2021 BRANDT Research Farm Book

2021 BRANDT Research and Development Farm Results Pleasant Plains and Lexington, IL

Trial Overview

2021 Climate Data April

May

Location

Average Temp

Average Solar Rad

Pleasant Plains

53.6º

19.8

Lexington

52.4º

19.1

Location

Average Temp

Average Solar Rad

Pleasant Plains

62.0º

19.8

Lexington

60.4º

19.7

Lexington - 2.2”

Lexington - 4.9”

Pleasant Plains - 2.6”

Pleasant Plains - 4.2”

June

July

Location

Average Temp

Average Solar Rad

Pleasant Plains

75.4º

22.9

Lexington

74.6º

23.3

Location

Average Temp

Average Solar Rad

Pleasant Plains

75.2º

21.8

Lexington

74.0º

21.2

Lexington - 8.9”

Lexington - 3.5”

Pleasant Plains - 8.5”

Pleasant Plains - 16.3”

August

September

Location

Average Temp

Average Solar Rad

Pleasant Plains

75.8º

22.1

Lexington

74.8º

21.5

Location

Average Temp

Average Solar Rad

Pleasant Plains

70.4º

19.1

Lexington

69.6º

19.1

Lexington - 3.52”

Lexington - 1.6”

Pleasant Plains - 10.3”

Rainfall

2

10.0”

Pleasant Plains - 6.7”

8.0”

6.0”

5.0”

4.0”

3.0”

2.0”

1.5”

1.0”

0.5”

Trial Overview

2021 BRANDT Research Results

Contents

To say 2021 was a challenging year would be an understatement, but resilience and perseverance are two common traits within our industry.

Corn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

It is our culture to be forward-thinking and focus on the positive outcomes of the season. Challenges always bring opportunities to learn and that is always the case within our research.

P&K . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

As BRANDT continues to grow and evolve with the ever-changing agriculture industry, we expanded the research results within this annual publication to encompass insights from other geographies.

It is shared knowledge and findings that make our products and recommendations the best in the business.

Solar Maximization and Intercropping Trials . . . 12

We learned a lot in 2021. Mother Nature blessed us with ample rainfall - too much at times - throughout central Illinois. Supply chain issues made weed control and fungicide applications difficult. But, when it came to harvest we experienced results to be proud of and learned a few things to make the next season better. That’s the long-term goal: To do things better than we did the season before.

Thank you for your business in 2021. Please enjoy our research results and reach out to your BRANDT representative with questions or for additional information.

Brian Haschemeyer - VP BRANDT Discovery & Innovation Ed Corrigan – Senior Technical Agronomist

Revenue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Maximum Return to Nitrogen (MRTN) . . . . . . . . . 11

Hybrid Selection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 BRANDT EnzUp Grain ST . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Planting Date Trials . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Response to ATS - Multi Year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 BRANDT In-Furrow Product Trial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Corn V4 Foliar Trials . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Progressive Foliar Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Response to Fungicide and BRANDT Products . . 20 Corn and Soybean Yield Revenue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Management Practices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22-23

Dan Froelich – Technical Agronomist Steve Clement – Technical Systems Advisor Weather maps can be found at: https://water.weather.gov/precip/ Water and Atmospheric Resources Monitoring Program. Illinois Climate Network. (2015).

Illinois State Water Survey, 2204 Griffith Drive, Champaign, IL 61820-7495. https://dx.doi.org/10.13012/J8MW2F2Q

Soybeans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Variety Trials . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 Seed Treatment Trial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Planting Date Trial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Response to In-Furrow Treatments . . . . . . . . . . . 30 Progressive Foliar Trials . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 Soybean Fungicide Trial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 BRANDT Smart System on Soybeans . . . . . . . . . . 33

Wheat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 BRANDT EnzUp Grain ST Trials . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

3

Trial Overview

Pleasant Plains, IL Omission Trials - Standard Treatment Fall NH3

Spring NH3

Total Nutrition

Planting Date

Population

Harvest Date

160 Units

None

Corn: 190-50-150-30S Soybeans: 24-72-144-30S

4/5/21 - 4/16/21

Corn: 42,000 Soybeans: 120,000

9/14/21 - 9/22/21

Fungicide/Insecticide/Nutrition Application

Herbicide/Nutrition Application

Corn: Hero , BRANDT Smart B-Mo, Revytek , BRANDT Smart Trio Soybeans: Hero, BRANDT Smart Trio, BRANDT Smart K B & Revytek ®

™

Corn: (Pre-emergent) Resicore®; (Post-applied) BRANDT Smart Trio & BRANDT Smart B-Mo Soybeans: (Pre-emergent) Zidua® + Metribuzin; (Post-applied), BRANDT Smart Trio & BRANDT Smart B-Mo, Liberty®, Outlook®

®

Trial Parameters Block 1 - Continuous Corn • • • •

Block 2 - Continuous Corn

Foliar Nutritional Stimulants Foliar V4 Stage Conventional Till 42,000 Population

• • • •

Block 5 - First Year Soybeans • • • •

Variety Trials 30” Row Width Conventional Till 120,000 Population

• • • •

Variety Trials 30” Row Width Conventional Till 120,000 Population

• • • •

Fungicide Sulfur Response at Plant Conventional Till vs No Till 120,000 Population Foliar Nutritionals

• • • •

• • • •

Progressive Foliar Treatments Sulfur Response at Plant Conventional Till vs No Till 120,000 Population

Nutrient Response 0 to 300 Units of N (no P&K) Conventional Till 42,000 Population

Block 8 - First Year Corn

Hybrid Trials 30” Row Width Strip Till 42,000 Population

• • • •

Block 11 - Continuous Corn

Fall NH3 Sulfur Response at Plant Conventional Till 42,000 Population

Block 14 - First Year Soybeans • • • •

Block 4 - Continuous Corn

Hybrid Trials 30” Row Width Conventional Till 42,000 Population

Block 7 - First Year Corn • • • •

Block 10 - Intercropping

Fall NH3 Solar Maximization Conventional Till 42,000 Population

Block 13 - First Year Soybeans • • • • •

• • • •

Block 6 - First Year Soybeans

Block 9 - Intercropping • • • •

Block 3 - Continuous Corn

Hybrid Trials 30” Row Width Conventional Till 42,000 Population

Fall NH3 Sulfur Response at Plant Conventional Till vs No Till 42,000 Population

Hybrid Trials 30” Row Width Strip Till 42,000 Population

Block 12 - Continuous Corn • • • •

Fall NH3 vs 28% Sulfur Response at Plant Conventional Till vs No Till 42,000 Population

Block 15 - First Year Corn

Block 16 - First Year Corn

• High Yield Trial

• • • •

• 20” vs 30” Row Width • Fungicide Response vs Population • 34,000 to 54,000 Population

Sulfur Response at Plant Foliar Nutritional Stimulants 42,000 Population Fungicide Trials

Planting Date Trials

Pipeline

• Corn and Soybeans - 4/5/21 - 5/24/21

• Population - 42,000 Corn and 120,000 Soybeans

8

7

30” 30” DKC Hybrid DKC Hybrid Performance Performance Trials 1st Year Trials 1st Year Corn Strip Till Corn Strip Till 42 K 42 K

16

15

20” vs 30” Hybrid Trials 34, 38, 42, 46, 50, 54 vs Fungicide 30” Corn Stimulant Trials Fungicide V5 Strip Tillage Systems

4

6 Asgrow Flex Soybean Variety Trials Late Maturity

14

30” Soybean Progressive Management Trials

5 Asgrow 30” Flex Soybean Variety Trials Early Maturity

13

4

3 N Rates

12

30” Soybean Tillage vs Foliar Product Trials

Hybrid Performance

2

11

30” Corn Tillage vs N Source Trials

30” DKC Hybrid Performance Trials

10

30” Corn Progressive Management Trials

1 Plant Stimulant Trial

9

Block 9 & 10 Solar Maximization Trials 20” & 30” Corn & Soybeans Skip Row 30”

Trial Overview

Lexington, IL Omission Trials - Standard Treatment Total Nutrition

Planting Date

Population

Harvest Date

Corn: 200/240-92-120-30S Soybeans: 15-68-120-30s

Corn: 4/27/21 - 5/1/21 Soybeans: 4/19/21 - 4/22/21

Corn: 37,000 Soybeans: 125,000

Corn: 9/15/21 Soybeans: 11/8/21

Fall NH3

Preplant 28%

At Plant Nutrition

Side Dress 28%

Corn: 160 units

40-60 units rotation dependent

0

0

Fungicide/Insecticide/Nutrition Application

Herbicide/Nutrition Application

Corn: Hero, BRANDT Smart K B, BRANDT Smart Trio, BRANDT Smart Fe Veltyma Soybeans: Hero, BRANDT Smart Trio, BRANDT Smart K B, Revytek

