As farmers across the Midwest prepare for planting it’s important to remember that seed is the baseline for yield. The right—or wrong choice—sets the tone for the season.
Be sure to consider the following to set yourself up for success.
- Maturity: Too short of maturity you might give up yield potential, while too long puts you at risk of damage from frost. As a rule of thumb, corn needs to reach blacklayer a minimum of two weeks before a killing frost and soybeans need to reach full maturity.
- Yield: Go field by field to set yield goals. Base this on the field’s historical yields and combine that information with seed company research to make sure you’re not cutting yourself short.
- Defend: Again, go field by field and review past issues to plan for potential yield-robbers. Consider agronomic or biotech traits that might be able to help defend your crops against weeds, diseases, insects or nematodes.
- Cover: Most corn seed comes pre-treated but there are often options to increase your defense. Carefully consider your risk and your seed treatment coverage as many farmers are again looking at a wet spring, and with it, greater risk for disease.
- Diversify: Don’t put all your eggs in one basket. Compare seeds to make sure you’re not planting the same hybrid or variety on too many acres, or too similar of genetics across a large number of acres.
Related links:
Get Off to the Right Start with Starter Fertilizer
Wet Weather Could Slow Planting, Increase Risk of Disease
How To Start the Conservation Discussion on Rented Ground
