Growing Soybeans & Corn - Fall 2019 by Thoughtwell Creative

GROWING SOYBEANS

& CORN Issue 20 / Fall 2019

The Lowdown on Higher Yields Understanding Trait Technologies

Corn Agronomy 101

Published by

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Publisher

Travis Williams NorthStar Genetics

Editor

Contents

Jenny Flaman jenny.f@thoughtwellcreative.com

Letter From the Editor

Creative Director

Assessing Soybean Nodulation

In Search of the Perfect Seed

Kate Klassen kate.k@thoughtwellcreative.com

Copy Editors

Kayla Graham Cheryl Manness Kim Perfumo Maggie Toth

Contributors

Soybean Maturity and Low Temperatures

More Tools in the Toolbox with Trait Technologies

Bruce Barker Geoff Geddes Sarah Green Andrea Hilderman

Comprehensive Soybean Growing Calendar and Guide

The Lowdown on Higher Yields

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Corn Agronomy 101

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Pest Identification and Scouting Calendar

CBN Commercial Solutions Thoughtwell Creative Co. Growing Soybeans call 204-262-2425 or e-mail cperfumo@northstargenetics.com For a digital copy visit northstargenetics.com

Issue 20â&#x20AC;&#x201A;|â&#x20AC;&#x201A;2019

Market Outlook

Strategies for Marketing Your Corn and Soybeans

FIELD, MEET YIELD. WITH

NSC WATSON

Bigger pods and higher pod count equal bigger yields. When you choose NorthStar Genetics’ NSC Watson RR2Y, you’re choosing the best of both. Great across Western Canada, NSC Watson yields exceptionally for its maturity. Plain and simple, NSC Watson delivers big yields. To meet our whole lineup visit northstargenetics.com

WE KNOW BEANS ©2018 NorthStar Genetics 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. These products have been approved for import into key export markets with functioning regulatory systems. Any crop or material produced from these products can only be exported to, or used, processed or sold in countries where all necessary regulatory approvals have been granted. 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 these products. Excellence Through Stewardship® is a registered trademark of Excellence Through Stewardship. ALWAYS READ AND FOLLOW PESTICIDE LABEL DIRECTIONS. Roundup Ready® technology contains genes that confer tolerance to glyphosate, an active ingredient in Roundup® brand agricultural herbicides. Agricultural herbicides containing glyphosate will kill crops that are not tolerant to glyphosate. Acceleron®, Genuity and Design®, Genuity®, RIB Complete and Design®, RIB Complete®, Roundup Ready 2 Technology and Design®, Roundup Ready 2 Yield®, Roundup Ready®, Roundup®, SmartStax®, VT Double PRO® and VT Triple PRO® are registered trademarks of Monsanto Technology LLC, Monsanto Canada Inc. licensee. LibertyLink® and the Water Droplet Design are trademarks of Bayer. Used under license. Herculex® is a registered trademark of Dow AgroSciences LLC. Used under license. ©2017 Monsanto Canada Inc. *Please be sure to use the appropriate statement for your crop/treatment; Please visit www.monsantotraits.ca for statement details.

Letter From the Editor The Western Canadian landscape is everchanging and challenging. It is important to challenge yourself to stay current and competitive. New genetics and technologies present themselves in attempts to help farmers maximize their land and push yields to the limits. This season will see an introduction of a new soybean trait technology, silage specific corn, and new soybean varieties and corn hybrids designed for Western Canada. NorthStar Genetics provides excellent options in each of these categories. No matter what is happening with corn and soybean genetics and traits, one thing we know for sure is that NorthStar Genetics is always leading the pack on providing new options, pioneering technology, and helping farmers across the Prairies grow the best corn and soybean crops they can. At Growing Soybeans, we’re here to help, too. In this issue, you will find helpful hints on the basics of growing soybeans and corn, how to push your soybean yields, and how to choose the right soybean variety for each field on your farm. Not only do we help with growing crops, but included in this edition is advice on marketing your crop. Soybean traits and technologies are also compared to help you navigate which ones to adopt. Please send us your comments, questions, and thoughts on topics you would like to see Growing Soybeans cover. We would love to hear from you. We hope you enjoy this issue, and we wish you a great growing year. Thanks for reading, Jenny Flaman Editor

WE KNOW BEANS What are growers saying about NorthStar Genetics soybeans? “I like doing business with NorthStar Genetics because they listen to growers, like me. They are very open and transparent and easy to do business with. They care about the quality of their seed and strive to provide products that work on my farm. I like the direction of the company and the fact they are developing a corn lineup while providing education. The future is bright with NorthStar Genetics.” Riley Anderson – Morris, MB

At NorthStar Genetics, we know beans. www.northstargenetics.com

Issue 20 | 2019

Assessing

Soybean Nodulation STEP 1

Select 5 to 10 random plants from different areas.

STEP 2

Gently dig out plants, being careful to not disturb nodules that may be present.

STEP 3

Soak the roots in water to remove soil and uncover the nodules.

STEP 4

Count number of nodules per plant, the amount of nodules should be similar in all plants.

STEP 5

Cut nodules open to reveal their colour, a nice red/pink tone means theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re healthy and functional! 6â&#x20AC;&#x192;Growing Soybeans

Preferred pH level for Rhizobia is between 6 and 8 to allow for healthy nodulation.

Optimum soil temperature for Nitrogen fixation is between 15ºC and 25ºC.

Before flowering, there should be 8 to 20 large and active nodules per plant.

NODULE STATE

NOW YOU KNOW Issue 20 | 2019

immature nodule white in colour

healthy nodule pink/red in colour

unhealthy nodule

green/brown in colour

In Search of the Perfect Seed | Geoff Geddes How do you determine the right variety for every field on your farm?