Corn: Resicore, Splitshot, BRANDT Smart Trio & BRANDT Smart K B Soybeans: (Pre-emergent) - Zidua Pro, (Post-applied) - Liberty, BRANDT Smart Trio, BRANDT Smart K B, & BRANDT Smart Fe

Trial Parameters Block 1

Block 2

Block 3

Block 4

• Variety Trials • Traits and RMs • Solar Maximization

• Hybrid Trials • Starter Fertilizers

• BRANDT Community Trial

• BRANDT Community Trial

Block 5

Block 6

Block 7

Block 8

• Fungicide Trials • Fungicide Timings • Number of Applications

• Planting Date Trial • Foliar Nutrient Trials

• Foliar Nutrient Trials • Various Products and

• Nitrogen Trials

Block 9

Block 10

Block 11

Block 12

• Foliar Nutrient Trials • Various Products and

• Seed Treatments • Starter Fertilizers

• Sulfur Trials

• Fungicide Trials • Various Products and

w/ and w/o BRANDT micros

Application Timings

Hybrid 2 Arrangement

Variety Arrangement

• Variable Rate and Timings

Application Timings

Application Timings

We use an omission style plot technique at our research farms to determine the value of each individual application as it is omitted. We can then analyze the data to determine yield and return on investment outcomes. The goal is to develop local insights to maximize yield and return on every acre.

Throughout the book, there are areas where an economic analysis is paired with yield. For consistency, we use the 2021 harvest crop insurance price of $5.37/bu for corn and $12.30/bu for soybeans.

1

2 Solar & Variety Trial

7

Corn Hybrid Trial & Starter Fertilizer Trial

8 Soybean Foliar Trial

4

3 Corn Community Trial

9 Corn Nitrogen Trial

5 Soybean Community Trial

10 Corn Foliar Trial

Soybean Seed Treatment Trial & Soybean Starter Trial

6 Soybean Fungicide Trial

11

Soybean Planting Date & Boron Trial

12 Sulfur Trials

Corn Fungicide Trials

5

Corn

BRANDT Corn Production Base Applications The BRANDT base applications reflect a high yield management recommendation that can be implemented in parts or as a whole to fit within a grower’s current program. Applications for 2021 were: ■

15-50-150 suspension in fall

■

Fall NH3 – 160 units

■

Band at plant 14-0-0-30S (2x0)

■

2.5 gal/ac in furrow starter + BRANDT® EnzUp® Zn

■

42,000 population

■

Conventional till in fall, Salford in fall

■

Plant on top of RTK ammonia line

■

Pre-emergent herbicide at plant with water

■

BRANDT Smart Trio, BRANDT Smart B-Mo

■

Fungicide at R1 + BRANDT Smart K B + insecticide

We have illustrated the production practices as they relate to application timing. Please note how many important decisions are made before and at planting.

Nitrogen Rate pg. 11

P&K Rate

BRANDT Smart Trio and Herbicide

pg. 10

pg. 18

Fungicide Application w/ BRANDT Smart System Boron Products

Planting Date pg. 15

pg. 20

Hybrid Selection pg. 13

Population Rate pg. 13

BRANDT EnzUp pg. 14 & 17

At Planting Nutrition pg. 16

COVER CROP/ TILLAGE

6

NPK

VE

V1

V2

V4

V8

Corn

Production Practice Rankings

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

2021

10 yr Avg

10 yr ROI

1

Planting Date

67.6

99.6

94.2

41.8

97.3

47.0

36.4

100.2

72.9

127.7

78.5

$$$

2

Hybrid Variance

39.3

18.1

11.5

47.1

33.1

35.1

65.3

66.3

38.7

79.8

44.6

$$$

3

Solar Maximization

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

39.6

34.8

37.2

$$$

4

Nitrogen Rate

16.3

47.8

36.1

35.7

31.2

15.1

14.9

12.6

36.4

77.5

31.1

3.7

5

Crop Rotation Penalty

10.3

6.3

20.3

33.6

9.9

21.9

11.2

37.1

63

24.1

28.5

$$$

6

Strobilurin Response

51.7

13.4

14.3

21.2

27.2

17.0

24.8

46.8

32.6

36.8

27.3

4.7

7

Tillage System

n/a

n/a

19.7

15.0

19.5

18.8

22.1

19.8

38.3

52.1

25.7

7.7

8

P&K Rate

23.3

10.7

16.7

10.1

14.1

16.0

24.1

8.3

66.0

34.3

22.8

2.2

9

BRANDT Smart Trio

22.0

22.1

34.1

17.5

15.8

6.5

15.1

9.6

33.4

10.1

18.4

21.9

10

Population Rate

3.7

32.5

27.3

40.4

12.3

16.6

7.0

19.5

7.5

22.9

18.5

2.2

11

Row Width 20" vs 30"

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

10.8

4.1

36.5

36.0

6.8

13.7

18.0

$$$

12

Nitrogen Timing

n/a

23

20.5

7.6

16.3

2

21.7

0

30.4

17.1

17.3

$$$

13

Banding Nitrogen

n/a

13.0

15.4

22.9

11.9

20.9

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

16.8

$$$

14

Starter (28% + ATS at Plant)

4.0

11.1

13.6

13.6

13.4

6.7

21.3

15.5

18.8

29.1

13.8

4.9

15

Boron at Tassel

4.0

n/a

9.3

5.9

6.8

12.4

n/a

8.5

6.3

7.1

7.5

10.0

16

Zinc (1qt/ac)

8.1

4.6

20.7

5.0

1.2

4.1

4.1

5.8

7.4

3.9

6.9

5.9

The ROI (Return On Investment) listed is calculated using the 2021 fall crop insurance price of $5.37 per bushel, multiplied by the yield response per acre, minus the cost per acre of a practice. For every dollar invested per acre in a practice, the ROI factor is how many dollars you get in return. We use a symbol of $$$ for practices that had no measurable cost per acre, but offer the best ROI.

V12

VT

R1

R2

R4

R6

7

We Have Determined the “Top 5” Corn Grower Insights Based on BRANDT Research Farm Data 1. Planting early in ideal conditions continually produces the highest yields. The addition of ATS at planting adds additional yield and ROI. 2. Hybrid selection and placement was highly favorable in 2021.

3. In 2021, the MRTN (Maximum Return to Nitrogen) was higher than in past years. Higher nitrogen rates increased yield on corn acres due to increased rainfall and late disease pressure.

4. Response to fungicide was significant on our research farms and on local grower acres.

5. Early nutrition, banded or broadcast, around the planting window increased soil activity and produced a positive response in establishing the young plants.

2021 Production Practice Rankings vs 10 Year Average Production Practice Rankings $421.4

140

100

$360

127.7

120

$199.8

$180

$59.0

$120

Nitrogen Banding Starter Boron Timing Nitrogen (28%-Sulfur at at Plant) Tassel

$30.8 6.9 3.9

$36.2

7.5 7.1

13.8 29.1

16.8 0

0

BRANDT Population Row Smart Rate Width Trio 20 vs 30

17.3 17.1

18.0 13.7

22.9

P&K Rate

18.5

22.8 34.3

25.7

Solar Nitrogen Crop Strobilurin Tillage MaximizRate Rotation Response System ation Penalty

$65.8 $94.2 $54.4 $96.6 $93.0 $90.3 18.4 10.1

52.1

27.3 36.8

Date

Hybrid Variance

28.5 24.1

bu/ac Planting

$240

$153.3 $119.8 $115.4 31.1

0

37.2 34.8

44.6

20

$121.9

77.5

79.8

78.5

40

8

$300

$239.5

80 60

10 Year Average 2021 10 Year ROI/ac @ $5.37/bu $420

$60 $0

Zinc $/ac (1qt/ac)

Pre-Planting or At-Planting

Fall

Early Vegetative

Late Vegetative

Early Reproductive

Corn

Corn Revenue ■

With great yields and favorable markets, 2021 corn revenue was at an all time high on the research farm

■

Although commodity grain prices are favorable there were still plenty of challenges in 2021 that will be with growers through the 2022 season

