introduction to the 2008 pfr ... - becks hybrids > home · intro.indd 2 11/10/2008 9:03:58 am...

Welcome to the 2008 Practical Farm Research results publication. Before you review the Practical Farm Research studies in this book, please read the reviews written by the directors from each site. They

provide an overview of the growing season to help you gain perspective and understanding for the data presented.

Also, you will notice that for some of our research plots, we calculate revenue. Market price volatility makes it difficult to figure revenue and income per acre for the crops and inputs that we test and have it applicable to every farmer. The following prices used to calculate return per acre in this publication are the seven week average (August 25 through October 6, 2008) of Monday’s closing price at a local elevator in Central Indiana. This price reflects what could be an average selling price for a farmer that had pre-sold a portion of his grain at higher prices and sold part of his grain during harvest when grain markets dropped significantly. You may need to refigure your own return per acre for prices that you expect to receive if they differ significantly from the prices we used.

Cost used to figure return per acreCorn $5.00 per bushelSoybeans $11.11 per bushelWheat $6.98 per bushel

In addition, here are the premiums, drying costs, as well as other costs used in this publication:Waxy Corn $0.80 per bushel premiumVistive® Soybeans $0.55 per bushel premiumDrying costs $0.04 per point of moisture 28% nitrogen $330 per ton

Other costs specific to a study will be listed on the page of the study.

The Summary Comparison pages near the front of this book contain data from Farmer Plots, Beck’s PFR and Replicated testing, and University and third party testing. You may obtain copies and/or view the individual farmer plots in the following ways:

Visit our website www.beckshybrids.com/research

Contact Beck’s main office at 1-800-937-2325 or your District Sales Manager for a printed copy or a CD containing farmer plots for specific regions that are of interest.

Introduction to the 2008 PFR-Practical Farm Research® Book

Scott BeckVice PresidentPFR Manager

Intro.indd 1 11/10/2008 9:03:56 AM

Atlanta Location Review: This year’s Practical Farm Research planting started later than normal. In fact, none of our three locations were able to plant in March, like we normally do for our Planting Date Study. However, by mid-April at our Atlanta location, we were able to start planting and continue uninterrupted for about two weeks. From May 1 until May 20th, it rained on 15 of the 20 days, but no single event was over 1.5”. This was contrary to other parts of our marketing area that experienced 100 year flood conditions this spring. Lower temperatures, especially at night, during the mid-May period also delayed emergence and slowed early growth. However, by late May when temperatures began to rise and soils dried, we were able to finish planting.

We received slightly above average rainfall the first two weeks of June, which set us up nicely for the rest of the season when we experienced sustainable, but below average rainfall. This environment didn’t seem like the type of year when we would reach 300 bushels per acre, but it was. It was a year when yields in general, including our seed fields, exceeded our expectations.

Some of the plots to take note of this year are related to some of the newer technologies like LibertyLink® soybeans. The genetics of our Liberty Link soybeans are competitive with current genetics used in Roundup Ready® as well as traditional soybeans. Triple-stack products continued to prove their value, even in the absence of corn rootworm pressure. You can see this demonstrated in a large number of the research studies we conducted this year. In addition, seed treatments like Beck’s FaSTart® on corn and soybeans, and foliar fungicides like Headline® improved yield and boosted net returns as well. However, economic return was once again dependent on timing of application. For the first time, the applications at R2 growth stage gave greater return than later applications.

Ft. Branch Location Review:This year’s planting started about ten days later than the past three years at the

Southern PFR farm. Due to heavy rains in March and early April we were not able to get into the field before April 16th this year. Nearly all of the corn was planted between April 23rd and May 1st. Fortunately a day or two was taken to spray during the first week of May instead of planting soybeans those days. Rains began again during this time and kept us out of the field until May 21st. Corn stands were more erratic than usual but no studies warranted replanting. This year’s first crop soybeans were planted between May 21st and May 23rd.

Rain showers fell again the first two weeks of June providing higher than usual moisture during wheat harvest and double crop soybean planting. This made for very tough straw, but double crop soybean stands were very good. These heavy wet conditions provided for very heavy Rhizoctonia pressure which once again proved the value of Sure Gro™ coated soybeans. The remainder of June was dry. Two heavy rain storms on July 4th weekend and the last weekend of July made for a wetter than normal July. August was extremely dry, although temperatures were generally cooler than normal. A little bit of relief came in the form of a couple of scattered showers early in September. These showers helped to fill out double crops soybeans to provide the highest yields we have experienced in double crop soybeans since we moved to Ft. Branch in 2005.

As you’re reading through this year’s results, take special note of the following studies. The corn

Scott Ebelhar, CCASouthern

PFR Director

Introduction to the 2008 PFR-Practical Farm Research® Book

Toby RipbergerAssistant

PFR Manager

Intro.indd 2 11/10/2008 9:03:58 AM

population study, corn rootworm control study, and corn refuge study support the use of the VT3 trait in the south for the second year in a row under little to no corn rootworm pressure. The corn fungicide study provided the highest return on investment that we have seen over the past three years. The soybean fungicide study once again showed the importance of scouting and timing applications to maximize return on investment. This year’s corn herbicide study provides solid yield data showing just why we discourage the use of sulfonylurea herbicides on “16” family hybrids. Also check out this years expanded tillage study, invisible yield loss study, as well as our first attempt at 100 bushel soybeans that led to a high yield of 94.2 bushel per acre!!!! Enjoy reading through this year’s results and as always feel free to contact us with any questions you may have.

Illinois Location Review:At the Illinois Practical Farm Research Center, 2008 was a very successful crop year,

but had its challenges to say the least. As spring roared in, rainfall totals amounted to 8.67 inches from the time period of Feb – April. Cool conditions persisted with the wet weather and virtually no field work was done until April 20th.

The weather finally cooperated and did allow sporadic corn planting until May 10th. On May 11th (Mother’s Day), we had 2 inches of rain along with mid thirty degree temperatures. This stressed most of the corn that was planted in the area, but fortunately we ended with very good stands of corn. Conditions improved and we were able to finish corn planting by the 15th of May. Wet weather persisted yet again and planting was shut down until June 10th. Any corn left to plant was finished up and most of the soybeans in the area were planted during this planting window as well.

June and July offered another 11.49 inches of rainfall. The crops had very “wet feet” for a period of time, but in general this set the corn crop up for an exciting season! The IL PFR 300 Bu. Corn Attempt came shy of our goal by only 7.4 bushels with 6733HXR™* yielding a robust 292.6 Bu./A.! Very high corn yields of 220-260 bushel corn was not uncommon in the area. June planted soybeans yielded in the 45-50 bushel area where ponding did not take too many acres of soybean fields.

All in all, 2008 was very exciting! Our PFR team continues to conduct agronomic studies that our customers find valuable and we expanded our PFR to include new technology such as Infrared Imaging and Variable Rate Nitrogen Tools. We hope you enjoy our agronomic research results and we look forward to hosting meetings throughout the winter months explaining and showcasing our PFR results.

Jason Webster, CCAIllinois

PFR Director

Headline is a registered trademark of BASF.

Roundup Ready and Vistive are registered trademarks of Monsanto Technology LLC.

*XL Brand is distributed by Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc.

FaSTart, Sure Gro, PFR-Practical Farm Research, Discover the Power, the “B” design and Beck’s are trademarks of Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc.

Intro.indd 3 11/10/2008 9:04:01 AM

4

TABLE OF CONTENTS

2008 INDEPENDENT TEST RESULTS Page F.I.R.S.T. Results 6

Purdue University 7

University of Kentucky 7

University of Illinois 7

MULTI-YEAR COMPARISONS Page

Corn Summary 8-14

Soybean Summary 15-19

PRACTICAL CORN RESEARCH

Agronomic Research Studies and Plots Page

Office Corn Plot 20

Atlanta Corn Show Plot 21

Arcadia Corn Show Plot 22

High School Educational Corn Plot 23

Advanced Hybrid Corn Plot in HP and MP Soils 24

Stress Mitigation Study on Corn 25-27

300 Bushel Attempt 28-29

De-Terminator™ Corn Planter Study 30-35

Herbicide Sensitivity Study 36

Corn Trait / Population Study 37

30” Row Corn Population Study 38-39

15” vs. 30” Row Corn Population Study 40-41

Corn Planting Date Study 42

Strip-Till vs. Conventional-Till - CAB 43

Zone-Till vs. Conv.-Till – Long Range Study - CAB 44

Zone-Till vs. Conv.-Till Continuous Corn Study 45

Tile and Strip Crop Study 46

Tiling Study 47

Corn Fungicide Study 48

Extensive Seed Treatment Study on Corn 49

Corn Rootworm Control Study 50

Corn Refuge Study 51

Purdue Nitrogen Rate Study 52

Gypsum Study 52

Lime Study II on Corn 53 Roundup Ready® vs. Trad. Systems Long Term Study 54

Quality Trait Products® 55

Corn Silage Study 56

PRACTICAL ALFALFA RESEARCH

Alfalfa Plot – Three Cut vs. Five Cut Study 57

PRACTICAL SOYBEAN RESEARCH


Office Soybean Variety Plot 58

15” Row Show Plot 59

Atlanta Show Plot 60

Arcadia Show Plot 61

US 31 Soybean Show Plot 61

Hoch Farm Soybean Variety Plot 62

Advanced Soybeans in No-Till and Conventional-Till 63

100 Bushel Soybean Study 64

Optimize® Study on Soybeans 64

7.5” vs. 15” vs. 30” Row Spacing & Population Study 65

Soybean Population Study 66

Soybean Planting Date Study 67

PRACTICAL SOYBEAN RESEARCH – CONT.


Foliar Fungicide and Insecticide Timing Study 68

LibertyLink® Soybean Stratego® Fungicide Study 68

LibertyLink® Soybean Herbicide Study 69

Strip-Till vs. Conv.-Till Soybean Study 70

No-Till vs. Conv.-Till Long Range Soybean Study 71

Lime Study on Soybeans 72

Soybean Seed Treatment Study 73

Sure Gro™ vs. Untreated Soybeans - Mid Apr. Plntg. 74

Sure Gro™ vs. Untreated Soybeans - Late May Plntg. 75

Seed-Applied Insecticide Soybean “Field” Study 75

No-Till Double-Crop Soybeans after Wheat Study 76

SOUTHERN PRACTICAL CORN RESEARCH Agronomic Research Studies and Plots Page

Corn After Soybeans Show Plot 78

Corn After Corn Show Plot 79

Corn Rootworm Control Study 79

Refuge Study 80

Stress Mitigation Study on Corn 81

300 Bushel Attempt 82-83

Invisible Yield Loss Study on Corn 83

Corn Planting Date & Population Study 84

Narrow Row Corn Planting Date Study 85

Narrow Row Corn Population Study 85

30” Row Corn Population Study 86-87

No-Till vs. Strip-Till vs. Conv.-Till CAB & CAC Study 88-89

Optimum Nitrogen Rate Study 90-91

Corn Nitrogen Timing Study 92

Fungicide Study on Corn 94-95

Foliar Feed Study on Corn 96

Herbicide Study on Corn 97

Seed Treatment Study on Corn 98

Quality Trait Products® 99

SOUTHERN PRACTICAL SOYBEAN RESEARCH Agronomic Research Studies and Plots Page

Soybean Show Plot 100

LibertyLink® Soybean Herbicide Study 100

100 Bushel Soybean Study 101

Foliar Fungicide and Insecticide Study 102-103

Soybean Foliar Feed Study 103

P&K Study BAC & CAB 104

Soybean Seed Treatment Study 105

Soybean Row Spacing & Population Study 106

Soybean Planting Date & Population Study 107

Double Crop Soybean Population Study 108

Double Crop Foliar Fungicide Study 108

Double Crop Soybean Wheat Row Spacing Study 109

Wheat / Double Crop Soybean Systems Study 110-111

ILLINOIS PRACTICAL CORN RESEARCH Agronomic Research Studies and Plots Page

Corn Show Plot 112

300 Bushel Attempt 113

Hail / Frost Study 114-115

5

TABLE OF CONTENTS

ILLINOIS PRACTICAL CORN RESEARCH – CONT. Agronomic Research Studies and Plots Page

Corn Tillage Study 115 YieldGard VT3 vs. Roundup Ready Study 116 Counter 15G Study on Corn 116 Corn Refuge Study 117 Twin Row vs. 15” vs. 30” Row Corn Pop. Study 118-119 X-Tra™ Power Corn Study 119 Corn Trait / Population Study 120-121 Torque™ Corn Study 121 NH3 and N-Serve Study 122 Starter Fertilizer Study 122 University of Illinois Nitrogen Rate Study 123 GreenSeeker® Nitrogen Study 124-125 Fungicide Study on Corn 126-127 Corn Planting Date Study 128 Replant Study on Corn 129 Invisible Yield Loss Study on Corn 130 Quality Trait Products® 131

ILLINOIS PRACTICAL SOYBEAN RESEARCH Agronomic Research Studies and Plots Page

Soybean Show Plot 132 Soybean Foliar Feed Study 132 100 Bushel Soybean Study 133 Soil pH Study on Soybeans 133 Soybean Seed Treatment Study 134 ProAct™ Soybean Study 134 Optimize® Study on Soybeans 135 LCO Promoter Technology™ Soybean Study 135 Soybean Row Width & Population Study 136 Soybean Planting Date Study 137 Fungicide Study on Soybeans 138 Soybean Fungicide Additive Study 139 LibertyLink® Soybean Herbicide Study 140 LibertyLink® Soybean Stratego® Fungicide Study 140

Illinois Remote Sensing Infrared Study 141-143

6

2008 INDEPENDENT TEST RESULTS

F.I.R.S.T. (Farmers Independent Research of Seed Technologies) Corn

Brand Test/Location % Mois. Bu./A. Rank

Indiana

BECK 5444VT3 Indiana Central Early - Windfall 18.3 229.1 2nd out of 45

BECK 5555VT3 Indiana Central Early - Danville 18.6 216.4 2nd out of 45

BECK 6733HXR™* Indiana Central Late - Danville 24.4 198.8 9th out of 45

BECK 5779VT3 Indiana Central Late - Danville 19.6 199.3 8th out of 45

BECK 5779VT3 Indiana South Early - Columbus 15.3 230.4 9th out of 36

BECK 5779VT3 Indiana South Early - Carlisle 22.3 137.1 8th out of 36

BECK 5684VT3 Indiana South Early - Dale 11.8 160.2 2nd out of 36

BECK 7916VT3 Indiana South Late - Columbus 18.6 223.2 5th out of 36

BECK 6733HXR™* Indiana South Late - Carlisle 26.6 140.3 7th out of 36

BECK 7916VT3 Indiana South Late - Dale 13.0 141.7 8th out of 36

Ohio

BECK 6733HXR™* Ohio West Central Late - Versailles 15.4 177.6 3rd out of 45

BECK 5444VT3 Ohio North West Late - Leipsic 16.0 140.4 5th out of 45

BECK 5779VT3 Ohio North West Late - Bloomdale 19.2 154.7 1st out of 45

Illinois

BECK 5444VT3 Illinois West Central Early - Williamsville 27.7 239.6 1st out of 72

BECK 6733HXR™* Illinois West Central Late - Williamsville 30.2 232.4 9th out of 63

BECK 5444VT3 Illinois East Central Early - Watseka 25.3 247.5 8th out of 81

BECK 5608VT3 Illinois East Central Late - Tuscola 18.8 229.3 4th out of 72

BECK 6733HXR™* Illinois East Central Late - Tuscola 22.4 226.4 5th out of 72

Soybeans

Indiana

BECK 296NRR Indiana North - LaCrosse 13.9 70.1 5th out of 36

BECK 307NRR Indiana North - LaCrosse 14.9 70.0 6th out of 36

BECK 321NRR Indiana North - Wolcott 9.1 69.0 2nd out of 36

BECK 364NRR Indiana North - Roanoke 13.5 45.5 6th out of 36

BECK 364NRR Indiana North Summary 12.4 53.1 8th out of 36

BECK 364NRR Indiana North - New Paris 12.4 42.3 3rd out of 36

BECK 383NRR Indiana Central - Windfall 11.0 71.2 2nd out of 36

BECK 377NRR Indiana Central - Windfall 11.3 68.2 6th out of 36

BECK 399NRR Indiana Central - Danville 10.3 59.4 4th out of 36

BECK 399NRR Indiana Central - Greensburg 12.4 57.7 2nd out of 36

BECK 399NRR Indiana Central - Otterbein 11.8 70.3 6th out of 36

BECK 422NRR Indiana South - Columbus 9.2 58.8 3rd out of 24

BECK 445NRR Indiana South - Columbus 9.2 57.5 7th out of 24

Ohio

BECK 307NRR Ohio North West - Bloomdale 13.1 42.6 4th out of 24

Illinois

BECK 307NRR Illinois North - Walnut 10.9 61.2 9th out of 45

BECK 307NRR Illinois North Central - Macomb 13.9 61.2 4th out of 54

BECK 307NRR Illinois North Central -Tremont 11.6 56.9 9th out of 54

BECK 445NRR Illinois South Central - Belleville 13.2 49.5 2nd out of 45

BECK 422NRR Illinois South Central - Belleville 13.1 44.5 9th out of 45

*XL Brand distributed by Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc.

7

2008 INDEPENDENT TEST RESULTS (continued) University Results

Brand Test/Location % Mois. Bu./A. Rank Purdue University

Corn BECK 5684VT3 Southern Early - Washington 18.3 265.0 4th out of 67

BECK 6722VT3 Southern Late - Shelburn 29.4 232.0 1st out of 51 BECK 5684VT3 Central Mid - West Lafayette 18.7 270.0 5th out of 67 BECK 5784RR Central Mid - Rushville 17.9 243.0 2nd out of 67 BECK 5333HXT™* Central Mid - Rushville 17.5 238.0 4th out of 67 BECK 5444VT3 Northern Mid - DeMotte 17.2 262.0 2nd out of 50 BECK 5784RR Northern Late - Demotte 18.5 272.0 1st out of 45 Soybeans

BECK 296NRR Northwest Early - Lafayette 73.3 4th out of 28 BECK 307NRR Northwest Mid - Pinney Purdue Farm 58.7 1st out of 45 BECK 307NRR Northwest Mid - DeMotte 61.3 1st out of 45 BECK 342NRR Northwest Late - DeMotte 60.3 5th out of 63 BECK 307NRR Northwest Mid - Columbia City 61.0 5th out of 39 University of Kentucky Corn BECK 6733HXR™* Medium Hybrids Summary 18.4 199.6 5th out of 76 BECK 6733HXR™* Medium Hybrid - LaCenter 17.0 235.6 4th out of 76 BECK 6733HXR™* Medium Hybrid - Princeton 17.8 230.6 1st out of 76 BECK 5779VT3 Early Hybrid - Henderson 15.2 232.2 4th out of 68 BECK 6733HXR™* Medium Hybrid - Henderson 18.8 238.8 4th out of 76 BECK 6722VT3 Medium Hybrid - Brandenburg 16.6 216.1 3rd out of 76 BECK 5684VT3 Early Hybrid - Lexington 15.1 162.7 3rd out of 68 Soybeans

BECK 474NRR Warren County - Maturity Group Late IV

50.1 4th out of 68 BECK 474NRR Caldwell County - Maturity Group Late IV

62.1 2nd out of 65

University of Illinois

BECK 422NRR Region 3 - Maturity Group 4

63.5 1st out of 25

BECK 296NRR Urbana - Maturity Group 2

65.1 1st out of 11

BECK 307NRR Urbana - Maturity Group 2

67.7 2nd out of 30


8

Yrs Plots Brand Bu/A%

Moist.$/Acre Adv. Yrs Plots Brand Bu/A

% Moist.

$/Acre Adv.

2 55 BECK 5244VT3 211.2 19.0 $27.88 2 235 BECK 5444VT3 215.9 19.1 $9.76BECK 4807VT3 202.1 17.0 BECK 5244VT3 213.0 18.6

1 65 BECK 5244VT3 197.8 19.5 $33.88 2 130 BECK 5444VT3 244.4 19.3 $68.17BECK 5112VT3 189.2 18.5 BECK 5444RR 229.9 19.1

2 44 BECK 5244VT3 244.1 18.7 $86.86 1 212 BECK 5444VT3 208.4 19.3 $15.74BECK 5244RR 223.8 17.4 BECK 5555VT3 207.2 20.5



2 7 BECK 5244VT3 221.8 17.7 $21.98 2 37 BECK 5444VT3 222.7 19.5 $22.55AgriGold A6325 214.5 16.1 AgriGold A6459 220.4 20.8

1 9 BECK 5244VT3 236.4 17.8 $76.23 2 24 BECK 5444VT3 221.6 19.8 $27.69Dekalb DKC54-49 217.6 16.0 AgriGold A6633 220.8 22.5

2 30 BECK 5244VT3 252.3 19.0 $46.03 2 46 BECK 5444VT3 240.4 18.8 $34.38Dekalb DKC58-16 240.8 18.0 Dekalb DKC58-16 231.4 17.8

2 71 BECK 5244VT3 220.2 18.4 $9.63 2 33 BECK 5444VT3 237.0 19.5 $28.74Dekalb DKC63-42 222.8 20.9 Dekalb DKC60-18 232.0 20.0

2 7 BECK 5244VT3 208.5 19.8 $86.94 1 43 BECK 5444VT3 203.3 19.1 -$12.31Dekalb RX674VT3 192.5 21.1 Dekalb DKC61-19 206.7 19.6

2 11 BECK 5244VT3 235.8 18.6 $17.88 2 205 BECK 5444VT3 230.8 19.0 $28.19Dekalb RX785VT3 238.2 21.7 Dekalb DKC63-42 227.8 20.5

2 26 BECK 5244VT3 217.0 18.2 $41.44 2 38 BECK 5444VT3 224.8 18.7 $64.86Pioneer 33D14 214.3 21.5 Pioneer 32B83 217.9 22.3

1 37 BECK 5244VT3 233.2 19.7 $55.50 2 51 BECK 5444VT3 218.2 18.7 $47.66Pioneer 33F88 228.7 23.4 Pioneer 33D14 213.3 21.5

2 11 BECK 5244VT3 233.5 19.3 $16.26 1 100 BECK 5444VT3 241.0 19.6 $43.09Pioneer 33T57 236.4 22.5 Pioneer 33F88 239.0 23.1

2 18 BECK 5244VT3 230.6 19.3 $24.93 1 21 BECK 5444VT3 217.3 18.5 $13.13Pioneer 34R67 227.7 20.5 Pioneer 33W84 216.2 19.4

1 11 BECK 5244VT3 242.5 19.6 $87.79 2 26 BECK 5444VT3 220.4 19.2 -$2.40Pioneer 35F44 223.9 19.4 Pioneer 34R67 223.3 20.5

BECK 5244VT3 Comparisons BECK 5444VT3 Comparisons

CORN SUMMARY Multi-Year Yield Comparisons of Various Products

(Includes Farmer Plots, BECK'S Research, and University Data)Dollar advantage per acre is calculated using $5.00/Bu. pricing and drying costs of $0.04 per point of moisture per bushel.

Waxy dollar per acre is calculated using $5.80/Bu. pricing and drying costs of $0.04 per point of moisture per bushel.

9



% Moist.

$/Acre Adv.

1 60 BECK 5555VT3 193.4 21.5 $19.58 1 172 BECK 6733HXR™* 232.2 23.2 $3.51BECK 5112VT3 184.9 18.7 BECK 5444VT3 223.6 19.1

1 39 BECK 5555VT3 207.6 20.7 $4.51 1 125 BECK 6733HXR™* 227.2 23.1 $23.69BECK 5416CBRWRR 207.7 21.3 BECK 5555VT3 217.3 20.5



1 87 BECK 5555VT3 205.9 20.3 $16.86 1 131 BECK 6733HXR™* 229.9 23.3 $52.47BECK 5722HXR 204.6 21.6 BECK 6722VT3 218.1 23.0

1 128 BECK 5555VT3 208.9 22.5 -$26.41 1 22 BECK 6733HXR™* 263.1 25.0 $0.41BECK 6722VT3 210.4 20.2 BECK 6733 262.1 24.6

1 21 BECK 5555VT3 199.6 19.2 -$0.12 1 6 BECK 6733HXR™* 236.5 22.2 $20.87AgriGold A6439 197.5 17.9 AgriGold A6632 230.7 21.5

1 16 BECK 5555VT3 212.9 19.6 -$1.60 1 5 BECK 6733HXR™* 237.4 22.4 $70.24AgriGold A6459 214.3 20.2 AgriGold A6639 223.8 23.1

1 11 BECK 5555VT3 223.2 18.8 $16.93 1 90 BECK 6733HXR™* 230.7 23.2 $14.15AgriGold A6479 220.8 19.4 Dekalb DKC63-42 222.9 20.7

1 14 BECK 5555VT3 207.5 20.4 $21.39 1 9 BECK 6733HXR™* 239.0 23.0 $52.59Dekalb DKC57-79 197.9 17.3 Dekalb DKC65-44 226.6 22.4

1 81 BECK 5555VT3 210.0 20.0 -$2.86 1 20 BECK 6733HXR™* 255.8 23.3 $98.49Dekalb DKC63-42 211.3 20.4 Pioneer 32B83 234.7 23.3

1 6 BECK 5555VT3 198.2 21.6 $29.62 1 22 BECK 6733HXR™* 246.6 23.8 $16.88Dekalb RX674VT3 191.3 21.2 Pioneer 33D14 241.1 22.9

1 15 BECK 5555VT3 227.5 20.7 -$4.00 1 67 BECK 6733HXR™* 254.1 24.6 $20.86Dekalb RX785VT3 229.3 21.2 Pioneer 33F88 246.8 23.3

1 15 BECK 5555VT3 220.9 20.4 $58.03 1 8 BECK 6733HXR™* 278.4 25.8 $75.23Pioneer 32B83 211.6 22.0 Pioneer 33K42 256.1 23.2

1 8 BECK 5555VT3 267.1 23.6 $47.12 1 11 BECK 6733HXR™* 257.8 25.0 $38.18Pioneer 33K42 256.1 23.2 Pioneer 33T55 244.4 22.6

1 15 BECK 5555VT3 209.7 19.6 $5.75 1 21 BECK 6733HXR™* 256.4 25.0 $1.12Pioneer 33W84 207.3 18.9 Pioneer 34P94 248.8 21.6

1 12 BECK 5555VT3 204.5 20.3 $0.48 1 8 BECK 6733HXR™* 248.0 24.5 $53.72Pioneer 34F96 204.4 20.3 Pioneer 34R67 230.0 21.3


CORN SUMMARY (continued)

BECK 5555VT3 Comparisons BECK 6733HXR™* Comparisons

10



% Moist.

$/Acre Adv.

1 14 BECK 5335HXR™* 223.9 21.4 $16.96 1 5 BECK 5335HXR™* 200.3 23.3 $6.31BECK 5222HXT 219.4 20.9 Dekalb RX674VT3 198.1 22.8

1 39 BECK 5335HXR™* 216.4 20.6 $7.72 1 12 BECK 5335HXR™* 205.5 20.0 $6.89BECK 5416CBRWRR 217.7 22.2 Pioneer 32B83 207.7 22.1

1 12 BECK 5335HXR™* 241.9 20.6 $76.65 1 69 BECK 5335HXR™* 230.8 21.1 -$3.03BECK 5616RR 226.8 21.1 Pioneer 33F88 235.8 23.3

1 17 BECK 5335HXR™* 218.3 21.0 $56.74 1 5 BECK 5335HXR™* 196.4 19.4 $100.66BECK 5684RR 202.8 18.9 Pioneer 33H29 181.4 23.3

1 133 BECK 5335HXR™* 214.0 19.8 -$25.14 1 28 BECK 5335HXR™* 219.8 21.7 $14.53BECK 5684VT3 217.6 18.9 Pioneer 34A20 216.0 21.3

1 63 BECK 5335HXR™* 197.1 19.3 -$1.62 1 4 BECK 5335HXR™* 209.4 20.4 $25.44BECK 5722HXR 201.1 21.5 Pioneer 34F97 206.5 21.8

1 112 BECK 5335HXR™* 208.2 19.5 $14.64 1 8 BECK 5335HXR™* 226.0 21.2 $67.36BECK 6722VT3 210.4 22.5 Pioneer 34H36 212.9 21.8

1 5 BECK 5335HXR™* 242.1 19.8 $31.91 1 7 BECK 5335HXR™* 235.4 21.1 $58.37Dekalb DKC54-49 228.8 16.3 Pioneer 35F44 219.8 19.3



% Moist.

$/Acre Adv.

1 46 BECK 5135RR™* 198.4 18.9 $0.14 1 12 BECK 5112VT3 253.1 19.9 $77.89BECK 5112VT3 198.7 19.1 BECK 5112RR 236.1 19.5

1 18 BECK 5135RR™* 207.5 19.0 $11.29 1 10 BECK 5112VT3 237.2 19.6 $59.78BECK 5316HXR 211.1 22.4 BECK 5444RR 224.6 19.5

1 10 BECK 5135RR™* 234.5 18.5 $19.02 1 6 BECK 5112VT3 229.4 17.6 $48.68BECK 5444RR 232.5 19.5 Dekalb DKC54-49 216.8 16.1

1 4 BECK 5135RR™* 224.7 19.8 $10.61 1 4 BECK 5112VT3 171.6 21.2 $75.07Dekalb RX674VT3 227.8 22.6 Dekalb RX674VT3 158.2 23.0

1 21 BECK 5135RR™* 227.1 19.5 $20.46 1 17 BECK 5112VT3 228.2 19.4 $56.50Pioneer 33F88 232.1 24.3 Pioneer 33F88 224.3 23.6

1 6 BECK 5135RR™* 217.1 18.0 $3.20 1 7 BECK 5112VT3 238.1 19.5 $77.79Pioneer 34R67 221.9 21.0 Pioneer 35F44 222.7 19.9

1 9 BECK 5135RR™* 231.0 19.6 $44.09 1 4 BECK 5112VT3 156.1 19.4 $25.70Pioneer 35F44 222.4 19.9 Pioneer 36W69 152.8 21.0



BECK 5135RR™* Comparisons BECK 5112VT3 Comparisons

BECK 5335HXR™* Comparisons

11



% Moist.

$/Acre Adv.

1 36 BECK 5608RR 195.6 20.5 $11.84 1 72 BECK 5608RR 211.5 19.6 -$25.89BECK 5112VT3 190.1 18.6 Dekalb DKC61-69 215.8 19.0

1 25 BECK 5608RR 213.3 20.3 $39.27 1 58 BECK 5608RR 206.4 19.2 -$15.45BECK 5416CBRWRR 207.0 21.4 Dekalb DKC63-42 211.7 20.4

1 11 BECK 5608RR 233.4 20.9 $39.60 1 13 BECK 5608RR 210.1 19.6 $14.61BECK 5444RR 223.4 20.0 Pioneer 32B83 211.1 21.9

1 105 BECK 5608RR 205.2 19.4 $5.27 1 30 BECK 5608RR 225.8 20.8 $9.02BECK 5555VT3 205.3 20.1 Pioneer 33F88 228.9 23.4

1 67 BECK 5608RR 202.0 19.3 $36.02 1 4 BECK 5608RR 205.8 19.1 $81.42BECK 5616VT3 194.7 19.4 Pioneer 33H29 196.1 23.5

1 85 BECK 5608RR 208.6 19.4 $21.17 1 14 BECK 5608RR 210.3 22.0 $69.88BECK 5684VT3 203.2 18.8 Pioneer 34A20 195.0 21.7

1 50 BECK 5608RR 204.3 19.3 $24.82 1 5 BECK 5608RR 181.0 17.9 $11.40BECK 5722HXR 203.2 21.7 Pioneer 34F96 179.4 18.4

1 81 BECK 5608RR 210.8 19.3 $28.49 1 4 BECK 5608RR 171.4 22.6 $77.57BECK 6722VT3 210.3 22.4 Pioneer 36W69 152.8 21.0



% Moist.

$/Acre Adv.

1 75 BECK 5316HXR 210.9 20.0 $6.16 2 35 BECK 5616VT3 235.3 20.1 $66.18BECK 5616VT3 208.4 19.3 BECK 5616RR 221.5 20.1

1 64 BECK 5316HXR 209.0 20.5 $16.18 1 6 BECK 5616VT3 176.5 18.3 $0.81BECK 5722HXR 207.7 21.7 AgriGold A6439 175.9 18.0

1 6 BECK 5316HXR 161.7 17.8 $13.80 2 4 BECK 5616VT3 217.3 18.7 -$28.54AgriGold A6439 158.1 17.2 Dekalb DKC65-44 225.6 20.0

1 40 BECK 5316HXR 210.5 20.7 -$9.37 1 6 BECK 5616VT3 183.0 21.9 $4.86Dekalb DKC61-69 210.0 19.3 Dekalb RX674VT3 180.9 21.2

1 8 BECK 5316HXR 266.8 21.2 $66.82 1 10 BECK 5616VT3 193.1 18.2 $26.57Pioneer 33A82 255.1 22.3 Pioneer 32B83 191.9 20.9

1 32 BECK 5316HXR 241.1 21.8 $3.26 1 8 BECK 5616VT3 258.9 22.5 $15.82Pioneer 33F88 243.5 23.3 Pioneer 33A82 255.1 22.3

1 8 BECK 5316HXR 266.8 21.2 $71.33 2 18 BECK 5616VT3 217.8 19.8 $22.18Pioneer 33K42 256.1 23.2 Pioneer 33D14 217.9 22.4


BECK 5316HXR Comparisons BECK 5616VT3 Comparisons

BECK 5608RR Comparisons

12



% Moist.

