NORTHERN BUSINESS UNIT
PRSRT STD
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
DES MOINES, IA
PERMIT NO. 5285
NORTHERN BUSINESS UNIT
www.helenachemical.com
2.15
NITROGEN FOR HIGH YIELDING SOYBEANS
MARK CHRISTIANSON
THE PEOPLE TO GUIDE YOU...
THE PRODUCTS TO PERFORM FOR YOU...
THE EXPERIENCE TO SUPPORT YOU...
| Midwest and West Central Division Precision Information Specialist
Decreasing corn prices have many farmers looking at new technology to help maximize production and potentially minimize input cost. The
Corn Belt has been using variable rate fertilizer for many years. In the last few years, hydraulic driven planters have advanced to give us the
ability to use variable rate seeding from inside the cab.
Precision Ag and variable rates are about making the most of the variability in the field. They may not necessarily minimize the variability,
which can be difficult, but they offer a way to take better advantage of that variability.
Helena has a variable rate seed program called SeedStrong that helps growers create variable rate seed prescriptions. SeedStrong is part of
Helena’s AGRIntelligence® precision system.
®
SeedStrong utilizes multiple data layers to create productivity zones. Zones are created using a recent grid or zone soil sample and multiple
years of yield data. Multiple years of yield data are normalized to capture an accurate look at past field performance. Electrical conductivity
(Veris Data) can also be utilized if available, but is not required. These layers are entered into the SeedStrong algorithm to create zones.
However, the most valuable data layer is farmer knowledge because no one knows a field better than its farmer. Their input on variety and
population for each zone is vital in finalizing the prescriptions.
Many factors should be considered when determining seeding rates. In addition to SeedStrong zones, there are other variables to consider
such as soil fertility, fertilizer program, seed variety, drainage and water availability in an irrigation field.
Utilizing farmer input in conjunction with local seed knowledge from Helena, we can increase seed rate on higher producing areas of the field,
and in contrast, decrease seed rate on poor producing areas of the field. Once the rates are determined, the SeedStrong prescription is written
for nearly any equipment rate controller on the market today.
Contact your Helena representative to help build SeedStrong prescriptions specific to each of your fields.
Always read and follow label directions. SeedStrong is a trademark and Helena, AGRIntelligence, First-Up, Fire-Zone, Nucleus & Nutri-Link are registered trademarks of Helena Holding Company.
LCO Promoter Technology is a registered trademark of Novozymes A/S. Callisto & Flexstar are registered trademarks of Syngenta Crop Protection, LLC. © 2015 Helena Holding Company.
| Midwest Division Helena Product Manager
PG 1
®
MAKING THE MOST OF FIELD VARIABILITY WITH SEED POPULATION RATES
JEFF SCHRECK
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
Have you been thinking about how to raise higher yielding soybeans on your acres?
“How much Nitrogen do I need?” was probably not your first thought, was it?
Nitrogen for High
Yielding Soybeans
A 175 bushel/acre corn crop requires roughly 200 lbs of nitrogen/acre. But, a 60 bushel/acre soybean crop
needs nearly 300 lbs of nitrogen/acre! How are you addressing this need in your soybean crop?
PG 2
Are In–Furrow Starters
Important?
While soybeans (a legume) produce much of their own nitrogen, they can benefit from a little help.
Treating your soybean seed with a high quality inoculant can ensure proper nodulation of your soybeans
– which is what needs to occur for them to produce the nitrogen your crop needs. The Bradyrhizobium
japonicum inoculum performs a very important job in a soybean crop. These microscopic organisms help
take nitrogen out of the air and give it to soybean plants. Bradyrhizobium is part of a large group of
nitrogen fixing bacteria called Rhizobia.
Growers used to inoculate soybean seed only when planting in fields that had not grown soybeans for
years. However, today’s Bradyrhizobium inoculants are so much better than the old inoculants that it pays
to inoculate all soybean seed – especially if you are looking for higher yielding soybeans.
First Up® ST contains a high count of Bradyrhizobium japonicum for better nodulation. First Up ST also has
patented LCO Promoter Technology® that
results in faster emergence, and a stronger
root system for better moisture and nutrient
uptake. It also promotes earlier nodule
development for improved nitrogen fixation.