■

The BRANDT Research and Development Farm has continued to provide valued insights in how to maximize the value of your input cost in central Illinois

■

Foliar products such as fungicide, insecticide, and nutritionals provided up to 25% of the yield and profitability lift to achieve the record level of revenue

Multi-Year Yield Response to Rotation - Pleasant Plains 1st Year Corn Yield 1st Year Corn $

Continuous Corn Yield Continuous Corn $

2011

2012

$1600 $1400 $1200

245.2

2010

$1382 $1272 278.3

2009

229.6

2008

130.0 140.3

2007

146

100 bu/ac

152.7

125

244.2

175 150

250.5 272.4

200

$804 $733

209.8

222.3

243.4

250.5 256.8

$1019 $964

$709 $680

257.2 267.1

$979 $988

$794 $768

$1170 $916 293.1

$1286 $900

$1097 $952 281.3

$1335 $823 256.3

241.0 261.8

260.6 267.2

225

250.6 253.6

250

$825 $815

$959 $925

$1010 $970 287.9 299.1

275

$829 $796

286.8 307.1

300

$898 $865

$1000 $800 $600 $400 $200

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

2021

$0 $/ac

9

Corn

Pre-Planting or At-Planting

Fall

Early Vegetative

Late Vegetative

Early Reproductive

Corn P&K Phosphorus and potassium are two elements that are essential in maintaining and increasing soil productivity to support current and future corn yields.

■

One of our longest running trials on the research farm demonstrates the importance of routine P&K fertilization

■

The University of Illinois has clear guidelines to help determine an accurate grain removal fertilizer strategy Response to P&K Applications - Lexington

2021 Yield Response to 8 Year P&K Grain Removal Program - Pleasant Plains 246.4

240 230

240 230 220

210

210

190 180

170

170 160

160 Zero P&K for 8 Years

Grain Removal P&K Program

bu/ac

185.0

180

bu/ac

203.8

190

200

207.1

208.2

200

222.5

220

No P&K

200 + 200 Application

Grain Average Yield of All Removal P&K Trials at Lexington Program Research Farm

Fertilizer Rate Examples Based on U of I Recommendations Crop

Nutrients Removed

Fertilizer or

Corn Yield

P2O5

K2O

DAP

MAP

Potash

300

111

72

241

213

120

275

102

66

221

196

110

250

93

60

201

178

100

225

83

54

181

160

90

200

74

48

161

142

80

(bu/ac)

(lbs/ac)

(lbs/ac)

Crop

Nutrients Removed

Fertilizer or

Soybean Yield

P2O5

K2O

DAP

MAP

Potash

100

75

117

163

144

195

90

68

105

147

130

176

80

60

94

130

115

156

70

53

82

114

101

137

(bu/ac)

(lbs/ac)

(lbs/ac)

Two Crop Combined Fertilizer Maintenance Corn

Soybeans

DAP

250

70

315

(bu/ac)

10

+

(bu/ac)

=

or

MAP

Potash

279

237

(lbs/ac)

Pre-Planting or At-Planting

Fall

Early Vegetative

Late Vegetative

Early Reproductive

Corn

Corn Maximum Return to Nitrogen (MRTN) ■

The MRTN was higher at the Pleasant Plains Research Farm than in past years. Higher nitrogen rates increased corn yields due to increased rainfall and late disease pressure

■

As we have seen in past years, the MRTN range for the research farm falls between 175 and 225 lbs of nitrogen

■

The University of Illinois has developed an app to assist in determining the MRTN on your farm Fall Applied - 2021 Corn Yield Response to Different N Rates - Lexington

Spring Applied - 2021 Corn Yield Response to Different N Rates - Lexington

300

300

231.9

240

244.8

257.2 240

210.0

224.7

199.1

180

180

120

120

98.5

127.0 60

60

0

0 bu/ac

248.7

229.0

0 lbs N

150 lbs N Preplant

200 lbs N Preplant

300 lbs 180 lbs N Fall N Preplant + 60 lbs N Preplant

bu/ac

0 lbs N

150 lbs N Fall

200 lbs N Fall

300 lbs N Fall

180 lbs N Fall + 60 lbs N Preplant

2021 Corn Yield Response to N Rate Continuous Corn - Pleasant Plains 250

209.8 200

223.1

225.5

270 lbs of N

300 lbs of N

208.2

150

148.0 100

50

52.0 0 bu/ac

0 lbs of N

100 lbs of N

170 lbs of N

220 lbs of N

11

Corn

Pre-Planting or At-Planting

Fall

Early Vegetative

Late Vegetative

Early Reproductive

Solar Maximization and Intercropping Trials Two trial types were studied in 2021 relating to maximizing solar opportunity: Skip row planting and intercropping.

Skip Row Planting ■

Every third row is not planted

■

Produced highest yield on first year corn when compared to a 20” row variable population and 30” row standard population

■

Other studies have determined skip row planting could be beneficial under drought conditions

Intercropping In our 2021 intercropping system, we added variable rate planting populations. We increased population on the outer rows of the corn crop to maximize the number of plants exposed to the increased sunlight.

■

Both 20” and 30” row width with variable population produced the highest yield in this trial Corn on Corn Solar Maximization

400

300

350

270

223.3

247.3

150

90 60

50

30 30” Skip Row Corn 60k Pop

20” Row Variable Pop 42-58k Pop

30” Row Standard Pop 42k Pop

0 bu/ac

30” Row Variable Pop 42-58k Pop

20” Row Standard Pop 42k Pop

58K

54K

20” Row, Variable Pop, Intercropped

50K

46K

44K

42K

42K

44K

46K

50K

54K

58K

30” Row, Skip Row, 60k Pop, Intercropped

12

20” Row Variable Pop 42-58k Pop

180

120

100

0

30” Row Standard Pop 42k Pop

210

150

bu/ac

245.7

200

240

269.2

327.4

250

331.0

300

281.8

1st Year Corn Solar Maximization

Pre-Planting or At-Planting

Fall

Early Vegetative

Late Vegetative

Early Reproductive

Corn

Corn Hybrid Selection As noted in our “Top 5 Grower Insights”, hybrid selection always ranks among the most important decision on your farm. We work with our partners to determine the best hybrids for our geography.

Long term observations: ■

Hybrids with a longer relative maturity are yielding higher

■

Select a hybrid that has good standability for your soils

■

Higher disease ratings are becoming increasingly important with different and new diseases showing up in the area, such as tar spot and southern rust

Corn Hybrid and Crop Rotation Trial - Pleasant Plains Continuous Corn

310 290

250 230 210 190 170 150

248.6

270

Average 268.9 244.8 DKC69-98 Trecepta 256.4 225.2 275.1 DKC69-99 SS 252.0 298.4 DKC68-48 SS 263.6 299.9 DKC68-69 VT2 257.9 DKC67-37 SS 284.1 249.4 DKC67-94 Trecepta 303.8 276.9 DKC66-18 VT2 285.6 265.9 260.1 DKC66-17 SS 213.1 DKC65-95 VT2 253.8 243.3 DKC65-84 SS 265.6 264.0 DKC64-65 VT2 268.5 251.2 288.2 DKC64-64 SS 256.5 266.2 DKC63-90 SS 258.5 254.6 DKC63-91 VT2 254.0 224.0 DKC63-57 VT2 210.2 DKC62-89 Trecepta 265.5 232.3 DKC61-41 VT2 260.8 231.7 DKC61-40 SS 264.9 250.3 DKC60-80 VT2 259.0 244.5 244.2 DKC59-82 VT2 225.3 N/A DKC59-81 SS 212.2 N/A CP5550 VT2

330

1st Year Corn

bu/ac

Corn Hybrid and Population Study - Lexington 270

255.1

261.6

269.2

234.5

209.9

208.6

200.0

190

215.9

221.3

217.3

220.7

225.8

243.2

210

229.4

246.7

230

253.7

250

37,000

3 Pop Avg

170 150 bu/ac

46,000 42,000

37,000

DKC 61-41RIB

3 Pop Avg

46,000 42,000 37,000 DKC 63-90RIB

3 Pop Avg

46,000 42,000

DKC 64-65RIB

46,000

42,000 37,000 DKC 69-95RIB

3 Pop Avg

13

Corn

Pre-Planting or At-Planting

Fall

Early Vegetative

Late Vegetative

Early Reproductive

BRANDT EnzUp Grain ST Corn Seed Overtreatment In 2019, BRANDT launched a product line with a new enzyme technology - BRANDT EnzUp - which is designed for a soil application to benefit young plants. That same technology will soon be available as a corn overtreat product to accommodate grower demand.

