Introduction

Introduction 

2014 PFR Partners 

This publication is a summary of Beck’s Hybrids 2014 agronomic research managed by 

the Central IL Practical Farm Research Center located near Downs, IL. Management 

options for farming operations are endless, and farmers don’t have time to evaluate all 

procedures or new technologies. On-farm research is costly, time consuming, and often 

confusing. That’s why we developed our Practical Farm Research (PFR) ® Partner 

program. This program conducts different studies across multiple locations on growers’ 

actual farms to learn how different management practices and new technologies 

perform in their own field environments. Simply put, it’s research focused with the 

farmer in mind. 

Beck’s CILPFR research team conducted various on-farm agronomic trials in corn and 

soybeans throughout Illinois. All agronomic trials were managed and directed by Jason 

Webster, Central IL Practical Farm Research Director along with Operations Lead 

Clayton Stufflebeam and PFR Assistant Ben Arteman. 

2014 Central IL PFR Team (L to R) 

Jason Webster, Will Hogan, Guy Hainline, Ben Arteman, Erin Heidrick, Clayton Stufflebeam, Mark Plunk 

2

Table of Contents 


Nitrogen Management Studies 4 

Under-Application N Rate 7-9 

Over Application N Rate 10-18 

V10 N Timing Trials 19-21 

AgLeader OptRx ® Variable Rate N 22-25 

360 Y-Drop N Placement 26-29 

Urea Topdress 30-32 

V5 Corn Fungicide Trials 34-38 

VT Corn Fungicide Trials 39-49 

CropKarb ® Corn Trials 50 

Soil-Applied Insecticide 51-53 

Carbon Penalty 54 

Elixor 55 

Start Right 56 

SUL4R-Plus ® 57 

Site-Specific Multi-Hybrid Corn Planting 58-66 

TrackTill 67-68 

Soybean Fungicide 69-75 

CropKarb ® Soybean Trials 76 

InstaGro Soybean Trails 77 

Site-Specific Multi-Variety Soybean Planting 78-80 

OptRx ® is a registered trademark of Ag Leader Technology. Y-Drop is a trademark of 360 Yield Center, LLC. CropKarb ® is a registered 

trademark of McRight Services, LLC. Elixor is a trademark of Biovante, LLC. SUL4R-PLUS ® is a registered trademark of Charah, Inc. 

3


BECK’S Nitrogen Management Studies 

These trials were designed to compare multiple types of nitrogen management 

programs to the growers’ normal nitrogen management systems. The nitrogen 

components that we will evaluate in this trial consist of nitrogen rate, timing, form, and 

placement. This study was designed as an agronomic segment of Beck’s PFR Partner 

Program, which cooperates with Beck’s customers to conduct agronomic research on 

their own farms. A PFR Director works with each PFR Partner or cooperator to develop 

agronomic protocols and then implements the plan in cooperation with the grower. 

These nitrogen trials include evaluation of: 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Under-Application of -30 lb. N/A. 

Over-Application of +30 lb. N/A. 

Over-Application of +60 lb. N/A. 

V10 Timing vs. grower’s normal 

OptRx ® Variable Rate Nitrogen 

360 Y-Drop System Placement 

Dry Urea Topdress 

CILPFR Intern Erin Heidrick with PFR Partner Greg Pfeifer 

The protocols in this particular study are constant, with the exception of the grower’s 

normal nitrogen program, which can change at each trial site. Each treatment consists 

of the same total rate of nitrogen as the grower’s normal, with the exception of the 

OptRx treatment, which variable rate applies based upon plant needs. 

Nitrogen stabilizers were used on all treatments that surface-applied nitrogen: 360 Y- 

Drop placement and urea topdress. Factor ® , a nitrogen stabilizer from Rosen’s, Inc., 

was used as a volatilization inhibitor to help protect nitrogen that was applied on the soil 

surface. This stabilizer protects from volatilization for up to 14 days until rain occurs so 

that hydrolyzation will occur below the soil surface. This will decrease the risk of 

atmospheric losses. 

We found that the average rate of nitrogen across all trials was 188 lb. N/A.—63% of 

which was applied preplant and the remaining 37% was applied as a sidedress. 

OptRx ® is a registered trademark of Ag Leader Technology. Y-Drop is a trademark of 360 Yield Center, LLC. Factor ® is a registered trademark 

of Midtech R&D and distributed by Rosen’s, Inc. 

4



Nitrogen Cooperators 

Tom and Lisa Uthell Family 

Uthell Seed Sales—Teutopolis, IL 

Dan Herr 

Graymont Cooperative Association 

Craig Kilby 

Beck’s Team Sales Agronomist 

Jonathan Perkins 

SIL PFR Director 

Team Sales Agronomist 

CIL PFR Team 

Jason Webster, Clayton Stufflebeam, 

and Ben Arteman. 

5

BECK’S Nitrogen Rate Studies 


“Hitting the Bullseye” 

Through this year’s intensive nitrogen research studies, Beck’s CIL PFR team tried to 

evaluate the percentage of growers that were using economic optimum nitrogen rates. 

The following is a summary of multiple locations where growers’ normal nitrogen rate 

programs were compared to either decreasing their total rate by 30 lb./A. or increasing 

the total rate by +30 lb./A. and +60 lb./A. This additional nitrogen was sidedressed 

either early with the grower’s normal program or at growth stage V10 with our lateseason 

programs. The summary analyzes the higher and lower nitrogen rates at each 

timing as well as all of the trials together. 

Growers with correct nitrogen rate = 35% 

Growers with wrong nitrogen rate = 65% 

This year’s results indicated that 35% of our PFR Partners were indeed implementing 

economic optimum nitrogen rates. When these growers adjusted their normal rate 

programs, no economic gains were incurred. 

As far as the other 65% are concerned, they did experience economic returns higher 

than their current nitrogen program by increasing or decreasing their total nitrogen rate. 

Interestingly enough, 39% of those growers could have applied less nitrogen, and 61% 

of them needed to apply more. 

Simply put, 65% of our PFR Partners were using the wrong rate of nitrogen. 

6

Yield Response (Bu./A.) 

BECK’S Under-Application N Rate 


20.0 

10.0 

Under-Application Yield Summary 

36 Trial Locations 

0.0 

-10.0 

-20.0 

-30.0 

-40.0 

-50.0 

-60.0 

-8.5 Bu./A. yield loss 

39% of reduced nitrogen rate trials provided economic gains 

-$17.94 loss in net return per acre^ 

^Net return based on $0.60/lb. N and $4.15/Bu. corn 

Average reduced nitrogen rate of –28.8 lb. 

2-Year average yield loss of –10.0 Bu./A. 

-$23.97 loss in net return 

Under-applications resulted in average yield losses of 8.5 Bu./A., with only 39% of the 

total number of applications offering positive economic gains. This particular under 

application trial has been conducted over the past two years with average yield losses 

of 10.0 Bu./A. and economic losses of $23.97. The red line in the chart signifies the 

break-even point for reduced nitrogen applications. Even though yield may have 

suffered from lack of nitrogen in some of the trial locations, the lower cost of nitrogen 

allowed for economic gains. 

7



Grower Location Hybrid 

Yield 

Response 

Dennis Webster Buckingham, IL BECK 5385A3 -7.5 

Dennis Webster Buckingham, IL BECK 6175AMXT* -8.4 

Jim Rafferty Le Roy, IL LG2620 -4.0 

Triple V Farms Roanoke, IL Phoenix 5842EZ ** -4.0 

Greg Pfeifer Mazon, IL DKC 64-87 -7.5 

Greg Pfeifer Mazon, IL BECK 5475AMXT * +0.9 

Ron Bork Piper City, IL BECK 6175wx -2.0 

Ron Keiser Arrowsmith, IL BECK 6175wx -10.3 

Brian Wilson Merna, IL Phoenix 5842A4 ** -9.5 

EJ Kelley Normal, IL BECK 6626AMX-R * -34.2 

Steve Sowers Colchester, IL BECK 5475AM * -54.8 

Kirk Sims New Windsor, IL BECK 5828AMX * -0.5 

Brian Robinson Galesburg, IL BECK 5828AMX * -4.1 

Webster Farms Kempton, IL BECK 5828AMX * -9.5 

Hunt Farms Blandinsville, IL BECK 5475AMX * -0.2 

Hunt Farms Blandinsville, IL BECK 5475AMX * +7.9 

Tim Brouwers Manteno, IL BECK 6175AMXT * -12.6 

Tim Brouwers Moweaqua, IL BECK 6175AMXT * -30.0 

Coffman and Downs Moweaqua, IL BECK 5828AMX * -4.8 


T&R Farms Teutopolis, IL BECK 6175AM * -8.4 


T&R Farms Teutopolis, IL BECK 6175AM * 5.6 


Gary Deters Teutopolis, IL BECK 5828AM * -0.8 

Koester Farms Effingham, IL BECK 5828AM * -20.1 

John Ryerson Cornell, IL LG 2620 -7.7 

Jim Girard Pontiac, IL BECK 6626AMX-R * 12.3 

*®XL is a registered trademark of Pioneer. XL brand seed is distributed by Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc. 

** Phoenix® is a registered trademark of a Syngenta Group Company. Phoenix® brand seed is distributed by Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc. 

8




Yield 

Response 

Mike Follmer Graymont, IL DKC 61-88 2.5 

Scott Bauknecht Pontiac, IL FS 63SX1 -1.0 

Doug Raber Gridley, IL DKC 57-92 -6.0 

Brent Clark Pontiac, IL BECK 5435AMX-R * -19.8 

Jeremy Schlipf Gridley, IL BECK 6175AMXT * -10.9 

Marv Hilti Cullom, IL Stone 6358 -15.7 

Kyle Finley Alvin, IL BECK 5475AMX * +0.9 

Brad Dorsey Moro, IL BECK 6272 * -9.7 

“PFR Partners expands our research and the learning potential of our Practical 

Farm Research studies by doing the same research projects on a larger scale in 

farmers’ fields. This approach gives inquisitive farmers a means for combining 

ideas and questions involved in specific PFR studies with their own farming 

operation where the learning can become first hand and experiential.” 

Scott Beck, Vice President and PFR Director 

Beck’s Hybrids, Atlanta, IN 


9


BECK’S V5 +30 N Rate 


10.0 

8.0 

Early +30 lb. Yield Summary 


6.0 

4.0 

2.0 

0.0 

-2.0 

-4.0 

-6.0 

+3.34 Bu./A. average yield gain 

40% of early +30 lb. N/A. nitrogen rate trials provided economic gains 


^Net return based on $0.60/lb. N and $4.15/Bu. corn. Averages are calculated from economics of each treatment. 

Average increased nitrogen rate of +31.8 lb. N/A. 

10




30.0 

25.0 

20.0 

15.0 

10.0 

5.0 

0.0 

-5.0 

-10.0 

-15.0 

-20.0 

V10 +30 lb. Yield Summary 



60% of late-season +30 lb. N/A. nitrogen rate trials provided economic gains 

+$7.48 gain in net return per acre^ 



11




25.0 

20.0 

Early +60 lb. Yield Summary 


15.0 

10.0 

5.0 

0.0 

-5.0 


21% of early +60 lb. N/A. nitrogen rate trials provided economic gains 




12




40.0 

35.0 

30.0 

25.0 

20.0 

15.0 

10.0 

5.0 

0.0 

-5.0 

-10.0 

V10 +60 lb. Yield Summary 



23% of late-season +60 lb. N/A. nitrogen rate trials provided economic gains 




PFR Partners Danny and Brian Wilson, Normal, IL 

13

Net Return ($/A.) 


BECK’S Nitrogen Rate and Timing 


$10.00 

Nitrogen Rate and Timing Summary 

Figure 1. 

