2017 BRANDT Research Farm Book

2017 TRIAL RESULTS

BRANDT Research and Development Farms PLEASANT PLAINS AND LEXINGTON

2017 Illinois Monthly Average Rainfall APRIL

MAY

6.43"

5.04"

Springfield

Springfield

JULY

AUGUST

4.61"

2.33"

Springfield

BRANDTÂŽ Professional AgricultureÂŽ is pleased to release results from our research farms in Pleasant Plains, IL and Lexington, IL. Results from the 2017 growing season build on a foundation of local research data designed to increase on farm profitability for our customers. Developments that increase yield while sustaining soil and environmental health is the focus of many trials on our research farms. Practices and products developed on our farms are now being implemented at scale with our customers and are helping them achieve maximum yields on their acres.

Springfield

Despite the very wet spring and dry summer, yields at the BRANDT Research Farms and across central Illinois were higher than anticipated. This was the third consecutive season where periods of significant rainfall and/or drought impacted yields. The work done on the farms helps develop practices that mitigate the stress caused by these extremes.

We hope you enjoy the results as much as we like to share them with you.

Ed Corrigan, Senior Technical Agronomist Dan Froelich, Technical Agronomist Kyle McClelland, Technical Agronomist

JUNE

3.09"

RAINFALL 10.0"

Contents Corn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

8.0" 6.0" 5.0"

Springfield

4.0" 3.0" 2.0" 1.0" 0.50"

Tillage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Nitrogen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-8 P & K . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Hybrid/Rotation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Planting Date . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

0.25"

Population/Spacing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Sulfur . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 BRANDT Smart Trio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 & 18

SEPTEMBER

Fungicide/Insecticide/Boron . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15-17

0.78"

Total Acre . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19-20 Soybeans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Tillage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Seed Treatment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

Springfield

Herbicide Traits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Variety/Row Width . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Planting Date . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 Sulfur . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 Total Acre . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 Foliar Applications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 Fungicide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

Weather Weather is always the number one contributing factor of yield and 2017 was no different. Periods of heavy rainfall in the spring made planting difficult and caused many replant scenarios. On the reverse side, lack of rainfall in late summer produced drought conditions during critical growth stages. Much of Central Illinois remains “abnormally dry� according to the most recent drought index.

Precipitation data from NWS AHPS: http://water.weather.gov/precip

ne eli Pip

7

6

8

Soybean Variety and Seed Treatment Trials

orn rC Yea rials 1st brid T Hy

rn r Co s l Yea 1st rid Tria H yb

Soybean Variety and Seed Treatment Trials

ls ria al T ion trit Nu

tion pula Trials n Po th Cor w Wid Ro

Corn on Corn Hybrid Trials

5 P & K Trials with NH3 Trials

16

and

Corn on Corn Hybrid Trials

4

15

ean Soyb l Trials a ition Nutr

3

14

13 n Soybea als ield Tri High Y

2

12

Corn High Yield Trials

Nutritional Trials

ls

Trials

Nutrition al Tria

Nutr ition al

1

11

Nutritional Trials

Pla nti ng Tria Date ls

10

9

Pleasant Plains, IL Omission Trials - Standard Treatment Fall NH3

Spring NH3

Total Nutrition

Planting Date

Population

Harvest Date

150 Units

150 Units

Corn: 190-50-150-20S Soybeans: 15-50-150-20S

4/17/17 - 4/19/17

Corn: 42,000 Soybeans: 120,000

9/12/17 - 9/28/17

Fungicide/Insecticide/Nutrition Application

Herbicide/Nutrition Application

Corn: Trivapro, Hero, BRANDT Smart B-Mo Soybeans: Headline, Hero, BRANDT Smart Trio® & BRANDT Smart B-Mo

Corn: Pre-emergent – Acuron, Post-applied – Glyphosate, BRANDT Smart Trio & BRANDT Smart B-Mo Soybeans: Pre-emergent – Boundary + Sharpen, Post-applied – Glyphosate, BRANDT Smart Trio & BRANDT Smart B-Mo

™

Trial Parameters Block 1

Block 2

Block 3

Block 4

• Corn on corn trials • Nutrition stimulants applied

• Corn on corn trials • Variety trials: 20” wide rows • Strip till with oats cover crop

• Corn on corn trials • Variety trials: 20” wide rows • Strip till with oats cover crop

• • • •

Block 6

Block 7

Block 8

• 1st year corn hybrid trials • 20” vs 30” wide rows • Populations - 34,000, 38,000,

• • • •

foliar at V4 stage corn • Strip till with oats cover crop

Block 5 • • • •

Soybean variety trials 20” vs 30” wide rows Seed treatment trials No till with cereal rye cover crop

• • • •

Soybean variety trials 20” vs 30” wide rows Seed treatment trials No till with cereal rye cover crop

42,000

Corn on corn trials P & K trials: 30” wide rows NH3 rate trials Strip till with oats cover crop

1st year corn hybrid trials 20” vs 30” wide rows Population - 42,000 Strip till with oats cover crop

• Strip till with oats cover crop

Block 9

Block 10

Block 11

Block 12

• Corn on corn trials • Fall NH3 vs spring NH3 vs 28% • Conventional till vs no till/

• Corn on corn trials • Fall NH3 vs spring NH3 vs 28% • Conventional till vs no till/

• Corn on corn trials • Fall NH3 vs spring NH3 vs 28% • Conventional till vs no till/

• • • •

strip till vs cover crops

strip till vs cover crops

strip till vs cover crops

High yield corn on corn P & K trial Fall NH3 vs spring NH3 vs 28% Conventional till vs no till/ strip till vs cover crops

Block 13

Block 14

Block 15

Block 16

• Soybean high yield omission

• Soybean nutritional trials • V8 stage post vs tillage system

• 1st year corn trials • Population vs row width vs

• 1st year corn trials • Nutrition stimulants applied

post trials vs tillage system

tillage system trials

foliar at V4 stage corn • Strip till with oats cover crop

Cover Crops • Oats • Cereal rye

2

Planting Date Trials

• Corn and Soybeans • 3/22, 4/12, 4/25, 5/9, 5/26, 6/7

Pipeline

• Corn and Soybeans • No till/strip till with oats/cereal rye cover crop

1

Soybean Seed Treatment Trial Corn Hybrid, Population, Row Width and Fungicide

Soybean In Furrow Nutrient Trial Soybean Stress Mitigation Trial

6

Corn Nitrogen Trial

2

5

Corn In Furrow Nutrient Trial Corn Stress Mitigation Trial

4

Corn Pipeline

Soybean Foliar Trial

Lexington, IL

3

Corn Hybrid Trial

Omission Trials - Standard Treatment Fall Nutrition

Planting Date

Population

Harvest Date

Corn: 28-74-120 Soybeans: 18-46-120

Corn: 4/22/2017 Soybeans: 4/24/2017

Corn: 39,000 Soybeans: 140,000

10/2/2017

Fall NH3

Preplant 28%

At Plant Nutrition

Side Dress 28%

Corn: 120 Units

Corn: 25 Units

Corn: 17-11-0-14S

Corn: 50 Units

Fungicide/Insecticide/Nutrition Application

Herbicide/Nutrition Application

Corn: Trivapro, Lorsban/Warrior, BRANDT Smart B-Mo Soybeans: Headline, Lorsban/Warrior, BRANDT Smart Quatro® & BRANDT Smart B-Mo

