NORTHERN BUSINESS UNIT
PRSRT STD
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
DES MOINES, IA
PERMIT NO. 5285
helenaconnects.com
NORTHERN BUSINESS UNIT
Planting is the First Step to Achievin
Emily Swartz, North Central Divisio
We know the genetic potential in a bag of seed corn or seed beans
bag! We have also proven that corn is capable of producing over 5
are capable of producing over 100 bushels per acre. That’s why the
proper planting.
 Clean the planter units, meters and drop tubes
THIS and
ISSUE
 Replace or adjust wornINSIDE
disc openers
other worn parts
EMILY SWARTZ | North Central Division Agronomist
 Replace worn drum seals or vacuum discs
PG plates
1
finger
for rust, residue and wor
We know the genetic potential in a bag of seed corn or seed beans is greatest when seed is still 
in theCheck
bag! We
have pick-up back
Planting
is the First Step to also proven that corn is capable of producing over 500 bushels per acre, and soybeans are capable
of
producing
over
 Clean or replace the seed
tube High Yields
Achieving
100 bushels per acre. That’s why the first step to achieving high yields is proper planting.
 Align the coulters and disc openers
Hopefully, you have successfully completed your planter maintenance prior to planting. Since corn
soybean
 and
Clean
theyield
monitor sensors
PG 2
potential can be reduced by uneven stands, planter maintenance is essential to optimum stand establishment and high

Check
or
replace
belts
if
they
worn orand
brittle
What
areare
Adjuvants
How
yield potential. As a quick double check, make sure you have completed the following:
Farming
DoTheyLubricate
Help Youror
replace chains if t
Operation?
• Clean the planter units, meters and drop tubes
 Check tires for proper inflatio
• Replace or adjust worn disc openers and other worn parts
• Replace worn drum seals or vacuum discs
Helena Launches Fully
• Check finger pick-up back plates for rust, residue and worn-down dimples
Redesigned Website with
• Clean or replace the seed tube
Customer
in Mind yield po
For
corn to Experience
achieve maximum
• Align the coulters and disc openers
taken into consideration. One of th
be
• Clean the monitor sensors
• Check or replace belts if they are worn or brittle
yield
is planting date. Early
PGpotential
3
®
• Lubricate or replace chains if they are worn excessively
potential,
Leave Room
for
exceptCoRoN
when early planting
• Check tires for proper inflation and significant wear
poor
seed
to soilhas
contact.
Cold, wet a
Grain
Sorghum
the
For corn to achieve maximum yield potential, many planting factors must be taken into consideration. One of the most
too
early, before
conditions
Capability
of Producting
Very are ideal,
important factors influencing yield potential is planting date. Early planting generally leads to higher yield potential,
Good
Yields
except when early planting is plagued by poor soil conditions or poor seed to soil contact. Cold, wet and compacted
In-furrow nutrition, including Nucleus HP and Trafix Zn, can enh
soil caused by planting too early, before conditions are ideal, can rob corn of high yield potential.
necessary nutrition when cornPG
is young
4 and stressed from harsh en
In-furrow nutrition, including Nucleus® HP and Trafix® Zn, can enhance root development and provide necessary
planting depth for high corn yields
is 1.5
to 2 inches. Contrary to p
Market
Updates
nutrition when corn is young and stressed from harsh environmental conditions. Ideal planting depth for high corn
early
conditions
does
not
ensure
stand
establishment.
Proper plan
yields is 1.5 to 2 inches. Contrary to popular belief, shallow planting under early conditions does not ensure stand
establishment. Proper planting depth is the key to root development that supports the plant
throughout
the
growing
development that supports the plant throughout the growing seas
season. Maintaining planting speed between 4 and 5 mph is ideal for high yield potential. Planting faster may allow
between
4 and
mph is ideal for high yield potential. Planting fas
you to cover more acres, but at a reduced yield potential. Lastly, be sure to protect your corn
seed from
insect5pressure
APRIL 2015
®
with seed treatment and/or Ruckus™ LFR Insecticide. This will improve your stand establishment
andatkeep
you
acres, but
a reduced
yield potential. Lastly, be sure to protect y
heading towards high corn yields in 2015.
with seed treatment and/or Ruckus™ LFR® Insecticide. This will im
keep you heading towards high corn yields in 2015.
CONTINUED ON PAGE 2
PLANTING IS THE FIRST STEP TO ACHIEVING HIGH YIELDS
THE PEOPLE TO GUIDE YOU...
THE PRODUCTS TO PERFORM FOR YOU...
THE EXPERIENCE TO SUPPORT YOU...
®
MARKET UPDATES
JODY LAWRENCE | Strategic Trading Advisors
With the first day of spring in the rearview mirror and the brutal
winter finally ending, your focus now turns to the U.S. planting
season. By the time you read this, the March 31 Stocks and Acreage
Update from the United States Department of Agriculture will have
been released, likely showing that the high cost of fertilizer and $4
corn have impacted everyone’s decisions for 2015. Expectations for
the report are that U.S. farmers will plant 88-89 million acres of corn
(down 2.5 million acres from 2014) and 87-88 million acres of beans
(up 4.5 million acres from 2014). However, what we actually plant will
still be impacted by the weather in April and May.
With the recent release of the NOAA long term weather forecast
that calls for a mostly normal amount of heat and precipitation for
the spring and summer, it is impossible to make any dire predictions
from their data. We do know that the ENSO readings (La Niña and
El Niño) are showing some moderation back to a weak El Niño for
the summer. Last year’s perfect U.S. growing conditions saw strong
El Niño conditions, while the disaster of 2012 saw La Niña readings. Just like all long term forecasts, the amount of confidence anyone
should have in them is small, but it is a helpful guide to at least know
the current readings.