$5.00 

$- 

-30 lb. N 

V5 +60 lb. N 

$(5.00) 

$(10.00) 

$(15.00) 

V10 +60 lb. N 

V5 +30 lb. N 

V10 +30 lb. N 

$(20.00) 

$10.00 

$8.00 

$6.00 

$4.00 

$2.00 

$- 

$(2.00) 

$(4.00) 

$(6.00) 

$(8.00) 

$(10.00) 

$(12.00) 

Early vs. Late-Season Sidedress N 

Figure Figure 2. 2. 

+$12.52 

+$0.82 

+30 lb. N +60 lb. N 

V5 

V10 

Figure 1 illustrates the economic results from increased and decreased nitrogen rates. Under 

applications of nitrogen resulted in net losses of $17.64/A., however the real story from this 

study is the fact that an additional 30 lb. of nitrogen at the V10 growth stage proved to be the 

only treatment that realized net economic gains. Providing that same additional 30 lb. of 

nitrogen at V5 was apparently too early, considering the heavy rainfall that was seen in many 

of the trial locations. 

Figure 2 reveals the differences in additional N applied at both V5 and V10. The V10 +30 

applications achieved net returns $12.52/A. higher than the V5 +30 applications. This again 

may be a result of heavy rainfall occurring at or after the V5 growth stage. In general, an 

additional 60 lb. of nitrogen supplied the highest yields in the study, but overall returns suffered 

due to the added nitrogen cost. 

14

BECK’S +30 N Rate 



Yield 

Response 

Dennis Webster Buckingham, IL BECK 5385A3 +3.4 

Dennis Webster Buckingham, IL BECK 6175AMXT * +4.1 


Triple V Farms Roanoke, IL Phoenix 5842EZ ** +7.5 

Greg Pfeifer Mazon, IL DKC 64-87 -4.0 


Ron Bork Piper City, IL BECK 6175wx +3.0 

Ron Keiser Arrowsmith, IL BECK 6175wx +5.6 

Brian Wilson Normal, IL Phoenix 5842A4 ** +2.5 

E.J. Kelley Normal, IL BECK 6626AMX-R * +0.9 

Steve Sowers Colchester, IL BECK 5475LM * +4.0 


Webster Farms Kempton, IL BECK 5828AMX * +8.0 

Tim Brouwers Manteno, IL BECK 6175AMXT * +4.9 


Hunt Farm Blandinsville, IL BECK 5475AMX * +2.2 


Kirk Sims New Windsor, IL BECK 5828AMX * +3.2 


Brad Dorsey Moro, IL BECK 6272 * -0.8 

“I rely on the Beck’s PFR Partners program to determine whether or not I am 

utilizing the correct method of applying nitrogen on my farm. They bring value to 

my operation by showing me what other programs are available. If these other 

programs are more profitable than what we usually do, then we need to take a 

hard look at our nitrogen management system.” 

Greg Pfeifer 

Mazon, IL 



15

BECK’S +30 V10 N Rate 



Yield 

Response 

Matt Burgener Moweaqua, IL DKC +9.0 

Gary Eckel Noble, IL BECK 5828AM * -1.1 

Ridgely Farms Parkersburg, IL BECK 5828AM * -4.0 

Ridgely Farms Parkersburg, IL BECK 5828AM * +9.2 

Koester Farms Effingham, IL BECK 5828AM * +10.6 

John Ryerson Cornell, IL LG2620 +9.2 

Jim Girard Pontiac, IL BECK 6626AMX-R * +22.5 

Mike Follmer Graymont, IL DKC 61-88 +0.4 

Mackinson Dairy Pontiac, IL NK 71U-3122 -2.3 

Mark Fourez Oakwood, IL BECK 5475AMXT * +5.3 

Jeff Bressner Graymont, IL DKC 63-33 +15.0 

Scott Bauknecht Pontiac, IL FS 63SX1 +5.0 

Doug Raber Gridley, IL DKC 57-92 +10.0 

Brent Clark Pontiac, IL BECK 5435AMX-R * -1.9 

Jeremy Schlipf Gridley, IL BECK 6175AMXT * +3.7 

Marv Hilti Cullom, IL Stone 6358 +24.9 

Kent Hetzer Newton, IL DKC 61-88 +6.4 

Kent Hetzer Newton, IL DKC 61-88 -14.7 

T & R Farms Teutopolis, IL BECK 6175AM * -0.5 

Wakefield Farms Effingham, IL BECK 5828AM * +20.7 

Coffman and Downs Moweaqua, IL BECK 5475AMX * +8.2 


Gaither Farms Moweaqua, IL DKC +6.7 

Linus Schumacher Teutopolis, IL BECK 5828AM * +0.7 



16




Yield 

Response 



Jim Rafferty Le Roy, IL LG2620 +3.9 

Greg Pfeifer Mazon, IL DKC 64-87 +3.9 


Ron Bork Piper City, IL BECK 6175wx +5.0 




Steve Sowers Colchester, IL BECK 5475LM * +6.6 



Webster Farms Kempton, IL BECK 5828AMX * +12.0 






Brad Dorsey Moro, IL BECK 6272 * +19.5 

“The PFR Partners program is a great tool to evaluate nitrogen programs. The 

different rates and timings we were able to apply seemed to fit right into the 

wheel house of what producers have been thinking about. Am I applying the 

correct rate of nitrogen? Am I applying it at the correct time? Through the PFR 

Partner program, we were able to apply different rates of nitrogen at V5 and V10 

growth stages to let growers see first-hand on their own yield monitors how it 

affected yield and profitability. I think that means a lot to see it in their own field, 

rather than just reading plot results from other locations.” 

Dan Herr, Graymont Co-op 

Graymont, IL 



17

BECK’S +60 V10 N Rate 



Yield 

Response 


Gary Eckel Noble, IL BECK 5828AM * -4.5 

Ridgely Farms Parkersburg, IL BECK 5828AM * -3.4 

Ridgely Farms Parkersburg, IL BECK 5828AM * +6.7 

Koester Farms Effingham, IL BECK 5828AM * +2.0 

John Ryerson Cornell, IL LG2620 -5.0 

Jim Girard Pontiac, IL BECK 6626AMX-R * +26.2 

Mike Follmer Graymont, IL DKC 61-88 +1.4 

Mackinson Dairy Pontiac, IL NK 71U-3122 -6.9 

Mark Fourez Oakwood, IL BECK 5475AMXT * +5.2 


Scott Bauknecht Pontiac, IL FS 63SX1 +5.0 


Brent Clark Pontiac, IL BECK 5435AMX-R * +8.1 

Jeremy Schlipf Gridley, IL BECK 6175AMXT * +4.1 


Kent Hetzer Newton, IL DKC 61-88 +6.4 

Kent Hetzer Newton, IL DKC 61-88 -0.7 

T & R Farms Teutopolis, IL BECK 5828AM * +2.1 

Wakefield Farms Effingham, IL BECK 5509A3 +37.5 

Gary Deters Teutopolis, IL BECK 5828AM * +1.7 


Gaither Farms Moweaqua, IL DKC +5.9 

Linus Schumacher Teutopolis, IL BECK 5828AM * -0.6 

Travis Worman Teutopolis, IL DKC 62-97 +21.4 

Travis Worman Teutopolis, IL DKC 62-97 +11.1 

Gary Eckel Noble, IL BECK 5828AM * +0.4 

Wakefield Farms Effingham, IL BECK 5509A3 +10.7 



18

BECK’S V10 Timing Study 


This year we continued our research of late-season nitrogen applications by way of 

high-clearance equipment and nitrogen toolbars from Hagie Manufacturing and Miller 

St. Nazians. Beck’s PFR Partner nitrogen testing included extending nitrogen sidedress 

timings to growth stages near V10. The high-clearance units are able to apply nitrogen 

up to pre-tassel heights and give a much larger window for sidedress application. The 

protocol used for this timing study compared a grower’s normal early sidedress timing 

to later sidedress timings near the V10 growth stage. By saving the last fifty pounds of 

nitrogen for later in the season, we are trying to give the corn a finishing supply for the 

last part of the growing season. Up until the V10 growth stage, the corn is 

supplemented by the nitrogen that the grower has already applied. The last fifty pounds 

at a later growth stage potentially aids in more grain fill. 

The photos above illustrate the difference between sidedressing at a smaller growth stage 

(around V5) as opposed to sidedressing at the V10 growth stage. 

The chart to the left depicts at what 

growth stage the corn plant uptakes 

nitrogen, and what process that nitrogen 

is used for in the plant. Later sidedress 

timings allow growers to finish nitrogen 

programs, helping to ensure season-long 

nitrogen availability. 

Credit: Iowa State University Extension 

19

Yield Advantage (Bu./A.) 



12.0 

10.0 

8.0 

6.0 

4.0 

2.0 

0.0 

-2.0 

-4.0 

-6.0 

V10 Timing Yield Summary 

-$6.46/A. 

21 Trial Locations +$22.09/A. 

+3.03 Bu./A. yield advantage 

67% of V10 timing trials provided economic gains 



4-year average yield increase of +3.06 Bu./A * 

with returns of +$16.34/A. 

In general, V10 late-season nitrogen sidedress applications resulted in yield gains of 

3.03 Bu./A. along with economic gains of $12.57/A. when compared to the growers 

normal earlier sidedress program. 

The 75% of the late-season sidedress timing trials that proved economic gains 

averaged increases of $22.09/A. Although the other 33% did not prove positive, the 

average return losses were within an average of $6.46/A. of the grower’s normal 

program. 

20




Yield 

Response 

Dennis Webster Buckingham, IL BECK 5385A3 -1.1 

Dennis Webster Buckingham, IL BECK 6175AMXT* +6.0 


Greg Pfeifer Mazon, IL DK 64-87 -5.1 


Ron Bork Piper City, IL BECK 6175Wx 0 

Jeremy Schlipf Gridley, IL BECK 6175AMXT* +3.1 

Dan Hesterberg Armstrong, IL Phoenix 5842A4 ** +10.7 

E.J. Kelley Normal, IL BECK 6626AMX-R * -0.6 

Steve Sowers Colchester, IL BECK 5475AM * +0.1 



Webster Farms Buckingham, IL BECK 5828AMX * +7.7 




Tim Brouwers Manteno, IL BECK 6175AMXT * -0.7 

Coffman and Downs Moweaqua, IL BECK 5828AMX * +1.1 



Brad Dorsey Moro, IL BECK 6272 * +11.1 



21


BECK’S OptRx ® Variable Rate Nitrogen 

OptRx crop sensors measure and record plant health data in real-time using reflectance 

of light shone on growing corn plants. Sensors can be installed across an application 

boom to collect information while sidedressing nitrogen. Data is logged and mapped to 

be used for analysis for real-time variable rate applications. OptRx sensors help 

growers apply nitrogen based on crop vigor. For example, the sensor tells the applicator 

to apply less nitrogen on healthy corn plants and more nitrogen on weaker, nitrogen 

deficient corn plants, according to a calibration specific to that field. In addition, OptRx’s 

advanced light-sensing technology is not dependent on ambient light, which offers 

maximum flexibility for use both day and night. 

The protocol for the 2014 OptRx trials consisted of growers reducing their normal 

nitrogen rate by 50 lb. N/A. and then implementing the OptRx system to apply variable 

rate nitrogen as a way to finish their overall nitrogen program. 

Hagie STS10 with nitrogen toolbar equipped with OptRx sensors. 

OptRx ® is a registered trademark of Ag Leader Technology 

22


BECK’S OptRx ® Variable Rate N Study 


$120.00 

$100.00 

$80.00 

$60.00 

$40.00 

$20.00 

$- 

$(20.00) 

$(40.00) 

$(60.00) 

$(80.00) 

OptRx Net Return Summary 


+0.56 Bu./A. yield gain 

54% of OptRx trials provided economic gains 

$1.80 gain in net return per acre^ 


OptRx saved 0.5 lb. N per acre on average 

2-year average increases of +1.5 Bu./A with economic gains of +$11.19/A. 