Corn: Pre-emergent – Acuron, Post-applied – Glyphosate + Atrazine, BRANDT Smart Trio & BRANDT Smart B-Mo Soybeans: Boundary, Prefix + Synchrony + Fusilade, BRANDT Smart Trio & BRANDT Smart B-Mo, N-Boost® 5

Trial Parameters Block 1

Block 2

• Soybean seed treatment • Starter fertilizer for soybeans • Foliar treatments and stress

• • • •

mitigation

Nitrogen timing trial Nitrogen stabilizer trial Starter fertilizer trial Foliar treatments and stress mitigation

Block 3

Block 4

• Hybrid trial • Soybean N-Boost 5 trial • Soybean fungicide trial

• Corn in furrow insecticide trial • Corn N-Boost 5 trial

Block 5

Block 6

• • • • • • •

Total Acre management trials Row width trials Fungicide trials Foliar treatments Population trials Nitrogen timing and application Starter fertilizer

• • • • • • •

Traditional management Row width trials Fungicide trials Foliar treatments Population trials Nitrogen timing and application Starter fertilizer

This year we have dug deeper into our BRANDT Total Acre® approach to crop production practices. We look at the overall acre and the cause-and-effect of the individual applications to gain local knowledge to produce the best products and management practices. We recognize the importance of local data in recommendations and that is why we continually invest in local research and development.

For economic analysis we used 2017 fall crop insurance price of $3.49 for corn and $9.75 for soybeans. We look forward to helping you maximize your production and profitability in 2018.

3

CORN

BRANDT Total Acre Pole Positions BRANDT Total Acre is an omission style trial system that is focused on exposing the differences between hybrid phenotypes. The “omission design” is based on providing all the treatments and then removing one to see what value each practice has on yield of that phenotype. This creates an environment where the yield responses reflect the total high management system rather than a limited response due to a lack of some or all the parts of the system.

■■

15-50-150 suspension in fall

■■

Conventional till in fall, Salford in spring

■■

Fall NH3 – 150 units

■■

Plant on ammonia line

■■

Band at plant 18-0-0-20S (2x0)

■■

Pre-emerge at plant with water

■■

2.5 gal/ac in furrow starter + 9% Zinc

■■

1 qt/ac glyphosate, BRANDT Smart Trio, BRANDT Smart B-Mo

■■

42,000 population

■■

Fungicide at VT + BRANDT Smart B-Mo + insecticide

■■

QuickRoots seed treatment

3

NITROGEN RATE

8

P & K RATE

9

BANDING NITROGEN

11 7

4

TILLAGE SYSTEM

PG. 9

PG. 7

NPK

10

SOIL INSECTICIDE

1

PG. 6-7

COVER CROP/ TILLAGE

PG. 7-8

6

PLANTING DATE PG. 11

2

HYBRID VARIANCE

5

POPULATION RATE

NITROGEN TIMING PG. 7

BRANDT SMART TRIO PG. 14 & 18

PG. 10

PG. 12

12

STARTER (AT PLANT)

13

ZINC AT PLANT

PG. 13

VE

V1

V2

V4

V8

BRANDT Total Acre Pole Positions 1

Planting Date

2

Hybrid Variance

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

7 yr Avg

7 yr ROI

n/a

67.6

99.6

94.2

41.8

97.3

47.0

74.6

$$$

56.2

39.3

18.1

11.5

47.1

33.1

35.1

34.3

$$$

3

Nitrogen Rate

18.3

16.3

47.8

36.1

35.7

31.2

15.1

28.6

2.2

4

Strobilurin Response

14.1

51.7

13.4

14.3

21.2

27.2

18.7

22.9

2.6

5

Population Rate

13.9

3.7

32.5

27.3

40.4

12.3

16.6

21.0

1.6

15.9

22.0

22.1

34.1

17.5

15.8

6.5

19.1

16.7

n/a

n/a

n/a

19.7

15.0

19.5

18.8

18.3

3.5

27.4

23.3

10.7

16.7

10.1

14.1

16.0

17.1

1.0

n/a

n/a

13.0

15.4

22.9

11.9

20.9

16.8

$$$

6

BRANDT Smart Trio

7

Tillage System

8

P & K Rate

9

Banding Nitrogen

10

Nitrogen Timing

n/a

n/a

23.0

20.5

7.6

16.3

2.0

13.9

$$$

11

Soil Insecticide

20.6

12.3

8.1

11.5

n/a

n/a

n/a

13.1

2.2

12

Starter (28% Sulfur at Plant)

4.5

4.0

11.1

13.6

13.6

13.4

6.7

9.6

2.2

13

Zinc (1qt/ac)

10.9

8.1

4.6

20.7

5.0

1.2

4.1

7.8

4.4

14

Boron at Tassel

7.0

4.0

n/a

9.3

5.9

6.8

12.4

7.6

6.6

The ROI (Return On Investment) listed is calculated using the 2017 fall crop insurance price of $3.49 per bushel, multiplied by the yield response per acre, minus the cost per acre of a practice. For every dollar invested per acre in a practice, the ROI factor is how many dollars you get in return. We use a symbol of $$$ for practices that had no measurable cost per acre, but offer the best ROI and lead the field closely followed by the 16.7 ranking ROI of BRANDT Smart Trio.

4 14

V12

VT

STROBILURIN RESPONSE

We have illustrated the Total Acre Pole Positions as they relate to application timing. Please note how many important decisions are made at and before planting.

PG. 15-17

BORON AT TASSEL PG. 16-17

R1

R2

R4

R6

5

TILLAGE

Yield Response to Tillage System Response to Tillage System

■■

When oats were added to the strip till system, soil was mellow at planting time, improving emergence

■■

■■

1st Year Corn 272 270

Cover crop oats also reduced or eliminated the winter annual weeds

268

Cover crop oats seeded in October terminated in mid December when temperatures moved below 15° F

266

271.2

Conventional tillage soils warmed up early and seeds germinated quicker than strip till

271

■■

Pleasant Plains

264.9

264 262 260 bu/ac

6

Conventional Till

Strip Till

Strip Till with Oats

FERTILITY

Response to Nitrogen and Tillage Response to Nitrogen Source and Tillage System This is the third year of trials that evaluate the yield response to tillage system vs source of nitrogen. Trials conducted in a corn on corn environment gave us some clear response curves to tillage systems and nitrogen source and timing.

Conventional tillage (chisel plowing) continues to produce the highest yields in the 3 years of 192 trials by providing early spring soil warm up, improved seed to soil contact, and reduced disease stress. We are experimenting with combining conventional tillage with a cover crop of oats to reduce soil loss and improve yields over traditional tillage systems.

We also found that adding nitrogen or sulfur at various rates and timings as a post treatment did not yield as well as the fall ammonia followed by at plant 28%. The later we applied the side dress nitrogen the less effect it had on corn yield.