8â&#x20AC;&#x192;Growing Soybeans

All growers have that moment where they find the magic seed offering bountiful harvests and wealth; then the alarm rings and they wake up. While the concept of one soybean variety that’s perfect for everyone may be a dream, finding one that works best for you is well within reach. “Soybean growers have a number of options these days,” says Harry Davies, Production Manager with NorthStar Genetics. “When you talk about the best variety for your farm or field, the number one factor to consider is maturity. If we recommend a variety that matures too late and you get frost, we won’t have that grower for long, so we need them to succeed and have a harvestable crop in the fall.” That said, growing multiple varieties can have some benefit in spreading out your risk and workload. “If you’re farming in the Red River Valley in Manitoba, for example, you could grow a late-season variety like NSC Sperling RR2Y and complement it with an earlier maturing option such as NSC Redvers RR2X.” Your weed spectrum by field is another consideration. What weeds do you have to contend with, and what is the best weed package for controlling them? “If you have kochia, cleavers, and other tough-to-control broadleaf weeds like wild buckwheat or are concerned with glyphosate-resistant weeds, then I recommend the Roundup Ready Xtend® Crop System to keep those weeds in check.” Growers should also think about their row spacing and seeding equipment. Certain varieties can be more like a stick and less branchy, while others are

Issue 20 | 2019

very bushy. “For example, someone who is seeking a variety in the mid-maturity range and planning to solid seed should consider NSC Newton RR2X as it’s a tall stick plant,” says Davies. “If your goal is 20- to 30-inch row spacing, however, and you still want the same maturity range, I’d suggest NSC Gladstone RR2Y, which is a bushier plant that excels in wider row spacing. One of the worst things you can do is plant a non-bushy variety in wide rows. You want your canopy to close in for moisture conservation and better weed control.” Though you might expect to see “yield” at the top of the list for assessing varieties, there’s a reason it doesn’t rank as number one. “High yield is something growers demand and expect; all of our varieties have high yield potential. It’s about selecting the variety that will perform the best on each field. If we’re not delivering against customer expectations, we’re not doing our job.” It is important to note that just because a farmer likes a variety, it doesn’t mean it will be a fit for all of their fields. “Do you have saline soils or problems with high carbonate levels in the soil? Soybeans do not excel under those conditions, so when choosing a variety for that particular field, pick a variety that has a high rating

for iron deficiency chlorosis (IDC) and that performs well in tough soils. I would also consider rotating the phytophthora gene resistance package for fields with a history of phytophthora.” For growers with rolling land or stones, pod height might be higher on the wish list. “Choose a variety that is a taller, sticktype plant, like NSC Newton RR2X, as they will tend to pod higher. If you’re having trouble getting the cutter bar on the combine down low due to contours or stones, a taller variety that pods higher should mean less harvest loss.” Though the choices can seem overwhelming sometimes, it’s a problem that soybean farmers are lucky to have. “One aspect of soybeans that sets it apart from other crops is the number of varieties on offer,” says Terry Buss, Farm Production Extension Specialist for Manitoba Agriculture, Food and Rural Initiatives. “With many crops, one or two varieties may capture half the market, but if a soybean variety gains a 10 percent share, that’s big news. For growers, that means a lot of great candidates to consider.” “There is so much information pushed at producers in the form of advertising and unscientific side-by-side trials, so we encourage them to look at good quality trials and data in making their choices,”

says Buss. Based on that information and their specific needs, growers are encouraged to seek a balance between yield potential and maturity timing. “We advise seeking the highest yield with the shortest season since you don’t want beans out there longer than necessary,” says Buss. “Some people are really concerned with timing, while others are prepared to take more risk on what the weather holds; you need to know your risk tolerance.”

“A good maturity strategy is 20:60:20. Grow 20 percent of your acres with an early maturing variety to minimize frost risk and to start your harvest; 60 percent in the sweet spot for your farm; and grow 20 percent of your acres with a variety that is longer season for your geography. The last 20 percent is higher frost risk for higher yield,” explains Davies. The last step in selecting a variety is based on an old adage: seeing is believing. There are many NorthStar Genetics demonstration plots, trials, and

fields to explore. “I can’t stress enough that once you have a few choices in mind, nothing beats trying them,” says Buss. “I also caution people not to try something new just because it’s new. Use a variety if it makes sense and fits with your operation.” Selecting the right variety might not be magic, but if it conjures up a healthy crop and a healthier bottom line, it’s the next best thing.

“... once you have a few choices in mind, nothing beats trying them.”

10 Growing Soybeans

WE KNOW BEANS What are growers saying about NorthStar Genetics soybeans? “NorthStar Genetics, to me, has the best package of varieties of soybeans that are suitable for our northern area… There are other companies that offer short growing season soybeans, but I haven’t seen any of them, so far, doing as well as the NorthStar Genetics varieties. “Good work, as far as I’m concerned. The support, our representative and the team are always available. They’re just a phone call or a text away” Shawn Mooney - Star City, SK

At NorthStar Genetics, we know beans. www.northstargenetics.com

WE KNOW BEANS What are growers saying about NorthStar Genetics soybeans? “NorthStar Genetics has some of the earliest-maturing, top-yielding varieties. We like to get our soybeans in the bin so that we can do our fall work and be ready for the spring. We had all our soybeans in the bin before lots of other farmers even started theirs.” “I think NorthStar Genetics has a great lineup; good height, good pod clearance, and early maturing and high yielding.” Walt Smith - Pilot Mound, MB

At NorthStar Genetics, we know beans. www.northstargenetics.com

Soybean Maturity and Low Temperatures Minimum temperatures for soybean seed ripening has been shown to be 8-9°C and optimum being 19-20°C1. Cool temperatures (<10°C) during seed fill can negatively affect soybean yield through reduced seed size although the most serious impact may be delayed maturity. As beans move from R-6 (full seed) to R-7 (early maturity), the risk of yield loss from frost declines. Soybeans are normally in the R-6 stage for 18 days but can be as long as 30 days.

nighttime low and how long that temperature is sustained. Other factors such as soil moisture (moisture in the soil will maintain heat), cloud cover (cloudy is better) and wind speed (windy is better) can also impact the degree of frost. Further, soybeans in narrow rows and thick canopies are able to maintain ground heat longer. A light frost (0 to –1°C) may kill top leaf growth but should not affect pods and seeds. Temperatures below –1°C for an extended time period will cause damage to green stems, pods and seeds, reducing yield and quality. Maximum yield loss would occur in soybeans at R-5 (early seed).

When nighttime temperatures dip below 5°C, there is a risk for low-lying areas to see a light frost. The impact of frost will depend on the

Stage

Description

Full seed to the top Plants still green, of the plant, starting seed fills pod on one to drop bottom of top four nodes. leaves. Pod colour green/yellow.

Days to Maturity2 % Yield Loss from Frost3

R-6.5 Halfway through seed fill

R-6 Full seed

Optimum 19-20°C Minimum 8-9°C Frost Danger 1-5°C Top Leaf Kill -1°C

R-7 Physiological maturity

R-8 Full maturity

At least one pod on main stem is yellow (the membrane around the seed will be completely absorbed).