BRANDT EnzUp Grain ST contains a proprietary enzyme technology that enhances seed development to get the crop off to a fast and healthy start. This formulation is designed for use as a seed treatment on all soil types.

286.1

170 150 bu/ac

3.5 Advantage

IL, 2021 (bu/ac) BRANDT ENZUP GRAIN ST

254.1 250.6

Control

Corn

BRANDT ENZUP GRAIN ST

186.3

210

Control

184.2

190

14

bu/ac

192.1 6.5 Advantage 198.6 192.1

5.0 Advantage 226.6

BRANDT ENZUP GRAIN ST Control

150

196.3

BRANDT ENZUP GRAIN ST

Average of 6 Trials

BRANDT Dry Planter Box

Check

170

4.2 Advantage

Control

250.6

230

254.1

250

2.1 Advantage

BRANDT ENZUP GRAIN ST

Check

BRANDT Experimental Seed Treatments - Lexington

264.9

224.6

Control

BRANDT Competitor Competitor EnzUp Grain ST

270

229.2

BRANDT ENZUP GRAIN ST Control

Check

290

4.6 Advantage

IL, 2021 (bu/ac)

WI, 2021 (bu/ac)

285.5

295.1

Control

Corn

Corn

293.1

BRANDT ENZUP GRAIN ST

OH, 2021 (bu/ac)

287.3

190

9.0 Advantage

IL, 2021 (bu/ac)

Corn

297.6

250

210

Corn

IN, 2021 (bu/ac)

270

230

Field Trials

Corn

290

286.1

BRANDT EnzUp Grain ST is compatible with most fungicides and insecticide seed treatments. It may also be applied as an overtreatment if preferred.

BRANDT EnzUp Grain ST Corn Seed Overtreatment - Pleasant Plains

221.6

BRANDT EnzUp Grain ST Seed Coating

Pre-Planting or At-Planting

Fall

Early Vegetative

Late Vegetative

Early Reproductive

Corn

Corn Planting Date Trials ■

6 years of planting date trial data points to April as the top yielding month to plant corn in central Illinois

■

The addition of early season sulfur provides a significant yield increase due to lack of sulfur mineralization from the cooler soils

■

The key is to plant when soil conditions are favorable

Corn Yield Response to Planting Date - Pleasant Plains 2021 ATS (2x0)

2021 No ATS

2020 Trial

2019 Trial

2018 Trial

2017 Trial

2016 Trial

360 325

324.7

290

260.6

260.5

255 220 185

253.0

235.9

220.2 218.4

213.8

197.0 192.8

150 115 80 bu/ac

Mar Mar Mar Apr 15 22 28 03

Apr 11

Apr 12

Apr 13

Apr 21

Apr 25

Apr May May May May May May May May May May Jun 26 06 07 09 11 16 19 21 24 26 31 02

Jun 03

Jun 04

Jun 07

Top Yield by Year (April 3 - 13)

15

Corn

Pre-Planting or At-Planting

Fall

Early Vegetative

Late Vegetative

Early Reproductive

Corn Response to Ammonium Thiosulfate (ATS) – Multi Year This is the sixth year for monitoring corn yield response to ATS. Sulfur management plays a significant role in our high yield environment at the Pleasant Plains research farm. Ammonium Thiosulfate is 12-0-0-26S. Of that, 50% of the sulfur is in the elemental form and 50% in the sulfate form. This is important because only sulfate is readily available to the plant. Elemental sulfur slowly converts to sulfate over time. This provides a very effective, slow release capability.

■

The 6 year average yield advantage to 10 gal/ac of ATS is 14.5 bu/ac

■

In this specific trial ATS was applied 2 x 0 at planting

■

We have had success with both banded and broadcast ATS application scenarios

Sulfur Rate vs Applied Rate of DAP - Lexington 400 lbs DAP

200 lbs DAP

260

+32.6 bu/ac

240

+8.6 bu/ac

220 200 180

ATS mixes perfectly with 28% N and together makes a great combination for a spring application to feed the crop at early development stages.

+10.4 bu/ac

+2.6 bu/ac

160 140 120 100 bu/ac

No ATS

5 gal ATS

10 gal ATS

6 Year Corn Yield Response to ATS Applied at Planting - Pleasant Plains No ATS

ATS

290

+14.5 bu/ac

266.1

268.4

280.6

287.2

287.6

285.8

277.9

274.8

240

223.1

230

252.2

250

264.9

260

276.1

270

281.5

280

300.5

300

220 bu/ac

16

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

2021

6 Year Average

Pre-Planting or At-Planting

Fall

Early Vegetative

Late Vegetative

Early Reproductive

Corn

BRANDT In-Furrow Product Trial Pins BRANDT Trial Represent Locations

The addition of early season nutrition has been a key component to increased yields on our research farms and trials throughout corn growing regions. Nutrient availability is determined by environmental conditions such as temperature and moisture. By introducing nutrition near the seed, during or near the time of planting, we can introduce needed nutrients earlier when soil activity is minimal.

■

BRANDT 5-12-0-4S continues to show promising results on our research farms and on-farm trials. Three years of data shows an average yield increase of 8.2 bu/ac

■

BRANDT EnzUp Zn introduces enzymes to assist water and nutrient uptake.

Zinc is essential to early growth development and improves early plant vigor and establishment

Multi-State Trials

BRANDT 5-12-0-4S Product Trial - Pleasant Plains

BRANDT In-Furrow Zn Product Trial - Pleasant Plains

330

330

+9.5 bu/ac

310

250

230

230

210

210

190

190

170

170

150

Check

bu/ac

150

BRANDT 5-12-0-4S 2.5 gal/ac

bu/ac

BRANDT EnzUp Zn 1 qt/ac

BRANDT Sequestar 9% Zn 1 qt/ac

5.4

25

14.3

4.6

4.5

4.6

9.6

4.4

7.3 2019

4.9

4.8

10

2018

5.1

16.6

15

5

5.3

23.6

5.2 5.0

0

Check

BRANDT EnzUp Corn - Multi-Year, Multi-State Data - 92 Total Trials

BRANDT 5-12-0-4S + BRANDT EnzUp Zn 4 Year Yield Advantage - Lexington

20

287.0

270

288.9

250

+1.5 bu/ac

285.5

285.5

270

+3.4 bu/ac

290

295.0

290

310

4.2

2020 bushel increase

2021

Average

4.0

2017

2018

2019

2020

Average

bushel increase

17

Corn

Early Vegetative

Pre-Planting or At-Planting

Fall

Late Vegetative

Early Reproductive

Corn V4 Foliar Trials BRANDT Smart Trio has been our flagship foliar micronutrient product since its development nearly 15 years ago.

■

■

Success is achieved at various application rates. Increased application rates may be needed on soil types where deficiencies are present

2021 BRANDT Smart Trio Rate Trial - Continuous Corn - Pleasant Plains

The 2 qt/ac application rate has consistently been the highest yielding on our research farm. The recommended rate is 1-2 qt/ac

310

330

210

263.9

BRANDT Smart Trio 1 qt/ac

190 170 150

254.1

245

BRANDT Smart Trio 2 qt/ac

278.2

265

288.3

230

250

+10.1 bu/ac

291.2

270

285.7

270 250

255

+13.0 bu/ac

290

BRANDT Smart Trio on Corn/Soybean Rotation - Lexington

260

+7.0 bu/ac

bu/ac

BRANDT Smart Trio 1 gal/ac

Check

240 235 230

Check No Treatment

bu/ac

BRANDT Smart Trio 1 qt

14 Year Yield Increase with BRANDT Smart Trio @ 1 qt/ac on Continuous Corn 40

34.1

30

23.0

0 bu/ac

18

22.1

17.5

15.9

20 10

22.0

4.4

33.4

15.8

18.6

15.1 6.5

7.1

9.6 2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

10.1 2020

2021

14 Year Average

Pre-Planting or At-Planting

Fall

Early Vegetative

Late Vegetative

Early Reproductive

Corn

Progressive Foliar Management The objective of this trial is to push the limits of yield through multiple applications of crop protection and nutritional products. Then analyze the correlation between yield and return on investment for each application.

