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According to the Oct. 30, 2023, Crop Progress Report released by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service, of the 18 states that harvested 94% of the 2022 corn acreage, 71% have completed corn harvest. Of the 18 states that harvested 96% of the 2022 soybean acreage, 85% are finished with soybean harvest. As harvest nears completion for many regions within our sales territories, Stine® regional sales agronomists (RSAs) report outstanding yields and product performance across the board. Here’s what they have to say about harvest progress in their region.

Dustin Ellis, Region 4 RSA (central Iowa)

Soybean harvest has wrapped up in most of my area, and corn harvest is 80–90% complete. With the tough drought conditions most of my area experienced this year, yields were better than expected. I believe our growers started the season off right and planted into dry but good soil conditions. The dry weather allowed corn and soybeans to root down. This allowed the plants to capture the water and nutrients needed to get a good start. Through the season, we had little to no rain. However, with very timely rains combined with excellent Stine genetics, we saw some very good field averages for the year. Some of our key corn lines were Stine 9808E-G, MX710-G, MX709-20 and 9752-32. Key soybean lines in my area were Stine 19EE62, 21EE62, 23EE06, 25EG02 and 28EC32. 

My grandfather was a wise man and always had a saying for when planting and growing seasons were dry, like this year. He’d say, “Plant in the dust, and the bins will bust!” I could not agree more but have one caveat … make sure it’s Stine seed!           

Aaron Stockton, Region 9 RSA (southeast Kansas, southwest Missouri and northwest Arkansas)

Corn harvest in Region 9 is pretty well behind us at this point. Portions of Kansas and Missouri were hit by some very tough hot and dry conditions which led to most of the marginal acres being chopped for silage. The acres that were left or were in areas that received more timely rains ranged widely in yield but were, all in all, pretty good for the year. Stine 9818-32 and 9817-30 were standouts in our area this year. 

We are currently in the middle of soybean harvest, and yields are better than expected. The hot and dry weather did not do our beans any favors either. Where the weather was most extreme, we saw entire fields dying. Where the soil is deep or in fields that were able to hold moisture, we are seeing some fantastic yields. Stine 48EE20 and 49EE21 are both doing very well in the region currently. We are also very excited about the new G-series Enlist E3^Ò lineup, as customer experiences with those products have been great this season. 

Katie Lorenz, Region 21 RSA (North Dakota)

North Dakota had a nice harvest run, and it’s fortunate because, presently, the entire state is covered in a blanket of snow. Without any precipitation forecasted in the next week, growers will have to bundle up to finish the remaining acres. Soybean harvest is at 90% complete, and corn is at 57% complete, behind 70% last year but ahead of the 52% average for this time of year. Soybeans were a mixed bag this year, depending on location and timely rains. The northern area was in a drought, but the new G-series still out-punched all the competition in yield and defensive strength. Stine 01EG23 stood out as top tier and even showed a record-breaking yield of 79 bushels/acre in the state's center. Other soybean standouts were the new Stine 06EG29 and 08EG62, both producing ceiling-shattering yields. The corn crop surprised growers most this year as yields were well received. The new Stine 9320-20 knocked it out of the park in northern and central North Dakota, while Stine MX302-G shined in the southern areas. New experimental hybrids are taking over the top plot slots and have the Stine sales squad more excited than ever to show off recent data to our elite customers for the 2024 season! Stine has yield!

Michelle Nelson, Region 36 RSA (western and southern North Dakota)

Most of the region was able to finish up soybean harvest just in time before the first snow hit us. The reports and feedback from growers have been very positive! Yields are coming in at average to above average. There is a lot of excitement for the new EG lines. Corn harvest is well underway across North Dakota. The western part of the state received more snow, so that has slowed things down a bit out there. We hope everyone will be able to wrap up in the next couple of weeks. 

To learn how Stine’s corn and soybean products performed in your region this year, reach out to your local Stine sales rep or regional sales agronomist.

The Oct. 23, 2023, Crop Progress Report states 59% of the nation’s corn crop and 76% of soybeans are harvested. This is the perfect time to begin planning for fall soil sampling.

“The farming season doesn’t stop after harvest,” says Tony Lenz, Stine^Ò technical agronomist. “As soon as you’re done in the field this fall, it’s time to start planning for the next season. Fall soil sampling is critical in determining what your crop took out of the ground this year so you can replace it in 2024.”

What will a soil test tell me?

A comprehensive soil analysis will calculate your levels of macronutrients, micronutrients, pH and CEC in the soil. Specifically, these elements work together to form a complete nutrition program for your crops. For example, macronutrients are the most common nutrients. Crops use more of these nutrients than any other. Primary macronutrients include nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus. Secondary macronutrients include calcium, magnesium and sulfur. Micronutrients, while important to plant health, do not need to be applied as frequently and in as high quantities as macronutrients. Micronutrients include boron, copper, chloride, iron, manganese, molybdenum and zinc. 

Soil pH is the acidity or alkalinity makeup of the soil. Ideal pH levels should fall between 6.5 to 7.5, and 7 is considered the neutral range where nutrient uptake is ideal. Anything under 7 is more acidic and above 7 is alkaline. CEC levels determine the type, capacity and organic makeup of the soil and are critical to determining the soil’s ability to retain nutrients. CEC levels should always be considered when determining amount and frequency of nutrient applications. The higher the CEC level of your soil, the less likely nutrient leaching will occur in your field.