■■

Banding nitrogen and sulfur at plant helps soils to mineralize more nutrients

■■

Fall ammonia paired with at plant nitrogen and sulfur is highest yielding

■■

Always use a nitrogen inhibitor for fall nitrogen applications

■■

Oat cover crops have improved soil loss as well as yields

Ammonia applied in the fall followed by a starter solution of 28% and sulfur applied at planting produced the highest yields.

This is consistent with previous year’s data and aligns with programs we recommend to our growers. Yield from spring applied nitrogen was higher in non-cover crop application this year because the cover crop did not give back the nutrition to the soil in time to be utilized.

Pleasant Plains

Pleasant Plains - 3 Year Trial Average

NH3 Fall Band + 18-0-0-20S at plant

NH3 Spring Band + 18-0-0-20S at plant

28% Spring Band + 18-0-0-20S at plant

270

190

237.1

213.3

220.5

210

255.1 249.2

NH3 Spring Band + 18-0-0-20S at plant

28% Spring Band + 18-0-0-20S at plant

242

240

243.4

245.3

245.7

237.2

247.3

261.8

230

260

263

250

NH3 Fall Band + 18-0-0-20S at plant

235.5

229.1

220 216.4

218.5

200 170 193.1 150 bu/ac

180 Conventional Till/ Fungicide

Strip Till/ Fungicide

Stip Till/ Cover Crop/Fungicide

bu/ac

Conventional Till

Strip Till/No Till

Cover Crop

7

FERTILITY

Corn Nitrogen Rate Study NH3 Rate Response with Tillage This trial looks at the rate of fall applied anhydrous ammonia in conventional and no-till conditions. At Pleasant Plains, nitrogen applied on conventional tillage out performed no till up to 180 units. Conventional till and no till equalized at 210 units and no till jumped ahead at 240 units of nitrogen. We believe the no-till held more moisture through the 2017 drought period, allowing for increased yield. More nitrogen was available through the critical seed formation periods. The conventional tillage system followed the same data curve as in past years.

■■

No-till requires more nitrogen to maximize yield

■■

Only apply as much nitrogen as the crop will utilize

■■

The yield trajectory for conventional tillage follows past research farm data

■■

Environmental conditions have a major impact on available nitrogen

■■

Plant directly on the NH3 band to maximize nitrogen efficiency

Lexington

Pleasant Plains Conventional Till

Conventional Till

No Till

270

260

260

279.4

270

280.6

280

250

300

269.8

280

259

244

244

240

230

230 bu/ac

120

150

180 Total Units of N

8

250

248.7

253

254

254

251

249

249

240

253

250

210

240

bu/ac

100

200 Total Units of N

FERTILITY

P & K on Corn P & K Removal and Replacement Replacing nutrients removed in grain is an essential management practice that worsens if neglected year after year.

Our Block 4 trial looks at the effects of one year without P & K. ■■

P & K are essential nutrients for crop production

■■

Nutrient removal from harvested grain must be replaced to sustain desired yields

■■

Not replacing nutrients removed by grain harvest has an adverse effect on soil health

■■

Adequate levels of P & K are cornerstone nutrients for proper plant development and P & K are essential for the plants ability to utilize other nutrients

■■

Starter used: 18-0-0-20S

Pleasant Plains 1 Year Results

No P & K

With P & K

Spring soil tests on this trial were very high: P1 = 112 lbs/ac, K = 687 lbs/ac. Expect yield responses from lower testing soils to be more dramatic.

250

245

229

225.5

215.6

200

150

100

University of Illinois Recommendations Nutrient

New Old Recommendation Recommendation

bu/ac

No Starter

With Starter

% change

lbs P/K (oxide) per bushel Corn P

0.37

0.43

14

Corn K

0.24

0.28

15

Soybean P

0.75

0.85

12

Soybean K

1.17

1.30

10

9

SEED

Corn Hybrid and Rotation Corn Hybrid Trial Hybrid selection ranks high among the decisions growers can make on their farm to maximize yield. It is important to match genetics with management practices and soils to produce a high return on investment. Correct placement of hybrids will help achieve genetic yield potential.

In this trial we also see how each hybrid reacts to rotation: 11 year continuous corn vs first year corn under the same population. First year corn performs better than continuous corn as we have seen for many years.

■■

Match hybrids to soils, fertility and management practices

■■

Understand hybrid characteristics such as growth, harvestability and disease ratings

■■

Some hybrids may react better to a continuous corn practice and some may be better suited for rotation

Pleasant Plains Population: 42,000 Row Width: 20 inch

Continuous Corn

First Year Corn

300 272.4

250.5

258.7

230.6

259.6

258.5

264.6

267.9

260.5

276.4

249.5

254.1

266.2

230.4

236

200

269.4

285.3

261

288.9

260.5

264

240

249

253.8

275

288 255.5

250

150 100 50 0

0 bu/ac

10

DKC 60-87 RIB

P1197 AMXT

P 1366

DKC 62-52 RIB

DKC 63-21 RIB

Croplan x17113

Croplan 4997

DKC 64-34

W7508 RIB

DKC 66-74 RIB

Croplan 5678SS/ RIB

Croplan 5370

0

0

DKC 62-20

DKC 70-27

Average

PLANTING

Planting Date Corn Planting Date Trends The 2017 corn planting date followed the same curve as in past years. If the March 22 planting not had raccoon damage, it would have been the highest yielding. This is the first time we started a trial in March and felt with the soil temperatures, long range forecast and available nutrition it was the right call. Don't plant by calendar date; plant when conditions are right. But if conditions are right, early planting pays off consistently.

■■

Protect early plantings with seed treatments and proper nutrition

■■

Again this year, yield declined with late April/early May planting dates

■■

Pay attention to the climate trends, the science is getting more accurate

■■

Maximizes plants exposure to sunlight and takes full advantage of typical spring moisture

Pleasant Plains 2017 Trial 2016 Trial 2014 Trial

300

271 270

264

2015 Trial Data was heavily damaged

256 245

244 240

210

180

224

Raccoon Damage

March 22

April 12

April 25

May 9

May 26

June 7

150 bu/ac

11

PLANTING

Corn Population and Row Spacing Population and Row Spacing For the third consecutive year, we have looked at how row spacing relates to population and where the threshold is for the fertility and management practices at the research farm. We continue to see 20 inch rows out-yield 30 inch rows under the same populations.