$/Acre Adv.

2 298 BECK 5684VT3 219.7 18.5 $43.00 1 9 BECK 5684VT3 225.7 17.8 $16.73BECK 5616VT3 211.2 18.7 AgriGold A6489 225.6 19.6

2 31 BECK 5684VT3 230.2 19.0 $102.46 2 21 BECK 5684VT3 238.4 18.4 $18.91BECK 5684RR 208.0 18.4 Dekalb DKC58-16 232.6 17.4

2 93 BECK 5684VT3 208.2 18.8 $24.15 2 27 BECK 5684VT3 243.3 19.3 $48.55BECK 5722HXR 208.2 21.7 Dekalb DKC60-18 234.8 20.1

2 276 BECK 5684VT3 221.6 18.5 $32.50 2 6 BECK 5684VT3 222.4 18.5 $3.94BECK 6722VT3 221.1 21.9 Dekalb RX715VT3 223.8 19.7

1 80 BECK 5684VT3 226.3 19.2 $71.24 2 32 BECK 5684VT3 227.5 18.2 $27.19BECK 7916VT3 220.5 24.1 Pioneer 33D14 228.1 21.5

1 10 BECK 5684VT3 225.3 18.6 $18.20 1 93 BECK 5684VT3 240.2 19.5 $25.70AgriGold A6399 222.1 18.9 Pioneer 33F88 242.1 23.1

2 9 BECK 5684VT3 228.2 17.6 $19.94 2 58 BECK 5684VT3 232.6 17.8 $55.96AgriGold A6459 228.8 20.1 Pioneer 33K42 223.9 19.3

1 8 BECK 5684VT3 229.7 18.5 $15.66 1 9 BECK 5684VT3 210.8 17.8 $58.69AgriGold A6479 229.5 20.1 Pioneer 34F97 202.1 19.8



% Moist.

$/Acre Adv.

1 21 BECK 5716A3 250.5 22.9 $38.32 1 35 BECK 7916VT3 246.5 25.6 -$42.82BECK 5316HXR 241.7 22.6 BECK 6197VT 250.6 23.2

1 32 BECK 5716A3 237.0 22.7 $31.20 1 8 BECK 7916VT3 272.1 26.3 $154.63BECK 5616VT3 226.3 20.6 BECK 7916CBRR 240.0 27.2

1 33 BECK 5716A3 237.2 22.7 $19.66 1 16 BECK 7916VT3 250.5 26.5 $83.30BECK 5684VT3 227.2 19.7 BECK 7916RR 233.8 27.3

1 21 BECK 5716A3 250.7 22.6 $16.65 1 8 BECK 7916VT3 259.8 25.2 $9.21Dekalb DKC61-69 241.8 20.0 Pioneer 32B81 256.9 24.8

1 18 BECK 5716A3 237.1 22.2 $40.50 1 8 BECK 7916VT3 272.1 26.3 $36.50Dekalb DKC63-42 226.2 21.0 Pioneer 33A82 255.1 22.3

1 9 BECK 5716A3 243.0 23.2 $7.96 1 3 BECK 7916VT3 191.1 22.6 $8.44Pioneer 33D14 243.8 24.4 Pioneer 33M57 188.5 22.1

1 18 BECK 5716A3 257.0 22.9 $23.49 1 8 BECK 7916VT3 272.1 26.3 $6.79Pioneer 33F88 253.5 23.6 Pioneer 33T55 263.2 23.1


BECK 5684VT3 Comparisons

BECK 5716A3 Comparisons BECK 7916VT3 Comparisons

13



% Moist.

$/Acre Adv.

1 30 BECK EX 9864CBRR 204.6 20.8 $25.11 1 18 BECK EX 9864CBRR 243.4 22.0 $48.30BECK 5316HXR 198.5 20.3 Dekalb DKC60-18 228.9 19.8

1 115 BECK EX 9864CBRR 220.4 20.9 -$16.92 1 59 BECK EX 9864CBRR 230.4 21.0 -$0.08BECK 5444VT3 220.8 19.2 Dekalb DKC63-42 231.0 21.3

1 83 BECK EX 9864CBRR 213.1 20.7 $11.68 1 5 BECK EX 9864CBRR 236.5 20.0 $13.74BECK 5555VT3 210.3 20.5 Dekalb DKC65-44 235.6 21.0

1 48 BECK EX 9864CBRR 206.3 20.9 $21.06 1 18 BECK EX 9864CBRR 250.3 22.0 $63.14BECK 5616VT3 199.7 19.6 Pioneer 32B83 240.8 23.9

1 39 BECK EX 9864CBRR 214.4 20.7 $28.35 1 53 BECK EX 9864CBRR 239.2 21.9 $13.37BECK 5722HXR 210.4 21.8 Pioneer 33F88 239.0 23.2

1 75 BECK EX 9864CBRR 216.4 20.8 $39.64 1 8 BECK EX 9864CBRR 206.2 21.1 $25.63BECK 6722VT3 212.0 23.0 Pioneer 34F97 202.0 21.8

1 5 BECK EX 9864CBRR 221.6 19.9 $11.10 1 5 BECK EX 9864CBRR 235.0 19.9 $11.74AgriGold A6474 218.2 19.3 Stewart 8T755 231.4 19.3

1 4 BECK EX 9864CBRR 230.9 19.9 $2.33 1 5 BECK EX 9864CBRR 235.0 19.9 $18.06Dekalb DKC58-16 227.2 18.2 Stewart 8T339 228.2 18.3



% Moist.

$/Acre Adv.

2 173 BECK 6722VT3 214.3 21.7 $1.11 1 85 BECK 5722HXR 209.1 21.6 $11.87BECK 5616VT3 208.6 18.6 BECK 6722VT3 208.0 22.4

1 74 BECK 6722VT3 222.6 23.2 $38.28 2 51 BECK 5722HXR 203.0 21.8 -$28.21BECK 7916VT3 215.7 23.9 Dekalb DKC61-69 204.3 19.1

1 8 BECK 6722VT3 236.9 23.2 $12.41 1 5 BECK 5722HXR 239.7 20.7 -$1.43Dekalb DKC65-44 230.3 21.2 Dekalb DKC65-44 238.6 20.0

1 4 BECK 6722VT3 227.4 23.1 $39.79 1 6 BECK 5722HXR 187.1 22.5 $31.38Dekalb DKC67-23 216.3 21.7 Dekalb RX674VT3 178.0 20.9

1 13 BECK 6722VT3 227.2 22.1 $53.76 2 12 BECK 5722HXR 228.6 22.3 $12.57Pioneer 32B83 215.8 22.1 Pioneer 33D14 226.7 22.7

2 58 BECK 6722VT3 231.5 21.0 $19.09 1 8 BECK 5722HXR 202.1 19.1 $7.81Pioneer 33K42 224.1 19.2 Pioneer 33H29 204.2 21.3

2 54 BECK 6722VT3 224.1 20.3 $63.43 2 10 BECK 5722HXR 240.1 22.5 $26.79Pioneer 33M57 209.8 19.7 Pioneer 33T57 234.2 22.4


BECK EX 9864CBRR (5779VT3 Genetics) Comparisons

BECK 6722VT3 Comparisons BECK 5722HXR Comparisons

14



% Moist.

$/Acre Adv.

1 37 BECK 4807VT3 203.3 17.3 $12.20 1 12 BECK EX 8719VT3 231.5 22.5 $57.87BECK 5112VT3 203.3 18.8 BECK 5444RR 214.8 20.1

1 46 BECK 4807VT3 200.1 17.1 $23.31 2 161 BECK EX 8719VT3 225.4 19.7 $15.03BECK 5555VT3 202.1 21.2 BECK 5684VT3 219.9 18.4

2 31 BECK 4807VT3 205.6 17.2 $20.07 1 5 BECK EX 8719VT3 240.8 19.7 $50.82BECK 5616VT3 207.6 20.8 AgriGold A6459 231.2 20.2

1 5 BECK 4807VT3 230.3 17.1 $0.05 1 16 BECK EX 8719VT3 213.3 21.2 -$18.98Dekalb DKC54-49 228.8 16.3 Dekalb DKC61-19 215.3 20.1

1 30 BECK 4807VT3 211.6 16.7 $0.57 1 64 BECK EX 8719VT3 229.8 21.2 -$4.70Dekalb DKC61-69 217.3 20.0 Dekalb DKC61-69 228.1 19.8

2 5 BECK 4807VT3 224.9 17.4 $14.38 1 51 BECK EX 8719VT3 218.1 20.3 $0.15Pioneer 35A34 226.4 19.8 Dekalb DKC63-42 218.8 20.7

1 6 BECK 4807VT3 230.1 18.3 $76.90 1 20 BECK EX 8719VT3 244.1 21.9 $18.00Pioneer 35F44 215.9 19.2 Pioneer 33D14 243.8 23.6

1 4 BECK 4807VT3 162.7 18.2 $65.35 1 41 BECK EX 8719VT3 235.5 22.1 $18.31Pioneer 36W69 152.8 21.0 Pioneer 33F88 234.0 23.3



% Moist.

$/Acre Adv.

3 45 BECK 5323wx 215.1 20.8 $32.23 1 21 BECK 6722wx 233.6 25.1 $104.54BECK 5166wx 206.2 18.7 BECK 5555VT3 244.7 21.9

2 11 BECK 5323wx 212.4 20.1 $60.61 1 20 BECK 6722wx 234.9 25.2 $91.34BECK 5275wx 197.2 17.0 BECK 5616VT3 246.9 21.0

2 30 BECK 5323wx 207.9 20.4 $34.11 1 16 BECK 6722wx 239.8 25.5 $55.26BECK 5422wx 203.1 21.3 BECK 5727wx 226.0 23.4

1 21 BECK 5323wx 232.2 22.4 $134.82 1 21 BECK 6722wx 237.2 25.0 $46.24BECK 5555VT3 242.0 21.9 BECK 5818wx 225.3 23.0

2 22 BECK 5323wx 229.4 22.2 $122.04 1 25 BECK 6722wx 230.2 24.9 $141.18BECK 5616VT3 239.4 20.7 BECK 6722VT3 238.5 24.4

3 32 BECK 5323wx 225.2 21.7 $74.91 1 18 BECK 6722wx 225.8 24.7 $134.52BECK 5727wx 211.2 21.4 Dekalb DKC61-69 226.0 19.7

3 61 BECK 5323wx 216.2 21.7 $66.34 1 22 BECK 6722wx 232.3 25.5 $99.92BECK 5818wx 204.8 22.1 Pioneer 33F88 247.6 23.9

BECK 5323wx Comparisons BECK 6722wx Comparisons


BECK 4807VT3 Comparisons BECK EX 8719VT3 (5784RR Genetics)

15

Yrs Plots Brand Bu/A Difference

in Yield Yrs Plots Brand Bu/A Difference

in Yield4 281 BECK 321NRR 59.1 +2.3 1 49 BECK 325NRR™* 65.0 +2.5

BECK 274NRR 56.8 BECK 300NRR 62.5

2 137 BECK 321NRR 59.4 +1.9 1 107 BECK 325NRR™* 61.2 +4.3BECK 300NRR 57.5 BECK 307NRR 56.9


4 68 BECK 321NRR 59.6 +0.9 1 124 BECK 325NRR™* 62.3 +2.0Asgrow AG3101 58.7 BECK 342NRR 60.3

4 62 BECK 321NRR 59.3 +1.5 1 54 BECK 325NRR™* 66.8 +0.3Asgrow AG3203 57.8 BECK 362NRR™* 66.5

4 109 BECK 321NRR 61.3 +1.1 1 127 BECK 325NRR™* 62.9 +1.9Pioneer 93M10 60.2 BECK 364NRR 61.0

4 56 BECK 321NRR 61.2 +1.2 1 115 BECK 325NRR™* 63.2 +6.2Pioneer 93M11 60.0 BECK 377NRR 57.0

1 38 BECK 325NRR™* 66.3 +4.4Asgrow AG3006 61.9

Yrs Plots Brand Bu/A $/Acre Adv.2 63 BECK 326RRL 58.4 $15.46 1 53 BECK 325NRR™* 64.4 +1.4

BECK 296NRR 59.9 Asgrow AG3402 63.0

2 126 BECK 326RRL 56.5 $12.19 1 46 BECK 325NRR™* 66.5 +5.9BECK 307NRR 58.2 Asgrow AG3504 60.6

2 115 BECK 326RRL 56.6 $18.66 1 43 BECK 325NRR™* 61.7 +2.8BECK 332NRRL 55.0 Asgrow AG3705 58.9

2 18 BECK 326RRL 62.6 $54.80 1 31 BECK 325NRR™* 63.9 +4.6Asgrow AG3121V 57.9 Asgrow AG3803 59.3

1 38 BECK 325NRR™* 66.5 +6.6Pioneer 93M10 59.9

Yrs Plots Brand Bu/A $/Acre Adv.2 120 BECK 332NRRL 55.1 -$4.14 1 34 BECK 325NRR™* 67.2 +6.6

BECK 307NRR 58.2 Pioneer 93M11 60.6

2 120 BECK 332NRRL 54.9 -$13.13 1 70 BECK 325NRR™* 64.7 +6.0BECK 321NRR 58.8 Pioneer 93M42 58.7

1 17 BECK 332NRRL 60.6 $24.49 1 49 BECK 325NRR™* 65.7 +3.5Asgrow AG3121V 58.5 Pioneer 93M61 62.2

2 20 BECK 332NRRL 60.2 $26.82 1 44 BECK 325NRR™* 66.0 +5.7Asgrow AG3521V 57.9 Pioneer 93Y20 60.3


BECK 332NRRL Comparisons

Dollar advantage per acre is calculated using $11.66/Bu. pricing for Vistive soybeans and $11.11/Bu. pricing for non-Vistive.

SOYBEAN COMPARISONS SUMMARYMulti-Year Yield Comparisons of Various Products

(Includes Farmer Plots, BECK'S Research, and University Data)

BECK 321NRR Comparisons BECK 325NRR™* Comparisons

BECK 326RRL Comparisons

16



in Yield2 113 BECK 342NRR 60.5 +2.1 2 105 BECK 399NRR 59.1 +1.4


2 113 BECK 342NRR 60.4 +2.5 2 118 BECK 399NRR 61.2 +0.7BECK 300NRR 57.9 BECK 364NRR 60.5





3 83 BECK 342NRR 62.1 +1.5 1 6 BECK 399NRR 63.6 +3.3Asgrow AG3006 60.6 Asgrow AG3203 60.3






3 75 BECK 342NRR 63.1 +2.3 2 66 BECK 399NRR 61.0 +2.8Pioneer 93M10 60.8 Pioneer 93M42 58.2



2 29 BECK 342NRR 63.0 +0.4 1 32 BECK 399NRR 62.3 +4.2Pioneer 93M70 62.6 Pioneer 93Y20 58.1

1 43 BECK 342NRR 63.4 +2.4 2 16 BECK 399NRR 62.7 +1.7Pioneer 93Y20 61.0 Pioneer 94M30 61.0

SOYBEAN COMPARISONS (continued)

BECK 342NRR Comparisons BECK 399NRR Comparisons

17



in Yield1 36 BECK 257NRR 53.7 -1.6 1 103 BECK 274NRR 57.3 +0.2

BECK 244NRR™* 55.3 BECK 296NRR 57.1

2 94 BECK 257NRR 56.1 -0.3 4 132 BECK 274NRR 56.1 +1.2BECK 274NRR 56.4 BECK 298CRR 54.9

1 18 BECK 257NRR 63.0 +1.3 2 96 BECK 274NRR 57.6 -3.0BECK 287NRR™* 61.7 BECK 300NRR 60.6

1 49 BECK 257NRR 54.3 -0.7 2 73 BECK 274NRR 59.5 +0.6BECK 296NRR 55.0 BECK 377NRR 58.9

2 44 BECK 257NRR 58.5 +3.3 3 26 BECK 274NRR 57.4 +0.2BECK 298CRR 55.2 Asgrow AG2802 57.2

2 106 BECK 257NRR 56.0 -1.5 5 32 BECK 274NRR 56.6 +0.0BECK 307NRR 57.5 Asgrow AG3101 56.6

2 35 BECK 257NRR 56.8 -1.2 3 29 BECK 274NRR 57.4 +0.2BECK 354NRR 58.0 Pioneer 92M61 57.2




in Yield1 16 BECK 287NRR™* 61.4 -0.3 2 104 BECK 296NRR 58.2 +0.4


1 42 BECK 287NRR™* 60.9 +0.5 1 88 BECK 296NRR 58.6 +1.2BECK 274NRR 60.4 BECK 377NRR 57.4

1 34 BECK 287NRR™* 61.0 -0.2 2 19 BECK 296NRR 67.1 +8.8BECK 286NRR 61.2 Asgrow AG2802 58.3

1 42 BECK 287NRR™* 60.9 -0.7 1 7 BECK 296NRR 53.1 +0.8BECK 296NRR 61.6 Asgrow AG2909 52.3

1 37 BECK 287NRR™* 61.1 +1.2 2 29 BECK 296NRR 61.2 +1.2BECK 298CRR 59.9 Asgrow AG3101 60.0

1 34 BECK 287NRR™* 61.0 +0.4 2 54 BECK 296NRR 62.5 +0.6Pioneer 93M10 60.6 Pioneer 93M10 61.9




BECK 287NRR™* Comparisons BECK 296NRR Comparisons



18



in Yield1 42 BECK 307NRR 62.4 +1.5 1 65 BECK 362NRR™* 66.9 +2.1



2 150 BECK 307NRR 58.6 +0.4 1 46 BECK 362NRR™* 66.9 +1.8BECK 300NRR 58.2 Asgrow AG3402 65.1

1 12 BECK 307NRR 56.8 +2.6 1 34 BECK 362NRR™* 66.9 +4.4Asgrow AG2909 54.2 Asgrow AG3705 62.5

2 44 BECK 307NRR 60.3 +0.6 1 34 BECK 362NRR™* 66.9 +5.8Asgrow AG3101 59.7 Asgrow AG3803 61.1

2 27 BECK 307NRR 58.5 +1.4 1 46 BECK 362NRR™* 66.9 +7.5Asgrow AG3203 57.1 Pioneer 93M42 59.4

2 54 BECK 307NRR 61.8 +1.6 1 46 BECK 362NRR™* 66.9 +4.1Pioneer 93M11 60.2 Pioneer 93M61 62.8

1 6 BECK 307NRR 61.9 +4.6 1 48 BECK 362NRR™* 66.5 +5.0Pioneer 93Y11 57.3 Pioneer 93Y20 61.5



in Yield2 67 BECK 364NRR 62.8 +1.8 1 13 BECK 377NRR 64.6 +4.6


2 164 BECK 364NRR 61.3 +3.7 1 6 BECK 377NRR 61.5 +3.7BECK 377NRR 57.6 BECK 381N 57.8

1 12 BECK 364NRR 57.7 +1.4 2 11 BECK 377NRR 65.7 +5.3Asgrow AG3602 56.3 BECK 405NRR 60.4

1 64 BECK 364NRR 60.2 +0.4 2 15 BECK 377NRR 59.3 -0.6Asgrow AG3705 59.8 Asgrow AG3602 59.9

1 47 BECK 364NRR 62.2 +1.0 1 10 BECK 377NRR 58.5 -0.1Asgrow AG3803 61.2 Asgrow AG3603 58.6

2 78 BECK 364NRR 63.4 +4.2 1 23 BECK 377NRR 60.2 -0.4Pioneer 93M42 59.2 Pioneer 93M11 60.6


1 52 BECK 364NRR 64.2 +3.4 1 5 BECK 377NRR 58.0 +1.0Pioneer 93Y20 60.8 Pioneer 93Y11 57.0



BECK 307NRR Comparisons BECK 362NRR™* Comparisons


19



in Yield1 103 BECK 403NRR™* 61.7 +1.9 3 140 BECK 422NRR 58.4 +0.2





1 38 BECK 403NRR™* 63.9 +3.8 2 6 BECK 422NRR 60.3 +7.1Asgrow AG3803 60.1 Asgrow AG4103 53.2


1 31 BECK 403NRR™* 63.4 +5.4 3 56 BECK 422NRR 65.0 +3.5Pioneer 93Y20 58.0 Pioneer 94M30 61.5




in Yield1 50 BECK 445NRR 61.8 +2.0 2 11 BECK 474NRR 54.1 -0.1


1 44 BECK 445NRR 62.5 +1.4 1 9 BECK 474NRR 54.3 -1.6BECK 403NRR™* 61.1 BECK 364NRR 55.9


2 29 BECK 445NRR 63.3 +3.5 1 15 BECK 474NRR 51.4 -2.3BECK 444NRR 59.8 BECK 403NRR™* 53.7


1 16 BECK 445NRR 66.2 +1.6 2 26 BECK 474NRR 54.1 -1.4Asgrow AG3803 64.6 BECK 444NRR 55.5

1 14 BECK 445NRR 67.9 +2.1 2 15 BECK 474NRR 57.1 +4.2Pioneer 93M70 65.8 BECK 476NRR 52.9

2 21 BECK 445NRR 66.9 +4.3 1 4 BECK 474NRR 54.2 +0.4Pioneer 94M30 62.6 Asgrow AG4404 53.8




BECK 403NRR™* Comparisons BECK 422NRR Comparisons

20

BECK'S Corn Plot - Office – 2008 RAINFALL

Location: East of Office Previous Crop: Soybeans April 1.63 in. Planted: April 21, 2008 Tillage: V-Rip / S-tine May 4.91 in. Harvested: September 23, 2008 Herbicide: PPI: 1.6 qts. Bicep II Magnum June 4.80 in. Rows: Three 30” rows 1 qt. Princep July 3.50 in. Population: 30,000 seeds/A. Post: 1.67 qts. Lexar / 6 oz. Stinger August 2.94 in.

Soil Type: Brookston Insecticide: None Total 17.78 in.

Yield Rank

Brand

Harvested Population

Test*

Weight

Percent Broken Stalks

Percent Moisture

Bushels* Per Acre

1 BECK EX 9850 28,000 57.1 1.8 26.6 273.8 2 BECK EX 0842 27,000 54.9 3.7 22.2 252.7 3 BECK 6733HXR™** 27,000 58.9 0.0 27.2 252.4 4 BECK 5333HXT™** 26,500 57.9 1.9 19.8 249.9 5 BECK 5608VT3 29,000 57.7 3.4 23.0 249.1 6 BECK 5716A3 29,500 55.6 0.0 24.0 248.5 7 BECK EX 9865 (5779VT3 Genetics) 27,500 57.2 1.8 23.1 248.1 8 BECK 5135™** 27,500 58.9 1.8 18.6 246.5 9 BECK 5444VT3 25,000 56.9 6.0 21.0 242.7

10 BECK 5555VT3 25,000 57.4 6.0 23.6 239.8 11 BECK 5616VT3 27,000 57.2 0.0 22.9 238.6 12 BECK 4807VT3 28,500 57.4 1.8 17.2 228.0 13 BECK 5244VT3 24,500 56.9 26.5 19.8 225.3 14 BECK 6722VT3 27,000 57.8 0.0 27.0 224.3 15 BECK 5722HXR 27,000 58.2 0.0 25.6 222.1 16 BECK 5335RR™** 28,000 59.7 0.0 20.6 221.3 17 BECK EX 8719 (5784RR Genetics) 26,000 56.0 9.6 22.4 219.7 18 BECK 5684VT3 23,000 55.7 2.2 23.0 214.6 19 BECK 5112VT3 27,000 58.3 0.0 18.2 213.6 20 BECK 5676™** 20,000 56.8 0.0 23.3 207.6 21 BECK 7916VT3 26,500 56.7 0.0 26.8 182.3 22 BECK 5316HXR 18,500 56.9 5.4 23.5 181.3

AVERAGE 26,136 57.3 3.3 22.7 231.0 *Bushels per acre and test corrected to 15% moisture. **XL Brand distributed by Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc.

“We have been planting Beck’s for over 30 years now. We had to replant 40 acres this year and we are glad we planted Beck’s. Our crops look really good. Beck’s replant policy plays a big part in our decision to plant Beck’s. Their service is always done in a big way.” Rand Woodward Noblesville, IN

21

BECK'S Corn Plot - Atlanta - 2008 RAINFALL

Location: SR 19 West of Atlanta Previous Crop: Wheat April 1.63 in. Planted: April 22, 2008 Tillage: Moldboard Plow / S-tine May 4.91 in. Harvested: September 22, 2008 Herbicide: PPI: 1.6 qts. Bicep II Magnum June 4.80 in. Rows: Four 30” rows 1 qt. Princep July 3.50 in. Population: 33,674 seeds/A. Post: 1.67 qts. Lexar / 6 oz. Stinger August 2.94 in. Soil Type: Brookston Insecticide: Force on Non-RW Hybrids Total 17.78 in.

Yield Rank

Brand


Test*

Weight


Percent Moisture

2008 Bushels* Per Acre

1 BECK 6733HXR™** 31,000 55.0 8.1 30.3 228.7 2 BECK EX 0851 33,500 54.5 1.5 25.6 226.1 3 BECK 5676™** 31,000 54.5 0.0 25.4 223.7 4 BECK 5716A3 32,000 51.0 1.6 26.9 223.1 5 BECK 7916VT3 29,500 53.0 5.1 31.6 212.1 6 BECK EX 0842 34,000 52.0 4.4 23.9 210.2 7 BECK 5722HXR 31,500 53.0 3.2 26.6 206.6 8 BECK 6722VT3 32,000 51.0 0.0 28.5 205.6 9 BECK 5608VT3 34,500 54.5 1.4 23.9 205.4

10 BECK 5555VT3 30,500 53.5 1.6 24.7 202.6 11 BECK 5684VT3 33,500 52.5 9.0 23.6 200.8 12 BECK EX 1831 31,500 53.0 3.2 26.7 200.6 13 BECK EX 0899 30,500 52.0 9.8 28.4 199.3 14 BECK EX 8719 (5784RR Genetics) 32,000 50.5 0.0 24.8 196.8 15 BECK EX 9850 33,500 51.5 1.5 28.9 196.0 16 BECK EX 9865 (5779VT3 Genetics) 31,000 52.5 0.0 25.1 194.8 17 BECK EX 8837 36,000 51.0 4.2 25.4 194.7 18 BECK 5244VT3 30,000 55.0 6.7 23.3 186.9 19 BECK 5616VT3 32,500 54.5 4.6 24.2 183.9 20 BECK 5444VT3 31,500 51.5 9.5 23.6 178.0 21 BECK EX 0863 31,000 56.5 4.8 21.2 166.6 22 BECK 5335RR™** 33,000 56.0 0.0 20.6 160.6 23 BECK 5112VT3 37,000 54.0 4.1 19.7 142.4 24 BECK 5135RR™** 29,000 57.0 0.0 19.2 136.7

AVERAGE 32,146 53.3 3.5 25.1 195.1 *Bushels per acre and test weight corrected to 15% moisture. **XL Brand distributed by Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc.

Insect Resistance Management and Product Stewardship

Rootworm Growers of transgenic Rootworm products are required to plant a corn refuge that does not contain Bt technologies that control corn rootworm. The refuge must represent at least 20% of the grower’s total corn acres and must be within or adjacent to the transgenic rootworm field. The refuge can be treated with a non-Bt soil-applied, seed-applied or foliar-applied insecticide if pest pressure exceeds the economic threshold. If adult corn rootworm beetles are present in the refuge when the refuge is treated, the transgenic Rootworm portion must be treated in a similar manner. The refuge can be planted as a block or strips within the transgenic Rootworm field or as an adjacent field.

Corn Borer Growers of biotech traits containing insect protection from European Corn Borer, are required to plant a non-Bt corn refuge representing at least 20% of their total corn acres. Refuges must be within ½ mile of each Bt corn field. The refuge can be treated with a non-Bt insecticide if pest pressure exceeds the economic threshold. The refuge can be planted as a border, block, strip, or as a separate field.

22

BECK'S Corn Plot - Arcadia – 2008 RAINFALL

Location: ½ mile West of Arcadia Previous Crop: Wheat April 1.63 in. Planted: May 21, 2008 Tillage: S-tine May 4.91 in. Harvested: October 17, 2008 Herbicide: PPI: 1.6 qts. Bicep II Magnum June 4.80 in. Rows: Four 30” rows 1 qt. Princep July 3.50 in. Population: 32,241 seeds/A. Post: 1.67 qts. Lexar / 6 oz. Stinger August 2.94 in. Soil Type: Clay Loam Insecticide: Force on Non-RW Hybrids Total 17.78 in.

Yield Rank

Brand


Test*

Weight


Percent Moisture


1 BECK 6722VT3 30,250 54.6 0.0 20.8 160.7 2 BECK 7916VT3 30,250 56.9 0.8 19.8 160.2 3 BECK 6733HXR™** 32,250 58.5 0.3 19.9 159.9 4 BECK 5608VT3 32,250 57.0 0.0 17.6 156.9 5 BECK 5555VT3 28,250 56.4 0.5 19.7 156.0 6 BECK 5684VT3 32,250 53.7 1.0 16.7 156.0 7 BECK EX 9864 (BECK 5779VT3 Genetics) 31,250 55.8 1.8 17.5 155.3 8 BECK 5722HXR 28,250 55.2 0.3 19.8 154.4 9 BECK EX 1831 34,000 55.9 1.0 19.1 154.2

10 BECK EX 8719 (BECK 5784RR Genetics) 32,250 57.2 0.0 18.0 152.7 11 BECK EX 9850 32,000 54.7 1.3 19.2 150.3 12 BECK EX 1802 31,500 58.7 0.8 18.5 149.2 13 BECK 5244VT3 30,500 57.9 1.0 16.5 148.4 14 BECK 5716A3 32,500 54.4 0.8 19.0 144.8 15 BECK EX 0899 29,500 56.8 1.5 18.9 144.5 16 BECK EX 0842 31,250 55.7 0.3 18.7 142.8 17 BECK 5444VT3 32,000 55.9 0.3 17.2 134.3 18 BECK EX 8837 30,250 53.0 0.3 17.4 132.1 19 BECK EX 0851 32,250 58.5 1.8 18.1 128.4 20 BECK EX 0863 30,250 59.5 0.3 16.9 125.0 21 BECK 5616VT3 32,750 56.0 0.0 17.6 124.6 22 BECK 5112VT3 31,000 57.6 0.5 15.8 122.7 23 BECK 5335HXR™** 29,750 58.4 0.0 15.4 122.4 24 BECK 5135RR™** 29,250 57.3 0.0 15.1 118.8


“We like using Beck’s because we have a variety of choices with both seed corn and seed beans. On our farm we use some triple stack hybrids and HES hybrids which we receive a premium. We are looking forward to being able to purchase both Liberty Link hybrids and soybeans in the upcoming year. By offering us many choices we can mix and match technologies which gives us maximum return on our investment.” Mark Hite Kokomo, IN

23

BECK'S High School Educational Plot – 2008 Location: SR 19 across from Previous Crop: Soybeans RAINFALL Hamilton Heights High School Tillage: No-Till April 1.63 in. Planted: May 22, 2008 Herbicide: 1.67 qts. Lexar May 4.91 in. Harvested: October 17, 2008 8 oz. Stinger June 4.80 in. Rows: Four 30” rows 1 oz. Accent July 3.50 in. Population: 32,271 seeds/A. Insecticide: None August 2.94 in. Soil Type: Crosby / Brookston Replications: Two (averaged) Total 17.78 in.

Purpose: This plot is located across from our local high school. We invite students in agriculture classes to the plot site during planting and harvest to explain the technology that we use to produce a crop. These technologies include seed treatments, biotech traits, auto-guide and other general equipment used to plant, harvest, and gather data.

Yield Rank

Brand

Test*

Weight


Percent Moisture

Bushels* Per Acre

1 BECK 6733HXR™** 59.0 0.0 23.6 233.0 2 BECK EX 9864 (5779VT3 Genetics) 57.1 2.4 20.2 229.5 3 BECK EX 0851 58.5 1.6 22.3 228.9 4 BECK EX 0842 56.4 1.8 18.6 228.6 5 BECK 5335HXR™** 60.7 0.8 18.2 218.3 6 BECK EX 0877 56.2 2.3 21.8 218.0 7 BECK EX 9850 55.1 1.6 22.7 218.0 8 BECK 5608VT3 58.2 1.5 19.2 217.0 9 BECK EX 2607 (5716A3 Genetics) 56.3 0.0 20.7 216.3

10 BECK EX 8719 (5784RR Genetics) 56.3 4.8 18.9 215.6 11 BECK EX 0863 59.7 0.0 18.4 214.6 12 BECK 5722HXR 56.8 0.0 22.6 214.3 13 BECK EX 1832 57.4 0.9 22.2 213.3 14 BECK EX 0884 56.7 4.3 21.7 212.4 15 BECK 5555VT3 56.9 1.6 19.8 212.3 16 BECK 5135RR™** 59.6 3.2 18.3 211.4 17 BECK 5244VT3 58.3 4.1 18.3 209.2 18 BECK EX 0899 57.3 11.6 23.2 207.6 19 BECK 7916VT3 57.9 0.0 24.8 206.9 20 BECK 5444VT3 57.1 3.5 18.3 205.6 21 BECK EX 1831 56.1 2.5 20.3 204.8 22 BECK EX 0833 59.0 2.6 19.9 202.8 23 BECK 5112VT3 58.2 2.0 18.0 200.4 24 BECK 5616VT3 57.6 0.8 19.0 199.9 25 BECK EX 4774 56.1 4.4 18.4 199.4 26 BECK EX 0832 54.5 14.0 18.8 198.4 27 BECK EX 8837 54.5 11.0 17.6 198.3 28 BECK 6722VT3 56.7 2.7 23.7 197.8 29 BECK EX 0893 56.6 8.2 18.9 183.8 30 BECK 5684VT3 56.5 5.7 19.2 183.7

AVERAGE 57.3 3.2 20.2 210.4 *Bushels per acre and test weight corrected to 15% moisture. **XL Brand distributed by Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc.

