 57.0

453R4™* 11.5 59.3

AVG. 11.8 58.2

May 3

421R2 10.8 61.6

453R4™* 10.8 65.1

AVG. 10.8 63.4

May 30

421R2 10.7 66.4

453R4™* 10.8 63.1

AVG. 10.8 64.8

June 13

421R2 10.7 62.3

453R4™* 11.2 67.2

AVG. 11.0 64.8

June 29

421R2 11.4 54.1

453R4™* 11.2 62.1

AVG. 11.3 58.1

*®XL is a registered trademark of Pioneer. XL® brand seed is distributed by Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc. Individual results may vary.

PURPOSE To determine the optimum planting date window by planting on multiple dates throughout the growing season.

STUDY INFORMATIONPlanted VariousHarvested VariousPopulation 145,000 Seeds/A.Row Width 15 in.Previous Crop CornTillage No-TillHerbicides Burndown: 1 pt.

2,4-D, 1 qt. Roundup PowerMAX® Pre: 10 oz. Authority® Assist, 1 qt. Roundup PowerMAX Post: 1 qt. Roundup PowerMAX

Insecticides Escalate™

Soil Type Collins (silt loam)

• Historically, PFR soybean planting date studies have shown that early planted soybeans often out-yield later planting dates. This makes sense because a soybean’s reproductive stage is determined by photoperiod, specifically, the length of the night.

• By planting early, we allow more vegetative growth prior to moving into the reproductive stages. This, in turn, results in a plant with more nodes and a bigger factory to harvest solar energy. However, this does not always translate to higher yields with early planting.

• The indeterminate soybeans we used in this study continue vegetative growth during early reproductive stages and therefore are less sensitive to short periods of stress.

• The timing of late rains this year resulted in abnormally large bean size and pod fill in the later planting dates.

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Research in Collaboration with

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PLANTING DEPTH STUDY

2016 RESULTS

Plat

ing

Dep

th

(Inc

hes)

Perc

ent

Moi

stur

e

Bu./

A.

Bu./

A.

Diff

eren

ce

0.5 11.1 61.5 -8.1

Control: 1.0 10.8 69.6 --

1.5 11.1 68.1 -1.5

2.0 10.8 71.0 +1.4

2.5 11.0 65.6 -4.0

Individual results may vary.

PURPOSE To examine how planting depth impacts plant population, emergence and yield.

STUDY INFORMATIONPlanted 6/3/2016Harvested 10/7/2016Population 145,000 Seeds/A.Row Width 15 in.Previous Crop CornTillage No-TillHerbicides Burndown: 1 pt.

2,4-D, 1 qt. Roundup PowerMAX® Pre: 10 oz. Authority® Assist, 1 qt. Roundup PowerMAX Post: 1 qt. Roundup PowerMAX

Insecticides Escalate™

Brand 421R2

Soil Type Collins (silt loam)

• As planting depth increases soil temperature and soil moisture become more consistent.

• Planting into consistent temperature and moisture will increase even emergence and early stand establishment.

• The nodulation of soybeans starts with planting depth. Soybeans need moisture all season to continue nodule growth. Hot, dry soils in the summer can reduce nodulation.

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PARTICIPATING STATES

Research in Collaboration with

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STARTER ADDITIVE STUDYStimulate™

2016 RESULTS

In-Furrow Treatments Perc

ent

Moi

stur

e

Bu./

A.

Bu./

A.

Diff

eren

ce

Retu

rn o

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vest

men

t

Control: Starter 15.2 65.6 -- --

Starter + 1 pt. Stimulate™ 15.6 64.4 -1.2 -$21.37

Soybeans $9.48/Bu. Stimulate™ $79.95/gal. Individual results may vary.

PURPOSE To evaluate a starter additive and its effect on yield and profitability.

STUDY INFORMATIONPlanted 5/8/2016Harvested 10/28/2016Population 175,000 Seeds/A.Row Width 15 in.Previous Crop WheatTillage No-TillHerbicides Pre: 4 oz. Dicamba,

24 oz. Roundup PowerMAX®, 2.5 oz. Zidua® Post: 60 oz. Roundup PowerMAX

Starter 3 gal. 3-18-18, 1 gal. KTS® (0-0-25-17S), 1 pt. Calcium, 1 pt. Zinc, 1 pt. Manganese, 1 lb. Sugar In-Furrow

Brand Pioneer 34T43

Soil Type Grundy (Silt Loam)

• Stimulate™ treatments had more blooms when compared to the control at R1.

• Final pod counts were similar at R6.

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“I changed my starter program by using additives that have proven themselves in the PFR book.”

Jared Crubel | Glen Haven, WI

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“Typically we’ve planted soybeans at a seeding rate of 160,000 seeds/A. in 15 in. rows. After reviewing previous PFR studies on soybean seeding rate, we dropped our seeding rate to 145,000 seeds/A. this year. The corresponding increase in yield over the 160,000 seeding rate was significant, with yields ranging from 58 to 62 Bu./A. At a seeding rate of 145,000, soybean yields ranged from 64 to 72 Bu./A. That’s more yield with reduced seed costs and increased profit/A. We also experienced much better harvestability at the lower seeding rate, increasing our harvest productivity per hour.”

Lance Dobson | Lexington, MO

POPULATION STUDY15 in. Rows

2016 RESULTS

Plan

ted

Popu

latio

n (S

eeds

/A.)

Perc

ent

Moi

stur

e

Bu./

A.

Seed

Cos

t/A.

Net R

etur

n

100,000 11.7 70.0 $40.95 $622.65125,000 12.1 63.3 $51.19 $548.89150,000 12.1 62.6 $61.43 $532.02175,000 11.4 70.0 $71.67 $591.93200,000 12.2 70.2 $81.91 $583.59

Soybeans $9.48/Bu. XL® 453R4™*brand $53.24/unit. *®XL is a registered trademark of Pioneer. XL® brand seed is distributed by Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc. Individual results may vary.

PURPOSE To evaluate various plant populations of soybeans to determine an Economic Optimum Seeding Rate (EOSR).

STUDY INFORMATIONPlanted 6/3/2016Harvested 10/7/2016Population VariousRow Width 15 in.Previous Crop CornTillage No-TillHerbicides Burndown: 1 pt.

2,4-D, 1 qt. Roundup PowerMAX® Pre: 10 oz. Authority® Assist, 1 qt. Roundup PowerMAX Post: 1 qt. Roundup PowerMAX

Insecticides Escalate™

Brand 453R4™*

Soil Type Collins (silt loam)

• By decreasing population, in-row competition is decreased which allows the soybean plant to branch. Branching creates secondary stems which develop additional nodes with the potential to set more pods.

• Because soybeans do such a good job of compensating for their environment, we have the ability to decrease soybean population with no negative effect on yield. This can ultimately increase our return on investment.

• There are, however, risks to seeding populations too low in some soil types, specifically those with potential to crust.

EOSR 100,000 Seeds/A.

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372 | 2016 Beck’s Practical Farm Research

PRO

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PRODUCT DESCRIPTIONS

3RIVE 3D™ application technology is an at-plant crop protection delivery platform that gives you the ability to farm faster. This new technology integrates formulation technology, application technology, and active ingredient to efficiently cover more ground in less time with fewer refills – saving water, fuel, labor and time.

FMC Corporation www.fmccrop.com

6-18-6 PPRS™ is a phosphate protected row starter fertilizer with macro and micronutrients designed to improve stand and maximize yield.

Rosen's Inc.

360 SOILSCAN™ is a portable soil testing system that lets you accurately test nitrate nitrogen availability and soil pH right in your field, in about five minutes.

360 Yield Center www.360yieldcenter.com

360 UNDERCOVER® is an in-canopy application system for insecticides, fungicides and herbicides. A three-head nozzle system provides coverage of both the top and underside of leaves.

360 Yield Center www.360yieldcenter.com

360 Y-DROP® is a mid-season liquid application tool that places nitrogen at the base of the plant for rapid uptake.

360 Yield Center www.360yieldcenter.com

AAim® EC herbicide is a fast-acting, non-residual herbicide that tackles tough broadleaf weeds like seedling kochia, lambsquarters, morningglory, hemp sesbania, pigweed, velvetleaf and waterhemp. Formulated as a low use rate that is easily tank mixed, Aim is labeled for weed control in nearly every row crop and many high-value specialty crops.

FMC Corporation www.fmccrop.com

Amplify-D® is a low analysis fertilizer with a blend of nutrients which aids in early seedling development and growth.

Conklin Company, Inc. www.seedmaxx.com

Anthem® Maxx is a new, concentrated version of Anthem herbicide, that offers the same control and longer residual of Anthem herbicide with a lower use rate. Anthem Maxx offers highly effective pre and post-emergence control of weeds with resistance to glyphosate, triazines and ALS-inhibiting products. It controls key broadleaf weeds, including velvetleaf, lambsquarters, morningglory, pigweed and waterhemp and key grasses including yellow foxtail, green foxtail and giant foxtail.

FMC Corporation www.fmccrop.com

Aproach® is a broad-spectrum fungicide that provides effective control of foliar and soil-borne plant diseases including: gray leaf spot, northern corn leaf blight, southern leaf blight and common

rust in corn; soybean white mold, frogeye leaf spot, brown spot and Asian soybean rust in soybeans; and powdery mildew, rusts, tan spot, Septoria leaf blotch and glume blotch in wheat.

E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company www.dupont.com

AquaSpy Moisture Sensor is a moisture-sensing probe with 12 sensor locations along a 48 in. span that measures moisture and temperature as well as electrical conductivity of the soil. It collects this information in 4 in. increments to provide quality data on soil moisture conditions.

AquaSpy Inc. www.aquaspy.com

Ascend® plant growth regulator contains kinetin, gibberellic acid and indolebutyric acid. It can be used as a seed treatment or applied in-furrow or in a foliar application to many crops. It is formulated to accelerate leaf, stem and root growth.

Winfield Solutions, LLC. www.winfield.com

Authority® Assist herbicide fights small-seeded broadleaf weeds and grasses, including glyphosate-tolerant weeds like lambsquarters, pigweed, nightshade and kochia. With multiple modes of action, it also suppresses foxtail, fall panicum, nutsedges and other invasive grasses.

FMC Corporation www.fmccrop.com

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Authority® Maxx is a pre-emergence herbicide for soybeans that offers affordable residual control. It provides maximum residual control of small seeded broadleaf weeds, in particular waterhemp and Palmer pigweed.

FMC Corporation www.fmccrop.com

Authority® MTZ DF is a dry, flowable formulation herbicide to be mixed with water and sprayed for selective pre-emergence or pre-plant incorporated weed control in soybeans. Authority MTZ controls broadleaf weeds, sedge weeds, and provides grass suppression. It can also be applied as part of a fall burndown program to control winter annuals and other problem broadleaf weeds, with the flexibility to plant either corn or soybeans the following spring.

FMC Corporation www.fmccrop.com

Authority® XL pre-emergence herbicide for soybeans can be applied in the spring to control tough weeds like marestail, waterhemp, lambsquarters and ragweed. Authority XL can reduce the selection pressure for glyphosate and ALS-tolerant weed biotypes.

FMC Corporation www.fmccrop.com

BBasagran® herbicide offers reliable, cost-effective post-emergent control of tough broadleaf weeds, yellow nutsedge, annual sedges and more. Basagran can be tank-mixed with

other herbicides to increase their spectrum of control.

