2016 BRANDT Plot Book

2016 RESULTS

BRANDT Research & Development Farms ®

2016 ILLINOIS PERCENT OF NORMAL RAIN APRIL

MAY

Springfield

Springfield

JUNE

JULY

2016 Rainfall Percent of Normal 300% to 400% 200% to 300% 150% to 200%

Springfield

125% to 150% 110% to 125%

Springfield

100% to 110% 90% to 100% 75% to 90% 50% to 75% 25% to 50% 10% to 25%

AUGUST

SEPTEMBER

Springfield

Precipitation data from NWS AHPS http://water.weather.gov/precip

Springfield

BRANDT Professional Agriculture is proud to present the 2016 trial results from Pleasant Plains, IL and Lexington, IL

Contents

Research Farms.

Both locations focus on products and practices that can be

BRANDT Total Acre Corn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

implemented into everyday farming operations. Advances in

Crop Rotation Trials . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

agriculture move at a rapid pace and it is our job to test and

Nitrogen Study . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

understand these technologies to better your operations and ultimately your profitability. It is important to produce local data, under the same conditions our customers face, to assist in making informed decisions. We have two of the largest and most dynamic research farms in Illinois. Our goal is to stay ahead of agriculture trends so that you are never behind.

We continue to produce best agronomic practices while being

Cover Crops . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Starter Performance Trials . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Strobilurin Fungicide on Corn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Population Studies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 BRANDT Foliar Nutrients . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

mindful of environmental impact by implementing 4R Nutri-

Evolution of Best Management Practices . . . . . . . . . . . 20

ent Stewardship Certification by our employees and locations

BRANDT Total Acre Soybeans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

(learn more at www.keepit4rcrop.org). Also, our employees and facilities stay current with the latest best management

Variety Performance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

practices with guidelines and certification process organized by

Strobilurin Fungicide on Soybeans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

ResponsibleAg (learn more at www.respsonsibleag.com).

Please enjoy our 2016 results and discuss with your BRANDT representative ways we can work together to improve yields and profitability on your farm.

Ed Corrigan, Technical Agronomist Dan Froelich, Technical Agronomist Kyle McClelland, Technical Agronomist

Soybean Seed Treatment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Foliar Applications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 2016 Trial Parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 2016 Grower Observations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

WEATHER: We experienced a little bit of everything throughout the market area, but for the most part the season climate factors were good to us. We saw periods of little rainfall early on, which led to some plant stress. Adequate moisture at pollination and grain fill helped to save this years crop. Fall conditions for harvest and fall nutrition and field work made for a successful fall.

Three consecutive years of above average yields have left the soils “tight� as some of you may have experienced during fall tillage or ammonia applications with tractors pulling hard. This could play a major role in 2017 depending on the freeze/thaw throughout the winter months.

3

BRANDT RESEARCH FARMS 200 TRIALS 30” Corn Cover Crops Strip Till vs Conventional Till 4 Hybrid Groups NH3 Fall/Spring, Broadcast 28% Sidedress, Starter Mixes 42,000 Population 10th and 12th Year Corn

PLEASANT PLAINS

9

10

1

11

2

Plant Stimulant Trials

12

3

20” vs 30” CROPLAN® Hybrid Performance Corn on Corn

4

30” DEKALB® Hybrid Performance Trials

N Rate Cover Crops Demo

2

1

Tillage, Insecticide & High Yield Corn Hybrid Population, Row Width & Fungicide

Nitrogen Trials

LEXING TO N Soybean Seed Treatments Stress Mitigation, High Yield Soybeans

4

Corn Pipeline 3

4

Soybean Pipeline

Cover Crop

30” Corn Stimulant @ V5 Trials Fungicide @ VT Strip Till

13

20” vs 30” Hybrid Trials 33, 36, 39, 42, 45, 48 vs Fungicide

30” Soybean Seed Treatment Tillage Sulfur QuickRoots® Trials

14

5

15

6

20” vs 30” CROPLAN® Performance Trials 1 yr corn

30” Soybean Tillage Cover Crops Response Starter Hormones

16

7

30” DEKALB® Hybrid Performance Trials 1 yr corn Strip Till 34, 38, 42

There were some definite highlights this year at the BRANDT Research Farms. As with any research, we get excited about outcomes that we expected to happen, but even more so at the unexpected and determining why. We take pride in producing local data under the same conditions as all of you. 2016 brought battles with weed resistance, insect and disease pressure as well as other environmental stresses.

We can’t talk about a growing season without Mother Nature. In 2016, she threw a little bit of everything at us — from talks of drought to extended periods of heat, but overall she was pretty good to us. Conditions did favor outbreaks of pests in the forms of weeds, insects and fungi, but with proper management none were a significant detriment to yield.

Pipeline

8

ASGROW® Extend Soybean Variety Trials Roundup Ready 2 XTend®

20” vs 30” Soybean Trials Insecticide @ R1

We continue to fine tune production agriculture with the understanding of maximizing yield and ROI, increasing soil health and being stewards of the environment. Our employees and locations are taking a leadership role in ResponsibleAg and Nutrient Stewardship.

We are pleased to share with you the results from our Pleasant Plains, IL and Lexington, IL Research Farms. For economic analysis and return/acre we used the 2016 fall crop insurance price of $3.49 for corn and $9.75 for soybeans.

5

BRANDT TOTAL ACRE CORN ®

®

BRANDT Total Acre is an omission style trial system that is focused on exposing the differences between hybrid phenotypes. The “omission design” is based on providing all the treatments and then removing one to see what value each practice has on yield of that phenotype. This creates an environment where the yield responses are reflective of the total high management system rather than a limited response due to a lack of some or all the parts of the system.

BRANDT Omission Design Standard Treatment n

15-50-150 suspension fall with Brash® herbicide

n

Fall NH3 – 150 units

n

Band @ plant 25-0-0-9S (2x0)

n

2.5 gal/ac in furrow starter

n

42,000 population

n

QuickRoots® seed treatment

n

Conventional till in fall, salford in spring

n

Plant on ammonia line

n

Pre-emerge at plant with water

n

32 oz glyphosate, BRANDT Smart Trio®, BRANDT Smart B™

n

Fungicide at VT plus BRANDT Smart B

Corn Yield Planting Date Trial DKC 63-72 Pleasant Plains 252.3

238.2

229.2

BU/AC

188.7 155.0

April 13

April 25

May 6

May 19

May 31

It is well documented that early planting favors higher yields like we saw in 2016. This is the case more often than not, but there are factors that could change this outcome.