24

BECK'S Advanced Hybrid Corn Plot in HP and MP Soils – 2008 Location: H3 plot (MP Soil) Previous Crop: Soybeans RAINFALL 300-1, 2N plots (HP Soil) Tillage: H3 plot: Zone-Till April 1.63 in. Planted: April 23, 2008 300-1, 2N plots: Conventional-Till May 4.91 in. Harvested: October 13, 2008 Herbicide: 1.6 qts. Bicep II Magnum June 4.80 in. Rows: Two 30” rows 1 qt. Princep / 1.67 qts. Lexar July 3.50 in. Population: 34,674 seeds/A. 6 oz. Stinger August 2.94 in. Insecticide: None In addition, H3 plot had 32 oz. Roundup Original Max Total 17.78 in.

Purpose: This study shows how our most popular hybrids as well as some leading experimental hybrids perform in HP (Highly Productive) and MP (Medium Productive) soil types.

Brand

Soil Type


Test*

Weight


Percent Moisture


2008 Average Bu./A.*

Bu./A. Advantage In HP Soil*

BECK EX 0899 HP 33,000 59.9 7.6 17.2 284.0 229.6 +108.8 BECK EX 0899 MP 32,000 58.3 1.6 15.7 175.2


BECK 6733HXR™** HP 33,000 61.4 0.0 21.0 271.9 220.0 +103.8 BECK 6733HXR™** MP 32,750 59.3 4.6 15.8 168.1


BECK 5722HXR HP 30,500 57.5 1.6 18.8 270.3 226.1 +88.4 BECK 5722HXR MP 31,750 58.2 0.8 17.4 181.9


BECK 8719 (5784RR Genetics) HP 31,500 58.1 11.1 17.8 262.1 216.1 +92.0 BECK 8719 (5784RR Genetics) MP 29,250 57.9 4.3 17.2 170.1

BECK 5684VT3 HP 32,500 59.0 4.6 17.4 253.6 212.5 +82.3 BECK 5684VT3 MP 29,250 57.5 3.3 16.2 171.3












HP Soil Average 31,868 59.6 3.1 18.3 247.6 > 82.5 Bu./A. Difference MP Soil Average 31,224 58.7 4.3 16.2 165.1 *Bushels per acre and test weight corrected to 15% moisture. Note: Some experimental hybrids were omitted due to limited space on this page. **XL Brand distributed by Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc.

Summary: Since 1999 when we began this study, yield differences between HP and MP soils have been a direct reflection of available moisture. In drier years, differences in the average yield range from 35 to 63 Bu./A. In years with normal or excess rainfall, an average of 20 Bu./A. separate the two soil types.

With 2007 being a year of less than average moisture, we saw a 56 Bu./A. difference between the two soil types.

This year, we saw the greatest difference in the history of this study with HP soils out-yielding MP soils by 82.5 Bu./A.

25

BECK'S Stress Mitigation Study on Corn – 2008 RAINFALL

Location: A3 plot Previous Crop: Corn April 1.63 in. Planted: May 2, 2008 Tillage: V-Rip / S-tine May 4.91 in. Harvested: September 11, 2008 & Herbicide: 1.6 qts. Bicep II Magnum June 4.80 in. October 2, 2008 1 qt. Princep July 3.50 in. Rows: Three 30” rows Soil Type: Clay Loam August 2.94 in. Population: Various Total 17.78 in.

Purpose: To compare VT3 and Herculex technologies to non-rootworm corn in both drought-like and normal rain-fed environments.

Plot Design:

We had a 40’ x 60’ clear cover shelter erected after the corn was V2 stage. We then installed moisture probes in the ground to measure moisture every 4” to a depth of 5 feet. Corn under the shelter received no rain throughout the remainder of the growing season.

To measure the ability of rootworm technology to handle higher populations, we also compared 38,000 seeds per acre to the standard 33,000 population planted in the majority of the plot. The bold entries directly compare BECK 5444RR and BECK 5444VT3.

In the rain-fed environment, we also cut the nitrogen rate by 50% to see how Triple Stack products would compare with Roundup Ready.

Yield Rank

Brand

Planted Population


Percent Moisture

Bushels* Per Acre

SHELTER AREA (Drought environment) - Full Rate of Nitrogen 1 Pioneer 33W84 38,000 30,000 22.0 165.2 2 BECK 5444RR w/ Force 3G 33,000 24,000 31.0 118.2 3 BECK 5444RR 33,000 25,000 33.1 108.8 4 Pioneer 33W84 33,000 34,000 27.1 93.9 5 BECK 5444VT3 38,000 32,000 29.3 89.4 6 BECK 5444VT3 33,000 28,000 28.1 89.1 7 BECK 5444RR w/ Force 3G 38,000 28,000 30.0 82.5 AVERAGE 28,714 28.7 106.7

NO SHELTER (Rain-fed environment) - 50% Nitrogen 1 Pioneer 33W84 33,000 31,000 17.7 215.1 2 BECK 5444VT3 33,000 29,000 17.6 205.8 3 BECK 5444RR 33,000 26,000 16.8 176.8 4 BECK 5444RR w/ Force 3G 33,000 31,000 16.1 148.5 AVERAGE 29,250 17.1 186.6

NO SHELTER (Rain-fed environment) - Full Rate of Nitrogen

1 BECK 5444RR w/ Force 3G 33,000 30,000 17.5 224.7

2 Pioneer 33W84 38,000 38,000 18.6 208.1 3 Pioneer 33W84 33,000 26,000 19.1 206.8 4 BECK 5444VT3 38,000 37,000 16.7 203.2 5 BECK 5444VT3 33,000 33,000 18.6 202.6 6 BECK 5444RR 33,000 31,000 17.2 191.3 7 BECK 5444RR w/ Force 3G 38,000 35,000 17.3 170.0 AVERAGE 32,857 17.9 201.0

*Bushels per acre and test weight corrected to 15% moisture.

Summary: Our root digs in mid-July revealed very little rootworm feeding damage on the roots, regardless of whether the corn was traited, non-traited, or had soil insecticide applied. Overall, the yield differences were somewhat sporadic and inconclusive in this test. In comparison with last year’s data, yields under the shelter are greater as a whole because this year’s stress was considerably less due to lower temperatures.

While having a full rate of nitrogen did produce nearly a 15 Bu./A. more yield compared to a 50% rate, the Pioneer 33W84 and BECK 5444VT3 both produced slightly more yield in the 50% nitrogen rate area.

26

BECK'S Stress Mitigation Study on Corn – Continued The boxes below represent available water from 4” to 60” deep in the soil on the three days listed, in 2007.

Soil Insecticide Stress Shelter

JUNE 14

JULY 18

AUG 17

Light colored areas represent less water at that depth in the

soil profile, which means more is being taken up by the roots and

utilized by the plant.

Less water in soil means more water uptake by the roots by YieldGard VT Triple than by non-RW products with soil

insecticide.

Soil Surface

30”

60”

Toby Ripberger, Assistant PFR Manager, holds the moisture probe before placing it 5’ deep in the soil.

Beck’s Stress Shelter created severe drought conditions where Beck’s compared YieldGard VT Triple, Herculex XTRA, and soil insecticide products.

30”

60”

60”

30”

27

BECK'S Stress Mitigation Study on Corn – Continued Soil Insecticide Rain-Fed

JUNE 14

JULY 18

AUG 17

Moisture Probe Summary:

In 2007, in both the Shelter and Rain-fed environments, Beck’s YieldGard VT Triple Stack product utilized more water from the soil profile than the non-RW product. This finding is significant in that, regardless of yields in this one plot, which can be affected by many factors, YieldGard VT Triple is demonstrating an inherent capacity to uptake more water than non-RW products. This is a very positive finding and can add to a farmer’s overall confidence in YieldGard VT products and their ability to handle stresses of many kinds.

In 2008, the YieldGard VT Triple roots demonstrated the capability to access moisture at the deepest sensor levels of the 60” moisture probe.

60”

30”

Soil Surface

28

BECK'S 300 Bushel Attempt – 2008 Location: 300-1 S, 300-3 S, 300-4 S plots Fertilizer: Starter Mix: 8.5 gal 10-34-0 RAINFALL Planted: April 18, 2008 8.5 gal 28-0-0 35#N April 1.63 in. Harvested: September 23, 2008 Sidedress: 89 gal 28-0-0 266#N May 4.91 in. Population: 36,500 seeds/A. 301#N June 4.80 in. Soil Type: Genesee Silt Loam July 3.50 in. Tillage: Moldboard Plow & S-tine on Insecticide: Force on BECK 5335RR™** only Aug. 2.94 in. continuous corn and corn after 3.2 oz. Mustang Max Total 17.78 in. beans with Headline Fungicide: 6 oz. Headline V-Rip on corn after beans without Headline Herbicide: Pre: 2.1 qts. Bicep II Magnum 1 qt. Princep Post: 1.67 qts. Lexar 8 oz. Stinger Purpose: In our attempt to reach 300 bushels per acre, we have tried several different approaches in the past

28 years. In the early years, we increased our populations and applied extremely high rates of fertilizer as well as some micronutrients. In the mid to late 80’s, we tried using different tillage methods like v-rip, chisel, and moldboard plow. From 1991 to 2002, we tested zone-till vs. conventional-till. In 2003, we tested ultra-high populations and twin rows using conventional-till practices. Since 2004, we have compared the following crop rotations: continuous corn, two-year corn/one year soybean, and corn/soybean rotations.

Brand


Test*

Weight


Percent Root

Lodging

Percent Moisture

Bushels* Per Acre

CONTINUOUS CORN (8TH YEAR) WITH HEADLINE BECK 6733HXR™** 36,500 59.4 2.7 0.0 25.9 332.4 BECK EX 0899Hx1RR 35,500 58.2 4.2 0.0 28.1 314.7 BECK EX 8719VT3 (5784RR Genetics) 35,000 56.3 1.4 0.0 26.9 292.6 BECK 5444VT3 30,000 56.6 8.3 0.0 24.1 288.6 BECK 5335RR™** 35,000 59.7 1.4 0.0 24.3 282.8 BECK 5608VT3 31,000 57.6 0.0 0.0 25.3 277.8 BECK EX 0842VT3 31,000 55.8 0.0 0.0 26.9 276.7 BECK 5555VT3 33,000 57.6 1.5 0.0 24.0 275.7

AVERAGE 33,375 57.7 2.5 0.0 25.7 292.7

CORN AFTER BEANS WITH HEADLINE BECK 6733HXR™** 33,000 59.5 1.5 0.0 27.4 320.8 BECK 5335RR™** 36,000 56.0 0.0 0.0 23.8 292.9 BECK 5444VT3 33,000 56.6 0.0 0.0 24.1 292.4 BECK EX 0899Hx1RR 31,500 60.1 14.3 4.8 30.2 289.3 BECK 5608VT3 33,500 58.5 1.5 0.0 26.2 280.0 BECK EX 0842VT3 32,000 56.8 0.0 1.6 27.1 278.4 BECK 5555VT3 23,500 56.8 0.0 0.0 25.8 273.5 BECK EX 8719VT3 (5784RR Genetics) 31,500 58.6 0.0 0.0 31.6 256.1

AVERAGE 31,750 57.9 2.2 0.8 27.0 285.4

CORN AFTER BEANS BECK 6733HXR™** 36,500 58.3 1.4 1.4 25.8 301.9 BECK EX 0899Hx1RR 31,500 58.4 0.0 19.0 27.3 295.8 BECK 5335RR™** 34,000 58.2 0.0 0.0 23.1 273.8 BECK 5555VT3 26,000 56.7 1.9 0.0 24.2 267.4 BECK EX 0842VT3 33,500 55.5 0.0 0.0 25.1 267.3 BECK 5444VT3 30,000 56.7 0.0 0.0 25.5 262.8 BECK 5608VT3 34,000 56.5 0.0 0.0 23.7 258.9 BECK EX 8719VT3 (5784RR Genetics) 32,500 56.7 3.1 0.0 28.1 247.0

AVERAGE 32,250 57.1 0.8 2.6 25.4 271.9 *Bushels per acre and test weight corrected to 15% moisture. ** XL Brand distributed by Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc.

29 Summary: On average, we observed no significant yield differences between any of the crop rotation methods

tested in 2005 and 2006. In 2007, the corn after soybean area produced over 22 bushels per acre more than the continuous corn. In 2008, the continuous corn with Headline fungicide outyielded the corn after soybeans with Headline by 7.3 bushels per acre and was 1.3% drier. So overall, we have seen some variability from year to year in how continuous corn compares to first year corn, although our average for the past four years would still show an advantage for corn after soybeans. BECK 6733HXR™** took first place in all three replications, and broke the 300 bushels per acre goal each time. In 2007, BECK 6733 (non-traited version) claimed the plot’s top spot with a yield of 302.9 bushels per acre. This year’s win solidifies BECK 6733 genetics as having the highest yield potential in two consecutive years of testing. Overall, Beck’s genetics in this year’s plot exceeded the previous year’s plot average by a significant margin of 30 bushels per acre. Note how the continuous corn plot average was over 292 bushels per acre. Keys to the success of this year’s plot were early planting, good stand establishment on most hybrids, adequate but not flooding rains throughout the growing season, and minimal disease pressure. Also, with the high fertility levels in this highly productive soil, we have not applied any fall fertilizer since October 2005, and relied only on the starter and sidedress nitrogen to feed the plants. Think about it… What does it mean to raise 332.4 bushels per acre with a market price of $5.00 per bushel? Answer: Over $1,662 per acre!!

30

BECK'S De-Terminator™ Corn Planter Study – 2008 Background: Case IH built a six-row planter called “The De-Terminator” to test the row unit and seed

metering systems of five planter manufacturers. They tested the following brands on a single tool bar at 11 locations in six states: Case IH John Deere Vacuum Kinze Finger Pickup Kinze Vacuum White Air De-Terminator cooperators set up their own test protocol in which they tested speed and multiple seed sizes in 2008. The row units and meters were all set to plant 32,400 plants per acre. Of the 54,320 total plant measurements that were taken, just over 35% were done at the three sites associated with Beck’s Hybrids (Atlanta, IN, Ft. Branch, IN and Downs, IL).

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine the performance of each meter when using

different seed sizes, seed treatments and planting speeds.

Data was collected for the following:

1) Population 2) Variation in plant spacing and growth stage 3) Yield, moisture and test weight at harvest

The focus of doing the early stand counts was to determine the Net Effective Stand (NES) which measures “Stand Quality”. NES takes into account both seed spacing and emergence uniformity. To figure NES, count the total emerged population, then subtract the late emerging plants (0.5 for 1-2 leaves behind, 1 for 3+ leaves behind), then subtract poorly spaced plants (0.5 for 1 double, 2 for 1 triple).

Example: Counted 29.0 plants in 1,000th of an acre (29,000 population) -1.5 (Counted one plant 1 leaf behind and one plant 3 leaves behind) -0.5 (Found one double) 27.0 productive plants contributing 100% to yield 27,000 is the Net Effective Stand even though there are 29,000 plants emerged.

To figure the Net Effective Stand Percentage, divide the Total Productive Plants by the Final Population.

Example: 27,000 = 93.1 Net Effective Stand % 29,000

NES% is a measure of a planter row unit and meter’s ability to accurately space seeds and provide a seed environment that is conducive to uniform emergence. In later pages we will present yield data from the De-Terminator plots in Atlanta, Downs and Fort Branch. Note: Net Effective Stand does not measure how close a meter came to planting the target population. It simply measures the quality of the stand that did emerge.

31

BECK'S De-Terminator Corn Planter Study - Continued

Net Effective Stand Percentages

Each number represents the average number of productive plants compared to the total population on a percentage basis for the three Beck locations. The bold numbers represent the NES percentages that are 90% or more. The italicized numbers represent the 2-3 lowest NES percentages. If all NES% are above 90% then no numbers will be italicized. This data can be used as a general guideline for deciding which grade sizes and speeds are optimum and which should be avoided for each type of planter.

Case IH Kinze - Finger

Speed (mph)

Seed Weight (lbs.) Speed (mph)

Seed Weight (lbs.)

<40

40-50

50-60

>60

<40

40-50

50-60

>60 4.5 98% 97% 96% 100% 4.5 90% 96% 95% 98% 5.5 96% 97% 96% 100% 5.5 92% 97% 93% 95% 6.5 92% 95% 93% 98% 6.5 83% 91% 90% 97%

Comments: Case IH gave highest overall NES% for all seed sizes and speeds.

Comments: Handles larger seed at high speeds. Caution: Seed below 40 lbs.

Kinze - Vac White

Speed (mph)

Seed Weight (lbs.) Speed (mph)

Seed Weight (lbs.)

<40

40-50

50-60

>60

<40

40-50

50-60

>60 4.5 92% 94% 97% 96% 4.5 96% 92% 85% 81% 5.5 88% 94% 96% 98% 5.5 94% 89% 89% 76%

6.5 92% 89% 90% 98% 6.5 94% 89% 87% 79%

Comments: Handles larger seed relatively well. Caution: <50 lb. seed at speeds > 4.5 mph.

Comments: Likes speed <6 mph. Caution: High speeds and any seed above 50 lbs.

John Deere - Vac

Speed (mph)

Seed Weight (lbs.)

<40

40-50

50-60

>60

4.5 96% 95% 95% 95% 5.5 91% 96% 97% 97% 6.5 92% 93% 93% 96%

Comments: John Deere Vac provided NES% >90 at every seed size and speed.

Scott Beck and Toby Ripberger discuss planting information with the CASE IH representatives.

32

BECK'S De-Terminator Corn Planter Study – Continued

Summary: This data illustrates that the Case IH meter has the highest NES% at all planting speeds. When examining the NES% of all the meters the NES% drops on all units at 6.5 mph except for the White meter.

Summary: All meters except the White brand gave the highest NES% with the Large Plateless grade size. Both the White and Kinze (finger) meters showed more variability than the other meters with respect to grade size and corresponding NES%.

Data represented in this chart is from Beck’s Hybrids 3 locations only.

Data represented in this chart is from 11 different plot sites.

33


Summary: We would expect 40-60 lbs. to be the optimum size to plant to obtain the highest NES%. However, we can’t explain why all meters except the White showed lower NES% when they planted 50-60 lb. seed, but improved when planting seed >60 lbs. The White unit NES% was comparable at small seed but had lower NES% as seed size increased. The Kinze (finger) unit’s NES% was comparable at the medium and larger seed sizes, but not at the smaller seed sizes.

Data represented in this chart is from 11 different plot sites.

34


Overall Results for Yield, Population and NES%

Atlanta, IN Location

RAINFALL Location: E1 - E2 plots Previous Crop: Corn April 1.63 in. Planted: April 23, 2008 Tillage: V-Rip / S-tine May 4.91 in. Harvested: October 8, 2008 Herbicide: PPI: 1.6 qts. Bicep II Magnum June 4.80 in. Rows: Six 30” row 1 qt. Princep July 3.50 in. Population: 32,400 seeds/A. Post: 1.67 qts. Lexar / 6 oz. Stinger August 2.94 in. Soil Type: Brookston / Crosby Insecticide: None Total 17.78 in. It must be noted that yield performance does not directly correlate to NES% although it is an important part of the equation. Final population must be multiplied by NES% to get NES Population which is a key yield driver. Environmental variables are also an important part of the overall equation; we know that planting thicker does not always produce more yield. One must determine a NES Population target then divide by their expected NES% to determine their target Final Population which then needs to be factored by germination rates to determine their actual planting population. In these plots, each row unit was set to plant 32,400 plants per acre although final populations varied. Summary: In any given year for any given hybrid the optimum NES Population target may vary. In

the case of Atlanta in 2008 the optimum yields were harvested in checks with NES populations of 27,920 and 27,998, even though they did not have the highest NES%. This is calculated by multiplying final population by NES%.

Planter Brand Case IH John Deere (Vac) Kinze (Finger) Kinze (Vac) White Total Population 29,364 29,623 30,600 28,283 33,002 NES Population 28,116 27,920 27,998 25,920 28,662

35


Overall Results for Yield, Population and NES% - Continued

Downs, IL Location

RAINFALL Location: Downs, IL Previous Crop: Soybeans April 1.88 in. Planted: April 27, 2008 Tillage: Field Cultivator May 6.41 in. Harvested: October 25, 2008 Herbicide: Degree Xtra June 4.44 in. Rows: One 30” row Roundup Original Max July 7.05 in. Population: 32,400 seeds/A. Insecticide: 6 oz. Headline August 0.91 in. Soil Type: Ipava Silt Loam Total 20.69 in.

Summary: The 2008 yield data at the Downs, IL location best follows the pattern of total population. The planter units with the highest total population ultimately had the highest yields, but this does not correlate with the NES%.

Overall Yield and Population Summaries For Speed and Grade Size Tests

Atlanta, IN Ft. Branch, IN Downs, IL Population Bu./A. Population Bu./A. Population Bu./A.

4.5 mph 30,158 141.9 27,931 224.3 29,504 264.3 5.5 mph 30,145 141.9 27,658 217.4 29,575 260.5 6.5 mph 30,224 142.3 27,306 208.5 29,712 264.8

MR 30,520 171.6 28,813 222.4 28,813 294.8 MF 30,589 177.6 29,759 218.3 29,759 260.1 SP 28,965 118.5 27,946 215.3 27,728 239.3 PL 30,648 110.3 28,990 211.3 31,912 260.3 AP 30,154 132.2 27,469 220.2 29,759 261.5

Summary: The speed data from Atlanta, IN and Downs, IL shows that the speeds with the highest population developed into the largest yield. This year at all three locations there is not a direct correlation with grade size to population/yield. Ft. Branch, IN is the only location where the slowest speed correlated to the highest population and yield.

Planter Brand Case IH John Deere (Vac) Kinze (Finger) Kinze (Vac) White Total Population 29,113 29,565 29,119 26,507 33,658 NES Population 28,219 27,982 27,573 24,979 29,264

36

BECK'S Herbicide Sensitivity Study – 2008 RAINFALL Location: F3 plot Previous Crop: Soybeans April 1.63 in. Planted: May 22, 2008 Tillage: V-Rip / S-tine May 4.91 in. Harvested: October 18, 2008 Insecticide: Force June 4.80 in. Rows: Two 30” rows Pre-Applied Herbicide: 2.3 qts. Bicep II Magnum July 3.50 in. Population: 30,000 seeds/A. Used only where Post- 1 qt. Princep August 2.94 in. Applied products were tested. Total 17.78 in. Purpose: Numerous factors can affect crop injury caused by herbicides, including soil type, weather

conditions before, during and after application, planting depth, and proper furrow closure to name a few. This study was designed to evaluate the sensitivity of four post-applied herbicides. To simulate a spray overlap, a 2X labeled rate was applied. When evaluating the results, the lower the percentage, the greater the sensitivity. (Example: BECK 5112VT3 (85.1%) was more sensitive to SureStart than BECK 5444VT3 (103.7%).

Brand Balance

Flexx Laudis Status SureStart Control BECK 5112VT3 108.8% 103.1% 98.6% 85.1% 104.4%

BECK 5135RR™* 114.2% 99.4% 91.2% 84.9% 110.3%

BECK 5244VT3 103.7% 97.4% 93.7% 93.5% 111.6%

BECK 5335HXR™* 109.9% 99.0% 92.0% 89.2% 109.9%

BECK 5444VT3 106.4% 90.4% 96.8% 103.7% 102.7%

BECK 5555VT3 99.2% 89.2% 100.5% 95.4% 115.7%

BECK 5608VT3 101.5% 90.0% 98.8% 93.3% 116.4%

BECK 5684VT3 102.1% 100.7% 93.9% 95.6% 107.7%

BECK 5716A3 99.6% 95.8% 98.1% 99.3% 107.2%

BECK 5779VT3 Genetics 102.4% 93.1% 99.0% 96.1% 109.5%

BECK 5784RR Genetics 105.9% 95.1% 95.9% 98.1% 105.0%

BECK 6722VT3 98.2% 97.4% 101.8% 103.3% 99.3%

BECK 6733HXR™* 99.3% 98.4% 103.9% 102.1% 96.4%

BECK 7916VT3 108.6% 92.6% 103.4% 85.5% 109.9%

AVERAGE** 104.2% 95.3% 97.9% 96.0% 106.6% **This row is an average of all hybrids per treatment.

* XL Brand distributed by Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc.

Summary: The 2008 results for all hybrids with a 2X rate applied, showed that Laudis (a pigment inhibiter), SureStart (a cell division inhibiter + an ALS inhibiter + a synthetic auxin), and Status (a growth regulator) all showed sensitivity in this years study with the growing conditions we experienced (95.3% and 96.0% and 97.9% respectively for the overall average). Status was neutral in our 2007 study with a 99.0% when all hybrids were averaged together. Balance Flexx (an HPPD inhibiter with a new generation safener) showed very good crop safety with 104.2% in this years study. Individual hybrid sensitivity to a given herbicide is displayed in the body of the table.

37

BECK’S Corn Trait / Population Study – 2008 Location: B1 plot Tillage: No-Till RAINFALL Planted: May 1, 2008 Herbicide: Pre: 1.6 qts. Bicep II Magnum April 1.63 in. Harvested: September 30, 2008 1 qt. Princep May 4.91 in. Population: Various Post: 1.67 qts. Lexar June 4.80 in. Previous Crop: Soybeans 6 oz. Stinger July 3.50 in. Replications: Two (averaged) Insecticide: Force on non-RW only August 2.94 in. Total 17.78 in. Purpose: Improved genetics and insect protection traits may allow farmers to improve yields by simply

planting higher populations. This study compares RR to VT3 and HXR hybrids at 30,000, 33,000, 36,000 and 39,000 populations.

Brand

Target

Population


Percent Moisture

Bushels* Per Acre

$ Net Return

Per Acre^

$/A. Advantage

vs. 30,000^^

Yield Advantage

VT3 BECK 5444RR 30,000 26,500 23.0 211.7 $989.36 BECK 5444RR 33,000 30,250 21.0 227.2 $1,061.35 +$71.99 BECK 5444RR 36,000 34,000 21.6 228.1 $1,060.33 +$70.98 BECK 5444RR 39,000 37,000 20.3 226.7 $1,048.04 +$58.68

AVERAGE 21.5 223.4 BECK 5444VT3 30,000 29,750 22.1 227.4 $1,067.42 BECK 5444VT3 33,000 31,000 21.3 228.2 $1,064.46 -$2.96 BECK 5444VT3 36,000 35,000 20.8 233.5 $1,084.20 +$16.78 BECK 5444VT3 39,000 36,500 19.0 231.9 $1,069.27 +$1.85

AVERAGE 20.8 230.3 +6.9 BECK 5684RR 30,000 29,250 20.0 230.9 $1,085.56 BECK 5684RR 33,000 27,250 20.1 228.0 $1,065.77 -$19.79 BECK 5684RR 36,000 34,500 19.4 227.7 $1,058.62 -$26.95 BECK 5684RR 39,000 38,500 18.1 223.2 $1,030.62 -$54.95

AVERAGE 19.4 227.5 BECK 5684VT3 30,000 27,000 22.4 237.6 $1,114.92 BECK 5684VT3 33,000 28,250 20.7 236.5 $1,102.34 -$12.58 BECK 5684VT3 36,000 35,500 19.2 244.9 $1,137.19 +$22.28 BECK 5684VT3 39,000 34,500 19.6 227.3 $1,041.59 -$73.32

AVERAGE 20.5 236.6 +9.1

BECK 6733 30,000 29,750 26.0 236.6 $1,127.52 BECK 6733 33,000 30,000 25.4 233.0 $1,105.18 -$22.34 BECK 6733 36,000 32,750 25.1 221.4 $1,043.10 -$84.42 BECK 6733 39,000 36,750 26.8 197.6 $919.84 -$207.69

AVERAGE 25.8 222.2

BECK 6733HXR™** 30,000 32,750 22.5 237.3 $1,114.51 BECK 6733HXR™** 33,000 32,000 24.7 230.4 $1,072.99 -$41.52 BECK 6733HXR™** 36,000 35,500 26.2 209.3 $960.38 -$154.13

AVERAGE 24.5 225.7 +3.5 *Bushels per acre corrected to 15% moisture. **XL Brand distributed by Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc. ^Net return/acre calculated at yield times $5.00/Bu. less $14.00/A. insecticide cost (if applied), less 2008 seed corn prices with typical discounts. ^^The $/A. Advantage versus 30,000 population shows the difference in return versus the return for 30,000 planting population. Summary: VT3 products out-yielded RR products in every comparison. However, we did not see the yield and

economic advantage for higher populations in many of the hybrids in this study. This plot is on more variable and rolling soil and the lack of abundant moisture may have affected the higher populations, even though overall yields were still above 200 Bu./A. See the Illinois PFR results on this study for the more general trend we are seeing with higher populations.

38

BECK'S Corn Population Study - 2008Location: Planted: Harvested:Rows:Replications:

F2 plot May 22, 2008October 18, 2008Two 30" rowsTwo (averaged)

Summary: The top three graphs above represent different hybrid types for ear flex. Beck 5335HXR™* is a medium-flex corn and the yield continues to increase with increased populations. Beck 5244VT3 is a flex-girth product that has more flex potential at lower populations than the medium-flex group while continuing to add yield and profit at higher populations. The third product, Beck 6722VT3, has flex-length potential and the ability to reach optimum yields at lower populations and may not show as much benefit at the highest populations. The variable spacing study (bar graph above) continues to show significant differences. Having uniform spacing offers an excellent return per acre. Usually lodging increases as population increases as is shown by the line graph above, however traits and newer genetics have been showing a slight decrease in overall lodging over the past four to five years.

With the data on this and the opposite page (along with our 2009 Company Profile and Product Guide) you can decide the optimum population range for each hybrid. Keep in mind that this test was conducted on medium-high productivity soils and the populations listed were final populations. In general, you should slightly reduce populations in soils with less productivity.

*XL Brand distributed by Beck's Superior Hybrids, Inc.

02468

1012

18 21 24 27 30 33 36 39

% Ldg

Population (x1000)

Lodging - 10 Yr. Avg

207.3

213.7

195

205

215

26300 Variable Spacing 26300 Even Spacing

Bu/ASpacing Study - 12 Yr. Avg.

Purpose: One key management decision to maximize return per acre is choosing the correct population for each hybrid for a given soil type. This is the twelfth year of an ongoing study to learn the specific population at which our current hybrids optimize their yield. The final stand populations range from 18,000 to 42,000 plants per acre in increments of 3,000 plants per acre. The graphs on this and the following page demonstrate the optimum population for each hybrid. Keep in mind that one year data may not produce a smooth curve. The graphs below show data on three hybrids with different ear types. The graph on lodging displays the lodging of all hybrids across years. The graph in the lower right compares variable to even spacing at the same final population rate.

2007 - 2008 DataMedium-Flex Flex-Girth Flex-Length

190

210

230

250

270

18 21 24 27 30 33 36 39 42

Bu/A

Population (x1000)

5335HXR™* (1Yr.)

200210220230240250260

18 21 24 27 30 33 36 39 42

Bu/A

Population (x1000)

5244VT3 (2Yr.)

200210220230240250

18 21 24 27 30 33 36 39 42

Bu/A

Population (x1000)

6722VT3 (2Yr.)

Soil Type: Previous Crop: Tillage:Herbicide: PPI:

Post:

Clay LoamSoybeansV-Rip / S-tine1.65 qts. Bicep II Magnum

1.67 qts. Lexar / 6 oz. StingerForceInsecticide:

1.63 in.4.91 in.4.80 in.3.50 in.2.94 in.

17.78 in.

RAINFALLApril May June July August Total

39

BECK'S Corn Population Study - Multiple Year Results

200210220230240250

18 21 24 27 30 33 36 39 42

Bu/A

Population (x1000)

5112VT3 (2Yr.)

200

220

240

260

280

18 21 24 27 30 33 36 39 42

Bu/A

Population (x1000)

5135RR™* (1Yr.)

220230240250260270

18 21 24 27 30 33 36 39 42

Bu/A

Population (x1000)

5444VT3 (2Yr.)

200210220230240250260

18 21 24 27 30 33 36 39 42

Bu/A

Population (x1000)

5555VT3 (2Yr.)

170190210230250270

18 21 24 27 30 33 36 39 42

Bu/A

Population (x1000)

5608VT3 (1Yr.)

