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Cover Crops: A Growing Interest for Corn and Soybean Growers

Stine agronomists have been busy visiting with growers across the country about their planting plans for 2020. After a difficult year with preventive planting, flooding and other weather-related field issues, we’re hearing a lot of rumblings about cover crops. In this edition of Stine Weekly, we’ll look at cover crops, the benefits of using them and timing recommendations. 

Visit our Ask the Agronomist Blog for more Stine news.

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Usage of Drones in Both Corn and Soybeans

The use of drones in crop scouting is becoming more commonplace. At Stine, we’ve found that drones are very resourceful tools for research. We first started using drones a few years ago in Argentina to perform comparisons — walking fields and taking maturity notes versus the data collected by drones. Our goal was to see if the algorithms from drones were in line with the maturities we found walking the fields. We had very good results, so much so that we started using drones in the United States on about one-third of our plots. Again, we compared our walking notes to the notes from drones for maturities and our results were very successful! In fact, we’re finding that the drone is more precise and gives us more consistent data over time. 

Visit our Ask the Agronomist Blog for more Stine news.

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Best Management Practices for Optimum Outcomes in High-Population Corn

Stine agronomists have spent the last few months meeting with growers across the country at our annual Professional Farmer Series meetings. In those meetings, we’ve made it a point to discuss high-population corn — the benefits, challenges, best management practices and all other lingering questions about the innovation. Stine has always been at the forefront of high-population corn research and developing yields that thrive in higher populations and narrower rows. As our research evolves, so does our understanding of the best management practices that correlate with higher yields. Based on our multi-year research, we recommend growers follow these recommendations to make the most out of every acre of high-population corn they plant in 2020.

Visit our Ask the Agronomist Blog for more Stine news.

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Agrisure Duracade® Corn Fully Approved and Available for 2020 Planting Season

Agrisure Duracade® received full import approval in July 2019, which means that U.S. corn growers have the green light to plant the industry’s most advanced trait for corn rootworm control without any stringent grain marketing requirements. The trait, developed by Syngenta, was originally introduced and available for sale in 2014, but it’s been subject to certain stewardship and grain restrictions while awaiting full approval from the European Union.

Visit our Ask the Agronomist Blog for more Stine news.

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Get Ahead of White Mold in 2020

By: Tony Lenz, Corn Technical Agronomist

Last year presented a number of growing season challenges. One of particular concern was the increase of white mold in soybeans, which affected large portions of Iowa, South Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, North Dakota and the Great Lakes region. We’ve witnessed and heard about a lot of white mold damage throughout this region over the past few years, and for those with a history of white mold issues in their fields, it will likely be a problem again in 2020. Let’s take a look at the make-up of white mold and management strategies growers can implement to help prevent the disease from robbing yields this year. 

Visit our Ask the Agronomist Blog for more Stine news.

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Plan, Check, Go!

With four to eight weeks left before planting season (depending on your region), the clock is ticking for planting prep. Now’s the time to start checking your fields and pull the planter into the shop to ensure it’s in proper working order to hit the field. Resolving equipment issues now can help prevent planting delays or issues that could cause incorrect row spacing or seed depth come growing season. While it may seem early to start prepping your equipment, ordering parts to repair your planter may take several weeks. Plan ahead! We’ve dusted off a few of our favorite planting prep recommendations to get you started. 

Visit our Ask the Agronomist Blog for more Stine news.

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The Lesser Known Advantages of LibertyLink® GT27™ Soybeans

LibertyLink® GT27™ was the first commercially available soybean trait package with built-in tolerance to three unique sites of action: glyphosate, glufosinate and a new HPPD inhibitor/Group 27 herbicide for soybeans (pending approval). It’s well known throughout the industry that growers who plant this trait package will benefit from outstanding weed control and unparalleled flexibility in weed management options. But there are lesser-known advantages to planting LibertyLink GT27 soybeans. 

Visit our Ask the Agronomist Blog for more Stine news.

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Evaluating Freeze Damage on Corn and Soybeans

By: Mike Smith, Corn Techincal Agronomist

A hard freeze in May wasn’t what growers had hoped for now that 38 percent of soybeans are in the ground (seven percent emerged) and 67 percent of corn (24 percent emerged), but that’s what a number of growers experienced earlier this week. From as far south as Missouri and Kentucky to the Midwest and Northeast, a late-season cold snap moved temperatures below freezing level. We’ve had a number of questions coming in this week regarding freeze damage on newly planted and newly emerged corn and soybeans. Here’s what we’re telling growers to look for and if there’s really any cause for concern. 

Visit our Ask the Agronomist Blog for more Stine news.