Finally, First Up ST contains isoflavonoid
plant signal compounds that trigger growth
of beneficial soil fungi. This enhances and
strengthens the root system for improved
phosphorus uptake and stress tolerance,
which all point toward higher yield
potential.
First Up ST represents top-of-the-line
inoculant technology – try it on your
soybean acres this year!
Nodulation on soybean roots. Photo courtesy of the University of Minnesota
Early Preparation is
Critical for Turning
Challenges into
Opportunities
PG 3
Weed Control:
It’s a War Out There
PG 4
Making the Most of Field
Variability with Seed
Population Rates
FEBRUARY 2015
ARE IN–FURROW STARTERS IMPORTANT?
WEED CONTROL: IT’S A WAR OUT THERE
As we approach the planting season for 2015, the present crop values compared to recent years brings out the age old question, does my
starter fertilizer pay? If we all farmed in weather-controlled bubbles, the answer to this question would be really simple! Obviously we
don’t farm in bubbles, but we normally face many challenges each season planting our crops.
In days past, weed control was such a sweet, easy application. Just
apply your favorite glyphosate to your corn and soybeans. It was so
pristine, cheap and effective. One herbicide to rule them all!
So, what causes yield loss? If you only had one word to answer that question, it has to be stress. Every time our crop goes under stress
it affects yield. So, how do we minimize stress? One effective practice we have seen to help reduce early stress is in-furrow starters.
Research has shown that if our seeds/plants have their desired nutrition during the early stages of growth, we can help minimize stress
especially when most crops like corn start to determine their potential in the early stages of V4-V6.
Rate was not a worry. You couldn’t apply too much, but if you
applied too little, you could go back and hit those weeds again with
more of our lovely glyphosate. Glyphosate is very safe to handle.
Some of those other products stained your hands and equipment.
We didn’t have to go out to the fields before spraying and determine
the crop stage, the size of the weeds or even the kinds of weeds in
the field. Glyphosate killed them all. It mattered not how big the
weeds were (well almost), and it left the corn or soybeans looking
beautiful. No crop injury! No need to clean out the tank when
switching crops, because everybody had glyphosate resistant corn
and soybeans. Oh, it was a wonderful time in the country.
RON TAYLOR | North Central Division Product Manager
REASONS IN-FURROW NUTRITION ARE IMPORTANT:
•Get a head start on early growth – by feeding the crop early, the plant has readily available food, especially in cooler soils.
•Improve stand uniformity – by feeding the crop early, every seed has a chance to emerge at the same time.
This is important for plant competition, as well as for faster canopy to reduce weed pressure.
•Less moisture at harvest – by quickly advancing through the growth stages, the crop can mature faster and drier.
Research on corn trials shows it can be 1-2 points drier.
•Increased yields – by feeding the crop early and efficiently, the seed/plants do not go through nutrient “stress,”
which can affect yield.
Helena offers a full lineup of in-furrow starters called Nucleus®. Our Nucleus brands offer several formulations to fit your needs.
Nucleus brand in-furrow starters not only give you the nutrition you need but also have added components to enhance fertilizer
efficiency and improve root growth and vigor. Numerous trials across the Midwest show a 10+ bushel advantage with Nucleus
compared to non-starter trials in varying soil types, hybrids, planting dates and conditions. Are they important? Ask yourself: “Can I give
up those kinds of bushels this season”?
NEWS
EARLY PREPARATION IS CRITICAL FOR
TURNING CHALLENGES INTO OPPORTUNITIES
KEVIN MEEKS
| Midwest Division Agronomist
As the new year gets under way, there are several areas to
consider for the 2015 crop year in order to give us the best chance
of success. This year will bring its challenges with lower than
normal commodity prices and the influence of Mother Nature, but
we prefer to look for the opportunities in these situations, rather
than the challenges. You might be asking yourself, “Where do we
begin?” or “What should be considered when looking ahead?”
Before the season gets underway, it is critical to evaluate current
soil conditions. Grid and zone soil sampling in the fall will give us
an accurate idea of the current soil nutrient levels, both macro and
micro, as we get ready for planting season. However, over winter,
some nutrients can be lost due to leaching, erosion or runoff, so be
thoughtful of your area’s winter conditions as spring approaches. A
proper understanding of soil conditions and nutrient availability is
critical before any product is applied.