190

210

230

250

270

18 21 24 27 30 33 36 39 42

Bu/A

Population (x1000)

5684VT3 (2Yr.)

190

210

230

250

270

18 21 24 27 30 33 36 39 42

Bu/A

Population (x1000)

5716A3 (1Yr.)

190

210

230

250

270

18 21 24 27 30 33 36 39 42

Bu/A

Population (x1000)

5784RR (Genetics) (1Yr.)

190210230250270290

18 21 24 27 30 33 36 39 42

Bu/A

Population (x1000)

5779VT3 (Genetics) (1Yr.)

220

240

260

280

18 21 24 27 30 33 36 39 42

Bu/A

Population (x1000)

6733HXR™* (2Yr.)

190

210

230

250

270

18 21 24 27 30 33 36 39 42

Bu/A

Population (x1000)

7916VT3 (2Yr.)


40

BECK'S 15” vs. 30” Row Corn Population Study - 2008

Location: F1 plot Previous Crop: Soybeans RAINFALL Planted: May 22, 2008 Tillage: V-Rip / S-tine April 1.63 in. Harvested: October 18, 2008 Herbicide: PPI: 1.6 qts. Bicep II Magnum May 4.91 in. Rows: Five 15” rows 1 qt. Princep June 4.80 in. Two 30” rows Post: 1.67 qts. Lexar / 6 oz. Stinger July 3.50 in. Population: Various Insecticide: Force August 2.94 in. Soil Type: Crosby Total 17.78 in.

Purpose: An increasing number of farmers have shown an interest in 15” corn rows. This study compares fourteen hybrids in 15” and 30” row spacing at populations ranging from 18,000 to 45,000 to determine the performance difference between 15” and 30” rows and to provide hybrid specific data for farmers planting Beck products in 15” rows.

TM* - XL Brand is distributed by Beck’s Superior Hybrids.

41

BECK'S 15” vs. 30” Row Corn Population Study – Cont.

Analysis by Population

Population

Row Spacing

Test Weight

% Root Lodging

% Stalk Lodging

% Moisture

Bu./A.

15” Row Advantage

18,000 30” 57.3 0.0 0.3 19.7 199.3

21,000 30” 57.3 0.6 0.9 20.0 208.5 15” 58.2 0.0 0.8 18.3 212.1 +3.6

24,000 30” 57.5 0.2 0.7 19.4 228.4 15” 57.8 0.9 1.1 19.0 230.2 +1.8

27,000 30” 57.6 0.3 1.4 19.5 233.3 15” 57.5 0.2 0.8 19.7 247.9 +14.6

30,000 30” 56.9 0.7 1.6 20.8 241.0 15” 57.4 1.3 0.9 20.1 253.8 +12.8

33,000 30” 57.2 1.1 3.2 19.9 244.1 15” 57.5 2.5 1.5 19.9 256.7 +12.6

36,000 30” 57.6 1.8 3.6 19.2 250.9 15” 57.4 3.1 2.7 20.0 257.0 +6.1

39,000 30” 58.1 2.6 12.4 18.3 235.9 15” 56.7 2.7 1.3 21.4 266.3 +30.4

42,000 30” 58.5 1.6 11.1 17.8 238.1 15” 57.1 2.5 2.0 20.4 274.9 +36.8

45,000 15” 57.4 1.4 1.2 19.7 279.1

OVERALL AVG. FOR POPS. IN

COMMON (21,000-42,000)

30” 57.6 1.1 4.4 19.4 235.0 15” 57.4 1.6 1.4 19.9 249.9 +14.9

Population Summary:

We planted eight populations in common in 15” and 30” rows (21,000-42,000). The trend line yield across both 15” and 30” rows is definitely going up as populations are increased. The 15” rows had a 14.9 Bu./A. advantage over the 30” rows in this years study. Stalk lodging was more prevalent at higher populations in the 30” rows.

Summary for 15” Rows:

The averages of all of the hybrids trended up as populations were increased. The 15” rows not only outcompeted the 30” rows at all populations but the differences grew larger as the populations increased.

Summary for 30” Rows:

The 30” rows trended up in yield at higher populations as well. Only at the highest two populations (39,000 and 42,000) did the yields level off, however these two populations still outperformed populations from 18,000 to 27,000. Results from 2005 showed an advantage for 30” rows at all populations in common with the 15” rows.


42

BECK'S Corn Planting Date Study – 2008 RAINFALL

Location: N1 plot Previous Crop: Soybeans April 1.63 in. Planted: Various Tillage: V-Rip / S-tine May 4.91 in. Harvested: October 14, 2008 Herbicide: PPI: 1.6 qts. Bicep II Magnum June 4.80 in. Rows: Four 30” rows 1 qt. Princep July 3.50 in. Population: 36,068 seeds/A. Post: 1.67 qts. Lexar / 6 oz. Stinger August 2.94 in. Total 17.78 in.

Purpose: To evaluate performance of an early-season and a mid-season product planted on several dates throughout the growing season.

Planting Date

Brand


Test* Weight

Percent Moisture

Bushels* Per Acre

April 8 BECK 5444VT3 28,000 58.6 16.6 274.6 April 8 BECK 5112VT3 22,000 58.4 16.0 205.0 AVERAGE 25,000 58.5 16.3 239.8



May 1 BECK 5444VT3 28,500 58.2 16.8 273.1 May 1 BECK 5112VT3 36,500 58.7 16.8 232.0 AVERAGE 32,500 58.5 16.8 252.6



June 2 BECK 5444VT3 36,000 59.1 25.2 265.1 June 2 BECK 5112VT3 35,000 57.6 21.6 225.5 AVERAGE 35,500 58.4 23.4 245.3 *Bushels per acre and test weight corrected to 15% moisture.

Summary: We know from past Practical Farm Research that earlier planted corn generally has greater yield potential than later planted corn.

This year, our highest yielding date was April 17th. However our second highest yields came from May 19th and 24th. Seed planted April 24th and May 1st endured the cooler, wetter, slow growing environment we had in early and mid-May, which is a critical period in getting the stage set for optimum yields.

The bar graph reflects the percent of the average yield for each date range for each year of data. The line graph shows that early planting often results in lower populations. Overall, lower populations planted early still yield more than higher populations planted later.

Population line graph reflects the % of harvest population vs. seeds planted.

43

BECK’S Strip-Till vs. Conventional-Till Corn after Soybeans – 2008

Location: B2 plot Previous Crop: Soybeans RAINFALL Planted: April 21, 2008 Tillage: Various April 1.63 in. Harvested: September 22, 2008 Herbicide: Pre: 1.6 qts. Bicep II Magnum May 4.91 in. Soil Type: Clay Loam 1 qt. Princep June 4.80 in. Population: 33,674 seeds/A. Post: 1.67 qts. Lexar July 3.50 in. Rows: Four 30” rows 6 oz. Stinger August 2.94 in. Replications: Three Insecticide: None Total 17.78 in.

Purpose: Strip-Till has become of interest to many farmers that want to reduce tillage and focus

on the fertility in the zone where the crop is growing. This study compares strip-till to conventional-till in both corn after corn and corn after soybean environments. The corn after corn study is not being published due to erratic data. In the future, we plan to apply banded fertilizer in the strip-till zone at full and reduced rates to compare to full rates in the conventional-till area.

Yield Rank Brand


Test* Weight

Percent Moisture

Bushels* Per Acre

STRIP-TILL 1 BECK 5684VT3 32,500 58.0 23.6 197.2 2 BECK 5555VT3 32,333 58.0 27.1 170.8 3 BECK 5616VT3 32,833 59.3 24.0 164.8 4 BECK 5444VT3 32,250 57.6 25.1 155.7 AVERAGE 32,479 58.2 25.0 172.1

CONVENTIONAL-TILL 1 BECK 5555VT3 32,667 57.7 25.4 179.1 2 BECK 5444VT3 33,667 57.3 26.0 175.4 3 BECK 5684VT3 33,000 56.2 23.9 175.3 4 BECK 5616VT3 31,500 57.1 23.6 157.9 AVERAGE 32,709 57.1 24.7 171.9

*Bushels per acre and test weight corrected to 15% moisture. Summary: In 2007, the first year of testing, we saw a

consistent pattern of higher yields in the strip-till areas. This year, the yield averages were nearly equal, but we observed that the two healthier products, BECK 5684VT3 and BECK 5616VT3 performed better in the strip-till versus the average yield.

One of the lessons learned is the importance of using auto-guide technology with strip-till. Many of the areas strip-tilled in the fall were difficult to distinguish at planting time due to weathering and residue movement back into the strips.

In addition, strip-tilled areas on sloping ground were more subject to erosion when the strip was located in an area where water ran. This created a non-uniform seed bed at planting time and erosion continued to occur.

44

BECK'S Zone-Till vs. Conv.-Till Long Range Study – 2008 Corn After Soybeans (Also Nitrogen Rate Study)

Location: E9 & E10 plots Insecticide: None Planted: April 23, 2008 Tillage: Zone-Till = 7" wide with 3 coulters Harvested: September 23, 2008 Conv.-Till = V-Rip & S-Tine Rows: Four 30" rows Fertilizer: Starter Mix: 8.5 gal. 28-0-0 Soil Type: Crosby / Miami 8.5 gal. 10-34-0 35# N Population: 33,674 seeds/A. Sidedress: 62.4 gal. 28-0-0 186# N or 156# N (30# less N) Previous Crop: Soybeans 221# N 191# N Herbicide: Pre: 1.6 qts. Bicep II Magnum 1 qt. Princep Post: 1.67 qts. Lexar 6 oz. Stinger

Purpose: This is the eighteenth year for evaluating zone-till vs. conventional-till practices in a corn / soybean rotation. Since the previous year’s soybeans are said to supply about 30# of nitrogen credit, we are also comparing a 30# lower rate of nitrogen on the same hybrids in each test.

Brand

Notes


Test*

Weight


Percent Moisture

Bushels* Per Acre

Bu./A. Difference for less N

$ Return^ per Acre

ZONE-TILL STUDY BECK 6733HXR™** Sidedress 30# less N 32,750 58.7 3.1 25.5 250.1 BECK 5722HXR Sidedress 30# less N 32,000 57.5 9.9 26.8 235.3 BECK EX 0832 Sidedress 30# less N 33,500 57.2 5.2 26.7 225.0 BECK 5316HXR Sidedress 30# less N 34,250 58.7 0.8 26.7 229.5 AVERAGE 33,125 58.0 4.8 26.4 235.0 +2.5 +$30.17

BECK 6733HXR™** 32,750 58.9 14.2 26.7 243.7 BECK 5316HXR 35,500 56.9 0.0 26.6 234.0 BECK 5722HXR 33,750 56.9 8.9 25.3 229.8 BECK EX 0832 33,500 56.0 14.0 25.1 222.5 AVERAGE 33,875 57.2 9.3 25.9 232.5

ZONE-TILL AVERAGE 33,500 57.6 7.1 26.2 233.8 +8.2 CONVENTIONAL-TILL STUDY BECK 5722HXR Sidedress 30# less N 30,750 57.4 8.1 26.6 240.1 BECK 6733HXR™** Sidedress 30# less N 32,750 59.9 14.2 28.4 237.5 BECK 5316HXR Sidedress 30# less N 32,000 56.5 11.7 26.1 221.6 BECK EX 0832 Sidedress 30# less N 30,500 57.1 22.3 26.6 211.9 AVERAGE 31,500 57.7 14.1 26.9 227.8 +4.4 +$39.67

BECK 6733HXR™** 32,500 59.1 3.1 28.3 239.1 BECK 5316HXR 32,250 57.4 7.2 25.9 223.7 BECK 5722HXR 31,750 57.0 42.1 27.4 218.0 BECK EX 0832 32,000 56.0 48.9 26.8 212.7 AVERAGE 32,125 57.4 25.3 27.1 223.4

CONVENTIONAL-TILL AVERAGE 31,813 57.6 19.7 27.0 225.6 *Bushels per acre and test weight corrected to 15% moisture. **XL Brand distributed by Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc. ^Corn price = $5.00/Bu. 28% nitrogen cost = $330/ton

Tillage Summary:

Zone-till vs. conventional-till corn following soybeans for 18 years has produced higher corn yields in the zone-till areas in the majority of recent years. This soil type is conducive to reduced till conditions.

Nitrogen Summary:

In 2005, we saw no significant difference when sidedressing 30 lbs. less nitrogen in either tillage system in this corn after soybean environment. In 2006, we saw mixed results: Zone-till produced nearly 4 bushels per acre more yield with 30# less Nitrogen, and conventional-till produced over 5 bushels per acre less with 30# less Nitrogen sidedressed. In 2007, we saw the opposite results with zone-till nearly equal when 30# less nitrogen was used and conventional-till 6.2 bushels per acre more when 30# less Nitrogen was used.

This year, we saw slight yield improvement in both tillage systems where we applied 30 lbs. less nitrogen.

45

BECK'S Zone-Till vs. Conv.-Till Continuous Corn Study – 2008 (Also Nitrogen Rate Study)

Location: E5 & E6 plots Herbicide: Pre: 1.6 qts. Bicep II Magnum RAINFALL Planted: April 23, 2008 1 qt. Princep April 1.63 in. Harvested: September 23, 2008 Post: 1.67 qts. Lexar / 6 oz. Stinger May 4.91 in. Rows: Four 30" rows Insecticide: None June 4.80 in. Soil Type: Crosby / Miami Tillage: Zone-Till = 7" wide with 3 coulters July 3.50 in. Population: 33,674 seeds/A. Conv.-Till = Plow & S-Tine August 2.94 in. Fertilizer: Starter Mix: 8.5 gal. 28-0-0 Total 17.78 in. 8.5 gal. 10-34-0 35# N Sidedress: 62.4 gal. 28-0-0 186# N or 216# N (30# extra N) 221# N 251# N Purpose: This study is similar to our long-term zone-till vs. conventional-till study on the previous page

except this is continuous corn. Instead of lowering the nitrogen rate 30# for soybean credit, we increased the rate by 30# in one replication to determine whether additional nitrogen in a continuous corn environment pays.

Brand

Notes


Test*

Weight


Percent Moisture

Bushels* Per Acre

Bu./A. Advantage for extra N

$ Return^ per Acre

ZONE-TILL STUDY BECK 6733HXR™** Sidedress extra 30# N 31,000 59.5 0.8 28.7 236.4 BECK 5722HXR Sidedress extra 30# N 30,500 55.7 1.7 22.9 230.7 BECK 5316HXR Sidedress extra 30# N 34,250 59.2 1.4 29.1 214.2 BECK EX 0832 Sidedress extra 30# N 32,000 56.5 4.7 26.9 212.5 AVERAGE 31,938 57.7 2.2 26.9 223.5 +14.8 +$56.33 BECK 5316HXR 34,000 57.5 0.0 28.1 212.8 BECK 5722HXR 32,500 56.9 3.1 24.7 212.0 BECK EX 0832 31,750 56.5 0.8 27.3 206.7 BECK 6733HXR™** 30,250 56.7 0.9 25.3 203.3 AVERAGE 32,125 56.9 1.2 26.4 208.7

ZONE-TILL AVERAGE 32,031 57.3 1.7 26.6 216.1 +3.6

CONVENTIONAL-TILL STUDY BECK 6733HXR™** Sidedress extra 30# N 29,250 57.4 0.0 25.3 226.3 BECK 5316HXR Sidedress extra 30# N 32,250 56.6 6.7 25.3 219.7 BECK 5722HXR Sidedress extra 30# N 32,750 56.0 11.7 24.9 207.3 BECK EX 0832 Sidedress extra 30# N 30,500 57.5 18.9 25.5 195.4 AVERAGE 31,188 56.9 9.3 25.3 212.2 -0.6 -$20.67 BECK 6733HXR™** 33,750 59.1 7.6 25.1 231.1 BECK 5722HXR 32,500 57.3 12.6 25.8 213.4 BECK 5316HXR 33,750 57.3 3.8 26.3 210.5 BECK EX 0832 30,000 55.5 27.9 24.3 196.2 AVERAGE 32,500 57.3 13.0 25.4 212.8

CONVENTIONAL-TILL AVERAGE 31,844 57.1 11.2 25.3 212.5 *Bushels per acre and test weight corrected to 15% moisture. **XL Brand distributed by Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc. ^Corn price = $5.00/Bu. 28% nitrogen cost = $330/ton Tillage Summary:

We saw a 15.0 Bu./A. advantage for conventional-till on average the first three years in this continuous corn environment. In 2007 and 2008, however, with reduced rainfall, the zone-till areas provided an advantage due to less water loss through evaporation: 10.6 Bu./A. in 2007 and 3.6 Bu./A. in 2008.

Nitrogen Summary:

In 2005, adding 30 lbs. extra nitrogen improved yields in both zone-till and conventional-till areas and gave the largest yield and economic benefit in the zone-till environment.

In 2006 and 2007, there was no additional yield benefit to adding 30 lbs. more nitrogen.

In 2008, we saw a 14.8 Bu./A. advantage (+$56.83/A.) for 30 lbs. more nitrogen, but a loss of 0.6 Bu./A. (-$20.67) for extra nitrogen in the conventional-till area.

46

BECK'S Tile and Strip Crop Study – 2008 Location: T1 - T2 plots Previous Crop: Corn / Soybeans RAINFALL Planted: April 25, 2008 Tillage: Zone-Till April 1.63 in. Harvested: October 13, 2008 Herbicide: 32 oz. Roundup Original Max May 4.91 in. Rows: 30” rows Insecticide: None June 4.80 in. Population: Corn: 33,764 seeds/A. July 3.50 in.

Soybeans: 119,263 seeds./A. August 2.94 in. Soil Type: Crosby / Miami Total 17.78 in.

Purpose: Maximizing yield on every acre is a key to obtaining greater profitability. Strip cropping (planting corn and soybeans in strips across the same field) allows corn to capture more energy from sunlight during the growing months and improves air movement for dry down purposes in the fall. We planted a shorter hybrid, BECK 7916VT3, on the outside two rows and a tall hybrid, BECK 6722VT3, on the middle four rows of each strip to maximize the performance of the tall hybrid. We also planted Vistive low-linolenic soybeans to capture additional premium to help recover the revenue loss that normally occurs in soybean strips. With the use of Roundup Ready technology in corn and soybeans, and the Auto-Steer guidance systems for planting accuracy, strip cropping is now easier to implement. In this study, we planted the rows north and south (perpendicular to the tile lines) and measured yields in the tiled area and in the un-tiled area. The data below reflects the averages of 5 to 7 replications.

T1 -Tiled Plot Bushels*

Per Acre Soybean Strip Averages (5 Reps) Two Rows Next to Corn (West) 47.0 Two Rows Next to Corn (East) 45.7

AVERAGE 46.4

Four Middle Rows 49.8

Note: No data was collected for the corn strips in the tiled plot due to a planter malfunction, which caused large gaps.

T2 - Un-Tiled Plot Corn Strip Averages (7 Reps)

Percent Moisture

Bushels* Per Acre

Two Outside Rows (West exposure) 18.7 118.2 Two Outside Rows (East exposure) 18.7 131.1

AVERAGE 18.7 124.7

Four Middle Rows 19.1 135.9

Soybean Strip Averages (6 Reps) Two Rows Next to Corn (West) 43.2 Two Rows Next to Corn (East) 45.1

AVERAGE 44.2

Four Middle Rows 50.3 *Corn bushels per acre corrected to 15% moisture. Soybean bushels per acre corrected to 13% moisture. Special thanks to Orthman Manufacturing for the use of their strip-till equipment. Corn Price = $5.00/Bu. Soybean Price = $11.11/Bu. + $0.60/Bu. Vistive premium = $11.71/Bu.

Bushels Per Acre

$ Gross Revenue/A.

Disadvantage for Strip Crop/A.

Corn Average for Strip Crop System = 130.3 $651.50 Soybean Average for Strip Crop System = 46.9 $549.20

AVERAGE $600.35 -$178.49 Corn Average for Block System = 157.9 $789.50 Soybean Average for Block System = 65.6 $768.18

AVERAGE $778.84

Summary: On average the strip crop system lost $178.49 per acre this year. In 2007, we lost $62.14 per acre, and lost $31.60 per acre in 2006. Only in 2005, did we see an advantage of $24.00 per acre.

After visually observing the plot these past four years, the difference has been due in part to soil type and soil conditions at the time of planting. The strip crop area is on a tighter and wetter soil, where uniform emergence and stand establishment has been more difficult to obtain compared to the block study area.

Corn Strip Crop Average = 130.3 Bu./A.

Soybean Strip Crop Average = 46.9 Bu./A.

47

BECK'S Tiling Study – 2008 RAINFALL

Location: T3, T4 plots Previous Crop: Corn / Soybeans April 1.63 in. Planted: April 25, 2008 Tillage: No-Till May 4.91 in. Harvested (Corn): October 13, 2008 Herbicide: PPI: 32 oz. Roundup Original Max June 4.80 in. Harvested (Beans): September 24, 2008 (Beans) July 3.50 in. Rows: Eight 30” rows Herbicide: PPI: 1.6 qts. Bicep II Magnum August 2.94 in. Population (Corn): 33,674 seeds/A. (Corn) 1 qt. Princep Total 17.78 in. Population (Beans): 119,263 seeds/A. Post: 32 oz. Roundup Original Max Soil Type: Crosby Products Tested: BECK 6722VT3 & BECK 332NRRL Purpose: In this study we are comparing yield between a non-tiled plot and a plot that was tile ditched in

September 2004 with 4” tile every 20’. We are also measuring yield in the four rows directly above the tile lines verses the three or four rows between the tile lines.

Soybean Tiled Plot

Bushels* Per Acre

Corn Tiled Plot

Percent Moisture

Test* Weight

Bushels* Per Acre

Rows Between Tile 70.8 Rows Over Tile 14.8 54.9 141.7 Rows Over Tile 67.1 Rows Between Tile 19.2 56.7 146.1 Rows Between Tile 62.3 Rows Over Tile 15.0 55.0 149.7 Rows Over Tile 64.7 Rows Between Tile 19.4 56.8 145.4 Rows Between Tile 63.7 Rows Between Tile 19.8 55.9 147.4 Rows Over Tile 63.9 Rows Between Tile 19.8 55.9 139.1 Rows Between Tile 63.1 PLOT AVERAGE 18.0 55.8 144.9 Rows Over Tile 67.1 Rows Between Tile 59.2

PLOT AVERAGE 64.7

AVG. YIELD OVER TILE 65.7 AVG. YIELD OVER TILE 14.9 55.0 145.7 AVG. YIELD BETWEEN TILE 63.8 AVG. YIELD BETWEEN TILE 19.6 56.3 144.5

UN-TILED BLOCK OF SOYBEANS 66.4 UN-TILED BLOCK OF CORN 20.2 56.4 170.8

SOYBEAN BLOCK AVERAGE 65.6 CORN BLOCK AVERAGE 19.1 56.1 157.9

*Bushels per acre and test weight corrected to 15% moisture. Corn Summary:

In both the first and second year following tile installation, corn rows over the tile averaged around 17 Bu./A. less than the corn rows between the tiles. Last year’s difference was only 7.7 Bu./A. This year, it appears that the tile benefits are showing up now that the soil has settled and subsoil structure has started to develop. Yields were within 1.2 Bu./A. Overall, the tiled study averaged 25.7 Bu./A. less this year, 32.2 Bu./A. less in 2007, and only 11 Bu./A. in 2006 when rainfall was more prevalent.

The un-tiled plot is better soil and will produce more in most years. This study will help us determine if we can help soil that is not as productive, become as productive as better soil through the use of tiling.

Soybean Summary:

In 2006 and 2008, soybeans above the tile yielded about 2 Bu./A. more than those planted between tile lines. What appears to be most significant in the past was the difference that soil type made. In 2007, the un-tiled plot in better soil produced 14.1 Bu./A. more than the tiled area. In 2006, the advantage for the higher productive soil was 8.1 Bu./A. This year, however, soil type was of less effect and yields between the tiled area and the un-tiled area averaged only 1.7 Bu./A. difference.

48

BECK'S Corn Fungicide Study – 2008 RAINFALL

Location: E3 E. plot Previous Crop: Soybeans April 1.63 in. Planted: April 22, 2008 Tillage: V-Rip / S-tine May 4.91 in. Harvested: September 23, 2008 Herbicide: PPI: 1.6 qts. Bicep II Magnum June 4.80 in. Rows: Four 30” rows 1 qt. Princep July 3.50 in. Population: 33,674 seeds/A. Post: 1.67 qts. Lexar / 6 oz. Stinger August 2.94 in. Soil Type: Clay Loam Insecticide: Force on Non-RW Hybrids Total 17.78 in.

Purpose: This study compares ten popular corn products with and without Headline fungicide applied at early tassel time.

Brand


Test*

Weight


Percent Moisture

Bushels* Per Acre

Headline

Advantage

Fungicide Return^

HEADLINE BECK 5244VT3 31,000 53.0 6.5 23.1 226.4 +38.6 +$168.00 BECK 5444VT3 32,500 54.0 0.0 24.7 231.4 +32.0 +$135.00 BECK 5555VT3 31,500 54.5 4.8 24.4 238.5 +28.0 +$115.00 BECK 5135RR™** 29,000 55.0 0.0 22.6 218.0 +25.2 +$101.00 BECK 5608VT3 33,000 54.0 0.0 23.7 219.4 +17.2 +$61.00 BECK 5684VT3 30,500 52.0 4.9 22.2 233.6 +7.0 +$10.00 BECK EX 9865 (5779VT3 Genetics) 31,500 52.5 3.2 24.5 229.2 +6.6 +$8.00 BECK 5616VT3 30,000 54.0 0.0 24.9 205.9 +0.8 -$21.00 BECK 5676™** 31,500 54.0 1.6 22.3 213.0 -1.3 -$31.50 BECK 6733HXR™** 31,000 55.0 3.2 25.9 226.9 -13.1 -$90.50

AVERAGE 31,150 53.8 2.4 23.8 224.2 +14.1

NO FUNGICIDE BECK 6733HXR™** 32,500 55.0 27.7 23.3 240.0 BECK 5684VT3 31,500 54.0 6.3 20.5 226.6 BECK EX 9865 (5779VT3 Genetics) 31,500 53.0 9.5 21.9 222.6 BECK 5676™** 31,500 55.0 6.3 20.6 214.3 BECK 5555VT3 28,000 53.5 44.6 22.2 210.5 BECK 5616VT3 31,500 55.0 4.8 21.3 205.1 BECK 5608VT3 31,000 55.0 8.1 21.9 202.2 BECK 5444VT3 30,000 53.0 30.0 21.2 199.4 BECK 5135RR™** 28,500 57.5 1.8 19.8 192.8 BECK 5244VT3 28,500 56.5 10.5 20.2 187.8

AVERAGE 30,450 54.8 15.0 21.3 210.1 *Bushels per acre and test weight corrected to 15% moisture. **XL Brand distributed by Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc. ^Fungicide Return = Net return for Fungicide Application minus Net Return for the Control. $25.00/A = Cost of Headline. $5.00/Bu. Corn price.

Summary: With 14.1 Bu./A. additional yield on average for the hybrids with fungicide-applied, an economic advantage was gained for using Headline in this study for seven out of ten hybrids. In evaluating individual hybrids, they responded as expected in most cases. Note that moistures were 2.5% higher in this study where Headline was applied.

“I’m tickled to death with 5444 genetics! I would have been happy with a 150 bushel average with the weather we’ve had this year. However, the “44” has been over 200 Bu./A. in every field we’ve run!” Bob Westover Centerville, IN

49

BECK'S Extensive Seed Treatment Study on Corn – 2008 Purpose: In this study, we evaluate several types of seed treatments (fungicides,

insecticides, biologicals, plant growth stimulants and micronutrients) on BECK 5616VT3 in conventional-till.

RAINFALL April 1.63 in. May 4.91 in. June 4.80 in. July 3.50 in. August 2.94 in.

Total 17.78 in.

Conventional-Till (2 Reps)

Conventional-Till (1 Rep)

Location: Field C (S) plot 300-5 (S) plot Planted: April 22, 2008 April 22, 2008 Harvested: October 15, 2008 October 14, 2008 Previous Crop: Soybeans Corn Rows: Two 30” rows Three 30” rows Population: 33,674 seeds/A. 32,000 seeds/A. Tillage: Conventional-Till Conventional-Till Insecticide: None None Herbicide: PPI: 1.6 qts. Bicep II Magnum 1.6 qts. Bicep II Magnum 1 qt. Princep 1 qt. Princep Post: 1.67 qts. Lexar 1.67 qts. Lexar 6 oz. Stinger 6 oz. Stinger

Treatment


Bushels* Per Acre


Bushels* Per Acre

Average Harvested

Pop. Average Bu./A.

Maxim XL + Dynasty + ReVV 32,000 227.9 29,500 189.9 31,750 208.9

Vortex AL 2.5g + Poncho 250 31,500 232.8 31,000 185.0 31,250 208.9

Vortex AT 2.5g + N-Hibit + Poncho 250 32,250 230.3 29,500 186.3 30,875 208.3

Vortex AL 2.5g + Stamina + Poncho 250 30,750 224.9 29,500 189.6 30,125 207.3

Vortex AT 2.5g + ReVV + Poncho 250 29,500 223.8 30,000 190.8 29,750 207.3

Untreated 31,000 224.1 29,000 185.8 30,000 205.0

Maxim XL + Dynasty + Poncho 250 31,500 225.2 30,000 184.3 30,750 204.8

Maxim XL + Dynasty + ReVV + Poncho 250 30,750 226.8 30,000 181.5 30,375 204.2

Maxim XL + Stamina + Poncho 250 31,250 222.5 28,500 184.7 29,875 203.6

Maxim XL + Dynasty + Myconate + Poncho 250 33,250 222.2 28,500 184.2 30,875 203.2

Charter / Apron + Stamina + Poncho 250 31,000 217.8 32,000 186.1 31,500 202.0

Vortex AT 2.5g + Poncho 250 29,250 213.7 30,500 189.0 29,875 201.4

Maxim XL + Dynasty + Protinus + Poncho 250 33,000 214.3 30,000 186.9 31,500 200.6

AVERAGE* 31,308 223.6 29,846 186.5 30,654 205.0 *Bushels per acre corrected to 15% moisture. Summary: Seed treatments typically provide small increases in yield that are difficult to measure and be

confident in without many locations of data.

These two plots represent a small portion of the seed treatment testing that we conducted in 2008. These results are published mainly to show farmers the types of seed treatments we are evaluating. Results of these treatments tested at our Southern and Illinois Practical Farm Research stations are also published in this book.

50

BECK'S Corn Rootworm Control Study – 2008 Location: S1 (S) Previous Crop: Corn RAINFALL Planted: April 24, 2008 Tillage: Zone-Till April 1.63 in. Harvested: October 13, 2008 Herbicide: Pre: 1.6 qts. Bicep II Magnum May 4.91 in. Rows: Four 30” rows 1 qt. Princep June 4.80 in. Population: 32,271 seeds/A. Post: 1.67 qts. Lexar / 6 oz. Stinger July 3.50 in. Soil Type: Crosby / Brookston 32 oz. Roundup Original Max August 2.94 in. Replications: Two (averaged) Insecticide: Various Total 17.78 in.

Purpose: This study compares YieldGard VT3, AgriSure 3000GT and Roundup Ready corn with and without seed or soil-applied insecticides. This is a little different type of comparison than we have historically done, since farmers would not normally apply seed or soil-applied insecticide for rootworm control along with a traited RW product.

Brand

Rootworm Insecticide

Test*

Weight


Percent Moisture

Bushels* Per Acre

BECK 5616VT3 57.5 5.7 15.2 128.1 BECK 5616RR 58.0 0.0 13.8 136.5 BECK 5716A3 55.0 0.0 16.0 153.3

AVERAGE 56.8 1.9 15.0 139.3 BECK 5616VT3 Poncho 1250 57.5 0.0 15.8 143.2 BECK 5616RR Poncho 1250 58.5 0.0 16.3 142.3 BECK 5716A3 Poncho 1250 56.0 3.4 14.2 161.5

AVERAGE 57.3 1.1 15.4 149.0

BECK 5616VT3 Force 58.5 0.0 14.6 153.9 BECK 5616RR Force 58.5 2.0 14.8 151.2 BECK 5716A3 Force 54.5 0.0 16.0 178.5

AVERAGE 57.2 0.7 15.1 161.2 *Bushels per acre and test weight corrected to 15% moisture. Summary: We saw a 10 Bu./A. increase in yield for the addition of Poncho 1250 and over 20 Bu./A.

increase when Force was used. There did not appear to be any significant rootworm feeding when we did root digs in July, so the yield increase may be attributed to a number of other factors including other insect pressure since this was zone-till into corn stalks, soil type difference, or other benefits of using the insecticides.

“Beck’s is first class when it comes to servicing customers. When a customer has a problem, Beck’s is quick in getting a service rep or agronomist out to the farm to help solve and work through the issue. Beck’s is committed to answering questions and solving problems quickly. Beck’s wants every customer to be 100% satisfied.” Roger Hadley, II Woodburn, IN

51

BECK’S Corn Refuge Study – 2008 RAINFALL Location: S1 (N) plot Tillage: Zone-Till April 1.63 in. Planted: April 24, 2008 Herbicide: Pre: 1.6 qts. Bicep II Magnum May 4.91 in. Harvested: October 13, 2008 Post: 1 qt. Princep June 4.80 in. Population: 33,674 seeds/A. 1.67 qts. Lexar / 6 oz. Stinger July 3.50 in. Previous Crop: Corn 32 oz. Roundup Original Max August 2.94 in. Total 17.78 in.