While the acreage is a vital part of the equation, the biggest
component is yield and yield expectations. Currently, trend line yield
expectations are for 166.8 bushels per acre (a top 3 BPA crop) for
corn, and a 46 BPA yield for beans. These estimates are lower than
last year’s final yields and are pretty optimistic when you consider
the recent volatility of both the summer weather and the final yields. One additional factor that is not being talked about is that last year’s
perfect growing conditions coincided with the best fertility program
ever applied to both the national bean and corn crops, and that
input cutbacks will be made in 2015. What we do know is that any
final BPA yield for corn under 162 BPA would cut into ending stocks
between 450-600 MBU. That would leave just over a 1 billion bushel
carryout, which would be bullish from current price levels.
In the meantime, please use price targets for sales at $4.25 in
December corn futures and $9.80 for November bean futures as levels
to reward rallies. 2015 will not be a year like the last five, when
you were marketing with a large margin for error. Mentally prepare
yourself that small positive margins are still a winning formula in the
current price landscape.
Always read and follow label directions. The Helena Acre & Ruckus are trademarks and AGRIntelligence, CoRoN, Ele-Max, First Up, Helena, HyperLink, K-Leaf, Nucleus, Precision Nutrition, Seed Shield and TraFix are
registered trademarks of Helena Holding Company. LFR is a registered trademark of FMC. Megafol is a registered trademark of Valagro. Clariva is a trademark & Mertect is a registered trademark of Syngenta Crop
Protection, LLC. ILeVO is a registered trademark of Bayer CropScience.
04.15
Hopefully, you have successfully completed your planter maintena
soybean yield potential can be reduced by uneven stands, planter
stand establishment and high yield potential. As a quick double ch
the following:
PLANTING IS THE FIRST STEP (continued)
maximum
soybean
yield, planting
is
In order
ordertotoachieve
achieve
maximum
soybean
Traditional
fungicide seed treatments protect from seedling diseases and
equallyplanting
importantisas
it is to corn
yield. High yielddampening off due to pythium, phytophthora, fusarium and rhizoctonia. We
yield,
equally
important
soybeans
achieved
as
it is toare
corn
yield. with
Hightimely,
yieldearly planting.have been adding insecticide seed treatments for several years to protect from
Timely soybean
planting inwith
late April
to early Mayearly
leadsseason bean leaf beetle feeding, as well as grubs and seed corn maggot
soybeans
are achieved
timely,
to soybeans
developing
larger canopy prior to damage. Recently, we have begun adding nematicides (such as Clariva™)
early
planting.
Timelya soybean
flowering in late June. The more nodes you can
planting
in late April to early May
to help reduce the damage from nematodes. Inoculants, such as First Up®
develop from planting through the start of flowering,
leads to soybeans developing a larger
ST, provide additional rhizobia and other growth benefits resulting in faster
the more potential flowers and, ultimately, pods (the
canopy prior to flowering in late June.
establishment and improved nodulation for nitrogen fixation.
key to high yields) your soybean plants can produce.
The more nodes you can develop
Ideal
soilplanting
conditions
are more
important
calendarthe
date
priorpotential
to May 15.flowers
Severaland,
growers are New
also in 2015, the fungicides Mertect® and ILeVO® have been proven to
from
through
the
start ofthan
flowering,
more
seeing
benefits
from
in-furrow
nutrition,
including
Nucleus
O-Phos,
for
soybeans.
Protecting
soybeans
ultimately, pods (the key to high yields) your soybean plants can produce.
reduce yield loss from Sudden Death Syndrome infection. With so many seed
with seed treatments, including Seed Shield Beans, is crucial for high yield soybean production. treatment options, you can tailor your soybean seed treatment to your exact
Traditional
seed are
treatments
protect from
seedling
diseases
dampening
Ideal soilfungicide
conditions
more important
than
calendar
dateand
prior
to Mayoff
15.due to needs to maximize high yield potential in your soybean crop.
pythium,
phytophthora,
fusarium
and
rhizoctonia.
We
have
been
adding
insecticide
seed
Several growers are also seeing benefits from in-furrow nutrition, including treatments for
several years to protect from early season bean leaf beetle feeding, as well as grubs and seed corn
Nucleus O-Phos, for soybeans. Protecting soybeans with seed treatments,
Be safe this spring when planting your corn and soybeans under ideal
maggot damage. Recently,®we have begun adding nematicides (such as Clariva™) to help reduce the
including Seed Shield Beans, is crucial for high
conditions with optimum protection for high yields in 2015!
yield soybean production.

damage from nematodes. Inoculants, such as First Up , provide additional rhizobia and other
growth benefits resulting in faster establishment and improved nodulation for nitrogen fixation.
WHAT ARE ADJUVANTS AND HOW DO THEY HELP YOUR FARMING OPERATION?
New in 2015, the fungicides Mertect and ILeVOhave been proven to reduce yield loss from Sudden
Death Syndrome infection. With so many seed treatment options, you can tailor your soybean seed
treatment to your exact needs to maximize high yield potential in your soybean crop.
PHIL THIEN | Crop Production Product Specialist
Adjuvants are inputs that aid the activity and/or modify the physical
have to be accounted for to get the most from your investment. The right
and improve the application performance of what you are spraying.
potential limiting factors in your spraying operations.