BASF Corporation www.agproducts.basf.us

Beck's Annual Ryegrass is a dense, fibrous-rooting annual ryegrass, that has proven to be effective in improving soil structure. With excellent winterhardiness, we recommend killing the ryegrass when it is actively putting on new top growth in the spring.

Beck's Superior Hybrids, Inc. www.beckshybrids.com

Beck's Bean Builder Mix is a combination of 81% Beck’s Annual Ryegrass, 16% GroundBuilder Radishes, and 3% Appin Turnips. This mix is a great combination of fibrous roots and tubers, which allows the Beck’s Bean Builder Mix to break up layers of compaction. This mix works well when planted ahead of soybeans.

Beck's Superior Hybrids, Inc. www.beckshybrids.com

Beck's Cereal Rye is fast germinating and offers a deep, fibrous root system that will help prevent soil erosion and weed competition from winter annuals. Since Beck’s Cereal Rye can be planted late into the fall, it is a great choice following corn.

Beck's Superior Hybrids, Inc. www.beckshybrids.com

Beck's Corn Champion Mix is a combination of 82% Dixie Crimson Clover, 15% GroundBuilder Radishes, and 3% Appin Turnips. Beck’s Corn Champion Mix has the ability to produce, store and release large amounts of nitrogen. It can also break up layers of

compaction, and this mix works well when planted ahead of corn.

Beck's Superior Hybrids, Inc. www.beckshybrids.com

Beck's Crimson Clover consists of AU Robin Crimson Clover. This legume produces nitrogen and stimulates your soil health. It also works well in mixes. University tests in western Indiana showed AU Robin Crimson Clover can produce over 140 units of nitrogen/A. if you let it mature long enough in the spring.

Beck's Superior Hybrids, Inc. www.beckshybrids.com

Beck's GroundBuilder Radishes produce large root masses that can shatter compaction and scavenge nitrogen and nutrients deep within the soil. Beck’s GroundBuilder Radishes will leave little to no residue after winter kill, which allows for warmer soils at planting.

Beck's Superior Hybrids, Inc. www.beckshybrids.com

Beck's Oat Radish Mix is a combination of 90% Spring Oats and 10% Beck’s GroundBuilder Radishes. This product provides deep, large rooting potential of the radish and the fibrous root system of the oats. This quick growing cover crop mix, which earthworms love, will winter kill after helping break up soil compaction and reducing soil erosion.

Beck's Superior Hybrids, Inc. www.beckshybrids.com

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Boron Plus® is designed as a source of boron to treat or prevent deficiencies for all field and row crops. The advantages to Boron Plus are an ultra low application rate, neutral pH, and quicker, more efficient crop response.

DeltAg Formulations www.seedcoat.com

BPE-5C is an experimental biological product exploring the specific bacteria for increased corn stalk degradation.

Osprey Biotechnics, Inc. www.ospreybiotechnics.com

Brash® herbicide provides post-emergent control of a variety of actively growing broadleaf weeds. With a combination of dicamba and 2, 4-D amine active ingredients, Brash herbicide controls broadleaf weeds prior to planting, in both crop and non-crop areas.

Winfield Solutions, LLC. www.winfield.com

CThe Capello® Quasar Corn Head has a wide-range of configuration options including folding or rigid frames, chopping or standard row units, and a choice of color schemes.

Capello USA www.capellousa.com

Capreno® herbicide controls more than 65 grass and broadleaf weeds with a long-lasting residual for post-emergence control. Capreno combines multiple modes of action with a highly effective safener for complete weed control

in field corn (dent) and corn grown for grain or silage. Capreno can also be used as a one-pass weed control system.

Bayer CropScience www.cropscience.bayer.us

Capture® 3RIVE 3D™ offers the agronomic benefits and proven performance of Capture® LFR® insecticide in a formulation designed exclusively for use with the 3RIVE 3D delivery system. Capture 3RIVE 3D creates a continuous zone of protection against many soilborne pests while overcoming issues like container handling, inconvenience, high water volume and weight on the planter, to ultimately plant up to 500 acres without refilling.

FMC Corporation www.fmccrop.com

Capture® LFR® is a liquid, at-plant insecticide that puts down a zone of protection and controls pests before seed damage ever takes place. It controls seed and seedling pests such as wireworm, cutworm, grubs, armyworm, seed corn maggot and common stalk borer. The full-use rates provide control of corn rootworms as well as the many seed and seedling insects.

FMC Corporation www.fmccrop.com

Capture® LFR® Insecticide + VGR™ Soil Amendment delivers full spectrum insect control, increased water efficiency and better nutrient availability throughout the season. This results in stronger, more uniform stands to increase yields. VGR™ Soil Amendment contains a specific strain of Bacillus licheniformis, a naturally occurring

bacteria, with properties that result in larger root systems, improved water use efficiency, increased phosphorus solubility for better nutrient uptake, and improved plant defense against abiotic stresses. Approximately one trillion spores are delivered per acre.

FMC Corporation www.fmccrop.com

Cipher™ is a combination of above- and below-ground nitrogen additives for use with UAN solution fertilizer. Cipher contains NBPT to minimize losses and dicyandiamide, a form of nitrogen that delays the below-ground nitrification process.

Rosen's Inc.

Cobalt® Advanced insecticide is an insect management tool with multiple modes of action that delivers fast knockdown and excellent residual control of a broad spectrum of insects in an innovative, low-odor formulation.

Dow AgroSciences www.dowagro.com

Contour Tile Drainage is drainage tile that is installed to follow the natural elevation of the ground for better drainage. In this case, the 3 in. laterals are on 15 ft. centers to improve drainage.

Controlled Water Table is a drainage system set up with 15 ft. contour tile drainage to remove excess water out of the profile. It has a gated system that holds water in the tile lines for times of greater water demand. The gate in this case is a piece of PVC pipe that is slid into an elbow from the outlet that holds the water back in the system.

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Copperhead Ag Furrow Cruiser® Spiked Closing Wheels are designed by farmers to eliminate the sidewall compaction created by the opening systems of modern planters. They also provide control so that they are operable in any planting condition without negative results.

Copperhead Ag www.copperheadag.com

Corvus® is a selective herbicide for control of broadleaf and grass weeds in corn. Corvus has both burndown and residual activity and is reactivated in the soil with rainfall. Corvus can be applied pre-plant, pre-emergence, or early post-emergence, and has excellent crop safety due to the inclusion of CSI™ Safener Technology.

Bayer CropScience www.cropscience.bayer.us

CropKarb® is an 8-8-18 proprietary formulation that is a combination of three DeltAg products: Potassium Plus®, PercPlus™ and Boron Plus®. It is designed to enhance bloom set, fruit sizing and bulking. It delivers key nutrients and catalysts, as well as a supplemental mobile carbon source.

DeltAg Formulations www.seedcoat.com

CropX Moisture Sensor collects data at both an 8 in. and 16 in. depth in the soil profile. The CropX sensor feeds this information back to an online account where the user can access the information and adjust their irrigation practices accordingly.

CropX www.cropx.com

Custom N2™ is a highly concentrated, biological soil amendment that contains nitrogen-fixing bacteria. It is designed to help improve soil conditions by increasing the population of beneficial soil microorganisms. Custom N2 contains only Paenibacillus polymyxa and water.

Custom Biologicals www.living-soils.com

DDawn Curvetine™ closing wheels have unique curved teeth to chip into side wall compaction without ejecting soil from the seed zone. Unlike straight tooth wheels, the curved teeth ease out of the seed zone while providing consistent seed-to-soil contact for uniform emergence.

Dawn Equipment Company, Inc. www.dawnequipment.com

Drip-Irrigation involves drip lines with emitters beneath the soil surface. The emitters are located every 18 in. along the line and the line is typically spaced at 60 in. widths. This system involves regulators that control the pressure to allow control of the volume of water output through the drip lines.

Netafim www.netafim.com

Dual II Magnum® herbicide is effective at eliminating early-season weed competition that threatens to reduce yields in corn, soybeans, cotton, potatoes, sorghum and a variety of other crops. It provides long-lasting control of most annual grasses and small-seeded broadleaf weeds while offering excellent crop safety.

Its application flexibility and ability to fit all cropping systems make it a versatile weed resistance and weed management tool.

Syngenta Group Company www.syngentacropprotection.com

EEagle is a foliar chemical designed specifically for reducing the impact of mid-season stresses including drought, heat and flood stress. It works by assisting the water flux of the plant and modifying transpiration. This assistance in water flux allows the plant to more efficiently move water to where it is needed at a lower energy cost to the plant, in turn providing consistently higher yields. Eagle can be tank mixed with foliar fungicides, herbicides or insecticides.

Elemental Enzymes Ag & Turf, LLC. www.elementalenzymes.com

ENERGY POWER™ includes formulations from seven different divalent metals - all of which are important to plant health, plant growth, flowering, seed set and other critical plant growth factors that have been closely linked to high yields and high quality crops. It comes complete with a growth factor that stimulates plant cells to maintain energy and to convert it into plant-available energy.

Plant Power Products

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Escalate™ yield enhancement system is a proprietary mix of yield enhancing products that comes standard on all Beck’s seed at no additional cost. The highest quality ingredients from multiple sources are used to create our unique mix of fungicides, insecticides and/or biologicals. Escalate utilizes the highest rates of fungicides in the industry, allowing for early season planting, as well as improved plant stands, vigor and yield. By incorporating extensive quality control measures, Escalate provides an added yield benefit compared to untreated seed and other industry standard treatments.

Beck's Superior Hybrids, Inc. www.beckshybrids.com

Escalate SDS has all the benefits of Escalate™ plus a full rate of ILeVO® for protection from Sudden Death Syndrome (SDS) in soybeans. Working from the early part of the season to protect the root zone, it greatly reduces the infection from Fusarium virgulforme, the fungus that causes SDS. It also aids in protection against soybean cyst nematode (SCN).

Beck's Superior Hybrids, Inc. www.beckshybrids.com/products/seedtreatments

Ethos® XB is an insecticide/fungicide formulated with the patented Liquid Fertilizer Ready technology from FMC. It combines the active ingredient of Capture® LFR® Insecticide with a broad spectrum biofungicide. The biofungicide in Ethos XB Insecticide/Fungicide forms a protective barrier on root surfaces. Unlike synthetic chemistries, the activity of the biofungicide in Ethos XB Insecticide/Fungicide builds

over time as spores germinate and colonize roots and root hairs. Insect defense includes: corn rootworms, wireworms, grubs, seed corn maggots, cutworms and common stalk borers. Disease defense includes: Fusarium, Pythium, Rhizoctonia and Phytophthora.

FMC Corporation www.fmccrop.com

FFastac™ EC insecticide gives growers an effective new tool for excellent knockdown and residual and repellent action. By acting on the nervous system of insects, the active ingredient in Fastac insecticide, alpha-cypermethrin, sustains succession of the nerve impulses which leads to over stimulation, exhaustion and death of the insect. Fastac insecticide will control a broad-spectrum of crop damaging pests, including aphids, beetles, armyworms and stink bugs.

BASF Corporation www.agproducts.basf.us

Feast® Side-Kick™ 0-0-25 w/17S (Potassium Thiosulfate Solution) can be used in soil and foliar applications. Applications of Feast Side-Kick should be made based on soil and/or plant tissue analysis for potassium and/or sulfur.

