The ever-popular PFR Book that many of you know and utilize on your operation is not the only publication the Practical Farm Research (PFR)® team at Beck’s develops. We also publish a PFR Wheat Book each year!

Charcoal rot is a fairly common disease in dry portions of the U.S. where soybeans are grown. Most years, it's easy to find charcoal rot in areas of Missouri and Kansas; however, the disease is typically challenging to find in geographies further to the east and north.

"Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brothers to dwell together in unity!" (Psalm 133:1)

"The glory which You have given Me I have given to them, that they may be one, just as We are one; I in them and You in Me, that they may be perfected in unity, so that the world may know that You sent Me, and loved them, even as You have loved Me." (John 17:22-23)

German chemist Justus von Liebig is often credited with ushering in the modern era of soil chemistry and plant nutrition. In the mid-1800s, von Liebigs’ research and discovery led to the development of the first nitrogenbased commercial fertilizer. Since then, soil scientists and agriculturalists around the world have endeavored to understand and manage the use of these fertilizers in corn production. Managing nitrogen (N) for corn production is a difficult task due to the complexities of the nutrient and the hundreds, if not thousands, of factors that influence N in the soil and plants.

For many of the most frequently applied nutrients, broadcast applications on the soil surface are often the most common method of application. However, in some areas, deep banding of fertilizer is gaining popularity. The placement of deep banded fertilizer is 5 to 8 in. below the soil surface in a highly concentrated band. Often, producers will utilize GPS guidance to plant directly over these highly concentrated bands of nutrients.

If you give a man a fish, you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish, and you feed him for a lifetime. That’s how the proverb goes. And while the age-old adage has been claimed by many cultures over the years, it’s not really who said it that matters but rather, what was said.

For Kenton and Autumn Hofer from Bridgewater, South Dakota, it’s a belief they stand behind and commit themselves to fulfilling.

Location leads from three of Beck’s six Practical Farm Research (PFR)® sites are eager to share their answers on common questions stemming from the 2020 growing season. Location Lead Caleb Shoemaker provides insight on what’s happening at the Colfax, Iowa, site along with Clayton Stuffl ebeam from the Central Illinois (El Paso) site and Brady Rogers from our Indiana PFR site.

The soil's ability to cycle essential crop nutrients is undervalued in agriculture today. Considering that a large percentage of our crop budgets revolve around fertility, we need fi rst to understand how to utilize the nutrients already contained in the soil, and the previous year's crop residues. Microbes can help with this. One of the critical components to achieving a proper cycling soil is its microbial population. Fortunately, many factors contributing to a healthy soil's microbial population are controllable.

“Know therefore today, and take it to your heart, that the Lord, He is God in heaven above and on the earth below; there is no other.” Deuteronomy 4:39

Location Leads from three of the six Beck’s Practical Farm Research (PFR)® sites are eager to share their answers on common questions from the 2020 growing season. Jonathan Perkins, Southern Illinois (SIL) Location Lead, will provide insights on what’s happening at the Effingham, Illinois, site, Jared Chester from the London, Ohio, PFR facility, and Brandon Somers from the Henderson, Kentucky, location.