At this time of the year, seed orders are filled, yield goals are
established and fertility programs should be in place. Getting the
2
crop off to a good start this year will be extremely important,
especially if commodity prices continue to stay where they are. The
use of starter fertilizers like Nucleus® and Nutri-Link® products that
are high in orthos and contain zinc will be critical for this year’s
crop success. Starter fertilizers alone have shown increased early
season crop growth, plant vigor and subsequent grain yield.
Once the season begins, we need to take a proactive approach by
doing tissue samples to gain an accurate picture of the nutrient
uptake happening in the plant. Tissue samples will tell us if there
is any nutrient antagonism or tie-up, which can help us be ahead
of the curve before deficiency symptoms are visible. As we all
know, nutrient uptake does not happen all at once, so we need to
be thoughtful about implementing other fertility methods like side
dress or foliar products.
If we can get ahead and stay ahead, we can overcome the low
prices by optimizing our yields to make this year a success.
DR. RANDY SIMONSON | NORTH CENTRAL DIVISION AGRONOMIST
FULL RATE OF HERBICIDE - In the past, we were often able to
get by using reduced rates of herbicides. That is very difficult now.
One of our greatest threats is not getting good weed kill from an
herbicide application.
PROPER ADJUVANT - Adjuvants make herbicides work better. Look
at the herbicide label to determine the right type of adjuvant to
use with the herbicide you are using. I formerly had a job testing
adjuvants with a variety of herbicides on corn and soybeans. I was
amazed at the differences between adjuvants. The kind of adjuvant
used can really affect weed control. You may also need an adjuvant
that conditions your water. There are several properties of the spray
water like hardness, calcium, magnesium, aluminum and ph that
can affect how well the herbicide works. Test a sample of the spray
water to determine if a water conditioner type adjuvant is required.
Then the invasion happened. They came in from the South. Even
when we heard of all the casualties in the South, we did not really
believe they would come after us in the North. But they did –
herbicide resistant weeds.
We had a few threats from ALS and photosystem II inhibitor (e.g.
atrazine) resistant weeds, but it seemed we could always keep them
in check. But, when the EPSP synthase inhibitor (e.g. glyphosate)
resistant weeds started showing up, our other defenses fell. Even
other modes of action like HPPD inhibitors (e.g. Callisto®) and PPO
inhibitors (e.g. Flexstar®), which became great defenses against
resistant weeds, began to fall. As more weeds became resistant
to our herbicides, some weeds even became resistant to multiple
modes of action, making weed control a nightmare.
Have we been defeated on the battlefield of weed control by these
resistant weeds? No! We will not go down without a fight!
So, what is our strategy for this battle? Our success will begin and
end with basic weed science principles.
IDENTIFY WEEDS - Scouting for weeds is more important than
ever. The Helena InSpex® program can really pay dividends by
documenting what weeds are in each field. With this information,
we can choose the proper herbicides to control those weeds. Each
field may not need the same herbicides, and while some herbicides
may be similar, each herbicide will often control certain weeds better
than other herbicides. Knowing what weeds are in each field is
crucial to determining the best herbicide to use.
Lambsquarter in a soybean field, courtesy of Purdue University.
BURNDOWN HERBICIDES - Starting with a clean field can make a
big difference all season long. Glyphosate, 2,4-D and dicamba, as
well as many other herbicides, are popular. My favorite adjuvant
to use with burndown herbicides is Fire-Zone®. Fire-Zone is
specifically made to use with burndown herbicides, and it is very
effective.
DIFFERENT MODES OF ACTION AND SITES OF ACTION - Mixing
up your herbicides’ modes and sites of action helps achieve cleaner
fields and reduces the chance of producing resistant weeds. Some
of the universities have developed some great charts showing the
different modes and sites of action and the herbicides that fall into
each category.
Cultural and mechanical weed control - Rotating crops and
tilling the soil are still good tools for controlling weeds.
RESIDUAL HERBICIDES - Residual herbicides control weeds for a
longer period of time. They will prevent weeds from emerging later
in the season.
Weeds are yield robbers. Using a combination of techniques is the
best way to fight, and win, this war against weeds.
These are a few of the ways to reduce weed populations and
produce clean fields. Another great resource is your Helena
salesman; they can make a weed control program for each field.