Here are some things to remember: n It is important to monitor soil temperatures and long-term forecast n

Typically, yield potential declines significantly after May 1

n

Avoid “mudding in” early, planting late is the better decision

n

Mineralization was high in 2016

6

ROI calculated using $3.49 bu corn

PLEASANT PLAINS TOTAL ACRE POLE POSITIONS

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

6 YR AVG

6 YR ROI

1. Planting Date

n/a

67.6

99.6

94.2

41.8

45.3

69.7

$$$

2. Hybrid Variance

56.2

16.3

47.8

36.1

35.7

31.2

37.2

$$$

3. Nitrogen Rate

18.3

39.3

18.1

11.5

47.1

12.4

24.5

$$$

4. Strobilurin Response

14.1

51.7

13.4

14.3

21.2

27.2

23.7

2.7

5. Population Rate

13.9

3.7

32.5

27.3

40.4

12.3

21.7

1.7

6. BRANDT Smart Trio

15.9

22.0

22.1

34.1

17.5

15.8

21.2

18.5

7. Tillage System

n/a

n/a

n/a

19.7

15.0

19.5

18.1

3.5

8. P&K Rate

27.4

23.3

10.7

16.7

10.1

14.1

17.1

1.0

9. Nitrogen Timing

n/a

n/a

23.0

20.5

7.6

16.3

16.9

$$$

10. Banding Nitrogen

n/a

n/a

13.0

15.4

22.9

11.9

15.8

$$$

11. Soil Insecticide

20.6

12.3

8.1

11.5

n/a

n/a

13.1

2.2

12. Starter (28% Sulfur at Plant) 13. Zinc (1 qt/ac) 14. BRANDT Smart B at Tassel

4.5

4.0

11.1

13.6

13.6

13.4

10.0

2.3

10.9

8.1

4.6

20.7

5.0

1.2

8.4

4.7

7.0

4.0

n/a

9.3

5.9

6.8

6.6

5.8

BRANDT Total Acre Management Vs Traditional Management

260.7

249.0

244.9

248.3 DKC 62-77 Traditional

DKC 63-71 BRANDT Total Acre

DKC 63-71 Traditional

DKC 64-87 BRANDT Total Acre

The BRANDT Total Acre management system is designed to manage every variable within a field to maximize that field’s potential. Matching genetics, nutrition and crop protection to soil type and management practices, such as tillage, will insure the highest possible yield is extracted from each field on your farm.

The chart above illustrates yield in the same field/same genetics using two different management styles: BRANDT Total Acre management vs traditional management.

13.6 BU/AC

254.0

258.6 DKC 62-77 BRANDT Total Acre

YIELD INCREASE

262.6

268.5

Lexington

BU/AC

75 70 65 60 55 50 45 40 35 30

BRANDT TOTAL ACRE CORN ON CORN TRIAL EVIDENCE

DKC 64-87 Traditional

Average BRANDT Total Acre

Average Traditional

Examples of BRANDT Total Acre Management: n

Matching nutrition to genetics and soil types

n

Foliar fungicide/insecticide with BRANDT foliar nutritionals

n

Use of sulfur and starter fertilizers

n

Banding nutrition vs broadcast

n

Balanced nutrition system

7

CROP ROTATION TRIALS There are several influencing factors to rotating crops: Specifically, break disease/pest cycles, market prices, increase soil health and increasing productivity. Current market conditions and surveys report that we’ll likely have an increase in soybean acres throughout the cornbelt region. This market driven change may be as good economically as it is agronomically. Soils are currently “tight” making nutrient availability more difficult. Rotating to soybeans in 2017 could provide our soils some much needed relief while using our best practices to produce a successful ROI soybean crop.

50

Crop Rotation - 10 Year Historical

00

$

1st year corn

$

Corn on corn

$1400 $1200

50

$800

00

$600

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

Pleasant Plains We have 10 years of crop rotation data averages at our Pleasant Plains farm.

Important observations: n

1st year corn out yields multi-year corn

n

Increasing yield increases gross revenue

4 consecutive years of good to excellent yields will start to significantly impact soil/plant health if not managed properly n

2012 drought has led to 4 years of loose soils and high mineralization

n

8

2012

2013

2014

2015

257.2

267.1

209.8

243.4

286.8

307.1

250.5

256.8

130

140.3

146

222.3

152.7

256.3

241

261.8

260.6

267.2

250.6

00

BU/AC

50

253.6

$400

2016

$200 $0

GROSS $/AC

$1000

CROP ROTATION TRIAL EVIDENCE

280.9 262.9

8 P

10

z2

09 P EX

27 79 N LA

240.1

242.0

246.9 10 N

61 CR OP

90 CR OP

LA

N

52

95 LA

N

48 CR OP

LA

EX

261.9

261.8 BU/AC N CR OP

LA CR OP

EX

Pleasant Plains Overall, yields in 2016 were good. Some hybrids handled the stress better through the drought period of 2016 and those ended up being the highest yielding.

BU/AC

244.7

With QuickRoots

65

z2 10

EX

QuickRoots® Trial

Without QuickRoots

94

8

241.9

245.7 09 P

27

N

79

10

LA

N

61

CR OP

90 LA CR OP

LA

N

52

95 48 N

LA

CR OP

94

BU/AC 65 N CR OP

LA CR OP

Continuous Corn

243.9

251.0

257.2

257.7

1st Year Corn

P

290 280 270 260 250 240 230 220 210

285.2

CROPLAN® Hybrid and Crop Rotation

254.0

n

Match hybrids to management

n

Diversify hybrids across fields/farms

n

Understand historical characteristics of your fields

63-72, 20 inch rows, corn on corn

Without QuickRoots

With QuickRoots

253.7

265.6

63-72, 20 inch rows, 1st year corn

Pleasant Plains Improved nutrient uptake, including nitrogen, phosphate and potassium n

n

Enhanced nutrient capability which supports root and shoot growth

The talc-based dry planter box formulation uniformly coats seeds n

A wettable powder formulation makes application more convenient n

9

NITROGEN STUDY

Broadcast

Band

Broadcast

Band

Broadcast

Band

Broadcast

Band

Broadcast

Band

Band

171.2

195.5

216.0

193.1

224.4

204.0

202.6

215.3

220.1

226.0

203.1

213.8

214.8

222.1

BU/AC

0

224.2

227.5

0

253.0

0

233.2

Broadcast Spring 28%

224.8

Banded Spring 28%

236.7

Spring NH3 with Broadcast Spring 28%

239.9

Fall NH3 with Broadcast Spring 28%

250.2

Spring NH3 with Banded Spring 28%

247.0

Fall NH3 with Banded Spring 28%

234.8

Nitrogen Timing & Tillage Systems

0

0

Broadcast

25-0-0-8S Band vs Broadcast at plant

0

0

Conventional Till/No Fungicide

10

Conventional Till/Fungicide

Strip Till/Fungicide

Strip Till/Cover Crop/Fungicide

NITROGEN TRIAL EVIDENCE

50 0

BU/AC

00

0

200.0

Nitrogen Rate Trial Block 4 Pleasant Plains Economics, the environment and yield are the important factors in N rate selection.