95% of pods will be brown, seeds will rattle in pod and all leaves will be dropped.

0 25-30

10-15

Up to 50%

Up to 30%

Courtesy of Manitoba Pulse Growers Association

8-10

< 10%

Literature Cited: Holmberg S. A. 1973. Soybeans for cool season climates. Agric. Hort. Genet. 31:1-20. Fehr W. R. and C. E. Caviness. 1977. Stages of soybean development. Spec. Rep. 80 Iowa State Univ. Coop. Ext. Serv., Ames. Saliba M. R., L. E. Schrader, S. S. Hirano, and C. D. Upper. 1982, Effects of freezing field-grown soybean plants at various stages of podfill on yield and seed quality. Crop Sci. 22: 73-78. 1

2 3

12 Growing Soybeans

Soybean Seed Ripening Temperatures

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® , ™ Trademarks of Dow AgroSciences, DuPont or Pioneer and affiliated companies or their respective owners. © 2019 CORTEVA. The transgenic soybean event in Enlist E3™ soybeans is jointly developed and owned by Dow AgroSciences LLC and M.S. Technologies, L.L.C. The Enlist weed control system is owned and developed by Dow AgroSciences LLC.

More Tools in the Toolbox with Trait Technologies | Andrea Hilderman How to keep track of the ever-evolving trait packages available

14â&#x20AC;&#x192;Growing Soybeans

It’s an ongoing battle. Neither side seems to gain the upper hand for too long; however, enormous efforts are being made to keep on top of the situation. This epic struggle is the “everyday” of growing productive crops, keeping clean fields, and keeping resistant weeds at bay. As soybeans have become a go-to crop in the rotation for Prairie growers, new and improved trait technologies that offer a few more nifty tools in the weed management toolbox are being introduced that will have tremendous impact for growers. Growers will finally have a range of ammunition to keep problems and resistant weeds at bay. “The Roundup Ready 2 Yield® soybeans are an established, proven technology,” says Claude Durand, Product Development Manager at NorthStar Genetics. “In the last two-to-three years, we’ve seen the introduction of Roundup Ready 2 Xtend® soybeans, and most recently, Enlist E3™ soybean technology.” Roundup Ready 2 Yield is the wellknown and widespread glyphosatetolerant soybean seen on the Prairies today. Growers are familiar with, and expect, the agronomic benefits of high yield and full range of maturities the Roundup Ready 2 Yield soybeans have brought to the table. Building on this Roundup Ready 2 Yield platform, the Roundup Ready 2 Xtend soybean stacked trait gives growers the added benefit of being able to use dicamba as well as glyphosate on their crop post-emergence. Dicamba is a powerful tool of the Xtend soybean system. Its residual component provides effective weed control during the critical early period prior to the canopy fully closing in when the crop is naturally less competitive. The newest soybean trait technology is the Enlist E3 soybean. Enlist E3 soybean is triple stacked providing growers with robust tolerance to 2,4-D choline,

Issue 20 | 2019

glyphosate, and glufosinate. Enlist E3 allows for multiple modes of action and provides another option for hard-tocontrol weeds and resistant weeds.

Durand adds, “Enlist E3 soybeans will be very good on volunteer canola. It will also be effective on broadleaf weeds with the advantages of multiple modes of action.”

When Durand was asked about tough weeds and the advantages of multiple traits options, Durand responded, “A significant and important weed that has been historically hard to control in soybeans is volunteer canola. While glyphosate has been relied on for years, it is ineffective against volunteer glyphosate tolerant canola. Not only are glyphosate resistant volunteers an issue, but because glyphosate is a contact herbicide, if it misses weeds or weeds emerge after application, it will not control them. Lastly, resistance is developing to glyphosate, and, if this expands to additional weed species, it just makes the business of farming that much more difficult. Glyphosate-resistant kochia is a clear and present danger; however, the research community and the industry have put a lot of work into giving growers the tools and information they need to manage this problem.”

With these improvements and giant steps forward for soybean trait technologies, how is a grower to know which is the best for his farming operation?

“Last year, we saw problems with glyphosate-resistant kochia in the dry conditions that prevailed,” says Durand. “This experience has accelerated the adoption of Roundup Ready 2 Xtend soybeans.”

“Making the trait technology decision should be founded on some key management principles,” says Durand. “Growers need to know their own weed spectrum, evaluate their crop rotation and then, most importantly, ensure they have a robust chemical rotation in play. Finally, they also need to be aware of any weed resistance issues.” “With the addition of Roundup Ready 2 Xtend and now Enlist E3 soybeans, growers can address most of the weed issues they face,” says Durand. “Additionally, they are in a position to always have that second mode of action in the tank as added insurance against developing any resistance issues. By having the advantage of these technologies before the resistance problems that are evident in Ontario and the U.S., Prairie growers have the chance to prevent the problem. It really is a win-win.”

“Roundup Ready 2 Xtend soybeans give growers the opportunity to put something else in the tank with glyphosate to provide another mode of action during the spraying operation,” says Durand. “Mixing modes of action in the tank is a key management strategy to optimizing weed control and reducing the risk of selecting for resistant weeds.”

SOYBEAN GROWING APRIL

MAY

Seeding Plan

JUNE

JULY

AUGUST

Seeding, Inoculating, & Rolling Potential 1st Fungicide Application

Field Prep/Fertilizer Application (P&K) Pre-seed Burn Off

Potential 2nd Fungicide Application

In-Crop Weed Spraying

Scouting Create Seeding Plan

Plant Stand Assessment

Flowering R1/R2

Emergence Vegetative

Pod Fill/Seed Development Pod Development R3/R4

Soybean Aphids & Twospotted Spidermites

Seed Corn Maggot Cutworms & Wireworms

Green Cloverworm Grasshoppers

Seedling Diseases Phytophthora Root Rot Rhizoctonia Root Rot Fusarium Wilt Frogeye Leaf Spot & Septoria Brown Spot Bacterial Blight Downy Mildew Soybean Cyst Nematodes White Mould & Stem Canker

16â&#x20AC;&#x192;Growing Soybeans

CALENDAR

SEPTEMBER

OCTOBER

NOVEMBER

DECEMBER

JANUARY - MARCH

Field Prep/Fertilizer Application (P&K) Field Selection & Soil Test Soybean Harvest Variety Selection

R5/R6 Maturity R7/R8

Soybean Activities Growth Stages Insects Diseases

/Pod and Stem Blight

Issue 20 | 2019

See page 28 for more information on crop insects and diseases!