Corn Post Application Trip Trial ■

Not only did each additional application increase yield, it also increased the return

■

The timing of applications is critical to meet seasonal nutrient demand, but also to alleviate stresses caused by pests

■

Four, or even five applications across a field after emergence is not common practice, and can be profitable under the right conditions

Treatment

Timing

Product

Yield Increase

$/acre

Treatment 1

At Planting

10 Gallon ATS

7.2

$38.66

Treatment 2

V5 Foliar

Treatment 1 + BRANDT Smart Trio (1qt/ac) + BRANDT Smart B-Mo (1pt/ac) + Fungicide

50.1

$269.04

Treatment 3

V10 Foliar

Treatment 1 & 2 + BRANDT Smart Trio (1qt/ac) + BRANDT Smart B-Mo (1pt/ac)

52.8

$283.54

Treatment 4

V14 Foliar

Treatment 1, 2 & 3 + BRANDT Smart Trio (1qt/ac) + BRANDT Smart K B (1qt/ac)

58.4

$313.61

Treatment 5

VT Foliar

Treatment 1, 2, 3 & 4 + BRANDT Smart Trio (1qt/ac) + BRANDT Smart K B (1qt/ac) + Fungicide

62.4

$335.09

Treatment 6

R2 Foliar

Treatment 1, 2, 3, 4 & 5 + BRANDT Smart Trio (1qt/ac) + BRANDT Smart K B (1qt/ac)

66.7

$358.18

Corn on Corn Progressive Foliar Management +50.1 bu/ac $269.04

300

+66.7bu/ac $358.18 287.4

279.1

220.7

200

+62.4 bu/ac $335.09

227.9

220

273.5

+7.2 bu/ac $38.66

240

270.8

260

+58.4 bu/ac $313.61

283.1

280

+52.8 bu/ac $283.54

180 160 140 120 bu/ac

No ATS

10 Gallon ATS Treatment 1

V5 Foliar Treatment 2

V10 Foliar Treatment 3

V14 Foliar Treatment 4

VT Foliar Treatment 5

R2 Foliar Treatment 6

19

Corn

Pre-Planting or At-Planting

Fall

Late Vegetative

Early Vegetative

Early Reproductive

Response to Fungicide and BRANDT Products ■

Early and increased applications of fungicides with BRANDT foliar nutrient products increased yields under both 20” and 30” row planting scenarios

■

We observed increased disease pressure in 2021

■

Tar Spot was observed on our research farm for the first time

■

Multiple and earlier applications of fungicides take a preventative approach to disease management. Additionally, we are able to spoon feed essential nutrients during the same application

Corn Yield Response to Fungicide and BRANDT Products at Various Application Timings and Planting Populations - 30” rows - Pleasant Plains

Corn Yield Response to Fungicide and BRANDT Products at Various Application Timings and Planting Populations - 20” rows - Pleasant Plains 34,000

38,000

42,000

46,000

50,000

330 310

219.4 270 219.0 218.0 250 214.9 211.0

266.2 265.9 265.6

258.2 258.0 252.7

230

210

316.7 313.2 299.6 299.2 297.2 293.0

282.4 281.3 278.5

268.2 263.3 262.0

290 224.5

34,000

54,000

310

264.2

270 250

219.5

230 217.2

170 194.1 Double Application at V5 and V12

Triple Application at V5, V12 and R1

251.5

250.0 247.8 243.4

210

Single Application at V5

296.4 288.3 277.6

269.4

170 No Application

46,000

269.9 265.1 262.8

290

190

150

42,000

330

190

bu/ac

38,000

198.2

150

Single Application at V5

No Application

bu/ac

Double Application at V5 and V12

Triple Application at V5, V12 and R1

2021 Corn Fungicide Trial - Lexington

255.1

258.8

Average of R2 Treatments

Fungicide Product 3 @ R2

249.4 Fungicide Product 2 @ R2

Fungicide Product 1 @ R2

Average of VT Treatments

257.2

258.0

Fungicide Product 3 @ VT

No Treatment

258.0

Fungicide Product 2 @ VT

* Fungicide products used in trial: Veltyma, Delaro Complete, Trivapro

223.5

256.5

Fungicide Product 1 @ VT

20

259.4

bu/ac

No Treatment

150

Fungicide Product 3 @ V10

170

229.9

Fungicide Product 2 @ V10

190

Fungicide No Treatment

210

Average of V10 Treatments

243.0

Fungicide Product 1 @ V10

230

243.7

240.7

232.9

250

247.5

270

Corn

Soybeans

2007-2021 Yield & Revenue 15 Year Crop Revenue - Pleasant Plains Gross Soybean $

Gross 1st Year Corn $

$1600

$1335

$1400

$1382

$1286

$1200 $1000

$979

$959 $825 $829

$977

$800 $600 $400

$587

$1019 $881

$1020

$709 $816

$742

$687

$1010 $898

$692

$794

$804

$848

$791

2016

2017

$1097

$1170

$1069 $885

$843

$765

$457

$200 $0 $/ac

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2018

2019

2020

2021

Multi-Year Yield Response to Rotation - Pleasant Plains 1st Year Corn Yield Soybean Yield

Continuous Corn Yield

229.6

245.2 278.3

293.1

87.0

83.9

82.7

98.1

81.1

80.0

77.7

84.6

79.5

46.4

2011

244.2 281.3

287.9 299.1

250.5 272.4

257.2 267.1

209.8 243.4

250.5 256.8

2010

73.3

2009

84.0

2008

68.7

2007

61.0

0 bu/ac

60.9

50

130.0 140.3

100

146.0

152.7

150

222.3

256.3

241.0 261.8

260.6 267.2

200

250.6 253.6

250

286.8 307.1

300

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

2021

21

Management Practices

Evolution of Management Practices Environment

2012

2013

2014

2015

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.

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 with ample moisture. The fall began dry and quickly moved into a cold and rainy late harvest.

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 20 plus inches for the month. July and August were dry and cooler than normal.

A record rainfall in late December flushed a lot of residue and mobile nutrients into the watersheds.

Even with this loss of nutrients, the soil conditions at planting time were excellent. A 45 day dry spell starting in June led to one of the wettest July's on record with above average temps.

• Early planting maximized yields except for scattered frosted fields

• Fall applied nitrogen moved deeper into the 2nd foot of soils

• Banding beats broadcast nitrogen applications at plant

• Even emergence fields were critical for top yields

• Plant early for the best yields

• Corn tasseling followed potash applications

• Crops suffered from transient nutrient deficiencies until June

• Late side-dress nitrogen applications did not perform well

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

• Higher plant densities and narrow rows maximized the nutrition

• Early growth stage applications of nutrients and stimulants added yield

• Sulfur is needed on corn and soybeans

• Fungicides applied at VT slowed plant metabolism and drought stress

Identified Practices

• Sulfur applications with zinc maximized yields • Foliar insecticides improved yields and reduced green stem syndrome

• Late applied side dress nitrogen had no effect on yield

• Hormone applications need adequate nutrition to perform

• Banded nitrogen at planting time improved nitrogen efficiency • Hybrids with early plant vigor maximized yields • Insect damage was minimal in 2015 due to the wet June • Cover crops improved soybean yields

2016

• Mobile nutrient management had the best ROI • Strobilurin and boron applications greatly improved yields by reducing stress on corn and soybeans • At plant applications of nutrients were the most efficient due to the dry June weather • Cover crops improved soybean yields

Advancing Practices

• Apply sulfur

• Hormones assist plants

• Banding at plant

• Even corn emergence

• Even corn emergence

• Fungicides reduce stress

• Apply sulfur

• Early foliar applications

• Band nitrogen at plant

• Band nitrogen at plant

• Potash reduces stress

• Split apply nitrogen

• VOTiVO® treated seed

• Early flowering

• Higher populations

• High populations

• Cover crop allelopathy did not affect soybeans

• Cover crop allelopathy did not affect soybeans

• Lower pH of foliar insecticides

• Apply side dress nitrogen early

• Strip till provided better plant health

• Allelopathy in corn was stopped by strip tillage

• Allelopathy in corn was stopped by strip tillage

• Narrow row shading improves yields

• Long maturity soybeans

• Sulfur at plant on soybeans

• Amplified boron deficiency

• Amplified boron deficiency

• Strobilurins stopped frost damage • Cover crops absorb unused nutrition

22

• Seed treatments • Foliar applications mitigate transient nutrient deficiencies

• Crown rot controlled with potash

• Zinc at plant continues to improve yields • Plant soybeans by the end of April to maximize yields

• Zinc at plant continues to improve yields • Plant soybeans by the end of April to maximize yields

2017

2018

2019

2020

2021

A mild and dry winter led to an early spring warm up.

