When appropriately timed, fungicide applications in soybeans provide one of the most consistent returns of all the things tested through Beck’s Practical Farm Research (PFR)®, even in the absence of significant foliar disease pressure. Beck’s 4-year, multi-location research suggests that the optimal timing is the R3 reproductive stage, which is identified by having a 3/16 in. pod at one of the uppermost four nodes.

Problematic, resistant weeds are constantly evolving ­— and staying one step ahead of them can be difficult. As new technologies become available, the options for farmers increase, but many are left wondering how to maximize the technologies. The herbicide specialists at Beck's create numerous resources, like the Soybean Herbicide Programs guide, to help farmers make informed decisions regarding their weed management.

ATLANTA, INDIANA – Beck's, the largest family-owned retail seed company in the United States, hosted their second annual 5K on June 5, at their headquarters in Atlanta, Ind. Beck’s 5K promotes health and wellness among Beck’s employees and their families, customers, seed dealers, and the community.

Should I replant or keep my current soybean stand? Should I spot-in more soybeans?

A key factor in yield is pollination success. Across the Cornbelt, field corn enters the critical period of pollination from late June through the end of July. A corn plant is monoecious, which means it contains both male and female flowers on the same plant. The female flower is called the ear and contains the ovules and silks. The male flower is called the tassel and sheds pollen. Many understand the female flower and its importance in yield, but let’s dive deeper into the male flower.

It’s hard to believe that we’re already talking about late-season applications. It seems like no matter how much we prepare, it’s mid-season before we even get the planters empty. As we transition from the planting and early-season mindset, I’d like to challenge you to try one new thing on your farming operation this year.

Therefore, if there is any encouragement in Christ, if there is any consolation of love, if there is any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and compassion, make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose. (Philippians 2:1-2, NASB)

If you give a man a fish, you feed him for a day. If you teach a man to fish, you feed him for a lifetime.

I used the same proverb to introduce my December 2020 CropTalk feature article – If You Give a Man a Fish. In it, I detailed the selfless work of Kenton and Autumn Hofer from Bridgewater, South Dakota, and their tireless efforts with Growing Hope Globally. Growing Hope is an agricultural-based organization dedicated to providing training on sustainable agriculture, nutrition, hygiene and sanitation, access to water, seeds, and land to people in need around the world.

Planting is underway for the 2021 growing season! Moving on from the early-season PFR Proven™ products and practices discussed last month, what are the next steps to implement on your farms? The following PFR Proven™ strategies will help to protect your corn and soybean yields in the field as the growing season progresses.

At Beck’s, I’m surrounded by people who strive each day to serve you as your trusted advisor, no matter your operation practices.