■■

Yield follows the same trajectory for the third straight year

■■

20 inch rows performed better than 30 inch rows

■■

Narrow rows provide more soil shading during drought conditions

■■

Shorter stature corn hybrids perform better in 20 inch rows

■■

Higher populations respond to higher fertility

Lexington

Pleasant Plains DKC 60-87

DKC 60-87

42,000 Population

297.9

38,000

289.8

0 34,000

264

252

240 bu/ac

269.1

271.1

267.1

268.3

264.2

267.7

254.3

266.5

251.7

252

297.1

276

293.4

276

288.6

288

288.3

288

293.6

300

20 inch

30 inch

283.5

300

264

12

20 inch

30 inch

46,000

50,000

240 bu/ac

36,000

39,000 Population

42,000

46,000

PLANTING

Response to Sulfur at Plant Corn Response to Sulfur at Plant

Sulfur improves nitrogen efficiency in plants by increasing nitrogen metabolism

■■

Sulfur in the soil is a catalyst improving mineralization

■■

Sulfur assists plants with producing chlorophyll

■■

Sulfur assists plants in producing lignin and pectin improving plant strength

■■

Sulfur is essential for protein synthesis in plants

without 18-0-0-20S at plant

22 21

22.4

■■

23

20 19

18.7

Visually, we observed corn plants grew more rapidly with the spring applied ammonia compared to fall ammonia or 28% nitrogen sources. The additional yield from the sulfur application is an indication of sulfur’s ability to reduce stress and improve nitrogen efficiency.

Yield Increase above applications without 18-0-0-20S

21.8

Nitrogen source trials were conducted in a conventional tillage corn on corn system. We used a base of 150 units of nitrogen per acre for each source across four hybrids. Additional yield from sulfur was achieved by banding 20 lbs/ac of sulfur at planting in side by side trials with no sulfur. In trials, the rate of sulfur necessary to achieve top yields has risen every year for the past 5 years due to less in available atmospheric sulfur.

Pleasant Plains

18 17 16 bu/ac

NH3 Fall Band + 18-0-0-20S at plant

NH3 Spring Band + 28% Spring Band + 18-0-0-20S at plant 18-0-0-20S at plant

with 18-0-0-20S at plant

13

FOLIAR APPLICATION

Ten Year BRANDT Smart Trio on Corn 10 Years of Proven Results BRANDT Smart Trio has been the flagship foliar nutritional product on corn and soybeans for 10 years. It continues to provide a positive return on investment by providing key nutrition during vegetative growth stages.

■■

BRANDT Smart Trio has no compatibility problem or antagonism with glyphosate

■■

Provides zinc for chlorophyll production and improved root growth

■■

Supplies manganese to assist the plant with metabolizing herbicide and promoting disease resistance

■■

Contains sulfur and boron for improved cell structure and nutrient utilization

■■

Low cost per acre, 14 to 1 ROI average at $3.50/bu corn

■■

Traditionally applied at V2 to V8 stage with any post application

Pleasant Plains Glyphosate at 1 qt/ac

Glyphosate + 1 qt/ac BRANDT Smart Trio

350 Advantage

249

232.1

249.1

242.6

267

251.2

276.9

259.4

292.4

290

326.5

16.9 bu/ac

136

114

142

100

165

150

255.1

239.1

264.4

237.7

233.3

200

257.3

250

312.1

300

50 0 bu/ac

14

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

10 Year Average

FOLIAR APPLICATION

Response to Fungicide Response to Row Width and Management This trial is designed to look at fungicide application response to different management scenarios. Applied fungicide at VT provided an increase in yield in each of the different scenarios below, proving the value of the BRANDT Total Acre fungicide application.

■■

Fungicide protects current yield potential when applied at VT

■■

Protects stalk integrity for ease of harvest

■■

Improves yield through improved kernel weight

■■

Helps to limit disease buildup on the farm for future years

Lexington

290

272

4.8 bu/ac

Advantage

275.2

274

277.6

276

Advantage

280

278

2.6 bu/ac

280.2

281.9

280

Advantage

284.3

282

Advantage

288.4

284

288.2

286

4.1 bu/ac

6.3 bu/ac

288

270 268 bu/ac

20” with Fungicide

20” without Fungicide

30” with Fungicide

30” without Fungicide

Total Acre with Fungicide

Total Acre without Fungicide

Traditional with Fungicide

Traditional without Fungicide 15

15

FOLIAR APPLICATION

Twelve Year Fungicide on Corn 12 Year Strobilurin Fungicide on Corn Strobilurin fungicide continues to rank as one of the top practices to increase corn yields. Twelve years of data has shown consistent returns which are even higher during stressful growing seasons.

■■

Timing is critical. Apply at early reproductive stages before disease causes plant stress and negatively impacts yield

■■

Always add BRANDT Smart B or BRANDT Smart B-Mo to the fungicide tank mix. Boron is a key element during reproductive growth stages

■■

Fungicide increases yield the most when nutrition is balanced

■■

Insecticide addition is recommended to minimize flaring insect populations on treated fields

■■

Strobilurin fungicides reduce ethylene gas and stress in plants

Pleasant Plains Yield Increase 60

51.7

50 40

35

30

21.8

2014

18.7

14.3

2013

27.2

13.4

2008

14.2

10.2

2007

18.9

8.8

10

21.2

28.3

20

0 bu/ac

16

2006

2009

2010

2011

2012

2015

2016

2017

12 Year Average

FOLIAR APPLICATION

Fungicide and Insecticide Response Fungicide and Insecticide Response to Nitrogen Source In 2017, the yield response to fungicide, insecticide and boron applied at the VT stage varied widely by nitrogen source.

36 trials were conducted in a conventional till corn on corn system. As you can see in the graph, ammonia treated corn with fungicide and boron had improved yield over the 28% treated corn. This is the first year that we have experienced this type of response by nitrogen source and will be investigating this further in next year’s trials.

■■

Average response to VT applications produced a positive ROI

■■

The combination of ammonia and fungicide with boron created an impressive ROI

■■

VT applications typically added a half point of moisture at harvest

Pleasant Plains Fungicide & BRANDT Smart B-Mo & Insecticide 265

255

29.1 bu/ac Advantage

250

18.7 bu/ac

22.0 bu/ac

Advantage

Advantage

254

261.8

263

260

No Fungicide

245 240

4.9 bu/ac

Advantage

235.3

237.2

220

232.3

225

233.9

230

239.8

235

215 bu/ac

NH3 Fall

NH3 Spring

28% at Plant

Average

17

FOLIAR APPLICATION

Corn Stimulant Response Corn Stimulant Trials V4 Stage Just as in past trials, the foliar micronutrient products gave a positive return on investment when added to glyphosate. In this year’s V4 foliar application trials, we witnessed increased growth and improved yield each time a hormone was matched with a nutrient product. The hormone alone did not create a measurable yield increase. When nutrition such as BRANDT Smart Trio or BRANDT Smart B-Mo was added to the hormone, the plant responded very positively. Hormones stimulate plants to grow; however the nutrition of the plant must be maintained to have a positive effect long term.