2-year average nitrogen savings of –6.1 lb. N/A. 

On average, OptRx trials proved minimal yield gains or losses compared to our PFR Partners’ 

normal nitrogen programs. However, the real story with this particular trial stems back to our 

“Hitting the Bullseye” concept in the beginning of this report on page 6. Only 35% of our 

growers did in fact hit the bullseye in choosing economic optimum nitrogen rate on their farms. 

Of the PFR Partners that were wrong with their current nitrogen program, 70% achieved 

average economic gains of $30.52 from using the OptRx variable rate nitrogen system. 

If these growers had used the OptRx system in place of their normal program, theoretically, it 

would have resulted in an additional 21% of growers utilizing the correct nitrogen rate and 

hitting the bullseye. 


23




Nitrogen 

Savings 

Yield 

Response 

Dennis Webster Buckingham, IL BECK 5385A3 -32.3 lb. -1.4 

Dennis Webster Buckingham, IL BECK 6175AMXT* -28.4 lb. +3.2 

Jim Rafferty Le Roy, IL LG2620 -22.0 lb. +1.7 

Doug Raber Gridley, IL DKC 57-92 -10.2 lb. -10.0 

Jim Girard Pontiac, IL BECK 6676AMX-R* -58.6 lb. -3.3 

Mike Follmer Graymont, IL DKC 61-88 -18.5 lb. +1.7 

Mackinson Dairy Pontiac, IL NK 71U-3122 +44.4 lb. -5.1 

Greg Pfeifer Mazon, IL DKC 64-87 +12.9 lb. -13.6 

Greg Pfeifer Mazon, IL BECK 5475AMXT * +21.0 lb. -3.8 

Ron Bork Piper City, IL BECK 6175wx* -27.7 lb. -3.0 

Brent Clark Pontiac, IL BECK 5435AMX-R* +41.5 lb. +0.1 

Jeremy Schlipf Gridley, IL BECK 6175AMXT* +9.0 lb. -2.2 

Art Schlipf Gridley, IL LG 2620 +46.5 lb. -0.5 

Dan Hesterberg Gifford, IL Phoenix 5832A3 +8.7 lb. +1.2 

Marv Hilti Cullom, IL Stone 6358 -20.4 lb. -7.4 

Mark Fourez Oakwood, IL BECK 5475AMXT* +22.8 lb. +2.4 

Jeff Bressner Graymont, IL DKC 63-33 -15.9 lb. -1.0 

Scott Bauknecht Pontiac, IL FS 63SX1 -17.7 lb. -4.0 

Coffman and Downs Moweaqua, IL BECK 5475AMX * +11.0 lb. -10.8 

Coffman and Downs Moweaqua, IL BECK 5475AMX * +11.0 lb. -3.3 

Coffman and Downs Moweaqua, IL BECK 5828AMX * -12.0 lb. -1.9 

Coffman and Downs Moweaqua, IL BECK 6175AMX * -45.0 lb. -16.9 

Gaither Farms Moweaqua, IL DKC +12.5 lb. -0.5 

Gary Eckel Noble, IL BECK 5828AM * +24.0 lb. +3.1 

Linus Schumacher Teutopolis, IL BECK 5828AM * +43.0 lb. -0.9 

Matt Burgener Moweaqua, IL DKC +25.0 lb. +21.8 

Ridgely Farms Parkersburg, IL BECK 5828AM * +33.0 lb. -4.2 




24




Nitrogen 

Savings 

Yield 

Response 

T & R Farms Teutopolis, IL BECK 5828AM * +10.0 lb. +17.1 

Wakefield Farms Effingham, IL BECK 5509A3 +56.0 lb. +19.1 

Worman Farms Teutopolis, IL DKC 62-97 +45.0 lb. +14.4 

Gary Deters Teutopolis, IL BECK 5828AM * -41.0 lb. -3.5 

Koester Farms Effingham, IL BECK 5828AM * +10.0 lb. -10.2 

Kyle Finley Alvin, IL BECK 5475AMX * +5.0 lb. +7.8 

Brad Dorsey Moro, IL BECK 6272 * -15.0 lb. +20.3 

Steve Sowers Colchester, IL BECK 5475AM * -26.7lb. -3.8 

Kirk Sims New Windsor, IL BECK 5828AMX * -10.3 lb. -8.0 

Brian Robinson Galesburg, IL BECK 5828AMX * -39.6 lb. -1.9 

Hunt Farms Blandinsville, IL BECK 5475AMX * -24.3 lb. -1.4 

Hunt Farms Blandinsville, IL BECK 5475AMX * -13.5 lb. +2.3 

Miller Nitro with OptRx sensors 

Two-year data suggests an average yield gain of +1.5 Bu./A. with economic gains of 

$11.19/A. Over this timeframe, overall nitrogen rates were decreased by 6.1 lb. N/A. 

compared to the growers’ normal nitrogen programs. 

Based on an OptRx system price of $11,235 (3 power heads, brackets, and cables for a 

40’ nitrogen toolbar) and the $11.19/A. revenue gains, break-even would occur at only 

1,004 total acres. 



25


BECK’S 360 Y-Drop Placement Study 

Y-Drop is a versatile system that can be installed on almost any spray machine and has 

the ability to precision-place any liquid product within 2-3” of a crop row. Its unique 

design allows the grower to apply liquid products within the row at any time throughout 

the season. In this study, we installed the Y-Drop system on New Holland SP275F highclearance 

units. Factor ® , a nitrogen stabilizer from Rosen’s, Inc., was used as a 

volatilization inhibitor to help protect nitrogen that was applied on the soil surface. This 

stabilizer protects from volatilization for up to 14 days until rain occurs and incorporates 

nitrogen into the soil profile. 

The protocol used for the Y-Drop system compared a grower’s normal sidedress 

program to Y-Drop applications near the V10 growth stage. This also allowed us to 

evaluate the overall Y-Drop system as a comparison to (or even replacement for) 

typical sidedress equipment. 

360 Y-Drop is a trademark of 360 Yield Center, LLC; Factor ® is a registered trademark of Midtech R&D, Inc. and distributed by Rosen’s, Inc. 

26




25.0 

20.0 

Y-Drop Yield Summary 


15.0 

10.0 

5.0 

0.0 

-5.0 


62% of Y-Drop placement trials provided economic gains 


^Net return based on $0.60/lb. N, $96.00/gal. Factor ® N Stabilizer and $4.15/Bu. corn 

3-year average yield increase of +2.66 Bu./A with $13.71/A. economic gains^^ 

^^Economic gains based on 3-year average corn price of $5.15/Bu. 


27



Y-Drop applications, on average, proved yield increases of nearly 4.0 Bu./A. and gains 

of $10.71/A. compared to growers’ normal nitrogen programs. The risk: reward ratio in 

2014 resulted in only 15% of the trials showing a yield loss (averaging less than 3 Bu./ 

A.). It appears that Y-Drops have the potential for increasing corn yields, with very little 

risk of jeopardizing yields. 

This is our third year of testing the Y-Drop system through our PFR Partner program. 

Multi-year data has suggested that Y-Drops have shown a 2.7 Bu./A. yield increase 

with gains of $13.71/A. over the growers normal method of sidedressing nitrogen. 

Multi-year data also suggests four additional conclusions regarding sidedressing 

nitrogen with the Y-Drop system: 

 

 

 

 

First, the data generated indicates that a Y-Drop system could be an effective 

replacement for sidedressing nitrogen compared to current sidedress 

methods. 

Second, Y-Drop offers the ability to apply late-season nitrogen effectively as 

an add-on to current equipment. This late-season application allows growers 

to replace nitrogen that may have been lost earlier in the growing season. 

Third, Y-Drop offers the ability to apply variable rate nitrogen (and other 

products) over a wide time span. 

Finally, growers who currently have high-clearance sprayers and are 

considering either a nitrogen toolbar or a Y-Drop system should note that V10 

applications with a nitrogen toolbar out-yielded the Y-Drop by 1.4 Bu./A. with 

higher net returns of $7.15/A.^ on average over the past 3 years. With these 

differences, growers would have to evaluate the overall cost of each system to 

determine which best fits their operations. 

^Returns based on yield difference, 3-year average corn price of $5.15 and Factor ® N Stabilizer cost. 


28




Yield 

Response 


Dennis Webster Buckingham, IL BECK 6175AMXT* +0.5 


Greg Pfeifer Mazon, IL DK 64-87 +4.1 

Greg Pfeifer Mazon, IL BECK 5475AMXT * -3.3 


Dan Hesterberg Armstrong, IL Phoenix 5842A4 ** +0.1 







Above: Initial Y-Drop design used through 2014 

At Right: Newly designed Y-Drop to be tested in 2015 

360 Y-Drop is a trademark of 360 Yield Center, LLC 



29

BECK’S Urea Topdress Study 


This study alters a grower’s normal nitrogen program by replacing the final sidedress 

nitrogen with a later V10 urea topdress treatment. The topdress urea treatment was 

applied with a Miller Condor dry fertilizer spreader. 

Urea topdress has become a popular method of applying nitrogen in some parts of 

Beck’s marketing area. Dry 46-0-0 urea is applied with a spinner truck over top of corn 

during the growing season. The advantages with this system are that it’s easy to apply 

and acres can be completed very quickly. The disadvantage with urea is its volatility— 

the loss of nitrogen as atmospheric gas when it converts to ammonia. Another concern 

is the possible crop injury from the urea prills landing on leaf tissue, causing leaf burn. 

All urea treatments were treated with Factor ® , a urease inhibitor distributed by Rosen’s. 

Photo 1: Urea spread pattern 

Photo 2: Miller Condor dry spinner truck 

Factor ® is a registered trademark of Midtech R&D and distributed by Rosen’s, Inc. 

30




15.0 

10.0 

Urea Yield Summary 


Irrigated location 

5.0 

0.0 

-5.0 

-10.0 

-1.65 Bu./A. yield loss 

15% of Urea trials provided economic gains 


^Net return based on $0.59/lb. N, $96.00/gal. Factor and $4.15/Bu. corn 

2-year average = –3.18 Bu./A, -$12.59/A. 

Urea topdress applications resulted in average yield losses of 1.65 Bu./A., with net losses of 

$13.45/A. compared to the growers’ normal methods of sidedressing nitrogen. Only 15% of the 

topdress trials proved higher returns over PFR Partners’ usual programs. 

The red arrow indicates the highest yielding trial location in this study. It is interesting to note 

that it is also the only location under an irrigation pivot. As previously stated, one of the 

concerns with urea is that it is a surface-applied nitrogen application, unlike other programs 

that mechanically incorporate the nitrogen fertilizer into the soil. This surface application 

creates opportunity for volatilization—the loss of nitrogen into the atmosphere as it converts to 

ammonia. The irrigated trial location gave us the ability to use water as an incorporation 

method, thus preventing potential volatility. If this irrigated location is removed from the study to 

only compare non-irrigated sites, the average yield and return losses become –2.9 Bu./A. and - 

$18.38/A., respectively. This data is very comparable to the two-year average yield response of 

–3.18 Bu./A. with losses of -$12.59/A. 

Factor ® is a registered trademark of Midtech R&D and distributed by Rosen’s, Inc. 

31




Yield 

Response 


Dennis Webster Buckingham, IL BECK 6175AMXT* -5.5 


Greg Pfeifer Mazon, IL DK 64-87 -3.2 



Dan Hesterberg Armstrong, IL Phoenix 5842A4 ** -3.0 

Ron Keiser Arrowsmith, IL BECK 6175wx -8.4 

Brian Wilson Normal, IL Phoenix 5842A4 ** -3.2 

E.J. Kelley Normal, IL BECK 6626AMX-R * -8.4 

Webster Farms Kempton, IL BECK 5828AMX * -4.2 



Soltwedel Farms Partnership Effingham, IL DKC +5.6 

Kyle Finley Alvin, IL BECK 5475AMX * -3.1 

“I love reading Beck’s Practical Farm Research Book, but their PFR ® Partners 

Program takes it one step further by bringing the research testing to my farm! It 

really brings real value to my farming operation by allowing me to compare my 

current farming techniques to other programs. By doing this, I can determine if 

there are ways that I can improve profitability on my farm.” 

