25
May
2017
Winston Churchill once said, “those that fail to learn from history are doomed to repeat it.” History is for self-knowledge…after all. The only clues to the future that are offered to us are our past experiences. The value of history is that it teaches us how to improve based on our past. This lesson has never felt more applicable than it does this year.
Categories: PFR, PFR Reports
Tags: Beck's Blog, Beck's Agronomy, PFR Report, Jim Schwartz, Denitrification, Leaching, Nitrogen Application
11
With all the rain we have been experiencing throughout the Midwest, the number one thing on most farmer’s minds is replant or delayed planting decisions. Looking ahead to the rest of the season however, one important consideration is how much nitrogen (N) is available to our corn crop.
Tags: Beck's Blog, corn planting, Beck's Agronomy, Nitrogen, Yield, PFR Report, Replant, Jim Schwartz, Denitrification, Leaching, Volatilization
28
Apr
It’s a tale as old as time. April rolls around, the sun comes out, and farmers across the Midwest hit the field. Spirits are high, corn is planted, and then…it happens. Hail. Near-freezing temperatures. Dropping soil temperatures.
Tags: Beck's Blog, corn, Beck's Agronomy, PFR Report, Replant, ROI, Jim Schwartz
Let’s play a game. It’s called two truths and a lie. We’ll tell you three facts, two are true and one of them is not. Your goal is to determine which is false. Ready? Go.
Tags: Beck's Blog, corn, Beck's Agronomy, Nitrogen, PFR Report, Jim Schwartz, Midwest, Population Size
22
Tags: Beck's Blog, corn, Beck's Agronomy, Emergence, PFR Report, Jim Schwartz, Depth, Yields
21
Planting has commenced and the corn markets are still down. That being said, many farmers are looking for ways to increase their corn yields without hurting their bottom line. One solution many have turned to is the use of a soil amendment product. Such products have shown to help corn crops develop deeper, strong root systems throughout the growing season and higher yields at harvest.
Tags: Beck's Blog, corn, Beck's Agronomy, PFR Report, Jim Schwartz, Yields, Wex, Soil Amendment, Conklin
17
The first step in maximizing yield potential is to establish a uniform, fast growing, and vigorous stand of corn with a strong nodal root system free from disease and/or insect pressure. The second is to jump start the growth of your crop. While stand establishment and early growth are key to high yields, they have become more difficult for farmers to achieve as we continue to plant earlier into cooler soils, especially in no-till fields.
Tags: Beck's Blog, corn, Beck's Agronomy, PFR Report, Jim Schwartz, MycoGold, Amplify-D, Planter Box
7
Applying a starter on soybeans is not something that most agronomists have typically recommended in the past. That’s because soybeans compensate for stand loss extremely well and make their own nitrogen, so why would a starter product pay?
Tags: Beck's Blog, soybeans, Kentucky, Beck's Agronomy, PFR Report, Jim Schwartz, Starter Additives, Central Illinois
5
Tags: Beck's Blog, soybeans, Beck's Agronomy, PFR Report, Jim Schwartz, Fertilizers
14
Mar
Once upon a time, there was a little girl named Goldilocks. She went for a walk in the forest and pretty soon, she came upon a house. She knocked and, when no one answered, she walked right in. Why on earth a little girl was wandering alone in a forest, and breaking into a stranger’s home is anyone’s guess…but everyone knows what happens next. She tried some porridge, sat in some chairs, and then proceeded to lay down in these stranger’s beds until she found one that was “just right.”
Tags: Beck's Blog, corn, corn planting, Beck's Agronomy, Yield, PFR Report, Jim Schwartz
8
Emotions play a huge role in our lives and drive everything we do. They can impact our moods and drive our decision making. Our emotions can cause us to buy certain brands and leave others. That’s just the way it works.
Tags: Beck's Blog, Practical Farm Research, Beck's Agronomy, PFR, ESCALATE, PFR Proven, Jim Schwartz, Capture LFR
3
Last week the Daytona 500 officially marked the beginning of NASCAR season. This iconic race is not only the biggest race of the season, but it is also super important for multiple reasons. The first, obvious bragging rights and a confetti shower for the crowned champion. Second is that the Daytona 500 sets the stage for the rest of the season. It’s important for the drivers to get off to a good start, not only when that green flag waves in Daytona, but also for the remainder of the season as they sprint towards that coveted cup.
Tags: Beck's Blog, Practical Farm Research, Beck's Agronomy, Kentucky PFR, Fungicide, PFR, Insecticide, in-furrow
1
Much of the Midwest has experienced an extremely mild winter this year. While that is great for early planting preparations, mild winters also mean that there is an increased opportunity for soil-borne insects to thrive. One proactive solution to combat these pesky pests is the use of an in-furrow insecticide.
Tags: Beck's Blog, Practical Farm Research, Beck's Agronomy, Fungicide, PFR, Insecticide, Capture VGR
Feb
Tags: Beck's Blog, soybeans, Practical Farm Research, Beck's Agronomy, PFR, Jim Schwartz, Populations
23
Tags: Beck's Blog, soybeans, Practical Farm Research, Beck's Agronomy, Fungicide, PFR, Jim Schwartz, in-furrow
As farmers prepare for a new planting season, they seek new ways to improve seedling growth to maximize their yield potential. In-furrow technologies such as starter fertilizers, micronutrients, seed treatments, and fungicide and insecticide applications are one way to nourish seedlings at their most vulnerable state. And because these in-furrow technologies provide crops with nutrients and protection during those early growth stages, farmers can plant earlier knowing their crop is set up for season-long success.
Tags: Beck's Blog, Beck's Agronomy, Kentucky PFR, PFR, Jim Schwartz, Additives, Indiana PFR
26
Jan
Planting season is sneaking up on us and we will be in the field before we know it. While farmers across the Midwest are excited to get their planters fired up, low commodity prices leave many searching for ways to cut costs while still increasing yields.
Tags: Beck's Blog, Practical Farm Research, Agronomy, Beck's Agronomy, indiana agronomy, Iowa Agronomy, Ohio Agronomy, Kentucky Agronomy, PFR. PFR Report, Products, Jim Schwart
2014
“What we measure tends to improve.” Francis Beck regarded that quote as one of his favorites. I am not sure who originally said this, or if this is even the original way in which it was stated. But what I have learned over my career here at Beck’s, and especially the last year or two, is that this is definitely a sentiment that I believe in.
Categories: Beck's Research, Looking Past the Numbers
Tags: Beck's Blog, Beck's Hybrids Facebook, beck’s hybrids, farming, Beck's Hybrids, corn harvest, Doug Clouser, Beck's Hybrids Research Department, Beck's Hybrids Research, Beck family, Beck's seed corn, Beck's Hybrids History, Beck 300 Challenge, Beck's corn hybrids, Beck's Hybrids Seed Corn, Beck's Hybrids soybeans, Beck's Facebook, Beck's Agronomy, Francis Beck, motivational quotes