■■

Foliar micronutrients continue to give a positive return on investment

■■

Hormones added to micronutrients provided some of the best responses this year

■■

BRANDT Smart Trio assists plants in metabolizing post herbicides like glyphosate

■■

BRANDT Smart B-Mo can be added to glyphosate applications and provides improved plant cell structure

■■

N-Boost 5 is a blend of foliar nitrogen with a plant stimulant

Pleasant Plains

Pleasant Plains

Corn on Corn V4 Foliar Trials

Additional Yield by Adding BRANDT Smart Trio/BRANDT Smart B-Mo to Stimulant Product

250

8

9.8

246

249.1

248

10

6 244 4

238 bu/ac

18

3.2

240

4

242.6

242

2

0 BRANDT Smart Trio/ BRANDT Smart B-Mo/ N-Boost 5 + Glyphosate

Glyphosate Alone

bu/ac

Ascend

Experimental

Ryzup

TOTAL ACRE

Total Acre Multi-Year at Lexington Block B Multi Year ■■

Narrow row width and increased populations do not increase ROI or yield without higher management

■■

Entire block NPK treatment was 240-74-120-14S

■■

Differences between Total Acre and traditional are not related to total NPK applications. It is more about timing and application methods

■■

Total Acre area received BRANDT Smart Trio and BRANDT Smart B-Mo; traditional did not

■■

Total Acre received starter fertilizer; traditional did not. Total NPK was the same across both treatments

■■

Total Acre expenses were approximately $16/ac higher than traditional

Lexington Total Acre

Traditional

280

23.3 bu/ac

275

255

264.7

260

Advantage

Advantage

240

252

245

Advantage

253.3

250.1

252.4

250

Advantage

275.3

265

270

14.6 bu/ac

18.0 bu/ac 271.3

17.6 bu/ac

270

235 bu/ac

36,000

39,000

42,000

46,000

Population

19

TOTAL ACRE

2007-2017 Yield and Revenue 11 Year Corn Yield and Revenue of all Corn Plots The 2017 corn trials were a strip till tillage system. Both were seeded with oats in the fall as soon as the crop was removed.

Strips were made with an NH3 applicator into the cover crop of oats on November 10. The penalty to raising corn after corn was primarily from residue. Residue slowed the soil warm up of the corn on corn, minimizing early spring corn growth when compared to first year corn growth rates. In trials which compared the tillage systems, conventional tillage improved the early spring soil warm up in corn following corn allowing it to yield with the first year corn. Once again, we can thank the 2012 drought for high soil mineralization rates to maximize the crop yields in a short moisture growing season.

■■

2012 drought has led to four years of loose soils and high mineralization

■■

Conventional tillage improved the corn on corn yield to equivalent of 1st year corn

■■

A shortage of moisture during July reduced corn yields an average of 50 bu/ac

■■

Very minimal allelopathy from residue in 2017

■■

Heavy late April rains did not impact soil nitrogen due to cool soil conditions

■■

Cover crop oats did not impact corn yields negatively

Pleasant Plains 1st Year Corn 350 $1,335

$1,600

$979 $988

$1,400 $804 $733

209.8

$400

130

140.3

146

152.7

20

$800 $600

$200 $0

100

bu/ac

$1,200 $1,000

250.5

257.2

243.4

222.3

250.5

256.8

$709 $680

$793 $768 267.1

$900

256.3

241

150

$1,019

$964

200

Corn/Corn $

272.4

$823

$1,286

286.8

$959 $925 261.8

260.6

250.6

253.6

250

$829 $796 267.2

$825 $815

1st Year Corn $

$898 $865 307.1

300

Corn/Corn Yield

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

Grower Insights 2017 Corn Grower Insights to Increasing Yields Grower insights are observations that stand out among the variables we see at our research farms. Many of us would have predicted much lower yields than we harvested, but the things we can control we did right. We provided adequate and balanced nutrition through a combination of timing and sources. The crop was protected with fungicide and insecticides prior to yield damaging outbreaks. Mother Nature provided early moisture that established the crop and increased mineralization. Another major factor is the amount of sunlight (solar radiation) she produced during the later growth stages. Despite the lack of moisture, the crop had enough nutrition and sunlight to push out good yields.

■■

Fall ammonia followed by a starter band of 28% and sulfur at planting time has improved APH (Actual Production History) by 10%

■■

Fungicides at VT stage created big yields by reducing heat stress

■■

Insecticides are a must when applying fungicides

■■

Corn aborted, on average, 50 bu/ac this summer

■■

Some corn would not dry down this fall, having too much nutrition in the stalk

21

Evolution of Management Practices

Environment Identified Practices

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

A cool/damp spring evolved into a wet summer and fall. Damp conditions delayed planting in the no till corn on corn due to the residue! Damp conditions minimized nutrient mineralization and tightened soils.

A repeat of 2008 - cool/ damp spring that evolved into a wet summer and fall. Delayed planting in no till! Minimized nutrient mineralization and tightened soils. Insects at silking caused Diplodia.

Too wet for fall tillage.

Collapsed soils from the wet winter immobilized nitrogen into the residue.

Soil mineralization was shut down. The summer nights were hot and humid. Drying trend for harvest. Tillage used to reduce residue/soil density layers.

Light rains during April and May combined with a warming trend into summer. Timely rains with a hot summer produced high heat unit numbers and sped up crop progress. Drying trend for fall harvest.

Record warm temperatures and dry spring creating perfect soil conditions. Light frost April 9.The warm and dry spring led into a very dry and hot summer.

An early dry harvest!

• Early plant growth was hampered by micronutrient deficiencies

• Residue begins to create plant health issues

• Sulfur, zinc, manganese, boron deficiencies

• Planting date affected corn yields in corn on corn

• Hybrid Phenotype response to nitrogen rate, P & K rate, population

• Maturity vs fungicide and insecticide response

• Early planting maximized yields except for scattered frosted fields

• Applying the fungicide at the correct time improved performance

• Yield response to micronutrients vs nitrogen rate

• Japanese beetles attacked the soybeans and a foliar insecticide was applied to manage feeding

• Ear worm and Japanese beetles attacking silks and husk cause Diplodia

• As plant density is increased the value of picket fence stands are noted

• Nitrogen immobilized by residue • Higher P & K rates needed to maximize higher populations • Hybrid rooting response to damp/tight soils • Soybeans respond to total management system

• Split timing of nitrogen and banding near planting • Foliar insects attack soybeans at flowering • Narrow rows compliment shorter hybrids and lower N rates • Applying 210 units of nitrogen/acre maximized yields

• Potash applications responsible for stand ability at harvest

• Corn tasseling followed potash applications • Fungicides applied at VT slowed plant metabolism and drought stress • Sulfur applications with zinc maximized yields • Foliar insecticides improved yields and reduced green stem syndrome

Advancing Practices

• Foliar stress mitigation

• BRANDT Smart Trio

• Nitrogen immobilization

• Zinc at planting

• Apply sulfur

• Foliar insecticides

• RR2Y trait

• Soybean fungicides

• Soybean maturity

• Phenotype evaluation

• Strobilurin at tassel

• Split nitrogen apps

• Potash applications

• Fungicides reduce stress

• N-P-K balance

• Residue management

• Narrow rows

• Omission plots

• Potash reduces stress

• Phenotype vs nutrient interactions

• Soybean seed treatments

• Short hybrids with narrow rows

• Early flowering

• Narrower rows to maximize rooting

• Plant soybeans early

• Lower pH of foliar insecticides

• Late nitrogen applications worked

• Narrow row shading improves yields • Strobilurins stopped frost damage • Cover crops absorb unused nutrition

22

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

A moderately cool and moist winter led to a cool and wet spring.

Light rains in April and late May with cloudy conditions. A cloudy summer was warm with ample moisture slowing crop maturity. Warm and dry harvest conditions through the fall.

