The precision ag world revolves around “variable rate” (VR) applications, which is typically where you unravel areas in fields where you can save input costs. Because we’re in our fourth year of low commodity prices, it’s a great time to see if variable rate seeding can increase your bottom line.

The first step is breaking you field into production zones, which should be managed differently based on their production potential. I’ve discussed the different data layers that can go into this decision, so I won’t cover it in this article.

The next step comes down to picking the right product and adjusting your seeding rates. Using Latham’s FieldXFieldSM service, we can determine the best hybrid for each situation. Choose a hybrid that will perform well on the majority of soil types in each field. If a field has uniform soils, then you need to use your historic knowledge of disease or other problems. Don’t pick a racehorse hybrid for a challenging field and wonder why it didn’t respond unless you plan on protecting it with a fungicide application, if necessary.

After you match the hybrid to your field, look at the ear flex noted in tables below the hybrids in our 2018 Product Guide. A Semi-Flex (SF) is usually your best option for a VR seeding application. If you’re looking at a Semi-Determinate (SD) hybrid, don’t count it out. All hybrids have some flex, but the SF will not give up as much yield in those lighter soils as the SD. A full Determinate ear would not be a good choice as it will give up the most yield if stressed by lighter soil conditions.

Be open to adjusting seeding rates more than 1,500 to 2,000 seeds per acre (spa). I normally like to see a swing of 3,000 to 4,000 spa when you’re trying VR seeding. Every soil type/hybrid combination has a different seeding rate sweet spot, so don’t expect to figure it out on your first try. When you pull the population down from 32,000 to 25,000 spa, plant spacing widens up another 2 inches and that dramatically changes the “competition” between plants. Suggested seeding rates can also be found in our product guide.

*Disclaimer: Seed placement and precision equipment are very important. You won’t see an advantage if your planter plants more doubles and skips than it does well-placed seed. When you lower populations on lighter soils, each corn plant needs enough space so it’s not crowded when it comes to its roots and canopy.

Variable rate seeding may provide that additional boost to your bottom line by bumping up yields in your top-yielding areas. Instead the focus is on lowering seed costs and maintaining yield on those areas that never seem to meet yield expectations. Experimenting on your farm is the best way to find an answer to this question. If you have the technology on your planter, make 2018 the year you give it a try! I’ll gladly help where I can, so feel free to give me a call.

Ear rot has been present in some corn fields that were harvested this year. These diseases can reduce the quantity and quality of the corn being harvested, and they can also produce mycotoxins that might be harmful to livestock and even humans.

These diseases can continue to cause problems in stored grain unless it is closely monitored and maintained in the best possible condition.

Scouting fields prior to harvest is key to avoiding situations caused by mold. A pre-harvest field check can help farmers to determine: (1) if ear mold is present; (2) what type of mold is present; and (3) how severe the infestation is.

One method you can use when scouting fields for ear rots is to tear back the husks on 100 plants scattered randomly throughout the field. If you find 10% or more of the ears have mold on 25% or more of the ear, that field should be harvested immediately and dried to at least 15% moisture. (NOTE: If you plan to turn in a claim for that field to your crop insurance provider, do that before harvesting. The insurance adjuster may need to see proof of the ear rots in the field as opposed to just seeing it in the stored grain.)

Samples of that grain should be tested to see what mycotoxins, if any, are present. You should then consult with someone like an extension specialist or veterinarian to decide the best method of using that grain.

Corn ear rots and molds are present every year, but the severity and type of infestation is highly weather dependent and greatly depends on the region where the farm is located. Fungal pathogens that cause ear rots will remain in the soil for several years. Crop rotation and heavy tillage may help reduce spore survival. Planting hybrids with traits that provide above-ground insect protection and reduce ear damage might also be beneficial.

If you browse online for other ear mold management practices, you will see it’s suggested to plant hybrids with known tolerance to these diseases. Unfortunately, most companies do very little screening for ear mold pathogens, simply because they are so varied and the instances of severe infestations are so rare. In the case of corn ear rots, the best offense is the best defense! Make time to scout each field for ear rots before harvest.