112.9

50

216.8

188.2

00

219.4

50

Considerations for determining proper N rate: Only apply as much as the crop needs — Maximum Return to Nitrogen (MRTN)

n

100

200

250

300

n

Utilize multiple timings to achieve most efficient N

n

Use data collection to keep historical records

n

Consider variable rate technology (VRT)

Fall Applied NH3 - 4 Row Trials

Starter at Plant 0

100 200 250

0

100

200

100

0

200

100

0

300 250 200 100

UNITS OF TOTAL NITROGEN

11

NITROGEN TRIAL EVIDENCE

285.000000 280.416667 275.833333 271.250000 266.666667 262.083333 257.500000 252.916667 248.333333 243.750000 239.166667 234.583333 230.000000 BU/AC

4R Nitrogen Management Lexington Results from our 2016 nitrogen 4R management trails were very similar to 2015. This is the likely outcome for several reasons: n

266.7 100% NH3 @ V5

260.3 100% Y DropÂŽ 28% @ V5

262.9

Fall NH3 had the time and conditions to convert to usable N

n Providing nutrition at the proper placement where the plant can easily get it

Cover crops are a good source to uptake remaining post-season nutrition and hold it for upcoming season n

4R nutrient management has been key to achieving high yields while lessening the environmental impact in our watersheds, lakes and rivers.

100% Y DropÂŽ 28% @ V10

265.1 100% NH3 @ V5

249.3 100% Y Drop 28% @ V5

265.5 25% Spring NH3 75% Sidedress NH3

252.2 75% Spring NH3 25% Sidedress NH3

260.8 50% Fall NH3, 25% Spring NH3, 25% Sidedress NH3

265.5 50% Fall NH3, 50% Sidedress NH3

273.9 50% Fall NH3, 50% Spring NH3

273.7 100% Sidedress 28% @ V5

269.3 100% Sidedress NH3 @ V5

274.6 100% Spring Broadcast 28%

248.9 100% Spring NH3

278.6 100% Fall NH3 12

COVER CROPS Allelopathy refers to the beneficial or harmful effects of one plant on another plant, both crop and weed species, from the release of biochemicals, known as allelochemicals, from plant parts by leaching, root exudation, volatilization, residue decomposition, and other processes in both natural and agricultural systems.

Cover crops are one of the practices recommended by the Illinois Nutrient Loss Reduction Strategy to improve water quality at home and downstream by reducing nitrogen and phosphorus levels in our lakes, streams, and rivers. Many different types of plants fall under the cover crop umbrella such as ryegrass, brassicas, legumes, sudan, winter peas, etc.

When it came time to pick a winter cover crop for our trial system at Pleasant Plains, we turned to the most widely used cover crop in our area – cereal rye. Cereal rye can be seeded later in fall than other cover crops and still provide considerable dry matter, an extensive soil-holding root system, significant reduction of nitrate leaching and exceptional weed suppression. A good stand is critical for a successful cover crop, making cereal rye an easy choice for local producers.

Recommendations for Corn Going to Soybeans: In 2016, we saw a positive yield response in trials where cereal rye was used as the cover crop prior to soybean planting. Cereal rye is a

No cover crop in winter.

Corn flowered 1 week earlier.

cool season annual grass that is very flexible to work with and has a strong winter-hardiness. Excellent germination and early vigor allows for later fall planting if necessary.

Recommendations for Soybeans Going to Corn or Corn on Corn: 2016 trials at the BRANDT Research Farm showed that corn planted into cereal rye cover crop had a negative response due to the allelopathic effect produced by the cereal rye. However, oats may be the better choice of cover crop ahead of corn with some reported yield increases. Oats are a low water use crop that do a great job at capturing unused nutrients and holding soil.

Response to Tillage and Cover Crops on Corn BU/AC Conventional Till

236.9 222.0

Strip Till No Till

200.7

Cover Crop

Cereal Rye cover crop in winter slowed the maturity.

13

STARTER PERFORMANCE TRIALS Part of achieving maximum yield is to lessen or not allow the plant to undergo periods of stress. Outside of weather, there are many variables we can control. In this section we are going to look at early stage insecticides and nutrition applied as a starter fertilizer.

282

279.6

Insecticide Trial

278

Lexington

280.4

280 276

276.3

Soil applied insecticide in corn production mainly focuses on corn rootworm control, but also allows for control of many harmful secondary insects. n

A good tool for fields planted continuous corn

n

Soil insecticides target the larvae stage of corn rootworm

n

Weather can play a role in effectiveness

In high pressure/high rootworm populations, additional action may be necessary n

n

Dekalb 64-87 SS/RIB planted

270

BU/AC

272 268

272.4

274

No Insecticide Applied

295.000000

Aztec HC

Capture LFR

Ethos XB

269.285714

The combination of N and S showed the largest return in 2015 compared to S alone as the leader in 2016 Applied 2 x 0

n

ATS was the source of S and 28% the source of N

260.714286 252.142857

N is often readily available at this stage, but this is where we are seeing more and more S deficiency — that is why we see a larger response to the S applications. n

243.571429 235.000000

14

264.9

n

BU/AC

n

278.1

Lexington

273.9

277.857143 268.7

Starter Fertilizer Trial

276.1

286.428571

No Starter

14# S 2x0

15# N 2x0

15# N & 14# S

QuickRoots 15# N & 14# S

STARTER TRIAL EVIDENCE

28% and BRANDT SEQUESTAR ZN with Sulfur (ATS)

28% and BRANDT SEQUESTAR ZN without Sulfur (ATS)

100% Orthophosphate

264.000000 264.000000

n

263.090909 263.090909

Stable at low temperatures

262.181818 262.181818

n

261.272727 261.272727

Low salt

235 235

Compatible with sulfur products

n

260.363636 260.363636

Valuable source of P at early growth stages

n

259.454545 259.454545

n

230 230

BRANDT 4-24-0 proprietary formulation

258.545455 258.545455

n

13.4 BU/AC

BU/AC

Pleasant Plains Pipeline BRANDT has been working with a new starter fertilizer that has shown promising results the last two seasons.

225 225

BRANDT ® 4-24-0 as Starter

257.636364 257.636364

A good ROI application

Sulfur + N

256.727273 256.727273

High rates may be necessary to correct deficiencies

n

255.818182 255.818182

Apply sulfur when the crop can use it

n

YIELD INCREASE

231.9

254.909091 254.909091

n

No Sulfur

254.000000 254.000000

Atmospheric sulfur is decreasing, contributing to S deficiencies in crop production

220 220

218.5

Lexington

n

215 215

210 210

BU/AC

Sulfur vs No Sulfur at Plant Sulfur has become one of the most beneficial applications in terms of crop response and ROI. Sulfur is mobile in the soil and therefore can be easily lost, so timing of application is important. Applying S at-planting or as a starter is important for early season growth.