Brad Dorsey 

Moro, IL 



32



$15.00 

Nitrogen Trial Return Summary 

$10.00 

$5.00 

$- 

$(5.00) 

$12.57 

$10.71 

$1.80 

V10 Y-Drop OptRx Urea 

$(10.00) 

$(15.00) 

$(13.45) 

Our 2014 PFR Partner nitrogen testing allowed us to compare different methods of 

applying nitrogen compared to growers’ standard programs being used today. 

Of the four programs that we compared, topdress urea applications were the only 

nitrogen application method that offered substandard results. 

It is interesting to note that the V10 and Y-Drop applications were all profitable 

systems over and above our PFR Partners’ current programs in 2014. This may be a 

result of all being late season nitrogen applications. Nonetheless, growers would have 

gained additional returns of $10.71 to $12.57/A. by implementing a V10 or Y-Drop 

application. 

OptRx ® variable rate applications did not offer large revenue gains, but did in fact offer 

higher returns compared to programs being implemented today. It is also interesting to 

note that 70% of PFR Partners that were incorrect with their current nitrogen program 

(Bullseye page 6), received positive results and average economic gains of $30.52 from 

using the OptRx variable rate nitrogen system. 

We are hopeful that applying nitrogen carefully will offer economic and environmental 

advantages in the future. It would be our ambition to utilize this technology to help 

eliminate wasteful nitrogen applications, while at the same time identifying and/or 

correcting areas where nitrogen deficiency has occurred. 

OptRx ® is a registered trademark of Ag Leader Technology. Y-Drop is a trademark of 360 Yield Center, LLC. 

33

BECK’S V5 Fungicide Trials 


Beck’s Hybrids conducted V5 fungicide research trials in 2014 as a part of the PFR 

Partners program. This program was designed to apply multiple fungicide products in 

side-by-side comparisons in an on-farm testing project with growers interested in evaluating 

fungicides. 

This report states the name of the Partners, the location of the farm, corn hybrid tested 

and the yield response of each specific fungicide treatment. 

All fungicide treatments are 15 gallons per acre or higher, ground-applied with either a 

Hagie STS, Miller Nitro or New Holland Guardian high-clearance sprayer. All applications 

were made at the V5 growth stage. 

The products used in this protocol included the following: 

1. 2 oz. Stratego ® YLD Trifloxystrobin + Prothioconazole Bayer 

2. 4 oz. Priaxor ® Pyraclostrobin + Fluxapyroxad BASF 

Bayer CropScience recommends using a 50% rate of Stratego YLD on V5 corn while 

BASF recommends 100% rate of Priaxor. 

Stratego ® is a registered trademark of Bayer CropScience LP 

Priaxor ® is a registered trademark of BASF 

New Holland Guardian Spraying V5 Fungicide 

34


BECK’S V5 Stratego ® YLD Study 


10.0 

9.0 

8.0 

7.0 

6.0 

5.0 

4.0 

3.0 

2.0 

1.0 

0.0 

V5 Stratego YLD 

Break-Even 

1.97 Bu./A. 


90% of Stratego YLD treatments provided economic gains 


^Net return based on $8.17/A. Stratego YLD and $4.15/Bu. corn 

3-year average yield increase of +3.30 Bu./A 

Corn Price Return 

$3.50/Bu. 

$4.15/Bu. 

$5.00/Bu. 

+$3.38/A. 

+$5.53/A. 

+$8.33/A. 


35

BECK’S V5 Stratego ® YLD Study 



Yield 

Response 

Triple V Farms Roanoke, IL BECK 6175AMXT* +4.9 

Tim Lovejoy Prairie City, IL BECK 6175AMXT* +3.6 

Tim Lovejoy Prairie City, IL BECK 5828AMX* +0.1 

Dennis Webster Buckingham, IL BECK 5131AM* +4.2 


Webster Farms Kempton, IL BECK 5828AMX* +8.7 


Roger Gualandi Kempton, IL BECK 5475AMXT* +2.5 

Roger Gualandi Kempton, IL PHOENIX 5552A4 ** +4.6 

Greg Pfeifer Mazon, IL BECK 5385A3 +2.0 

“Our farm benefitted directly when Beck’s PFR partner program supported us 

with product and computer analysis in testing fungicide on our 2014 corn acres. 

Beyond this, participating in PFR partners has helped us improve our overall data 

gathering. Better information means a more efficient operation. Thank you 

Beck’s!” 

Billy Peterman, Peterman/Bailey Farms 

Clay City, IL 




36


BECK’S V5 Priaxor ® Study 


15 

V5 Priaxor Yield Summary 

10 

5 

0 

Break-Even 

4.09 Bu./A. 

-5 

-10 

-15 


84% of Priaxor treatments boosted yields 

36% of Priaxor treatments provided economic gains 


^Net return based on $16.97/A. Priaxor and $4.15/Bu. corn 



$3.50/Bu. 

$4.15/Bu. 

$5.00/Bu. 

-$6.86/A. 

-$4.98/A. 

-$2.52/A. 


37

BECK’S V5 Priaxor ® Study 



Yield 

Response 

Triple V Farms Roanoke, IL BECK 6175AMXT* +8.0 

Dennis Webster Buckingham, IL BECK 5131AM* +3.0 




Roger Gualandi Kempton, IL BECK 5475AMXT* +3.2 

Greg Pfeifer Mazon, IL BECK 5828AMX* +8.0 

CIL PFR Downs, IL BECK 5475AMXT* +1.8 

CIL PFR Downs, IL BECK 5509A3 -0.5 

CIL PFR Downs, IL BECK 5828AMX* +10.8 

CIL PFR Downs, IL BECK 6175AMXT* +0.8 

CIL PFR Downs, IL BECK 6948A3 +2.3 

CIL PFR Downs, IL BECK EX 1420 (5939 Genetics)* +1.7 

CIL PFR Downs, IL BECK EX 1434 (6365 Genetics)* +0.8 

CIL PFR Downs, IL PHOENIX 5552EZ ** +1.3 

CIL PFR Downs, IL PHOENIX 5832A3 ** -2.0 

CIN PFR Atlanta, IN PHOENIX 5832A3 ** +4.4 

CIN PFR Atlanta, IN BECK 5828AMX* +1.5 

CIN PFR Atlanta, IN BECK 5509A3 +3.4 

KY PFR Henderson, KY BECK 5509A3 +0.2 

KY PFR Henderson, KY BECK 5828AM* +7.2 

KY PFR Henderson, KY PHOENIX 5832A3 ** +1.8 

SIL PFR Neoga, IL PHOENIX 5832A3 ** +13.5 

SIL PFR Neoga, IL BECK 5828AM* -10.4 

SIL PFR Neoga, IL BECK 5509A3 -4.2 

For more replications and to better understand hybrid performance, individual PFR 

location trials were added into this summary. 




38

BECK’S VT Fungicide Trials 


Beck’s Hybrids conducted fungicide research trials in 2014 as a part of the PFR 

Partners program. This program was designed to apply multiple fungicide products in 

side-by-side comparisons in an on-farm testing project with growers interested in 

evaluating fungicides on their farms. 

This report states the name of the Partners, the location of the farm, corn hybrid tested, 

and the yield response of each specific fungicide treatment. 

All fungicide treatments are 15 gallons per acre or higher, ground-applied with either a 

Hagie STS, Miller Nitro or New Holland Guardian high-clearance sprayer. All 

applications were made at the VT growth stage. 

The products used in this protocol included the following: 

1. 4 oz. Stratego ® YLD Trifloxystrobin + Prothioconazole Bayer 

2. 10 oz. Headline AMP ® Pyraclostrobin + Metconazole BASF 

Beck’s PFR Team Completing Side-by-Side Fungicide Trials 

Stratego ® is a registered trademark of Bayer CropScience LP. Headline AMP is a registered trademark of BASF 

39


BECK’S VT Stratego ® YLD Study 


20.0 

4 oz. Stratego YLD Yield Summary 

15.0 

10.0 

5.0 

Break-Even 

5.62 Bu./A. 

0.0 

-5.0 

-10.0 


92% of Stratego YLD treatments boosted yield 



^Net return based on $16.31/A. Stratego YLD, application $7.00 and $4.15/Bu. corn 



$3.50/Bu. 

$4.15/Bu. 

$5.00/Bu. 

-$5.36/A. 

-$2.02/A. 

+$2.34/A. 


40







Yield 

Response 

Gary Clapp Emington, IL BECK 5475AMXT * +2.0 

Gary Clapp Kempton, IL BECK 5385A3 +3.3 

Gary Clapp Cabery, IL BECK 6175AMXT * +2.0 

Jim Rafferty Downs, IL BECK 5828AMX* +3.5 

Triple V Farms Roanoke, IL BECK 6175AMXT * +5.0 

Mackinson Dairy Pontiac, IL Wyffels 7888 -5.9 

Scott Bauknecht Pontiac, IL DKC 57-92 0.0 

Brent Clark Pontiac, IL G14R38 +2.7 

Brian Arteman Bellflower, IL BECK 5828AMX * +4.1 

Brian Arteman Bellflower, IL BECK 5475AMX * +3.1 

Jim Girard Pontiac, IL Channel 213-59 +1.1 


Doug Raber Gridley, IL DKC 65-19 -3.0 


Brad Henry Le Roy, IL LG 2620 -2.3 

Brian Wilson Normal, IL Channel +4.6 

EJ Kelley Normal, IL BECK 5509A3 +4.3 

Bob Spratt Le Roy, IL DKC 63-33 +7.0 

Bob Spratt Le Roy, IL LG2620 +2.8 



Webster Farms Emington, IL Phoenix 5552EZ ** +7.1 

Webster Farms Cabery, IL BECK 6175AMXT * +4.8 

Webster Farms Cabery, IL BECK 6948A3 +2.6 

Webster Farms Cabery, IL BECK 5509A3 +16.4 


Webster Farms Emington, IL BECK 5385A3 +2.5 


41




Yield 

Response 

Webster Farms Kempton, IL BECK 5385A3 +2.8 



Webster Farms Herscher, IL BECK 5828AMX * +10.4 

Dennis Webster Buckingham, IL BECK 5140HR * +14.0 



Alan Ramsey Herscher, IL BECK 5475AMXT * +5.6 

“The PFR Partner fungicide trials are a great tool and always seems to be a hot 

topic among producers. Farmers tend to have varying mentalities when it comes 

to fungicide applications. Beck’s PFR Partner program allows us to bring highclearance 

equipment to a growers farm and let them evaluate different fungicide 

products on various corn hybrids. I don’t know of any other program in the industry 

that allows growers the opportunity for both equipment demonstrations along 

with agronomy testing on their farm!” 

Dan Herr, Graymont Co-op 

Graymont, IL 



42


BECK’S VT Headline AMP ® Study 


30.0 

25.0 

20.0 

15.0 

10.0 

5.0 

0.0 

-5.0 

-10.0 

-15.0 

10 oz. Headline AMP Yield Summary 

Break-Even 

6.58 Bu./A. 


84% of Headline AMP treatments boosted yields 

40% of Headline AMP treatments provided economic gains 


^Net return based on $20.31/A. Headline AMP, $7.00 application and $4.15/Bu. corn 

4-year average yield increase of +5.86 Bu./A. 


$3.50/Bu. -$6.80/A. 