3
ARE IN–FURROW STARTERS IMPORTANT?
WEED CONTROL: IT’S A WAR OUT THERE
As we approach the planting season for 2015, the present crop values compared to recent years brings out the age old question, does my
starter fertilizer pay? If we all farmed in weather-controlled bubbles, the answer to this question would be really simple! Obviously we
don’t farm in bubbles, but we normally face many challenges each season planting our crops.
In days past, weed control was such a sweet, easy application. Just
apply your favorite glyphosate to your corn and soybeans. It was so
pristine, cheap and effective. One herbicide to rule them all!
So, what causes yield loss? If you only had one word to answer that question, it has to be stress. Every time our crop goes under stress
it affects yield. So, how do we minimize stress? One effective practice we have seen to help reduce early stress is in-furrow starters.
Research has shown that if our seeds/plants have their desired nutrition during the early stages of growth, we can help minimize stress
especially when most crops like corn start to determine their potential in the early stages of V4-V6.
Rate was not a worry. You couldn’t apply too much, but if you
applied too little, you could go back and hit those weeds again with
more of our lovely glyphosate. Glyphosate is very safe to handle.
Some of those other products stained your hands and equipment.
We didn’t have to go out to the fields before spraying and determine
the crop stage, the size of the weeds or even the kinds of weeds in
the field. Glyphosate killed them all. It mattered not how big the
weeds were (well almost), and it left the corn or soybeans looking
beautiful. No crop injury! No need to clean out the tank when
switching crops, because everybody had glyphosate resistant corn
and soybeans. Oh, it was a wonderful time in the country.
RON TAYLOR | North Central Division Product Manager
REASONS IN-FURROW NUTRITION ARE IMPORTANT:
•Get a head start on early growth – by feeding the crop early, the plant has readily available food, especially in cooler soils.
•Improve stand uniformity – by feeding the crop early, every seed has a chance to emerge at the same time.
This is important for plant competition, as well as for faster canopy to reduce weed pressure.
•Less moisture at harvest – by quickly advancing through the growth stages, the crop can mature faster and drier.
Research on corn trials shows it can be 1-2 points drier.
•Increased yields – by feeding the crop early and efficiently, the seed/plants do not go through nutrient “stress,”
which can affect yield.
Helena offers a full lineup of in-furrow starters called Nucleus®. Our Nucleus brands offer several formulations to fit your needs.
Nucleus brand in-furrow starters not only give you the nutrition you need but also have added components to enhance fertilizer
efficiency and improve root growth and vigor. Numerous trials across the Midwest show a 10+ bushel advantage with Nucleus
compared to non-starter trials in varying soil types, hybrids, planting dates and conditions. Are they important? Ask yourself: “Can I give
up those kinds of bushels this season”?
NEWS
EARLY PREPARATION IS CRITICAL FOR
TURNING CHALLENGES INTO OPPORTUNITIES
KEVIN MEEKS
| Midwest Division Agronomist
As the new year gets under way, there are several areas to
consider for the 2015 crop year in order to give us the best chance
of success. This year will bring its challenges with lower than
normal commodity prices and the influence of Mother Nature, but
we prefer to look for the opportunities in these situations, rather
than the challenges. You might be asking yourself, “Where do we
begin?” or “What should be considered when looking ahead?”
Before the season gets underway, it is critical to evaluate current
soil conditions. Grid and zone soil sampling in the fall will give us
an accurate idea of the current soil nutrient levels, both macro and
micro, as we get ready for planting season. However, over winter,
some nutrients can be lost due to leaching, erosion or runoff, so be
thoughtful of your area’s winter conditions as spring approaches. A
proper understanding of soil conditions and nutrient availability is
critical before any product is applied.
At this time of the year, seed orders are filled, yield goals are
established and fertility programs should be in place. Getting the
2
crop off to a good start this year will be extremely important,
especially if commodity prices continue to stay where they are. The
use of starter fertilizers like Nucleus® and Nutri-Link® products that
are high in orthos and contain zinc will be critical for this year’s
crop success. Starter fertilizers alone have shown increased early
season crop growth, plant vigor and subsequent grain yield.