The Lowdown on Higher Yields | Geoff Geddes

If you’ve ever vowed to stop at one piece of pie and wound up at four, you know “more” is not always better. When it comes to soybeans, however, the appetite for higher yields is only natural. As new varieties support better yields, there are many ways to maximize the benefit for your farm. “Soybeans are relatively new for Western Canada. Farmers are getting good at how to grow them, and now want to take that next step,” says Brian Elliot, Manitoba Sales Manager for NorthStar Genetics. “The industry itself is seeking ways of enhancing yield, and we don’t yet have all the answers.” One area where there’s general agreement is the importance of proper seed timing, but it’s not cut and dried.

Time trials “There was some controversy this past spring around when was the best time to put seed in the ground,” says Elliot. “Though earlier is generally better for soybeans, you must go beyond calendar date to include proper conditions and soil temperature. We like to see 10°C; however, the earlier you get the beans in the ground, the more sunlight the plant absorbs throughout the year and the more it will flower. It’s really a balancing act where you seed as early as possible, providing the soil condition and temperature is sufficient.”

18 Growing Soybeans

Although later-maturing varieties usually have an edge in yield under ideal growing conditions, spreading out maturities can help hedge your risk in the face of uncertain weather.

problems with iron deficiency chlorosis (IDC), for example, a seed guide will help pinpoint the most tolerant variety for fields with high soluble salts and calcium carbonates.

“Early weed removal is also critical,” says Elliot. “You should be going in three times. A clean seed burn off and initial foliar application, followed by a second spraying in season.”

“Take your soil test results and go to the fertility fact sheet on the Manitoba Pulse Growers’ website,” says Lange. “There’s a matrix you can use to determine your risk level for IDC, and you can choose varieties accordingly. If your risk is low, you might go with a susceptible variety that’s high yielding, and for those at great risk, they can avoid reducing their yield potential.”

A lot of yield discussion today focuses on seed row spacing. “One trial found that half the time, tighter row spacing is preferable with a high plant population, and half the time wider spacing yielded better,” says Elliot. “It comes back to growing environment and variety selection. Depending on your row spacing, you should choose your variety and seeding rate carefully. For example, if you go with wide spacing, you want a bushy plant, ensuring that it closes the canopy and thrives in that configuration.” Like any area of farming, best practices for yield can vary by field, but one constant is the distinction between seeding rate and plant establishment rate.

Where do you rate? “If a farmer wants to plant 200,000 seeds per acre, how many plants should he have at the end of the day? That is called seed mortality,” says Dennis Lange, Industry Development Specialist – Pulses, Primary Agriculture Branch with Manitoba Agriculture. Ideally, growers should go out a month after planting and count how many seeds have emerged versus how many were planted. For 200,000 seeds per acre, plant establishment should be in the range of 140,000 – 170,000, so that’s a good gauge of how you’re doing.” Some yield issues can be avoided through proper variety selection. If a farmer has

Issue 20 | 2019

Regardless of variety, nutrient management plays a major role in soybean performance. “Especially in new growing regions, you must double inoculate with liquid on the seed and granular on furrow,” says Lange. “That will take care of nitrogen needs, and from there it’s a matter of understanding your fertility rotation and knowing the phosphate and potassium levels in the soil.” The goal is to establish those nutrient levels throughout your rotation and not just for soybeans. “Build up the levels for wheat so when you get to the soybeans, they aren’t deficient,” says Lange. “Ideally, we like to see soil test somewhere between 10 and 20 ppm for phosphate, and if it’s down to 7 or 8 ppm, adding more that year won’t help soybeans as it’s not available to them the year you put it on. Soybeans respond best to good pre-existing phosphate levels, as it takes a while for phosphate to break down; so you really need to manage your rotation, not just your crop.”

“When you go out with a flex header and start harvesting beans, you need to determine your harvest loss,” says Lange. “Maybe you’re not getting all the beans you should because the header was used for something else before and has not been adjusted properly. Perhaps the ground is uneven or you have really short plants this year and the header must be set as low as possible to catch every bean. Ensuring these things can add a few bushels to the bin, and these days, every bushel counts.”

Devilish details With all that farmers have on their plate, it can be easy to overlook the smaller details that could make a big difference. “Try not to lose sight of basic items like seeding rates and keeping the field clean,” says Lange. “You can’t control the weather, and there’s no magic solution you can spray on your fields to boost soybean yield. The good news is that soybeans are a relatively easy crop to grow. They like warm weather, so if you attend to the little things and don’t over think it, your beans will grow on their own with some help from Mother Nature. In the meantime, just manage your rotation as best you can.” Soybeans are a great crop for your rotation. Once you’ve covered all the bases, rest assured that you’ve given your soybeans the best chance to optimize yield. Then sit back, relax, and enjoy that second (or third) slice of pie, guilt-free.

Though there is only so much you can do to boost yield during the growing season, new growers in particular should stress harvest management.

Corn Agronomy 101 | Bruce Barker

Take an integrated approach if you’re new to corn.

20 Growing Soybeans

Corn, as a rotational crop, can be expensive to grow. Corn input costs are high, and the crop loves nitrogen. But corn is profitable with the right hybrid selection and proper agronomic management. If you are thinking of incorporating corn into the rotation next year, agronomy basics are interrelated. “It is important to think long term when it comes to fertility and crop rotations, and how they interact with other agronomic practices,” says Dieter Schwarz, Corn Product Line Manager with NorthStar Genetics.

Planter vs. solid seeding Corn performs best when seeded with a planter that precisely places seed at a uniform depth and spacing. Row width is typically 30 inches, although some corn growers in Western Canada are planting on 20 inches. “Corn needs six- to nine-inch spacing between plants, otherwise if the plants are closer together, they treat each other as weeds and don’t grow as well because of the competition,” says Schwarz. “That’s why planters are the preferred equipment for seeding.” Solid seeding with a regular air-drill on narrower row spacings can be done, but the results won’t accurately reflect the yield potential of corn. “Broad-acre drills give you a kind of controlled spill of seed into the ground. The distribution isn’t very uniform,” says Schwarz. “If you do want to try an air drill to see if corn will work on your farm, lower your expectations because you won’t get the same yield and quality as you would with a planter.” Rather, a good option for those without a planter is to have a neighbour custom-seed the crop. Planters have also evolved to where they can be used in zero-till situations. Zero-till planters are equipped with fluted coulters that move trash to the side of the seed row.