Purpose: This study is designed to compare the current 80/20 refuge requirement for the use of

traited corn rootworm protection against the concept of refuge in a bag and the potential for reduced refuge in the future.

Brand Harvested Population

Test* Weight

Percent Moisture

Bushels* Per Acre

Bu/A Advantage vs. Block Refuge

80/20 BLOCK BECK 5616VT3 Field Average 29,800 57.7 14.9 135.2 BECK 5616RR Poncho 1250 (Refuge) 32,000 58.4 16.0 136.6

WEIGHTED AVERAGE OF ENTIRE BLOCK 30,240 57.8 15.1 135.5 80/20 MIXED BECK 5616VT3 / BECK 5616RR Poncho 1250 28,800 57.3 14.4 135.9 +0.4 90/10 MIXED BECK 5616VT3 / BECK 5616RR Poncho 1250 29,200 57.8 14.6 124.1 -11.4 95/5 MIXED BECK 5616VT3 / BECK 5616RR Poncho 1250 26,800 57.4 13.4 138.8 +3.3 *Bushels per acre and test weight corrected to 15% moisture. Summary: This study’s results showed no visual differences for mixing refuge within the bag

although yield differences varied. Refuge reduction to 5% or 10% levels has not yet been approved by EPA, nor has mixing 20% refuge within the traited corn been approved. Until then, farmers should identify the best refuge product for their environment which may not always be the same genetic family as their traited corn hybrid.

“We have been with several seed companies over the years and Beck’s stands out with their quality and customer service. No matter who we deal with at Beck’s they have taken care of us quickly and efficiently and that is from the warehouse to the management team. Beck’s makes us feel like we are not just another number but a valued customer.” Jim Smith Jenera, OH

52

BECK’S Purdue Nitrogen Rate Study – 2008 Location: Field K (North) Previous Crop: Corn RAINFALL Planted: April 25, 2008 Tillage: S-tine April 1.63 in. Harvested: October 14, 2008 Herbicide: PPI: 1.6 qts. Bicep II Magnum May 4.91 in. Rows: Eight 30” rows 1 qt. Princep June 4.80 in. (Harvested 4 middle rows) Post: 1.67 qts. Lexar July 3.50 in. Population: 33,764 seeds/A. 6 oz. Stinger August 2.94 in. Soil Type: Brookston Insecticide: None Total 17.78 in. Product Tested: BECK 5616VT3 Purpose: This study was set up in 2006 to help gather nitrogen data for a state-wide database coordinated by

Purdue University.

Lbs. of Nitrogen Percent Moisture


Harvest Population


3 Year Average* 06 - 08

2008 Gross

Income

Gross Minus Nitrogen & Drying Cost

Return on Additional

50 lbs. of N 200 lbs. 16.1 0.4 31,500 224.2 218.9 $1,121.00 $993.34 $42.12 150 lbs. 16.3 0.4 31,500 210.1 210.6 $1,050.50 $951.22 $181.46 100 lbs. 15.8 1.3 30,875 166.8 188.4 $834.00 $769.76 $227.51 50 lbs. 15.5 1.2 32,000 114.8 146.5 $574.00 $542.25 $299.25

0 lbs. 14.5 0.0 29,625 48.6 89.9 $243.00 $243.00 AVERAGE 15.6 0.7 31,100 152.9 170.9

*Bushels per acre corrected to 15% moisture. ^Gross income based on $5.00 corn. Drying cost figured at $0.04/point of moisture above 15%/bushel. Nitrogen price based on $330/ton 28% liquid nitrogen.

Summary: In 2006 and 2007, 200 lbs. of nitrogen produced the highest yield; however, this is the first year that it

had a positive net return. With the volatility of market prices and nitrogen costs, it is more difficult to figure an accurate return on investment without having prices locked in.

BECK'S Gypsum Study – 2008 RAINFALL

Location: 300-5 N Plot Previous Crop: Pumpkins April 1.63 in. Planted: May 19, 2008 Tillage: Rototiller May 4.91 in. Harvested: October 14, 2008 Herbicide: PPI: 1.6 qts. Bicep II Magnum June 4.80 in. Rows: Six 30” rows 1 qt. Princep July 3.50 in. Population: 32,241 seeds/A. Post: 32 oz. Roundup Original Max August 2.94 in. Product Tested: BECK 5444VT3 Insecticide: None Total 17.78 in. Purpose: Gypsum (Calcium Sulfate) was applied at 400 lbs./A. in this study. We were told that it would help

loosen the soil structure, provide greater water infiltration and provide Sulfur, a micronutrient.

Harvest

Population


Test* Weight

Percent Moisture

Bushels* Per Acre

GYPSUM APPLIED 33,500 0.5 58.1 23.5 256.6 34,000 0.7 58.3 23.7 255.4

AVERAGE 33,750 0.6 58.2 23.6 256.0 NO GYPSUM APPLIED 32,500 0.8 58.0 24.2 242.4 33,000 0.0 57.2 25.0 225.4

AVERAGE 32,750 0.4 57.6 24.6 233.9 *Bushels per acre and test weight corrected to 15% moisture. Summary: The main visual observation we noticed was at the V2-V3 stage, when the area with gypsum was 2”

taller than the control area. Final yield also showed over 20 Bu./A. advantage.

53

BECK'S Lime Study II on Corn – 2008 RAINFALL

Location: 300-6 (S) plot Previous Crop: Soybeans April 1.63 in. Planted: April 22, 2008 Tillage: V-Rip / S-tine May 4.91 in. Harvested: October 14, 2008 Herbicide: PPI: 1.6 qts. Bicep II Magnum June 4.80 in. Rows: Four 30" rows 1 qt. Princep July 3.50 in. Population: 32,000 seeds/A. Post: 32 oz. Roundup Original Max August 2.94 in. Soil Type: Genesee Silt Loam Insecticide: None Total 17.78 in.

Purpose: This study compares four BECK double or triple stack corn products planted where 3 ton/A. of the following lime types were applied in the Spring of 1998: High Calcium Lime, High Magnesium Lime and Bed Ash (Calcium Sulfate).

Yield Rank

Brand


Test*

Weight


Percent Moisture


6 Yr. Average

‘99-‘01, ‘03, ‘06, ‘08 BED ASH (Calcium Sulfate)

1 BECK 6733HXR™** 30,500 56.2 1.6 16.2 206.7 2 BECK 6722VT3 30,000 56.1 0.0 16.1 194.6 3 BECK 5608RR 30,500 56.1 0.0 16.5 193.5 4 BECK 5444VT3 30,500 55.9 0.0 16.2 142.4

AVERAGE 30,375 56.1 0.4 16.3 184.3 208.4

HIGH CALCIUM LIME 1 BECK 5444VT3 31,000 57.7 0.0 17.4 221.3 2 BECK 5608RR 32,500 58.1 0.0 18.0 219.7 3 BECK 6733HXR™** 31,000 57.1 0.0 20.1 213.8 4 BECK 6722VT3 30,500 57.5 0.0 19.2 209.7

AVERAGE 31,250 57.6 0.0 18.7 216.1 218.7

HIGH MAGNESIUM LIME 1 BECK 6733HXR™** 29,500 59.6 0.0 21.4 225.4 2 BECK 5608RR 31,000 57.8 1.6 21.4 223.6 3 BECK 5444VT3 30,500 57.1 0.0 21.5 221.5 4 BECK 6722VT3 31,500 58.7 0.0 21.3 218.6

AVERAGE 30,625 58.3 0.4 21.4 222.2 209.4 *Bushels per acre and test weight corrected to 15% moisture. **XL Brand distributed by Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc.

SOIL TEST RESULTS (IN LBS./A.) pH P K Mg Ca C.E.C. SPRING 1999 Bed Ash 7.4 178 550 800 5400 17.0

High Calcium 7.2 148 310 638 4968 15.0 High Magnesium 7.6 176 464 778 5292 17.0

SPRING 2000 Bed Ash 7.7 210 428 788 4752 16.0 High Calcium 7.5 202 384 680 5400 17.0 High Magnesium 7.3 160 332 616 4860 15.0



FALL 2006 Bed Ash 7.4 118 384 510 4032 12.7 High Calcium 7.5 162 464 530 4048 12.9 High Magnesium 7.1 120 390 538 3668 11.9


Soil test conducted by Agri-Labs.

Summary: Our 1998 results were inconclusive due to spring flooding. The 1999-01 results showed lower yields where High Magnesium Lime was applied. It’s interesting to see how the pH has increased where the Bed Ash and High Calcium Lime were added, but decreased where the High Magnesium lime was applied.

Unlike our long-term average, which still shows over 9 Bu./A. advantage for the High Calcium Lime areas over the High Magnesium Lime area, this year’s highest yields were produced in the High Magnesium Lime areas.

54

BECK'S Roundup Ready vs. Traditional Systems Long Term Study – 2008

RAINFALL Location: A8 plot Herbicide: All Traditional & Traditional Corn / April 1.63 in. Planted: April 21, 2008 Roundup Ready Soybean: May 4.91 in. Harvested: September 30, 2008 PPI: 1.6 qts. Bicep II Magnum June 4.80 in. Rows: Four 30” Rows 1 qt. Princep July 3.50 in. Seeding Rate 33,674 seeds/A. Post: 1.67 qts. Lexar / 6 oz. Stinger August 2.94 in. Previous Crop: Soybeans All Roundup Ready: Total 17.78 in. Tillage: S-tine PPI: 1.6 qts. Bicep II Magnum Replications: Two (averaged) 1 qt. Princep Post: 32 oz. Roundup Original Max Insecticide: Force

Purpose: We developed this study to compare the long-term effects of three different seed/herbicide systems:

1) Roundup Ready System where Roundup Ready Corn and Roundup Ready Soybeans are used.

2) Roundup Ready Soybeans and Traditional Corn System.

3) Traditional System where only Traditional Corn and Soybeans are used along with Traditional herbicides.

We will look at the long-term effects of each system on weed species, weed control, and its effect on yield. We will also compare other visual or measured observations as they appear (e.g. volunteer corn, and herbicide interaction with the corn/soybeans).

Yield Rank

Brand

Test*

Weight

Percent Moisture


’05-’06, ’08 Three Year

Average ALL ROUNDUP READY SYSTEM

1 BECK 5444RR 57.5 16.2 253.5 2 BECK 5684RR 56.9 16.5 244.2 3 BECK 5244RR 60.1 15.3 240.4 4 BECK 5135RR™** 60.7 16.0 223.7 AVERAGE 58.8 16.0 240.4 229.2

TRADITIONAL CORN / ROUNDUP READY SOYBEAN SYSTEM 1 BECK 5244 58.5 13.7 232.7 2 BECK 5684 57.6 16.6 232.0 3 BECK 5444 57.0 16.2 229.5 4 BECK 5135™** 60.4 15.8 226.4 AVERAGE 58.3 15.6 230.1 223.5

ALL TRADITIONAL SYSTEM BECK 5684 56.6 16.4 231.8 BECK 5135™** 60.4 16.0 216.9 BECK 5244 58.8 15.8 214.2 BECK 5444 56.7 16.6 211.9 AVERAGE 58.1 16.2 218.7 217.3

*Bushels per acre and test weight corrected to 15% moisture. **XL Brand distributed by Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc.

Summary: This year’s results favored the All Roundup System in overall yield and performance. The All Roundup System has also given the highest yields in the multi-year average.

55

BECK'S Quality Trait Products® - 2008 RAINFALL

Location: N2 plot Previous Crop: Soybeans April 1.63 in. Planted: April 23, 2008 Tillage: V-Rip / S-tine May 4.91 in. Harvested: October 14, 2008 Herbicide: PPI: 1.6 qts. Bicep II Magnum June 4.80 in. Rows: Four 30” rows 1 qt. Princep July 3.50 in. Population: 33,674 seeds/A. Post: 1.67 qts. Lexar / 6 oz. Stinger August 2.94 in. Soil Type: Brookston Insecticide: Force on Non-RW Hybrids Total 17.78 in.

Purpose: This study shows the Quality Trait Products Beck’s is testing and/or offering for sale. Our purpose is to evaluate and offer for sale the products that are profitable for our customers.

Quality Trait

Product

Brand


Test*

Weight


Percent Moisture


+ or – Plot Avg.

Potential

Premiums Food Grade BECK 6733 30,500 60.3 18.0 19.6 280.3 +30.8

Food Grade $0.10-$0.70

Food Grade BECK EX 0899 32,500 58.5 27.7 18.8 278.4 +28.9 Food Grade BECK 5135™** 32,000 60.8 0.0 18.2 249.5 +0.0 Food Grade BECK 5676™** 30,500 60.5 3.3 18.8 235.9 -13.6 Food Grade BECK 5335RR™** 29,500 61.9 0.0 17.2 221.3 -28.2 Food Grade BECK 5333 30,000 59.3 1.7 15.8 220.2 -29.3

Non-GMO BECK 5684 34,000 58.4 8.8 16.0 268.4 +18.9 Non-GMO

$0.20-$0.50 Non-GMO BECK 5444 28,000 57.9 0.0 17.2 250.2 +0.7 Non-GMO BECK 5244 31,000 61.5 11.3 16.2 243.5 -6.0

H.F.C. BECK 5722HXR 24,000 59.9 12.5 18.6 264.9 +15.4 H.F.C.

None at this time H.F.C. BECK 5444VT3 32,500 58.6 16.9 16.4 257.4 +7.9

BECK EX 0684 (5244wx Genetics) 31,500 61.2 1.6 15.6 282.0 +32.5

Waxy $0.80

BECK EX 0369 (5616wx Genetics) 28,000 58.6 3.6 16.6 259.3 +9.8

Waxy BECK 6722wx 32,000 57.8 3.1 19.4 252.9 +3.4 Waxy BECK 5323VT3wx 29,500 59.6 3.4 16.4 247.7 -1.8 Waxy BECK 5818wx 28,000 58.4 1.8 18.4 239.4 -10.1 Waxy BECK 5166wx 28,000 60.1 0.0 16.6 227.8 -21.7 Waxy BECK 5012wx 31,500 60.4 3.2 17.2 223.7 -25.8

White Corn BECK 6218W 28,000 60.0 5.4 15.0 237.1 -12.4 White Corn

$0.20 + AVERAGE 30,053 59.7 6.4 17.3 249.5

*Bushels per acre and test weight corrected to 15% moisture. **XL Brand distributed by Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc. Food Grade Corn - Used by dry millers to produce cereal and snack food products. The endosperm is much harder than commodity corn and is higher in test weight. Non-GMO - Non-genetically modified or conventional corn is quickly becoming the new specialty corn. Demand from export companies as well as domestic users for non-traited corn continues to be strong while trait adoption by the farmer continues to increase. This creates a deficient supply of Non-GMO grain. High Fermentable Corn (H.F.C.) - Hybrids identified as High Fermentable are those that will produce a higher percentage of ethanol per bushel. Once identified, ethanol producers will use these hybrids to increase ethanol yields and plant efficiencies. Waxy Corn - Unlike normal corn, it does not contain any amylose starch, only amylopectin. It is used by processors to produce specialty starches used in food and industrial products. White Corn - White corn mainly used by grain millers to produce snack foods.

Quality Trait Products® is a registered trademark of Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc.

56

BECK'S Corn Silage Study – 2008 RAINFALL

Location: N3 plot Previous Crop: Soybeans April 1.63 in. Planted: April 23, 2008 Tillage: V-Rip / S-tine May 4.91 in. Harvested: September 2, 2008 Herbicide: PPI: 1.6 qts. Bicep II Magnum June 4.80 in. Rows: Four 30” rows 1 qt. Princep July 3.50 in. Population: 33,674 seeds/A. Post: 1.67 qts. Lexar / 6 oz. Stinger August 2.94 in. Insecticide: None Total 17.78 in. NIR (Near Infrared Spectroscopy) Test done by Dairy One Forage Labs Ithaca, NY

Purpose: To find hybrids that combine high tonnage along with excellent nutritional quality. This combination produces the highest pounds of milk per acre as calculated by the Milk 2006 program developed by the University of Wisconsin. The pounds of milk per acre data combines the yield in tons with the nutritional data to form one easy to understand number.

% Dry Matter Basis Brand

Lbs of

Milk/Acre

Lbs of

Milk/Ton

%

Mois.

65% Moist.

Tons/Acre

ADF

NDF

Adj. Crude Protein

Starch

Crude

Fat NEL NEG BECK 5722HXR 43,837 3,789 66.8 33.1 17.1 32.3 7.3 45.4 3.6 0.85 0.57 BECK 5684VT3 39,949 3,610 66.3 31.6 18.6 34.1 7.2 43.4 3.4 0.82 0.54 BECK 5608VT3 36,109 3,354 64.3 30.8 21.9 39.0 7.4 37.4 3.4 0.79 0.52 BECK 5244VT3 35,812 3,461 61.4 29.6 16.8 32.0 7.8 48.1 4.2 0.86 0.59 BECK EX 4755 34,212 3,576 66.8 27.3 21.8 39.1 7.3 38.3 3.8 0.80 0.54 BECK 5716A3 34,196 3,524 63.8 27.7 19.0 35.2 6.3 43.8 3.6 0.83 0.56 BECK 6733HXR™* 34,193 3,392 67.3 28.8 24.2 40.9 7.9 32.9 3.4 0.77 0.50

BECK EX 8719 (5784RR Genetics)

34,112 3,609 65.6 27.0 18.1 33.4 7.1 44.0 3.5 0.83 0.55

BECK 5444VT3 33,224 3,178 60.0 29.9 20.6 37.1 7.4 41.2 4.0 0.81 0.54 BECK 5555VT3 32,532 3,081 59.6 30.2 19.5 35.8 7.0 41.6 3.5 0.79 0.52 BECK 5616VT3 32,061 3,178 61.4 28.8 21.4 38.6 7.3 38.1 3.4 0.78 0.51 BECK 5676™* 31,787 3,536 64.7 25.7 18.3 28.2 9.1 44.7 3.4 0.84 0.56 BECK 6722VT3 30,000 3,541 70.6 24.2 24.1 41.3 7.3 35.6 4.2 0.79 0.53 BECK 5335HXR™* 29,327 3,199 64.0 26.2 23.2 39.7 7.8 37.3 3.6 0.77 0.50 *XL Brand distributed by Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc.

Top Five Hybrids for Silage North Rm (Days) Central Rm (Days) South Rm (Days)

BECK 5616VT3 111 BECK 5616VT3 111 BECK 6197VT 112 BECK 5608VT3 111 BECK 6722VT3 114 BECK 6722VT3 114 BECK 5444VT3 110 BECK 5684VT3 110 BECK 6733HXR™* 113 BECK 6197VT 112 BECK 6733HXR™* 113 BECK 5684VT3 110 BECK 5555CBRWRR 110 BECK 5555CBRWRR 110 BECK 5616VT3 111

ADF Acid Detergent Fiber Includes cell wall portions made up of cellulose and lignin. As ADF increases, digestibility decreases.

NDF Neutral Detergent Fiber Includes ADF plus hemicellulose. As NDF increases, dry matter intake will generally decrease.

NEL Net Energy of Lactation An estimate of energy in feed available for lactating animals.

NEG Net Energy for Gain An estimate of energy in feed available for non-lactating animals.

Pounds of Milk/Acre & Ton

Calculated using the University of Wisconsin’s Milk 2006 Program.

Summary: Hybrids that produce outstanding nutritional quality and tonnage for silage is a major focus at Beck’s Hybrids. Two year data indicates that the “16” series, “22” series, “44” series and “97” series hybrids typically perform well as silage hybrids. Other products like BECK 5555CBRWRR and BECK 5684VT3 have also performed very well. The best silage products are ranked in the box to demonstrate the best products in each region of our marketing area. These have been proven to give the best nutritional quality and tonnage.

57

BECK'S Alfalfa Plot - Three Cut vs. Five Cut Study – 2008 RAINFALL

Location: 300-6 N Plot Previous Crop: Wheat, 3rd year of alfalfa April 1.63 in. Planted: April 11, 2006 Herbicide: 6 oz. Raptor May 4.91 in. Harvested: Various Insecticide: 3 oz. Warrior June 4.80 in. Rows: Five 7” rows July 3.50 in. Seeding Rate: 25 lbs./A. August 2.94 in. Soil Type: Genesee Silt Loam Total 17.78 in. Purpose: To determine the yield differences between three cut and five cut systems.

Yield Per Cutting

0

1

2

3

4

5

6

Tons

/ Ac

re

5 cut 3.84 3.75 3.63 3.63 1.76

3 cut 3.02 3.66 5.35

13-May 28-May 11-Jun 8-Jul 2-Aug 2-Sep

Summary: The five cut system out-yielded the three cut system by 4.6 tons per acre. We also saw a lower yield on the first cutting in the three cut system, due to the alfalfa getting too tall and lodging to the extent we were unable to pick up all the foliage. Shortening the harvest interval also increases feed value. Cutting alfalfa more often can increase tonnage and feed value, for an overall increase in milk per acre production. We also experienced significant Leaf Hopper damage during the establishment of the plot which was not treated. This has continued to affect the non-leafhopper varieties three years into the stand. This illustrates the importance of proper pest management in alfalfa. A non-leaf hopper variety sprayed for leaf hoppers will generally out yield a leaf hopper variety.

Total Tonnage/A.

5 Cut - 16.61

3 Cut - 12.03

58

BECK'S Soybean Variety Plot - Office – 2008 RAINFALL

Location: A1 plot Seeding Rate: 120,000 seeds/A. April 1.63 in. Planted: April 21, 2008 Previous Crop: Corn May 4.91 in. Harvested: September 18, 2008 Tillage: V-Rip / S-tine June 4.80 in. Rows: Three 30” rows Herbicide: RR: 32 oz. Roundup Original Max July 3.50 in. (two applications) August 2.94 in.

LL: 32 oz. Liberty (two applications) Total 17.78 in.

Yield Rank

Brand

Relative Maturity This Plot

Plant Height (IN.)

Pod Height (IN.)

Standability 1 = Erect 5 = Flat


2 Yr. Average* 07 - 08

GROUP II 1 BECK 298CRR 2.9 34 3.0 1.6 84.9 - - - - 2 BECK 296NRR 2.9 30 2.0 1.4 79.7 - - - - 3 BECK 274NRR 2.6 32 3.0 1.5 75.8 69.8 4 BECK 257NRR 2.5 30 2.0 1.4 68.9 63.1 5 BECK 244NRR™** 2.5 30 1.0 1.4 66.3 - - - - 6 BECK 287NRR™** 2.9 34 3.0 1.6 66.2 - - - - 7 BECK 284LL 3.1 26 2.0 1.4 63.1 - - - -

AVERAGE 31 2.3 1.5 72.1 66.5

GROUP III & IV 1 BECK 325NRR™** 3.4 36 3.0 1.6 86.1 - - - - 2 BECK 403NRR™** 4.3 36 2.0 1.5 85.6 - - - - 3 BECK 307NRR 3.1 28 2.0 1.7 82.8 73.4 4 BECK 321NRR 3.3 30 2.0 1.6 81.2 79.9 5 BECK 342NRR 3.5 34 2.0 1.5 76.4 74.1 6 BECK 399NRR 4.0 36 3.0 1.5 75.8 71.5 7 BECK 326RRL 3.3 32 2.0 1.5 75.2 70.5 8 BECK 445NRR 4.6 38 3.0 1.6 74.7 - - - - 9 BECK 362NRR™** 3.7 36 3.0 1.7 70.9 - - - -

10 BECK 364NRR 3.7 40 3.0 1.7 70.4 - - - - 11 BECK 376LL 3.9 34 2.0 1.5 70.2 - - - - 12 BECK 332NRRL 3.3 34 2.0 1.4 69.8 65.6 13 BECK 422NRR 4.4 38 2.0 1.6 66.7 71.5 14 BECK 334LL 3.5 30 2.0 1.4 65.9 - - - - 15 BECK 377NRR 3.8 36 3.0 1.7 59.2 - - - -

AVERAGE 35 2.4 1.6 74.1 72.4 *Bushels per acre corrected to 13% moisture. **XL Brand distributed by Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc.

“The service that Beck’s and our DSM provided this year was excellent. With a shortage on high quality seed beans this year, Beck’s delivered in a timely manner when I needed them.” Arlen Hasty Fairmount, IN

59

BECK'S 15” Row Show Plot – 2008 RAINFALL

Location: N5 plot Population: 154,000 seeds/A. April 1.63 in. Planted: May 24, 2008 Previous Crop: Corn May 4.91 in. Harvested: September 18 & 26, 2008 Tillage: S-tine June 4.80 in. October 3, 2008 Herbicide: RR: 32 oz. Roundup Original Max July 3.50 in. Rows: Five 15” rows Traditional: 4 oz. Pursuit August 2.94 in.

6 oz. Fusilade DX Total 17.78 in.

Yield Rank

Brand

Special

Characteristic


Plant Height (IN.)

Pod Height (IN.)



GROUP II 1 BECK 257NRR 2.5 32 3.0 66.0 70.1 2 BECK 287NRR™** 2.8 32 2.8 64.8 - - - - 3 BECK 274NRR 2.7 32 2.0 63.0 64.3 4 BECK EX 7829 Asoyia® Ultra Low-Linolenic 2.8 26 2.0 62.9 - - - - 5 BECK EX 7828 Asoyia® Ultra Low-Linolenic 2.8 30 2.0 62.0 - - - - 6 BECK 244NRR™** 2.4 34 2.0 60.5 - - - - 7 BECK 296NRR 2.9 32 3.0 59.1 - - - - 8 BECK 298CRR 2.9 36 2.0 57.0 61.5

AVERAGE 32 2.4 61.9 65.3 GROUP III & IV

1 BECK 364NRR 3.9 40 3.0 77.3 - - - - 2 BECK 325NRR™** 3.5 36 2.0 65.5 - - - - 3 BECK 326RRL Vistive Low-Linolenic 3.1 29 2.5 64.2 61.3 4 BECK 332NRRL Vistive Low-Linolenic 3.2 34 2.0 62.9 58.8 5 BECK 307NRR 3.0 36 3.0 62.4 65.6 6 BECK 377NRR 3.8 36 3.0 61.5 - - - - 7 BECK 403NRR™** 4.3 42 2.0 61.5 - - - - 8 BECK 321NRR 3.3 32 2.0 61.0 60.3 9 BECK 342NRR 3.5 30 2.0 59.9 68.6

10 BECK 399NRR 4.0 32 3.0 59.0 67.1 11 BECK 422NRR 4.3 34 3.0 57.9 63.7 12 BECK 362NRR™** 3.9 34 3.0 56.6 - - - - 13 BECK 311N Traditional (Non-GMO) 3.0 32 2.0 56.0 - - - - 14 BECK 445NRR 4.6 31 3.0 55.5 - - - - 15 BECK EX 7831 Asoyia® Ultra Low-Linolenic 3.8 36 3.0 54.7 - - - - 16 BECK EX 7830 Asoyia® Ultra Low-Linolenic 3.6 28 2.0 54.7 - - - - 17 BECK 327 Food Grade (Non-GMO) 3.3 34 2.0 52.3 - - - - 18 BECK 381N Traditional (Non-GMO) 3.9 32 2.0 49.8 - - - -

AVERAGE 34 2.5 59.4 63.6 *Bushels per acre corrected to 13% moisture. **XL Brand distributed by Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc. Asoyia is a registered trademark of Asoyia, LLC in the US.

“There is a lot to say about why we plant 100% Beck’s Hybrids. We like Beck’s Sure Gro fungicide on our soybeans. The test weight on our Beck’s corn and beans is always good. Also, we are guaranteed that we only have to buy the seed once and Beck’s guarantees our stand! Our dealer is friendly, knowledgeable, and provides good service. Those are just some of the reasons that we plant all Beck’s!”

Duane & Darrell Cox Fayette County, IN

60

BECK’S Soybean Variety Plot - Atlanta – 2008 RAINFALL

Location: SR 19 W. of Atlanta Seeding Rate 120,000 seeds/A. April 1.63 in. Planted: May 6, 2008 Previous Crop: Corn May 4.91 in. Harvested: September 24, 29 and Tillage: Moldboard Plow / S-tine June 4.80 in. October 2, 2008 Herbicide: 32 oz. Roundup Original Max July 3.50 in. Rows: Four 30” rows August 2.94 in.

Total 17.78 in.

Yield Rank

Brand


Plant Height (IN.)

Pod Height (IN.)




GROUP II

1 BECK EX 6882 3.0 36 3.0 1.5 86.4 - - - - 2 BECK 274NRR 2.8 38 3.0 1.5 80.5 71.4 3 BECK 257NRR 2.5 36 3.0 1.5 78.2 64.2 4 BECK 296NRR 2.9 36 3.0 1.4 75.0 - - - - 5 BECK 287NRR™** 2.8 38 3.0 1.7 68.2 - - - -

AVERAGE 37 3.0 1.5 77.7 67.8 GROUP III & IV

1 BECK 325NRR™** 3.5 40 2.0 1.5 80.8 - - - - 2 BECK EX 6841 3.5 42 3.0 1.6 79.5 - - - - 3 BECK EX 6801 3.1 40 3.0 1.5 78.7 - - - - 4 BECK 307NRR 3.2 34 2.0 1.5 78.2 70.4 5 BECK 342NRR 3.4 36 3.0 1.4 77.2 76.6 6 BECK 321NRR 3.3 36 2.0 1.4 76.0 73.9 7 BECK EX 6892 3.3 32 3.0 1.4 75.5 - - - - 8 BECK 300NRR 3.1 36 3.0 1.4 73.7 66.8 9 BECK 362NRR™** 3.6 36 3.0 1.5 72.7 - - - -

10 BECK 364NRR 3.8 40 3.0 1.6 71.9 - - - - 11 BECK EX 6896 3.8 34 2.0 1.4 71.5 - - - - 12 BECK EX 6883 3.4 34 2.0 1.6 66.9 - - - - 13 BECK 399NRR 4.0 28 2.0 1.5 66.4 63.4 14 BECK EX 6726 4.1 34 2.0 1.4 65.4 - - - - 15 BECK 422NRR 3.8 36 3.0 1.4 63.9 61.2 16 BECK EX 6884 3.8 35 3.0 1.4 62.5 - - - - 17 BECK 377NRR 3.8 34 2.0 1.5 56.9 - - - -

AVERAGE 36 2.5 1.5 71.6 68.7

*Bushels per acre corrected to 13% moisture. **XL Brand distributed by Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc.

Kevin Cavanaugh, Ph.D., Beck’s Research Director, evaluates current and experimental varieties in Beck’s Practical Farm Research studies as well as thousands of plots in Beck’s testing program. Beck’s conducts small-plot, replicated testing at seven locations in Indiana, one in Illinois, and one in Ohio to find the best products for each area. Through cooperative and networking efforts, Beck’s has access to hundreds of other testing locations throughout the Midwest.

61

BECK'S Soybean Variety Plot - Arcadia – 2008 RAINFALL

Location: ½ mile West of Arcadia Seeding Rate: 123,040 seeds/A. April 1.63 in. Planted: May 21, 2008 Previous Crop: Corn May 4.91 in. Harvested: September 25 & 29, 2008 Tillage: Moldboard Plow / S-tine June 4.80 in. Rows: Four 30” rows Herbicide: 32 oz. Roundup Original Max July 3.50 in. Replications: Two (averaged) August 2.94 in.

Total 17.78 in.

Yield Rank

Brand


Plant Height (IN.)

Pod Height (IN.)



GROUP II

1 BECK EX 6882 2.9 33 3.0 69.1 - - - - 2 BECK 257NRR 2.5 34 3.0 66.1 - - - - 3 BECK 296NRR 2.9 33 3.0 66.1 - - - - 4 BECK 274NRR 2.8 34 3.0 65.3 60.7 5 BECK 287NRR™** 2.9 36 2.0 60.4 - - - -

AVERAGE 34 2.8 65.4 60.7

GROUP III & IV

1 BECK 325NRR™** 3.5 38 2.0 73.0 - - - - 2 BECK 403NRR™** 4.1 47 3.0 70.6 - - - - 3 BECK 362NRR™** 3.8 38 3.5 70.4 - - - - 4 BECK 307NRR 3.1 32 2.0 69.6 65.2 5 BECK 422NRR 4.4 40 3.0 68.6 67.3 6 BECK 399NRR 4.0 38 3.0 68.3 64.3 7 BECK EX 6726 4.2 40 3.0 67.8 - - - - 8 BECK EX 6896 3.8 35 2.0 67.4 - - - - 9 BECK 300NRR 3.1 30 2.0 67.4 61.5

10 BECK 321NRR 3.3 34 3.0 67.3 63.1 11 BECK EX 6892 3.2 32 2.0 66.2 - - - - 12 BECK EX 6884 3.7 37 2.5 66.2 - - - - 13 BECK EX 6801 3.0 32 2.5 65.0 - - - - 14 BECK 364NRR 3.8 38 3.0 64.6 - - - - 15 BECK 342NRR 3.5 33 2.0 64.4 63.3 16 BECK EX 6883 3.3 30 2.5 64.1 - - - - 17 BECK 377NRR 3.7 38 3.5 60.8 - - - -

AVERAGE 36 2.6 67.2

BECK'S Soybean Show Plot – US 31 – 2008 RAINFALL

Location: US 31 Seeding Rate: 154,000 seeds/A. April 1.63 in. Planted: April 25, 2008 Previous Crop: Corn May 4.91 in. Harvested: October 1, 2008 Tillage: No-Till June 4.80 in. Rows: Eleven 15” rows Herbicide: 32 oz. Roundup Original Max July 3.50 in. August 2.94 in.