28% and BRANDT SEQUESTAR ZN with Sulfur (ATS)

263.1 BRANDT 4-24-0

YIELD INCREASE

5.7 BU/AC

257.4 Check

15

Strobilurins, one of the most important classes of agricultural fungicides, are used for protection from disease and must be applied before the disease has spread heavily through the crop. These fungicides are responsible for reducing stress by decreasing ethylene gas in the plant (sometimes referred to as plant health). The reduction of ethylene slows the maturity of the plant allowing for increased nutrient efficiency in the plant. When plants are heavily stressed from weather, disease, etc., the amount of ethylene in the plant rises and speeds up maturity, reducing yields.

BRANDT® Smart B™ Yield Response at Tassel No Strobilurin

20” 36K

20” 39K

20” 42K

20” 45K

20” 48K

30” 39K

217.2 30” 42K

30” 45K

30” 48K

251.9 227.5

222.6

231.3

247.3

249.2

242.9

237.3 225.1

212.2 20” 36K

250.5

253.6

260.7

261.3 239.6

229.5

227.9

232.7

242.5

254.2

256.6

Strobilurin + BRANDT SMART B

Average

Strobilurin and BRANDT Smart B at VT vs No Fungicide

Pleasant Plains n Apply at VT to lessen any period of stress that may reduce yield. Don’t wait for disease to be present.

Pleasant Plains

Always use a BRANDT boron product as a companion. Boron is essential at R stages and is often deficient. n

n

Strobilurin fungicide was applied over multiple corn-on-corn and first year corn trials. All resulted in yield and ROI increase with the averages graphed below.

280 Higher yield response is typically seen in seasons with280 periods

of weather related stress. n

Must contain a strobilurin derived fungicide.

260 260

No Strobilurin @ VT

263.1

Strobilurin & Brandt Smart B @ VT

240 240

241.9 235.3

220 220 200 200 180 180 16

BU/AC

BU/AC

80 70 60 50 40 30 20 10 00

STROBILURIN FUNGICIDE ON CORN

215.3

Corn/Corn 48 Trial Average

1st Year Corn 22 Trial Average

Strobilurin Fungicide on Corn vs No Fungicide Lexington

Average

BU/AC YIELD INCREASE

22.1

11 year average

Pleasant Plains Over many years the benefits of the strobiliurin fungicide plus BRANDT Smart B or in early years, N-BoronÂŽ, has been a consistent yield response and a good ROI. As we look at the 2016 season, the stress drought period early in the season and late season wet conditions proved to be a great indicator that the response would be significant.

27.2

2016

2015

21.2

2014

14.3 13.4

2013

51.7

2012

14.2

2011

35.0

2010

2009

2008

2007

2006

18.9 10.2 8.8 28.3 17

60

50

40

11 Year Strobilurin and BRANDT Smart B at Tassel

30

DKC 62-77

BU/AC

20

DKC 63-71

10.5

10

DKC 64-87

YIELD INCREASE

268.9

275.5

267.9

264.5

83.0

BU/AC

279.4

Without Fungicide

273.3

277.6

285.1

With Fungicide

0

90 85 80 75 70 65 60 55 50

STROBILURIN TRIAL EVIDENCE

POPULATION STUDIES Increasing ears per acre has always been the major driver of increased bushels/acre. The ability of individual hybrids to handle the intense stress caused by population has been, and will continue to be, researched heavily. BRANDT is testing for hybrids that can handle higher population stress and turn extra ears/acre into extra bushels/acre. BRANDT recognizes certain genetics and certain phenotypes can achieve this while some cannot. The objective of this data is providing local research that helps refine population response under top management.

DKC 58-06 SS/RIB

DKC 61-54 SS/RIB

DKC 62-77 SS/RIB

DKC 63-60 SS/RIB

DKC 64-87 SS/RIB

Pleasant Plains n

Match population to genetics, soil type and fertility program

n

Determine best population to achieve ROI

n

Higher population does not always mean higher yield

Keep a good history of how hybrids react on your farm and management practices n

18

265.5

265.1

266.9

271.5

276.6

279.5

273.3

271.9

276.7

271.5

270.3

264.5

261.3

267.8

271.7

270.2

261.9

255.5

253.8

248.8

BU/AC

244.4

255.1

256.1

266.4

269.0

42,000

266.3

279.4

38,000

280.8

34,000

275.2

286.9

Corn Population Trials

DKC 60-87 SS/RIB

DKC 64-34 SS/RIB

DKC 66-74 SS/RIB

P1197 AMXT

P1311 AMXT

BRANDT FOLIAR NUTRIENTS

Pleasant Plains BRANDT Smart Trio has been rigorously tested since it was first formulated and marketed in 2008. Today, it is still our flagship foliar nutrient package providing a significant yield response and return on investment. It is also the cornerstone for newer foliar formulations such as BRANDT Smart B and BRANDT Smart Quatro.ÂŽ

327.0 294.3 261.6 228.9 196.2 163.5 130.8 98.1 65.4 32.7 0.0

BRANDT SMART TRIOÂŽ 9 Year Results

Glyphosate at 32 oz/ac

Glyphosate plus 32 oz/ac BRANDT Smart Trio

BU/AC

233.3 237.7

2008

257.3 264.4

2009

We are continuing work with this product to determine if earlier applications will prove more beneficial.

142.0 2010

165.0 239.1 255.1

2011

114.0 2012

136.0 290.0

2013

312.1 292.4

2014

326.5 259.4

2015

276.9 251.2

2016

267.0 231.0

9 year average

249.0 19

EVOLUTION OF BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICES When we look back, we see patterns or trends in practices that have brought us to the production levels we see today. Environmental factors are always a key element in the outcome of a successful harvest, but unpredictable.

2009

2010

A repeat of 2008 - cool/damp spring that evolved into a wet summer and fall. Delayed planting in no till. Minimized nutrient mineralization and tightened soils. Insects at silking caused Diplodia. Too wet for fall tillage.

Collapsed soils from the wet winter immobilized nitrogen into the residue. Soil mineralization was shut down.

The summer nights were hot and humid. Drying trend for harvest. Tillage used to reduce residue/soil density layers.

Light rains during April and May combined with a warming trend into summer. Timely rains with a hot summer produced high heat unit numbers and sped up crop progress. Drying trend for fall harvest.

Residue begins to create plant health issues.

Sulfur, zinc, manganese, boron deficiencies.

Planting date affected corn yields in corn on corn.

Maturity vs fungicide and insecticide response.

Nitrogen immobilized by residue

Split timing of nitrogen and banding near planting.

Yield response to micronutrients vs nitrogen rate.

Higher P&K rates needed to maximize higher populations.

Foliar insects attack soybeans at flowering.

Hybrid rooting response to damp/tight soils.

Narrow rows compliment shorter hybrids and lower N rates.

Ear worm and Japanese beetles attacking silks and husk cause Diplodia.

Potash applications responsible for standability at harvest.

ADVANCING PRACTICES

IDENTIFIED PRACTICES

ENVIRONMENT

The established trials combined with environmental pressures result in practices we identify as noteworthy, allowing us to implement new practices in the next growing season. Below is a timeline of how our best management practices have evolved over the last 8 growing seasons.