Once the season begins, we need to take a proactive approach by
doing tissue samples to gain an accurate picture of the nutrient
uptake happening in the plant. Tissue samples will tell us if there
is any nutrient antagonism or tie-up, which can help us be ahead
of the curve before deficiency symptoms are visible. As we all
know, nutrient uptake does not happen all at once, so we need to
be thoughtful about implementing other fertility methods like side
dress or foliar products.
If we can get ahead and stay ahead, we can overcome the low
prices by optimizing our yields to make this year a success.
DR. RANDY SIMONSON | NORTH CENTRAL DIVISION AGRONOMIST
FULL RATE OF HERBICIDE - In the past, we were often able to
get by using reduced rates of herbicides. That is very difficult now.
One of our greatest threats is not getting good weed kill from an
herbicide application.
PROPER ADJUVANT - Adjuvants make herbicides work better. Look
at the herbicide label to determine the right type of adjuvant to
use with the herbicide you are using. I formerly had a job testing
adjuvants with a variety of herbicides on corn and soybeans. I was
amazed at the differences between adjuvants. The kind of adjuvant
used can really affect weed control. You may also need an adjuvant
that conditions your water. There are several properties of the spray
water like hardness, calcium, magnesium, aluminum and ph that
can affect how well the herbicide works. Test a sample of the spray
water to determine if a water conditioner type adjuvant is required.
Then the invasion happened. They came in from the South. Even
when we heard of all the casualties in the South, we did not really
believe they would come after us in the North. But they did –
herbicide resistant weeds.
We had a few threats from ALS and photosystem II inhibitor (e.g.
atrazine) resistant weeds, but it seemed we could always keep them
in check. But, when the EPSP synthase inhibitor (e.g. glyphosate)
resistant weeds started showing up, our other defenses fell. Even
other modes of action like HPPD inhibitors (e.g. Callisto®) and PPO
inhibitors (e.g. Flexstar®), which became great defenses against
resistant weeds, began to fall. As more weeds became resistant
to our herbicides, some weeds even became resistant to multiple
modes of action, making weed control a nightmare.
Have we been defeated on the battlefield of weed control by these
resistant weeds? No! We will not go down without a fight!
So, what is our strategy for this battle? Our success will begin and
end with basic weed science principles.
IDENTIFY WEEDS - Scouting for weeds is more important than
ever. The Helena InSpex® program can really pay dividends by
documenting what weeds are in each field. With this information,
we can choose the proper herbicides to control those weeds. Each
field may not need the same herbicides, and while some herbicides
may be similar, each herbicide will often control certain weeds better
than other herbicides. Knowing what weeds are in each field is
crucial to determining the best herbicide to use.
Lambsquarter in a soybean field, courtesy of Purdue University.
BURNDOWN HERBICIDES - Starting with a clean field can make a
big difference all season long. Glyphosate, 2,4-D and dicamba, as
well as many other herbicides, are popular. My favorite adjuvant
to use with burndown herbicides is Fire-Zone®. Fire-Zone is
specifically made to use with burndown herbicides, and it is very
effective.
DIFFERENT MODES OF ACTION AND SITES OF ACTION - Mixing
up your herbicides’ modes and sites of action helps achieve cleaner
fields and reduces the chance of producing resistant weeds. Some
of the universities have developed some great charts showing the
different modes and sites of action and the herbicides that fall into
each category.
Cultural and mechanical weed control - Rotating crops and
tilling the soil are still good tools for controlling weeds.
RESIDUAL HERBICIDES - Residual herbicides control weeds for a
longer period of time. They will prevent weeds from emerging later
in the season.
Weeds are yield robbers. Using a combination of techniques is the
best way to fight, and win, this war against weeds.
These are a few of the ways to reduce weed populations and
produce clean fields. Another great resource is your Helena
salesman; they can make a weed control program for each field.
3
NORTHERN BUSINESS UNIT
PRSRT STD
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
DES MOINES, IA
PERMIT NO. 5285
NORTHERN BUSINESS UNIT
www.helenachemical.com
2.15
NITROGEN FOR HIGH YIELDING SOYBEANS
MARK CHRISTIANSON
THE PEOPLE TO GUIDE YOU...
THE PRODUCTS TO PERFORM FOR YOU...