Total 17.78 in.

Yield Rank

Brand

Plant Height (IN.)

Pod Height (IN.)

Bushels* Per Acre

1 BECK 422NRR 36 2.0 79.7 2 BECK 364NRR 42 3.0 77.3 3 BECK 399NRR 42 2.0 77.1 4 BECK 307NRR 36 2.0 74.4 5 BECK 274NRR 32 2.0 72.6 6 BECK 296NRR 36 2.0 72.5 7 BECK 321NRR 32 2.0 71.0 8 BECK 342NRR 36 2.0 69.7 9 BECK 257NRR 32 2.0 68.1

10 BECK 377NRR 36 2.0 66.9

AVERAGE 36 2.1 72.9 *Bushels per acre corrected to 13% moisture. ** XL Brand distributed by Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc.

62

BECK’S Soybean Variety Plot - Hoch Farm – 2008 RAINFALL

Location: 1 mile east of US 31 on Seeding Rate 154,400 seeds/A. April 1.63 in. 266th Street Previous Crop: Corn May 4.91 in. Planted: April 27 & 28, 2008 Tillage: S-tine June 4.80 in. Harvested: October 1, 2008 Herbicide: 32 oz. Roundup Original Max July 3.50 in. Rows: Eleven 15” rows August 2.94 in.

Total 17.78 in.

Yield Rank

Brand


Plant Height (IN.)

Pod Height (IN.)



GROUP II

1 BECK EX 6882 2.9 35 2.5 1.3 68.7 2 BECK 257NRR 2.5 30 2.0 1.3 65.8 3 BECK 296NRR 2.9 35 2.0 1.3 64.5 4 BECK 274NRR 2.8 33 2.0 1.3 64.2 5 BECK 244NRR™** 2.4 36 3.0 1.3 64.0 6 BECK 287NRR™** 2.9 35 2.0 1.3 61.1

AVERAGE 34 2.3 1.3 64.7 GROUP III & IV

1 BECK 325NRR™** 3.5 42 2.0 1.3 69.1 2 BECK 321NRR 3.3 35 2.0 1.3 66.8 3 BECK 300NRR 3.0 31 2.0 1.3 66.5 4 BECK 307NRR 3.2 32 2.0 1.4 66.0 5 BECK EX 6841 3.7 41 2.5 1.4 65.5 6 BECK 362NRR™** 3.8 36 2.0 1.3 64.6 7 BECK EX 6801 3.2 40 2.0 1.3 64.5 8 BECK 342NRR 3.5 38 2.5 1.3 64.4 9 BECK EX 6892 3.4 32 2.0 1.3 64.0

10 BECK 326RRL 3.2 34 2.0 1.4 63.2 11 BECK EX 6884 3.9 36 2.5 1.3 62.9 12 BECK 332NRRL 3.2 35 2.0 1.4 62.3 13 BECK 403NRR™** 4.4 34 2.0 1.5 62.2 14 BECK 399NRR 4.1 36 2.5 1.4 61.6 15 BECK EX 6896 3.9 32 1.5 1.3 61.4 16 BECK EX 6883 3.5 36 2.0 1.3 61.4 17 BECK 364NRR 3.7 43 2.0 1.4 61.3 18 BECK EX 6872 3.1 35 2.0 1.3 60.7 19 BECK EX 6726 4.2 40 2.0 1.3 59.9 20 BECK 377NRR 3.9 33 2.0 1.4 55.5

AVERAGE 36 2.1 1.3 63.2 *Bushels per acre corrected to 13% moisture. **XL Brand distributed by Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc.

63

BECK'S Advanced Soybeans in No-Till (MP Soil) and Conventional-Till (HP Soil) – 2008

Location: H4, H5 plots (No-Till) Rows: Five 15” rows RAINFALL 300-3N, 4N plots (Conv.) Seeding Rate: 150,000 seeds/A. April 1.63 in. Planted: May 24, 2008 Previous Crop: Corn May 4.91 in. Harvested: October 2, 2008 Herbicide: H4, H5 plots June 4.80 in. Herbicide: 300-3N, 4N plots 32 oz. Roundup Original Max July 3.50 in. 32 oz. Roundup Original Max (2 applications) August 2.94 in.

6 oz. Fusilade DX Total 17.78 in.

Purpose: This study compares some of our advanced experimental varieties in our Head Start testing program to our leading products. We are evaluating yield and agronomic characteristics using the no-till practices in medium productivity soil and conventional-till practices in the highly productive soil.

Yield Rank

Brand


Plant Height (IN.)

Pod Height (IN.)


Bushels* Per Acre

Advantage for HP Soil

MP SOIL - NO-TILL (Two Replications) 1 BECK 325NRR™** 3.6 38 2.0 1.0 62.2 2 BECK EX 6882 2.9 32 2.5 1.0 62.1 3 BECK EX 6836 3.2 32 2.5 1.0 61.0 4 BECK 321NRR 3.3 28 2.0 1.0 59.9 5 BECK 307NRR 3.0 34 2.0 1.1 59.8 6 BECK EX 6841 3.8 40 2.0 1.2 57.6 7 BECK 287NRR™** 2.9 32 2.5 1.0 56.6 8 BECK 342NRR 3.5 35 3.0 1.0 55.7 9 BECK EX 6884 3.9 33 2.0 1.1 55.2

10 BECK 274NRR 2.7 34 2.5 1.0 53.5 11 BECK EX 6892 3.3 28 2.0 1.0 53.4 12 BECK EX 6801 3.0 33 2.5 1.0 52.0 13 BECK 364NRR 3.8 38 2.0 1.1 51.3 14 BECK EX 6896 3.8 32 2.0 1.1 51.1 15 BECK EX 6883 3.3 32 2.0 1.0 50.7 16 BECK 399NRR 4.0 39 2.0 1.0 50.3 17 BECK 403NRR™** 4.3 42 2.5 1.3 50.3 18 BECK 296NRR 2.9 32 2.5 1.0 50.1 19 BECK 362NRR™** 3.8 36 2.5 1.1 49.1 20 BECK 377NRR 4.0 34 2.5 1.3 48.7

AVERAGE 34 2.3 1.1 54.5

HP SOIL - CONVENTIONAL-TILL (One Replication) 1 BECK 403NRR™** 4.3 46 3.0 2.0 72.3 +22.0 2 BECK EX 6892 3.3 36 3.0 1.1 66.9 +13.5 3 BECK EX 6836 3.2 40 2.0 2.8 65.8 +4.8 4 BECK EX 6882 2.9 40 3.0 1.1 64.8 +2.7 5 BECK 342NRR 3.6 40 2.0 1.4 64.2 +8.5 6 BECK EX 6801 3.1 40 3.0 3.5 63.5 +11.5 7 BECK 325NRR™** 3.6 42 2.0 2.0 63.3 +1.1 8 BECK EX 6896 3.9 40 2.0 1.3 63.1 +12.0 9 BECK EX 6841 3.8 46 2.0 2.5 61.5 +3.9

10 BECK 362NRR™** 3.8 40 2.0 1.7 60.1 +11.0 11 BECK EX 6883 3.6 42 2.0 1.1 58.6 +7.9 12 BECK 321NRR 3.3 38 2.0 2.0 58.0 -1.9 13 BECK 296NRR 2.9 40 2.0 1.2 57.8 +7.7 14 BECK 307NRR 3.1 38 2.0 2.5 57.1 -2.7 15 BECK 364NRR 3.8 48 3.0 3.0 55.2 +3.9 16 BECK 287NRR™** 2.8 40 2.0 2.5 52.4 -4.2 17 BECK 399NRR 4.1 46 2.0 1.4 49.1 -1.2 18 BECK 377NRR 4.0 46 2.0 1.3 47.2 -1.5 19 BECK 274NRR 2.8 36 2.0 3.0 44.5 -9.0 20 BECK EX 6884 3.9 40 2.0 2.5 42.6 -12.6

AVERAGE 41 2.0 2.0 58.4 +3.9 *Bushels per acre corrected to 13% moisture. **XL Brand distributed by Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc.

64

100 Bushel Soybean Study – 2008

Location: A4 plot / 300-2 plot Previous Crop: Corn RAINFALL Planted: April 18, 2008 Tillage: Plot 1: No-Till April 1.63 in. Harvested: October 7 & 10, 2008 Plot 2: Plow / S-tine May 4.91 in. Rows: 15” rows Herbicide: 32 oz. Roundup Original Max June 4.80 in. Seeding Rate: 150,000 seeds/A. (2 applications) July 3.50 in. Replications: Two (averaged) 6 oz. Fusilade DX August 2.94 in.

Product Tested: BECK 399NRR Insecticide: 3.2 oz. Mustang Max Total 17.78 in. Fungicide: 6 oz. Headline

Purpose: With higher commodity prices, each additional bushel of yield means so much more than it used to. In this study, our goal is to utilize seed treatments (fungicide, insecticide, nutrient and a growth promoter) as well as foliar applications of herbicide, fungicide, insecticide and a growth promoter to maximize yield and reach 100 Bu./A. Aim is a herbicide that was used to reduce internode length and create heavier podding.

Base Treatment Additional Treatment

Plot 1 Variable Soil Type Bu./A.*

Plot 2 Highly Productive

Soil Type Bu./A.*

Sure Gro + Cruiser 73.3 64.6 Sure Gro + Cruiser Optimize + Protinus + LCO Promoter + Aim 72.1 50.8 Sure Gro + Cruiser Aim 71.4 - - - - Sure Gro + Cruiser Protinus 71.3 52.9 Sure Gro + Cruiser LCO Promoter + Aim 69.7 70.2 Sure Gro + Cruiser Optimize 69.0 48.9

AVERAGE 71.1 57.5

Summary: It is ironic that the base treatment package of Sure Gro and Cruiser produced the highest yield in Plot 1 and any treatment beyond that showed reduced yield. In Plot 2, Sure Gro + Cruiser was the second highest yielder. We experienced much more variability in the HP soil plot. Some of it was due to sclerotinia white mold infection. We plan to continue to explore ways to tap into higher soybean yields through future research.

Optimize® Study on Soybeans – 2008 RAINFALL Location: L1, L2 plot Previous Crop: Soybeans April 1.63 in. Planted: April 30, 2008 Tillage: S-tine May 4.91 in. Harvested: September 25, 2008 Herbicide: 32 oz. Roundup Original Max June 4.80 in. Rows: Eleven 15” rows Product Tested: BECK 342NRR July 3.50 in. Seeding Rate: 153,884 seeds/A. August 2.94 in.

Replications: Five (averaged) Total 17.78 in.

Purpose: In this study, we evaluated the Optimize product to learn more about the timing of application as a seed treatment as well as the foliar spray formulation, an LCO Promoter. In all tests, we used the base seed treatment of Sure Gro.

Yield Rank

Additional Treatments

When Applied

Emerged Population

Bushels* Per Acre

1 Optimize At Planting 110,207 69.0 2 Optimize + LCO Promoter At Planting and Foliar 103,237 67.0 3 LCO Promoter Foliar 102,802 67.0 4 Optimize Before Planting 109,771 65.0 5 None 100,624 63.0

AVERAGE 105,328 66.2

Summary: In this study, our most favorable results occurred when we applied the Optimize the same day we planted the soybeans, versus applying it days or weeks ahead of planting. These results are consistent with multiple year data from our Illinois PFR location. The LCO Promoter is the foliar form of Optimize and it showed slightly more favorable yields compared to no additional treatment or Optimize applied several days before planting.

*Bushels per acre corrected to 13% moisture. Optimize is a registered trademark of EMD Crop BioScience, Inc.

65

BECK’S 7.5” vs. 15” vs. 30” Population Study – 2008 RAINFALL

Location: L3 plot Seeding Rate Various April 1.63 in. Planted: April 30, 2008 Previous Crop: Soybeans May 4.91 in. Harvested: September 24, 2008 Tillage: V-Rip / S-tine June 4.80 in. Rows: Various Herbicide: 32 oz. Roundup Original Max July 3.50 in. August 2.94 in.

Total 17.78 in. Purpose: Soybean varieties can vary greatly in their structure and ability to branch. Selecting the

correct variety for your soil type along with knowing how that variety responds to various populations and row spacing is critical for maximizing yield. This study compares two different Beck’s soybean products at 7.5”, 15” and 30” row spacing. In 2007 and 2008, we also planted each row spacing at three different populations.

Brand

Target Population

7.5” Rows Bu./A.*

15” Rows Bu./A.*

30” Rows Bu./A.*

Average Bu./A.*

BECK 274NRR 130,000 64.8 69.1 61.6 65.2 160,000 63.4 69.0 64.6 65.7 190,000 61.9 72.2 65.7 66.6 BECK 342NRR 130,000 63.3 69.0 58.7 63.7 160,000 69.1 69.1 59.9 66.0 190,000 70.6 65.9 61.4 66.0

OVERALL AVERAGE 65.5 69.1 62.0 65.5 *Bushels per acre corrected to 13% moisture. Bold entries indicate highest yield for each variety in each row width.

TEN YEAR AVERAGE* (Bu./A) 7.5” 15” 30”

1998 63.6 62.8 64.0 1999 47.3 44.7 48.5 2001 66.7 64.3 59.5 2002 62.4 65.8 60.9 2003 54.4 53.5 54.3 2004 65.8 72.5 68.0 2005 61.9 63.2 65.4 2006 65.2 66.7 65.4 2007** 51.1 57.9 58.2 2008** 66.3 69.1 60.2

Average 60.5 62.1 60.4

Summary: Our ten year average shows only 1.7 Bu./A. difference between all row spacings, with a slightly higher average yield in 15” rows. Each row spacing has produced the highest yield in a given year. The only correlation we have found that relates to which row spacing does best in a given year is heat. More specifically, the month that has the most days above 90 degrees has determined which row spacing produced the most in that year. When June had the most number of days above 90 degrees, 7.5” rows produced the most, July, 15” rows, and August, 30” rows came to the top. This pattern occurred in all but two of the past ten years. We only had one 90° F day per month in June, July and August this year.

*Different varieties used each year. Bold entries indicate highest yield each year.

**Yields used in 2007and 2008 are for the normal population for the row width, not the average of the three populations. (e.g. 130,000 for 30” rows)

66

BECK’S Soybean Population Study – 2008

Location Field K (South) RAINFALL Planted: April 25, 2008 Previous Crop: Corn April 1.63 in. Harvested: September 24, 2008 Tillage: No-Till May 4.91 in. Rows: Eleven 15” rows Herbicide: 32 oz. Roundup Orginal Max June 4.80 in. Seeding Rate: Various (2 applications) July 3.50 in. 6 oz. Fusilade DX August 2.94 in.

Total 17.78 in. Purpose: The purpose of this study is to evaluate soybean populations in 15” rows at 154,000,

125,000 and 85,000 seeds per acre on a marginal rolling soil type.

Brand

Planted

Population Emerged

Population

Bushels

Per Acre*

2008 Seed cost per acre

Revenue^ Minus

Seed cost BECK 274NRR 85,000 46,464 56.3 $18.39 $607.30 BECK 307NRR 85,000 42,108 52.8 $20.15 $566.20 BECK 342NRR 85,000 81,312 54.0 $18.97 $581.10 BECK 399NRR 85,000 65,340 60.6 $20.15 $653.20

AVERAGE 58,806 55.9 $19.42 $602.20 BECK 274NRR 125,000 63,888 51.4 $27.04 $544.40 BECK 307NRR 125,000 78,408 58.6 $29.63 $621.70 BECK 342NRR 125,000 91,476 59.1 $27.90 $629.20 BECK 399NRR 125,000 105,996 54.8 $29.63 $578.90

AVERAGE 84,942 56.0 $28.55 $593.50

BECK 274NRR 154,000 79,860 57.4 $33.31 $604.80 BECK 307NRR 154,000 78,408 55.7 $36.51 $582.40 BECK 342NRR 154,000 123,420 59.1 $34.38 $622.70 BECK 399NRR 154,000 126,324 57.7 $36.51 $604.50

AVERAGE 102,003 57.5 $35.18 $603.60

*Bushels per acre corrected to 13% moisture. ^Soybean seed price = $11.11/Bu. Seed costs = 2008 pricing less typical discounts.

Summary: While it is difficult to see any pattern with respect to seeding rates and corresponding yield of

specific varieties, we did see a slight upward trend in yield as populations increased. Note, that the bold entry, BECK 399NRR at 85,000 population gave the highest net revenue. However, in the economic analysis, less than $11.00 per acre difference occurred on average between any of the three seeding rates, even though emerged populations were dramatically different between some entries.

“My experience with several other seed companies is that they just can’t compete with Beck’s. Beck’s replant, agronomic support and experience, choices in genetics and traits, field show and research; no other company comes close.” Duane Weaver Marshall, IN

67

BECK'S Soybean Planting Date Study – 2008 RAINFALL

Location: N4 plot Previous Crop: Corn April 1.63 in. Harvested: September 18, 2008 Tillage: V-Rip / S-tine May 4.91 in. Rows: Four 30” rows Herbicide: 32 oz. Roundup Original Max June 4.80 in. Population: 120,000 seeds/A. July 3.50 in. August 2.94 in.

Total 17.78 in.

Purpose: Is it too early to plant soybeans? This question comes up every spring as temperatures begin to increase and the snow melts. So what is the correct answer? It is difficult to give an exact date, since spring weather conditions can vary greatly from year to year. This study has been conducted for several years and compares two soybean varieties, a Group II and a Group III, in seven planting dates ranging from April 8 to June 2.

Planting Date

Brand

Plant Height (IN.)

Pod Height (IN.)

Standability 1=Erect 5=Flat

Bushels* Per Acre

April 8 BECK 296NRR 34 3.0 1.4 84.9 April 8 BECK 342NRR 34 3.0 1.6 78.5

AVERAGE 34 3.0 1.5 81.7


AVERAGE 36 2.0 1.6 83.9


AVERAGE 36 2.0 1.5 76.1

May 1 BECK 296NRR 33 3.0 1.4 74.7 May 1 BECK 342NRR 34 2.0 1.6 71.9

AVERAGE 34 2.5 1.5 73.3


AVERAGE 36 3.0 1.5 67.4


AVERAGE 35 3.0 1.5 66.6

June 2 BECK 296NRR 36 3.0 1.4 61.9 June 2 BECK 342NRR 36 3.0 1.6 58.5

AVERAGE 36 3.0 1.5 60.2 *Bushels per acre corrected to 13% moisture.

Summary: This year’s planting date results show the typical long term trend for yield decreases between early April and early June.

Historically, we see over 14 Bu./A. difference between these two planting periods. Our long-term historical data (shown as a percent of yield) in the graph to the right reflects 11 years of research on planting dates.

Sure Gro coating makes it possible for farmers to plant during the highest yielding planting periods.

68

BECK'S Foliar Fungicide & Insecticide Timing Study – 2008 RAINFALL

Location: D2, D3 plots Previous Crop: Corn April 1.63 in. Planted: April 17, 2008 Tillage: V-Rip / S-tine May 4.91 in. Harvested: September 24, 2008 Herbicide: 32 oz. Roundup Original Max June 4.80 in. Rows: Eleven 15” rows Product Tested: BECK 342NRR July 3.50 in. Seeding Rate: 154,000 seeds/A. August 2.94 in.

Total 17.78 in.

Purpose: This study was designed to demonstrate the use of insecticides and fungicides to protect the growth of soybeans.

Treatment Emerged

Population Bushels* Per Acre

$ Gross Revenue

Foliar Costs^

$ Net Revenue

$ / Acre Benefit vs.

Control Control (None) 115,434 66.9 $743.26 - - - - $743.26

Application Stage R2 Headline 107,811 73.7 $818.81 $26.00 $792.81 $49.55 Headline / Warrior 119,790 77.5 $861.03 $33.55 $827.48 $84.22 Warrior 119,790 75.1 $834.36 $13.55 $820.81 $77.55

AVERAGE 115,797 75.4

Application Stage R4 Headline 125,235 74.3 $825.47 $26.00 $799.47 $56.21 Headline / Warrior 109,989 75.0 $833.25 $33.55 $799.70 $56.44 Warrior 108,900 76.0 $844.36 $13.55 $830.81 $87.55

AVERAGE 114,708 75.1 ^Foliar Costs = 6 oz. Headline $20.00/A., 3.2 oz. Warrior $7.55/A., Application Cost $6.00/A. Market price soybeans = $11.11/Bu.

Summary: In this year’s study, both fungicide and insecticide applications had a significant return on investment at both R2 and R4 growth stages. Historically, R4 growth stage has had the best chances for a positive net return and R2 has not paid off in most years.

LibertyLink® Soybean Stratego® Fungicide Study – 2008

RAINFALL Location: H1 & H2 plots Previous Crop: Corn April 1.63 in. Planted: May 28, 2008 Tillage: No-Till May 4.91 in. Harvested: October 14, 2008 Herbicide: 24 oz. Ignite June 4.80 in. Rows: Eleven 15” rows 32 oz. Liberty July 3.50 in. Seeding Rate: 154,400 seeds/A. August 2.94 in.

Replications: Two (averaged) Total 17.78 in.

Purpose: To evaluate the new LibertyLink soybeans with and without an application of Stratego fungicide at the R3 growth stage.

Brand Foliar Fungicide

Plant Height (IN.)

Pod Height (IN.)


Bushels Per Acre*

BECK 284LL Stratego 33 2.0 1.4 48.8 BECK 284LL None 36 2.5 1.3 51.2



*Bushels per acre corrected to 13% moisture.

Summary: This year’s study showed no advantage for Stratego fungicide in yield and/or economic return. Timing of application of foliar fungicides is important in determining their effectiveness. We applied Stratego on the early side of the R3 stage, which may have been too early to provide a benefit this year.

69

BECK’S LibertyLink® Soybean Herbicide Study – 2008

RAINFALL Location: A7 plot Previous Crop: Corn April 1.63 in. Planted: May 1, 2008 Tillage: S-tine May 4.91 in. Harvested: October 14, 2008 Herbicide: Various June 4.80 in. Rows: Eleven 15” rows July 3.50 in. Seeding Rate: 154,400 seeds/A. August 2.94 in.

Total 17.78 in. Purpose: LibertyLink soybeans offer a herbicide tolerant option other than glyphosate. This study

compares two post applied systems with a pre-emerge / post applied system for weed control.

Brand

Plant Height (IN.)

Pod Height (IN.)


Bushels Per Acre*

Target: 32 oz. Liberty + 1.5 lbs. AMS at 6” weeds and 30 oz. Liberty + 1.5 lbs. AMS no more than 22 days later BECK 284LL 32 2.0 1.3 60.4 BECK 334LL 34 2.0 1.3 77.3 BECK 376LL 36 2.0 1.4 75.9

AVERAGE 34 2.0 1.3 71.2 Target: 22 oz. Ignite + 1.5 lbs. AMS at 6” weeds and 22 oz. Ignite + 1.5 lbs. AMS no more than 22 days later BECK 284LL 34 2.0 1.3 61.2 BECK 334LL 36 2.0 1.3 74.1 BECK 376LL 36 2.0 1.4 73.5

AVERAGE 35 2.0 1.3 69.6

Target: 1.44 oz. Sceptor for soil type at pre-emergence and 22 oz. Ignite + 1.5 lbs. AMS at 6” weeds BECK 284LL 32 2.0 1.3 68.4 BECK 334LL 32 3.0 1.3 72.3 BECK 376LL 34 2.0 1.4 73.7

AVERAGE 32 2.3 1.3 71.5 *Bushels per acre corrected to 13% moisture.

Summary: Results indicate no significant yield differences between any of the herbicide systems in

this year’s study. Ignite is the new formulation of Liberty that is effective with a lower rate. One observation with this year’s study is the potential for weed escapes when Liberty or Ignite are applied when weeds are beyond the 6” height as they were in this year’s test. We are encouraged by the yield potential of the LibertyLink soybeans.

“I plant 100% Beck’s products. Their quality of seed and performance and replant policy gives me the peace of mind to go 100% Beck’s. Their selection of various genetics and traits give me options to manage my fields. The new LibertyLink soybean option will aid me in helping to maintain clean fields.” Steve Denning Jonesville, MI

70

BECK'S Strip-Till vs. Conventional-Till Soybean Study – 2008

Location: B2 plot Seeding Rate: 123,400 seeds/A. RAINFALL Planted: April 21, 2008 Previous Crop: Corn April 1.63 in. Harvested: September 25, 2008 Tillage: Strip-Till / V-Rip / S-tine May 4.91 in. Rows: Four 30" rows Herbicide: 32 oz. Roundup Original Max June 4.80 in. Soil Type: Clay Loam July 3.50 in. Replications: Three (averaged) August 2.94 in.

Total 17.78 in.

Purpose: This study compares strip-till with conventional-till practices in a corn/soybean rotation to compare and contrast differences from emergence to final yield.

Yield Rank

Brand

Plant Height (IN.)

Pod Height (IN.)


Bushels* Per Acre

Advantage for

Strip-Till CONVENTIONAL-TILL

1 BECK 399NRR 33 2.0 1.2 61.3 2 BECK 342NRR 29 2.3 1.2 60.4 3 BECK 321NRR 25 2.0 1.2 51.1 4 BECK 307NRR 22 1.7 1.3 50.5 AVERAGE 27 2.0 1.2 55.8

STRIP-TILL 1 BECK 399NRR 27 2.0 1.2 61.8 +0.5 2 BECK 342NRR 27 2.3 1.2 61.8 +1.4 3 BECK 307NRR 25 1.7 1.2 55.1 +4.6 4 BECK 321NRR 27 2.3 1.2 52.2 +1.1

AVERAGE 27 2.1 1.2 57.7 +1.9 *Bushels per acre corrected to 13% moisture.

Summary: This is the second year for this study; however, no data was reported last year due to herbicide injury. This year’s comparison showed very similar growth from emergence through final yield with strip-till yielding nearly two bushels per acre more than conventional-till. This is a long term study that will be interesting to learn from as we gather multi-year data.

“I’m amazed at how these Beck beans yielded with the lack of rain late in the growing season! We were concerned when it quit raining. However, the size of the beans and the yield of the BECK 399NRR’s are much better than I anticipated. We yield checked them at over 72 Bu./A.!” Joe Schultz Fayette County, IN

71

BECK'S No-Till vs. Conventional-Till Long Range Soybean Study – 2008 (Soybeans after Corn)

RAINFALL Location: E7 & E8 plots Seeding Rate 154,000 seeds/A. April 1.63 in. Planted: April 24, 2008 Previous Crop: Corn May 4.91 in. Harvested: September 25, 2008 Tillage: No-Till: None June 4.80 in. Rows: Five 15" rows Conv.-Till: Moldboard Plow / S-tine July 3.50 in. Soil Type: Crosby / Miami Clay Loam Herbicide: 32 oz. Roundup Original Max August 2.94 in.

Total 17.78 in.

Purpose: From 1991-1999, we studied how four different soybean varieties responded in emergence, plant height, pod height, disease resistance, standability, and yield using no-till and conventional-till practices. Since 2000, we expanded the study to include twice as many varieties, and we used a 15” row drill instead of the 7.5” row drill.

Yield Rank

Brand

Plant Height (IN.)

Pod Height (IN.)


Bushels* Per Acre

Bu./A. Difference

for Conv.-Till NO-TILL STUDY

1 BECK 422NRR 32 3.0 1.6 67.7 2 BECK 364NRR 34 3.0 1.6 67.5 3 BECK 342NRR 30 2.0 1.4 66.8 4 BECK 274NRR 30 2.0 1.4 64.8 5 BECK 399NRR 30 3.0 1.4 64.0 6 BECK 377NRR 28 2.0 1.4 63.4 7 BECK 307NRR 26 3.0 1.4 58.1 8 BECK 296NRR 30 2.0 1.4 51.8 AVERAGE 30 2.5 1.5 63.0

CONVENTIONAL-TILL STUDY 1 BECK 399NRR 30 2.0 1.5 66.2 +2.2 2 BECK 364NRR 34 2.0 1.6 64.1 -3.4 3 BECK 422NRR 30 3.0 1.4 63.8 -3.9 4 BECK 274NRR 32 2.0 1.4 61.4 -3.4 5 BECK 342NRR 30 3.0 1.5 60.2 -6.6 6 BECK 377NRR 32 2.0 1.5 57.8 -5.6 7 BECK 307NRR 27 3.0 1.5 56.0 -2.1 8 BECK 296NRR 32 3.0 1.4 54.9 +3.1

AVERAGE 31 2.5 1.5 60.6 -2.4 *Bushels per acre corrected to 13% moisture.

No-Till vs Conventional-Till Soybean Study Eighteen Year Comparison

(1991-2008)

35

40

45

50

55

60

65

N 46.0 50.5 59.9 61.9 47.8 41.2 59.0 56.7 42.9 56.5 61.6 58.2 50.1 54.3 51.6 62.1 56.6 63.0

C 48.4 53.2 59.8 60.3 47.2 41.9 59.8 57.8 40.0 59.8 60.3 55.5 54.6 60.7 59.9 65.0 55.0 60.6

1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008

+2.4 +2.7 -0.1 -1.6 -0.6 +0.7 +0.8 +1.1 -2.9 +3.3 -1.3 -2.7 +4.5 +6.4 +8.3 +2.9 -1.6 -2.4 Advantage for Conventional-Till

Summary: After eighteen years of testing no-till vs. conventional-till practices in this same location, the overall average shows a 1.1 Bu./A. difference between the two practices with conventional-till winning ten out of eighteen years.

Conv.-Till = 55.5 Bu./A. No-Till = 54.4 Bu./A.

Over the years, we have observed a greater concentration of earthworms in the no-till areas, as well as improved water percolation into the soil after a heavy rain.

In 2007 and 2008, no-till yields edged conventional-till for the first time in five years.

72

BECK'S Lime Study on Soybeans – 2008 RAINFALL

Location: 300-6 Middle plot Previous Crop: Corn April 1.63 in. Planted: April 22, 2008 Tillage: Rototiller May 4.91 in. Harvested: September 16, 2008 Herbicide: 32 oz. Roundup Original Max June 4.80 in. Seeding Rate: 120,000 seeds/A. July 3.50 in. August 2.94 in.

Total 17.78 in.

Purpose: This is the fifteenth year of a long-term study to determine the effects of High Calcium lime on corn and soybean production. We applied 0, 5, and 10 ton/A. of High Calcium lime in April 1993 and planted corn. In the spring of 1994 we applied 0, 3, and 5 ton/A. of High Calcium lime to an additional area and planted soybeans. We have rotated the crops over the years, and applied additional lime to only one area; in the Spring of 2000, we applied 1.5 ton/A. each of Bed Ash (Calcium Sulfate) and High Calcium lime to one of the areas where we had not applied lime. In the spring of 2006, we converted the 10 ton/A. area to an alfalfa plot.

Yield Rank

Brand

Plant Height (IN.)

Pod Height (IN.)

Standability 1=Erect 5=Flat

Bushels* Per Acre

5 TON / ACRE

1 BECK 257NRR 33 2.0 1.7 68.7 2 BECK 274NRR 34 2.0 1.6 61.3 3 BECK 296NRR 35 3.0 1.4 60.3 4 BECK 287NRR™** 35 2.0 1.6 55.1

AVERAGE 34 2.3 1.6 61.4 0 TON / ACRE + 3 TON / ACRE

1 BECK 257NRR 31 2.0 1.4 68.4 2 BECK 274NRR 29 2.0 1.5 67.1 3 BECK 287NRR™** 35 2.0 1.5 59.3 4 BECK 296NRR 32 3.0 1.4 58.4

AVERAGE 32 2.3 1.5 63.3

NO ADDED LIME

1 BECK 287NRR™** 33 2.0 1.6 67.3 2 BECK 257NRR 32 2.0 1.4 65.6 3 BECK 274NRR 34 2.0 1.5 65.0 4 BECK 296NRR 34 3.0 1.4 57.1

AVERAGE 33 2.3 1.5 63.7

3 TON / ACRE

1 BECK 274NRR 34 2.0 1.5 69.8 2 BECK 287NRR™** 36 2.0 1.5 69.6 3 BECK 257NRR 34 2.0 1.5 66.3

AVERAGE 35 2.0 1.5 68.6

5 TON / ACRE

1 BECK 274NRR 35 2.0 1.5 69.8 2 BECK 287NRR™** 34 3.0 1.5 68.8 3 BECK 296NRR 34 3.0 1.5 64.2

AVERAGE 34 2.7 1.5 67.6 *Bushels per acre corrected to 13% moisture. **XL Brand distributed by Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc. Summary: In 1993, the first year for this plot, we saw no significant yield difference between limed and un-limed areas.

In 1994, we also saw very little yield advantage where we added lime for the first time. From 1995 to 2001 we saw an advantage of 22.0 Bu./A. of corn and 5.0 Bu./A. of beans in the limed areas. We have also seen significantly taller plant heights in the limed areas.