$4.15/Bu. -$2.99/A. 

$5.00/Bu. +$1.99/A. 

Headline AMP ® is a registered trademark of BASF 

43




Yield 

Response 

Gary Clapp Emington, IL BECK 5475AMXT * +3.5 

Gary Clapp Kempton, IL BECK 5385A3 +6.2 

Gary Clapp Cabery, IL BECK 6175AMXT * +1.7 

Jim Rafferty Downs, IL BECK 5828AMX* +4.0 

Mackinson Dairy Pontiac, IL Wyffels 7888 -1.0 

Scott Bauknecht Pontiac, IL DKC 57-92 +4.0 


Brian Arteman Bellflower, IL BECK 5828AMX* +5.3 

Brian Arteman Bellflower, IL BECK 5475AMX* +8.3 




Jeff Bressner Graymont, IL DKC 61-88 -9.0 

Brad Henry Le Roy, IL LG 2620 +0.4 

Brian Wilson Normal, IL Channel 213-59 +5.0 

EJ Kelley Normal, IL BECK 5509A3 +4.8 





Webster Farms Kempton, IL Phoenix 5552EZ ** +4.4 

Webster Farms Kempton, IL BECK 6175AMXT * +7.1 










44




Yield 

Response 

Dennis Webster Kempton, IL BECK 6175AMXT * +1.1 


Webster Farms Herscher, IL BECK 5828AMX * +11.2 

Dennis Webster Buckingham, IL BECK 5140HR * +7.9 



Alan Ramsey Herscher, IL BECK 5475AMXT * +12.7 

Beck’s CIN PFR Atlanta, IN BECK 5475AMXT * +5.1 

Beck’s CIN PFR Atlanta, IN BECK EX1420 (5939 Genetics) * +11.5 

Beck’s CIN PFR Atlanta, IN Phoenix 5552EZ ** +13.0 

Beck’s CIN PFR Atlanta, IN BECK 6175AMX * +11.0 

Beck’s CIN PFR Atlanta, IN BECK EX1434 (6365 Genetics) * +1.3 

Beck’s CIN PFR Atlanta, IN BECK EX8361 (6347 Genetics) +6.1 

Beck’s CIN PFR Atlanta, IN BECK 6948A3 +15.4 



Beck’s KY PFR Henderson, KY BECK 5509A3 +2.1 

Beck’s KY PFR Henderson, KY BECK 5828AMX * +11.9 


Beck’s KY PFR Henderson, KY BECK 5475AM * -6.2 


Beck’s KY PFR Henderson, KY BECK 6575HR * -3.9 

Beck’s KY PFR Henderson, KY BECK 6778AM * +4.0 

Beck’s KY PFR Henderson, KY BECK 6984A3 -0.9 

Beck’s KY PFR Henderson, KY BECK EX1420 (5939 Genetics) * -1.6 

Beck’s KY PFR Henderson, KY BECK EX1434 (6365 Genetics) * +4.2 

Beck’s KY PFR Henderson, KY BECK EX8361 (6347 Genetics) -5.7 

Beck’s KY PFR Henderson, KY Phoenix 5552EZ ** +2.0 




45




Yield 

Response 



Beck’s KY PFR Henderson, KY BECK 6575HR * +3.2 





Beck’s KY PFR Henderson, KY Phoenix 5552EZ ** -2.8 

Beck’s CIL PFR Downs, IL BECK 5475AMXT * +10.6 

Beck’s CIL PFR Downs, IL BECK 5509A3 +5.7 

Beck’s CIL PFR Downs, IL BECK 5828AMX * +13.3 

Beck’s CIL PFR Downs, IL BECK 6175AMXT * +1.1 

Beck’s CIL PFR Downs, IL BECK 6948A3 +0.2 

Beck’s CIL PFR Downs, IL BECK EX1420 (5939 Genetics) * +13.8 

Beck’s CIL PFR Downs, IL BECK EX1434 (6365 Genetics) * +10.0 

Beck’s CIL PFR Downs, IL Phoenix 5552EZ ** +14.4 

Beck’s CIL PFR Downs, IL Phoenix 5832EZ ** +0.8 

Beck’s SIL PFR Neoga, IL Phoenix 5832A3 +16.7 

Beck’s SIL PFR Neoga, IL BECK 5828AM * -10.2 

Beck’s SIL PFR Neoga, IL BECK 5509A3 +9.4 

Beck’s SIL PFR Neoga, IL Phoenix 5832A3 +19.8 

Beck’s SIL PFR Neoga, IL BECK 5828AM * -11.5 

Beck’s SIL PFR Neoga, IL BECK 5509A3 +22.5 

Beck’s SIL PFR Neoga, IL BECK 5475AMX * +5.0 

Beck’s SIL PFR Neoga, IL BECK EX1420 (5939 Genetics) * +0.2 

Beck’s SIL PFR Neoga, IL Phoenix 5552EZ ** +14.4 

Beck’s SIL PFR Neoga, IL BECK 6175AM * +11.9 

Beck’s SIL PFR Neoga, IL BECK 6272AM-R * +3.2 




46




Yield 

Response 

Beck’s SIL PFR Neoga, IL BECK EX1434 (6365 Genetics) * +0.1 

Beck’s SIL PFR Neoga, IL BECK 6626AM-R * +14.8 

Beck’s SIL PFR Neoga, IL BECK 6948A3 -4.8 

Beck’s OH PFR London, OH BECK 5475AM * +14.5 

Beck’s OH PFR London, OH BECK 6175AM * +19.5 

Beck’s OH PFR London, OH BECK 6948A3 +19.3 

Beck’s OH PFR London, OH BECK EX1420 (5939 Genetics) * +22.5 

Beck’s OH PFR London, OH BECK EX1434 (6365 Genetics) * +26.0 

Beck’s OH PFR London, OH Phoenix 5552EZ ** +18.4 




47


BECK’S VT Quilt Xcel Study 


12.0 

10.0 

8.0 

6.0 

4.0 

2.0 

0.0 

-2.0 

-4.0 

-6.0 

VT Quilt Xcel Yield Summary 

VT Quilt Xcel Treatment 

Break-Even 

6.15 Bu./A. 


$3.50/Bu. -$17.47 

$4.15/Bu. -$15.98 

$5.00/Bu. -$14.02 

+2.3 Bu./A. yield advantage from VT Quilt Xcel treatments. 

63% of Quilt Xcel treatments boosted yield 


^Net return based on $18.52/A. Quilt Xcel, $7.00 application, and $4.15/Bu. Corn 

Grower Location Hybrid Yield 

Mackinson Dairy Pontiac, IL Wyffels 7888 +0.6 

Scott Bauknecht Pontiac, IL DKC 57-92 +3.0 



Jim Girard Pontiac, IL Channel 213-59 -0.3 


Doug Raber Gridley, IL DKC 65-19 0.0 

Jeff Bressner Graymont, IL DKC 61-88 -4.0 

Quilt Xcel is a trademark of a Syngenta Group Company 

48

BECK’S VT Fungicide Trials 


$15.00 

$10.00 

Net Return by Hybrid 

Green=Low Orange=Medium 

Red=High 

$5.00 

$- 

$(5.00) 

$(10.00) 

$(15.00) 

The best way to analyze this particular study is to break out fungicide performance by a 

hybrid’s fungicide response rating. The chart above illustrates fungicide response by 

corn hybrid. At Beck’s Hybrids, we identify a fungicide response rating for each corn 

hybrid in our product portfolio. This particular fungicide rating can be a great predictor of 

how corn hybrids respond to various levels of leaf disease. We must pay close attention 

to weather conditions, crop rotation, leaf disease presence as well as fungicide 

response ratings for each hybrid to fully comprehend and evaluate fungicide 

applications. 

As depicted in the chart above, corn hybrids with a low or medium fungicide response 

rating realized little to no financial gain from fungicide application. Hybrids in the study 

that are classified with a high fungicide response rating might help explain the financial 

gains that occurred as a result of fungicide applications. 

These fungicide response ratings cannot replace scouting fields for leaf disease but can 

give an indication of how hybrids need to be managed throughout the growing season. 

Please contact your local Beck’s representative for more information regarding corn 

hybrid fungicide response. For more information on fungicide research please refer to 

pages 308-309 of the 2014 PFR Book for multi-location fungicide studies. 

49

BECK’S CropKarb ® Study 


CropKarb is a true biostimulant product, utilizing “next generation” biostimulant 

chemistry. CropKarb is a proprietary formulation of urea nitrogen, potassium, boron, a 

proprietary mobile carbon source, and DeltAg’s active catalyst chemistry. CropKarb is 

designed to enhance bloom set, fruit sizing, and bulking. CropKarb works by delivering 

key nutrients and catalysts, as well as a supplemental mobile carbon source to the 

fruiting portion of the crop. CropKarb can be applied on its own, but mainly will be used 

as a tank mix with a foliar application. 

Grower Location Yield Response Hybrid 

Mackinson Dairy Pontiac, IL -1.0 Wyffels 7888 

Scott Bauknecht Pontiac, IL -1.0 DKC 67-92 

Brent Clark Pontiac, IL +2.1 G14R38 

Marv Hilti Cullom, IL +7.7 Stone 6404 


$1.71 gain in net return per acre^ 

^Net return based on $4.15/Bu. commodity price minus $8.83/A. CropKarb 

CropKarb is a registered trademark of McRight Services, LLC. 

50




BECK’S Soil-Applied Insecticide Study 

In an effort to evaluate potential rootworm resistance, Beck’s PFR Partner program 

evaluated the response of four different rootworm trait platforms, with and without a soilapplied 

insecticide. 

9.00 

8.00 

7.00 

6.00 

5.00 

4.00 

3.00 

2.00 

1.00 

0.00 

Soil-Applied Insecticide Trait Response 

Figure 1 

Cry34/35 

GENSSX 

7.92 

MIR604 

NONE 

4.95 

3.07 

0.92 

Soil-Applied Insecticide Trait Response 

$15.00 

$9.42 

$10.00 

Figure 2 

$5.00 

$- 

$(5.00) 

$(10.00) 

$(15.00) 

$(20.00) 

$(13.62) 

$(2.55) 

Cry34/35 

GENSSX 

MIR604 

NONE 

$(25.00) 

$(22.60) 

Figure 1 reveals the average yield gain from soil-applied insecticides. In general, yield 

gains of 4.21 Bu./A. were realized from additional insect protection. Figure 2 illustrates 

that each of the rootworm trait platforms did not receive ample yield benefit to offset the 

cost of the soil-applied insecticide. As a result, net losses averaged -$2.55 to -$22.60/A. 

When evaluating soil-applied insecticides on non-traited hybrids, economic gains of 

$9.42/A. were achieved. Special thanks to Bork Ag LLC of Piper City, IL for conducting 

these insecticide trials. 

51



Hybrid Trait Package Yield Response Insecticide 

Beck 5475AMX * Cry34/35 +2.0 Force ® 3G 

Dekalb 57-92 Cry3Bb1 + Cry34/35 0.0 Force 3G 

BECK 5828AMX * Cry34/35 +3.0 Force 3G 

FS 60ZX1 Cry3Bb1 + Cry34/35 0.0 Force 3G 

DKC 60-67 Cry3Bb1 + Cry34/35 +3.0 Force 3G 

FS 61JX1 Cry3Bb1 + Cry34/35 +1.0 Force 3G 

BECK 6175AMX Cry34/35 +3.0 Force 3G 

FS 62SX1 Cry3Bb1 + Cry34/35 -2.0 Force 3G 

Phoenix 5832A3 ** MIR604 0.0 Force 3G 


FS 63SX1 Cry3Bb1 + Cry34/35 +2.0 Force 3G 

DKC 64-87 Cry3Bb1 + Cry34/35 -1.0 Force 3G 

Mycogen 2C788 Cry3Bb1 + Cry34/35 +2.0 Force 3G 

Mycogen 2C799 Cry3Bb1 + Cry34/35 -2.0 Force 3G 

DKC 61-54 Cry3Bb1 + Cry34/35 0.0 Force 3G 

Stone 6258 Cry3Bb1 + Cry34/35 0.0 Force 3G 

FS 59MV4 Cry3Bb1 + Cry34/35 +5.0 Force 3G 





FS 60ZX1 Cry3Bb1 + Cry34/35 +5.0 Force 3G 


FS 61JX1 Cry3Bb1 + Cry34/35 +3.0 Force 3G 


FS 62SX1 Cry3Bb1 + Cry34/35 +2.0 Force 3G 

Phoenix 5832A3 ** MIR604 -5.0 Force 3G 


Force ® is a registered trademark of a Syngenta Group Company. Counter ® is a registered trademark of AmVac Chemical Company Corporation. 

