Combines are rolling in Midwestern fields, and corn and soybean growers are seeing the results of their
management decisions. While finishing this season is top of everyone’s mind, it’s never too early to start thinking ahead to 2017. These four tips will help you get the most from 2017 planning.
1. Assess the Season
Harvest time is the best opportunity to take a step back and look at the big picture. Evaluate each field to understand where management decisions met expectations and where they fell short.
“As we’re getting information from the combine cab, that is our report card. As a grower myself, I want to know what went into each one of those bushels and what I can do differently next year to increase my production so I have more dollars in my pocket,” says DuPont Crop Protection Technical Sales Agronomist, Austin Studer.
Keep track of areas where weeds weren’t controlled, noting species and field locations. Understand how application timing, applied rate or weather conditions may have contributed to weed escapes. Consult with your DuPont Crop Protection representative for product recommendations to help manage those problem areas in 2017.
Get a jump start on next season’s weeds with a fall burndown herbicide application. DuPont™ Basis® Blend herbicide provides effective post harvest burndown activity, with the benefit of residual control for fields planted to corn next spring. For spring soybean fields, DuPont™ Canopy® EX herbicide is a good fall option. Studer says, “Fall burndown treatments are beneficial in areas with heavy winter annual weed pressure. Controlling those weeds early is important because they germinate in the fall.”
Rate each field for disease and insect damage, too. Some pathogens overwinter in soil, so disease signs this year can be a good indicator of what you can expect next year. “Be sure to determine whether fungal diseases contributed to declining plant health late in the season,” Studer adds. “We saw a lot of disease signs show up later than expected this year.”
2. Make Decisions Early
Plan your attack on 2017 pests – and the sooner the better. “It’s critical to make decisions early, build your plan of attack, and then execute on your plan in the spring,” explains Studer.
Deciding on seed and crop protection packages early can eliminate headaches and missed opportunity during the season.
“Understanding the return on investment of herbicide products is important. Weed control is one area where you can’t cut corners,” says Studer. “There are so many factors you can’t control during the season, but you can reduce your risk by making good management choices up-front.”
3. Build Your Team
Planning for 2017 may seem overwhelming now, but using resources to help guide your decision making can simplify the process. “Your field records are a good place to start,” he says. “Partner with your local agronomic team to analyze your field maps and yield results to pinpoint the right products for each acre.”
Studer and other local DuPont Crop Protection agronomists advise growers on crop production decisions and work closely with DuPont Pioneer seed agents and DuPont retailers to make sure the right program is planned for each situation. “Not every grower or operation needs the same tools or resources, so your DuPont rep can help you customize and tailor a package to fit your needs.”
Growers also can visit seedtoharvest.dupont.com for regional crop production solutions.
4. Buy Smart
Coupling your seed and crop protection purchases can make input dollars go further. In addition to valuable agronomic expertise, DuPont offers financial resources to help growers succeed. The TruChoice® Program offers financial rewards, including the TruChoice® Early Pay Multiplier. Contact your local DuPont representative for more information.
Always read and follow all label directions and precautions for use.DuPont™ Basis® Blend and Canopy® EX are not registered for use in all states. Contact your local DuPont sales representative for details and availability. TruChoice® programs terms and conditions apply. Unless indicated, trademarks with ®, ™ or SM are trademarks of DuPont, Pioneer or affiliates. © 2016 DuPont.
Article/photo via agweb.com.