Excellent soil conditions for early April planting was interrupted on April 27 with heavy rains over 7 days. A dry summer with periods of high night time heat stressed crops through August.

A mild and near record dry fall and winter preceded gentle rains in February and March that recharged soils for planting. Excellent soil planting conditions and near perfect emergence set the stage for top yields.

Wet conditions began on Halloween 2018 which impeded harvest, tillage and fertilizer applications. Wet conditions continued through the winter to spring. This made for unprecedented late and unfavorable planting conditions.

Soybean stubble was dry enough to apply NH3 early November 2019. Corn stalk ground was damp which limited tillage and fall ammonia. It was late March before soils began to dry out enough for tillage or spring ammonia. The soil temperature at 4” remained near 50° from early April to mid May.

Fall NH3 and tillage was achieved on soybean ground. Corn ground held off until spring due to damp conditions under residue. The soil temperature at 4” remained near 50° from early April to mid May. Excessive rains though June/July.

• Plant early for the best yields

• Plant early for the best yields

• Sulfur management had the best ROI

• Yellow corn from sulfur deficiency was the talk of the state! Must apply sulfur at planting

• Must apply sulfur “at plant” in a sulfate form.

Early and late application timing failed due to rainfall

• Planting early April into the 50° soils. Soils were mellow with only some fields dry enough to plant

• Using a strip freshener bar before planting provided a better planting environment.

Planting began in early April into the 50° soils. Soils were mellow with only some fields dry enough to plant

• Strobilurin and boron applications greatly improved yields by reducing stress on corn and soybeans • At plant applications of nutrients were the most efficient due to the dry May to August weather • Cover crops improved soybean yields

• Strobilurin and boron improved yields by reducing disease and stress on corn and soybeans • At plant applications of nutrients were the most efficient due to the dry June to August weather • The coldest April on record pushed record yields in conventional tilled fields

• Strobilurin and boron improved yields by reducing disease and stress on corn and bean • At plant applications of nutrients were the most efficient due to a wet spring followed by a dry June • Foliar applications of micronutrients, hormones, and fungicides drove yields

• It was imperative to “prime” the soil with nutrients to feed the young plants and the microbial population using enzymes • Applications of N, P, and S at planting time assisted the mineralization process until soil temps elevated to the 70° • Corn plants improved with early stress reducing applications of foliar nutrients and fungicides • The carbon penalty of corn on corn immobilized high amounts of N and S. Sidedressing N and S improved yields

• It was imperative to “prime” the soil with nutrients to feed the young plants and the microbial population using enzymes, sulfur, iron, zinc and starter fertilizer • Small corn & soybean plants with limited soil mineralization improved with early stress reducing applications of foliar nutrients containing zinc, manganese, sulfur • The carbon penalty of corn on corn immobilized small amounts of nitrogen and sulfur. Sidedressing nitrogen and sulfur in April & May improved yields due to the wet July • Stalk residue in no till soybeans reduced early plant growth, which increased the risk of weed outbreaks

• Even corn emergence • Band nitrogen at plant • Terminate cover crops in mid March • Protect early planted crops with foliar insecticides • Increase B applications; amplified boron deficiency • Sulfur at plant continues to improve yields and mineralization • Plant soybeans by mid April to maximize yields

• Near perfect corn emergence

• Plant soybeans first

• Prime soil with enzymes

• Prime soil with enzymes

• Band nitrogen at plant

• Band nitrogen at plant

• Band N & S at plant

• Protect early planted soybean with foliar insecticides and seed treatments

• Foliar insecticides on soybeans

• Nitrogen/sulfur, zinc at planting

• Wet soils at planting respond to fungicide seed treatments

• Cold soils respond to fungicide seed treatments

• Terminate cover crops early • Protect early planted soybeans with foliar insecticides and seed treatments • Sulfur at plant continues to improve yields and starts early season mineralization

• Sulfur at plant continues to improve yields and starts early season mineralization

• Multiple post foliar applications of nutrients turns poverty peas into prairie pearls

• Multiple post foliar applications of nutrients turns poverty peas into prairie pearls

• Soybean seed treatments containing Methylotrophs improve rooting & nodules

• Sulfur at plant continues to improve yields and starts early season mineralization • Multiple post foliar applications of nutrients turns poverty peas into prairie pearls • Help eliminate early stress with fungicide & BRANDT Smart B-Mo

• Freshen the strip • Soybean seed treatments containing Methylotrophs improve rooting & nodules • Sulfur at plant continues to improve yields and starts early season mineralization • Multiple post foliar applications of nutrients turns poverty peas into prairie pearls • Help eliminate early stress with fungicide & BRANDT Smart Trio

23

Soybeans

BRANDT Production Base Applications The BRANDT omission trial 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 reflect the total high management system rather than a limited response due to some or all parts of the system.

■

15-50-150 suspension in fall

■

120,000 population

■

10 gal/ac ATS at plant (2x0)

■

BRANDT Battleground® seed treatment

■

Conventional tillage

■

Spring applied pre-emergent herbicide prior to plant

■

Post applied herbicide tank mixes + BRANDT Smart Trio plus BRANDT Smart B-Mo at 3rd trifoliate

■

Foliar insecticide at R1 plus 1 qt/ac BRANDT Smart Trio plus 1 qt/ac BRANDT Smart K B

■

Strobilurin at R3/insecticide + 1 qt/ac BRANDT Smart Trio plus 1 qt/ac BRANDT Smart K B

Post Applications

Planting Date

pg. 31

pg. 29

Variety pg. 27

BRANDT Smart System with Post Applied Herbicide

Seed Treatment pg. 28

In-Furrow Treatment

pg. 33

pg. 30

COVER CROP /TILLAGE

24

NPK

VE

VC

V1

V3

V8

R1

R2

Soybeans

Production Practice Rankings

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

2021

10 yr Avg

10 yr ROI

6.8

8.3

13.6

11

45.3

51.8

23.9

18.1

8.5

15.1

20.2

$$$

1

Planting Date

2

Variety

14.6

19.3

17.5

7

12.4

23.5

16.7

12.5

11.5

26.2

17.0

$$$

3

Maturity

10.2

13

8.5

0

12.4

23.5

16.7

12.5

5.5

26.2

13.2

$$$

4

BRANDT Smart B-Mo at R2-R4

n/a

1

7.4

n/a

2

10.3

6.3

5.2

12.9

7.5

10.6

9.3

5

Seed Treatment

11.9

7.4

5.5

8.5

12.9

7.5

16.3

24.4

7.2

3.4

10.1

5.3

6

P&K Rate

3.5

4

5.2

n/a

n/a

15.4

n/a

9

15.4

n/a

9.0

1

7

Strobilurin

4

3.1

6.5

3.2

9.1

4.2

10

8.7

17.1

15.7

8.2

2.9

8

Foliar Insecticide

5.7

4.9

3.4

n/a

2.9

5.1

n/a

n/a

3.4

3

7.2

5.2

9

Sulfur (ATS)

n/a

3.8

4.8

4.8

8.8

12.2

14.1

8.1

1.9

2.7

6.8

6.2

10

BRANDT Smart Trio

3.9

3.4

3.3

n/a

n/a

2

2.8

6.5

2

2.8

6.1

5.9

11

Cover Crop

n/a

n/a

n/a

9.5

0

1.4

-2

n/a

n/a

n/a

3.0

1.6

12

Row Width 20" vs 30"

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

2.8

1.3

5

2.1

n/a

2.2

2.7

$$$

13

Population

2.8

3.6

0

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

2.1

n/a

n/a

2.2

1.9

The ROI (Return On Investment) listed is calculated using the 2020 fall crop insurance price of $12.30 per bushel, multiplied by the yield response per acre, minus the cost per acre of a practice. For every dollar invested per acre in a practice, the ROI factor is how many dollars you get in return. We use a symbol of $$$ for practices that had no measurable cost per acre, but offer the best ROI.

Fungicide plus BRANDT Smart B-Mo at R2-R4 pg. 32 & 33

R3

R4

R5

R6

R8

25

We Have Determined the “Top 5” Soybean Grower Insights Based on BRANDT Research Farm Data 1. Six years of planting date data suggests early planting with ATS produces the highest yields.

2. Residue reduction - managing corn residue from prior crop.

3. Starter fertilizers combined with BRANDT EnzUp technology increases early soil activity and added nutrition to set the foundation for healthy plants.

4. There are great genetics and high yield producers in a wide range of maturities. However, we consistently see the higher yielding soybeans from the 3.6 to 4.1 RM range.