Issue 20 | 2019

Adaptability Much progress has been made in bringing shorter-season corn hybrids to market in Western Canada. As corn production moves out of the typical Red River Valley region of Manitoba, Corn Heat Units (CHUs) drop, and growers need to focus on selecting the right variety for their area. “If you’re trying a quarter section of corn, split it up with two or three hybrids to see how they perform. Choose a hybrid rated for your area and then try some on either side of the CHU ratings,” says Morgan Cott, Field Agronomist with Manitoba Corn Growers Association at Carman, Manitoba.

into fields with low residue is beneficial in several ways. Planters do not seed through trash well, unless they are equipped with residue managers that move the trash to the side of the disc opener. On low residue fields, soil temperature also warms up more quickly and uniformly. Corn germination is best above 10°C and optimum germination and emergence occurs when soil temperatures at a depth of four inches reach 12°C to 15°C. “The recommendation is to seed into soil temperature of 10°C and the forecast is for warming temperatures. If the weather is getting colder, then hold off for a day or two until the forecast is better,” says Schwarz.

Schwarz says growers need to select the right product for the right place and the right purpose. Grain corn needs to reach maturity, ideally dry at harvest, or at least to the point where it can be dried. Silage corn only needs to get to 50 percent milk line, while grazing corn to 30 percent milk line.

Data from Manitoba Agricultural Services Corporation (MASC) from 2010 through 2016 found that grain corn had the highest yield on soybean stubble. Dry beans and field peas are other low-residue crops that can be good choices.

“We split our product line between dual purpose and silage hybrids. Grain corn is very, very different than silage or grazing corn,” says Schwarz.

Seeding rate varies by soil type, fertility, drainage, planting dates, location, and the purpose of the crop. Generally, grain corn should be sown to target an established plant population between 32,000 to 36,000 plants per acre. Schwarz says silage corn is typically targeted at 28,000 plants per acre.

Silage hybrids generally grow taller and have a slower drydown to allow more flexible timing for harvesting. Grain corn ideally has a faster drydown, shorter plant, and a stalk that is often harder to digest for animals.

Field selection Cott says grain corn in the Red River Valley is typically planted on soybean stubble because it has low residue. Planting

Seeding rate

“Environmental stress plays a big role in stand establishment. If you are targeting 34,000 plants per acre but only achieve 28,000 plants, you could be losing $30 to $50 per acre because you planted into cold soil or the seedbed preparation wasn’t adequate,” says Schwarz. “Talk to your agronomist or seed company to help

determine the optimum seeding rate.”

Fertility Corn is a heavy user of nutrients. Generally, corn requires 1 pound of nitrogen (N) for every bushel of grain; a 150-bushel-per-acre corn crop needs 150 pounds of soil and fertilizer N. Phosphorus (P2O5) is used at a rate of approximately 0.46 pounds per bushel of yield, and potassium (K2O) at 0.82 pounds per bushel of yield.

“My best advice is to work with your seed company to develop an agronomic plan for the equipment you have and what you want to achieve.” “Corn loves N and P,” says Cott. Options for N placement include broadcasting or banding. Band placement is about 20 percent more efficient than broadcast application. Depending on the type of equipment available, corn growers have successfully banded N in the fall or spring, sidebanded or midrow-banded at seeding, or sub-surface banded or side-dressed between the rows after emergence. “One of the benefits of corn is that it is designed to be spoon-fed. The saying of knee-high by the fourth of July holds true, and that is when many growers band additional N into corn,” says Schwarz.

22 Growing Soybeans

“Y-drop applicators are becoming popular, and some growers are doing two to three passes right up to tasseling to split up the applications.” Y-drop applicators apply liquid fertilizer between the corn rows; they are generally mounted on high-clearance sprayers. Corn requires early-season uptake of P and K for successful establishment. Band application of P and K can be done as a pre-plant or side-band application. “If you are banding at seeding, you don’t want the band too close to the seed. A 2x2 band, two inches to the side and two inches below is adequate, but that is a lot of product to apply at seeding,” says Cott.

Weed and insect control Since corn does not like competition, early weed control is critical. A preseed burndown application will get the crop off to a clean start. Early in-crop control is often followed by a second later application in herbicide-tolerant systems. “If you can’t get out early, it would pay off with higher yields if you hire a custom applicator,” says Schwarz.

In corn, the European corn borer is the main insect pest of concern. The main defense against the insect is through seed traits that provide built-in protection against the pest. Schwarz summarizes that many of the agronomic decisions that new corn growers need to make are interrelated. Crop rotations, fertility management, seeding decisions, and hybrid selection interact. “My best advice is to work with your seed company to develop an agronomic plan for the equipment you have and what you want to achieve,” says Schwarz. “We want corn growers to be profitable, and to do that, you have to put together the right agronomic package.”

Start your season right. Start with EverGol Energy. EverGolÂŽ Energy seed treatment fungicide provides soybeans with protection against the most important seed and soil-borne diseases. It provides quicker emergence, healthier plants and higher yields for your soybeans. Learn more at cropscience.bayer.ca/EverGolEnergy

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Floury Leafy Silage Corn | Sarah Green

24â&#x20AC;&#x192;Growing Soybeans

For many farmers, choosing a silage corn hybrid is an important decision. When considering the factors of yield potential, leaf area, and kernel type, not all corn hybrids produce the same results. Ultimately, it comes down to hybrid genetics, a topic that breeder Francis Glenn is an expert on. Recently, Glenn produced a full-floury corn hybrid with enhanced hybrid digestible starch. This hybrid creation marks yet another milestone in Glenn’s career. In the 1980s, he developed the world’s first leafy corn hybrid, and after three decades in the industry, he’s still making breakthroughs. As Dieter Schwarz, NorthStar Genetics’ Corn Product Line Manager explains, Glenn’s leafy corn silage hybrid has 70 percent more leaf area above the ear per plant versus commonly used dualpurpose grain hybrids, which equates to 40 percent more total leaf area per plant.