Capture ® and LFR ® are registered trademarks of FMC Corporation. 



52



Hybrid Trait Package Yield Response Insecticide 

FS 63SX1 Cry3Bb1 + Cry34/35 -1.0 Force ® 3G 


Mycogen 2C788 Cry3Bb1 + Cry34/35 +3.0 Force 3G 

Mycogen 2C799 Cry3Bb1 + Cry34/35 -6.0 Force 3G 

BECK 6175AMX * Cry34/35 +0.3 Counter ® 15G 

BECK 6175AMX * Cry34/35 -0.7 Force 3G 



Phoenix 5552EZ ** MIR604 +7.6 Counter 15G 

Phoenix 5552EZ ** MIR604 +9.7 Force 3G 


Phoenix 5552EZ ** MIR604 +9.0 Capture ® LFR ® 

Phoenix 5552EZ ** MIR604 +3.0 Capture LFR 


BECK 6175RR * None +1.4 Counter 15G 

Phoenix 5552GT ** None +9.7 Counter 15G 

BECK 6175RR * None +7.7 Force 3G 

BECK 6175RR * None +2.4 Force 3G 

Phoenix 5552GT ** None +6.5 Force 3G 


Phoenix 5552GT ** None +11.1 Capture LFR 

Phoenix 5552GT ** None +15.9 Capture LFR 


Force ® is a registered trademark of a Syngenta Group Company. 

Counter ® is a registered trademark of AmVac Chemical Company Corporation. 

Capture ® and LFR ® are registered trademarks of FMC Corporation. 



53

BECK’S Carbon Penalty Study 


This PFR Partners Study evaluates corn after corn rotations and the greater carbon-to-nitrogen 

ratio associated with corn residue. As producers evaluate whether to grow continuous corn, 

considerations must be given to the "carbon penalty" that can be associated with corn after 

corn. Corn residue is classified as non-fragile residue, and will decompose much slower than 

residue from soybeans. Table 2 shows carbon-to-nitrogen ratios for various crop residues. This 

residue is a heavy carbon load and needs to go through a period of decomposition. This 

process can immobilize nitrogen that is intended for plant consumption. Corn after corn 

requires a different approach to nitrogen management than corn following soybeans. 

The controlled burning of stalks was evaluated at Illinois Central College and compared to notill 

and conventional-till corn after corn situations. 

Treatment Yield Yield Loss Return 

Controlled Burn 206.7 - - - - - - 

No-Till 170.8 -35.9 -$148.99 

Conventional-Till 188.7 -18.0 -$74.70 

Table 1. ICC Controlled Burn Results 

This controlled burn proved to reduce carbon loads and actually increased corn yields by 18.0 

Bu./A. compared to using tillage to decompose residue. These results are very similar to 

Beck’s CILPFR study, which shows a 5-year average yield gain of 14.3 Bu./A. (these results 

can be found on page 205 of the 2014 PFR Book). This residue will ultimately add organic 

matter and water holding capacity to the soil. We conducted this controlled burn to prove corn 

residue is actually carbon material that must be decomposed quickly to eliminate potential corn 

yield losses due to immobilization of nitrogen. 

Previous Crop 

C:N Ratio 

Wheat 80:1 

Corn >50:1 

Soybeans

Return/A. 

BECK’S Elixor Goss’s Wilt Study 


This PFR Partner study evaluates the effects of Elixor, a 57% concentrated phosphorous acid 

that is an EPA-registered systemic fungicide and bactericide. This product helps control 

Phytopthora, Pythium and other root rots, and kills fungal diseases on contact. Elixor boosts a 

plant’s immune response against mildews, common rusts and leaf blights, which in turn 

increases crop yields. 

Studies are also underway with Elixor to test the control or prevention of Goss’s Wilt, which has 

been a progressing disease in Illinois. Goss’s Wilt is caused by the bacterium Clavibacter 

michiganensis subsp. nebraskensis and is a bacterial disease that infects vascular tissue of 

the plant causing a systemic infection. 

Treatment Yield Moisture Net Return^ Return +/- 

Control 229.1 17.3 $950.77 - - - 

32 oz. Elixor @ V10 234.7 17.4 $957.01 $6.24 

^Net Return is based on $4.15/Bu. corn, $11.00/A. Elixor, and $6.00 application 

Elixor is distributed by Biovante, LLC. 

Elixor contributed a 5.6 Bu./A. yield advantage in this year’s study which equated to a $6.24 

return on investment. Figure 1 displays two-year data from V10 Elixor treatments, proving an 

average yield increase of 5.75 Bu./A. and return of over $10.00/A. Although Goss’s Wilt was 

not detected in this trial location, these results are promising and should be evaluated further. 

2-Year Elixor ROI Summary 

$18.00 

$16.00 

$14.00 

$12.00 

$10.00 

$8.00 

$6.00 

$4.00 

$2.00 

$- 

Figure 1 

2013 2014 

Elixor Treatment Year 

55

BECK’S Start Right Study 


This PFR Partners study evaluates Start Right, a product that assists root growth and 

plant development. Start Right is a proprietary formulation of nutrients sequestered in a 

concentrated organic acid. It is fortified with a carbon synergist, fermented plant 

extracts, and extracts of Ascophyllum nodosum and Chondrus crispus. It is labeled for 

use on all crops at planting or early sidedressing. Start Right was applied at 1 qt./A. at 

planting. 


Yield 

Advantage 

Return 

Mike & Matt Elsasser Sparland, IL DKC 63-33 +18.0 $64.20 

Mike & Matt Elsasser Sparland, IL BECK 5828AMX * +5.9 $13.98 

Beck’s CIN PFR Atlanta, IN BECK 6348A3 +5.6 $12.74 

Beck’s CIN PFR Atlanta, IN BECK 5509A3 +9.4 $28.51 

Beck’s CIN PFR Atlanta, IN BECK 6175AMXT * +4.1 $6.51 

Beck’s CIL PFR Downs, IL BECK 5828AMX * +6.8 $17.72 

This is the first year that we have tested Start Right within our PFR Partner program. The 

results are promising with a yield advantage of +8.3 Bu./A. and a net return of $23.95/A. 

GUARANTEED ANALYSIS 

5-10-5 

Total Nitrogen 5.00% 

1.97% Ammoniacal Nitrogen 

2.46% Urea Nitrogen 

0.57% Other Soluble Nitrogen 

Available Phosphoric Acid (P 2 O 5 ) 10.00% 

Soluble Potash (K 2 O) 5.00% 

Zinc (Zn) 0.60% 



56

BECK’S SUL4R-PLUS ® Study 


SUL4R-PLUS® product is the most versatile form of sulfur in the sulfate form. It puts you in 

control of the application process, making application easier while enhancing soil quality and 

improving production of all crops. SUL4R-PLUS product is a premium sulfate product that is 

manufactured to the highest degree of quality to ensure a uniform pellet size and density that 

mixes better with inputs and provides superior coverage. It blends better with NPK products 

than ammonium sulfates, as ammonium sulfates are smaller and spread with less uniformity. It 

is also easy to handle, and has negligible dust. SUL4R-PLUS product dissolves only where you 

want it to – in the soil. It starts working almost immediately. SUL4R-PLUS is applied at 400 lb./ 

A. and contains 16% sulfur and 22% calcium. 

Grower Location Yield Response 

Mackinson Dairy Pontiac, IL +2.7 

Mackinson Dairy Pontiac, IL +0.1 

Brent Clark Pontiac, IL +2.9 

Mayberry Farms Memphis, MO +5.5 

Mayberry Farms Memphis, MO +10.0 



^Net return based on $4.15/Bu. commodity price minus $27.00/A. SUL4R-PLUS 

SUL4R-PLUS ® is a registered trademark of Charah, Inc. 

57

BECK’S Multi-Hybrid Planting Study 


In 2014, Beck’s Practical Farm Research Team began its third year of evaluation in 

regard to multi-hybrid corn planting. At Beck’s Hybrids, we are passionate about 

recommending the right corn hybrid for our customers’ farms. This was the driving force 

behind introducing Beck’s Hybrids very first multi-hybrid planter that was built back in 

2012. This planting concept is designed to automatically change corn hybrids on the fly 

as it plants through varying soil type changes or management zones. 

It’s been a long and interesting journey for the PFR team testing the concept and reality 

of multi-hybrid planting. Photo 1 shows a picture of the very first PFR planter used to 

perform multi-hybrid corn planting back in 2012. This planter was a Kinze 3500 8/15 

split row planter that was converted to do our first multi-hybrid research. Precision 

Planting hydraulic drives and a Seed Sense 20/20 directed prescriptions to this 

planter, and for our initial year research it worked as theorized. 

Photo 1 Photo 2 

In 2013, Beck’s Hybrids expanded its research and testing by partnering with Kinze 

Manufacturing. Through this partnership, Kinze supplied our PFR Team with a second 

multi-hybrid planter, a 16 row 3600 twin row planter (Photo 2). Site-specific hybrid and 

seeding rate prescription files were directed to this multi-hybrid planter by an Ag 

Leader ® Integra controller with SeedCommand . 

In 2013-2014, Becks PFR team also reached out to Great Plains Manufacturing to 

secure two 20’ twin row planters (Photos 3-4) to expand our multi-hybrid planting 

research even further. These planters were primarily positioned in Western and 

Southern Illinois. Stufflebeam Farms in Lewistown, IL and Uthell Seeds in Teutopolis, 

IL were pivotal in researching multi-hybrid planting with these Great Plains planters. 

Ag Leader® is a registered trademark of Ag Leader Technology 

58




These planters gave us the benefit of loading the planter with two hybrids but also gave us the 

ability to plant the hybrid of choice in various management zones in the field. The front row 

units of the twin row planter were designated for corn hybrids that were classified as “defensive 

hybrids”, while the back row units were loaded with a more “offensive hybrid”. The concept of 

this design allowed us to plant “defensive” corn hybrids on tougher soils with lower organic 

matter, water holding abilities, or cation exchange capacity. “Offensive” corn hybrids were then 

planted on the best soils of the farm that typically have the highest yields. Individual hydraulic 

motors/clutches on the front and rear drive shafts allowed us to change corn hybrids at each 

soil type or management zone while travelling throughout the field. As this process happened, 

corn rows were shifted 8” left or right to allow for the corn hybrid transition. Photo 5. illustrates 

this transition with the twin row planting design. 

One of the problems associated with twin row multi-hybrid planting was the fact that the 8” 

offsets caused issues with auto-steer AB lines. To account for these 8” transitions, we installed 

multi-directional GPS receivers on the planter tractors. This sliding GPS receiver was 

programed to automatically move 8” left or right to account for the shift in row as the hybrid 

changes from the front or rear of the multi-hybrid planter. This allowed the use of one standard 

AB line for auto-guidance, eliminating wide or narrow rows on the outside rows of the planter. 


59



The Great Plains planters used in 2014 were equipped with the Raven OmniRow ® advanced 

planter control system, which features patent-pending planter control technology that 

automatically adjusts AB lines to account for the multi-hybrid shifts. 