Adjuvants are a relatively small cost for helping you get more from your
spraying investment. Pests, particularly several weed species, have gotten
more difficult to control because of increasing herbicide tolerance and even
resistance. For all aspects of your pest control strategy to go well, you must
deal with potential problems that can hijack your spray application.
You can’t be an expert in everything, and if you’re like most farmers, knowing
and understanding all there is to know about adjuvants isn’t at the top of
your priority list. Helena Chemical Company has been a long-time leader in
developing and manufacturing high quality, performing adjuvants. A secondto-none research and development facility and staff work closely with basic
manufacturers and their formulations to keep Helena in a leadership position
of providing you with the best adjuvant products available today. Plus, field
testing and sales and technical training are constantly ongoing to ensure it
is our priority to know and pick the right Helena adjuvants to help you get
the best results possible from your spraying program, for a relatively small
investment.
Be safe this spring when planting your corn and soybeans under ideal conditions with optimum
adjuvants can play a critical role in helping improve your odds in managing
characteristics
of a spray
mixture. In other words, they simplify ease of use
protection
for high yields
in 2015!
When you are set to spray, whether through custom application or your own
sprayer, consider all the factors that can influence your application. These
factors include product choice, rate, timing, temperature, coverage, spray
rate, humidity, wind, crop canopy, spray water quality, tank mix compatibility,
speed, pressure, nozzle choice, spray droplet size, pest stage and others. All
NEWS
HELENA LAUNCHES FULLY REDESIGNED WEBSITE WITH
CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE IN MIND
CAITLIN BEEDLE | Marketing Specialist
MORGAN SMITH & STACEY SWAIN | Advertising Specialists
Helena Chemical Company is proud to announce
the release of the new helenachemical.com,
designed with a fresh new look, user-friendly
navigation, customizable features and updated
information about Helena products and services.
The new site is designed to promote the Helena
brand and its products and services, with a
much heavier focus on content. The site is now
mobile-friendly and responsive, providing a better
experience on smart phones and tablets and
adjusting automatically for different sized screens.
In addition to making the website more
functional and contemporary, it can serve as an
excellent tool for site visitors, providing helpful
information and resources. The user-friendly
site offers easy navigation, quick access to the
latest news and events, as well as customizable
information regarding Helena products and
services to suit the needs of each area of the
country.
Upon each user’s initial visit to the site, they are
prompted and encouraged to set their location
by inputting their zip code. Entering a zip code
will identify the closest location to the user and
automatically drive them to a certain site to view
customized information for their geography.
An important addition to the new site now
gives customers the ability to browse Helena’s
extensive product line. Products are broken down
by product type and market, and each product
page includes links to labels and Material Safety
Data Sheets, product descriptions and highlights
and marketing materials. In addition to product
information, the site features a dashboard
with weather, agriculture news and commodity
reports; testimonial pages, general Helena
information, AGRIntelligence, crop insurance and
other services; news and events; and marketing
resources.
We hope you take some time to visit the new
and improved helenachemical.com to explore the
expanded features and learn more about Helena
Chemical Company.
LEAVE ROOM FOR CoRoN®
JIM TALBERT | West Central Divison Product Manager
While planning your fertility needs for the
upcoming season, make sure you leave room
for CoRoN. CoRoN is a versatile form of foliar
controlled-release nitrogen that can benefit
many cropping systems, including corn, wheat
and soybeans. CoRoN 25-0-0-.5B is a unique
formulation of controlled-release nitrogen that
contains 25% nitrogen and is 25% controlled
release. That means a large dose of usable
nitrogen is immediately available to your crop,
and the remaining nitrogen is controlled release
to feed the plant for 3-4 weeks after application.
Since CoRoN is foliar applied, you can apply it to
your crop when it needs nitrogen the most.
For corn, you can reduce your pre-plant nitrogen
application by up to 37.5 lbs. and add up to 3
gallons of CoRoN at V4-V6. This may coincide
with another application and help give your
corn crop usable nitrogen while the plant is
determining ear size. With hybrid demands
changing, and corn using nitrogen later into
the growing season than in the past, we can
starve the plant late by not meeting all of its
nitrogen demands. At tassel, it is beneficial to
add CoRoN at 1-2 gallons per acre to help feed
the plant until black layer while it is filling the
kernels on the ear.
Since soybeans are a legume and can fix
nitrogen through nodulation, they can provide
a measure of their own nitrogen needed for the
crop. However, around R1, nitrogen fixation
begins to tail off, while nitrogen demand
increases at a rapid pace due to pod growth.
This can lead to a nitrogen deficit. Applying
CoRoN at this time can fill that nitrogen gap
and save yields from decline.
If you are preparing to topdress wheat at late
tillering to early joint, add CoRoN to your tank.
Wheat uses 80% of its nitrogen from joint to
maturity, but adding CoRoN to your topdress
program will give the plant immediate nitrogen
until the UAN gets incorporated into the soil
by irrigation or rainfall. Additionally, CoRoN is
a great addition to your fungicide application
during the flag leaf to heading stages.
Talk to your local Helena representative to find
out where an application of CoRoN will benefit
you and your crops.