A cold winter led to an early spring with warm temperatures and dry soils. A rainy May and June turned into a moderate temperature summer with ample moisture. The fall began dry and quickly moved into a cold and rainy late harvest.

A moderately cool/moist winter led to a cool/dry spring. Light rains fell in April and May making good planting conditions with slow corn emergence due to the cold. June was unusually wet with 20 plus inches for the month. July and August were dry and cooler than normal.

A record rainfall event in late December flushed a lot of residue and mobile nutrients into the watersheds.

Even with this loss of nutrients, the soil conditions at planting time were excellent. A 45 day dry spell in June led to one of the wettest July's on record with above average temps.

A mild & dry winter led to an early spring warm up.

Excellent soil conditions for early April planting was interrupted on April 27 with heavy rains over 7 days. A dry summer with periods of high night time heat stressed crops through August.

• Fall applied nitrogen moved deeper into the 2nd foot of soils

• Banding beats broadcast nitrogen applications at plant

• Even emergence fields were critical for top yields

• Plant early for the best yields

• Plant early for the best yields

• Crops suffered from transient nutrient deficiencies until June

• Late side-dress nitrogen applications did not perform well

• Banded nitrogen at planting time improved nitrogen efficiency

• Mobile nutrient management had the best ROI

• Sulfur management had the best ROI

• At plant applications of nitrogen, sulfur, and zinc were valuable

• Higher plant densities and narrow rows maximized the nutrition

• Hybrids with early plant vigor maximized yields

• Early growth stage applications of nutrients and stimulants added yield • Late applied side dress nitrogen had no effect on yield

• Sulfur is needed on corn and soybeans • Hormone applications need adequate nutrition to perform

• Insect damage was minimal in 2015 due to the wet June • Cover crops improved soybean yields

• Strobilurin and boron applications greatly improved yields by reducing stress on corn and soybeans • At plant applications of nutrients were the most efficient due to the dry June weather • Cover crops improved soybean yields

• Strobilurin and boron applications greatly improved yields by reducing stress on corn and soybeans • At plant applications of nutrients were the most efficient due to the dry May to August weather • Cover crops improved soybean yields

• Hormones assist plants

• Banding at plant

• Even corn emergence

• Even corn emergence

• Even corn emergence

• Apply sulfur

• Early foliar applications

• Band nitrogen at plant

• Band nitrogen at plant

• Band nitrogen at plant

• Split apply nitrogen

• VOTiVO treated seed

• Higher populations

• High populations

• Cover crop allelopathy did not effect soybeans

• Cover crop allelopathy did not effect soybeans

• Terminate cover crops in mid March

• Apply side dress nitrogen early

• Strip till provided better plant health

• Allelopathy in corn was stopped by strip tillage

• Allelopathy in corn was stopped by strip tillage

• Long maturity soybeans

• Sulfur "at plant" on soybeans

• Amplified boron deficiency

• Amplified boron deficiency

• Protect early planted crops with foliar insecticides

• Seed treatments

• Crown rot controlled with potash

• Zinc at plant continues to improve yields

• Zinc at plant continues to improve yields.

• Increase B applications; amplified boron deficiency

• Plant soybeans by the end of April to maximize yields

• Plant soybeans by the end of April to maximize yields

• Sulfur at plant continues to improve yields and mineralization

• Foliar applications mitigate transient nutrient deficiencies

• Plant soybeans by mid April to maximize yields

23

SOYBEANS

BRANDT Total Acre Pole Positions BRANDT Total Acre is an omission style trial system that is focused on exposing the differences between variety phenotypes. The “omission design” is based on providing all the treatments and then removing one to see what value each practice has on yield of that phenotype. This creates an environment where the yield responses reflect the total high management system rather than a limited response due to some or all the parts of the system.

■■

15-50-150 suspension fall

■■

Glyphosate burn down prior to plant - 3/21/2017

■■

120,000 population

■■

■■

7 gal ATS at plant, 2x0

Post applied herbicide tank mixes + BRANDT Smart Trio + BRANDT Smart B-Mo at 3rd trifoliate

■■

Poncho/VOTiVO seed treatment

■■

■■

QuickRoots seed treatment

Foliar insecticide at R1 plus 1 qt/ac BRANDT Smart Trio + 1 pt/ac BRANDT Smart B-Mo

■■ ■■

Cover crop – cereal rye

Strobilurin at R2/insecticide + 1 pt/ac BRANDT Smart Trio + 1 pt/ac BRANDT Smart B-Mo

6

10

24

COVER CROP PG. 26

COVER CROP /TILLAGE

NPK

P & K RATE

1

PLANTING DATE

2

VARIETY

3

MATURITY

4

SEED TREATMENT

5

SULFUR (ATS)

12

POPULATION

11

BRANDT SMART TRIO

9

FOLIAR INSECTICIDE

PG. 33

PG. 33

PG. 30

PG. 29

PG. 29

PG. 27

PG. 31

VE

VC

V1

V3

V8

R1

R2

BRANDT Total Acre Pole Positions

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

7 yr Avg

7 yr ROI

n/a

6.8

8.3

13.6

11.0

45.3

51.8

22.8

$$$

25.6

14.6

19.3

17.5

7.0

12.4

23.5

17.1

$$$

1

Planting Date

2

Variety

3

Maturity

17

10.2

13.0

8.5

0

12.4

23.5

12.1

$$$

4

Seed Treatment

6.1

11.9

7.4

5.5

8.5

12.9

7.5

8.5

5.4

5

Sulfur (ATS)

n/a

n/a

3.8

4.8

4.8

8.8

12.2

6.9

6.0

6

P & K Rate

1.6

3.5

4.0

5.2

n/a

n/a

15.4

5.9

1.1

7

BRANDT Smart B-Mo at R2-R4

n/a

n/a

1.0

7.4

n/a

2.0

10.3

5.2

10.1

8

Strobilurin

n/a

4.0

3.1

6.5

3.2

9.1

4.2

5.2

3.4

9

Foliar Insecticide

3.5

5.7

4.9

3.4

n/a

2.9

5.1

4.1

8.0

10

Cover Crop

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

9.5

0

1.4

3.6

2.2

11

BRANDT Smart Trio

3.2

3.9

3.4

3.3

n/a

n/a

2.0

3.2

7.7

12

Population

2.5

2.8

3.6

0

n/a

n/a

n/a

2.2

2.2

The ROI (Return On Investment) listed is calculated using the 2017 fall crop insurance price of $9.75 per bushel, multiplied by the yield response per acre, minus the cost per acre of a practice. For every dollar invested per acre in a practice, the ROI factor is how many dollars you get in return. We use a symbol of $$$ for practices that had no measurable cost per acre, but offer the best ROI and lead the field closely followed by the 10.1 ranking ROI of BRANDT Smart B-Mo.

8

We have illustrated the Total Acre Pole Positions as they relate to application timing. Please note how many important decisions are made at and before planting.