THE EXPERIENCE TO SUPPORT YOU...
| Midwest and West Central Division Precision Information Specialist
Decreasing corn prices have many farmers looking at new technology to help maximize production and potentially minimize input cost. The
Corn Belt has been using variable rate fertilizer for many years. In the last few years, hydraulic driven planters have advanced to give us the
ability to use variable rate seeding from inside the cab.
Precision Ag and variable rates are about making the most of the variability in the field. They may not necessarily minimize the variability,
which can be difficult, but they offer a way to take better advantage of that variability.
Helena has a variable rate seed program called SeedStrong that helps growers create variable rate seed prescriptions. SeedStrong is part of
Helena’s AGRIntelligence® precision system.
®
SeedStrong utilizes multiple data layers to create productivity zones. Zones are created using a recent grid or zone soil sample and multiple
years of yield data. Multiple years of yield data are normalized to capture an accurate look at past field performance. Electrical conductivity
(Veris Data) can also be utilized if available, but is not required. These layers are entered into the SeedStrong algorithm to create zones.
However, the most valuable data layer is farmer knowledge because no one knows a field better than its farmer. Their input on variety and
population for each zone is vital in finalizing the prescriptions.
Many factors should be considered when determining seeding rates. In addition to SeedStrong zones, there are other variables to consider
such as soil fertility, fertilizer program, seed variety, drainage and water availability in an irrigation field.
Utilizing farmer input in conjunction with local seed knowledge from Helena, we can increase seed rate on higher producing areas of the field,
and in contrast, decrease seed rate on poor producing areas of the field. Once the rates are determined, the SeedStrong prescription is written
for nearly any equipment rate controller on the market today.
Contact your Helena representative to help build SeedStrong prescriptions specific to each of your fields.
Always read and follow label directions. SeedStrong is a trademark and Helena, AGRIntelligence, First-Up, Fire-Zone, Nucleus & Nutri-Link are registered trademarks of Helena Holding Company.
LCO Promoter Technology is a registered trademark of Novozymes A/S. Callisto & Flexstar are registered trademarks of Syngenta Crop Protection, LLC. © 2015 Helena Holding Company.
| Midwest Division Helena Product Manager
PG 1
®
MAKING THE MOST OF FIELD VARIABILITY WITH SEED POPULATION RATES
JEFF SCHRECK
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
Have you been thinking about how to raise higher yielding soybeans on your acres?
“How much Nitrogen do I need?” was probably not your first thought, was it?
Nitrogen for High
Yielding Soybeans
A 175 bushel/acre corn crop requires roughly 200 lbs of nitrogen/acre. But, a 60 bushel/acre soybean crop
needs nearly 300 lbs of nitrogen/acre! How are you addressing this need in your soybean crop?
PG 2
Are In–Furrow Starters
Important?
While soybeans (a legume) produce much of their own nitrogen, they can benefit from a little help.
Treating your soybean seed with a high quality inoculant can ensure proper nodulation of your soybeans
– which is what needs to occur for them to produce the nitrogen your crop needs. The Bradyrhizobium
japonicum inoculum performs a very important job in a soybean crop. These microscopic organisms help
take nitrogen out of the air and give it to soybean plants. Bradyrhizobium is part of a large group of
nitrogen fixing bacteria called Rhizobia.
Growers used to inoculate soybean seed only when planting in fields that had not grown soybeans for
years. However, today’s Bradyrhizobium inoculants are so much better than the old inoculants that it pays
to inoculate all soybean seed – especially if you are looking for higher yielding soybeans.
First Up® ST contains a high count of Bradyrhizobium japonicum for better nodulation. First Up ST also has
patented LCO Promoter Technology® that
results in faster emergence, and a stronger
root system for better moisture and nutrient
uptake. It also promotes earlier nodule
development for improved nitrogen fixation.
Finally, First Up ST contains isoflavonoid
plant signal compounds that trigger growth
of beneficial soil fungi. This enhances and
strengthens the root system for improved
phosphorus uptake and stress tolerance,
which all point toward higher yield
potential.
First Up ST represents top-of-the-line
inoculant technology – try it on your
soybean acres this year!
Nodulation on soybean roots. Photo courtesy of the University of Minnesota
Early Preparation is
Critical for Turning
Challenges into
Opportunities
PG 3
Weed Control:
It’s a War Out There
PG 4
Making the Most of Field
Variability with Seed
Population Rates
FEBRUARY 2015