Grain Sorghum Has the Capability of Producing Very Good Yields
Sam N. Bartee, CCA/CAC
West Central Division Agronomist
GRAIN SORGHUM HAS THE CAPABILITY OF
PRODUCING VERY GOOD YIELDS
SAM N. BARTEE, CCA/CAC | West Central Division Agronomist
As producers take a look at alternative crops, grain sorghum is gaining more
popularity in some regions of the Midwest. Just like other crops, there are
several important criteria to evaluate and implement to maximize grain
sorghum yield potential on your farm, including: balanced fertilization, highyielding but disease-resistant hybrids, optimum planting date and seeding rate,
insecticide seed treatment, good herbicide program and a timely harvest.
Starter Fertilizer: Row-applied starter fertilizer can maximize uptake
efficiency for nutrients such as phosphate, zinc and sulfur in low testing soils.
As producers take a look at alternative crops, grain sorghum is gaining more popularity in some regions
Sorghum planted under
cool soil conditions can show a significant early
of the Midwest. Just like other crops, there are several important criteria to evaluate and implement to
maximize grain sorghum yield potential on your farm, including: balanced fertilization, high-yielding but
growth response when
starter
fertilizer is properly applied. Generally, grain
disease-resistant hybrids, optimum planting date and seeding rate, insecticide seed treatment, good
herbicide program
and a timely
harvest. in-furrow if the salt index in less
sorghum seed can tolerate
a starter
placed
Grain sorghum has an extensive root system which enables the plant to tolerate some periods of
than 15 for N, K and Smoisture
components.
stress. Successful fertility management will allow the root system to reach its greatest mass.
Grain sorghum has an extensive root system which enables the plant to
tolerate some periods of moisture stress. Successful fertility management will
allow the root system to reach its greatest mass.
grain sorghum
utilizes about 70% of its nutrient
needs by flowering,
makingmanagement
aggressive early season soil
Early-Season Nitrogen
Management:
Timely
nitrogen
and foliar applications necessary for optimum growth. Although many producers view grain sorghum as
a low maintenance
crop, withbefore
its deep fibrous
sorghum responds
well to
nutrient
should be applied in small
amounts
orrootatsystem,
planting
(up to
one-third
applications, especially in lower testing soils. Table 1 shows the typical nutrient removal for a 100-bushel
of total N), and then side-dress,
fertigate
and/or
foliarinclude
apply
the
remaining
per acre sorghum crop.
Of these nutrients,
the key elements
nitrogen,
phosphorus,
potassium,
zinc and sulfur.
nitrogen once the plant
gets to the 5-6 leaf stage. At about the 6-leaf stage,
the plant will be entering a rapid growth stage, and the plant will need
nitrogen available at that time for optimal yields. During this application
timing, CoRoN® 25-0-0-0.5B @ 1-2 gal/A + Nucleus® 0-0-15 @ 1 gal/A +
Megafol® @ 1 pt/A would be an excellent application to meet this rapid
demand for N and K and assist the sorghum plant in mitigating stresses. Total
nitrogen will vary on whether the crop will be irrigated and soil type, but
generally ranges from 110 units of total N for non-irrigated silt loam/sandy
loam fields to 160 units total N for highest yields on irrigated silt loam/sandy
loam soils.
Planning a soil fertility strategy for grain sorghum has many of the same requirements as corn; however,
Planning a soil fertility strategy
for grain sorghum has many of
the same requirements as corn;
however, grain sorghum utilizes
about 70% of its nutrient needs by
flowering, making aggressive early
season soil and foliar applications
necessary for optimum growth.
Although many producers view grain
sorghum as a low maintenance
crop, with its deep fibrous root
Phosphorus and Potassium Management: Table 1 shows a 100
system, sorghum responds well to
bushel/A grain sorghum yield will require approximately 60 pounds of P
nutrient applications, especially in
and 130 pounds of K. Nucleus 0-Phos or Hyperlink™ (as part of the fertility
lower testing soils. Table 1 shows
program) will provide the crop a solid supply of orthophosphate and other root
Source: Adopted from National Plant Food
Institute.
the typical nutrient removal for a
growth promoters to ensure the crop emerges and develops during the critical
In general terms, grain sorghum responds
to the
same
nutrients
As with
there
100-bushel
per acre
sorghum
crop. as corn.
four-week
periodall
ofcrops,
establishing
itsare
root system. Foliar K applications of
®
Of thesetimings
nutrients,when
the keyseveral
elementsnutrients
include nitrogen,
phosphorus,
potassium,
Nucleus
0-0-15 oryield
Ele-Max
specific
should
be available
to hold on
to optimum
potential.
Here
K-Leaf® will
supplement additional K as needed.
zincaand
are
fewsulfur.
key timings:
Sulfur and Zinc Management: Similar to corn plant nutrition, grain
In general terms, grain sorghum responds to the same nutrients as corn. As
will require sufficient S and Zn during early growth stages, as well as
Starter Fertilizer: Row-applied starter fertilizer can maximize uptakesorghum
efficiency
for nutrients such as
with all crops, there are specific timings when several nutrients should be
during grain fill.
phosphate,
zinc
and
sulfur
in
low
testing
soils.
Sorghum
planted
under
cool
soil
conditions
can show a
available to hold on to optimum yield potential. Here are a few key timings:
significant early growth response when starter fertilizer is properly applied.
Generally,
grain
sorghum for more recommendations for your
Contact your local Helena representative
seed can tolerate a starter placed in-furrow if the salt index in less than
for N,crop.
K and S components.
grain15
sorghum
Table 1: Approximate quantity of nutrients
in a 100 bushels per acre sorghum crop.