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Pushing Populations with Stine® 9542-G Brand Corn

When it comes to pushing corn populations, growers need to consider a few things. First is genetics. Through decades of research, Stine has found that shorter to medium plant types work well in narrow-row, high-population configurations, which is why we’ve developed many of our products to be shorter in stature, including our line of high-population corn (HP Corn®). We’ve also engineered a number of our non-designated HP Corn products to thrive in higher populations, including Stine 9542-G brand corn. The genetics in these hybrids typically produce shorter plants with excellent stalk strength for standability and upright leaves so that they’re able to more effectively harvest sunshine and moisture in more dense populations.

Visit our Ask the Agronomist Blog for more Stine news.

Part 3: Prepping Harvested and Fallow Ground for Next Year

By: Tony Lenz, Corn Technical Agronomist

For part three in our series on prepping harvested and fallow ground for next year, we look at fall fertility applications. For this topic, we’ll discuss what nutrients can be applied in the fall and application timing. We’ll also explore the value each nutrient provides in plant health and growth processes.

Visit our Ask the Agronomist Blog for more Stine news.

Effects of Cold Temps on Corn and Soybeans

By Mike Smith, Corn Technical Agronomist​

Weather is an obvious factor when determining the right time to start planting. Even after you get seed in the ground, growers have to be cautious of the potential effects cold temperatures have on their crop, especially its viability after a certain growing point. Here are a few things to consider before planting early.

Visit our Ask the Agronomist Blog for more Stine news.

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Five Things to Keep in Mind Regarding the Enlist Weed Control System

Stine Enlist E3™ soybeans combined with the Enlist™ weed control system offers flexibility and control that growers need to tackle weed resistance and generate results. There’s no doubt this system is the way of the future. In fact, approximately 20 percent of U.S. soybean acres are expected to be planted to Enlist E3 soybeans in 2020.

As the developer of the Enlist herbicide system, Corteva® Agriscience (formerly Dow AgroSciences) recently released guidance on herbicide application and tank mixing procedures. Here are five tips that will help you realize the system’s full capabilities and maximize your use of its products.  

Visit our Ask the Agronomist Blog for more Stine news.

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Stine® Soybean Lines to Watch in 2021

Last week we discussed our anchor hybrids that generated buzz (and yield) this year. This week, we’re featuring our anchor soybean lines available for 2021, specifically some very promising and high-performing brand numbers from our Stine® Enlist E3® lineup.

Visit our Ask the Agronomist Blog for more Stine news.

Wild Growth, Tightly Whorled Soybean Leaves Indicate Rapid Growth Syndrome

In the last few weeks, we’ve heard reports from many Midwestern soybean growers who have noticed tightly whorled leaves on the top of their crops. Some have also noticed stippling or blistering and even some minor burn on the edge or tip of soybean leaves. Growers may also notice that the tops of the soybean plants have wildly roping branches.

Visit our Ask the Agronomist Blog for more Stine news.

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Management Strategies for Soybean Reproductive Stages

By: Tony Lenz, Corn Technical Agronomist

More than half of soybeans planted in the U.S. have reached the reproductive stages. According to the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service, as of July 27, 76 percent of soybeans are in bloom and 43 percent are achieving pod set. Here are a few things to keep in mind to better manage your soybeans through this important time.

Visit our Ask the Agronomist Blog for more Stine news.

Breeding Stine’s Conventional Corn

In many ways, Stine has a unique position in the corn industry. When it comes to conventional corn hybrids, while many seed companies rely on dated genetic material, Stine produces newer, higher-yielding conventional corn genetics each and every year.

Visit our Ask the Agronomist Blog for more Stine news.

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Part 2: Prepping Harvested and Fallow Ground for Next Year

By: Bill Kessinger, Corn Technical Agronomist

Last week, we highlighted the topics this series will feature related to prepping fields this fall for the upcoming planting season. This week, our focus is on soil sampling and tillage. The most important takeaways from this week are to understand how and where to take and submit your soil samples, interpreting the results from your soil samples and how tillage comes into play this fall.

Visit our Ask the Agronomist Blog for more Stine news.

Keep Cutworms from Damaging Your Plant Stand this Spring

By the time corn begins to emerge in late spring, growers may already have battled varying weather elements and difficult planting conditions, but now it may be time for them to start battling another of Mother Nature’s surprises — cutworms.

Visit our Ask the Agronomist Blog for more Stine news.

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Prepare Your Equipment for Harvest 2020

The long hours of difficult work during harvest can take a toll on farmers and their equipment. Before harvest begins, give yourself a head start. Properly preparing your machinery can save hours of lost productivity, prevent damage and extend the lifecycle of your equipment.

Visit our Ask the Agronomist Blog for more Stine news.