Conklin Company, Inc. www.seedmaxx.com

Feast® Yield Master™ 2-15-19 w/3%S starter fertilizer is a high quality, clear liquid. It is formulated to be used in placement applications at the time of planting or in a foliar feed program. Feast Yield Master 2-15-19 w/3%S is not designed to totally replace

broadcast applications, but to supplement them and give plants an added boost at critical stages.

Conklin Company, Inc. www.seedmaxx.com

Feast®-XL 26-0-0 w/0.5B boosts photosynthesis in essential growth stages, enhances growth and vigor of plants, and is non-corrosive to equipment. Feast-XL is specifically formulated for foliar applications only.

Conklin Company, Inc. www.seedmaxx.com

Fertigation is the process of adding fertilizer to the water in an irrigation system to feed the nutritional demands of the crop.

Fierce® XLT is a broad spectrum, pre-emergence soybean herbicide with three active ingredients. Fierce XLT eliminates the guesswork in weed control because it provides the broadest control available of small and large-seeded broadleaves (including ragweeds), as well as annual grasses. It is also very effective against Palmer amaranth.

Valent U.S.A. Corporation www.valent.com

First Pass® with MicroCarb ZMB™ is a 3-5-15 + 0.2Mn in-furrow starter fertilizer specifically formulated to maximize your soybean yields. First Pass with MicroCarb ZMB provides early-season nutrients, encourages early flowering and maturity, and promotes canopy development to suppress weeds.

The Andersons, Inc. www.andersonsplantnutrient.com

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FirstRate® herbicide provides effective and economical pre- and post-emergence control of the most troublesome broadleaf weeds in soybeans plus application versatility. FirstRate can be used as a burndown ahead of post-glyphosate applications, pre-emergence or post-emergence up to the R2 (full flower) growth stage in soybeans.

Dow AgroSciences www.dowagro.com

Flexstar® herbicide is a post-emergent soybean herbicide that controls glyphosate and ALS-resistant weeds such as waterhemp and common ragweed. Flexstar can be tank mixed with products containing glyphosate for complete post emergence weed control.

Syngenta Group Company www.syngentacropprotection.com

Flexstar® GT herbicide is specifically formulated to combat weeds in cotton and soybeans that are difficult to control with glyphosate alone or are resistant to glyphosate and ALS-inhibitors. It contains two leading active ingredients, glyphosate and fomesafen, and delivers two different modes of action. Flexstar GT 3.5 also contains Isolink® II Technology, a unique adjuvant system designed to optimize the systematic activity of glyphosate and the contact activity of fomesafen.

Syngenta Group Company www.syngentacropprotection.com

Flo-Rite® seed firmers offer a NEW and improved revolutionary design compared to traditional seed firmer technology. By incorporating a durable, high-tech memory polymer, a replaceable wear plate, and a protected fertilizer tube, farmers now have a tool to increase yields while enjoying lower replacement costs.

Flo-Rite, Inc. www.flo-rite.com

Foliar X-CYTO® is an EPA-registered plant growth regulator that speeds cell growth and division, improves root systems, increases photosynthetic activity, generates faster maturity and higher yields.

Conklin Company, Inc. www.seedmaxx.com

Force® 3G offers growers a unique chemistry and a low use rate. Force 3G provides proven control of corn rootworms, wireworms, cutworms, white grubs and other troublesome soil pests, leading to fully-developed roots, stronger stands and improved yields.

Syngenta Group Company www.syngentacropprotection.com

FunctioN™ is a nitrogen stabilizer for use with urea-ammonium nitrate (UAN) solution fertilizer. FunctioN contains dicyandiamide, a form of nitrogen that delays the below-ground nitrification process. This improves the nitrogen utilization of the crop by keeping the nitrogen in a more plant desirable form and delaying conversion to nitrates.

Rosen's Inc.

GGenerate® stimulates microorganisms that free up macro and micronutrients stored in the soil. For use in-furrow or sidedress with seed: combine one pint Generate with liquid fertilizer at its recommended rate or dilute with 2 to 5 gallons of water/A. For use as a foliar broadcast: apply one pint of Generate/A. with 5 to 10 gallons of water after third corn/sunflower leaf or after second soybean trifoliate.

Agnition www.agnition.com

Gramoxone® SL 2.0 herbicide delivers excellent early weed control for resistance-conscious farmers. It provides fast-acting results in as little as 48 hours and is rainfast upon drying. A versatile tool, Gramoxone SL 2.0 can be used at burndown, pre-plant and/or pre-emergence to provide quality weed control while preserving the longevity of existing weed management tools.

Syngenta Group Company www.syngentacropprotection.com

HHeadline AMP® fungicide provides two modes of disease control. The first helps prevent diseases and the second is a triazole that provides post-infection disease control. One of the active ingredients in Headline AMP fungicide is F500®, a unique, advanced chemistry that delivers well-documented plant health benefits. F500 helps plants grow more efficiently and allows them to focus their energy on producing higher yields.

BASF Corporation www.agproduct.basf.us

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Headline® fungicide is a fast-acting, broad spectrum fungicide that delivers a high level of activity on more than 50 major diseases that can threaten yield and crop quality. Headline provides protection for more than 90 crops, including corn, soybeans and wheat.

BASF Corporation www.agproducts.basf.us

Hero® is a dual-mode insecticide that delivers a one-two punch against yield-robbing pests. It is an effective tank mix partner with fungicides, post herbicides and foliar fertilizers for greater efficiency and ease of application. It provides excellent control against multi-pest complexes common in corn, soybeans and cotton.

FMC Corporation www.fmccrop.com

High Calcium Lime is used in situations where higher quantities of calcium are needed from the lime source. It is also used to help loosen up clays in some situations and in soils where calcium can bond with other elements to improve nutrient balance in the soil.

Humi-Till® is a unique blend of specific microbes and activated humics designed to decompose cellulose, lignin, and keratin in crop residue. Humi-Till breaks down crop residue – significantly reducing planting problems and making the nutrients in crop residue available.

Monty's Plant Food Co., Inc. www.Montysplantfood.com

IILeVO® seed treatment is the only solution for Sudden Death Syndrome (SDS) that also has activity against nematodes. It protects the root system against the SDS fungus and has activity on nematodes in the seed zone, producing healthier plants for higher yield potential. Combining Poncho®/VOTiVO® with ILeVO results in unmatched protection against nematodes for soybean growers.

Bayer CropScience www.cropscience.bayer.us

Interline® is a non-selective herbicide for the control of existing weeds, including some of the most challenging glyphosate resistant weeds now invading row crops – pigweed, waterhemp, and ragweed. Utilizing a unique mode of action, Interline inhibits glutamine production in weeds which leads to a breakdown in photosynthesis. Interline can be used as a burndown treatment in key labeled crops, but its showcase application is as an over-the-top treatment for weed control in glufosinate-tolerant crops – including LibertyLink® varieties.

United Phosphorus, Inc. (UPI). www.upi-usa.com

KKeeton Seed Firmers gently firm seeds to the bottom of the seed trench so the planting depth is even. The seed-to-soil contact is correct, the germination is uniform and the yield is optimum. Keeton Seed Firmers are available for virtually every planter or drill, with single or dual applicator tubes.

Precision Planting, LLC. www.precisionplanting.com

KTS® (0-0-25-17S) is a clear, chloride-free solution with the highest potassium and sulfur content available on the market. It fortifies liquid starter formulations and is compatible with ammonium polyphosphate (10-34-0 and 11-37-0) and UAN sources. KTS can also be applied through all types of irrigation systems and will not plug drip lines.

Tessenderlo Kerley, Inc. www.tkinet.com

LLiberty® is a non-selective herbicide for grasses and tough-to-control/resistant broadleaf species. The active ingredient in Liberty herbicide is glufosinate-ammonium.

Bayer CropScience www.cropscience.bayer.us

Liquid Boron 10% is effective as a readily available source of boron for soil, foliar and aerial application. Offering flexibility of use, it is compatible with most pesticides.

Winfield Solutions, LLC. www.winfield.com

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MMartin Spading-Closing Wheels move soil toward the seed at planting depth, while lifting and fracturing the surface layer to achieve compaction-free closing of the seed trench in wet, hard, or sod conditions. With soil firmed around the seed from each side and the surface layer loosened, crops emerge sooner. Planting can be done at the proper depth, even in wetter conditions, without fear of crusted soil above the seed preventing emergence.

Martin Industries, LLC. www.martinandcompany.com

Marvel™ herbicide targets waterhemp, Palmer amaranth (Palmer pigweed) and other key weeds with broad-spectrum control. Visual control symptoms can be seen in as quickly as 24 hours. Marvel is a tank-mix partner for control of glyphosate-resistant weeds and can be applied from preplant to full flowering in soybeans.

FMC Corporation. www.fmccrop.com

MAX-IN® Ultra ZMB® is a foliar product that supplies zinc, manganese and boron, which are vital for increased plant health and growth. MAX-IN Ultra ZMB plant nutrients can be used in most crops and contain a patented, crop-based adjuvant system for maximum nutrient efficacy.

Winfield Solutions, LLC. www.winfield.com

McFarlane Incite® 5000 Series tillage tool is the first ever Universal Tillage® tool on the market. It has

the unique ability to run in different field types in the spring or fall. The Incite also has the flexibility to adjust to different soils and crops.

McFarlane Manufacturing Co. Inc. www.flexharrow.com

MicroAZ-IF Liquid™ is an in-furrow azospirillum inoculant for corn. Azospirillum is a root stimulating nitrogen fixing bacteria. MicroAZ-IF Liquid is tank mix compatible with most starter fertilizers.

TerraMax, Inc. www.terramaxag.com

MicroBlitz™ is a micronutrient formulation for foliar or soil applications for all crops. MicroBlitz is formulated with a unique carbon source designed to enhance nutrient uptake. MicroBlitz has an analysis of 11-8-5 plus select micronutrients.

The Andersons, Inc. www.andersonsplantnutrient.com

MicroEssentials® SZ™ (12-40-0-10S-1Zn) is a proprietary fertilizer specially formulated for use on most crops. Through Mosaic's patented Fusion® technology process, nitrogen, phosphorus, sulfur and zinc are fused into one nutritionally balanced granule, creating a single source for balanced crop nutrition. MicroEssentials SZ greatly reduces sulfur losses found in typical fertilizer blends by providing two forms of sulfur (sulfate sulfur and elemental sulfur). This means the sulfate sulfur is immediately available for early season growth while the oxidation of elemental sulfur provides sulfur throughout the growing season. The unique

chemistry and proper nutrient ratio of MicroEssentials promotes uniform nutrient distribution, improved nutrient uptake, and season-long sulfur availability.

The Mosaic Company www.microessentials.com

MicroNourish® is a micronutrient formulation for foliar or soil application, for all crops. MicroNourish is formulated with a unique carbon source designed to enhance nutrient uptake. MicroNourish has an analysis of 4-0-0-3S-0.25B-3Mn-3Zn.

The Andersons, Inc. www.andersonsplantnutrient.com

Mustang® Maxx is an insecticide that controls more than 100 pests on 200 crops including soybeans, corn, alfalfa, rice, wheat, sunflowers and pasture. Its enhanced pyrethroid chemistry works on contact for at-plant, pre or post-emergence applications.