“The combination of features bring a long list of benefits to the dairy operator, starting with a lower seed cost because they plant 20 percent less seed. They tend to realize higher yields of higher quality milk.” “[This hybrid] also has a silage-specific kernel type that behaves differently

Issue 20 | 2019

in the field, the chopper, the silo, and the rumen. The kernels are large, soft, and slow drying, which makes them fracture easily during chopping and cow chewing, for maximum starch digestibility,” says Schwarz. Ultimately, the defining characteristics of Glenn’s corn hybrids are a small particle size, long rumen retention time, high energy starch, a versatile ration type adaptability, and an increased potential to produce milk content. With decades of knowledge under his belt, Glenn believes his corn hybrid will create several benefits for farmers. “The combination of features bring a long list of benefits to the dairy operator, starting with a lower seed cost because they plant 20 percent less seed. They tend to realize higher yields of higher quality milk,” Glenn explains. “There are a number of agronomic and ensiling benefits as well, ranging from added drought tolerance and increased fertilization security, to longer harvest windows and shorter requirements before feeding.” Schwarz also sees the inherent benefits this floury leafy corn silage hybrid offers. “The combination of smaller particle size, longer rumen retention, and high energy starch in the floury kernel allows for excellent ration adaptability, which then creates high quality milk, faster gains, and healthier animals,” says Schwarz.

“It also produces a high-yielding, easy-to-harvest silage product that will ensile faster. This is of particular advantage when feed supplies are tight and the new crop needs to be available quickly.” Schwarz believes there are very few disadvantages in choosing this particular hybrid; however, he does recognize some flaws. “The only potential disadvantage of choosing a silage-specific hybrid is that they make a very poor grain hybrid, they produce a lot of material and stover which will be a challenge to work in if used for grain production, and they have very poor kernel drydown. This will still allow these hybrids to be used for high moisture corn production, just not traditional grain corn,” Schwarz explains. Despite this fact, Schwarz believes choosing this specific hybrid is the best decision a dairy farmer could make. “Farmers want a high rate of gain, milk production, milk fat, healthy animals, and healthy calves. Floury leafy hybrids deliver that while at the same time offer agronomic benefits such as ease of harvest, wide harvest window, lower plant population, a resilient plant, and lower chopping costs,” says Schwarz. For Glenn, he believes his creation will make significant change in the farming industry. “No one is as vulnerable to a poor season as a dairy operator. No matter the season, they will have mouths to feed and they cannot easily or cheaply ship corn silage from a distance. They depend on the silage crop that they produce themselves on their own farm or on the farm of a nearby neighbour,”

26 Growing Soybeans

Glenn explains. “It is with this in mind that I have bred the highest quality, most resilient products possible. In our breeding nursery and in our replicated trials, these hybrids have to perform through tough environmental pressures or they don’t come to market. With a leafy, a dairy operator can choose to have a low cost, high-yielding, reliable product for their operation, and this is exactly what is needed.” Glenn’s passion for breeding has always been intentional, thoughtful, and specialized. He explains that he bred floury leafy corn silage hybrids specifically for the needs of farmers who raise cows. “Every aspect of the products’ characteristics and performance has been tailored to the silage growing, making, and feeding process,” says Glenn. “The end result is that farmers who plant these leafies at their recommended populations, max 30,000 ppa, will save money, have added crop security, and their herd should produce high quantities of high quality milk.” Ultimately, Glenn’s product combines the best of both worlds into the ultimate high performing silage specific corn hybrid. “I’ve designed these products to produce reliable, high quality feed even when the season is tough -- as it so often is. A dairy farmer needs high-yielding, high quality, reliable feed, and that’s always been my goal in my breeding program.” We’re very proud that all of NorthStar Genetics silage specific products contain floury and/or leafy characteristics,” Schwarz adds with excitement.

FIELD, MEET YIELD. WITH

NSC REDVERS

We know you need your seed to work as hard as you do. When you choose NorthStar Genetics’ NSC Redvers RR2X you get a strong plant with impressive stature that performs in a wide range of environments – and that means a better yield for you. Let NorthStar Genetics go to work on your farm. To meet our whole lineup visit northstargenetics.com

WE KNOW BEANS

©2018 NorthStar Genetics 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. These products have been approved for import into key export markets with functioning regulatory systems. Any crop or material produced from these products can only be exported to, or used, processed or sold in countries where all necessary regulatory approvals have been granted. 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 these products. Excellence Through Stewardship® is a registered trademark of Excellence Through Stewardship. *Please be sure to use the appropriate statement for your crop/treatment; Please visit www.monsantotraits.ca for statement details. ALWAYS READ AND FOLLOW PESTICIDE LABEL DIRECTIONS. Roundup Ready 2 Xtend® soybeans contain genes that confer tolerance to glyphosate and dicamba. Agricultural herbicides containing glyphosate will kill crops that are not tolerant to glyphosate, and those containing dicamba will kill crops that are not tolerant to dicamba. Contact your Monsanto dealer or call the Monsanto technical support line at 1-800-667-4944 for recommended Roundup Ready® Xtend Crop System weed control programs. Roundup Ready 2 Xtend® and Roundup Ready® are registered trademarks of Monsanto Technology LLC, Monsanto Canada Inc. licensee. ©2017 Monsanto Canada Inc.

Pest Identification and Scouting Calendar

Here’s what to look out for when you’re out scouting for pests.

CUTWORMS Conditions

Late planting or replanting Weedy growth Dry weather, crusted soil

WIREWORM Conditions

Planted early in cold conditions Fields with grassytype plants In wet areas of a field

Look For

Leaves with chewed holes in them Ragged leaf margins

Look For

Hard-bodied Shiny yellow to brown Young plants appear wilted

Prevention

Early diagnosis is key to minimizing cutworms and damage to crops Inspect seedlings for bare areas, holes in foliage, and wilting leaves

Prevention

Bait stations set up 2-3 weeks prior to planting

SEED CORN MAGGOT Conditions

Soil with decaying organic matter Past infestations Cool conditions that delay emergence

Look For

Fly has a greyishbrown body, can be mistaken as a common housefly

TWO-SPOTTED SPIDER MITE Conditions

Hot dry conditions

26 Growing Soybeans 28 Growing

Look For

Greenish yellow to orange to brown Pierced leaves

Prevention

Plant during warm soil temperatures for quick seed germination If putting organic matter on soil, wait a min. of 2 weeks before planting

Prevention

Natural predators, such as fungi and thrips Spray treatments

Application (P&K)

Potential 1st Fungicide Application

Field Prep/Fertilizer Application (P&K)