5. Fungicide combined with BRANDT foliar products continue to generate increased yield and return at the research farm.

2021 Production Practice Rankings vs 10 Year Average Production Practice Rankings

$125.4 $108.7

$120

$81.3

$72.4

$70.7 $20.5

BRANDT Smart B-Mo at R2-R4

Seed Treatment

P&K Rate

0

0 Strobilurin

Foliar Sulfur(ATS) Insecticide

BRANDT Smart Trio

Cover Crop

$17.1 2.2

Maturity

2.7

Variety

$33.0 2.2

Planting Date

3.0

6.1

2.8

6.8

2.7

7.2

3.0

8.0

3.4

26

$78.8

0

0 bu/ac

$59.9 9.0

10.1

10.6

7.5

5

$180

15.7

$162.7 13.2

10

$300

$240

$208.9 17.0

15.1

15

20.2

20

26.2

$249.0

26.2

25

Average 2021 10 Year ROI/ac @ $12.30/bu

Row Width 20 vs 30

Population

$60

$0 $/ac

100

96.2

97.5 95.9

95

90

89.6

88.6

38XF1 Border 41XF2 40XF1

85.6

85.8

37XF1

37XF2

38XF1

39XF1

86.8 36XF1

83.8

87.3

33XF2

35XF1

84.5 32XF2

89.1

84.0 38XF1 Border

31XF2

38XF1 Border

86.9

B300EE

30XF2

B310EE

86.7 88.3 89.0

85.7 63.1

62.7

68.1

70.6

70.0

73.7

79.7

78.0 80.9 71.0 74.7

35XF1

27XF2

28XF2

29XF2

31XF2

35XF1

36XF1

37XF2

CP3252XF

CP3752XF

35XF1

NK29-A5E3

NK35-J6E3S

64.0 NK31-M7E3

60

29XF2

76.5

40

29XF1

B310EE

45

35XF1

B340EE

50

79.9

55

86.8

85

Croplan Xtendflex NK Enlist E3 Brevant Enlist E3® Asgrow XtendFlex®

28XF2

80

81.1

65

86.3

85

77.6 27XF1

60

72.3

70

27XF2

75

79.8

65

81.4 80

70.2 26XF1

70

38XF1 Border 75

107.6 105

Brevant Enlist E3® Asgrow XtendFlex®

Soybeans Early Reproductive Late Vegetative Early Vegetative

Pre-Planting or At-Planting Fall

Soybean Variety Trials Soybean Variety and Trait Performance 110

bu/ac

Soybean Variety and Trait Performance - Lexington

90

bu/ac

27

Soybeans

Pre-Planting or At-Planting

Fall

Early Vegetative

Late Vegetative

Early Reproductive

Soybean Seed Treatment Trial Soybean seed treatment technologies continue to improve at a rapid pace. BRANDT is aligned with leading seed treatment technology partners to offer BRANDT Battleground as a total package offering to protect and enhance early soybean growth.

Additionally, BRANDT is currently developing and testing proprietary enzyme and nutrient combinations to further advance soybean yields.

Soybean Yield Response to BRANDT Battleground Seed Treatments - Pleasant Plains

Soybean Yield Response to BRANDT EnzUp and Nutrient Seed Treatments - Pleasant Plains

110

110

105

105

100

100

95

95

82.0

60

BRANDT Battleground Gold + BRANDT EnzUp Grain ST

BRANDT Battleground Gold + BRANDT Mo ST (Experimental)

BRANDT Battleground Gold + BRANDT EnzUp Grain ST+ BRANDT Mo ST (Experimental)

75 70

65 bu/ac

82.0

70

80

82.2

75

85

81.4

78.8

80.7

80

90

80.4

85

+2.6 bu/ac +$31.98

79.8

+1.9 bu/ac +$23.37

90

65 Untreated

BRANDT Battleground Gold

60

BRANDT Battleground Platinum

bu/ac Untreated

BRANDT Battleground Gold

10 Year Yield Response to All Research Farm Soybean Seed Treatments - Pleasant Plains 25

24.4

20

7.2

7.5

8.5

3.4

5.5

7.4

5

0 bu/ac

28

2012

2013

2014

10.1

12.9

11.9

10

16.3

15

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

2021

10 Year Average

Pre-Planting or At-Planting

Fall

Early Vegetative

Late Vegetative

Early Reproductive

Soybeans

Soybean Planting Date Trial ■

Seed treatment was BRANDT Battleground Gold

■

Early April planting at both research farms generated the highest yield

■

Added nutrition, such as ATS, at planting added additional yield

Soybean Planting Date - Lexington 90

83.7

80

81.1

78.5 71.5

70

69.5

60 50 40 30 20 10

18.9

0 bu/ac

Mar 10

Apr 05

Apr 19

Apr 22

May 14

May 25

Soybean Yield Response to Planting Date - Pleasant Plains 2021 ATS

2021 No ATS

2020 Trial

2019 Trial

2018 Trial

2017 Trial

2016 Trial

120 110

94.4

100 90

84.5

91.7

80

80.9

70

83.9

81.8

83.6

81.3

79.3 78.9

60 50 40 bu/ac

Mar 15

Mar 22

Mar 28

Apr 03

Apr 11

Apr 12

Apr 13

Apr 21

Apr 25

Apr May May May May May May May May May May 26 06 07 09 11 17 19 21 24 26 31

Jun 02

Jun 04

Jun 07

29

Soybeans

Fall

Pre-Planting or At-Planting

Early Vegetative

Late Vegetative

Early Reproductive

Soybean Response to In-Furrow Treatments ■

It has been well established that earlier planting dates with added nutrition on soybeans have increased yield

■

As growers plant soybeans earlier into cool wet soils the response to in-furrow starter applications is more likely to be greater

5-12-0-4S In-Furrow Starter Response - Pleasant Plains 90

86

In-furrow starter applications have increase leaf surface area on early vegetative growth and established a better root system vs control

82 80 78

78.8

5 year average yield increase to in-furrow applications with BRANDT 5-12-0 4S has been 7.8 bu/ac

84

83.0

■

87.5

■

88

76 74

Check

bu/ac

2.5 gal BRANDT 5-12-0-4S

Check

Soybean Response to ATS at Planting - Pleasant Plains Without ATS

With ATS

120

+7.8 bu/ac

100

78.7

86.5

94.4

91.7

89.2

87.4

80.9

72.8

60.1

40

95.6

72.3

60

81.6

80

20 0 bu/ac

30

2017

2018

2019

2020

2021

5 Year Average

Pre-Planting or At-Planting

Fall

Early Vegetative

Early Reproductive

Late Vegetative

Soybeans

Progressive Foliar Trials ■

Foliar application trials over the last 4 years provided 25% of the final yield

■

Planting soybeans earlier in combination with a longer maturity soybean maximizes the foliar treatments

■

Foliar applications from R3 to R6 stage maximizes yield and improves protein content of soybeans

■

Increasing one pod per plant increases soybean yield by two bushels per acre, so adding 5 pods at the top of the plant can increase yields 10 bushel per acre

Treatment

Timing

Product

Yield Increase

$/acre

Treatment 1

V5 Foliar

BRANDT Smart Trio (1qt/ac) + BRANDT Smart B-Mo (1qt/ac)

6.1

$75.03

Treatment 2

R1 Foliar

Treatment 1 + BRANDT Smart Trio (1qt/ac) + BRANDT Smart K B (1qt/ac) + Insecticide + Fungicide

17.9

$220.17

Treatment 3

R3 Foliar

Treatment 1 & 2 + BRANDT Smart Trio (1qt/ac) + BRANDT Smart K B (1qt/ac) + Insecticide

21.3

$261.99

Treatment 4

R5 Foliar

Treatment 1, 2 & 3 + BRANDT Smart Trio (1qt/ac) + BRANDT Smart K B (1qt/ac) + N Boost (1qt/ac) + Insecticide

29

$356.70

Smart Trio + BRANDT Smart K B 97.2 BRANDT + Strobilurin (1qt + 1qt) + Insecticide

BRANDT Smart Trio + BRANDT Smart K B (1qt + 1qt) + Insecticide

BRANDT Smart Trio + BRANDT Smart K B + N-Boost (1qt + 1qt + 1qt) + Insecticide

80

79.3

75 70 65 60 bu/ac

No Foliar

108.3

Smart Trio (1qt) + 85.4 BRANDT BRANDT Smart B-Mo (1qt)