FMC Corporation www.fmccrop.com

MycoGold™ Corn Blend is a biological arsenal inoculant used as a seed treatment for corn. It replenishes native microbial activity in soils. MycoGold is mycorrhizal fungi that includes crop specific bacteria, micro-nutrients, Beauveria bassiana, and a biostimulant package.

MycoGold, LLC. www.mycogold.com

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NN+ is a new enhanced combination of nitrogen-fixing bacteria, similar to TerraMax's MicroAZ-IF Liquid™ product.

TerraMax, Inc. www.terramaxag.com

NACHURS® imPulse® is a clear liquid fertilizer that is comprised of 100% orthophosphate and contains Bio-K® technology. The NPK analysis of the product is 10-18-4.

NACHURS ALPINE SOLUTIONS www.nachurs.com

NACHURS® Rhyzo-Link® 3-10-13 contains 100% orthophosphate, Bio-K® technology as well as a proprietary plant growth promoting rhizobacteria that has an 18-month shelf-life. The NPK analysis is 3-10-13-1S-0.1Zn.

NACHURS ALPINE SOLUTIONS www.nachurs.com

NACHURS® Rhyzo-Link® 9-15-3 contains 100% orthophosphate, Bio-K® technology, as well as a proprietary plant growth promoting rhizobacteria that has an 18-month shelf-life. The NPK analysis is 9-15-3-1S-0.25Zn.

NACHURS ALPINE SOLUTIONS www.nachurs.com

NACHURS® Triple Option® is a clear liquid fertilizer that is comprised of 100% orthophosphate and contains Bio-K® technology. The NPK analysis of the fertilizer is 4-13-17-1S.

NACHURS ALPINE SOLUTIONS www.nachurs.com

NDY Stalk Stompers are manufactured using Abrasion Resistant (AR) steel. AR steel has hardening agents such as carbon and manganese added to the steel to provide excellent durability and wear characteristics. NDY manufactures stalk stompers for most makes and models of corn heads.

NDY Manufacturing, Inc. www.ndymfg.net

NITAMIN® (30-0-0) is a slow-release nitrogen liquid fertilizer. It can be applied directly to the leaf’s surface for rapid absorption and green up. It also has low salt index, low ammonia, and low biuret levels that improve crop safety. NITAMIN fertilizer is compatible with a wide range of micronutrients and crop protection chemicals.

Koch Agronomic Services, LLC. www.kochagronomicservices.com

Nitrogen Sealers double rolling coulter systems are aftermarket upgrades compatible with most 28 percent or anhydrous applicators. Nitrogen Sealing Systems' sealers can solve most nitrogen loss issues and can be used in twin row or 20 in. row corn.

Nitrogen Sealing Systems www.nitrogensealingsystems.com

Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) is an image that compares green vegetation to estimate health differences in row crops. It compares vegetation and creates zones by color, typically including red, yellow, and green areas. Red being the least green vegetation, yellow in the middle, and green zones having the most green vegetation.

NutriMax AC™ is a balanced nutritional formula with double systemic action (moves systemically up and down the plant). It is immediately available to the plant which reduces stress and increases root mass. NutriMax AC contains zinc, manganese, boron, calcium, and sulfur to help alleviate crop stress.

Grow Seven www.grow7usa.com

NutriSphere-N® is a nitrogen fertilizer manager which keeps more nitrogen available for plant uptake by slowing the conversion of nitrogen into forms that can be lost through volatilization, leaching and denitrification. This contributes to higher yields and reduces the amount of nitrogen that can wind up in surface or ground water through runoff and leaching.

Verdesian Life Sciences www.vlsci.com

OOptify®/Stretch is an EPA registered, broad spectrum biostimulant that includes a plant growth regulator for use in corn and other crops that improves a plant’s ability to withstand stress, increase early season vigor and efficiency in nutrient and water uptake.

United Suppliers, Inc. www.unitedsuppliers.com

Optimize® is an inoculant for soybeans that supports a crop’s potential by enhancing nutrient availability. It includes a specially selected Bradyrhizobium japonicum inoculant along with LCO (lipochitooligosaccharide) technology.

Monsanto BioAg www.monsantobioag.com

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OptRx® crop sensor is a variable rate nitrogen sensing system that uses a red light to scan the crop and determine its plant health and need for nitrogen using a virtual reference strip. The sensors are designed to use the reflectance of light to evaluate crop vigor to adjust rates of nitrogen in real time.

Ag Leader Technology www.agleader.com

PP Max® LFS is a phosphate fertilizer additive. When mixed with liquid fertilizers containing phosphate, P Max LFS increases phosphate efficiency and plant uptake.

Rosen's Inc.

P Max® Plus is a phosphate-protected complete row starter formulated as a blend of macro and micronutrients. It has an analysis of 7-20-3 with copper, iron, manganese and zinc.

Rosen's Inc.

PCT Corn Foliar Xtra is a foliar product which includes EDTA chelated micronutrients, N-P-K, plant growth regulators, additional phosphite, and sugars.

Progressive Crop Technologies, Inc. (Trupointe Cooperative). www.pctnutrients.com

PCT Soybean Foliar Xtra is a foliar product which includes EDTA chelated micronutrients, N-P-K, plant growth regulators, additional phosphite, and sugars.

Progressive Crop Technologies, Inc. (Trupointe Cooperative). www.pctnutrients.com

Pendant™ 3.3 EC is a selective herbicide for controlling most annual grasses and certain broadleaf weeds as they germinate. It will not control established weeds. It is effective on barnyardgrass, carpetweed, crabgrass, foxtail, lambsquarter, panicum, pigweed, seedling johnsongrass, waterhemp, and many other weed species.

Winfield Solutions, LLC. www.winfield.com

PercPlus™ is a blend of nutrients, vitamins and amino acids. PercPlus is formulated to promote root development and early growth. It also increases crop energy and reduces the negative effects of stresses.

DeltAg Formulations www.seedcoat.com

Pivot Irrigation is the most widely used irrigation system in row crop production. It is an overhead pivot that irrigates the crop as a broadcast application.

Valley Irrigation www.valleyirrigation.com

Poncho®/VOTiVO® seed treatment protects young plants from pests during critical early development stages, leading to healthier root development and stronger stands. Applied directly to the seed, Poncho/VOTiVO protects the whole plant, above-and below-ground, preventing damage to early-season seedlings and roots before pests can strike.

Bayer CropScience www.cropscience.bayer.us

Pre-Sidedress Nitrate Test (PSNT) is used to assess soil nitrogen levels in-season and prior to a nitrogen application. Results from this test are calculated to determine two things: 1) the amount of nitrogen present in the soil and 2) how much nitrogen to apply to the crop. The PSNT test is more common in areas where manure or other organic forms of nitrogen are used.

Preemptor™ SC fungicide is a new combination fungicide that lets you spray once – whenever and however you want – and protects your corn and soybeans all season long. Preemptor SC offers a fast-acting strobilurin combined with the longest lasting triazole. It protects against a wide range of diseases including leaf spot, leaf blight, rust, powdery mildew, stem rot, anthracnose and more.

FMC Corporation www.fmccrop.com

Prefix® is a residual herbicide that includes fomesafen combined with S-metolachlor for control of broadleaf weeds and grass in soybeans. By providing timely weed control using two unique modes of action, Prefix is a solution for controlling glyphosate and ALS-resistant weeds. Prefix may be applied as a pre-plant, pre-plant incorporated, pre-emergence, or post-emergence treatment in soybeans.

Syngenta Group Company www.syngentacropprotection.com

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Priaxor® fungicide is designed to protect plants from a large variety of fungi in various crops including corn, soybeans, and wheat. It is powered by Xemium® fungicide, an active ingredient that continuously distributes its unique chemistry throughout the leaf to help deliver long-lasting disease protection. Priaxor fungicide is a combination of this advanced chemistry and F500®, the same active ingredient as in Headline® fungicide.

BASF Corporation www.agproducts.basf.us

Pro Stitch closing wheels are unique because of their footprint design and stitch results. They have a full footprint interlocking with each other at all times. The blunt tooth design applies six times more down pressure to the sidewall of the trench as compared to standard round closing wheels, thus reducing sidewall compaction by fracturing and pushing the seed slot from side to side.

Lakeview Mfg. www.prostitchag.com

ProAct® works by triggering a complete systemic acquired response (SAR) throughout the plant. The plant reacts as if it is under attack from a pathogen, but it’s only a false alarm. The plant quickly increases its photosynthesis and energy to fight back. The extra energy and strength that the plant creates is used to reduce stress levels and increase production and quality. The active ingredient of ProAct is Harpin Protein.

Plant Health Care, Inc. www.planthealthcare.com

PSB Experimental is an experimental phosphorus solubilizing bacteria product. It aids in the release of phosphorus that is tied up in the soil.

TerraMax, Inc. www.terramaxag.com

Puma is a soil application product designed for optimizing early vigor and providing key macro and micronutrients to the plant by making insoluble nutrients soluble. Along with early vigor, Puma will provide more biomass above ground which helps drive top-end yield. Puma is optimally delivered in-furrow but can also can used be used as a broadcast treatment. It is also compatible with all widely used in-furrow fertilizers as well as most herbicides, fungicides and insecticides.

Elemental Enzymes Ag & Turf, LLC. www.elementalenzymes.com

PureGrade® Diamond 6-24-6 is a 100% orthophosphate low-salt liquid fertilizer. Phosphorus in this form is immediately available to the plant. Under stressful conditions, such as cold soil temperatures, the phosphorus is ready once the roots are able to take up nutrients.

The Andersons, Inc. www.andersonsplantnutrient.com

RRes Plus is a dual-action residue management product that contains both the essentials for residue breakdown: chelated micronutrients & macronutrients combined with an enhanced residue degradation booster. Recommended crops are corn,

soybeans and wheat, preferably applied post-harvest or early pre-plant.

Elemental Enzymes Ag & Turf, LLC. www.elementalenzymes.com

Restore™ is a carbon-based product, containing high amounts of energy and oxygen. It is a product used in-furrow at planting to enhance seed germination, build roots, and give farmers the ability to reduce the amount of salt-based fertilizers used today. Restore contains no salt and is used on a wide range of crops. It feeds the soil and plant biology which increases available nutrients and improves soil structure.

Carbon Works, Inc. www.carbonworks.com

Robust® is a unique formulation of plant and soil nutrients designed to help overall plant growth as well as the soil microflora.

Rosen's Inc.

RoMax® Corn is an 8-18-4 fertilizer with Zn, Mn, Cu and Fe. RoMax Corn contains Root Growth Stimulator (RGS), which stimulates vigorous root growth and helps plants intercept more nutrients. It provides the right nutrients for corn, ensuring essential functions take place throughout early development.

The Andersons, Inc. www.andersonsplantnutrient.com

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RoMax® Soybean with SoyMix is specifically designed to promote early emergence and crop uniformity by providing essential NPK (2-14-8) and micronutrients (Mg, Fe, Zn, Mn).

The Andersons, Inc. www.andersonsplantnutrient.com

Roundup PowerMAX® is a Roundup (glyphosate) herbicide formulation that offers weed control against many hard-to-control weeds such as velvetleaf, purslane, morningglory, lambsquarter, and Canada thistle.