STROBILURIN PG. 33-34

7

R3

BRANDT SMART B-MO AT R2-R4 PG. 34

R4

R5

R6

R8

25

TILLAGE

Yield Response to Tillage System Response to Tillage System

■■

Conventional till soybeans emerged a little quicker than other tillage systems

65

Soybeans with a cover crop of cereal rye had the best nutrition during pod fill due to the catch and release of cover crop nutrients

■■

Improved weed control was noted in the cover crop system

82.4

70

■■

Conventional Till

No Till

No Till/Cover Crop

75

All systems were very close in yield in 2017 trials

Higher yields were measured in the no-till systems due to moist soils during the months of August and September

82.1

80

■■

■■

26

85

81

Response to tillage systems was very minimal due to the dry planting conditions this spring. Soybeans emerged just a little quicker in the conventional till system compared to the no till and cover crop soybean systems. All three tillage systems had very slow vegetative growth this year until we reached August 15. At this point, soybean vegetative growth improved and the soybeans in the cover crop system out-yielded the other two systems.

Pleasant Plains

60 bu/ac

SEED

Soybean Seed Treatment 2017 Soybean Seed Treatment Results Crop planning has rapidly evolved past just hybrid and variety selection. Placement of genetics based on agronomic strengths and weaknesses is still the most important crop plan decision.

However, seed treatments have emerged as a close second. We now have seed treatments that can greatly increase yield across all production acres and seed treatments that should be utilized field by field to help solve historical yield limiting factors.

■■

Seed treatments in 2017 were most responsive at earlier planting dates

■■

Earlier planted soybeans require less seed per acre to maximize yields which offsets the cost of seed treatments

■■

Seed treatments containing insecticides played an important role in keeping overwintering bugs in check

■■

Seed treatments are crucial to achieve even emergence and maximize nutrition investments

Pleasant Plains

Lexington

86

86

84.7

83

77 74

68

68

65

65

62

71.8

71

68.4

71

bu/ac

79.3

79.6

74

77.2

77

80

81

80

83

62 Untreated

Acceleron Basic

Acceleron Basic + Poncho/VOTiVO

bu/ac

Untreated

Acceleron Basic

Acceleron Basic Acceleron Basic + Poncho/VOTiVO + Poncho/VOTiVO + ILeVO

27

SEED

Soybean Herbicide Trait Herbicide Trait Trial

100

95

■■

Increase management for soybeans, specifically P & K

■■

Plant early and look to a 3.6+ RM soybean

■■

Protect the crop with fungicide/insecticide applications

85

■■

Diversified traits offer multiple herbicide modes of action on your farm

80

95.7

2017 soybean yields were well above average. The new Roundup Ready 2 Xtend soybeans have pushed through to a new yield plateau with or without the use of dicamba for crop protection. Managed correctly, the Roundup Ready 2 Xtend trait is consistently in the 90's across trials throughout our area.

Pleasant Plains

90

86.4

83.6

75 bu/ac

28

Liberty Link Crop System

Roundup Ready 2 Yield Crop System

Roundup Ready 2 Xtend Crop System

PLANTING

Soybean Variety and Row Width Variety Response to Row Width The soybean variety and row width trial looks at both genetic performance and also how the particular variety responds to row spacing. The new Roundup Ready 2 Xtend genetics are really strong across the full offering of maturities while giving a slight edge to the longer maturity soybeans. The challenge in 2017 was the lack of late season moisture that most likely would have created a greater differentiation among the varieties maturity spread.

■■

Population: 120,000

■■

Planting Date: 04/19/2017

■■

As in years past, 20 inch rows out yield 30 inch rows in most varieties and overall average

■■

Soybean variety trials were conducted in a no-till environment with a cereal rye cover crop

■■

Insecticide used at first flower for Japanese Beetles, Spider Mites and Stink Bugs

Pleasant Plains 20 inch

30 inch

100

82.4

80.4

83.6

85.4

84.9

86.2

87.9

86.6

97.5 75.8

79.2

75.1

74

77.7

77.7

60

83.5

80

40

20

0

0 bu/ac

AG26x8

AG27x7

AG29x8

0 AG33x8

AG34x6

AG36x6

AG37x8

AG38x8

AG39x7

Varieties

29

PLANTING

Planting Date Soybean Planting Date Trends Soybean planting dates in 2017 followed the same trendline as the past few years. March 22 is the earliest recorded date we have ever planted soybeans at Pleasant Plains and it also produced the largest soybean yield we have recorded at the research farm.

■■

Consider planting soybeans at the same time as corn

■■

Seed treatments and new genetics are key to early planting date success

■■

Use at-plant nutrition and have a good base fertility to assist in early growth stages

■■

Use crop protection paired with nutrition to alleviate plant stresses

■■

Insect management on early planted soybeans is critical for top yields

■■

AG42X6 variety with Acceleron Basic plus Poncho/VOTiVO seed treatment was used

Pleasant Plains

120

2017 Trial 2016 Trial 2015 Trial

111.7 102.9

99.9

100 81.2

80

71.2 59.9

60

40

20 bu/ac

30

March 22

April 12

April 25

May 9

May 26

June 7

FERTILITY

Soybean Response to Sulfur Sulfur Applied at Plant

At-plant or early in crop development is the best timing

■■

Location of nutrition is critical for the young plant and needs to be reached by the root system at early growth stages

■■

Ammonium thiosulfate is a great source of sulfur and can be mixed with nitrogen and zinc

■■

Sulfur investment pays an average of $6.00 per acre for every $1.00 invested

12.2 bu/ac Advantage

60

72.3

■■

80

60.1

Sulfur applied during planting in a 2 X 0 placement has been one of the best returns on investment consistently since we've initiated the practice at the research farm. A significant amount of sulfur was once obtained in the atmosphere, but due to cleaner air conditions, that amount has decreased, resulting in sulfur deficiencies in crops.

Pleasant Plains

40

20

0 bu/ac

No Starter

18-0-0-20S

31

TOTAL ACRE

Soybean Management Soybean Management Trial This soybean management trial looks at several variables individually and then as a whole, which we refer to as the high management program. Each variable plays a specific role and works together to mitigate environmental stresses.

■■

Population: 120,000

■■

Planting Date: 04/19/2017

■■

Identifies how overall plant health in one area can affect the yield outcome of the whole system

■■

Positive responses were observed by starter fertilizer, insecticide and fungicide

■■

The complete high management program shows the importance of a program approach and the synergies created by the individual programs create the highest yield increase

Lexington Fungicide 95

85

12.5 bu/ac

92.2

90

Advantage

65.6

72.3

60.6

60

60.1

74.5

72.5

65

76.3

79.7

70

81.4

80 75

No Fungicide

55 50 bu/ac

32

Total Acre

No Foliar Insecticide

Foliar Insecticide Added

No Starter

With Starter

FOLIAR APPLICATION

Soybean Post Application Trips Application Trips

Pleasant Plains

■■

Application 3: Insecticide, 1 pt/ac BRANDT Smart Trio, 1 pt/ac BRANDT Smart B-Mo, 1 qt/ac N-Boost 5

80

■■

Application 4: Fungicide, Insecticide, 1 pt/ac BRANDT Smart Trio, 1 pt/ac BRANDT Smart B-Mo