2
3
Early-Season Nitrogen Management: Timely nitrogen management should be applied in small amounts
before or at planting (up to one-third of total N), and then side-dress, fertigate and/or foliar apply the
PLANTING IS THE FIRST STEP (continued)
maximum
soybean
yield, planting
is
In order
ordertotoachieve
achieve
maximum
soybean
Traditional
fungicide seed treatments protect from seedling diseases and
equallyplanting
importantisas
it is to corn
yield. High yielddampening off due to pythium, phytophthora, fusarium and rhizoctonia. We
yield,
equally
important
soybeans
achieved
as
it is toare
corn
yield. with
Hightimely,
yieldearly planting.have been adding insecticide seed treatments for several years to protect from
Timely soybean
planting inwith
late April
to early Mayearly
leadsseason bean leaf beetle feeding, as well as grubs and seed corn maggot
soybeans
are achieved
timely,
to soybeans
developing
larger canopy prior to damage. Recently, we have begun adding nematicides (such as Clariva™)
early
planting.
Timelya soybean
flowering in late June. The more nodes you can
planting
in late April to early May
to help reduce the damage from nematodes. Inoculants, such as First Up®
develop from planting through the start of flowering,
leads to soybeans developing a larger
ST, provide additional rhizobia and other growth benefits resulting in faster
the more potential flowers and, ultimately, pods (the
canopy prior to flowering in late June.
establishment and improved nodulation for nitrogen fixation.
key to high yields) your soybean plants can produce.
The more nodes you can develop
Ideal
soilplanting
conditions
are more
important
calendarthe
date
priorpotential
to May 15.flowers
Severaland,
growers are New
also in 2015, the fungicides Mertect® and ILeVO® have been proven to
from
through
the
start ofthan
flowering,
more
seeing
benefits
from
in-furrow
nutrition,
including
Nucleus
O-Phos,
for
soybeans.
Protecting
soybeans
ultimately, pods (the key to high yields) your soybean plants can produce.
reduce yield loss from Sudden Death Syndrome infection. With so many seed
with seed treatments, including Seed Shield Beans, is crucial for high yield soybean production. treatment options, you can tailor your soybean seed treatment to your exact
Traditional
seed are
treatments
protect from
seedling
diseases
dampening
Ideal soilfungicide
conditions
more important
than
calendar
dateand
prior
to Mayoff
15.due to needs to maximize high yield potential in your soybean crop.
pythium,
phytophthora,
fusarium
and
rhizoctonia.
We
have
been
adding
insecticide
seed
Several growers are also seeing benefits from in-furrow nutrition, including treatments for
several years to protect from early season bean leaf beetle feeding, as well as grubs and seed corn
Nucleus O-Phos, for soybeans. Protecting soybeans with seed treatments,
Be safe this spring when planting your corn and soybeans under ideal
maggot damage. Recently,®we have begun adding nematicides (such as Clariva™) to help reduce the
including Seed Shield Beans, is crucial for high
conditions with optimum protection for high yields in 2015!
yield soybean production.

damage from nematodes. Inoculants, such as First Up , provide additional rhizobia and other
growth benefits resulting in faster establishment and improved nodulation for nitrogen fixation.
WHAT ARE ADJUVANTS AND HOW DO THEY HELP YOUR FARMING OPERATION?
New in 2015, the fungicides Mertect and ILeVOhave been proven to reduce yield loss from Sudden
Death Syndrome infection. With so many seed treatment options, you can tailor your soybean seed
treatment to your exact needs to maximize high yield potential in your soybean crop.
PHIL THIEN | Crop Production Product Specialist
Adjuvants are inputs that aid the activity and/or modify the physical
have to be accounted for to get the most from your investment. The right
and improve the application performance of what you are spraying.
potential limiting factors in your spraying operations.
Adjuvants are a relatively small cost for helping you get more from your
spraying investment. Pests, particularly several weed species, have gotten
more difficult to control because of increasing herbicide tolerance and even
resistance. For all aspects of your pest control strategy to go well, you must
deal with potential problems that can hijack your spray application.
You can’t be an expert in everything, and if you’re like most farmers, knowing
and understanding all there is to know about adjuvants isn’t at the top of
your priority list. Helena Chemical Company has been a long-time leader in
developing and manufacturing high quality, performing adjuvants. A secondto-none research and development facility and staff work closely with basic
manufacturers and their formulations to keep Helena in a leadership position
of providing you with the best adjuvant products available today. Plus, field
testing and sales and technical training are constantly ongoing to ensure it
is our priority to know and pick the right Helena adjuvants to help you get
the best results possible from your spraying program, for a relatively small
investment.
Be safe this spring when planting your corn and soybeans under ideal conditions with optimum
adjuvants can play a critical role in helping improve your odds in managing
characteristics
of a spray
mixture. In other words, they simplify ease of use
protection
for high yields
in 2015!
When you are set to spray, whether through custom application or your own
sprayer, consider all the factors that can influence your application. These
factors include product choice, rate, timing, temperature, coverage, spray
rate, humidity, wind, crop canopy, spray water quality, tank mix compatibility,
speed, pressure, nozzle choice, spray droplet size, pest stage and others. All
NEWS
HELENA LAUNCHES FULLY REDESIGNED WEBSITE WITH
CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE IN MIND
CAITLIN BEEDLE | Marketing Specialist
MORGAN SMITH & STACEY SWAIN | Advertising Specialists
Helena Chemical Company is proud to announce
the release of the new helenachemical.com,
designed with a fresh new look, user-friendly
navigation, customizable features and updated
information about Helena products and services.