Monsanto Technology, LLC. www.monsanto.com

Roundup WeatherMAX® is a Roundup (glyphosate) herbicide formulation that offers weed control against many hard-to-control weeds such as: velvetleaf, purslan, morningglory, lambsquarter, and Canada thistle. It is also formulated to have a 30-minute rainfast warranty.

Monsanto Technology, LLC. www.monsanto.com

SS.I. Distributing Finger-Till is a steel closing wheel that is lighter than cast iron closing wheels. The spikes fracture the seed trench sidewalls to reduce compaction and the interior fins break up clods and fine up the topsoil. This combination promotes fast seed emergence in both wet and extremely dry no-till planting conditions.

S.I. Distributing, Inc. www.sidist.com

Sable® is a 28-0-0 liquid nitrogen fertilizer, with 72 percent of nitrogen being in the slow release form. Sable is a saturated polymer solution with a low biuret & salt index. It can be mixed with most common herbicides, insecticides and fungicides.

Rosen's Inc.

Schaffert G2 2x2 fertilizer disc offers a new method of applying large quantities of starter or nitrogen fertilizer to the side of the row. The G2 liquid disc is designed on a walking beam axle with three points of contact in the soil at all times. The compact design eliminates having to find room in front or behind the planter for much larger, heavier, and more expensive fertilizer solutions. The G2 fertilizer 8 in. single disc opener can be mounted on the press wheel brackets of John Deere, Kinze, White, Great Plains, Monosem, and Yetter planters.

Schaffert Mfg. Co., Inc. www.schaffert.com

Schaffert G2 Linkage is a unique, one-piece design that equalizes down pressure on press wheels and the optional liquid disc. This patented walking beam design offers stability and balanced pressure to both press wheels in closing the seed trench.

Schaffert Mfg. Co., Inc. www.schaffert.com

Schaffert Zipper Closing Wheel™ is a 13 in. angled spike closing wheel designed to take the place of standard rubber closing wheels. It works in all soil types, even the toughest of no-till conditions. The non-aggressive, 1 in. angled spikes

feather the soil in the furrow while simultaneously applying pressure to ensure the furrow is zipped shut. As the spikes close, they create indentations which allow moisture to sink in, increasing seed-to-soil contact.

Schaffert Mfg. Co., Inc. www.schaffert.com

Season Pass® Plus with MicroCarb ZMB™ is a 6-18-6 + 1.0S, 0.46Zn row starter that delivers 100 percent available phosphorus to your corn to maximize yields and reduce moisture at harvest.

The Andersons, Inc. www.andersonsplantnutrient.com

Section® Three herbicide controls a broad spectrum of emerged annual and perennial grass weeds and is safe to apply over the top of broadleaf crops. It provides fast control of annual grass weeds, volunteer corn, and volunteer cereals. Section Three herbicide contains three pounds of clethodim per gallon.

Winfield Solutions, LLC. www.winfield.com

Seed Coat™ is a dry blend of organically complexed nutrients applied to seed at planting. It is an extremely fine powder that will coat even the smallest of seed. Seed Coat is designed to provide seed with an energy source for early emergence, strong root development, and enhanced seedling vigor.

DeltAg Formulations www.seedcoat.com

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Serenade® ASO fungicide is designed to protect against the effects of soil and foliar bacterial and fungal diseases. Applied in-furrow at planting, it quickly builds a disease-protection zone around the seed. As the plant’s roots grow, the beneficial bacteria in Serenade ASO grow with them, expanding the disease protection zone. Serenade ASO attacks diseases in the soil including Pythium, Rhizoctonia, Fusarium and some strains of Phytophthora. It activates the plant's natural defenses by priming systemic responses in the plant to promote plant growth and stress resistance.

Bayer CropScience www.cropscience.bayer.us

SG Complete is a mix of micronutrients, biostimulants, amino acids, special sugars, and urea phosphite that encourage early plant growth and healthy stands.

SPNC Corp. www.soilandplantcare.com

Sharpen® herbicide, powered by Kixor® herbicide technology, was designed by BASF to provide fast, flexible burndown of broadleaf weeds applied pre-plant and/or pre-emergence in a wide range of crops including corn, soybeans, and wheat. It belongs in the HRAC group 14 herbicide classification.

BASF Corporation www.agproducts.basf.us

Soil Booost is a unique combination of humic acid, mycorrhizae stimulants and bacteria designed to promote root growth, improve soil tilth, and to increase overall health and vigor

of the plant. Soil Booost contains 5 percent nitrogen and 0.5 percent zinc.

Quality Ag Solutions

SoilWarrior® X row unit is a strip-till and nutrient placement system. The SoilWarrior X row unit uses a large cog and coulters to provide deep tillage in the fall and vertical shallow tillage in the spring. The system can also simultaneously incorporate fertilizer into the tilled zones using variable rate technology.

Environmental Tillage Systems, Inc. www.soilwarrior.com

Sonic® herbicide provides broad-spectrum control of large and small seeded broadleaf weeds. Sonic provides two modes of action with the combination of two active ingredients, sulfentrazone and cloransulam-methyl.

Dow AgroSciences www.dowagro.com

Start Right is a formulation of nutrients sequestered in a concentrated organic acid. It is fortified with a carbon synergist, fermented plant extracts, seaweed species Ascophyllum nodosum and Chondrus crispus, and select soil bacteria. Start Right can be applied at planting or early sidedress.

AgBio Logic, LLC. www.agbiologic.com

Stimulate™ is a concentrated biological formulation containing 29 different strains of microbes - trillions per gallon. Beneficial microbes convert inorganic sources of plant nutrients to available forms

and others non-symbiotically fixate atmospheric nitrogen. Stimulate also contains microbes that produce plant growth stimulating hormones and form amino acids and proteins to feed plant shoots and roots to improve plant health, stimulate plant and root growth, and increase nutrient availability.

GarrCo Products, Inc. www.garrco.com

Stratego® YLD fungicide features the latest in triazole technology for corn and soybeans. Offering two modes of action, it provides both preventive and curative activities and systemic movement to provide broad-spectrum, long-lasting disease control and higher yield potential. Stratego YLD can be applied to soybeans, or to corn early season, and/or at tassel.

Bayer CropScience www.cropscience.bayer.us

Sub-Irrigation is where water is back-fed through tile into the soil profile. Sub-irrigation can be controlled manually or by a soil moisture sensor. Manual sub-irrigation is conducted by using evapotranspiration, soil conditions and weather forecasts to decide when water is needed. Sensor-based sub-irrigation is conducted using a soil moisture sensor that triggers a response if field water holding capacity drops below a certain percentage to determine when water is needed. Most sensors can also feed information back to an online website that shows what the sensor is reading at various depths.

AGREM, LLC. www.agrem.com

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Sugar – White granulated sugar that you can buy at the grocery store. We are using it in PFR as a starter additive to provide a glucose source for the young growing plants.

Sulfur Plus™ contains sulfate sulfur from ammonium sulfate that has been formulated utilizing DeltAg’s Fulvore and active chemistry. This delivers sulfur to the plant in a more natural form for faster absorption and better translocation.

DeltAg Formulations www.seedcoat.com

SUPERU® fertilizer is a finished, stabilized fertilizer product that contains both a urease and a nitrification inhibitor to protect nitrogen against denitrification, nitrate leaching and ammonia volatilization. It contains the highest concentration (46 percent) of nitrogen available in a stabilized, granular fertilizer that protects against all three forms of nitrogen loss.

Koch Agronomic Services, LLC. www.kochagronomicservices.com

TTerraMax Liquid™ is an in-furrow soybean inoculant. It may be applied above, on or below the seed, or even 1x1 or 2x2 at planting.

TerraMax, Inc. www.terramaxag.com

Thio-Sul® (12-0-0-26S) is a clear liquid ammonium thiosulfate solution that delivers nitrogen in the ammoniacal form and sulfur in both elemental and sulfate forms. Thio-Sul is a nitrification inhibitor,

reducing nitrogen loss by inhibiting or slowing the nitrification process of ammonium (NH4) converting to nitrate (NO3).

Tessenderlo Kerley, Inc. www.tkinet.com

Toggle™ is a new biostimulant specifically designed for row crops. Toggle promotes the synthesis of natural compounds, including antioxidants, polyamines, betaines and proline, which protect against cellular damage from stresses. Active components of Toggle stimulate root growth which enables plants to take advantage of available water and key nutrients.

Acadian Seaplants Limited www.togglebyacadian.com

Totally Tubular TT300 is a fertilizer attachment tube that applies any liquid fertilizer solution beside the seed trench behind the closing wheels. The distance from the seed trench is also fully adjustable on both sides.

Totally Tubular MFG,. Inc. www.totally-tubular.net

Trivapro® delivers long-lasting disease control and crop enhancement benefits with three complementary and non-cross-resistant modes of action (strobilurin, triazole, and SDHI). Solatenol® fungicide, the SDHI component in Trivapro, is 10 times more potent than other SDHIs on the market and delivers long-lasting control. The crop enhancement benefits associated with Trivapro can maximize yield potential and harvest efficiency by promoting stronger stalks, healthier roots, bigger ears and fuller pods.

Trivapro is sold as a combination of two separately registered products: Trivapro A and Trivapro B fungicides.

Syngenta Group Company www.syngentacropprotection.com

Trivence® herbicide provides multiple modes of action for burndown control and extended residual activity on tough broadleaf weeds in soybeans.

E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company www.dupont.com

U Ultra-Che® Zinc 9% EDTA increases nutrient efficiency and availability to plants in a variety of crops. As an additive in liquid fertilizer it offers flexible application options, including pre-plant, starter, sidedress or fertigation. Ultra-Che Zinc 9% EDTA is generally compatible with pesticides, but the water needs to be added first.

Winfield Solutions, LLC. www.winfield.com

USA 500™ is a unique blend of macro and micronutrients designed for use with starter fertilizers. It has a multifaceted approach to yield which includes: phosphate protection, EDTA Zinc, growth promoter and fulvic acid.

Rosen's Inc.

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VVersa Max™ AC is a unique blend of macro and micronutrients that can be applied in a versatile manner. Versa Max AC has an analysis of 7-0-1-3S-1Fe-2Mn-2Zn. It is designed for use in all crops and may be used for soil or foliar applications. Versa Max AC is intended to be used as a supplement to a standard fertility program.

Rosen's Inc.

Versa Max™ Corn is a dynamic mixture of macro and micronutrients that can be applied in a versatile manner as a soil or foliar application. Versa Max Corn has an analysis of 8-0-0-3S-1Fe-2Mn-3Zn. It is designed for use in corn, but can be used in other food and fiber crops that have similar nutritional requirements.

Rosen's Inc.

Versa Max™ Soybean is a mixture of macro and micronutrients that can be applied in a versatile manner, as a foliar application or in-row starter/sidedress applications. Versa Max Soybean is designed for use in soybeans and can improve plant health by providing efficient delivery of nitrogen and essential micronutrients (sulfur, iron, manganese, zinc) as part of a total fertility program.

Rosen's Inc.

WWarrant® Ultra is a water-based premix of microencapsulated acetochlor + fomesafen for pre-emergence and early

post-emergence use in soybeans. Warrant Ultra provides broad spectrum weed control along with excellent crop safety.

Monsanto Technology, LLC. www.monsanto.com

Wex® is a multipurpose wetting agent that maximizes the effectiveness of liquid-applied fertilizer and pesticides with improved suspension. An exclusive, nutrient-related action technology stimulates root development, which improves water and nutrient absorption. Wex can be applied at anytime on all crops. Do not apply Wex with fertilizers.