Stine Corn Hybrids to Watch in 2021

Stine® is delivering yield plus choice by offering 59 different corn hybrids in our 2021 lineup. Our hybrids feature elite, high-yielding genetics combined with the industry’s top trait packages, including Agrisure®, LibertyLink® and Stine GT™ — a new trait that boasts our unique genetics with built-in tolerance to glyphosate-based herbicides. We’re also excited to offer Stine Elite conventional brand corn and HP Corn® designated products in 2021.

Visit our Ask the Agronomist Blog for more Stine news.

Part 1: Prepping Harvested and Fallow Ground for Next Year

Harvest is wrapping up around the country, which means planning for planting season is upon us. Fall brings the opportunity to prepare your soil for the next rotation of crops. And for some areas that experienced prevent planting or for growers who are ready to turn their fallow ground back into profitable acres, you can accomplish plenty in the next month or two before a hard winter’s freeze sets in. Over the next few weeks, we’ll discuss various recommendations for prepping your fields this fall. Here’s a sneak peek of the topics we’ll explore in greater detail over the coming weeks.

Visit our Ask the Agronomist Blog for more Stine news.

Protect Your Yield with Soybean Seed Treatments

By: Mike Smith, Corn Techincal Agronomist

Growers know that planting season comes with many variables: timing, changing weather patterns, varying soil conditions, equipment failures, insects and more. In uncertain environments, seed treatments give control back to the growers so they can better protect their seed during its most vulnerable time — from germination to emergence.

Visit our Ask the Agronomist Blog for more Stine news.

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Part 4: Prepping Harvested and Fallow Ground for Next Year

By: Mike Smith, Corn Technical Agronomist

In our final installment on prepping harvested and fallow ground for next year, we’re discussing fall herbicide applications. Growers who experienced heavy weed pressure this year should consider a fall herbicide pass before a hard winter freeze sets in. Fall herbicide applications can help control weeds that emerge in fall in addition to winter annuals that can grow during the winter months.

Visit our Ask the Agronomist Blog for more Stine news.

Soil Sampling 101

By: Mike Smith, Corn Technical Agronomist

By now, growers should have a pretty solid plan in place for their fields, including what crop will go where and the specific products and populations to plant. This plan should also include an established baseline for soil nutrients — how much you need and where you need it. If you haven’t mapped out your soil fertility goals yet, there’s still time, but it needs to start with soil sampling. Here are a few tips for establishing optimal soil conditions.  

Visit our Ask the Agronomist Blog for more Stine news.

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EPA Backs New Herbicide for Soybean Growers

Good news for soybean growers struggling with herbicide-resistant weeds. On March 30, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) granted final approval on the new Alite™ 27 herbicide for use on GT27™ and LibertyLink® GT27™ soybeans. Stine® is excited to be one step closer to this new weed control option.

Visit our Ask the Agronomist Blog for more Stine news.

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Stine® Harvest Roundup: Part 2

Harvest is full steam ahead for most of the country. As of October 11, 41 percent of corn and 61 percent of soybeans are out, according to the latest USDA National Statistics Survey crop progress report. This also means that harvest is picking up for Stine growers throughout the territories we serve. From the East Coast to the upper Midwest, here’s what our regional sales agronomists are reporting.

Visit our Ask the Agronomist Blog for more Stine news.

Introducing ... Yield+

Stine® is synonymous with yield, and we’ve had the great privilege of providing corn and soybean growers with the highest-performing products to deliver on our STINE HAS YIELD promise. But high-yielding seed isn’t the only thing we offer — a lot more goes into the seed we deliver. Introducing … Yield+.

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How to Spot, Treat Thistle Caterpillars in Midwest Soybean Fields

Thistle caterpillars are about as unwanted in growers’ fields as their name suggests. They were an issue for many growers last year, and we’re starting to hear reports of their presence in the Midwest again this year. These pests feed off soybean leaves until they transform into painted lady butterflies. However, before they transform, the caterpillars can cause defoliation in the upper canopy of soybean plants and further injury if left untreated.

Visit our Ask the Agronomist Blog for more Stine news.

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Why Are Corn and Soybeans Short This Year?

A common question Stine agronomists have been asked this growing season is why are corn and soybeans short this year? Here are a few considerations to keep in mind if short or stunted plants are a concern. 

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Stalk Quality Evaluation First, Harvest Second

By: Tony Lenz, Corn Technical Agronomist

For growers who haven’t started corn harvest or who are deciding which field to harvest next, there’s one important thing to keep in mind. Now is the time to check your stalks for integrity and standability. There have been a lot of weather events mid-to-late season this year, so some stalk quality may be compromised. Get ahead and harvest areas that have the potential for lodging first.

Visit our Ask the Agronomist Blog for more Stine news.