Even though the twin row transition multi-hybrid planting did have some logistical issues, the 

overall concept of using one planter to plant both multi-genetic corn and soybeans as an 

overall systems approach does seem attractive. This package also allows the ability for 

growers to utilize both narrow row corn and soybeans in the twin row format. 

From our initial idea of multi-hybrid planting, our intention was to ultimately have the ability to 

change corn hybrids on the fly in a single row, dual corn meter design. This scenario would 

eliminate the twin row 8” transitions as well as the extra row units on the planter. As part of a 

result of Beck’s PFR testing program, Kinze announced on December 10, 2013 the world’s first 

electric multi hybrid concept planter. This new electric drive multi-hybrid concept planter (Photo 

7) has new row units that incorporate two meters for every row. The meters feed a single seed 

tube, so the row unit gauge wheels, openers, and closing wheels are identical to a standard 

Kinze 4000 series row unit. This was only possible by using the new electric drive option on 

the Kinze 4000 series meters. By eliminating the drive chain and clutch, it allowed Kinze to 

orient the meters close together so that they feed a single seed tube. 

Photo 7. 

Beck’s Hybrids 2014 Single Row, Dual Meter Multi-Hybrid Planter 

OmniRow ® is a registered trademark of Raven Industries, Inc. 

60



Beck’s PFR team began research on this new single row, dual meter planter on February 20, 

2014 near Temple, Texas. This southern testing (Photos 8-9) in February allowed our team to 

start testing in warm, dry soils rather than waiting until weather warmed in April and May at 

Beck’s CIL PFR Center. Once planting was complete in Texas, we shipped the planter back to 

Illinois for more multi-hybrid planting. 

Photo 8. Jason Webster, Beck’s CIL PFR Director explaining the single row, 

dual meter MH planter 

Photo 9. 

Multi-hybrid planting began on February 20, 

2014 near Temple, Texas with the new 

Kinze single row, dual meter Kinze 4900 

planter. 

Thank you to Perryman Farms for 

partnering with the Beck’s CIL PFR team to 

allow us to conduct multi-hybrid corn 

research on their farms! 

61





Management zones are a key component of this precision based multi-hybrid corn planting 

system. Knowing where to plant each hybrid and at what seeding rate is a difficult task for 

growers. Developing long term yield data is helpful in determining and understanding where 

variable yielding areas are located on a spatial basis within a given field. By knowing the 

spatial difference in a farm’s overall yield potential, it can allow for the use of a multi-hybrid 

corn planting system to offer precision placement of corn hybrids. 

2014 Multi-Hybrid Planting Results 

50 

40 

30 

20 

10 

0 

-10 

-20 

-30 

Offensive Hybrid in High Productivity Soils 

+3.2 Bu./A. Yield Gain 

+$13.42/A. Revenue Increase 

Offensive Hybrid Placement 

Figure 1. 

30 

25 

20 

15 

10 

5 

0 

-5 

-10 

Defensive Hybrid in Low Productivity Soils 

+6.4 Bu./A. Yield Gain 

+$26.20/A. Revenue Increase 

Defensive Hybrid Placement 

Figure 2. 

62



2012-2014 Multi-Hybrid Corn Results 

Low Productivity Soils 

Defensive Hybrid 

High Productivity Soils 

Offensive Hybrid 

+7.5 Bu./A. +$39.03/A. 

+8.3 Bu./A. +$46.50/A. 

+7.9 Bu./A. Yield Increase = $42.77/Acre 

Figure 3 

Figure 4 

63



Figure 3 illustrates the three-year multi-hybrid corn planting summary. This data suggests that 

over the past three years, multi-hybrid corn planting has proven 7.9 Bu./A. yield increases, 

while increasing revenue by $42.77/A. The 2014 growing season was very important for Beck’s 

PFR program in regards to multi-hybrid corn planting. In order to monitor consistency and 

overall value of a product or technology, a minimum of three years of testing is needed to 

prove if the concept is repeatable. Through the PFR testing program, our data indicates that 

there is potential for not only yield increases but overall farm profitability as well. Although most 

locations did have soil variability, there is a high likelihood that growers with a higher degree of 

variable soils will have the ability to increase the overall yield response and profitability with 

multi-hybrid planting. 

Figures 1 and 2 illustrate the results of our 2014 multi-hybrid corn planting trials. When given 

the opportunity to isolate the best soils on a farm and plant an “offensive” hybrid, gains of 3.2 

Bu./A. and $13.42/A. were realized. It should be duly noted that there were locations in which 

high amounts of rainfall affected our study in a negative fashion. In some locations, the 

offensive soils happened to be the lower elevation, traditionally higher-producing areas of the 

farms and experienced nitrogen losses and anaerobic soil conditions, creating a stress 

environment in those offensive management zones. In these situations, a defensive hybrid was 

needed to achieve positive responses. 

When isolating the traditionally lower-yielding soils and planting a “defensive” hybrid, yield 

gains of 6.4 Bu./A. and revenue gains of $26.20 were realized. The results from 2014 mirror 

past year’s multi-year performance, indicating that precision hybrid placement is very important 

on farms that do in fact contain soil and yield variability. 

In reviewing the past three years of our multi-hybrid corn planting project, we tracked the 

percentage of trial locations where selecting the appropriate hybrid in each zone was correct. 

Figure 4 reveals that the hybrid selection accuracy in defensive soils with the appropriate 

stress type hybrids, was correct 90% of the time over the three years of testing. Conversely, 

when selecting an offensive corn hybrid for the highest yielding areas of a farm, the data 

summary suggests a win percentage of 75%. 

More research needs to be conducted to evaluate the overall practice of site-specific multihybrid 

corn planting. However, this multi-year project has shown that the precision placement 

of corn hybrids based on overall yield environment has provided the ability to increase corn 

yields. As multi-hybrid planting moves forward into commercialization, it is imperative that 

growers begin developing spatial management zones in order to utilize this technology. 

64



Grower 

Location 

Offense Advantage 

in HP Soil 

Defense Advantage 

in LP Soil 

Schuler Farms North Manchester, IN +0.7 +4.9 


Schuler Farms North Manchester, IN +6.2 N/A 


Eugene Stufflebeam Lewistown, IL +4.3 -5.7 

Eugene Stufflebeam Lewistown, IL -4.2 +13.5 

Eugene Stufflebeam Lewistown, IL +10.4 +2.7 

Eugene Stufflebeam Lewistown, IL -4.4 +8.2 

Schuler Farms North Manchester, IN -3.9 +3.7 

Schuler Farms North Manchester, IN +5.6 N/A 


Webster Farms Kempton, IL -11.6 +5.8 

Dennis Webster Buckingham, IL +5.7 +5.5 

Dennis Webster Buckingham, IL -2.6 +5.0 

Dennis Webster Buckingham, IL +3.6 +7.4 

Webster Farms Kempton, IL -23.2 +3.3 

Webster Farms Kempton, IL -7.0 -1.6 

Webster Farms Kempton, IL +3.7 +7.8 

Schleder Farms Green Valley, IL +5.5 +9.0 

Dennis Webster Buckingham, IL -20.2 +5.5 

Roger Gualandi Kempton, IL -2.9 +2.7 

Larry Clapp Cabery, IL +4.4 +22.0 

Roger Gualandi Kempton, IL +11.5 +11.3 

Brian Arteman Ellsworth, IL +14.8 +8.6 


Perryman Farms Moody, TX +3.8 +4.9 

Perryman Farms Moody, TX +2.7 +8.2 

Perryman Farms Moody, TX -11.1 +12.4 

Ron Wiegand Congerville, IL -37.3 +25.2 

65



Grower 

Location 

Offense Advantage 

in HP Soil 

Defense Advantage 

in LP Soil 

Bill Scott Toledo, IL +1.7 +5.2 

Travis Worman Teutopolis, IL +14.0 -3.5 

Probst Pork Farm Sigel, IL +11.8 N/A 

Schuler Farms North Manchester, IN +2.3 -1.2 

Tom Uthell Teutopolis, IL +13.3 +0.6 

Schuler Farms North Manchester, IN -1.4 +3.5 

Kelley Grain Farm Normal, IL +3.6 +13.3 

Soltwedal Farms Effingham, IL +9.7 -6.7 


Great Plains Multi-Hybrid Planters at Teutopolis, IL 

“As a PFR Partner, I appreciate being on 

the cutting edge of management 

practices, equipment and technology. It 

helps me find profitable solutions that I 

can implement over my entire farm.” 

Tom Uthell 

Teutopolis, IL 

66

BECK’S TrackTill Study 


The purpose of this study is to evaluate TrackTill, a Patent Pending technology from 

Agriculture Concepts, designed to eliminate wheel track or pinch row compaction 

caused by center-fill planters. While driving equipment through the field, the weight of 

the tractor and implement can create compacted strips of soil with each pass. As soils 

become compacted, their physical properties are altered, causing changes in bulk 

density, porosity and hydraulic properties- all of which can contribute negatively to yield 

potential. Studies conducted by Beck’s CIL PFR Center have shown up to a 13.8 

bushel per acre yield difference between the compacted center sections of the planter 

versus the lighter wing sections. See page 173 of the 2014 PFR Book for more details 

on Beck’s CIL PFR pinch row compaction studies. 

Grower 

Location 

Yield 

Response 

Pistorius Farms Blue Mound, IL +3.9 

Pistorius Farms Boody, IL +10.4 

Pistorius Farms Boody, IL +2.0 

Average: +5.4 

2014 TrackTill testing was conducted by Pistorius Farms located near the Blue Mound 

and Boody, Illinois area. The TrackTill equipment was sent to Pistorius Farms early in 

the spring and installed on a John Deere Bauer Built planter. In evaluating three 

different farm locations, TrackTill offered average yield improvements of 5.4 Bu./A. in 

2014 testing. 

More research needs to be completed to continue analyzing the benefits from this 

compaction alleviating equipment. Center fill planters truly offer grower’s convenience 

with having a large commodity box for bulk seed delivery and easy filling. However, the 

overall weight distribution of that commodity box tends to cause the potential for “pinch 

row” compaction. TrackTill could be an effective means to help lift, fracture, and remove 

soil density layers contributed from center fill planter pinch row compaction. 

Special thanks to Craig Paulek of Pistorius Farms for conducting this TrackTill study in 

Beck’s PFR Partner program. 

67

BECK’S Track Till Study 


TrackTill CM: The TrackTill Central Mount kit is designed to mount around the central 

frame of planters with 30” row spacing. Equipped with the same vertical tine tillage 

system as the FM model, you can count on outstanding compaction relief and runoff 

reduction. The CM kit includes 4 hydraulic down pressure cylinders, 4 mounting 

assemblies and attached vertical tine tillage rollers, each roller consisting of 3 sets of 

10” tines per roller and an integrated fully adjustable hydraulic down pressure system. 

The vertical tillage system mounts to a toolbar behind the planter’s rear wheels and fits 

between closing wheels on the row units. The fully adjustable down pressure system 

ensures exceptional compaction relief and weight offset in every soil condition. Linked 

to the planter’s lift hydraulics, the tines will raise and lower with the row units. This 

model has been tested to fit John Deere 1770 NT planters but can be adapted to most 

planters with transport wheels positioned between the row units. 

TrackTill FM: The TrackTill FM is designed 

to mount around the frame of planters with 

30” row spacing. It includes fully adjustable 

pneumatic down pressure, 4 vertical tine 

tillage rollers, with 3 sets of 10” tines per 

roller. Aluminum cased air cylinders raise or 

lower the rollers on demand and apply 

consistent down pressure in even the 

toughest field conditions. The kits bolt 

around the planter’s 7×7 frame, positioning the tine rollers alongside the opening disks 

of the row units. This model has been tested to fit John Deere Bauer Built planters but 

can be adapted for other brands with forward positioned transport wheels. 

