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    The Right Resources

    The latest insights and information to help you plan, plant, protect, and harvest bigger yields.

    Backing the Bushels: Purple Fields

    April 26, 2024

    If your field has turned purple in the last couple of weeks, controlling weeds isn’t all that should be on your mind. Soybean cyst nematodes reproduce as well on purple deadnettle and henbit as they do on soybeans! This pest can be managed with the use of ILeVO seed treatment on your Pioneer soybeans. If you haven’t tried ILeVO before, ask me about our satisfaction guaranteed program. The Crop Protection Network conducted a study showing the use of PPO herbicides with ILeVO treated soybeans did not result in yield or stand loss. When comparing ILeVO to other treatments on the market like Saltro, ILeVO carries a 1+ bushel advantage in 46 head to head trials.

    For more information on the previously mentioned studies and a five minute video with a local perspective, checkout these links:

    Video: Purple Fields and Soybean Cyst Nematode Management

    Crop Protect Network: Using ILEVO with Preemergence Herbicides

    ILEVO HL Seed Treatment Sell Sheet

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    Backing the Bushels: Week 17 Progress Update

    April 26, 2024

    They say April showers bring May Flowers, but did you ever stop to think what May Flowers bring? Well obviously, the answer is Pilgrims. Sorry if that joke is a bit corny, 🌽 but we thought you could maybe use a little hummer with this soggy 🌧 April we are experiencing this week. Don’t let the recent rain get you down on planting progress 🚜.

    We are currently in week 17 of the year and have a wide window to plant corn and soybeans yet and reach 100% yield potential. Looking back at planting progress going all the way back to 2009, week 18 of the year which is April 29th – May 5th in 2024 and week 19 which is May 6th – May 12th are two big weeks for planting in Illinois historically. Indiana’s big planting push historically is in Week 19 and 20. 

    Planting in April does not always result in above trendline yields. You may recall how timely we planted the 2012 corn crop when the majority of corn acres in Illinois and Indiana were planted in April. Drought that season was brutal! On the other end of the spectrum no one will forget the challenging wet and late 2019 season when a majority of the corn was planted in June. Where are we going with this? Three thoughts:

    1. We have a wide window for planting both corn and soybeans.
    2. Today’s equipment size and technology allow us to plant farms quickly.
    3. It is early in the planting season yet and temperatures will be rising which will push crops out of the ground quickly. 

    Two final key take home points: First, when a planting window opens don’t rush back in. MAKE SURE FIELDS ARE FIT TO PLANT! It can be difficult to wait, but the damage done by pushing planting when conditions are not fit can cost much more than waiting an extra day or two. Second, don’t sacrifice safety by cutting corners and rushing to get fields planted. BE SAFE!

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    How Deep Should I Plant My Corn?

    April 26, 2024

    Most agronomists will tell you they have seen corn that was obviously planted too shallow resulting in agronomic issues and reduced yields. It is extremely rare that we find corn planted too deep. Planting corn around 2 inches deep is likely to provide the best odds of success in most environments in the Corn Belt.

    Why plant 2 inches deep?

    • More consistent soil moisture
    • More consistent soil temperature
    • Better placement of nodal roots
    • Better seed-to-soil contact
    • Less risk of herbicide stress/injury 

    Research has shown that planting corn at least 2 inches deep can improve uniformity of emergence by placing seeds into a more consistent seedbed and improving seed-to-soil contact. Corn planted less than 1.5 inches deep is susceptible to less-uniform emergence and poor nodal root development which may lead to “rootless corn syndrome,” especially if soils dry out early in the season. Delays in corn emergence that contribute to within-row plant-to-plant variability can result in average yield losses in the 5-9% range. As you move from field to field be sure to set planting depth for varying soil types and conditions.

    For more information check out this Pioneer corn planting depth video:

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