Yes, It’s Already Time to Talk Seed
Sep 19, 2024
Mike Tufte
Seed Specialist
ANOTHER IOWA STATE FAIR has come and gone. It seems surreal that we’re already thinking about our next cropping plan, but there’s no better time to start planning than the present.
Even though it may feel like it was April just a few weeks ago, I’ve seen growers preparing their combines for what should be a really nice harvest. As we look back on this growing season, it’s easy to pinpoint the challenges we faced. How did it play out?
After being in a dry cycle for several years, we finally found some moisture. The temperatures haven’t been as high as last year, but we still got enough heat to mature the corn. August brought us some prime grain-fill weather. As I do kernel counts, I find myself dividing by smaller and smaller numbers because the kernel depth keeps increasing. I’m not afraid to use a factor of 85k, or even 80k, as opposed to the typical 90k (kernels around x kernels long x stand count, all divided by 80 or 85). Overall, I think we are sitting in decent shape here in Central Iowa.
As we wait on Mother Nature to push our corn to black layer, some of you are having conversations about anhydrous. I would encourage you to speak with your Key Agronomist about your future seed needs as well! Chances are, you have a decent idea what your acre footprint will look like next year. With all the hustle and bustle going on, we can help you take a variable out of the equation.
That’s where seed prepay comes in. (Wait, did he just say seed prepay?)
You say, “Mike, I haven’t even harvested this year’s crop. How will I know what I’m going to plant next year?” I understand that completely. Things may change after you put your combine away. And that’s all right. If that happens, Key will adjust to meet your needs to the best of our ability.
But there is a method to my madness. You may have a favorite hybrid that you know you’ll plant again. Or maybe you’re the grower who loves to try the new stuff. It could be a case of your planter being picky about seed size. Maybe it’s all of the above. The earlier we get these acres locked in, the better chance we have of getting you exactly what you want. If the plan changes after harvest is complete, we can make those swaps in a very timely manner. At that point, the majority of your acres will already be accurate. We will just be fine-tuning.
Did I mention high cash discounts? Cash discounts are at their highest levels right now. I also think you’ll agree that we have an attractive financing offer to go with it. For more details on that, reach out to your Agronomist.
My challenge for myself, as well as the rest of the Key Agronomy team, is to be the best seed advisors you know. It’s our job to do what’s best for your operation. Not only does Key bring you the best germplasm on the market—we bring the best knowledge base and most dedicated staff in the industry. Call your Key Agronomist to talk seed today!
Seed Specialist
ANOTHER IOWA STATE FAIR has come and gone. It seems surreal that we’re already thinking about our next cropping plan, but there’s no better time to start planning than the present.
Even though it may feel like it was April just a few weeks ago, I’ve seen growers preparing their combines for what should be a really nice harvest. As we look back on this growing season, it’s easy to pinpoint the challenges we faced. How did it play out?
After being in a dry cycle for several years, we finally found some moisture. The temperatures haven’t been as high as last year, but we still got enough heat to mature the corn. August brought us some prime grain-fill weather. As I do kernel counts, I find myself dividing by smaller and smaller numbers because the kernel depth keeps increasing. I’m not afraid to use a factor of 85k, or even 80k, as opposed to the typical 90k (kernels around x kernels long x stand count, all divided by 80 or 85). Overall, I think we are sitting in decent shape here in Central Iowa.
As we wait on Mother Nature to push our corn to black layer, some of you are having conversations about anhydrous. I would encourage you to speak with your Key Agronomist about your future seed needs as well! Chances are, you have a decent idea what your acre footprint will look like next year. With all the hustle and bustle going on, we can help you take a variable out of the equation.
That’s where seed prepay comes in. (Wait, did he just say seed prepay?)
You say, “Mike, I haven’t even harvested this year’s crop. How will I know what I’m going to plant next year?” I understand that completely. Things may change after you put your combine away. And that’s all right. If that happens, Key will adjust to meet your needs to the best of our ability.
But there is a method to my madness. You may have a favorite hybrid that you know you’ll plant again. Or maybe you’re the grower who loves to try the new stuff. It could be a case of your planter being picky about seed size. Maybe it’s all of the above. The earlier we get these acres locked in, the better chance we have of getting you exactly what you want. If the plan changes after harvest is complete, we can make those swaps in a very timely manner. At that point, the majority of your acres will already be accurate. We will just be fine-tuning.
Did I mention high cash discounts? Cash discounts are at their highest levels right now. I also think you’ll agree that we have an attractive financing offer to go with it. For more details on that, reach out to your Agronomist.
My challenge for myself, as well as the rest of the Key Agronomy team, is to be the best seed advisors you know. It’s our job to do what’s best for your operation. Not only does Key bring you the best germplasm on the market—we bring the best knowledge base and most dedicated staff in the industry. Call your Key Agronomist to talk seed today!