No data was reported in 2002, due to flooding. We grew soybeans and wheat in 2003-2004, so 2005 is our first year since 2001 to report corn data. The limed areas continued to produce higher yields than the un-limed areas giving us an eight-year average of 20.6 bushels per acre more yield. However, our advantage in 2005 was only 11.0 Bu./A.

In 2006, average yields between all areas of the study differed by less than 3.0 Bu./A. and the un-limed area topped the trial at 69.2 Bu./A. average.

Unfortunately, due to planting errors we are missing an entry in the 3 and 5 ton lime sections. If you look at the trends in the other three sections and apply it to the 3 and 5 ton sections it suggests that the 5 ton lime section would have had the advantage in 2008.

73

BECK'S Soybean Seed Treatment Study – 2008 Location: A5, E4, N6 plots Seeding Rate: 154,000 seeds/A. Planted: April 16-17, 2008 Previous Crop: Corn Harvested: September 24-26, 2008 Tillage: No-Till and Conventional-Till Rows: Five 15” rows Herbicide: 32 oz. Roundup Original Max Replications: Seven (averaged) Product Tested: BECK 342NRR

Purpose: We had a total of seven replications of seed treatment studies at our practical farm research site in Central Indiana where we evaluated Sure Gro, other traditional fungicides along with biological control treatments, plant growth stimulants and inoculants.

Treatment

Population Difference vs. Untreated

Emerged Population

Bu./A. Advantage Over Untreated

Bushels* Per Acre

Sure Gro + Stamina 0 107,863 +3.5 72.1 Sure Gro + Thiodicarb +4,667 112,530 +2.2 70.8 Sure Gro + Acronis +6,015 113,878 +1.9 70.5 Sure Gro + Myconate +30,596 138,459 +1.8 70.4 Sure Gro +2,904 110,767 +1.4 70.0 Sure Gro + ReVV -3,112 104,751 +1.3 69.9 Sure Gro + Mertect 340 +5,082 112,945 +0.4 69.0 Sure Gro + N-Hibit Gold +311 108,174 +0.4 69.0 Sure Gro + Excalibre QR +11,720 119,583 +0.3 68.9 Sure Gro + Protinus -1,452 106,411 +0.2 68.8 Untreated - - - - 107,863 - - - - 68.6 Sure Gro + Optimize +7,467 115,330 0.0 68.6

AVERAGE +5,350 113,213 +1.1 69.7 *Bushels per acre corrected to 13% moisture.

and contains ReVV: ReVV technology is a signal molecule that maximizes a plant’s genetics by advancing vital growth processes

independent of external factors and allows the plant to reach its inherent yield potential.

Protinus: A seed treatment that promotes early plant health and growth by delivering zinc, magnesium and iron right to the seed. This can lead to increased root mass, better vigor and early emergence. Protinus helps to lower the pH in the zone immediately around the seed thus allowing important nutrients to be more easily absorbed.

Stamina: A fungicide seed treatment that helps control key seed and seedling diseases, such as Rhizoctonia, and improves seed tolerance. Stamina’s formulation is built on pyraclostrobin.

Myconate: Myconate® is a synthesized form of the naturally-occurring isoflavanone- formononetin- that was originally isolated from plant roots. This chemical stimulates the activity and colonization of plant roots by beneficial vesicular-arbuscular mycorrhizal (VAM) fungi. VAM are the state of fine roots of nearly all plants growing in soils of natural plant ecosystems. VAM increase the ability of the plant to absorb water, nitrogen and essential minerals by significantly increasing the effective absorbing surface area of the root system. This improved water and nutrition aids the plant in managing stress, such as soil water and mineral deficiencies and salinity. Increased phosphorus absorption and utilization by mycorrhizal plants also increase nodulation of legumes by nitrogen-fixing bacteria.

Sure Gro: Beck’s exclusive fungicide coating which contains Maxim, Apron XL (systemic fungicide), Thiram, red colorant, polymer coating, and brightener.

Mertect 340: A systemic fungicide whose active ingredient, Thiabendazole, aids in the control of certain pathogenic fungi that causes disease in plants.

Acronis: A fungicide seed treatment in development by BASF as a seed treatment for legume crops. This product is currently in review by EPA.

Excalibre QR: An encapsulated inoculant fearing three strains of Bradyrhizobium bacteria. Excalibre QR is a pre-formulated combination of Excalibre and QuickRoots, which contains Bacillus subtilis var. amyloliquefaciens and Trichoderma virens G1-3. It was developed to improve root growth, soil exploration by microbes and nutrient efficiency.

Optimize: Features LCO Protomer Technology, and is a naturally occurring molecule that activates a cascade of plant genes which begins and enhances cell division in both the root and shoot, independent of soil and weather conditions.

Thiodicarb: A systemic carbamate pesticide used for added protection from thrips, aphids, cutworm and plant protection from early-season nematode damage.

N-Hibit Gold: A biochemical pesticide seed treatment that suppresses nematode egg production, increases root mass and enhances yield.

Summary: 2006 results showed consistent yield improvements for nearly every treatment used compared to untreated seed. Sure Gro alone provided a yield increase of 1.2 bushels per acre. In 2007, with dry conditions during the early growing season, less benefit was observed for seed treatments in our studies. This year, most treatments gave a positive yield response compared to untreated seed, and a few showed slight improvements over Sure Gro alone.

74

BECK'S Sure Gro vs. Untreated Soybeans Mid April Planting – 2008

RAINFALL Location: D1 plot Seeding Rate: 154,000 seeds/A. April 1.63 in. Planted: April 17, 2008 Previous Crop: Corn May 4.91 in. Harvested: September 24, 2008 Tillage: V-Rip / S-tine June 4.80 in. Rows: Five 15” rows Herbicide: 32 oz. Roundup Original Max July 3.50 in. Replications: Two (averaged) August 2.94 in.

Total 17.78 in. Purpose: This long-term study compares Sure Gro with untreated soybeans in early to mid April

planting conditions.

Emerged Population

Bushels Per Acre* Sure Gro

Advantage Brand Sure Gro™ Untreated Sure Gro™ Untreated Bu./A. BECK 342NRR 112,167 98,010 55.4 48.7 +6.7 BECK 399NRR 117,612 99,099 51.9 53.4 -1.5 BECK 422NRR 91,476 95,832 50.5 55.0 -4.5 BECK 307NRR 89,298 96,921 50.4 50.5 -0.1 BECK 274NRR 114,345 106,722 49.1 52.0 -2.9

AVERAGE 104,311 98,788 51.6 51.9 -0.3 *Bushels per acre corrected to 13% moisture.

Advantage for Sure Gro Year Planting Date Final Population Bu./A.

1995 April 26 +35,000 +2.2 1996 April 18 +6,000 +3.3 1997 April 17 +8,000 +0.3 1998 April 13 +29,000 -0.6 1999 April 12 -2,000 +0.2 2000 April 1 +23,000 +2.3 2001 April 3 +10,000 +2.0 2002 April 17 +2,000 +0.7 2003 April 2 -4,000 +1.7 2004 April 5 0 -1.4 2005 April 5 -1,600 +0.4 2006 April 10 -5,373 +2.1 2007 April 3 +8,712 +1.9 2008 April 17 +5,523 -0.3

AVERAGE +8,162 +1.1

Summary: In 11 of the 14 years, Sure Gro has shown a positive yield benefit compared to untreated seed. In 9 of the 14 years, Sure Gro has given higher populations in spite of the fact that until this year, when we planted the plot using a White planter, we had used a drill which often resulted in an 8% lower seeding rate for Sure Gro due to slower flow rate.

Fourteen years of testing supports the advantages of Sure Gro coated seed over non-coated seed.

“We plant all treated soybeans on our farm. However, not all treatments are the same. We have noticed a positive difference in the Sure Gro coated soybeans from Beck’s Hybrids. They just rocketed out of the ground this last spring.” Lester Moore Rossville, IL

75

BECK'S Sure Gro vs. Untreated Soybeans Late May Planting – 2008

RAINFALL Location: F4 plot Previous Crop: Corn April 1.63 in. Planted: May 22, 2008 Tillage: V-Rip / S-tine May 4.91 in. Harvested: October 3, 2008 Herbicide: 32 oz. Roundup Original Max June 4.80 in. Rows: Five 15” rows Replications: Two (averaged) July 3.50 in. Seeding Rate: 154,000 seeds/A. August 2.94 in.

Total 17.78 in.

Purpose: This is a second planting of our long-term study to compare Sure Gro with untreated soybeans. This planting occurred in late May.

Emerged Population

Bushels Per Acre*

Sure Gro Advantage

Brand Sure Gro™ Untreated Sure Gro™ Untreated Bu./A. BECK 274NRR 93,654 98,010 57.5 58.1 -0.6 BECK 307NRR 92,565 66,429 61.5 54.6 +6.9 BECK 342NRR 113,256 99,099 58.6 60.3 -1.7 BECK 399NRR 112,167 108,900 61.6 60.6 +1.0 BECK 422NRR 102,366 98,010 60.3 58.7 +1.6

AVERAGE 102,802 94,090 59.9 58.5 +1.4 *Bushels per acre corrected to 13% moisture.

Summary: Even in late May, Sure Gro coating gave higher stands and yields compared to untreated seed in this year’s test.

BECK’S Seed-Applied Insecticide Soybean “Field” Study – 2008

Planted: April 25, 2008 Previous Crop: Corn RAINFALL Harvested: October 2, 2008 Tillage: No-Till April 1.63 in. Rows: Eleven 15” rows Herbicide: 32 oz. Roundup Original Max May 4.91 in. Seeding Rate: 166,000 seeds/A. (two applications) June 4.80 in. Product Tested: BECK 342NRR July 3.50 in. August 2.94 in.

Total 17.78 in. Purpose: Seed-applied insecticides on soybeans are more accurately tested in field environments versus strip

tests to minimize the effect of insect feeding. We conducted this study in a 20 acre field.

Treatment Emerged

Population

Plant Height (IN.)

Pod Height (IN.)


Bushels Per Acre*

Sure Gro Only 107,932 27 2.0 1.3 57.9 Sure Gro + FaSTart 93,896 33 2.0 1.3 59.1 Sure Gro + Cruiser 100,672 33 2.0 1.3 61.5 Sure Gro Only 108,900 31 2.0 1.3 60.7

AVERAGE 102,850 31 2.0 1.3 59.8 *Bushels per acre corrected to 13% moisture.

Summary: We saw only minimal effects from early season insect feeding, and aphids were not a factor during

this past summer at this location. Planting occurred in wet, no-till conditions and the seed slot was not closing in many areas across the field. We were surprised at the stands we obtained given the relatively poor planting conditions. We were also pleased to see that both seed-applied insecticides, Cruiser and Beck’s new FaSTart insecticide, gave positive yield responses compared to the fungicide (Sure Gro) check planted next to them. The FaSTart portion of the field showed a 1.2 Bu./A. increase compared to the Sure Gro check area next to it.

76

BECK'S No-Till Double-Crop Soybeans after Wheat Study – 2008 RAINFALL

Location: A6 plot Seeding Rate 275,000 seeds/A. April 1.63 in. Planted: July 8, 2008 Previous Crop: Wheat May 4.91 in. Harvested: November 3, 2008 Tillage: No-Till June 4.80 in. Rows: Twenty Four 7.5” rows Herbicide: 32 oz. Roundup Original Max July 3.50 in. Replications: Two (averaged) August 2.94 in. Total 17.78 in.

Purpose: Double crop soybeans after wheat can be profitable in Central Indiana if the weather cooperates. For double crop soybeans to be successful, we need adequate rainfall during July and August along with a normal to later than normal frost.

Yield Rank

Brand

Plant Height (IN.)

Pod Height (IN.)


Bushels* Per Acre

1 BECK 362NRR™** 26 2.5 1.2 44.7 2 BECK 325NRR™** 24 2.0 1.2 44.3 3 BECK 364NRR 28 3.0 1.2 40.6 4 BECK 326RRL 19 2.5 1.2 38.2 5 BECK 321NRR 24 2.5 1.2 37.8 6 BECK 342NRR 20 3.0 1.2 37.2 7 BECK 399NRR 26 3.0 1.2 37.0 8 BECK 274NRR 20 2.0 1.2 35.7 9 BECK 307NRR 20 2.0 1.2 35.5

10 BECK 377NRR 22 3.0 1.2 35.2 11 BECK 287NRR™** 21 2.0 1.2 33.9 12 BECK 332NRRL 20 2.0 1.2 32.0 13 BECK 445NRR 26 3.0 1.3 28.0 14 BECK 422NRR 25 2.5 1.3 19.6

AVERAGE 23 2.5 1.2 35.7 *Bushels per acre corrected to 13% moisture. **XL Brand distributed by Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc.

DOUBLE CROP SOYBEAN PLOT AVERAGES

Year

Planting

Date

Plant Height (IN.)

Bushels* Per Acre

2008 July 8 23.0 35.7 2007 July 3 30.3 46.0 2006 July 6 28.2 29.0 2005 July 6 23.8 40.2 2004 June 30 25.5 27.0 2003 July 18 23.8 9.6 2002 July 3 24.3 29.7 2001 June 29 27.0 37.5 2000 June 29 25.0 29.7 1999 June 30 12.1 1.2 1998 June 29 29.0 31.9 1997 July 16 24.8 17.9 1996 July 12 18.6 25.8 1995 July 8 12.9 1.4 1994 July 8 22.2 21.5 1993 July 7 26.0 29.0 1992 No Plot No Plot No Plot 1991 June 25 26.0 32.4

Average 24.1 25.6 Average does not include 1992.

Source: Ken Scheeringa, Purdue Agronomy Dept. *Vincennes location.(Killing Frost = 32oF, Killing Freeze = 28oF). **Bloomington location.

FIRST KILLING FREEZE (28o OR LESS) North Central South Columbia City Farmland Indianapolis Washington

2008 Oct. 22 Oct. 22 Oct. 30 - - - - 2007 N/A Oct. 28 Nov. 7 Nov. 7 2006 Oct. 25 Oct. 15 Oct. 16 Nov. 2 2005 Oct. 29 Oct. 29 Nov. 16 Nov. 17 2004 Oct. 5 Oct. 5 Nov. 13 Dec. 2 2003 Oct. 2 Oct. 2 Nov. 7 Nov. 8 2002 Oct. 14 Oct. 14 Oct. 14 Nov.2** 2001 Oct. 7 Oct. 7 Oct. 28 Oct. 28 2000 Nov. 5 Nov. 5 Nov. 15 Nov. 15 1999 Oct. 21 Oct. 18 Nov. 3 Nov. 4 1998 Oct. 22 Nov. 4 Nov. 5 Nov. 7* 1997 Oct. 23 Oct. 15 Oct. 22 Oct. 22 1996 Nov. 2 Nov. 2 Nov. 2 Nov. 2 1995 Sept. 23 Sept. 23 Nov. 3 Nov. 4 1994 Oct. 27 Oct. 27 Nov. 23 Nov. 23 1993 Oct. 10 Oct. 11 Nov. 1 Nov. 1 1992 Oct. 19 Oct. 19 Oct. 19 Oct. 19 1991 Sept. 28 Oct. 16 Oct. 16 Nov. 3 1990 Oct. 26 Oct. 26 Oct. 27 Oct. 26 1989 Oct. 4 Oct. 4 Nov. 3 Nov. 3 1988 Oct. 14 Oct. 6 Oct. 12 Oct. 12 1987 Oct. 12 Oct. 4 Oct. 12 Oct. 12 1986 Nov. 3 Nov. 3 Nov. 10 Nov. 12 1985 Nov. 20 Oct. 2 Nov. 21 Nov. 21

Summary: This year’s yields were 10.1 Bu./A. above our seventeen year average. The soil condition was not perfect when we planted this plot. This plot received adequate and timely rains to finish the soybeans for harvest.

Untitled-1 1 8/1/2008 3:11:07 PM

78

Ft. Branch, IN has been home to our Southern Practical Farm Research program since 2005. This location hosts our annual Southern Field show in early August giving farmers in Southern Indiana, Southern Illinois, and Western Kentucky the opportunity to observe specialized research studies prior to the busy harvest season. The farm also provides an excellent location for product and agronomic training for Beck’s sales staff and dealers. Feel free to give Scott Ebelhar a call at anytime for a tour of this facility.

Corn after Soybeans Show Plot – 2008 RAINFALL April 4.64 in. Planted: April 29, 2008 Previous Crop: Soybeans May 6.36 in. Harvested: September 25, 2008 Tillage: Disc / Chisel / Field Cultivator June 3.12 in. Rows: Six 30” rows Herbicide: 3 qts. Degree Xtra July 8.90 in. Soil Type: Ragsdale Silt Loam 1 qt. Atrazine / 0.75 oz. Impact August 0.80 in. Population: 30,000 seeds/A. Insecticide: 6 oz. Artic Total 23.82 in.

Yield Rank

Brand


Test*

Weight


Percent Moisture

Bushels* Per Acre

1 BECK 5555VT3 28,000 57.3 12.5 20.6 244.1 2 BECK EX 9864 (5779VT3 Genetics) 29,500 56.1 16.5 20.8 242.2 3 BECK EX 8719 (5784RR Genetics) 29,250 60.5 5.0 21.7 236.4 4 BECK EX 9850 28,250 55.7 2.5 21.9 235.1 5 BECK 5722HXR 28,750 56.7 0.0 21.3 234.5 6 BECK 5684CL 28,750 54.2 5.0 18.2 234.0 7 BECK 5684VT3 28,000 55.9 10.0 19.9 232.9 8 BECK 5716A3 28,750 55.0 5.0 21.9 232.0 9 BECK 6197VT 28,000 56.8 5.0 21.9 231.4

10 BECK 6733HXR™** 28,500 58.5 2.0 21.3 231.3 11 BECK 5608VT3 28,500 58.3 1.5 20.6 230.3 12 BECK 6722VT3 29,000 56.1 0.0 23.1 229.7 13 BECK 7916VT3 28,250 56.5 0.0 22.5 228.4 14 BECK 5444VT3 29,500 57.3 0.0 20.5 226.8 15 BECK 7916Hx1CL 29,000 55.2 0.0 21.9 226.5 16 BECK 5816CBRR 28,500 56.6 5.0 22.1 225.9 17 BECK 5616VT3 29,750 58.2 0.0 20.5 224.2 18 BECK 5616CL 27,500 54.8 0.0 20.2 220.0 19 BECK 5676™** 28,000 58.4 0.0 21.2 211.0 20 BECK 5335HXR™** 28,250 60.6 0.0 19.4 205.0


Scott Ebelhar, CCA Southern PFR Director

79

Corn after Corn Show Plot – 2008 RAINFALL April 4.64 in. Planted: April 29, 2008 Previous Crop: Corn May 6.36 in. Harvested: September 25, 2008 Tillage: Disk / Chisel / Field Cultivator June 3.12 in. Rows: Six 30” rows Herbicide: 3 qts. Degree Xtra July 8.90 in. Soil Type: Silt Loam 1 qt. Atrazine / 0.75 oz. Impact August 0.80 in. Population: 34,000 seeds/A. Insecticide: 6 oz. Artic Total 23.82 in.

Yield Rank

Brand


Test*

Weight


Percent Moisture

Bushels* Per Acre

1 BECK 6733HXR™** 33,500 58.5 7.0 20.9 229.0 2 BECK 6722VT3 32,750 56.2 40.0 22.0 227.5 3 BECK 5716A3 30,750 54.1 7.0 21.5 217.7 4 BECK 5722HXR 32,250 56.9 10.0 20.0 216.9 5 BECK 6197VT 32,250 57.9 15.0 21.0 216.9 6 BECK EX 9864 (5779VT3 Genetics) 32,750 54.6 17.5 19.5 213.9 7 BECK 5555VT3 32,250 56.7 10.0 19.6 213.6 8 BECK 7916VT3 33,000 56.3 60.0 22.7 211.2 9 BECK EX 9850 33,250 54.2 27.5 20.5 207.4

10 BECK 5608VT3 33,250 56.3 2.5 18.3 202.5 11 BECK 5684VT3 32,750 55.0 16.5 18.4 201.7 12 BECK 5616VT3 31,500 57.4 2.5 19.2 201.4 13 BECK 5684CL 32,500 54.0 30.0 17.6 200.9 14 BECK 5616CL 33,500 55.7 40.0 18.9 199.4 15 BECK EX 8719 (5784RR Genetics) 33,250 53.5 5.0 19.1 198.9 16 BECK 5444VT3 31,500 57.3 0.0 18.1 195.8 17 BECK 5816CBRR 29,250 56.7 5.0 20.1 192.6 18 BECK 5335HXR™** 30,250 59.3 0.0 17.9 191.2 19 BECK 5676™** 28,750 57.7 1.5 20.6 180.6

AVERAGE 32,066 56.2 15.6 19.8 206.3 *Bushels per acre corrected to 15% moisture. **XL Brand distributed by Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc.

Corn Rootworm Control Study – 2008 RAINFALL April 4.64 in. Planted: April 30, 2008 Previous Crop: Corn May 6.36 in. Harvested: September 27, 2008 Tillage: Fall Disc & Chisel / Field Cultivator June 3.12 in. Soil Type: Ragsdale Silt Loam Herbicide: 3 qts. Degree Xtra July 8.90 in. Population: 34,000 seeds/A. 1 qt. Atrazine / 24 oz. Durango August 0.80 in. Insecticide: 6 oz. Artic Total 23.82 in.

Purpose: This study was established to compare the different insect control options available to producers. These controls include traited technologies such as VT3 for corn rootworm and corn borer control along with liquid insecticide applied directly to the seed with starter fertilizer. This study was also established to help monitor the movement of Western Corn Rootworm into Beck’s southern marketing area.

Yield Rank

Brand

Insecticide Treatment

Percent Moisture

Bushels* Per Acre

1 BECK 5555VT3 FaSTart (Poncho 250) 19.4 240.5 2 BECK 5555VT3 Poncho 1250 20.0 236.0 3 BECK 5555RR Force 3G 19.1 232.8 4 BECK 5555VT3 Force 3G 19.5 231.6 5 BECK 5555RR Poncho 1250 18.8 228.3 6 BECK 5555RR Maxim XL + Regent 18.9 223.4 7 BECK 5555RR Maxim XL 18.6 216.4 8 BECK 5555RR Maxim XL + Force 3G 19.2 215.0 9 BECK 5555RR FaSTart (Poncho 250) 19.1 214.7

AVERAGE 19.2 226.5

Summary: Just as in 2007, this year’s study showed a significant advantage in using traited technology for controlling rootworms. Although midseason root digs showed no documented feeding, Western Corn Rootworm beetle populations were very high just after pollination. Although silk clipping was heavy, this study had completed pollination several days prior to beetle emergence. Minimal third generation corn borer feeding could be found within the plot, so corn borer pressure was not significant. BECK 5555VT3 with FaSTart out yielded its RR counterpart with FaStart by 25.3 Bu./A.! The two year average favors VT3 over the RR version by 22.4 Bu./A. Adding Force 3G did narrow the gap between the RR and VT3 versions to 7.7 Bu./A. while the RR version with Poncho 1250 was still 12.2 Bu./A. lower than the VT3 version. There was no yield advantage to using combinations of Poncho 1250 or Force 3G with the VT3 trait to provide multiple modes of action. There was no noticeable goose-necking in any of the RR entries that would suggest that any larvae feeding took place.

80

Refuge Study – 2008 RAINFALL April 4.64 in. Planted: April 30, 2008 Previous Crop: Corn May 6.36 in. Harvested: October 3, 2008 Tillage: Disc & Chisel / Field Cultivator June 3.12 in. Soil Type: Ragsdale Silt Loam Herbicide: 3 qts. Degree Xtra July 8.90 in. Population: 34,000 seeds/A. 1 qt. Atrazine / 24 oz. Durango August 0.80 in. Insecticide: 6 oz. Artic Total 23.82 in.

Purpose: This study is designed to compare the current 80/20 refuge requirement for the use of

traited corn rootworm protection against the concept of refuge in a bag and the potential for reduced refuge in the future.


Bushels* Per Acre

Bu/A Advantage vs. Block Refuge

80/20 BLOCK BECK 5616VT3 Field Average 32,500 233.9 BECK 5616RR Poncho 1250 (Refuge) 33,000 207.0

WEIGHTED AVERAGE OF ENTIRE BLOCK 32,600 228.5 80/20 MIXED BECK 5616VT3 / BECK 5616RR Poncho 1250 31,500 231.6 +3.1 90/10 MIXED BECK 5616VT3 / BECK 5616RR Poncho 1250 33,000 240.3 +11.8 95/5 MIXED BECK 5616VT3 / BECK 5616RR Poncho 1250 32,250 235.6 +7.1 *Bushels per acre corrected to 15% moisture. Summary: A thirty row block was planted to represent a field meeting the current 80/20 refuge

requirements for traited corn rootworm protection. Within this block twenty four rows of BECK 5616VT3 were planted along with six rows of BECK 5616RR with Poncho 1250 to fulfill these requirements. The weighted average of the entire block yielded 228.5 Bu./A. with the twenty four rows of VT3 out-yielding the six rows of refuge by 26.9 Bu./A.! The refuge in a bag entries contained both VT3 and RR refuge seed treated with Poncho 1250 in the same bag. The refuge in a bag entries in this study performed very well compared to the current 80/20 refuge requirement.

“What impresses me the most about Beck’s is the Beck family and their commitment to their faith, the employees and the small American farmer. Loyalty means a lot to me and Beck’s produces that every day to their customers and that is why we purchase our seed from Beck’s.” Bruce Bennett Knox, IN

81

Stress Mitigation Study on Corn – 2008

RAINFALL Planted: April 24, 2008 Previous Crop: Soybeans April 4.64 in. Harvested: September 15, 2008 Tillage: Disc & Chisel / Field Cultivator May 6.36 in. Rows: Three 30” rows Herbicide: 3 qts. Degree Xtra June 3.12 in. Population: Various 1 qt. Atrazine July 8.90 in. Soil Type: Uniontown Silt Loam 22 oz. Roundup Original Max August 0.80 in. Insecticide: 6 oz. Artic Total 23.82 in. Purpose: To compare VT3 technology to non-rootworm corn in both drought-like and normal rain-fed

environments. To simulate a drought scenario, a shelter with a clear plastic cover was built over a portion of the study. The clear covering allowed sunlight into the sheltered area but kept all rainfall out.

Yield Rank

Brand

Planted Population


Percent Moisture

Bushels* Per Acre

Yield Adv over RR

SHELTER AREA (Drought environment) Full Rate of Nitrogen 1 Pioneer 34F96 38,000 32,333 23.3 133.0^^ 2 BECK 5444VT3 33,000 29,666 20.8 114.0 +0.2 3 BECK 5444RR 33,000 28,000 20.6 113.8 4 BECK 5444VT3 38,000 31,666 21.5 111.7 5 BECK 5444RR w/ Force 3G 33,000 26,333 23.4 107.0 6 BECK 5444RR w/ Force 3G 38,000 30,333 21.9 104.4 7 Pioneer 34F96 33,000 28,000 19.7 95.7 AVERAGE 29,476 21.6 111.4

NO SHELTER (Rain-fed environment) 50% Nitrogen 1 BECK 5444VT3 33,000 30,333 21.9 170.7 +11.5 2 BECK 5444RR 33,000 29,000 21.7 159.2 3 Pioneer 34F96 33,000 29,333 21.9 154.9 4 BECK 5444RR w/ Force 3G 33,000 26,666 21.3 144.0 AVERAGE 28,833 21.7 157.2

NO SHELTER (Rain-fed environment) Full Rate of Nitrogen

1 Pioneer 34F96 38,000 33,000 21.4 173.7 2 Pioneer 34F96 33,000 30,333 21.3 166.7 3 BECK 5444VT3 33,000 30,000 22.0 165.2 +4.2 4 BECK 5444RR 33,000 29,666 21.7 161.0 5 BECK 5444RR w/ Force 3G 33,000 29,666 21.7 151.4 6 BECK 5444VT3 38,000 34,666 21.6 133.6 7 BECK 5444RR w/ Force 3G 38,000 34,333 20.9 131.1 AVERAGE 31,666 21.5 154.7

*Bushels per acre and test weight corrected to 15% moisture. ^^Entry had water run down rows due to leaking downspout. Summary: This study was located on a ridge top in order to keep water from running into the sheltered

portion of this study. Therefore yields were quite a bit lower than the lower lying, more highly productive portions of the farm. The rain-fed portion of this study out yielded the sheltered entries by 43.3 Bu./A. Root digs that were conducted in mid-July both in this study and in various other studies on the Southern PFR farm showed no signs of rootworm larvae feeding on the roots of the RR entries. There was little yield difference between the VT3 entry and the RR planted at 33,000 plants per acre under the shelter, but both of the rain fed portions of the study showed yield advantages for the VT3 over the RR entry planted at the same population. Although some of the more highly productive areas of the farm showed significant yield advantages for increasing planting populations, 33,000 plants per acre proved to be adequate for this more moderately productive portion of the farm.

82

300 Bushel Attempt – 2008 RAINFALL April 4.64 in. Planted: April 30, 2008 Previous Crop: Soybeans May 6.36 in. Harvested: October 2, 2008 Tillage: Disc & Chisel / Field Cultivator June 3.12 in. Soil Type: Ragsdale Silt Loam Herbicide: 3 qts. Degree Xtra July 8.90 in. Population: Various 1 qt. Atrazine / 24 oz. Durango August 0.80 in. Fertilizer: Various Insecticide: 6 oz. Artic Total 23.82 in.

Purpose: For the 2008 attempt at 300 bushel corn per acre, this study was set up to test four hybrids planted at both 34,000 plants per acre and 38,000 plants per acre, split applying nitrogen, and spraying fungicide and insecticide at full tassel. Results from various studies in 2007 showed some significant yield increases using these approaches. This year’s study was also moved to a corn-after-soybean rotation compared to the corn-after-corn rotation that was used in the past. In previous attempts, the total rate of nitrogen applied never exceeded 240 lbs. per acre. All nitrogen was applied as 28% liquid nitrogen. Side-dress applications were made at the V3 growth stage.

Yield Rank Brand

Planted Population

Test* Weight

Percent Moisture

Bushels* Per Acre

Net^ Return

30” ROWS - 190# SIDEDRESS + 30# N 2X2 1 BECK 6733HXR™** 34,000 60.0 19.2 234.3 $965.05 2 BECK 5444VT3 34,000 57.1 16.5 220.3 $897.72 3 BECK EX 8719 (5784RR Genetics) 34,000 57.1 19.0 209.3 $842.72 4 BECK 6722VT3 34,000 58.0 20.1 200.7 $799.72 AVERAGE 58.1 18.7 216.2 $876.30

1 BECK 6733HXR™** 38,000 60.6 19.7 240.1 $985.55 2 BECK 5444VT3 38,000 57.1 16.8 211.3 $844.54 3 BECK EX 8719 (5784RR Genetics) 38,000 56.5 19.4 209.0 $833.04 4 BECK 6722VT3 38,000 58.4 20.1 200.7 $791.54 AVERAGE 58.2 19.0 215.3 $863.66

30” ROWS - 220# SIDEDRESS + 30# N 2X2 1 BECK 6733HXR™** 34,000 60.0 19.8 244.8 $999.25 2 BECK EX 8719 (5784RR Genetics) 34,000 55.9 19.6 221.5 $885.42 3 BECK 6722VT3 34,000 57.8 20.2 212.7 $841.42 4 BECK 5444VT3 34,000 57.1 16.7 205.5 $805.42 AVERAGE 57.7 19.1 221.1 $882.88

1 BECK 6733HXR™** 38,000 60.5 19.8 239.0 $961.75 2 BECK 5444VT3 38,000 56.8 16.6 228.3 $911.24 3 BECK EX 8719 (5784RR Genetics) 38,000 55.9 20.0 225.5 $897.24 4 BECK 6722VT3 38,000 57.7 20.4 210.0 $819.74 AVERAGE 57.7 19.2 225.7 $897.49

30” ROWS - 270# SIDEDRESS + 30# N 2X2 1 BECK 6733HXR™** 34,000 60.4 19.9 251.7 $1,003.25 2 BECK EX 8719 (5784RR Genetics) 34,000 56.9 19.4 227.2 $883.42 3 BECK 5444VT3 34,000 57.9 17.9 220.3 $848.92 4 BECK 6722VT3 34,000 57.1 20.5 214.8 $821.42 AVERAGE 58.1 19.4 228.5 $889.25

1 BECK 6733HXR™** 38,000 59.7 20.4 247.3 $972.75 2 BECK EX 8719 (5784RR Genetics) 38,000 56.6 19.9 229.4 $886.24 3 BECK 5444VT3 38,000 56.9 17.7 228.3 $880.74 4 BECK 6722VT3 38,000 57.5 21.3 202.0 $749.24 AVERAGE 57.7 19.8 226.8 $872.24

83

300 Bushel Attempt – Continued

Yield Rank Brand

Planted Population

Test* Weight

Percent Moisture

Bushels* Per Acre

Net^ Return

30” ROWS - 270# SIDEDRESS + 30# N 2X2 + HEADLINE / MUSTANG FULL TASSEL 1 BECK 6733HXR™** 34,000 60.1 20.1 225.9 $844.25 2 BECK EX 8719 (5784RR Genetics) 34,000 56.2 19.7 224.2 $838.42 3 BECK 6722VT3 34,000 56.2 21.6 218.1 $807.92 4 BECK 54444VT3 34,000 57.4 17.9 206.3 $748.92

AVERAGE 57.5 19.8 218.6 $809.88

1 BECK EX 8719 (5784RR Genetics) 38,000 56.9 19.3 238.4 $898.25 2 BECK 54444VT3 38,000 57.4 17.7 225.3 $835.74 3 BECK 6733HXR™** 38,000 59.2 19.5 218.2 $800.24 4 BECK 6722VT3 38,000 56.8 20.8 210.4 $761.24

AVERAGE 57.6 19.3 223.1 $823.86 *Bushels per acre and test weight corrected to 15% moisture. **XL Brand distributed by Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc. ^Net return based on $5.00 corn minus nitrogen costs of $330/ton 28% liquid nitrogen and seed costs of $163.71/bag for VT3 hybrids and $170.10/bag for HXR hybrids.