70

■■

Application 5: 1 pt/ac BRANDT Smart Trio, 1 pt/ac BRANDT Smart B-Mo

60

■■

Application 6: 1 qt/ac N-Boost 5, Foliar N

50

$150.50 ROI/ac

$74.70 ROI/ac

$0.00 ROI/ac

66.3

90

ROI/ac

75.5

Application 2: Insecticide, 1 pt/ac BRANDT Smart Trio, 1 pt/ac BRANDT Smart B-Mo

■■

$179.10

88.1

100

93.9

Application 1: Glyphosate, 1 pt/ac BRANDT Smart Trio, 1 pt/ac BRANDT Smart B-Mo

■■

40 bu/ac

R1

R2

R3

Fungicide, Insecticide, 1 pt BRANDT Smart Trio, 1 pt BRANDT Smart B-Mo

R4

Application 1, 2

1 pt BRANDT Smart Trio, 1 pt BRANDT Smart B-Mo

AT R5-R6

2

Insecticide, 1 pt BRANDT Smart Trio, 1 pt BRANDT Smart B-Mo

Application 1, 2, 3, 4 AT R4-R5

V8

3

Insecticide, 1 pt BRANDT Smart Trio, 1 pt BRANDT Smart B-Mo, 1 qt N-Boost 5

AT R3-R4

AT V5-V8

V3

AT R1-R2

AT V1-V4

1

Glyphosate, 1 pt BRANDT Smart Trio, 1 pt BRANDT Smart B-Mo

Application 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

4

R5

Application 1

5

1 qt N-Boost 5, Foliar N

6

R6

33

FOLIAR APPLICATION

Soybean Response to Strobilurin and Boron 10 Year Soybean Response to Strobilurin Fungicide, Insecticide and BRANDT Boron Foliars Part of increased management on soybeans is applying strobilurin fungicide paired with a BRANDT boron product such as BRANDT Smart B or BRANDT Smart B-Mo. Soybean response to fungicide has been proven with 10 years of data on the research farm. The addition of boron is key during the growth stage when fungicide is typically applied.

■■

Boron can be a limiting factor during reproductive stages; balancing that nutrition makes other nutrients more efficient

■■

Strobilurin fungicide has produced a significant ROI over the 10 year trial

■■

Both strobilurin fungicide and BRANDT boron products are a key application in high management soybeans to achieve maximum yields

■■

The addition of an insecticide is recommended to minimize green stem syndrome

Pleasant Plains Yield Increase above applications without Strobilurin Fungicide, Insecticide and BRANDT Boron Foliars 10 9

9.1

8

8

7

5

3.1

3 2.3

2 1

4

4

3

4.2

4

5.5

5

6.5

6

0 bu/ac

34

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

10 Year Average

TOTAL ACRE

2007-2017 Yield and Revenue 11 Year Soybean Yield and Revenue of all Soybean Plots More focus turned to soybeans in 2017 and will continue to trend that direction in 2018 as soybeans become more profitable relative to corn. This chart represents 11 years of soybean trials as a whole and the gross revenue for each year.

■■

More soybean acres will be planted in 2018

■■

Increased soybean management and genetics are driving yields even under stressful conditions

■■

Early planting dates with seed treatments to protect and enhance early development has been the most important factor in high soybean yields

■■

$9.75 per bushel was used to calculate gross $/ac

Pleasant Plains Yield

Gross $/ac

100

$1,200

$977

90

$791 $1,000 $800

81.1

87

77.7

$742

84.6

68.7

61

50

30

$200 $0

20 bu/ac

$600 $400

46.4

60.9

40

$587

$848

$816 $692

79.5

$457

$881

73.3

$687

70

84

80

60

$1,020

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

35

Grower Insights 2017 Soybean Grower Insights to Increasing Yields Every year we dedicate more acres to soybean management at the research farm due to the increase in profitability. Management of soybeans and the yields we are able to achieve has increased rapidly in the last five years. We are planting soybeans earlier than ever and pairing that with seed treatments and early nutrition. Early plants require fungicide and insecticide applications to protect yield, increase plant health and ensure harvestability. We expect more acres of soybeans in 2018 and will also be testing soybean-on-soybean management.

36

■■

Roundup Ready 2 Xtend soybeans are the “real deal” for improved yield and weed control

■■

Foliar applications of micronutrients are driving yields

■■

The earlier we plant, the better the yield

■■

Timely foliar insecticide applications stop green stem syndrome for improved yield and harvestability

■■

The earlier you plant, the more valuable seed treatments are

Summary On behalf of BRANDT, we want to thank you, our customers, for your business. We hope you have enjoyed and benefited from the 2017 BRANDT Research Farm book.

This is the 13th year for the Pleasant Plains Farm. At both Pleasant Plains and Lexington we continue to build on a solid database of multiyear results that you can count on.

During the summer we held educational Agronomy Days at each farm. At Pleasant Plains Dr. Fred Below, Professor of Crop Physiology at U of I, talked about his research on maximizing yield in both corn and soybeans and the value of individual crop management decisions. At Lexington, Dr. Aaron Hager, Associate Professor of Weed Science at U of I, discussed weed control strategies, resistance and 2017 dicamba experiences in Illinois.

This book is packed with valuable data and insights. Since we are highlighting ten years of data in the book, I pulled out the 2008 edition to see what we were doing back then. Ten years ago we were reporting on some fungicide and boron trials we were starting on corn and soybeans. Now, years later, we have multiyear data to show you the value and ROI. In 2008, we were also testing planter set up, downforce and seed spacing. Now, we all know how important precision is in planting operations.

My point is that every year the Research Farm data becomes more valuable and relevant to you.

I urge you to closely review the BRANDT Total Acre data and “pole positions.” I believe this is the best quality “local” data you can find! This multiyear data is a recipe for successful farming.

BRANDT is blessed with a great team to organize and implement the farms and the publication of this book. Ed Corrigan is the Manager of the Pleasant Plains research farm and the primary author of the results. Dan Froelich is Manager at the Lexington research farm and provides agronomy insights to that area. They are joined by many BRANDT employees to produce this fine work. Thanks to all.

As we move into 2018 we encourage you to contact our Agronomy Team to participate in BRANDT’s precision agronomy and data collection programs. We want to be your trusted “local” source for all your precision needs. We can benchmark your practices with the Research Farms.

Crop budgets are tight again this year. Good choices become more important and the economics of each choice has to work. That is our calling card for investing in these farms: to help you make better decisions for your farm.

In 2018, BRANDT will celebrate 65 years of serving area growers. Our commitment is stronger than ever and we stand ready to serve you and help you be more profitable.

Here’s to farming for success and profit in 2018.

Tim McArdle General Manager

The marks BRANDT, BRANDT Smart Trio, BRANDT Smart Quatro, Manni-Plex, N-Boron, Smart System, and Total Acre are registered trademarks of BRANDT Consolidated, Inc. All other trademarks, product names and company names that appear on this document are the property of their respective owners or licensees, who may or may not be affiliated with, connected to, or sponsored by BRANDT Consolidated, Inc.

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2017-12