The new site is designed to promote the Helena
brand and its products and services, with a
much heavier focus on content. The site is now
mobile-friendly and responsive, providing a better
experience on smart phones and tablets and
adjusting automatically for different sized screens.
In addition to making the website more
functional and contemporary, it can serve as an
excellent tool for site visitors, providing helpful
information and resources. The user-friendly
site offers easy navigation, quick access to the
latest news and events, as well as customizable
information regarding Helena products and
services to suit the needs of each area of the
country.
Upon each user’s initial visit to the site, they are
prompted and encouraged to set their location
by inputting their zip code. Entering a zip code
will identify the closest location to the user and
automatically drive them to a certain site to view
customized information for their geography.
An important addition to the new site now
gives customers the ability to browse Helena’s
extensive product line. Products are broken down
by product type and market, and each product
page includes links to labels and Material Safety
Data Sheets, product descriptions and highlights
and marketing materials. In addition to product
information, the site features a dashboard
with weather, agriculture news and commodity
reports; testimonial pages, general Helena
information, AGRIntelligence, crop insurance and
other services; news and events; and marketing
resources.
We hope you take some time to visit the new
and improved helenachemical.com to explore the
expanded features and learn more about Helena
Chemical Company.
LEAVE ROOM FOR CoRoN®
JIM TALBERT | West Central Divison Product Manager
While planning your fertility needs for the
upcoming season, make sure you leave room
for CoRoN. CoRoN is a versatile form of foliar
controlled-release nitrogen that can benefit
many cropping systems, including corn, wheat
and soybeans. CoRoN 25-0-0-.5B is a unique
formulation of controlled-release nitrogen that
contains 25% nitrogen and is 25% controlled
release. That means a large dose of usable
nitrogen is immediately available to your crop,
and the remaining nitrogen is controlled release
to feed the plant for 3-4 weeks after application.
Since CoRoN is foliar applied, you can apply it to
your crop when it needs nitrogen the most.
For corn, you can reduce your pre-plant nitrogen
application by up to 37.5 lbs. and add up to 3
gallons of CoRoN at V4-V6. This may coincide
with another application and help give your
corn crop usable nitrogen while the plant is
determining ear size. With hybrid demands
changing, and corn using nitrogen later into
the growing season than in the past, we can
starve the plant late by not meeting all of its
nitrogen demands. At tassel, it is beneficial to
add CoRoN at 1-2 gallons per acre to help feed
the plant until black layer while it is filling the
kernels on the ear.
Since soybeans are a legume and can fix
nitrogen through nodulation, they can provide
a measure of their own nitrogen needed for the
crop. However, around R1, nitrogen fixation
begins to tail off, while nitrogen demand
increases at a rapid pace due to pod growth.
This can lead to a nitrogen deficit. Applying
CoRoN at this time can fill that nitrogen gap
and save yields from decline.
If you are preparing to topdress wheat at late
tillering to early joint, add CoRoN to your tank.
Wheat uses 80% of its nitrogen from joint to
maturity, but adding CoRoN to your topdress
program will give the plant immediate nitrogen
until the UAN gets incorporated into the soil
by irrigation or rainfall. Additionally, CoRoN is
a great addition to your fungicide application
during the flag leaf to heading stages.
Talk to your local Helena representative to find
out where an application of CoRoN will benefit
you and your crops.
Grain Sorghum Has the Capability of Producing Very Good Yields
Sam N. Bartee, CCA/CAC
West Central Division Agronomist
GRAIN SORGHUM HAS THE CAPABILITY OF
PRODUCING VERY GOOD YIELDS
SAM N. BARTEE, CCA/CAC | West Central Division Agronomist
As producers take a look at alternative crops, grain sorghum is gaining more
popularity in some regions of the Midwest. Just like other crops, there are
several important criteria to evaluate and implement to maximize grain
sorghum yield potential on your farm, including: balanced fertilization, highyielding but disease-resistant hybrids, optimum planting date and seeding rate,
insecticide seed treatment, good herbicide program and a timely harvest.
Starter Fertilizer: Row-applied starter fertilizer can maximize uptake
efficiency for nutrients such as phosphate, zinc and sulfur in low testing soils.
As producers take a look at alternative crops, grain sorghum is gaining more popularity in some regions
Sorghum planted under
cool soil conditions can show a significant early
of the Midwest. Just like other crops, there are several important criteria to evaluate and implement to
maximize grain sorghum yield potential on your farm, including: balanced fertilization, high-yielding but
growth response when
starter
fertilizer is properly applied. Generally, grain
disease-resistant hybrids, optimum planting date and seeding rate, insecticide seed treatment, good
herbicide program
and a timely
harvest. in-furrow if the salt index in less
sorghum seed can tolerate
a starter
placed
Grain sorghum has an extensive root system which enables the plant to tolerate some periods of
than 15 for N, K and Smoisture
components.
stress. Successful fertility management will allow the root system to reach its greatest mass.
Grain sorghum has an extensive root system which enables the plant to
tolerate some periods of moisture stress. Successful fertility management will
allow the root system to reach its greatest mass.
grain sorghum
utilizes about 70% of its nutrient
needs by flowering,
makingmanagement
aggressive early season soil
Early-Season Nitrogen
Management:
Timely
nitrogen
and foliar applications necessary for optimum growth. Although many producers view grain sorghum as
a low maintenance
crop, withbefore
its deep fibrous
sorghum responds
well to
nutrient
should be applied in small
amounts
orrootatsystem,
planting
(up to
one-third
applications, especially in lower testing soils. Table 1 shows the typical nutrient removal for a 100-bushel
of total N), and then side-dress,
fertigate
and/or
foliarinclude
apply
the
remaining
per acre sorghum crop.
