The corn is off to an amazing start in the Sparta corn plot! All hybrids emerged well with near perfect stands. This year the plot features many new products. Everything is setup well for the head to head match-ups with new vs. old varieties.

The recent rain and warm weather has allowed fast soybean germination and emergence. This field of Channel 1808R2's along Jancing Avenue in Sparta was no-tilled in 30" rows into very heavy corn residue. As you can see the farmer did a great job getting the seed into the soil. Seed to soil contact is very important because it allows even germination and emergence. Seed treatments also play a big role in emergence and early seedling health. The cruiser max vibrance treatment package used here does a great job protecting the yield potential of these young plants.

Corn is off to a great start! This picture shows new Channel 193-53 in the Taylor corn plot. With warm days and nights we are accumulating growing degree units at a pace similar to normal mid June weather. This rapid growth will close the spraying window for some chemicals very fast. Make sure to read the label and get spraying done on fields with weed competition. This weather will drive weed growth as well, let your corn consume the fertilizer and limited water not the weeds. In a few weeks corn will be near V5-V6 which is a great time for early applications of Fortix fungicide and foliar micronutrients!

The last plot of the season is complete. Planting conditions were near perfect for no-tilling into corn residue. This JD 1750 planter is equiped Schlagel closing wheels and as you can see they do a great job. There are a lot of different closing wheel combinations available that do a good job. If you are looking to change or update your setup the Schlagels are worth considering.

What a great night to scout fields! After 2 days of sun there is 3/4" of new growth on this frost damaged Channel 196-77STX. Note the impressive root system already formed on this young plant. With growing points well under the soil surface the injury is mainly cosmetic. Now is also a great time to scout for cutworm and other insects. If you have any questions or fields you want me to look at please call!

These two pictures were taken right across the road from each other. 1st crop alfalfa quality and yield looks excellent! No doubt farmers will be busy with planting and hay harvest overlapping.

Planters are rolling on mother's day! (Happy mother's day to all moms out there!). Pictured is Mitch from MDS Dairy here in Sparta planting Channel 209-53STX! Roll on and be safe.

Delivering bulk Channel soybeans with one of Yield PRO's two Travis Seed Carts. These machines are here to help better serve you.

The third and final corn plot is complete. The Taylor corn plot features 9 Channel varieties from 90-97 day relative maturity. Keep a lookout for this plot along Hwy 95 by the welcome to Taylor sign.