Potential 2nd Fungicide Application

In-Crop Weed Spraying

SOYBEAN GROWING

Variety Selection

Create Seeding Plan

Plant Stand Assessment

Flowering R1/R2

Emergence

APRIL

MAY

Vegetative

Seed Corn Maggot Seeding & Rolling Cutworms & Wireworms Field Prep/Fertilizer Application (P&K)

Seeding Plan

Pre-seed Burn Off

CALENDA

Soybean Harvest

Scouting

JUNE

JULY

Pod Fill/Seed Development Pod Development R3/R4

AUGUST

R5/R6

Maturity R7/R8

SEPTEMBER

Soybean Aphids & Twospotted Spidermites Green Cloverworm Potential 1st Fungicide Application Grasshoppers Potential 2nd In-Crop Weed Spraying Fungicide Application

NOVEMBER

Field Selection & Soil Test

Pest Scouting Calendar

Soybean Harvest

Variety Selection Create Seeding Plan

Plant Stand Assessment Phytophthora Root Rot Rhizoctonia Root Rot

Pod Fill/Seed Development Pod Development Vegetative Frogeye Leaf Spot & Septoria Brown Spot R3/R4 Fusarium Wilt

Flowering R1/R2

R5/R6 Maturity R7/R8

Bacterial Blight Soybean Aphids & Twospotted Spidermites Downy Mildew Cutworms & Wireworms Green Cloverworm Soybean Cyst Nematodes Grasshoppers White Mould & Stem Canker /Pod and Stem Blight

Phytophthora Root Rot Rhizoctonia Root Rot Fusarium Wilt Frogeye Leaf Spot & Septoria Brown Spot

Conditions Downy Mildew

Cyst DryNematodes weather Soybean

with high population Drought conditions

Conditions

Temperatures in the low to mid 20s

Look For

Yellow-bodied with black eyes Can have wings Causes shorter plant height More honeydew on leaves

GREEN CLOVER WORM Conditions

Thrive in leaf litter and crop debris

Issue 20 | 2019 19 | 2018

Insects Diseases

See page 26 information o insects and d

Look For

Young larvae feed on the entire plant Feed on the middle of the leaves Older larvae feed on the upper canopy

Soybean Ac

Growth Stag Insects Diseases

Prevention

Round or ragged holes in leaves White Mould & Stem Canker /Pod and Stem Blight Damage to soybean pods

SOYBEAN APHID

Growth Stag

LEGEND

Seedling Diseases

Bacterial Blight

Soybean Act

See page 16 for complete calendar

Seed Corn Maggot

GRASSHOPPER

DECEMBER

Field Prep/Fertilizer Application (P&K)

SeedlingScouting Diseases

Emergence

OCTOBER

LEGEND

Pre-seed Burn Off

Field Selection & Soil Test

See page 26 information o insects and d

There are a number of natural controls that kill grasshoppers Synthetic insecticides are recommended

Prevention

Spray insecticide before aphids reach 1,000 per plant Scout fields in July for aphids

Prevention

Fungal disease which favours warm temperatures with high humidity

29 27

Pest Identification and Scouting Calendar (cont.)

WHITE MOULD Conditions

Moist conditions Low temperatures (20ºC26ºC) High yield potential soybean crop with dense canopy

Look For

White, fluffy, cottony mycelial growth Wilted leaves Bleached and shredded looking stems Sclerotia (resembles mouse droppings)

BACTERIAL BLIGHT Conditions

Look For

Common on young Starts as small brown leaves spots that spread to the Cool, wet weather, and full leaf heavy rain Disease dissipates in hot dry weathe Spreads by wind and rain

SEPTORIA BROWN SPOT Conditions

Symptoms develop at 15-29ºC Warm, wet conditions

Look For

Infects lower canopy leaves; in a warm rainy season it infects the top Rusty-brown or yellow leaves fall in the early season

PHYTOPHTHORA ROOT ROT Conditions

Look For

Wet and warm soil Early season: stems conditions appear bruised and are soft, secondary roots Clay and compacted rotted soils Saturated soil early in the Mid-late season: brown lesions appear on the season roots, plants may die

FROGEYE LEAF SPOT Conditions

Frequent rain following onset can lead to an outbreak Warm and humid conditions

30 Growing Soybeans

Look For

Spots on upper surface of the leaf Lesions appear Infects leaf, stem, and pod centres on watersoaked spots

Prevention

Longer crop rotation

Prevention

Diverse crop rotations Plant resistant varieties

Prevention

Crop rotation of more than just soybeans

Prevention

Select soybeans with major gene resistance (Rps) Increase drainage in your field where possible

Prevention

Plant resistant soybean varieties

DOWNY MILDEW Conditions

Hot, dry conditions

Look For

Prevention

Greenish yellow to Natural predators, such orange to brown patches as fungi and thrips Pierce leaves and feed Spray treatments on plant juices

RHIZOCTONIA ROOT ROT Conditions

Warm soil temperatures Delayed emergence Soil types with high amounts of organic matter

FUSARIUM WILT Conditions

Cool temperatures Wet soil Early in the growing season Flooding

Look For

Prevention

Rusty-brown, dry sunken lesions on stems and roots near the soil line Decay of lateral roots may occur Affects seedlings and older plants

High quality seed Good agronomic practices Avoid/reduce plant stress from herbicide injury

Look For

Prevention

Showing cortical decay Ensure soil is well drained or vascular discolouration Minimizing soil Roots may appear brown compaction to black Fungicidal seed Lateral roots may die treatments are and decompose recommended

STEM CANKER/POD AND STEM BLIGHT Conditions

Dry weather with high population Drought conditions

Look For

Round or ragged holes in leaves Damage to soybean pods

SOYBEAN CYST NEMATODES Conditions

Look For

Wind, water, animals, • Lemon shaped cysts and farm machinery can • Stunted, yellow looking spread the disease plants with root damage • Symptoms are identified most accurately by below-ground analysis

Prevention

Spray insecticide before aphids reach 1,000 per plant Scout fields in July for aphids

Prevention

Plant resistant varieties Rotate crop with non-host plant Reduce other pests such as weeds, insects, and diseases

Issue 20 | 2019

Effective weed management is critical to maximizing yield. To ensure you’re utilizing the best strategy, look no further than the Advanced Weed Control program from BASF. It’s your best line of defense with both pre-seed and in-crop options for multiple crops, including soybeans and corn. Combining multiple modes of effective action, herbicide layering and residual action, the Advanced Weed Control program helps you achieve consistent, reliable performance and resistance management all season long. SOYBEANS & CORN: PRE-SEED Applying a pre-seed herbicide gives your crops a cleaner, weed-free start to set you up for success. Glyphosate-Tolerant Soybeans & Corn or

YOU HAVE OPTIONS. WEEDS DON’T.

