Jonathan Perkins, location lead and PFR agronomist at our Effingham, IL site filmed this PFR Report from the field to provide some insight into the late-season SDS observations the SIL PFR team has made over the past few weeks. 

Every growing season is different, and quantifying those differences in determining their effect on our crop will enable us to adapt and overcome the constant challenges that we face as farmers. Beck’s PFR team has put an emphasis on scouting and gathering observations. This allows us to learn from the challenges we face throughout the growing season and how they correlate into the results we gather at harvest.

Limited paid time off, family commitments, and tight finances can sometimes get in the way of what God has called us to do – to serve and love others. And the Beck family understands that struggle.

Last year's soybean harvest was among the latest on record, resulting in fields harvested at higher than average moisture levels. Farmers may likely have experienced peace of mind as combines rolled, only to face the concern of storing and drying their wet soybeans. As a result, many farmers discovered for the first time that soybeans can be dried relatively easily using air alone or in combination with low temperature heat.

Some years, we look back and wish we could have planted all our crops within a specific window of time. Typically, that window is from mid- to late- April. According to Beck’s 17-year Indiana Practical Farm Research (PFR)® planting date data, you can gain anywhere from 4% to 28% more yield by planting in late April compared to May or June. On average, for a 175 Bu./A. corn crop, that could mean a 20 to 30 Bu./A. gain just by planting within that early window. What if you could plant 60% more acres per hour? What would that mean for your operation?

Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not of this world. If My kingdom were of this world, then My servants would be fi ghting so that I would not be handed over to the Jews; but as it is, My kingdom is not of this realm.” John 18:36

Soil is the miraculous biological, chemical, and physical medium that enables farmers, growers, and gardeners alike to plant, tend, and harvest a bounty of fruits and vegetables. For our purposes, soil is defi ned as the upper layer of earth that may be tilled and in which seeds germinate; emerge; take root; and ultimately grow to be plants (note: weeds are plants too). When the soil is fertile it is balanced with both water and air pore space; and the essential nutrients needed to support plant growth.

Primary methods of controlling soybean threats in fi elds used to be fairly straight forward. Start with the most resistant variety available, and then apply your fungicides and insecticides in a timely manner. Rotating with corn or other non-host crops was always an added management practice many farmers considered. However, there is a trifecta of threats to soybean crops that are increasing in severity and causing drastic economic losses in fields throughout the Midwest.

The new and improved Seed Selection Tool in FARMserver® is one more way that Beck’s continues to help farmers succeed. Relaunched just in time for the 2020 seed purchasing season, this upgraded tool now comes with several new features for all operations, whether they have data uploaded or not.

Are you ready for one of the most unique events in the agricultural industry? You’re invited to join over 11,000 farmers from across the Midwest at Becknology™ Days to learn about leading agricultural practices, the latest crop production and management tools, as well as advancements in corn and soybean genetics.