Soybeans respond to total management system.

2011

Applying 210 units of nitrogen/acre maximized yields.

2012 Record warm temperatures and dry spring creating perfect soil conditions. Light frost April 9. The warm and dry spring led into a very dry and hot summer. An early dry harvest!

Early planting maximized yields except for scattered frosted fields.

Corn tasseling followed potash applications.

Fungicides applied at VT slowed plant metabolism and drought stress Sulfur applications with zinc maximized yields.

Foliar insecticides improved yields and reduced “green stem syndrome�

BRANDT SMART TRIO

Nitrogen immobilization

Zinc at planting

Apply sulfur

RR2Y Trait

Soybean fungicides

Soybean maturity

Fungicides reduce stress

Strobilurin at tassel

Split nitrogen applications

Potash applications

Potash reduces stress

Residue management

Narrow rows

Omission plots

Early flowering

Phenotype vs nutrient interactions

Soybean seed treatments

Short hybrids with narrow rows

Lower pH of foliar insecticides

Plant soybeans early Narrower rows to maximize rooting

Late nitrogen applications worked

Narrow row shading improves yields Strobilurins stopped frost damage Cover crops absorb unused nutrition

20

FARMING PRACTICES TIMELINE

2013

2014

A moderately cool and moist winter led to a cool and wet spring. Light rains in April and late May with cloudy conditions. A cloudy summer was warm with ample moisture slowing crop maturity. Warm and dry harvest conditions through the fall.

A cold winter led to an early spring with warm temperatures and dry soils. A rainy May and June turned into a moderate temperature summer and ample moisture. The fall began dry and quickly moved into a cold and rainy late harvest.

Fall applied nitrogen moved deeper into the second foot of soils.

Crops suffered from transient nutrient deficiencies until June.

At plant applications of nitrogen, sulfur, and zinc were valuable.

Early growth stage applications of nutrients and stimulants added yield.

Late applied side dress nitrogen had no effect on yield.

2015 A moderately cool/moist winter led to a cool/dry spring.

Light rains fell in April and May making good planting conditions with slow corn emergence due to the cold.

June was unusually wet with more than 20” for the month.

July and August were dry and cooler than normal.

A normal/average winter led into spring with good workable soil conditions with adequate warmth and moisture for early planting. Drought conditions were experienced from midMay through June. Rains came steadily around the 4th of July and continued through the rest of the growing season.

Banding beats broadcast nitrogen applications at plant.

Even emergence fields were critical for top yields.

Early planting date promoting even emergence

Late side dress nitrogen applications did not perform well.

Banded nitrogen at planting time improved nitrogen efficiency.

Starter application of 4-24-0 with S

Higher plant densities and narrow rows maximized the nutrition.

Hybrids with early plant vigor maximized yields.

Sulfur is needed on corn and soybeans.

Insect damage was minimal in 2015 due to the wet June.

Spraying crop protection early before stress BRANDT foliar products, specifically B with fungicide

Hormone applications need adequate nutrition to perform.

Cover crops improved soybean yields.

Hormones assist plants

Banding at plant

Even corn emergence

Apply sulfur

Early foliar applications

Band nitrogen at plant

Split apply nitrogen

PONCHO®/VOTiVO® treated seed

Cover crop allelopathy did not effect soybeans

High populations

Allelopathy in corn was stopped by strip tillage

Higher populations Apply sidedress nitrogen early Long maturity soybeans Seed treatments Foliar applications mitigate transient nutrient deficiencies

2016

Strip till provided better plant health

Amplified boron deficiency

Sulfur “at plant” on soybeans

Zinc at plant continues to improve yields.

Crown rot controlled with potash

Plant soybeans by the end of April to maximize yields

Fall ammonia with supplemental N banded in season

20” rows yielded higher than 30” rows under 2016 growing conditions Nutrition placement, i.e. banding or foliar, increased yield over broadcast methods Early kill of cereal rye cover crop had less impact on yield Soils are “tightening” due to 4 years of high yield in our area

21 21

BRANDT TOTAL ACRE SOYBEANS ®

®

BRANDT Total Acre is an omission style trial system that is focused on exposing the difference between varieties. The “omission design” is based on providing all the treatments and then removing one to see what value each practice has on yield of that variety.

This creates an environment where yield responses are reflective of the total high management system rather than a limited response due to a lack of some or all the parts of the system.

BRANDT Omission Design Standard Treatment n

15-50-150 suspension fall with Brash herbicide

n

120,000 population

n

3 gal ATS at plant 2x0

n

PONCHO/VOTiVO seed treatment

n

QuickRoots seed treatment

n

Cover Crop- cereal rye

n

Glyphosate burn down prior to plant

Post applied herbicide tank mixes plus BRANDT Smart Trio plus BRANDT Smart B @ 1st trifoliate n

n Foliar insecticide @ R1 plus 1 qt BRANDT Smart Trio plus 1 pt BRANDT Smart B n Strobilurin @ R2/insecticide plus 1qt BRANDT Smart Trio plus 1 pt BRANDT Smart B

Soybean Planting Date Trial - AG 4135 Pleasant Plains 100.8

90.9

82.5

BU/AC

74.0 55.5

April 13

April 25

May 6

May 19

May 31

Conditions in early spring are typically more favorable for germination. As we saw in corn, the earlier planting date yielded the highest. This is a result of early moisture, soil temperature and available nutrition. n

Use a variety with high RM when planting early

n

Monitor long-term forecast for best planting conditions

n

May need to increase population if planting at a later date

n There is potential for a larger ROI in soybeans in 2017 if the soybean remains strong n

Population: 120,000

n

Be ready to protect early planted beans from insects

n

Seed treatments are a “must” for early planting success

22

BRANDT TOTAL ACRE SOYBEANS TRIAL EVIDENCE ROI calculated using $9.75 bu soybeans

PLEASANT PLAINS TOTAL ACRE POLE POSITIONS

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

6 YR AVG

6 YR ROI

n/a

6.8

8.3

13.6

11.0

45.3

17.0

$$$

1. Planting date 2. Variety

25.6

14.6

19.3

17.5

7.0

12.4

16.1

$$$

3. Maturity

17.0

10.2

13.0

8.5

0

12.4

10.2

$$$

6.1

11.9

7.4

5.5

8.5

12.9

8.7

5.5

4. Seed Treatment 5. Sulfur (ATS at plant)

n/a

n/a

3.8

4.8

4.8

8.8

5.6

11.3

6. Strobilurin

n/a

4.0

3.1

6.5

3.2

9.1

5.2

3.4

7.