Of these nutrients,
the key elements
nitrogen,
phosphorus,
potassium,
zinc and sulfur.
nitrogen once the plant
gets to the 5-6 leaf stage. At about the 6-leaf stage,
the plant will be entering a rapid growth stage, and the plant will need
nitrogen available at that time for optimal yields. During this application
timing, CoRoN® 25-0-0-0.5B @ 1-2 gal/A + Nucleus® 0-0-15 @ 1 gal/A +
Megafol® @ 1 pt/A would be an excellent application to meet this rapid
demand for N and K and assist the sorghum plant in mitigating stresses. Total
nitrogen will vary on whether the crop will be irrigated and soil type, but
generally ranges from 110 units of total N for non-irrigated silt loam/sandy
loam fields to 160 units total N for highest yields on irrigated silt loam/sandy
loam soils.
Planning a soil fertility strategy for grain sorghum has many of the same requirements as corn; however,
Planning a soil fertility strategy
for grain sorghum has many of
the same requirements as corn;
however, grain sorghum utilizes
about 70% of its nutrient needs by
flowering, making aggressive early
season soil and foliar applications
necessary for optimum growth.
Although many producers view grain
sorghum as a low maintenance
crop, with its deep fibrous root
Phosphorus and Potassium Management: Table 1 shows a 100
system, sorghum responds well to
bushel/A grain sorghum yield will require approximately 60 pounds of P
nutrient applications, especially in
and 130 pounds of K. Nucleus 0-Phos or Hyperlink™ (as part of the fertility
lower testing soils. Table 1 shows
program) will provide the crop a solid supply of orthophosphate and other root
Source: Adopted from National Plant Food
Institute.
the typical nutrient removal for a
growth promoters to ensure the crop emerges and develops during the critical
In general terms, grain sorghum responds
to the
same
nutrients
As with
there
100-bushel
per acre
sorghum
crop. as corn.
four-week
periodall
ofcrops,
establishing
itsare
root system. Foliar K applications of
®
Of thesetimings
nutrients,when
the keyseveral
elementsnutrients
include nitrogen,
phosphorus,
potassium,
Nucleus
0-0-15 oryield
Ele-Max
specific
should
be available
to hold on
to optimum
potential.
Here
K-Leaf® will
supplement additional K as needed.
zincaand
are
fewsulfur.
key timings:
Sulfur and Zinc Management: Similar to corn plant nutrition, grain
In general terms, grain sorghum responds to the same nutrients as corn. As
will require sufficient S and Zn during early growth stages, as well as
Starter Fertilizer: Row-applied starter fertilizer can maximize uptakesorghum
efficiency
for nutrients such as
with all crops, there are specific timings when several nutrients should be
during grain fill.
phosphate,
zinc
and
sulfur
in
low
testing
soils.
Sorghum
planted
under
cool
soil
conditions
can show a
available to hold on to optimum yield potential. Here are a few key timings:
significant early growth response when starter fertilizer is properly applied.
Generally,
grain
sorghum for more recommendations for your
Contact your local Helena representative
seed can tolerate a starter placed in-furrow if the salt index in less than
for N,crop.
K and S components.
grain15
sorghum
Table 1: Approximate quantity of nutrients
in a 100 bushels per acre sorghum crop.
2
3
Early-Season Nitrogen Management: Timely nitrogen management should be applied in small amounts
before or at planting (up to one-third of total N), and then side-dress, fertigate and/or foliar apply the
NORTHERN BUSINESS UNIT
helenaconnects.com
NORTHERN BUSINESS UNIT
Planting is the First Step to Achievin
Emily Swartz, North Central Divisio
We know the genetic potential in a bag of seed corn or seed beans
bag! We have also proven that corn is capable of producing over 5
are capable of producing over 100 bushels per acre. That’s why the
proper planting.
 Clean the planter units, meters and drop tubes
THIS and
ISSUE
 Replace or adjust wornINSIDE
disc openers
other worn parts
EMILY SWARTZ | North Central Division Agronomist
 Replace worn drum seals or vacuum discs
PG plates
1
finger
for rust, residue and wor
We know the genetic potential in a bag of seed corn or seed beans is greatest when seed is still 
in theCheck
bag! We
have pick-up back
Planting
is the First Step to
also proven that corn is capable of producing over 500 bushels per acre, and soybeans are capable
of
producing
over
 Clean or replace the seed
tube High Yields
Achieving
100 bushels per acre. That’s why the first step to achieving high yields is proper planting.
 Align the coulters and disc openers
Hopefully, you have successfully completed your planter maintenance prior to planting. Since corn
soybean
 and
Clean
theyield
monitor sensors
PG 2
potential can be reduced by uneven stands, planter maintenance is essential to optimum stand establishment and high

Check
or
replace
belts
if
they
worn orand
brittle
What
areare
Adjuvants
How
yield potential. As a quick double check, make sure you have completed the following:
DoTheyLubricate
Help Youror
Farming
replace chains if t
Operation?
