Agronomy

By: Bill Parchert, Agronomy Resource Manager

All of us engaged in agriculture spend a fair amount of time dealing in hope. We all hope that we have the perfect spring that allows us to complete our fieldwork that didn’t get done last fall. We all hope that we have perfect spring weather so we can apply our nitrogen well before planting season and then hope for great yields. While hope may spring eternal, developing a plan may be more important this spring than ever before. More

By: Lucas Gillmore, Seed Manager

In 1996, Monsanto introduced Roundup Ready soybeans which completely revolutionized farming practices. In just 3 years, 85% of soybeans grown nationally were Roundup Ready. Glyphosate was the silver bullet that a farmer could count on. But all good things often come to an end. Once glyphosate resistance emerged, it brought yield loss, multiple spray trips, and weedy fields. As weed resistance has grown, specifically in soybeans, farmers have faced more and more difficult weeds to control. We have had several new herbicide traits and stacks introduced into the market, and there will continue to be more added in the next few years. Plus, there are still more in the regulatory approval process. But, these new traits will be making beans tolerant to existing herbicides. While research is underway to find a new mode of action, there is nothing currently in the government approval process. Since this can take over a decade, we must make the best of what we have available today. As you plan next year’s weed management strategy, know the very first decision needs to be seed trait selection. More