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

9.5

0

4.8

2.9

3.5

5.7

4.9

3.4

n/a

2.9

4.1

8.0

Cover Crop

8. Foliar Insecticide 9. P&K Rate

1.6

3.5

4.0

5.2

n/a

n/a

3.6

0.7

10. Manni-Plex® B Mo at R2-R4

n/a

n/a

1.0

7.4

n/a

2.0

3.5

6.8

11. BRANDT Smart Trio

3.2

3.9

3.4

3.3

n/a

n/a

3.5

8.4

12. Population

2.5

2.8

3.6

0

n/a

n/a

2.2

2.2

Soybean Variety Maturity Yield Response Pleasant Plains 94

BU/AC

88 81

81

82

3.2

3.4

3.5

82

3.6

3.8

84 85

3.9

4.0

4.2

A higher RM soybean will perform the best in most cases. If the ability to plant early is there, consider moving to a 3.9 RM soybean or higher. As the planting window closes, a shorter maturing variety will be necessary. n

Pick the right RM for your planting date and management style

In the above chart, Asgrow 36X6 was a strong variety among the 3.9 RM or lower n

23

VARIETY PERFORMANCE BRANDT recognizes the future of soybean breeding will be in the Roundup Ready 2 XTEND® soybean germplasm base. We heavily tested those varieties in 2016 on the BRANDT Research Farm as well as in BRANDT Community Trials around our trade area.

Dicamba will be a new tool in fighting herbicide resistant weeds in unison with our layered residual approach to fight resistance and prevent future resistance.

0

For more yield data on Roundup Ready 2 XTEND soybeans, go to www.brandt.co/harvest

99.0

87.0

88.2

87.2

93.8

85.3

84.0

82.4

81.7

80.9

0

81.4

92.2

0

87.6

Asgrow® Roundup Ready 2 XTend® Soybean Variety Trial

AG E

BORDER AV ER

32 38 AG

AG

38

32

32 38 AG

X6 42 AG

X6 AG

BU/AC 24

40

X7 39 AG

X6 38 AG

X6 36 AG

X7

X6 34

35 AG

AG

AG

X6

32 38 AG

0

BORDER

0

32

0

BU/AC

0

VARIETY PERFORMANCE TRIAL EVIDENCE

10 Year Average All Soybean Plots Pleasant Plains, $9.75 bu crop insurance price

2015

87.0

2014

46.4

BU/AC

0

$692

$742

68.7

60.9

0

$587

61.0

$457

73.3

$687

79.5

$881

77.7

$1020

84.0

0

$848

$816

Gross $/ac

0

0

$977

Bu/ac Yield

84.6

0

0

0

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

20” vs 30” Row Soybean Trial

0

Pleasant Plains

95.6

97.7

89.1

88.3

30”

87.2

20”

84.3

30”

88.0

20”

88.4 83.0

5

BORDER

0

BU/AC

0

30”

20”

30”

BORDER

5

5

2016

20” 25

Strobilurins, one of the most important classes of agricultural fungicides, are used for protection from disease and must be applied before the disease has spread heavily through the crop. These fungicides are responsible for reducing stress by increasing photosynthesis and decreasing ethylene gas in the plant. The reduction of ethylene slows the maturity of the plant allowing for increased nutrient efficiency in the plant. When plants are heavily stressed from weather, disease, etc., the amount of ethylene in the plant rises and speeds up maturity, reducing yields.

Fungicide with BRANDTŽ Smart B™ Response on Soybeans - 9 Year Study

2009

2010

2012

Pleasant Plains There was a significant response to strobilurin fungicide with BRANDT Smart B applications both at the research farm and throughout our market area.

Apply at early stage (R1-R3) before disease pressure is high

Addition of BRANDT Smart B provides needed nutrition during reproductive stage n

n

Effective across all populations and row widths

n

High management practices equals higher yield increase

26

68.8

73.9

82.3

91.4 80.0

84.0 75.4

81.9 71.4

74.5 2011

45.5

49.5

60.0

62.3

261.3

67.5

70.5 59.2

64.7

78.0

BU/AC

86.0

5.1

Untreated

2008

n

YIELD INCREASE

Strobilurin + BRANDT Smart B + IST

BU/AC

00 90 80 70 60 50 40 30 20 10 0

STROBILURIN FUNGICIDE ON SOYBEANS

2013

2014

2015

2016

9 Year Average

Fungicide with BRANDT Smart B Yield Increase and ROI $/ac - 9 Year Study

8.0

$35

6.5

$24

5.5

$36

$12

2012

2013

$0

2010

2011

3.1

2.3

3.0 2009

4.0

4.0

$8 $2

2008

$27

5.1

ROI $/ac

$61

$65

9.1

Yield increase from Strobilurin + Boron + IST

BU/AC

0 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0

FUNGICIDE ON SOYBEANS TRIAL EVIDENCE

2014

2015

2016

9 Year Average

Pleasant Plains During periods of low commodity prices, it is logical to look at ways to cut costs. Stobilurin fungicide applications are often looked at as a place to cut. Historical data would suggest otherwise. n

Strobilurin fungicide will produce a positive ROI

Periods of stress, such as drought, wet or other external pressures will typically see a higher yield increase than normal years n

Plan for it and budget for it early . . . don’t wait for disease to be present n

Look at addition of foliar insecticide during the time of application n

27

SOYBEAN SEED TREATMENT Seed treatments have become an effective way to control pests (disease and insects) and also start off the growing season with a more vigorous crop. In today’s high yielding environments containing large amounts of surface residue, it’s very important to keep up with the latest information on what’s available and how seed treatments are performing.

Soybean Seed Treatments with Sulfur Across Tillages

0

94.4

101.6

84.8

89.3

91.1

93.4

96.0

78.4 BU/AC

0

84.6

0

87.1

92.3

0

95.9

PONCHO/VOTiVO+ Sulfur

91.4

No Treatment, Sulfur

95.9

0

106.3

Acceleron® Standard + Sulfur

99.9

PONCHO/VOTiVO+ ILeVO®+ Sulfur

0

0

Conventional Till No Fungicide at R2

Conventional Till with Fungicide at R2

No Till with Fungicide at R2

Cover Crop with Fungicide at R2

Pleasant Plains Soybean seed treatments is an area of advancing technologies.

It’s normal to have two or three, sometimes four different technologies on the seed. Acceleron Standard and PONCHO/VOTiVO have been clear winners in past years, but the addition of ILeVO for SDS has added another layer of protection to limit the amount of stress on the plant. n

You must use soybean seed treatments to achieve desired yield

Consider multiple modes of action to alleviate stress throughout the season n

The combination of Acceleron, PONCHO/VOTiVO and ILeVO out yielded the untreated by 16.8 bushels. That’s a +$163.80 at $9.75/bu. n

28

SOYBEAN SEED TREATMENT TRIAL EVIDENCE

Soybean Seed Treatment Results

0

83.1

0

AG 32X6 Acceleron PONCHO/ VOTiVO

AG 32X6 Acceleron PONCHO/ VOTiVO inoculant

AG 32X6 Acceleron PONCHO/ VOTiVO ILeVO

AG 32X6 Acceleron PONCHO/ VOTiVO ILeVO inoculant

BU/AC

0

66.3

0

81.6

75.2

0

79.9

0

79.3

Lexington

0

0

AG 32X6 Untreated

AG 32X6 Acceleron

29

FOLIAR APPLICATIONS Weather, insects, disease and herbicides create short term stress sometimes referred to as transient stress. Emerging university trial results demonstrate the role micronutrients play to assist plants through transient stress periods. BRANDT Smart Trio provides sulfur, zinc, manganese and boron to stimulate plant growth and increase metabolism of post applied herbicides. BRANDT Smart System technology protects the nutrition and herbicide efficacy, allowing for improved plant utilization.

