2017 PFR Book
416Pages

PRACTICAL FARM RESEARCH 2017 The 2017 Practical Farm Research (PFR)® results contain research from the following PFR testing locations: CENTRAL ILLINOIS PFR Downs, IL SOUTHERN ILLINOIS PFR Effingham, IL PFR COOPERATOR SITES AgRevival, Gibbon, MN Murray State, Murray, KY 2017 Beck’s Practical Farm Research | 1

WHAT'S INSIDE COOPERATORS As Beck’s expands into new areas, we continue looking for ways to conduct Practical Farm Research (PFR)® testing to bring farmers quality information as quickly as possible. To that end, we work closely with universities and high-quality research companies to help them conduct the same replicated trials that we are doing at our own PFR sites, using our same protocols. In this section, you will find data from The University of Tennessee Martin, Murray State, and AgRevival, a research company based in Minnesota. We encourage you to review this data the same way you...

PRICING Market price volatility makes it difficult to determine revenue and income per acre for the plots included in this book; but at the same time, knowing the economics makes our studies relevant to every farmer. To calculate the 2017 commodity prices, we averaged the Friday Chicago Board of Trade closing futures prices from September 1, 2016 through August 31, 2017. You may need to recalculate your own return per acre using prices that you expect to receive if they differ significantly from the commodity and input prices we used. COMMODITY PRICES Corn PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHER Beck’s...

NEW PFR PROJECTS 400 BUSHEL PROJECT In our quest to provide the best farmer-focused research, we continue to test new ways to push our yields by utilizing emerging technologies and theories. We then share those learnings with you, the farmer. One way we strive to do this is through our new 400 Bushel Challenge plot. We continue looking for new ways to raise higher yields on a consistent basis here in the Midwest. This year, we installed sub-drip irrigation on our 400 Bushel Challenge plot to conduct early research that not only tests the different configurations of the system, but also how...

PRACTICE f a practice has been tested in PF and found to be the most profitable, then that practice will earn the status “PFR Proven™”. However, these practices should be considered as starting points. Consult your local Beck’s representative for best management practices for your area. PRODUCT – If a product has been tested in PFR and found to provide annual yield gains and averages a positive ROI over a minimum of three years, that product will earn the status “PFR Proven”. These products will be marked with the PFR Proven stamp, and should be something to consider trying on your farm....

As you look through the PFR book this year you will notice that, in many instances, we are measuring fairly consistent responses to starter fertilizers and macros, which surprised us to a certain degree. When discussing this topic with experts from A&L Great Lakes Labs, we suggested that perhaps there were at least four potential reasons for the increased consistency of responses: 1. 2. 3. . Higher yields are removing more nutrients The use of in-furrow fungicides may be impacting mycorrhrizae Tighter farm economics are resulting in reductions of some fertilizer applications Perhaps the...

MULTILOCATION STUDIES CORN STUDIES CENTRAL IL SOUTHERN IL OHIO SOYBEAN STUDIES COOPERATOR INDEX 2017 Beck’s Practical Farm Research | 7 For additional studies on tillage, carbon, double crops, and cover crops, visit Be

PLANTING DEPTH STUDY PURPOSE PARTICIPATING SITES To examine how planting depth impacts plant population, emergence and yield. 3-YEAR MULTI-LOCATION PLANTING DEPTH YIELD AVERAGE 202.4 203.7 200.4 OBSERVATION Maximizing the genetic potential of corn begins with consistent emergence and establishing a vigorous root system. Planting depth impacts both. We often think that deeper planting equates to cooler soil temperatures and slower emergence. However, while deeper planting depths typically do result in slightly cooler soil temperatures, they also equate to less temperature fluctuation...

CLOSING WHEEL STUDYPLACEMENT MULTI PURPOSE PARTICIPATING SITES To evaluate Schaffert's 4 Link Closer and its effect on emergence, yield and profitability. OBSERVATION In this trial, we saw increased stand counts and improved seed-to-soil contact with the more aggressive closing wheel system. The walking axle improved the ground contact of the closing wheels, which not only increased seed-to-soil contact, but also eliminated possible sidewall compaction because of it's ability to offset the closing wheels. This allows for a better root system early on. The stand itself may not be as...

APPLICATION SYSTEM STUDY3RIVE 3D™ PURPOSE PARTICIPATING SITES IN KY C. IL S. IL OH IA To evaluate the new 3RIVE 3D in-furrow application system to determine its ease of use and efficiency. We also tested multiple infurrow products through the 3RIVE 3D unit, at different rates and on two different trait platforms, in an effort to determine potential yield and profitability. Corn $3.86/Bu. Capture® 3RIVE 3D™ $337.49/gal. Ethos® 3RIVE 3D™ $306.17/gal. Individual results may vary. OBSERVATION Three years of testing a 4 oz. and 8 oz. rate of Capture® hasn't paid, and frankly, it isn't surprising...

SEED TREATMENT STUDYESCALATE™ VS. INDUSTRY STANDARD VS. UNTREATED MULTI PARTICIPATING SITES To evaluate the yield differences of Beck's Escalate™ yield enhancement system on corn, compared to both the industry standard treatment system and an untreated control. 3-YEAR MULTI-LOCATION SEED TREATMENT YIELD AVERAGE OBSERVATION Corn planting dates continue to move earlier each year in an attempt to maximize yield potential. The resulting environment is often cooler and wetter, allowing disease and insects more time to impact the slower developing seed and seedlings. Beck's Escalate™...