When growers get their results, it’s important to look at all the levels holistically as many of the nutrients work together. For example, sulfur plays a supporting role with nitrogen by helping plants metabolize nitrogen. Both nitrogen and sulfur need to be applied early in the season, so knowing where you’re at for the two nutrients is important to figure out before the planting season.

What time of year is best for soil sampling?

The importance of soil sampling in agriculture has no limits. You can take samples at any point throughout the year if conditions are right, but most experts suggest sampling after harvest in the fall or before planting starts in the spring.

“Soil sampling is most often either done in the fall after harvest or in the spring prior to field work but should always be done prior to applying fertilizer,” recommends Meaghan Anderson and Rebecca Vittetoe, field agronomists for Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. “It is important to be consistent in the timing of soil sampling (i.e., always in the fall or always in the spring). Samples should be taken every 2 to 4 years or once in a crop rotation,” they add.

What is the proper way to take a soil sample?

Soil sampling can be tedious; it takes time and careful handling. The first step we recommend to our grower customers is to consult with a certified soil testing lab or soil testing expert to obtain their local recommendations for conducting proper soil sampling. These experts will also help you determine factors such as sample depth (typically six to eight inches), the best tools for collecting samples (soil probes, buckets, sample bags, etc.), ideal core size and amount of cores for accurate results (10 to 15 cores for a composite sample), and where and when to collect samples to ensure accurate results. Some soil testing experts even have soil testing kits available.

There are a few different methods of soil sampling. Some may take whole field samples, but most samples taken from crop fields are done by grid sampling. No matter the soil sampling method, preplanning is critical.

“Growers should have a good idea of the fields they want to take samples from before they start the process,” notes Lenz. “For example, if you’re out combining and find areas where your crops are underperforming, take note of that field and map out a plan for soil sampling so you can see where your nutrient levels are for that particular spot."

Another consideration when conducting soil sampling is the moisture level of the soil. Iowa State Extension field agronomists Meaghan Anderson and Rebecca Vittetoe note that taking samples after prolonged periods of drought can affect the soil analysis by making test results appear lower than they are. They recommend delaying taking a sampling for a week after a rainfall that soaks through the typical sampling depth of about six inches.

Midwest Laboratories also provides some great guidance for soil sampling, but  growers must remember that best practices can vary from region to region.

Don’t forget about soybean cyst nematodes.

Soil sampling is also valuable in detecting potential pests lurking underground, including soybean cyst nematodes (SCN). This is especially important as many areas of the U.S. experienced dry conditions this year. Experts from South Dakota State University Extension say  SCN become more prolific in low-moisture conditions.

“SCN is incredibly damaging to soybean yields and should not be overlooked when conducting soil sampling,” says Lenz. “Growers who experienced dry conditions this year need to be prepared for an increase of SCN in 2024.”

Experts from the University of Nebraska’s Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources note  SCN can cause up to 40% yield loss in soybeans and 30% loss before symptoms are even noticeable, making SCN an “invisible yield threat.”

“Growers can ask their certified laboratory to conduct a test for SCN with their regular soil sample but need to ensure they have taken samples appropriately,” adds Lenz.

For more information on soil sampling and what to look for, reach out to your local Stine sales rep or regional sales agronomist.

At Stine^®, we prioritize our grower customers’ needs, so we always look for new ways to help maximize yields and ROI. This is why we focus on delivering the highest-yielding genetics coupled with outstanding agronomic support.

New for 2024, we are pleased to offer Stine’s Prescriptive Pathogen Report, powered by Pattern Ag. Available at a special discounted price to Stine’s Corn Loyalty level customers, the Prescriptive Pathogen Report is designed to help growers accurately predict their future risk for corn rootworm, one of the most damaging soil-born, yield-robbing pests.

How does it work?
The methodology behind the Prescriptive Pathogen Report includes a highly sensitive and specific test that can accurately predict your field pressure and economic risk for next season.

By utilizing precise DNA analysis from soil samples, we can measure the presence and abundance of target organisms. Data collected from the soil samples is then translated into actionable agronomic insights that growers can employ for best results. This testing method is so accurate that it can detect a single egg in just a one-pound soil sample.

The results delivered by the Prescriptive Pathogen Report allow participants to build a comprehensive crop plan to help them select the optimal genetics, traits and seed treatments for their unique situation, maximize yield potential and eliminate hidden risks.

“Through advanced DNA analysis, the Prescriptive Pathogen Report can help predict a field’s risk for corn rootworm with a high degree of accuracy,” says David Thompson, Stine’s national marketing and sales director. “This is an innovative and yield-saving benefit that we’re pleased to offer our Corn Loyalty level customers this year. With the nominal cost upfront for the program, it truly pays for itself — and then some — in the long run.”

Availability
The Prescriptive Pathogen Report is being made available to Stine Corn Loyalty customers for a cost of $1.50 per corn acre planted to Stine brand corn. This is a fraction of the total cost of this service, with the balance covered by Stine.

Getting started with this solution is easy; the process includes four simple steps.

1. Growers connect with their local Stine representative to complete their 2024 account paperwork and select the “Corn Loyalty” offer.
2. Once account paperwork has been processed, a program representative will reach out to confirm interest and eligibility and to start the setup process.
3. Next, the grower will connect with the sampling service to let them know when fields are harvested and ready to sample.
4. Once samples are taken and analyzed, growers should anticipate a two-week turnaround for delivery of their Prescriptive Pathogen Report.

Growers interested in taking advantage of this unique and innovative solution can connect with their Stine rep today to get started.

“The sooner growers sign up, the sooner they can put this information to work in developing a winning plan for 2024,” says Thompson.