Conklin Company, Inc. www.seedmaxx.com

X Xanthion™ in-furrow fungicide for corn includes a chemical fungicide and a biofungicide. This combination, which contains the same active ingredients as in Headline® fungicide, and an EPA registered biofungicide, provides two modes of action to help protect your seed investment by improving seedling health. Xanthion protects against damaging corn seedling and root diseases including Rhizoctonia seed and seedling rot, Fusarium seed rot and seedling blight, and Pythium damping off.

BASF Corporation www.agproducts.basf.us

X-Cyte™ is a stable, EPA-registered plant growth regulator and yield stimulant containing a key plant growth hormone – cytokinin. X-Cyte ensures more carbohydrate storage capacity for enhanced uniformity, density, quality and

yield. Additionally, X-Cyte helps plants produce grain and fruit with higher density to increase final quality and yield.

StollerUSA www.stollerusa.com

YYetter 2968 Series (Unit Mount In-Between Fertilizer Openers) are designed to achieve consistent (off-the-row) starter or nitrogen fertilizer placement. They can be set to apply fertilizer from 1.5 in. to 2 in. off the row, with an adjustable depth of up to 0.5 in. below the seed. The 2968 Series utilizes a 10 in. disc for better penetration and has a compact design for easy mounting.

Yetter Manufacturing Company, Inc. www.yetterco.com

Yetter 6200 Cast Spike closing wheels improve seed trench closing, even in the most severe conditions. They enhance seed-to-soil contact and help prevent yield-robbing air pockets while eliminating the potential for sidewall compaction. The wide-crowned depth bands control spike depth and prevents seed disturbance.

Yetter Manufacturing Company, Inc. www.yetterco.com

Yetter 5000 Stalk Devastator™ push over stalks and stubble as they travel through the field. They also prevent damage to tires, tracks, wires, and hydraulic hoses. The Yetter 5000 Stalk Devastators are designed to crush corn stalks in order to facilitate quicker residue breakdown. They also have a

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spring loaded, steel construction that will not interfere with most header cart trailers.

Yetter Manufacturing Company, Inc. www.yetterco.com

Yield Igniter® is a proprietary blend of humic and fulvic acid along with nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Yield Igniter can be used on corn, soybeans, wheat, and alfalfa. Application timings include at planting, pre-emerge, or foliar.

Ag Logic www.yieldigniter.com

ZZidua® herbicide is a root-and-shoot growth inhibitor that controls susceptible germinating seedlings before or soon after they emerge from the soil. Pyroxasulfone, the active ingredient in Zidua, is an isoxazoline, a new class of chemistry that delivers higher intrinsic activity and a broader spectrum of control of small-seeded broadleaf weeds and grasses. It can be used for weed control in corn, cotton, soybean, and wheat. Zidua is in the HRAC group 15 herbicide classification.

BASF Corporation www.agproducts.basf.us

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3RIVE 3D™ Application System Study ............................... 12, 59,

123, 177, 271, 328

6-18-6 PPRS™ .......... 15, 180, 330

360 SOILSCAN™ .............190, 191, 234, 235

360 UNDERCOVER® ..............83, 174, 240, 266

360 Y-DROP® ..................24, 25, 33, 45, 76, 86, 106, 120, 141,

142, 150, 161, 174, 188, 189, 191, 197, 205, 214, 224, 233,

235, 242, 253, 266, 286, 288, 296, 311, 337, 343, 351, 362

AAim® EC ................................ 152

Amplify-D® ...................... 14, 54, 61, 127, 174, 179

AMS (21-0-0-24S) .............. 120, 152, 174

Aproach® ............................. 300

AquaSpy ................................ 90

Ascend® ........................224, 246

Authority® Assist ............ 107, 215

Authority® Maxx ...................254

Authority® MTZ DF ............... 107

Authority® XL ......... 107, 215, 254

BBeck's Annual Ryegrass ........79,

145

Beck's Bean Builder Mix ...... 162

Beck's Cereal Rye ................ 145

Beck's Corn Champion Mix ..79, 145

Beck's Crimson Clover ......... 145

Beck's GroundBuilder Radish .................................. 145

Beck's Oat Radish Mix ... 79, 145

Biological Study .............. 17, 42, 66, 102, 103, 131, 158, 182, 212,

229, 252, 278, 309, 331, 348, 350

Boron Plus® ..................... 28, 81, 147, 193, 238, 266, 300, 339

BPE-5C .............. 34, 94, 151, 299

CCapello® Quasar Corn Head .................................... 200

Capture® 3RIVE 3D™ ........ 12, 59, 123, 177, 271, 328

Capture® LFR® .... 30, 48, 54, 84, 95, 111, 148, 166, 219, 224, 246,

256, 294, 300, 315, 340, 352

Capture® VGR™ ............... 31, 167, 195, 241, 256, 295

Carbon Study ................101, 157, 210, 308

Cipher™ ..................................174

Closing Wheel Study ..... 58, 124, 125, 270, 327

Cobalt® Advanced .............. 205

Controlled Water Table ..................... 90, 245, 258

Copperhead Ag Furrow Cruisers® ................ 58, 124, 327

Corn Starch ..........................307

Cover Crop Study ... 79, 145, 162

INDEX

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CropKarb® ....................... 28, 81, 147, 193, 238, 266, 339

CropX ...........................245, 259

Custom N2™ .................. 103, 348

DDawn Curvetine™ .........270, 327

Double Crop Fungicide Study ....................................263

Double Crop Population Study ...........51, 115, 171, 262, 321

Double Crop Row Width Study .................................... 261

Double Crop Seed Treatment Study .................................... 170

Drip-Irrigation .................... 244

EEagle ............................... 28, 81,

147, 193, 238, 339

ENERGY POWER™ .................266

Escalate SDS ...................38, 99, 155, 207, 250, 304, 305, 346

Escalate™ ..........................13, 37, 38, 60, 98, 99, 126, 152, 154, 155, 170, 178, 205, 207, 246,

249, 250, 272, 300, 303, 304, 329, 343, 345, 346, 358

Ethos® XB ....................... 30, 84, 148, 256, 294, 340, 341

FFastac™ EC ...... 120, 152, 174, 205

Feast® Side-Kick™ 0-0-25 w/17S ..................................... 54

Feast®-XL 26-0-0 w/0.5B ......95

Feast® Yield Master™ 2-15-19 w/3%S ....................................174

Fertigation ............................. 91

Fertilizer Study ..................... 199

Fierce® XLT ............ 107, 215, 254

First Pass® with MicroCarb ZMB™ (3-5-15) ............... 39, 100,

208, 306, 347

Flo-Rite® Seed Firmer Study ................................. 11, 36

Foliar Product Study ............. 113

Foliar Study ............................88

Foliar X-CYTO® ..............50, 114, 169, 317

Force® 3G ......174, 224, 266, 324

FunctioN™ .............................266

Fungicide Additive Study ......28, 81, 147, 193, 238, 339

Fungicide & Insecticide Study ........30, 84, 148, 294, 340

Fungicide Placement Study ............................. 83, 240

Fungicide Study ..............27, 46, 47, 80, 108, 109, 110, 146, 163,

164, 165, 192, 216, 217, 218, 237, 255, 263, 291, 312, 313, 314, 338

Fungicide Timing Study ........29, 82, 194, 239, 292, 342, 365

GGenerate® ....... 40, 156, 181, 209

HHeadline® ....................... 47, 54,

95, 110, 120, 152, 165, 218, 224, 266, 314, 343

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Headline AMP® ................ 18, 19, 28, 54, 72, 83, 120, 136, 174, 183, 224, 232, 240, 266, 279, 324, 334, 365

Height Variation Study ...........89

Hero® ................................... 300

High Calcium Lime .............. 318

High Yield Attempt ......... 54, 95, 120, 152, 174, 205, 224,

246, 266, 300, 324, 343

Humi-Till® .......... 34, 94, 151, 299

IILeVO® .............................38, 95,

99, 152, 155, 205, 207, 246, 250, 300, 304, 305, 343, 346

Insecticide Study ............. 30, 31, 48, 84, 111, 148, 166, 167, 195, 219, 241, 256, 294, 295, 315, 340, 352

Interseeding Study ...............320

KKeeton Seed Firmer ................ 11

KTS® (0-0-25-17S) .......324, 343

LLime Study ........................... 318

Liquid Boron 10% .......33, 86, 95, 150, 174, 197, 205, 224, 242, 296

Liquid Manganese 5% ...........95

MMartin Spading-Closing Wheels ...........................124, 327

MAX-IN® Ultra ZMB® ......32, 49, 85, 112, 149, 168, 220,

257, 316, 324, 353

McFarlane Incite® .................221

MicroAZ-IF Liquid™ .............. 129

MicroBlitz™ ........................... 196

MicroEssentials® SZ™ (12-40-0-10S-1Zn) ................ 199

MicroNourish® ................ 49, 112, 168, 196, 220, 257, 316, 353

Micronutrient Study ........32, 33, 85, 86, 149, 150, 196,

197, 242, 296

Micronutrient Timing Study .............................. 49, 112,

168, 220, 257, 316, 353

Mustang® Maxx ...... 54, 95, 343

MycoGold™ Corn Blend ................... 14, 61, 127, 179

NN+ ........................................ 348

NACHURS® imPulse® (10-18-4) .............15, 62, 128, 274

NACHURS® Rhyzo-Link® 3-10-13 ....39, 100, 208, 306, 347

NACHURS® Rhyzo-Link® 9-15-3 .................15, 62, 128, 274

NACHURS® Triple Option® (4-13-17-1S) ................................