68

BECK’S Soybean PFR Partner Trials 


Contents 

Stratego ® YLD Fungicide Trials 70-71 

Priaxor ® Fungicide Trials 72-73 

Quadris Top ® SB Fungicide Trials 74-75 

CropKarb ® Soybean Trials 76 

InstaGro Soybean Trails 77 

Site-Specific Multi-Variety Soybean Planting 78-80 

Stratego ® is a registered trademark of Bayer CropScience LP. Priaxor ® is a registered trademark of BASF. Quadris Top ® is a registered trademark of a Syngenta 

Group Company. CropKarb ® is a registered trademark of McRight Services LLC. 

69



BECK’S Soybean Stratego ® YLD Study 

12.0 

4 oz. Stratego YLD Yield Summary 

10.0 

8.0 

6.0 

4.0 

2.0 

0.0 

Break-Even 

1.99 Bu./A. 

-2.0 


86% of Stratego YLD treatments boosted yield 



^Net return based on $16.31/A. Stratego YLD, $6.00 application, and $11.20/Bu. Soybeans 


Soy Price Return 

$10.00 +$3.49/A. 

$11.20 +$6.59/A. 

$12.00 +$8.65/A. 


70

BECK’S Stratego ® YLD Study 


Grower Location Variety 

Yield 

Response 

Doug Raber Gridley, IL Sun Prairie 36R21 +2.0 

Jeff Bressner Graymont, IL AG3231 0.0 

Steve Duffy Graymont, IL AG3334 +4.0 

Scott Bauknecht Pontiac, IL AG3034 -1.0 

Mike Follmer Graymont, IL AG3334 +2.6 

Matt Jacobs Graymont, IL BECK 358R4 * +1.6 

John Ryerson Cornell, IL NK34-Z1 +2.6 

Brent Clark Pontiac, IL BECK 335NR * -0.5 

Art Schlipf Gridley, IL BECK 313NL +1.7 

Beck’s CIL PFR Downs, IL BECK 313NL +4.5 

Webster Farms Herscher, IL BECK 335NR * +3.4 

Dennis Webster Kempton, IL BECK 294NR * +2.9 

Beck’s CIN PFR Atlanta, IN BECK 358R4 * +9.0 

Beck’s CIN PFR Atlanta, IN BECK 294NR * +9.8 

For more replications and to better understand variety performance, individual PFR location 

trials were added into this summary. 



71


BECK’S Soybean Priaxor ® Study 


12.0 

4 oz. Priaxor Yield Summary 

10.0 

8.0 

6.0 

4.0 

2.0 

0.0 

Break-Even 

2.05 Bu./A. 

-2.0 

-4.0 


90% of Priaxor treatments boosted yield 

57% of Priaxor treatments provided economic gains 


^Net return based on $16.97/A. Priaxor, $6.00 application, and $11.20/Bu. Soybeans 


Soy Price 

Return 

$10.00 +$6.93/A. 

$11.20 +$10.52/A. 

$12.00 +$12.91/A. 


72

BECK’S Priaxor ® Study 



Yield 

Response 

Doug Raber Gridley, IL Sun Prairie 36R21 +1.0 

Jeff Bressner Graymont, IL AG3231 +1.0 

Steve Duffy Graymont, IL AG3334 +3.0 



Matt Jacobs Graymont, IL BECK 358R4 * -0.1 

John Ryerson Cornell, IL NK34-Z1 +5.4 

Brent Clark Pontiac, IL BECK 335NR * +1.2 


Dennis Webster Buckingham, IL BECK 278R4 * +2.9 

Webster Farms Emington, IL BECK 294NR * +3.3 

Beck’s CIL PFR Downs, IL BECK 294NR * +4.0 

Beck’s CIN PFR Atlanta, IN BECK 358R4 * +9.9 

Beck’s CIN PFR Atlanta, IN BECK 294NR * +10.5 

Beck’s KY PFR Henderson, KY BECK 457R4 * +0.7 

Beck’s SIL PFR Neoga, IL BECK 354L4 +3.5 



Beck’s SIL PFR Neoga, IL BECK 423NL +4.1 


Beck’s SIL PFR Neoga, IL BECK 483NL +1.6 

For more replications and to better understand variety performance, individual PFR location 

trials were added into this summary. 



73


BECK’S Quadris Top ® SB Study 


5.0 

8 oz. Quadris Top Yield Summary 

4.0 

3.0 

2.0 

Break-Even 

2.18 Bu./A. 

1.0 

0.0 

-1.0 

-2.0 


90% of Quadris treatments boosted yield 

30% of Quadris treatments provided economic gains 


^Net return based on $18.38/A. Quadris Top SB, $6.00 application, and $11.20/Bu. Soybeans 

Soy Price Return 

$10.00 -$10.18/A. 

$11.20 -$8.47/A. 

$12.00 -$7.34/A. 

Quadris Top ® is a registered trademark of Syngenta Group Company 

74

BECK’S Quadris Top ® SB Study 



Yield 

Response 

Doug Raber Gridley, IL Sun Praire 36R21 +2.0 

Jeff Bressner Graymont, IL AG3231 +1.0 

Steve Duffy Graymont, IL AG3334 0.0 



Matt Jacobs Graymont, IL BECK 358R4 * +3.1 

Matt Jacobs Graymont, IL NK34-Z1 +0.2 

John Ryerson Cornell, IL BECK 335NR * +4.3 

Brent Clark Pontiac, IL BECK 313NL +0.9 


Thank you to Graymont Co-op for conducting these fungicide trials with their customers. 

Quadris Top ® is a registered trademark of Syngenta Group Company 


75

BECK’S CropKarb ® Study 


CropKarb is a true biostimulant product, utilizing “next generation” biostimulant 

chemistry. CropKarb is a proprietary formulation of urea nitrogen, potassium, boron, a 

proprietary mobile carbon source, and DeltAg’s active catalyst chemistry. CropKarb is 

designed to enhance bloom set, fruit sizing, and bulking. CropKarb works by delivering 

key nutrients and catalysts, as well as a supplemental mobile carbon source to the 

fruiting portion of the crop. CropKarb can be applied on its own, but mainly will be used 

as a tank mix with a foliar application. 


Jeff Bressner Graymont, IL +1.0 AG3231 

Steve Duffy Graymont, IL +4.0 AG3334 

Scott Bauknecht Pontiac, IL -1.0 AG3034 

Mike Follmer Graymont, IL -3.8 AG3334 

Webster Farms Buckingham, IL +3.6 BECK 335NR * 

Roger Gualandi Kempton, IL +2.1 BECK 335NR * 



^Net return based on $11.20/Bu. commodity price minus $8.83/A. CropKarb, no application cost 

CropKarb is a registered trademark of McRight Services, LLC. 


76

BECK’S InstaGro Foliar Study 


InstaGro Foliar soybean program is a mixture of 3-18-18-1S and 23-0-0 foliar feed 

fertilizer from InstaGro Manufacturing, Inc. based out of Caledonia, OH. This InstaGro 

was applied at 5 gal./A., 3 gal./A. of 3-18-18-1 and 2 gal./A. of 23-0-0 at the R3 growth 

stage. This was our first year evaluating this foliar feed fertilizer in soybeans and we 

look forward to testing this product in the future. 


Webster Farms Cabery, IL +5.4 BECK 335NR * 

Dennis Webster Buckingham, IL +3.3 BECK 278R4 * 

Roger Gualandi Emington, IL +0.8 BECK 298L4 

Mike Frame Kempton, IL +3.5 BECK 294NR * 




3-18-18-1 


Available Phosphoric Acid 

(P 2 O 5 ) 

18.00% 


Sulfur (S) 1.00% 


23-0-0 


Available Phosphoric Acid 

(P 2 O 5 ) 

0.00% 


^Net return based on $11.20/Bu. commodity price minus $33.35/A. InstaGro and $6.00 application. 


77

BECK’S Multi-Variety Planting Study 


At Beck’s Hybrids, we are passionate about recommending the right product for 

customers’ soil types. Over the past two years, the Practical Farm Research team has 

evaluated the concept of multi-variety soybean planting to help accomplish this goal. 

Pages 55-63 of this publication describe our multi-hybrid corn planting project, and this 

same system can be used for the precision placement of soybeans. 

Our approach to multi-variety soybean planting is somewhat different than precision 

corn hybrid placement. The goal in this study is to identify low-yielding environments 

and place a stress-tolerant, tall and robust soybean variety at higher seeding rates. In 

some instances, high elevation, low organic matter with low water holding capacity soils 

have often times inhibited the height of the soybean plants, thus limiting the ability to 

achieve full row closure. This lack of canopy exposes the soil to more sunlight, causing 

higher soil temperatures and evaporation of soil moisture, creating more potential for 

stress. In high-yielding environments, it is very common to see soybeans that 

concentrate on too much vegetative growth. This can lead to a very tall soybean with 

high potential for lodging. To combat this problem, we place a shorter, bush-type variety 

planted at lower seeding rates. 

Variety 

Transition 

78



Yield data collected across the 2013 and 2014 growing seasons indicates that multivariety 

soybean planting has the potential for similar yield and revenue increases as we 

have witnessed in multi-hybrid corn planting. The figure below illustrates the two-year 

yield response and increased revenue from multi-variety soybean planting throughout 

central Illinois. This data suggests that average yields have increased by 3.2 Bu./A. 

which correspond to revenue increases of $38.48/A. 

Although this is only a two-year dataset, this concept appears to have some merit if we 

can consistently select soybean varieties based on spatial management zones. 

2012-2014 Multi-Variety Soybean Results 

Low Productivity Soils 

Defensive Variety 

High Productivity Soils 

Offensive Variety 

+3.0 Bu./A. +$40.21/A. 

+3.4 Bu./A. +$36.75/A. 

+3.2 Bu./A. Yield Increase = $38.48/Acre 

This technology has great potential in areas other than central Illinois, especially in high 

pH soils and areas that struggle with iron chlorosis. In these areas, selecting soybean 

varieties that are more tolerant to these conditions could increase yields exponentially. 

This concept grants the opportunity to not only switch soybean varieties, but could also 

allow different seed treatments to be utilized for issues like Sudden Death Syndrome or 

Soybean Cyst Nematode. 

To fully understand the value of this system, we will need multiple years of data, as well 

as improved knowledge of how soybean varieties perform in various growing 

environments. Now that we have the ability to use precision-based multi-variety 

planters, it could give us the capability to possibly understand how to increase yields 

and profitability in soybean production. 

79



Variety 

Transition 

Educational 

Blocks 

80


Thank you to all of our 2014 PFR Partners for participating in this agronomic program. 

This is our fourth growing season conducting PFR Partner studies, and we are 

continuing to grow in size and find new studies each year. We hope that through the 

PFR Partner program, our customers are able to gain agronomic insight from the 

various trials we conduct on their farms. 

We are currently planning for the 2015 PFR Partner program. We look forward to 

working with you again during the 2015 growing season. If you are not currently a PFR 

Partner and would like to become one, please contact your local PFR director. If you 

have any questions, comments, or new ideas feel free to contact us. Thanks again. 

Central Indiana PFR: Toby Ripberger - Phone: (317) 385-1392 

tripberger@beckshybrids.com 

Kentucky PFR Director: Chris Robinson - Phone: (812) 453-1891 

chris.robinson@beckshybrids.com 

Southern IL PFR Director: Jonathan Perkins - Phone: (217) 690-0509 

jonathan.perkins@beckshybrids.com 

Ohio PFR: Kyle Hoppes - Phone: (740) 606-5953 

kyle.hoppes@beckshybrids.com 

Central IL PFR Director: Jason Webster - Phone: (815) 584-7711 

jwebster@beckshybrids.com 

81

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