0

78.0

76.3

72.9

BU/AC

0

70.4

0

71.2

0

2014

2015

Lexington n

Long history of yield increase and ROI

Additional B and Mo from Manni-Plex B-Moly adds additional yield above BRANDT Smart Trio alone n

Nutrients help mitigate herbicide stress and increase plant health n

30

2016

Average

83.1

83.0

0

80.9

With BRANDT Smart Trio and Manni-Plex B Moly

87.4

With BRANDT Smart Trio

88.4

Without BRANDT Smart Trio

85.7

0

90.6

Foliar Micronutrients with Herbicide Application

STRESS MITIGATION TRIAL EVIDENCE

87.5 87.0 86.5 86.0 85.5 85.0 84.5 84.0 83.5 83.0 82.5 87.5 87.0 86.5 86.0 85.5 85.0 84.5 84.0 83.5 83.0 82.5

Foliar Insecticide on Soybeans @ R1 BU/AC

87.2 Insecticide

84.3 No Insecticide

Pleasant Plains At the research farm in 2016, insect pressure met the threshold where a foliar insecticide became necessary. Spidermites had the largest impact on plant health among other feeding insects present. n

Scout and spray early before yield is impacted

n Determine insects present and threshold before spraying — good IPM practice n

Choose appropriate chemistry

n

Use as an opportunity to tank mix fungicide and foliar nutrients

Add BRANDT® Smart System® products to reduce PH of solution and increase insect control n

31

TRIAL PARAMETERS In any research farm there are applications that are standards and variables. Through this year’s book, we brought attention to the products or practices that were being trialed in the specific blocks. The information highlighted in the graphs points directly to the information we were seeking. In addition to the variables tested were “grower standard” applications to grow a successful crop, but also give a real-life picture of how the different variables effect the overall outcome. Below and on the next page are detailed charts outlining the variables and grower standards throughout the BRANDT Research Farms. Our farms are so extensive that it’s difficult to describe each trial in great detail, so please consult your BRANDT representative for further details or clarification.

Pleasant Plains

Tillage

Fall 2015 NH3 Fall 2015 other NPK

Planting Population Harvest Date Herbicide/Nutrition Applications

Fungicide/Insecticide/ Nutrition Application

32

CORN

Spring 2016 NH3 Total Nutrition

STROBILURIN FUNGICIDE

STRESS MIT. STIMULANTS

CROP ROTATION & VARIETY

VARIETY & MATURITY

CORN

CORN

CORN & BEANS

CORN & BEANS

CORN & BEANS

CORN

CORN

STRIP TILL

CONVENTIONAL STRIP TILL NO TILL

CONVENTIONAL STRIP TILL

CONVENTIONAL STRIP TILL

CONVENTIONAL

CONVENTIONAL

CONVENTIONAL NO TILL COVER CROP

150 UNITS NH3 WITH N-SERVE®

150 UNITS NH3 WITH N-SERVE®

150 UNITS NH3 WITH N-SERVE®

150 UNITS NH3 WITH N-SERVE®

150 UNITS NH3 WITH N-SERVE®

NONE

NONE

NONE

VARIOUS

150-50-150

150-50-150

150-50-150

150-50-150

150-50-150

NONE

150 UNITS NH3 WITH N-SERVE

NONE

NONE

NONE

NONE

NONE

TRIALED

190-50-150-8S

190-50-150-8S

190-50-150-8S

190-50-150-8S

15-50-150

15-50-150

4/14/16

4/14/16

4/14/16

4/14/16

4/14/16

42,000

42,000

42,000

42,000

34/38/42,000

9/7/16

9/14/16

9/14/16

9/14/16

9/14/16

VARIOUS TRIALS

PREEMERGENT: BRASH® & ACURON® POST APPLIED: GLYPHOSATE BRANDT SMART TRIO® BRANDT SMART B™

PREEMERGENT: PREEMERGENT: BRASH® & ANTHEM BRASH® & ANTHEM POST APPLIED: POST APPLIED: GLYPHOSATE GLYPHOSATE BRANDT BRANDT SMART TRIO® SMART TRIO® BRANDT SMART B™ BRANDT SMART B™

TRIVAPRO® TRIVAPRO® TRIVAPRO® TRIVAPRO® TRIVAPRO® HERO® HERO® HERO® HERO® HERO® BRANDT SMART B™ BRANDT SMART B™ BRANDT SMART B™ BRANDT SMART B™ BRANDT SMART B™

QUADRIS TOP® QUADRIS TOP® HERO® HERO® BRANDT SMART B™ BRANDT SMART B™

PREEMERGENT: PREEMERGENT: PREEMERGENT: BRASH® & ACURON® BRASH® & ACURON® BRASH® & ACURON® POST APPLIED: POST APPLIED: POST APPLIED: GLYPHOSATE GLYPHOSATE GLYPHOSATE BRANDT BRANDT BRANDT SMART TRIO® SMART TRIO® SMART TRIO® BRANDT SMART B™ BRANDT SMART B™ BRANDT SMART B™

SOYBEANS

2015 Crop

Planting Date

BRANDT TOTAL ACRE

NITROGEN STUDY

TRIAL

STRESS MITIGATION

4/21/16

4/21/16

120,000

120,000

9/26/16

9/26/16

RESOURCE STATISTICS

Lexington APPLICATION 2015 CROP Planting Date

TILLAGE, INSECTICIDE & HIGH YIELD

NITROGEN TRIALS

HYBRID POP, ROW WIDTH & FUNGICIDE

PIPELINE

SEED TREATMENT

STRESS MITIGATION HIGH YIELD

PIPELINE

SOYBEANS

SOYBEANS

CORN

SOYBEANS

CORN

CORN

CORN

5/6/16

5/6/16

4/20/16

4/25/16

5/6/16

5/6/16

5/10/16

Herbicide Program

Total Nitrogen Fertility (Total Acre Treatment)

Traditional Fertility

Total Nitrogen Fertility (Traditional Treatment)