Some Good News — We’re Hiring!

We could all use some good news during challenging times like these. At Stine, there is no higher priority to us than our employees and the growers we serve. We’re committed to maintaining dependable customer service through life’s toughest challenges. As our business grows, so does our need to expand our sales team to support our customer service efforts. We’re pleased to offer a number of job openings, which range from front office sales support to sales reps in the field. 

Visit our Ask the Agronomist Blog for more Stine news.

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Deciphering Product Performance from Plot Data

Every year, growers hear from a number of agronomists presenting the latest local plot results from on-farm strip trials or county/state extension plots. But how can growers use that information to help their operations? Understanding the information, how it was derived and what it demonstrates can lead to better decisions for your fields.

Visit our Ask the Agronomist Blog for more Stine news.

Stine Seeks Additional Independent Sales Reps

Stine is experiencing rapid growth and expansion throughout the country. To meet this demand, we’re opening new opportunities in our sales territories for independent sales representatives (ISRs).

Visit our Ask the Agronomist Blog for more Stine news.

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Stine® Agrisure® Corn Shines in 2020

Stine’s unique corn genetics combined with the industry’s most desirable trait packages results in hybrids with superior performance. And that’s something we’re hearing from many growers who planted Stine® Agrisure® brand corn this year. Stine Agrisure corn is producing healthy stalks and strong ears, even in areas that are experiencing drought-like conditions during late summer. To name a few, Stine 9814–20, 9434-11 and R9739E-32 are packing grain and showing great tolerance to stressful conditions. 

Visit our Ask the Agronomist Blog for more Stine news.

Planting Soybeans Early? Read This.

Planting is underway in many areas of the country. Most regions are focused on corn, but a few are turning to soybeans. Planting soybeans in the Midsouth region is fairly common this time of year, but for those considering starting soybeans this early in the Midwest, don’t forget to consult your extended weather forecast and check the current state of your soil. Planting soybeans into cool, wet soil can lead to emergence problems and can leave them more vulnerable to insect and disease pressure in the longer term.

Visit our Ask the Agronomist Blog for more Stine news.

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HPPD Inhibitor Carryover Concerns

By: Bill Kessinger, Corn Technical Agronomist

HPPD inhibitor (HPPDi) herbicides have been a staple for U.S. corn growers for years. Because of their overall effectiveness and outstanding residual control, HPPDi chemistries are applied to an estimated half of U.S. corn acres*. Now, with the approval of the isoxaflutole-based Group 27 herbicide Alite™ 27, growers have the opportunity to use this chemistry on soybeans. While soybean growers have this new tool to tackle difficult-to-control weeds, there are a few things they need to keep in mind about HPPDi chemistries, including their potential effect on next year’s crops with the long half-life of HPPDi products.

Visit our Ask the Agronomist Blog for more Stine news.

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Stine Celebrates Women in Ag, Recognizes Their Accomplishments with Women in Agriculture Day

Stine is fortunate to enjoy leadership and support from female professionals who strive to keep our company efficient, innovative and successful. From their roles in our research and sales departments to seed conditioners and growers in the field, we’re proud to stand beside women in agriculture as they support the industry that feeds the world.

Visit our Ask the Agronomist Blog for more Stine news.

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Now Available: 2021 Stine Seed Catalog

The 2021 Stine® Seed Catalog is officially available! Stine’s lineup is BIG this year and combines the industry’s leading genetics with the most sought-after trait packages. You can view the catalog on our website. For hard copies, please contact your local Stine sales rep. Here’s a sneak peek of what you can find in this year’s catalog.

Visit our Ask the Agronomist Blog for more Stine news.

Want Higher Yields? Consider Higher Populations

By Tony Lenz, Corn Technical Agronomist​

Corn populations have increased on average around 300 plants per acre/year since the 1920s. Why? Better genetics and more innovative planting practices are two reasons, but the realization that higher planting populations equate to higher yields is what started it all. And this definitely applies to corn.

Visit our Ask the Agronomist Blog for more Stine news.

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A Year in Review

Despite the challenges of 2020, those in the ag industry stepped up and prevailed. From agronomists to ag researchers to farmers in the field, we were able to adapt our practices and operations to maintain our role as an essential industry that feeds and fuels the world. At Stine®, we’re proud of our employees and sales team for overcoming 2020’s obstacles to ensure growers’ seed needs were met and exceeded. No matter the year, our priority is and continues to be supplying our grower customers with elite, high-yielding products and quality service. And our grower customers kept on rolling despite the challenges they faced. Here is a high-level look at what we’ve accomplished in 2020 and what we look forward to in the new year.

Visit our Ask the Agronomist Blog for more Stine news.