Dicamba-Tolerant Soybeans & Corn:

SOYBEANS & CORN: IN-CROP Eliminate costly competition from weeds with a planned in-crop herbicide application.

SOMETHING ELSE TO PLAN ON: PEACE OF MIND. We’re so confident in the Advanced Weed Control program, we provide additional re-spray support for weed escapes – even resistant biotypes.

For more information visit agsolutions.ca/AdvancedWeedControl or call AgSolutions® Customer Care at 1-877-371-BASF (2273).

Marketing Your Soybeans: How to Avoid Seller’s Remorse | Geoff Geddes How do you get the best price for your soybeans? In an industry with no guarantees, there are some strategies to help maximize your returns. “Revenue is as much about price as it is about yield,” says Tyler Russell, Western Canadian Manager for NorthStar Genetics. “So in theory, this means you should spend half your time growing the crop and the other half marketing it, but I sense that farmers focus more on the growing side.” One grain marketing strategy is to look

Issue 20 | 2019

at the calendar and take advantage of periods where soybean futures markets tend to be higher. “April, May, and June are generally good times to hedge or forward sell a portion of your new crop,” says Russell. “Because total seeded acres and yield are unknown as seed is being put into the ground, there’s a risk premium in the futures market available for those who act in that period.” In July and August, industry starts getting a handle on how crops will

perform. More certainty often leads to lower risk which leads to lower prices. Prices tend to drop even further in the fall when there is even less guesswork around acres and yield, and more farmers are looking to sell and deliver their harvest grain. “I recommend selling some of your new crop production from April to June. Look at different contracting options such as flat price selling and averaging contracts that take the average of prices over a certain period. You can also select a minimum price contract that guarantees

a floor price while including the option to sell for more if prices rise.” A key concept in soybean marketing is the practice of separating pricing from delivery. Price the futures when the futures market tends to be the highest, deliver the physical product when movement options are more desirable. Often, these happen at different times.

Finding our fit “As Canada is a small player in the world soybean market, we need to fit into the global picture,” says Russell. “When do growers around the world harvest their soybeans? We do that in September or October, while a major player like the United States generally harvests in October. Brazil is the largest producer and begins around February or March. From Canada’s viewpoint, it’s important that we get our soybeans to market early. You may not get the best futures price in September, but it may be the best time to move them before the big boys from Brazil start selling.” While staying diversified in your crop rotations has obvious benefits in terms of disease management and yield, it’s also another risk management tool for grain marketing. “Sometimes the market is screaming for one commodity over another, so it’s tempting to change your focus accordingly in the subsequent growing season. The challenge is that once a farmer puts

34 Growing Soybeans

something in the ground, they are locked in. If the pendulum swings in favour of another crop because of issues somewhere in the world, they can’t take advantage. It can be hard to have a long-term view, but doing so could be a real asset in grain sales. Having a good balanced crop rotation is sound agronomically and for price risk management.” Though dealing with a lack of predictability is nothing new for soybean growers, it has become an even greater factor in the marketplace. “There’s always volatility in the market during the growing season,” says Jonathon Driedger, Senior Market Analyst with FarmLink Marketing Solutions in Winnipeg. “We experienced an extremely wet spring in the USA and Eastern Canada which lead to uncertainty of seeded acres and yield impact. From a global demand perspective, the impacts of U.S.–China trade war, massive culling of swine herds due to African swine fever and disputes between Canada and China remain major unknowns.”

Embracing the unknown “Of all Canadian crops, soybeans may have the widest range of potential price outcomes,” says Driedger. “Should things tip in a bullish

direction, it could be good news; whereas, a move the other way might cause downward pressure on prices. If there are some profitable prices out there, my advice would be to get some beans sold. Grain marketing is about locking in margins and managing risk. You might not always get the most attractive price, yet if it provides you some positive margin, you should be tempted to take it.” If uncertainty stresses you, there is reason for optimism. “The good news is that no one person or company is bigger than the market,” says Russell. “Tariffs or trade issues can have an impact in the short term, but in the long run, the market will go where it needs to based on supply and demand.” “Pay attention to seasonal trends. Use risk management tools. Lock in margin when you can. These steps will help with uncertainty and reduce stress….and allow you time to focus on growing high yielding soybeans.”

Out here, great yield starts with great weed control. That’s why I PUT THE SYSTEM TO WORK on my acres.

THIS IS MY FIELD.

IT’S THE SYSTEM THAT MAKES THE DIFFERENCE. XTEND YOUR WEED CONTROL + XTEND YOUR YIELD Get the system with proven yield performance built on Roundup Ready 2 Yield® technology and the only soybean trait that provides tolerance to dicamba and glyphosate. See your retailer or visit genuitytraits.ca

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. These products have been approved for import into key export markets with functioning regulatory systems. Any crop or material produced from these products can only be exported to, or used, processed or sold in countries where all necessary regulatory approvals have been granted. 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 these products. Excellence Through Stewardship® is a registered trademark of Excellence Through Stewardship. ALWAYS READ AND FOLLOW PESTICIDE LABEL DIRECTIONS. Roundup Ready 2 Xtend® soybeans contain genes that confer tolerance to glyphosate and dicamba. Agricultural herbicides containing glyphosate will kill crops that are not tolerant to glyphosate, and those containing dicamba will kill crops that are not tolerant to dicamba. Contact your Monsanto dealer or call the Monsanto technical support line at 1-800-667-4944 for recommended Roundup Ready® Xtend Crop System weed control programs. Roundup Ready 2 Xtend®, Roundup Ready®, Roundup Xtend® and VaporGrip® are registered trademarks of Monsanto Technology LLC, Monsanto Canada Inc. licensee. ©2018 Monsanto Canada Inc.

Dicamba and Glyphosate Pre-mix

FIELD, MEET YIELD. WITH

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Rain or shine, NorthStar Genetics’ NSC Sperling RR2Y plays to win. Delivering higher yield under a full range of weather and soil conditions, NSC Sperling has excellent yield performance. Add fast emergence, and you have a combo that’s hard to beat. To meet our whole lineup visit northstargenetics.com