• Clean the planter units, meters and drop tubes
 Check tires for proper inflatio
• Replace or adjust worn disc openers and other worn parts
• Replace worn drum seals or vacuum discs
Helena Launches Fully
• Check finger pick-up back plates for rust, residue and worn-down dimples
Redesigned Website with
• Clean or replace the seed tube
in Mind yield po
ForCustomer
corn to Experience
achieve maximum
• Align the coulters and disc openers
be taken into consideration. One of th
• Clean the monitor sensors
• Check or replace belts if they are worn or brittle
yield
is planting date. Early
PGpotential
3
®
• Lubricate or replace chains if they are worn excessively
Leave
Room
for
potential, exceptCoRoN
when early planting
• Check tires for proper inflation and significant wear
poor
seed
to soilhas
contact.
Cold, wet a
Grain
Sorghum
the
For corn to achieve maximum yield potential, many planting factors must be taken into consideration. One of the most
tooCapability
early, before
conditions
of Producting
Very are ideal,
important factors influencing yield potential is planting date. Early planting generally leads to higher yield potential,
Good
Yields
except when early planting is plagued by poor soil conditions or poor seed to soil contact. Cold, wet and compacted
In-furrow nutrition, including Nucleus HP and Trafix Zn, can enh
soil caused by planting too early, before conditions are ideal, can rob corn of high yield potential.
necessary nutrition when corn is
PGyoung
4 and stressed from harsh en
In-furrow nutrition, including Nucleus® HP and Trafix® Zn, can enhance root development and provide necessary
planting depth for high corn yields
is 1.5
to 2 inches. Contrary to p
Market
Updates
nutrition when corn is young and stressed from harsh environmental conditions. Ideal planting depth for high corn
early
conditions
does
not
ensure
stand
establishment.
Proper plan
yields is 1.5 to 2 inches. Contrary to popular belief, shallow planting under early conditions does not ensure stand
establishment. Proper planting depth is the key to root development that supports the plant
throughout
the
growing
development that supports the plant throughout the growing seas
season. Maintaining planting speed between 4 and 5 mph is ideal for high yield potential. Planting faster may allow
between
4 and
mph is ideal for high yield potential. Planting fas
you to cover more acres, but at a reduced yield potential. Lastly, be sure to protect your corn
seed from
insect5pressure
APRIL 2015
®
with seed treatment and/or Ruckus™ LFR Insecticide. This will improve your stand establishment
andatkeep
you
acres, but
a reduced
yield potential. Lastly, be sure to protect y
heading towards high corn yields in 2015.
with seed treatment and/or Ruckus™ LFR® Insecticide. This will im
keep you heading towards high corn yields in 2015.
CONTINUED ON PAGE 2
PLANTING IS THE FIRST STEP TO ACHIEVING HIGH YIELDS
THE PEOPLE TO GUIDE YOU...
THE PRODUCTS TO PERFORM FOR YOU...
THE EXPERIENCE TO SUPPORT YOU...
®
MARKET UPDATES
JODY LAWRENCE | Strategic Trading Advisors
With the first day of spring in the rearview mirror and the brutal
winter finally ending, your focus now turns to the U.S. planting
season. By the time you read this, the March 31 Stocks and Acreage
Update from the United States Department of Agriculture will have
been released, likely showing that the high cost of fertilizer and $4
corn have impacted everyone’s decisions for 2015. Expectations for
the report are that U.S. farmers will plant 88-89 million acres of corn
(down 2.5 million acres from 2014) and 87-88 million acres of beans
(up 4.5 million acres from 2014). However, what we actually plant will
still be impacted by the weather in April and May.
With the recent release of the NOAA long term weather forecast
that calls for a mostly normal amount of heat and precipitation for
the spring and summer, it is impossible to make any dire predictions
from their data. We do know that the ENSO readings (La Niña and
El Niño) are showing some moderation back to a weak El Niño for
the summer. Last year’s perfect U.S. growing conditions saw strong
El Niño conditions, while the disaster of 2012 saw La Niña readings. Just like all long term forecasts, the amount of confidence anyone
should have in them is small, but it is a helpful guide to at least know
the current readings.
While the acreage is a vital part of the equation, the biggest
component is yield and yield expectations. Currently, trend line yield
expectations are for 166.8 bushels per acre (a top 3 BPA crop) for
corn, and a 46 BPA yield for beans. These estimates are lower than
last year’s final yields and are pretty optimistic when you consider
the recent volatility of both the summer weather and the final yields. One additional factor that is not being talked about is that last year’s
perfect growing conditions coincided with the best fertility program
ever applied to both the national bean and corn crops, and that
input cutbacks will be made in 2015. What we do know is that any
final BPA yield for corn under 162 BPA would cut into ending stocks
between 450-600 MBU. That would leave just over a 1 billion bushel
carryout, which would be bullish from current price levels.
In the meantime, please use price targets for sales at $4.25 in
December corn futures and $9.80 for November bean futures as levels
to reward rallies. 2015 will not be a year like the last five, when
you were marketing with a large margin for error. Mentally prepare
yourself that small positive margins are still a winning formula in the
current price landscape.
Always read and follow label directions. The Helena Acre & Ruckus are trademarks and AGRIntelligence, CoRoN, Ele-Max, First Up, Helena, HyperLink, K-Leaf, Nucleus, Precision Nutrition, Seed Shield and TraFix are
registered trademarks of Helena Holding Company. LFR is a registered trademark of FMC. Megafol is a registered trademark of Valagro. Clariva is a trademark & Mertect is a registered trademark of Syngenta Crop
Protection, LLC. ILeVO is a registered trademark of Bayer CropScience.
04.15
Hopefully, you have successfully completed your planter maintena
soybean yield potential can be reduced by uneven stands, planter
stand establishment and high yield potential. As a quick double ch
the following: