Ask The Agronomist Blog
Think Proactively and Reach Out to Stine’s Regional Sales Agronomists for Seed Decisions
October 06, 2011
Posted by:
Brian Hartman, Director of Agronomy
Many regions are experiencing conditions in 2011 like we hope to never see again. We’ve made monumental strides in seed technology and genetics, but weather conditions continue to dominate the equation. We have to ask, “If we would have seen these conditions 10 years ago, would yields be dramatically lower than we are experiencing today?” What can we take away from this year in order to plan for next?
Some would advise you to throw this year out the window but we must use this as a learning management tool. For example, some areas that have experienced extreme winds and challenging harvest conditions may need to re-evaluate next spring’s seed selections. In other regions, corn fields experienced high heat during silking, leading to some ear drop. Growers in those areas may need to select a hybrid with better drought-resistance next year. We also need to have a proactive plan in place to control volunteer corn, and in many cases, Stine® Liberty Link® soybeans can be part of the answer.
I have heard several reports of Goss’s Wilt in areas of Iowa, Illinois and Indiana that have never experienced this before. Many of those growers thought they were in the clear because they sprayed fungicide. Goss’s Wilt is a bacteria that cannot be treated with a fungicide. Because of this, the best solution for these fields is to go back into a crop rotation and bury the residue.
Please continue scouting to identify events happening in your fields so you can prevent the same issues from reoccurring next year. Also, please take advantage of our Regional Sales Agronomists and allow them to help you develop a harvest plan and continue to plan for next year’s crop.
In the Field with Loyal Customers
December 20, 2010
Posted by:
Brian Hartman, Director of Agronomy
Our agronomists are dedicated to serving our farmers in the fields. The agronomy team helps growers identify the hybrids and varieties that will provide the best yields on their acres. We’ve told growers why they should plant Stine Seed corn and soybeans. Now, it’s our turn to listen. We asked some loyal customers to tell us why their planting portfolio includes Stine Seed’s corn and soybeans.
Here’s what we discovered:
“We choose Stine Seed Company because they’re a privately held seed company. Decisions are not made by boards, committees, or stock holders. They’re made by plant breeders, agronomists and a talented sales force that is in-tune with their customer’s needs. Stine produces elite soybean genetics that flat-out yield under various field conditions. In 2010, we had 9 fields of Stine Genuity Roundup Ready 2 Yield soybeans average more than 70 bushel/acre. Stine corn genetics are diverse, high yielding, healthy and have excellent late-season standability. Stine Seed Company is an excellent partnership for our company now and will continue to be in the future!” - Jake Thomsen, Summit Farms, LLC., Alden, Iowa
“Stine's breeding and research programs for soybeans and corn are some of the best in the industry. Their combination of high yields, excellent agronomists, and great customer service make Stine seeds a smart and easy choice for our farm.” - Andy Dill, Dill Family Farms, Inc., Sabina, Ohio
“After planting Stine for the past couple of years, I have come to the conclusion that I didn’t build big enough bins.” - Bob Blake, Alexandria, Indiana
"Stine corn gives me high yield without a lot of stalk residue. It puts its energy into producing yield and not a big tall plant. Less fodder in the field makes it easier to manage my conservation tillage program.” - Lyle Jaworski, Dundee, Michigan
“Stine corn is the best seed corn I have ever raised. The recommendations made by Regional Agronomist Keith Niemeier and District Manager Cliff Schuette helped me achieve record yields. I was extremely impressed with Stine’s 9806 VT3, 9528 VT Triple Pro and 9728RR. The future looks bright with Stine.” - Glen Sachtleben, Hoyleton, Illinois
“This was my first year planting Stine products. I am extremely happy with their corn and soybean products. Stine 9806 VT3 corn was outstanding. I also planted Stine’s Liberty Link soybeans and had tremendous yields and clean fields using the Liberty Link System and Ignite Herbicide. District Manager Adam Gray and Regional Agronomist Keith Niemeier provided me with the service and agronomic help that I needed. I am looking forward to the 2011 season with Stine Seed.” - Reid Thacker, Sumner, Illinois
“Stine corn was ‘head-to-head’ with the industry’s leading hybrids. Considering the price, Stine Seed provides a tremendous value. We’ll be planting additional pro boxes with multiple hybrids for 2011.” - Brian Code, Bradford, Illinois
“Stine dominated the soybean yields in southern Minnesota this year. Stine 1932-4, 2062-4 and all of the Stine Genuity Roundup Ready 2 Yield soybeans are proven performers. The 2011 variety lineup looks stronger than ever. - Hans Hinrichsen, Fairmont, Minnesota
Plots - Do You Have All The Pieces To The Puzzle?
November 04, 2010
Posted by:
Brian Hartman, Director of Agronomy
When looking at individual plot results, make sure you are getting the complete information needed. Weather, soil types, fertility, compaction, disease, and insect pressure to name a few can have huge implications on plot yields. Without all the pieces to the puzzle, you could be missing out on big opportunities.
What do you know about the hybrids being tested? How does fungicide or populations affect each hybrid? We all know hybrids are developed for different situations, so does the plot match up with the hybrid? Without answers to these simple questions, does your plot data really tell you anything? The people who know the answers to these questions on hybrid placements is your Stine District Sales Manager and Stine Regional Sales Agronomist. They get a firsthand look at all the Stine hybrids, along with competitive products in the industry, and know how to place them on your farm for maximum yield potential.
In the Field with Brian Hartman
August 26, 2010
Posted by:
Brian Hartman, Director of Agronomy
As Stine’s Director of Agronomy, I rely upon our regional sales agronomists to be my eyes and ears in the field. They give me daily crop reports and keep me up-to-date about insects, weeds and weather conditions affecting our growing season. Because our agronomists serve 18 zones across the United States, I know what’s happening on the other side of the country and in my own back yard.
Stine’s expert agronomists are always working to bring growers more value in the fields. They help Stine’s customers identify the traits, hybrids and varieties that are best for their operations. They notify growers when they spot signs of crop disease, insects or weed resistance, and they work with growers to prevent the same issues from happening again next year. You can rely on agronomists to guide you through the remainder of the growing season and provide valuable information once harvest gets into full swing.
Let Stine’s agronomists show you the Stine advantage. Visit www.stineseed.com to find a regional sales agronomist near you.
In the Field with Brian Hartman - Heart of a Teacher