39, 100, 208, 306, 347

NDVI .....................................364

NDY Stalk Stompers ............ 200

NITAMIN® (30-0-0) ............... 54

Nitrogen Application Study ....................................364

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Nitrogen Management Study ............................ 190, 234

Nitrogen Placement Study ............... 25, 142, 189, 288

Nitrogen Rate Study .......20, 22, 23, 68, 70, 73, 74, 79, 132, 134, 137, 138, 139, 145, 184,

186, 187, 230, 280, 282, 284, 332, 335, 336, 359

Nitrogen Sealer Study ..........26, 77, 143, 236, 289

Nitrogen Timing Study ... 24, 45, 76, 106, 140, 141, 161, 188,

214, 233, 253, 286, 287, 311, 337, 351, 362

NutriMax AC™ ................. 85, 120

NutriSphere-N® ....................266

OOptify®/Stretch ......... 17, 42, 54,

66, 95, 102, 131, 158, 182, 205, 212, 229, 252, 278, 309, 331, 350

Optimize® ...................... 95, 152, 205, 246, 300, 343

OptRx® ..................................364

PPCT Corn Foliar Xtra ...... 54, 120

PCT Soybean Foliar Xtra ..... 95, 113

Pendant™ 3.3 EC ...................254

PercPlus™ ...................... 174, 205

PFR Proven™ .................... 14, 26, 32, 34, 38, 43, 44, 46, 48, 49, 51

Pivot Irrigation ....................... 91

Plant Growth Regulator Study ................ 50, 114, 169, 317

Planting Date Study ....... 55, 96, 121, 153, 175, 206, 225, 247, 268,

301, 325, 344, 356, 367, 368

Planting Depth Study ..... 10, 35, 56, 97, 226, 248, 302, 369

P Max® LFS ............................174

P Max® Plus ......15, 174, 180, 330

Poncho®/VOTiVO® ..........38, 95, 99, 152, 155, 205, 207, 246,

250, 300, 304, 343, 346

Population & High Management Study ............................... 18, 72,

136, 183, 232, 279, 334

Population Study ........... 43, 44, 51, 68, 70, 105, 115, 132, 134,

136, 159, 160, 171, 183, 184, 213, 230, 232, 262, 279, 280, 310,

321, 332, 334, 359, 360, 371

Population & Timing Study ...................... 44, 105, 160

Population vs. Nitrogen Rate Study ........................ 20, 68, 70, 132, 134, 184, 230, 280, 332, 359

Pre-Emergent Herbicide Study ..................... 107, 215, 254

Preemptor™ SC ............... 29, 46, 82, 109, 164, 174, 194, 217,

239, 292, 293, 313, 342, 365

Prefix® .......................... 215, 254

Priaxor® ................... 46, 95, 108, 109, 120, 152, 163, 164, 205, 216, 217, 224, 255, 263, 312, 313, 365

ProAct® .................................. 54

Pro Stitch .................58, 327, 381

PSB Experimental ............... 348

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PSNT ....... 190, 191, 234, 235, 363

Puma .............................. 129, 181

PureGrade® Diamond 6-24-6 ............................. 15, 54,

62, 63, 64, 120, 128, 180, 205, 224, 266, 274, 276, 330

RReplant Study .................57, 122,

176, 227, 267, 326, 357

Residue Management Study .............................. 34, 94,

151, 200, 299

Res Plus ............. 34, 94, 151, 299

Restore™ ......... 101, 157, 210, 308

Robust® .............. 34, 94, 151, 299

RoMax® Corn (8-18-4) ........... 15, 180, 324, 330

RoMax® Soybean with SoyMix (2-14-8) ......................... 39, 100,

208, 306, 343, 347

Row Width & Population Study ............... 43, 159, 213, 360

SSable® .......................... 174, 205

Schaffert G2 2x2 .................. 130

Schaffert G2 Linkage ........... 125

Schaffert Zipper Closing Wheels ....................................58

Season Pass® Plus with MicroCarb ZMB™ (6-18-6) .... 15,

62, 63, 128, 274

Seed Coat™ .......................... 205

Seed Treatment Study ..... 13, 14, 37, 38, 60, 61, 98, 99, 126,

127, 154, 155, 170, 178, 179, 207, 249, 250, 272, 303, 304, 329, 345, 346, 358

Serenade® ASO .............. 30, 47, 84, 110, 148, 165, 218,

294, 314, 340, 341

SG Complete ..........40, 156, 209

Sidedress Applicator ............25, 142, 189, 288

Sidedress Placement Study ................................... 290

Sidedress Spacing Study ......78, 144

SI Distributing Finger-Till Wheels ............................ 58, 124

Silage Study .........................366

Soil Amendment Study ......... 16, 41, 65, 104, 211, 228, 251, 273

Soil Booost ...................224, 246

SoilWarrior® X .............. 204, 221

Sonic® ........................... 215, 254

Starter Additive Study ......... 40, 64, 129, 156, 181, 209,

276, 307, 370

Starter Fertilizer Study ......... 15, 39, 62, 100, 128, 130, 180, 208,

274, 306, 330, 347

Start Right ............................. 54

Stimulate™ ............................370

Stratego® YLD .................27, 46, 80, 109, 146, 164, 192, 237,

263, 291, 313, 324, 338

Sub-Irrigation ....... 90, 245, 258

Sugar ............................ 64, 246, 276, 277, 307, 370

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Sulfur Plus™ ................. 266, 300

Sulfur Study .............87, 198, 297

SUPERU® ..............................287

TTerraMax Liquid™ ......... 103, 348

Thio-Sul® (12-0-0-26S) ........33, 86, 87, 120, 150, 174, 197, 198,

242, 266, 296, 297

Tile ................................ 90, 243, 244, 245, 258, 260, 298, 319

Tillage Study ...................92, 93, 116, 117, 202, 203, 204, 221

Toggle™ ...................... 17, 28, 42, 54, 66, 67, 81, 91, 95, 102, 131,

147, 158, 174, 182, 193, 205, 212, 229, 238, 252, 266, 278,

300, 309, 331, 339, 350

Totally Tubular TT300 .......... 130

Trivapro® ...................29, 46, 82, 109, 120, 164, 194, 217, 239,

263, 292, 293, 313, 342

Trivence® ...................... 107, 254

UUltra-Che® Zinc 9% EDTA .....33,

86, 150, 174, 197, 224, 242, 266, 296

USA 500™ ..............................266

VVersa Max™ AC ................. 18, 19,

32, 49, 72, 85, 112, 136, 149, 168, 174, 183, 205, 220, 224, 232,

246, 257, 266, 279, 316, 334, 353

Versa Max™ Corn ... 88, 120, 266

Versa Max™ Soybean ...........343

WWarrant® Ultra .....................254

Water Management Study ....................... 90, 91, 243,

244, 245, 258, 260, 298, 319

Wex® ................................. 16, 41, 54, 65, 95, 104, 211, 228, 251, 273

XXanthion™ ....................... 30, 84,

148, 294, 340

X-Cyte™ ..........................50, 114, 152, 169, 317

YY-DROP® ..............................362

Yetter 2968 Series ................ 130

Yetter Spike ..................270, 327

Yetter Stalk Devastator™ ..... 200

Yield Igniter® ................ 103, 348

ZZidua® ..................................254

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Technology Beck

’s

Des

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tor

Gly

phos

ate

Libe

rty

ECB

CRW

BCW

WBC

SWC

B

FAW

SB CEW

DC

W

Cor

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Broa

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ents

Roundup Ready® Corn 2 RR X

Agrisure® GT RRl X

Agrisure Viptera® 3110 VR X X X X X X X X X X 1 1

Agrisure® 3000GT A3 X X X X X S S S 1 1

Agrisure Viptera® 3111 A4 X X X X X X X X X X X 1 1 1

Agrisure Viptera® 3220 E-Z Refuge® VZ X X X X X X X X X 2 2 95/5

Agrisure Duracade® 5222 E-Z Refuge® D2 X X X X X X X X X X 2 2 2 95/5

Herculex® l Insect Protection with Roundup Ready® Corn 2

HR X X X X X X X X S 1 1

Optimum® AcreMax® Insect Protection

AM X X X X X X X X S 2 1 95/5

Optimum® AcreMax® Xtra Insect Protection

AMX X X X X X X X X X S 2 1 1 90/10

Optimum® AcreMax® XTreme Insect Protection

AMXT X X X X X X X X X S 2 1 2 95/5

VT Double PRO® RIB Complete® Corn Blend

V2P X X X X X X 2 2 95/5

SmartStax® RIB Complete® Corn Blend

SX X X X X X X X X X X 3 3 2 95/5

Her

bici

de

Tole

ranc

e

In-Plant Insect Protection (Not Including Seed Treatments)

Technology Modes of Action

CORN TECHNOLOGIES

X = Control S = Suppression / Intermediate Protection (Partial protection depending on the development stage of the plant when insects infest the plant.)

ECB = European Corn Borer CRW = Western Corn Rootworm, Northern Corn Rootworm, Mexican Corn Rootworm BCW = Black Cutworm WBC = Western Bean Cutworm SWCB = Southwestern Corn Borer FAW = Fall Armyworm SB = Stalk Borer

CEW = Corn Earworm DCW = Dingy Cutworm

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TRADEMARK INFORMATIONGenuity Design®, Genuity®, RIB Complete and Design®, RIB Complete®, Roundup Ready 2 Technology and Design®, Roundup Ready®, Roundup®, SmartStax and Design®, SmartStax® and VT Double PRO® are trademarks of Monsanto Technology LLC. Respect the Refuge and Corn Design® and Respect the Refuge® are registered trademarks of National Corn Growers Association. Agrisure® technology incorporated into these seeds is commercialized under a license from Syngenta Crop Protection AG.

Phoenix®, Agrisure®, Agrisure Artesian®, Agrisure Duracade®, Agrisure Viptera® and E-Z Refuge® are trademarks of a Syngenta Group Company. Caution: Do not spray E-Z Refuge® products with Liberty® Brand Herbicides. Phoenix® brand seed is distributed by Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc.

Herculex and the HX logo are registered trademarks of Dow AgroSciences, LLC. Herculex® I Insect Protection, Herculex® XTRA Insect Protection technology by Dow AgroSciences and Pioneer Hi-Bred. Growers should evaluate data from multiple locations and years whenever possible.Herculex® Technology incorporated into these seeds is commercialized under license from Dow AgroSciences LLC. HERCULEX: HERCULEX® and the HERCULEX Shield are trademarks of Dow AgroSciences LLC. Always read and follow label instructions. ®™ Colex-D, Enlist, Enlist Duo, and the Enlist Logos are trademarks of The Dow Chemical Company (“Dow”) or an affiliated company of Dow. Enlist Duo herbicide is not registered for sale or use in all states. Contact your state pesticide regulatory agency to determine if a product is registered for sale or use in your state. Always read and follow label directions.

Bayer (reg’d), the Bayer Cross (reg’d), Liberty®, LibertyLink®, Respect the Rotation™, the Water Droplet Design (reg’d), Poncho®, VOTiVO® and ILeVO® are trademarks of Bayer. Liberty® is not registered in all states. Seed products with the LibertyLink® (LL) trait are resistant to the herbicide glufosinate ammonium, an alternative to glyphosate in corn, and combine high-yielding genetics with the powerful, non-selective, postemergent weed control of Liberty® herbicide for optimum yield and excellent weed control. For additional product information call toll-free 1-866-99-BAYER (1-866-992-2937) or visit our website at www.BayerCropScience.us. Balance® Bean is not registered for sale or use in the United States. Balance™ GT has not received all needed regulatory approvals. Components of the technology described here have not yet received regulatory approvals; approvals are pending. The information presented here is not an offer for sale. Bayer, the Bayer Cross, Balance®, and Liberty® are registered trademarks of Bayer. Balance® Bean is a Restricted Use Pesticide and is not registered in any state. MS Technologies™ is a trademark of MS Technologies™, LLC. © 2016 MS Technologies™, LLC / Bayer

Optimum® brand products available through the XL® brand. ®XL, Optimum, AcreMax and AQUAmax are registered trademarks of Pioneer. XL brand seed is distributed by Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc.

AM - Optimum® AcreMax® Insect Protection system with YGCB, HX1, LL, RR2. Contains a single-bag integrated refuge solution for above-ground insects. In EPA-designated cotton growing counties, a 20% separate corn borer refuge must be planted with Optimum AcreMax products. AMX - Optimum® AcreMax® Xtra Insect Protection system with YGCB, HXX, LL, RR2. Contains a single-bag integrated refuge solution for above- and below-ground insects. In EPA-designated cotton growing counties, a 20% separate corn borer refuge must be planted with Optimum AcreMax Xtra products. AMXT (Optimum® AcreMax® XTreme) - Contains a single-bag integrated refuge solution for above- and below-ground insects. The major component contains the Agrisure® RW trait, the YieldGard® Corn Borer gene, and the Herculex® XTRA genes. In EPA-designated cotton growing counties, a 20% separate corn borer refuge must be planted with Optimum AcreMax XTreme products.

Monsanto Company is a member of Excellence Through Stewardship® (ETS). Monsanto products are commercialized in accordance with ETS Product Launch Stewardship Guidance, and in compliance with Monsanto’s Policy for Commercialization of Biotechnology-Derived Plant Products in Commodity Crops. Only commercialized products have been approved for import into key export markets with functioning regulatory systems. Any crop or material produced from this product can only be exported to, or used, processed or sold in countries where all necessary regulatory approvals have been granted. Do not export Genuity® Roundup Ready® Alfalfa seed or crop, including hay or hay products, to China pending import approval. It is a violation of national and international law to move material containing biotech traits across boundaries into nations where import is not permitted. Growers should talk to their grain handler or product purchaser to confirm their buying position for this product. Excellence Through Stewardship® is a registered trademark of Biotechnology Industry Organization. B.t. products may not yet be registered in all states. Check with your Monsanto representative for the registration status in your state.

IMPORTANT IRM INFORMATION: Genuity® RIB Complete® corn blend products do not require the planting of a structured refuge except in the Cotton-Growing Area where corn earworm is a significant pest. Always read and follow IRM requirements.

ALWAYS READ AND FOLLOW PESTICIDE LABEL DIRECTIONS. Roundup Ready® crops contain genes that confer tolerance to glyphosate, the active ingredient in Roundup® brand agricultural herbicides. Roundup® brand agricultural herbicides will kill crops that are not tolerant to glyphosate. Roundup Ready 2 Xtend® Soybeans contains genes that confer tolerance to glyphosate and dicamba. Glyphosate herbicides will kill crops that are not tolerant to glyphosate. Dicamba herbicides will kill crops that are not tolerant to dicamba. Dicamba is not yet approved for in-crop use. Roundup Ready 2 Xtend™, Roundup Xtend™, VaporGrip™ and XtendiMax are trademarks of Monsanto Technology LLC. Individual results may vary, and performance may vary from location to location and from year to year. This result may not be an indicator of results you may obtain as local growing, soil and weather conditions may vary. Growers should evaluate data from multiple locations and years whenever possible.

Seeds containing the Genuity® Roundup Ready 2 Yield® or the Roundup Ready 2 Xtend® traits can only be used to plant a single commercial crop. It is unlawful to save and replant Genuity® Roundup Ready 2 Yield® or Roundup Ready 2 Xtend® soybeans. Additional information and limitations on the use of these products are provided in the Monsanto Technology Stewardship Agreement, the Monsanto Technology Use Guide, and 2016 Technology Use Guide Addendum to include Roundup Ready 2 Xtend® Soybeans. U.S. patents for Monsanto technologies can be found at the following webpage: http://www.monsantotechnology.com

Pioneer is a member of Excellence Through Stewardship® (ETS). Pioneer products are commercialized in accordance with ETS Product Launch Stewardship Guidance and in compliance with the Pioneer policies regarding stewardship of those products. Crops and materials containing biotech traits may only be exported to or used, processed, or sold in jurisdictions where all necessary regulatory approvals have been granted for those crops and materials. It is a violation of national and international laws to move materials containing biotech traits across borders into jurisdictions where their import is not permitted. Additional refuge required in EPA-designated cotton growing areas. Growers should discuss these issues with their purchaser or grain handler to confirm the purchaser or handler’s position on products being purchased. Excellence Through Stewardship® is a registered trademark of the Biotechnology Industry Organization.

IMPORTANT: Characteristic scores provide key information useful in selecting and managing products in your area. Information and ratings are based on comparisons with other products sold by Beck’s Hybrids. Information and scores are assigned by Beck’s Hybrids and are based on period-of-years testing through 2015 harvest and were the latest available at time of printing. Some scores may change after 2016 harvest. Scores represent an average of performance data across areas of adaptation, multiple growing conditions, and a wide range of both climate and soil types, and may not predict future results. Individual product responses are variable and subject to a variety of environmental, disease and pest pressures. Please use this information as only one component of your product positioning decision.

Before opening a bag of seed, be sure to read and understand the stewardship requirements, including applicable refuge requirements for insect resistance management, for the biotechnology traits expressed in the seed set forth in the technology agreement that you sign. By opening and using a bag of seed, you are reaffirming your obligation to comply with those stewardship requirements.

Escalate™, the Escalate logo, FARMserver™, Crop Health Imaging™, Practical Farm Research (PFR)® and Becknology™ are trademarks of Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc.

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TRADEMARK INFORMATION360 SOILSCAN™, 360 UNDERCOVER®, and 360 Y-DROP® are trademarks of 360 Yield Center, LLC. Toggle™ is a trademark of Acadian Seaplants Limited. OptRx® is a registered trademark of Ag Leader Technology. Over The Top™ is a trademark of AgBio Logic, LLC. Start Right is manufactured by AgBio Logic, LLC. Yield Igniter® is a registered trademark of Ag Logic. Generate® is a registered trademark of Agnition. AquaSpy Moisture Sensors are manufatured by AquaSpy Inc. Armezon®, Basagran®, Fastac™, F500®, Headline AMP®, Headline®, Priaxor®, Xemium®, Sharpen®, Kixor®, Xanthion™, and Zidua® are trademarks of BASF. Capreno®, Corvus®, CSI™, ILeVO®, Stress Shield®, Liberty®, Poncho®, VOTiVO®, Serenade®, and Stratego® are registered trademarks of Bayer. Beck's Annual Ryegrass is distributed by Beck's Superior Hybrids, Inc. Beck's Bean Builder Mix, Beck's Cereal Rye, Beck's Corn Champion Mix, Beck's Crimson Clover, Beck's GroundBuilder Radish, Beck's Oat Radish Mix, and Escalate SDS are distributed by Beck's Superior Hybrids, Inc. Escalate™ and the Escalate Logo are trademarks of Beck's Superior Hybrids, Inc. Capello® is a registered trademark of Capello USA. Restore™ is a trademark of Carbon Works, Inc. Challenger® is a registered trademark of Caterpiller Inc. and used under license by AGCO. Ecolo-Tiger® and True-Tandem™ are trademarks of CNH America LLC. Amplify-D®, Feast®, Side-Kick™ , Yield Master™, Foliar X-CYTO®, and Wex® are trademarks of Conklin Company, Inc. Furrow Cruiser® is a registered trademark of Copperhead Agricultural Products, LLC. CropX Moisture Sensors are manufactured by CropX. Custom N2™ is a trademark of Custom Biologicals, Inc. Curvetine™ is a trademark of Dawn Equipment Company, Inc. Boron Plus®, CropKarb®, PercPlus™, Seed Coat™, and Sulfur Plus™ are trademarks of DeltAg Formulations. Cobalt®, FirstRate®, and Sonic® are registered trademarks of The Dow Chemical Company ("Dow") or an affiliated company of Dow. Aproach®, Envive®, LeadOff®, Synchrony®, and Trivence® are registered trademarks of E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company. Eagle, Puma, and Res Plus are manufactured by Elemental Enzymes Ag & Turf, LLC. SoilWarrior® is a registered trademark of Environmental Tillage Systems, Inc. Flo-Rite® is a registered trademark of Flo-Rite, Inc. Aim EC®, Anthem®, Authority®, 3RIVE 3D™, Capture®, LFR®, VGR™, Ethos®, Hero®, Marvel™, Mustang® and Preemptor™ are trademarks of FMC Corporation. Stimulate™ is a trademark of GarrCo Products, Inc. NutriMax AC™ is a trademark of ExcelAg Corp. USA. NITAMIN®, and SUPERU® are registered trademarks of Koch Agronomic Services, LLC. Pro Stitch closing wheels manufactured by Lakeview Manufacturing. Matador® is a registered trademark of Loveland Products, Inc. Spading-Closing wheels are manufactured by Martin Industries, LLC. Incite® and Universal Tillage® are trademarks of McFarlane Manufacturing Co.

Inc. Optimize®, Roundup PowerMAX®, Roundup WeatherMAX®, and Warrant® Ultra are registered trademarks of Monsanto Technology, LLC. Humi-Till® is a registered trademark of Monty's Plant Food Co., Inc. MycoGold™ is a trademark of MycoGold, LLC. NACHURS®, imPulse®, Bio-K®, Rhyzo-Link® and Triple Option® are registered trademarks of NACHURS ALPINE SOLUTIONS. NDY Stalk Stompers are manufactured by NDY Manufacturing, Inc. Netafim name and logo are trademarks of Netafim. Nitrogen Sealers (Nitrogen Sealing Systems) are manufactured by John Miller. BPE-5C is manufactured by Osprey Biotechnics, Inc. ProAct® is a registered trademark of Plant Health Care, Inc. ENERGY POWER™ is a trademark of Plant Power Products. Keeton Seed Firmers are manufactured by Precision Planting, LLC. PCT Corn Foliar Xtra and PCT Soybean Foliar Xtra are manufactured by Progressive Crop Technology (Trupointe Cooperative). Soil Booost is manufactured by Ag Chem Brokers and distributed by Quality Ag Solutions. 6-18-6 PPRS™, Cipher™, FunctioN™, P Max®, Robust®, Sable®, USA 500™, Versa Max™ are trademarks of Midtech R&D, Inc. (Manufactured for: Rosen's, Inc.). Finger-Till closing wheels are distributed by S.I. Distributing, Inc. Schaffert G2 and Schaffert G2 2x2 are manufactured by Schaffert Mfg. Co., Inc. Zipper Closing Wheel™ is a trademark of Schaffert Mfg. Co., Inc. SG Complete is manufactured by SPNC Corp. X-Cyte™ is a trademark of StollerUSA. Acuron®, Dual II Magnum®, Flexstar®, Isolink®, Force®, Gramoxone®, Halex® GT, Prefix®, Trivapro®, and Solatenol® are registered trademarks of a Syngenta Group Company. MicroAZ-IF Liquid™ and TerraMax Liquid™ are trademarks of TerraMax, Inc. N+ and PSB Experimental are manufactured by TerraMax, Inc. KTS® and Thio-Sul® are registered trademarks of Tessenderlo Kerley, Inc. First Pass®, MicroCarb ZMB™, MicroBlitz™, MicroNourish®, PureGrade®, RoMax®, and Season Pass® are trademarks of The Andersons, Inc. AVAIL® is a registered trademarks of Verdesian Life Sciences. MicroEssentials®, SZ™, and Fusion® are trademarks of The Mosaic Company. Totally Tubular TT300 is manufactured by Totally Tubular MFG,. Inc. Interline® is a registered trademark of United Phosphorus, Inc. Optify® is a registered trademark of United Suppliers, Inc. Fierce® is a registered trademarks of Valent U.S.A. Corporation. NutriSphere-N® is a registered trademark of Verdesian Life Sciences. Ascend®, Brash®, MAX-IN®, Pendant™, and ZMB® are trademarks of Winfield Solutions, LLC. Liquid Boron 10% is distributed by Winfield Solutions, LLC. Yetter 2968 Series Unit Mount In-Between Fertilizer Opener and 6200 Cast Spike closing wheel are manufactured by Yetter Manufacturing Company, Inc. 5000 Stalk Devastator™ is a trademark of Yetter Manufacturing Company, Inc.