2.5 QT ACURON® FB 3.6 QT HALEX® GT

2.5 QT ACURON® FB 3.6 QT HALEX® GT

2.5 QT ACURON® FB 3.6 QT HALEX® GT

QUILT® XCEL, BRANDT SMART B-MO™ & INSECTICIDE

QUILT® XCEL, BRANDT SMART B-MO™ & INSECTICIDE

QUILT® XCEL, BRANDT SMART B-MO™ & INSECTICIDE

QUILT® XCEL, BRANDT SMART B-MO™ & INSECTICIDE

VARIABLE RATE APPLIED DAP 160 LB POTASH 200 LB

VARIABLE RATE APPLIED DAP 160 LB POTASH 200 LB

VARIABLE RATE APPLIED DAP 160 LB POTASH 200 LB

VARIABLE RATE APPLIED DAP 160 LB POTASH 200 LB

120 LB FALL 2015 W/ N-SERVE® 45 LB PRE PLANT 15 LB AS STARTER 60 LB SIDE DRESS

120 LB FALL 2015 W/ N-SERVE® 45 LB PRE PLANT 15 LB AS STARTER 60 LB SIDE DRESS

120 LB FALL 2015 W/ N-SERVE® 45 LB PRE PLANT 15 LB AS STARTER 60 LB SIDE DRESS

QUADRIS® TOP SB, BRANDT SMART B-MO™ & INSECTICIDE

QUADRIS® TOP SB, BRANDT SMART B-MO™ & INSECTICIDE

QUADRIS® TOP SB, BRANDT SMART B-MO™ & INSECTICIDE

NONE

NONE

NONE

120 LB FALL 2015 W/ N-SERVE® 45 LB PRE PLANT 15 LB AS STARTER 60 LB SIDE DRESS

NONE

NONE

NONE

DAP FLAT RATE DAP FLAT RATE DAP FLAT RATE DAP FLAT RATE 150 LB 150 LB 150 LB 150 LB POTASH FLAT RATE POTASH FLAT RATE POTASH FLAT RATE POTASH FLAT RATE 200 LB 200 LB 200 LB 200 LB

NONE

NONE

NONE

NONE

NONE

NONE

180 LB FALL 2015 W/ N-SERVE® 60 LB PRE PLANT

180 LB FALL 2015 W/ N-SERVE® 60 LB PRE PLANT

180 LB FALL 2015 W/ N-SERVE® 60 LB PRE PLANT

180 LB FALL 2015 W/ N-SERVE® 60 LB PRE PLANT

SOYBEANS

Total Acre Fertility

CORN

Fungicide Program

2.5 QT ACURON® FB 3.6 QT HALEX® GT

2 PT BOUNDARY® FB 2 PT BOUNDARY® FB 2 PT BOUNDARY® FB 2.5 PT PREFIX® & 2.5 PT PREFIX® & 2.5 PT PREFIX® & 22 OZ GLYPHOSATE 22 OZ GLYPHOSATE 22 OZ GLYPHOSATE 0.6 OZ CADET® 0.6 OZ CADET® 0.6 OZ CADET® W/ INSECTICIDE W/ INSECTICIDE W/ INSECTICIDE

33

GROWER OBSERVATIONS

2016 Corn Grower Observations to Increasing Yields

2016 Soybean Grower Observations to Increasing Yields

n

Plant early according to climate conditions

n

Plant early with an associated RM variety

n

Apply crop protection products early before stress is achieved

n

Develop a good herbicide strategy to match field conditions

n

Supplemental nutrition - sidedress N and S, BRANDT foliar nutrients with herbicide and fungicide

n

Foliar strobilurin fungicide with insecticide early minimized periods of stress

Don’t penny pinch your way to profitability, yield is the number 1 determinant of ROI

n

BRANDT foliar nutritionals and seed treatments are an easy ROI

n

Plan early and implement a well rounded strategy

n

High management equals high yields

n

The marks BRANDT, Brandt Smart Quatro, Smart System, BRANDT Smart Trio, Manni-Plex, N-Boron, and Total Acre are registered trademarks of BRANDT Consolidated, Inc. All other trademarks, product names and company names that appear on this document are the property of their respective owners or licensees, who may or may not be affiliated with, connected to, or sponsored by BRANDT Consolidated, Inc.

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Summary On behalf of BRANDT, we want to thank you, our customers, for your business.

We hope you have enjoyed and benefited from this 2016 BRANDT Research Farm results book.

This is the 12th year for the Pleasant Plains Farm! At both Pleasant Plains and Lexington we continue to build on a solid database of multiyear results that you can count on.

During the summer we held educational Agronomy Days at each farm. Eric Snodgrass, Director of the Department of Atmospheric Sciences at the U of I talked to us about “forecasting the forecast” for impact on market conditions. At Lexington, Jason Barickman, Illinois State Senator, 53rd District, discussed the impact of Illinois politics on agriculture. Be sure to join us in 2017 for Agronomy Days!

This book is packed with valuable data and insights. You need to dig deep to uncover them all. Some insights are subtle. For example, in the corn and soybean omission trials, planting date takes the first position. We all know planting date is very important, but an insight is in the value of fall fieldwork and nutrient applications to make sure we are “ready” for the ideal planting date in the spring.

Many growers are aware of the value that fungicide applications provided on both corn and soybeans in 2016, often in the absence of disease symptoms. Looking at the 11 year average data, you can see the value every year. Fungicide applications should be in your crop plan for 2017.

BRANDT is blessed with a great team to organize and implement the farms and the publication of this book. Ed Corrigan is the Manager of the Pleasant Plains Farm and Dan Froelich leads the Lexington group. They are joined by many BRANDT employees to produce this fine work. Thanks to all.

As you read the book, you noticed some new names for Brandt products such as BRANDT Smart B and BRANDT Smart Quatro. BRANDT is a world leader in the development and distribution of foliar nutritional products. Most of the development and production happens right here in central Illinois. These are new products that you will have the opportunity to use in 2017.

Crop budgets are tighter this year. Good choices become more important and the economics of each choice has to work. That is why BRANDT invests in these farms: To give our customers insights and data to make good business decisions.

Our BRANDT locations stand ready to serve you and help you with choices and implementation in 2017. Here’s to farming for success and profit in 2017.

Tim McArdle General Manager

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BRANDT RETAIL LOCATIONS Ashland Auburn Cooksville Cropsey Curran Fairbury Fisher Franklin Galesville Greenview Gridley Lexington Lincoln Mt. Auburn New Berlin Niantic Oakford Pleasant Plains Raymond Towanda Virginia Waverly Williamsville

217 476 3438 217 438 6158 309 725 3710 309 377 3121 217 483 4512 815 692 2612 217 897 6920 217 675 2302 217 489 2141 217 968 5589 309 747 2233 309 365 7201 217 735 2571 217 676 3231 217 488 3125 217 668 2228 217 635 5765 217 626 1127 217 229 3442 309 728 2294 217 452 3545 217 391 9705 217 566 2113

BRANDT Consolidated, Inc. 2935 South Koke Mill Road Springfield, Illinois 62711 USA www.brandt.co 217 547 5800

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