V5 + R1 Foliar

V5 + R1 + R3

V5 + R1 + R3 + R5

95

85

Multi-Year Progressive Foliar Trials

V5 Foliar

100

90

100.6

2021 Soybean Progressive Foliar Trials

2017

2018

2019

2021

120

109.0

110 100

95.6

97.2

90

81.6 80 70

79.3 68.1

60

66.3

50 bu/ac

100.0

No Foliar

85.4 72.8 70.4

V5 Foliar

77.8

102.7 100.6 88.1

108.3 93.9 88.7

80.9

75.5

V5 + R1 Foliar

V5 + R1 + R3

V5 + R1 + R3 + R5

31

Soybeans

Fall

Pre-Planting or At-Planting

Early Vegetative

Late Vegetative

Early Early Reproductive Reproductive

Soybean Fungicide Trial ■

Matching an insecticide and nutritional to the fungicide improves photosynthesis, disease resistance, and maximizes nitrogen manufacturing and utilization

■

Foliar insecticides not only protect the plant from leaf and pod feeding but can also reduce rootworm egg lay and root damage in the following year of corn

■

By adding the new BRANDT Smart K B to a fungicide application, the plant can more efficiently move sugars from leaves to pods as well as up-regulate nodule production of nitrogen using the boron and molybdenum in BRANDT Smart K B

■

Zinc, manganese, and boron are key nutrients to assist the fungicide to minimize disease infestations in plants, so consider adding BRANDT Smart Trio to the BRANDT Smart K B

Soybean plants are on average 3 to 5 feet tall and can have up to 20 nodes on the main stem. The plant has the ability to produce 600 pods per plant, but on average there are 50 to 100 pods per plant. Most pods are set on the lowest nodes to middle of the plant. The easiest way to increase yield is to focus on increasing the pod count per node from the center of the plant to the top.

R3 Foliar Trials with Fungicide/Insecticide

Response to Fungicide, Insecticide, BRANDT Smart Trio, BRANDT Smart K B at R3

100

100

98

60

92

86

88.6

88

91.4

90

90.8

80

72.9

94

98.2

96.4

96

40

20

84 82 80 bu/ac

32

Check

BRANDT Smart B-Mo 1 pt/ac

BRANDT Smart K B 1 qt/ac

Check

0 bu/ac

Untreated

Fungicide, Insecticide and BRANDT Product

Pre-Planting or At-Planting

Fall

Early Vegetative

Early Early Reproductive Reproductive

Late Vegetative

Soybeans

BRANDT® Smart System® on Soybeans ■

Foliar applied BRANDT Smart System products were trialed with the University of Illinois in a high fertility and management system to evaluate the responsiveness to micronutrients at R3 timing with fungicide and insecticide

■

BRANDT Smart System micronutrients are designed for maximum foliar uptake and compatibility with post applied pesticides

■

Post application of BRANDT Smart Trio and BRANDT Smart B-Mo/BRANDT Smart K B with fungicide and insecticide application averaged a 2.3 bu/ac yield increase of fungicide and insecticide over 9 total trials in 3 years

■

The average grower return on investment in these trials is approximately $20 to $30/acre

■

Earlier vegetative timings of BRANDT Smart System can also have a significant impact on plant growth particularly in known geographies and soil conditions that have yield-limiting micronutrient deficiencies. The most common micronutrient deficiencies in early vegetative soybeans include Mn, Fe, Zn and B

3 Year Average +2.3 bu/ac 2019 Fungicide + Insecticide +

BRANDT Smart System

Fungicide + Insecticide

2019 - 2021

70.5

Yorkville Kendall

66.7

2019 - 2021

2020 Fungicide + Insecticide +

BRANDT Smart System

Fungicide + Insecticide

Champaign Champaign

72.2

70.5 2020 - 2021

Nashville

2021 Fungicide + Insecticide +

BRANDT Smart System

Fungicide + Insecticide

Washington

82.2

2019

Ewing Franklin

80.9

Research Conducted By Dr. Fred Below and Logan Woodward

33

Wheat

Pre-Planting or At-Planting

Fall

Early Vegetative

Late Vegetative

Early Reproductive

BRANDT EnzUp Grain ST Trials New for 2022, BRANDT EnzUp Grain ST is a seed treatment with enzyme technology for wheat and corn that improves early plant vigor and health.

■

Average yield increase was 3.7 bu/ac over 30 trials. Of the 30 trials, 20 were replicated plot design and 10 were large block grower, 20 acres, side by side trials. The average grower return on investment in these trials is approximately $20 to 30/acre with a win rate was 72% in 2021/22 winter wheat growing season.

■

Yield improvement was determined to be a result of better establishment, root growth and vigor.

■

BRANDT EnzUp Grain ST is mixed with and applied at the same time as most fungicides and insecticide seed treatments. It may also ® EnzUp® Grain ST: Replicated Trials BRANDT be applied as an over-treatment if preferred.

■

Do you have an interest in running a 20 acre side by side trial? If, YES, please contact your BRANDT representative.

Wheat Trial Locations State

Yield Change (bu/ac)

BRANDT EnzUp Grain ST: Grower Trials - Yield Results 14 12

-3.2

WI

-0.7

MN

0.4

WA

0.5

TN

0.7

WA

1.2

10.2

MT OH

8

KS

11.5

10

MB

2.1 2.2 2.3 3.4

NE

3.9

4

MN

-1.7

KY

WI

-0.5

-1.9

-4 bu/ac

CO

MD

4.1 4.2 4.4

TX

4.5

LA

6.0

MO

7.2

CO

8.6

TN

11.1

AZ

COAverage OH

DE

PA

OH

3.7

TX

0 -2

4

3.7

1.5

2

KS

5.6

IA

4.4

6

11.9

Average NJ 3.7

BRANDT Trials

BRANDT EnzUp Grain ST: Replicated Trials - Yield Results 14 12

MN

KS

TX

TX

3.7

NE

6.0

IA

4.5

KS

4.4

OH

4.2

MT

4.1

WA

3.4

TN

2.3

WA

2.2

MN

2.1

WI

1.2

MB

0.7

34

-0.7

-4 bu/ac

-3.2

-2

0.5

0

0.4

2

3.9

4

7.2

6

8.6

8

11.9

11.1

10

LA

MO

CO

TN

AZ Average

Summary On behalf of BRANDT we want to thank you, our customers, for your business. Our valued relationship is built on sound agronomic and business practices so that we can grow our crops and businesses for future generations. Navigating challenges, as we did in 2021, takes teamwork to achieve the positive results we have experienced.

We stand ready to navigate all challenges as we enter the 2022 growing season.

This is the 17th year of production at our Pleasant Plains, IL farm and 10th year for Lexington, IL. Parts of the data set will look familiar as we continue to build on our multi-year trends, but there are some new products and practices we are experimenting with that show some positive results. We focus on practices and outcomes that benefit your operation and we also take risks to push the limits of production agriculture. In 2021, we were fortunate to have favorable weather conditions. When paired with our production methods, resulted in very good yields at both of our farms. These yields combined with grain prices increased revenue on the farms as well.

We were glad to welcome everyone back for in-person BRANDT Agronomy Days in 2021. These are important events that give our customers valuable interaction with BRANDT agronomy experts. Our research farm is always available for private tours. Work with your BRANDT representative on those arrangements. There is more research and demonstrations on the farm than are represented in this book and some of the early season observations can prove valuable for in-season applications to increase yield.

Several practices that are common on your farms today started on our research farms. The addition of early season ATS applications has increased every season and now we looked to fine tune the rates to generate maximum return on those applications. BRANDT Smart System products with herbicide applications started with our flagship product, BRANDT Smart Trio, and continue to evolve with new chemistries in the market to battle weed resistance. We continually analyze new fungicide chemistries and application timings to protect yield. As noted, tar spot was first observed on the research farm this year. We value our relationship with industry partners and work closely with them to bring the best recommendations to your farms.

We hope you benefit from our research farm results and please contact your BRANDT representative with questions or further detailed information. Also, please plan to attend our annual agronomy day and schedule a private tour of the farm with one of our agronomists or team members.

We wish you a successful, prosperous, and healthy 2022.

Team BRANDT

The marks BRANDT, BRANDT Smart Trio, Battleground, EnzUp and Smart System 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.

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

217 476 3438 217 438 6158 309 725 3710 309 377 3121 815 692 2612 217 381 2546 217 897 6920 217 675 2302 217 489 2141 563 847 3931 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 815 699 7701

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

2022-02