Summary: Although the 300 bushel per acre goal was not met in 2008, the 3rd highest yield in the study’s four year history was recorded at 251.7 Bu./A. by planting BECK 6733HXR™** at 34,000 plants per acre in 30” rows using 300 lbs. of nitrogen split applied with 30 lbs. applied 2x2 at planting and 270 lbs. being side-dressed at V3. This was also the entry with the highest individual net return. In this year’s study the application that provides the highest average net return across all four hybrids was planted at 38,000 seeds per acre with a total of 250 lbs. of nitrogen applied. The increase in population from 34,000 to 38,000 seeds per acre showed an average increase of 3.1 Bu./A. adding $8.29 additional profit per acre. Applying fungicide and insecticide to the entries that received 300 lbs. of nitrogen did not increase yield.

Invisible Yield Loss Study on Corn – 2008

RAINFALL Planted: April 23, 2008 Previous Crop: Corn April 4.64 in. Harvested: Various Tillage: Disc / Chisel / Field Cultivator May 6.36 in. Soil Type: Ragsdale Silt Loam Herbicide: 3 qts. Degree Xtra / 1 qt. Atrazine June 3.12 in. Population: 32,000 seeds/A. 24 oz. Durango July 8.90 in. Rows: Six 30” rows Insecticide: 6 oz. Artic August 0.80 in. Total 23.82 in.

Purpose: To harvest corn at multiple dates and moistures to evaluate the yield differences as well as net revenues of harvesting wet corn versus dry corn. The goal of this study is to see if we sustain any dry matter weight loss that could cause lower yields at lower moisture rates. Net return will be calculated considering yield of the corn, 1.4% shrink and typical drying rates.

Commercial Drying On-Farm Drying

Harvest Date

Harvest Moisture

Bushels* Per Acre

Yield Adv.

$ Gross Revenue/A.

Less Drying

Cost/A.^ Net

Revenue/A.

Less Drying

Cost/A.^ Net

Revenue/A. BECK 5444VT3 Sept. 13 26.8% 221.4 +33.3 $1,107.00 $104.50 $1,002.50 $55.25 $1,054.75 Sept. 18 23.5% 194.9 +6.8 $974.50 $66.27 $908.23 $33.13 $941.37 Sept. 24 18.8% 217.1 +29.0 $1,085.50 $33.00 $1,052.50 $16.50 $1,069.00 Sept. 25 17.2% 215.6 +27.5 $1,078.00 $18.97 $1,059.03 $9.49 $1,068.51 Oct. 2 15.3% 188.1 - - - - $940.50 $2.26 $938.24 $1.13 $939.37 BECK 7916VT3 Sept. 18 26.8% 231.6 +15.0 $1,158.00 $109.32 $1,048.68 $54.66 $1,103.34 Sept. 24 21.6% 239.4 +22.8 $1,197.00 $63.20 $1,133.80 $31.60 $1,165.40 Sept. 25 20.7% 233.4 +16.8 $1,167.00 $53.22 $1,113.78 $26.61 $1,140.39 Oct. 2 19.6% 222.5 +5.9 $1,112.50 $40.94 $1,071.56 $20.47 $1,092.03 Oct. 17 16.4% 216.6 - - - - $1,083.00 $12.13 $1,070.87 $6.06 $1,076.94 ^Drying cost figured at $0.04/pt. of moisture per bushel above 15% for commercial drying and $0.02/pt. of moisture per bushel above 15% for on-farm drying.

Summary: There was a significant yield advantage for both hybrids when harvesting at higher moistures compared to waiting for corn to field dry. This seemed to be a little more exaggerated this year due to severe lodging that occurred during the storm that followed Hurricane Ike on September 14th. Net revenues after accounting for drying and shrinkage show that the optimum harvest moisture for 5444VT3 to be 17.2% for commercial drying with charges of $0.04/point/bushel compared to 18.8% for on-farm drying with charges of $0.02/point/bushel. The optimum harvest moisture for 7916VT3 was 21.6% for both commercial and on-farm drying.

84

Corn Planting Date & Population Study – 2008

RAINFALL April 4.64 in. Planted: Various Previous Crop: Soybeans May 6.36 in. Harvested: October 10, 2008 Tillage: Disc & Chisel / Field Cultivator June 3.12 in. Rows: Six 30” rows Herbicide: 3 qts. Degree Xtra July 8.90 in. Seeding Rate: Various 1 qt. Atrazine / 24 oz. Durango August 0.80 in. Soil Type: Ragsdale Silt Loam Insecticide: 6 oz. Artic Total 23.82 in. Purpose: In this study we compare two hybrids on eight planting dates at four populations. This study can also be referenced when

attempting to make replant decisions by evaluating yield trends by planting date. Planting Date

Brand

Bushels* Per Acre @ 24,000 seeds/A.



Bushels* Per Acre @ 36,000 Seeds/A.

Average

Bu./A.* by Variety

Average Bu./A.* by Planting

Date April 16 BECK 5444VT3 206.5 205.5 214.0 195.9 205.4 April 16 BECK 7916VT3 217.5 222.9 224.2 224.4 222.2 213.8

April 18 BECK 5444VT3 209.9 212.6 216.4 220.6 214.9 April 18 BECK 7916VT3 181.8 204.0 191.0 197.5 193.6 204.2



May 20 BECK 5444VT3 205.5 223.9 222.5 213.9 216.4 May 20 BECK 7916VT3 218.0 232.9 206.6 198.8 214.1 215.3



June 7 BECK 5444VT3 171.6 204.6 210.5 182.1 192.2 June 7 BECK 7916VT3 188.7 196.5 199.5 161.7 186.6 189.4 AVERAGE 199.8 217.4 211.3 201.9

Overall Hybrid Averages:

BECK 5444VT3 197.1 215.1 216.8 207.4 209.1 BECK 7916VT3 202.5 219.8 205.8 196.4 206.1

*Bushels per acre corrected to 15% moisture. Hybrid Summary:

BECK 5444VT3 recorded its highest average yield across all populations at 217.9 Bu./A. on April 30th. BECK 7916VT3 achieved its highest yield average on April 16thth at 222.2 Bu./A. The average yield advantage for BECK 5444VT3 over BECK 7916VT3 across all planting dates was 3.0 Bu./A. BECK 7916VT3 emerged nearly 1 day earlier on all planting dates in April. This narrowed to about a half a day advantage in May and June.

Population Summary:

In 2008, the 28,000 population was the most profitable planting population for both BECK 5444VT3 and BECK 7916VT3 across all planting dates, although BECK 5444VT3 recorded its highest yield at 32,000. BECK 7916VT3 showed slightly higher yields at lower populations than BECK 5444VT3 due to its ability to flex, while BECK 5444VT3 showed a yield advantage over BECK 7916VT3 at higher populations. At $5.00 corn and an average cost of $163.71 per unit, a yield increase of slightly over 1.5 Bu./A. would be required to pay for a 4,000 seeds per acre increase in population. The 4 year average of this study shows a 1.7 Bu./A. advantage for planting 32,000 seeds per acre over 28,000. Lodging has been minimal at 32,000 seeds per acre but increases significantly at 36,000 seeds per acre over the 4 year history of this study.

Planting Date Summary:

Unfortunately wet weather didn’t allow for any corn to be planted in March this year. Corn planted during the last week of April had the highest average yield in the study with the high yields for both hybrids being recorded on this date. Rains again kept us out of the field from the first week of May until May 20th. Note the 9.6 bushel per acre difference between corn planted on April 16th and April 18th. The April 16th corn was planted three days prior to a rain, while the April 18th corn was planted less than 24 hours before a major rain event.

Data collected from the 4 year history of this study suggests that corn planted the 3rd and 4th week of April will maximize yield. The trend line for the 4 year data set shows yields increasing from early March all the way to the last two weeks of April. Yields begin to decrease the 1st week of May and fall rapidly after the 2nd week of May.

Note: The trend line represents data collected over a 4 year period when weather allowed for planting. Each week does not necessarily have 4 years data.

85

Narrow Row Corn Planting Date Study – 2008

RAINFALL Planted: Various Tillage: Disc / Chisel April 4.64 in. Harvested: October 9, 2008 Field Cultivator May 6.36 in. Soil Type: Ragsdale Silt Loam / Herbicide: 3 qts. Degree Xtra June 3.12 in. Uniontown Silt Loam 1 qt. Atrazine July 8.90 in. Population: 32,000 seeds/A. Insecticide: 6 oz. Artic August 0.80 in. Previous Crop: Corn Product Tested: BECK 5444VT3 Total 23.82 in.

Purpose: In previous tests at the Southern PFR farm we have seen little advantage to using narrow rows in corn unless planting populations were increased significantly. This study was conducted to see if narrow rows might show more of an advantage at later planting dates compared to our normal April planting.

Planting Date Harvested Population

Test* Weight

Percent Moisture

Bushels* Per Acre

30” Row Yield Advantage

April 28th, 2008 30” Rows 28,750 56.9 17.5 236.0 +10.1 15” Rows 27,916 56.5 17.1 225.9

AVERAGE 28,333 56.7 17.3 231.0

May 20th, 2008 30” Rows 31,483 58.4 17.9 230.8 +15.6 15” Rows 28,000 57.6 17.8 215.2

AVERAGE 29,741 580 17.9 223.0

Summary: This years study shows a significant advantage in favor of planting corn in 30” rows over 15” rows. One should note that final stands for the 15” row entries were 834 plants per acre lower on the April 28th planting date and 3,483 plants per acre lower on the May 20th planting date. A six row Kinze 2000 planter with front interplant units was used to plant this study. The configuration is such that four out of the five front units have the wheels of the planter running back over the planted rows. This appeared to create some emergence issues with the interplant rows, particularly under heavy soil conditions on the May 20th planting. The idea behind this study was to evaluate if 15” rows may show more of an advantage at later planting dates due to a shorter growing season and limited sunlight which would be similar to planting corn further north where narrow rows have shown more benefit.

Narrow Row Corn Population Study – 2008

RAINFALL Planted: April 25, 2008 Previous Crop: Soybeans April 4.64 in. Harvested: September 18, 2008 Tillage: Disc / Chisel / Field Cultivator May 6.36 in. Soil Type: Uniontown Silt Loam Herbicide: 3 qts. Degree Xtra June 3.12 in. Rows: Six 30” rows 1 qt. Atrazine July 8.90 in. Population: Various Insecticide: 6 oz. Artic August 0.80 in. Total 23.82 in.

Purpose: This study is designed to evaluate two different hybrids, one with a flex-length ear and the second with a flex-girth ear, in both 30” rows and 15” rows. A third entry was added to see if there might be a yield advantage to planting 15” rows at a higher population.

Brand Planted

Population Harvested Population

Test* Weight

Percent Moisture

Bushels* Per Acre

15” Row Yield Advantage

BECK 5684VT3 (Flex-length ear) 30” Rows 32,000 27,500 56.1 22.4 213.7 15” Rows 32,000 26,750 55.5 22.4 202.5 -11.2 15” Rows 36,000 30,500 55.4 21.7 221.2 +7.5

AVERAGE 28,250 55.7 22.2 212.5

BECK 5444VT3 (Flex-girth ear) 30” Rows 32,000 30,000 57.3 23.0 207.4 15” Rows 32,000 26,250 56.6 24.6 211.1 +3.7 15” Rows 36,000 29,750 56.2 24.5 207.7 +0.3

AVERAGE 28,667 56.7 24.0 208.7 *Bushels per acre and test weight corrected to 15% moisture.

Summary: Although BECK 5684VT3 did not show a yield gain going from 30” rows to 15” at 32,000 seeds/acre, increasing planting population to 36,000 seeds per acre in 15” resulted in a 7.5 bushel yield advantage over the 30” row check. BECK 5444VT3 showed a 3.7 bushel yield gain over the 30” row check at 32,000 seeds per acre. Increasing planting population to 36,000 seeds per acre in 15” rows did not result in a significant yield gain. Previous studies at the Southern PFR farm have shown a slight yield advantages for both flex-length and flex-girth hybrids planted at high populations in narrow rows while showing little to no yield benefit in narrow rows at more moderate populations.

86

Purpose: One key management decision to maximize return per acre is choosing the correct population for each hybrid for a given soil type. This study shows how different hybrids respond to various populations. The final stand populations range from 18,000 to 42,000 plants per acre in increments of 3,000 plants per acre. The graphs on this and the following page demonstrate the optimum population for each hybrid. Keep in mind that one year data may not produce a smooth curve. The graphs below show data on three hybrids with different ear types. The graphs on the bottom of this page compare yields on four base hybrids across two technology types - VT3 and RR.

4.64 in.6.36 in.3.12 in.8.90 in.0.80 in.

23.82 in.

Corn Population Study - 2008Planted: Harvested:Rows:Replications:Soil Type:

May 1, 2008October 25, 2008Two 30" rowsTwo (averaged)Ragsdale Silt Loam

Summary: The top three graphs represent different hybrid types for ear flex. BECK 7916VT3 for example, is a medium-flex type and these products show the largest yield response to increasing populations. BECK 5444VT3 for example, is a flex-girth product that has more flex potential at lower populations than the medium-flex group while continuing to add yield at the higher populations. The third category, has flex-length potential (BECK 5684RR for example) and the ability to reach optimum yields at lower populations and overall does not show as much benefit to increasing populations to the highest levels. These results coincide very closely to our results in Atlanta IN.

The bottom two graphs show data from two different systems. Both systems showed increased return per acre for increasing populations. The insect protected system (VT3) showed a higher yield at every population in the study vs. the RR only system. This warrants the use of Triple Stack corn in the southern portion of Beck's Marketing area.

Previous Crop:Tillage:Herbicide: PPI:

Post:Insecticide:

CornDisc / Chisel / Field CultivatorDegree Xtra & AtrazineDurangoArtic

RAINFALLApril May June July August Total

Flex-LengthFlex-GirthMedium-Flex

170

190

210

230

250

270

18 21 24 27 30 33 36 39 42

Bu/A

Population (x1000)

170

190

210

230

250

270

18 21 24 27 30 33 36 39 42

Bu/A

Population (x1000)

RR only VT3

185

205

225

245

265

18 21 24 27 30 33 36 39 42

Bu/A

Population (x1000)

7916VT3

185205225245265285

18 21 24 27 30 33 36 39 42

Bu/A

Population (x1000)

5444VT3

160180200220240260

18 21 24 27 30 33 36 39 42

Bu/A

Population (x1000)

5684RR

87

Corn Population Study (continued)

200

220

240

260

280

18 21 24 27 30 33 36 39 42

Bu/A

Population (x1000)

5444RR

160180200220240260280

18 21 24 27 30 33 36 39 42

Bu/A

Population (x1000)

5616VT3

170190210230250270290

18 21 24 27 30 33 36 39 42

Bu/A

Population (x1000)

5616RR

170190210230250270

18 21 24 27 30 33 36 39 42

Bu/A

Population (x1000)

5684VT3

180200220240260280300

18 21 24 27 30 33 36 39 42

Bu/A

Population (x1000)

5784RR Genetics

170

190

210

230

250

18 21 24 27 30 33 36 39 42

Bu/A

Population (x1000)

7916RR

180200220240260280300320

18 21 24 27 30 33 36 39 42

Bu/A

Population (x1000)

6733HXR™*


88

No-Till vs. Strip-Till vs. Conventional-Till

Corn / Soybean and Continuous Corn Rotations – 2008

Planted: May 1, 2008 Previous Crop: Corn RAINFALL Harvested: September 26, 2008 Tillage: Various April 4.64 in. Soil Type: Ragsdale Silt Loam Herbicide: 3 qts. Degree Xtra May 6.36 in. Uniontown Silt Loam 1 qt. Atrazine June 3.12 in. Population: 32,000 seeds/A. 22 oz. Roundup Original Max July 8.90 in. Rows: 30” rows Insecticide: 6 oz. Artic August 0.80 in. Product Tested: BECK 5444VT3 Total 23.82 in.

Purpose: In an effort to provide our growers with information on various tillage and cultural

practices that might be beneficial to their farming operations, Beck’s teamed up with Case IH in the fall of 2006 to set up a long term study comparing both strip-till and conventional-till practices. In 2008 no-till was added to the Southern PFR location. In addition to comparing these different types of tillage, fertilizer was also banded with either the strip-till bar or the planter to compare banded fertilizer to broadcast in the corn studies. Fertilizer was also banded with the strip-till bar in the soybean study, but the no-till and conventional-till portions compared fertilizer to no fertilizer.

CORN AFTER SOYBEANS

Fertilizer Harvested Population

Test* Weight

Percent Moisture

Bushels* Per Acre

NO-TILL Broadcast 4-11-45 24,054 58.4 18.3 187.3 Banded Liquid 24,833 57.4 19.0 197.5

AVERAGE 24,444 57.9 18.7 192.4 STRIP-TILL Broadcast 4-11-45 27,666 57.8 17.8 221.0 Banded Liquid 27,458 58.0 18.0 219.3

AVERAGE 27,562 57.9 17.9 220.2 CONVENTIONAL-TILL Broadcast 4-11-45 30,666 57.5 17.7 231.6 Banded Liquid 30,500 57.4 17.4 228.0

AVERAGE 30,583 57.5 17.6 229.8 CONTINUOUS CORN


Test* Weight

Percent Moisture

Bushels* Per Acre

NO-TILL Broadcast 4-11-45 32,000 55.6 18.7 205.4 Banded Liquid 29,875 55.5 17.8 193.7

AVERAGE 30,938 55.6 18.3 199.6 STRIP-TILL Broadcast 4-11-45 31,425 55.5 18.5 226.5 Banded Liquid 32,250 55.5 19.3 225.7

AVERAGE 31,838 55.5 18.9 226.1 CONVENTIONAL-TILL Broadcast 4-11-45 32,617 55.4 18.9 222.1 Banded Liquid 33,125 56.4 18.6 225.1

AVERAGE 32,871 55.9 18.8 223.6 *Bushels per acre and test weight corrected to 15% moisture.

89

No-Till vs. Strip-Till vs. Conventional-Till

Corn / Soybean and Continuous Corn Rotations – Continued

RAINFALL Planted: May 21, 2008 Previous Crop: Corn April 4.64 in. Harvested: September 29, 2008 Tillage: Various May 6.36 in. Rows: 30” rows Herbicide: 24 oz. Durango June 3.12 in. Seeding Rate: 120,000 seeds/A. Product Tested: BECK 399NRR July 8.90 in. August 0.80 in. Total 23.82 in.

SOYBEANS AFTER CORN


Percent Moisture

Bushels* Per Acre

NO-TILL Broadcast 4-11-45 102,500 10.5 72.8 No Fertilizer 107,000 10.0 74.4

AVERAGE 104,750 10.3 73.6 STRIP-TILL Broadcast 4-11-45 108,500 10.2 75.4 Banded Liquid 106,500 10.1 76.4

AVERAGE 107,500 10.2 75.9 CONVENTIONAL-TILL Broadcast 4-11-45 108,168 10.2 77.9 No Fertilizer 109,250 10.4 77.4

AVERAGE 108,709 10.3 77.7 *Bushels per acre corrected to 13% moisture.

Summary: Corn after Soybeans Conventional-till provided the highest average yields in this portion of the study. Strip-till stands were a little thinner, but overall performance was pretty good. Stands were very erratic and thin in the no-till portion of the entries primarily do to bird damage. It appeared that with the slightly slower emergence, the birds went right for the no-till compared to the other two tillage practices. There was less than a 2.0 Bu./A. average difference between broadcast and banded fertilizer. Continuous Corn Strip-till provided the highest average yields this year with 2.5 Bu./A. advantage over the conventional-till portion. The stands in the no-till were again thinner and more erratic mostly due to heavier soil conditions than the conventional-till and strip-till entries at the time of planting. Broadcast fertilizer averaged 3.8 Bu./A. higher than banded fertilizer in this rotation. Soybeans after Corn In the years to come, this portion of the study will be rotated with the corn after soybean portion to study the long term effects of these tillage practices in a corn/soybean rotation. Conventional-till out yielded the strip-till entries by 1.8 Bu./A. and the no-till entries by 4.1 Bu./A. Banded fertilizer showed a 1.0 Bu./A. advantage over broadcast in the strip-till entries. There was only a 0.5 Bu./A. average difference between entries with and without fertilizer in the no-till and conventional-till portions. Soil tests from the fall of 2007 were high for both phosphorus and potassium.

90

Optimum Nitrogen Rate Study – 2008

RAINFALL Planted: April 25, 2008 Tillage: Disc / Chisel April 4.64 in. Harvested: October 15, 2008 Field Cultivator May 6.36 in. Soil Type: Uniontown / Ragsdale Silt Loam Herbicide: 3 qts. Degree Xtra June 3.12 in. Population: 34,000 seeds/A. 1 qt. Atrazine July 8.90 in. Previous Crop: Soybeans 24 oz. Durango August 0.80 in. Insecticide: 6 oz. Artic Total 23.82 in.

Purpose: Nitrogen fertilizer is necessary to aid crop growth and development. This study is designed to help our growers’ better pinpoint the maximum return on investment for the amount of nitrogen they apply to their corn. These rates can change depending on a field’s current rotation, the timing of application, and the method by which nitrogen is applied. By closely following the format used by the major midwest land grant universities, we have tested two hybrids at five different rates of nitrogen along with using three different application times to provide the most data possible to our growers. The continuous corn replication is in its eighth year of continuous corn. In contrast to the university format, applications were made in the same strips as the previous year in our continuous corn replication.

Preplant NH3 Sidedress 28% Liquid N (V3)

Sidedress 28% Liquid N (V6)

Brand Nitrogen

Rate

Corn Following Soybeans

Corn Following

Corn


Corn Following

Corn


Corn Following

Corn Bu./A. Avg.

BECK 5616VT3 0 lbs. 84.5 80.2 BECK 6733HXR™** 88.2 80.7

AVERAGE 86.4 80.5

BECK 5616VT3 50 lbs. 107.0 99.5 134.6 108.1 121.2 104.0 112.4 BECK 6733HXR™** 116.3 104.1 145.1 103.0 116.0 107.3 115.3

AVERAGE 111.7 101.8 139.9 105.6 118.6 105.7


AVERAGE 145.8 127.1 181.3 134.8 164.4 155.2


AVERAGE 192.8 171.7 224.0 185.0 182.6 196.5


AVERAGE 231.5 188.0 222.7 216.6 211.0 216.2 *Bushels per acre corrected to 15% moisture. **XL Brand distributed by Beck’s Hybrids, Inc.

“Our whole family loves coming to Becknology Days each year, including grandchildren, farm worker, basket team, and friends. Every Beck’s employee is so friendly and had smiles on their faces giving off a feeling to their guests that “I love my job”… You observe by the actions of the Beck family and employees that caring for their customers are #1 on their list. You know that your happiness and success really count. This is our 10th year plus to be associated with one of the most unique family owned companies in Indiana. Thank you Beck’s for this life experience and some great crops.”

Jean Rinehart and Family Burlington, IN

91

Optimum Nitrogen Rate Study – Continued

Three Year Average (2006 – 2008) – Bu./A. or $ Net Return Corn Following Soybean Rotation (CAB) Continuous Corn Rotation

Lbs. N Preplant

Net^ Return V3

Net^ Return V6

Net^ Return Preplant

Net^ Return V3

Net^ Return V6

Net^ Return

0 118.8 118.0 118.0 106.7 106.7 106.7 50 144.3 $697.38 173.9 $840.30 166.6 $803.63 130.4 $627.80 146.8 $704.78 141.3 $677.09 100 167.4 $789.32 197.7 $929.49 197.0 $926.15 156.6 $734.96 167.5 $778.50 170.6 $794.10 150 194.6 $900.91 216.3 $993.40 206.8 $945.47 184.1 $848.51 200.5 $913.97 209.1 $956.99 200 212.8 $968.25 218.4 $974.36 219.5 $979.49 209.3 $950.77 220.4 $984.12 218.1 $972.65 Avg 167.6 184.9 181.6 157.4 168.4 169.2

Overall Corn After Soybean Average = 178.0 Bu./A. Overall Continuous Corn Average = 165.0 Bu./A. ^Net Return based gross income minus cost of nitrogen. Nitrogen prices based on $785/ton NH3 for preplant and $330/ton 28% liquid nitrogen for sidedress. Corn price is based on $5.00/Bu. Bold numbers indicate the highest net return for each application timing.

Summary: Just as in the previous two years, the general yield trend continued to increase as more nitrogen was added per acre, but net return did not always correlate with higher yields. A significant yield advantage was noted for sidedressing nitrogen at V3 as opposed to preplanting nitrogen in corn after soybean rotation. This is most likely due to heavy nitrogen loss during the spring. The V6 side-dress application in the corn after corn rotation still showed a distinct advantage over pre-planting but no benefit was seen in the corn/soybean rotation. Corn Following Soybeans: The overall average yield for corn following soybeans replication was 16.0 Bu./A. higher than the corn after corn rotation in 2008. The three year summary shows a 13.0 Bu./A. advantage. The optimum nitrogen rate for the pre-plant application both in 2008 and the three year summary was 200 lbs. per acre whereas 150 lbs. per acre is the optimum rate for the V3 side-dress application. Both the 2008 data and three-year summary show that 200 lbs. per acre is the optimum rate for a V6 side-dress application. Continuous Corn In 2008, nitrogen applications were made into the same strips where applications were made in 2006 and 2007. (The strips where the 200 lb. rate was applied in 2006 was followed by an application of 200 lbs. again in 2007 and in 2008). This was done in order to show both the affect on yield and return on investment over the long term use of these nitrogen rates. The 2008 results show that both the pre-plant and side-dress applications provided their highest net returns at the 200 lb. rate. The three year summary reflects this same trend. Comparing these results to other studies that are in a corn after corn rotation, it appears that increased net returns would be expected at rates at least as high as 225 lbs. per acre. Please remember that net return is greatly affected by both the price of nitrogen and the price of corn. As nitrogen prices decrease and/or corn prices increase, return on investment will increase. These figures are simply meant to show trends over time and as a guideline for determining return on investment for added nitrogen fertilizer. It is important to recalculate using your nitrogen purchase price and expected average corn price as well as to conduct some on-farm testing to determine the optimum nitrogen rate for your operation.

2008 Results – Bu./A. or $ Net Return Corn Following Soybean Rotation (CAB) Continuous Corn Rotation

Lbs. N Preplant

Net^ Return V3

Net^ Return V6

Net^ Return Preplant

Net^ Return V3

Net^ Return V6

Net^ Return

0 86.4 86.4 86.4 80.5 80.5 80.5 50 111.7 $534.55 139.9 $670.05 118.6 $563.55 101.8 $485.05 105.6 $498.55 105.7 $499.05 100 145.8 $681.10 181.3 $847.60 164.4 $763.10 127.1 $587.60 134.8 $615.10 155.2 $717.10 150 192.8 $892.15 224.0 $1,031.65 182.6 $824.65 171.7 $786.65 185.0 $836.65 196.5 $894.15 200 231.5 $1,061.70 222.7 $995.70 211.0 $937.20 188.0 $844.20 216.6 $965.20 216.2 $963.20 Avg 153.6 170.9 152.6 133.8 144.5 150.8

Overall Corn After Soybean Average = 159.0 Bu./A. Overall Continuous Corn Average = 143.0 Bu./A.

92

Corn Nitrogen Timing Study – 2008 RAINFALL April 4.64 in. Planted: May 1, 2008 Tillage: Disc / Chisel / Field Cultivator May 6.36 in. Harvested: October 3, 2008 Herbicide: 3 qts. Degree Xtra / 1 qt. Atrazine June 3.12 in. Soil Type: Ragsdale Silt Loam 24 oz. Durango July 8.90 in. Population: 34,000 seeds/A. Insecticide: 6 oz. Artic August 0.80 in. Previous Crop: Corn Product Tested: BECK 7916VT3 Total 23.82 in.

Purpose: Increased input prices has made us re-evaluate the way we fertilize our crops in recent years. In

addition to studies that identify the optimum rate of nitrogen fertilizer, it appears that the timing of these applications may also affect the efficiency of the nitrogen applied to a crop. This study was written to see if yields could be raised by applying nitrogen at different times.

Application Harvested Population

Test* Weight


Percent Moisture

Bushels* Per Acre

Net^ Return

220 lbs. Preplant NH3 34,250 56.0 35.0 21.0 221.9 $1,003.90 190 lbs. Preplant NH3 + 10 gal 28% 2x2 33,250 56.5 35.0 20.5 222.2 $1,001.50 200 lbs. Preplant NH3 + 10 gal 16-16-0-3-3 2x2 33,250 56.7 35.0 19.9 208.2 $911.00 220 lbs. Side-dress 28% 33,500 57.5 25.0 20.7 221.3 $972.30 170 lbs. Side-dress 28% + 16.7 gal 28% Dribbled Late 32,000 56.9 25.0 21.2 207.4 $902.80

190 lbs. Side-dress 28% + 10 gal 28% 2x2 33,000 56.9 30.0 20.2 215.1 $941.30 140 lbs. Side-dress 28% + 10 gal 28% 2x2 + 16.7 gal 28% Dribbled Late 33,000 57.2 30.0 20.3 213.4 $932.80

200 lbs. Side-dress 28% + 10 gal 16-16-0-3-3 2x2 33,000 57.4 30.0 20.5 222.2 $955.00 190 lbs. Side-dress 28% + 8.5 gal All-Plant 9-18-9 2x2 32,000 57.9 15.0 20.2 218.0 $936.10

AVERAGE 33,028 57.0 28.9 20.5 216.6 *Bushels per acre and test weight corrected to 15% moisture. ^Net Return based on $5.00 corn, $330/ton 28% nitrogen, $785/ton NH3, $3.40/gallon 16-16-0-3-3, $3.80/gallon 9-18-9.

Summary: Preplant NH3 both with and without 10 gallon of 28% nitrogen starter as well as side-dress 28% liquid nitrogen with and without 10 gallon of 16-16-0-3-3 starter were all nearly equal for yield. Due to the lower cost of NH3, the preplant applications both with and without 28% liquid nitrogen starter provided the highest returns. All side-dress applications were made at V3. Late dribble applications were made at V10. In general, yields were lowest for entries that had 170 lbs. of nitrogen or less after side-dress. The late nitrogen applications made by dribbling on more N did not seem to help. In general, it does not appear that starter provided a yield increase with the exception of the two entries where lower rates of N were applied at side-dress and the balance was applied later.

“I have used Beck’s products for over 10 years. Year after year their quality, genetics and replant guarantee have helped our farm succeed. This is why I keep Beck’s Hybrids and their staff on my team.” Mark Rosene Monroeville, IN

2008_genetics_332.indd 1 11/5/2008 11:32:13 AM

94

Fungicide Study on Corn – 2008 RAINFALL April 4.64 in. Planted: April 30, 2008 Previous Crop: Corn May 6.36 in. Harvested: October 4, 2008 Tillage: Disc / Chisel / Field Cultivator June 3.12 in. Rows: Three 30” rows Herbicide: 3 qts. Degree Xtra July 8.90 in. Soil Type: Ragsdale Silt Loam 1 qt. Atrazine / 24 oz. Durango August 0.80 in. Population: 34,000 seeds/A. Insecticide: 6 oz. Artic Total 23.82 in.

Purpose: With more continuous corn acres being planted across Beck’s marketing area, there is a growing interest in controlling foliar diseases that can severely limit yield in this rotation. This study was established to evaluate a foliar fungicide on the majority of the genetic families that Beck’s offers in the southern marketing area. Applications were made at both full tassel and brown silk with a Hagie high-clearance sprayer using 15 gallons of water per acre. A fungicide/insecticide combination was also sprayed as an additional entry for each timing. Diseases commonly seen at the Southern PFR location include Gray Leaf Spot and Southern Leaf Blight along with occasional occurrences of Northern Leaf Blight, Southern and Common Rust, Anthracnose, and Diplodia ear rot.

Application Brand Test*

Weight Percent Moisture

Bushels* Per Acre

Yield Advantage

vs. Untreated Return on

Investment^ HEADLINE – FULL TASSEL BECK 5444VT3 57.2 16.1 208.3 +11.6 $33.11 BECK 5555VT3 58.3 17.9 217.6 +23.4 $93.61 BECK 5684VT3 57.2 17.1 221.1 -11.8 -$82.39 BECK 5616VT3 58.6 16.3 203.6 -19.0 -$118.39 BECK 7916VT3 57.8 20.0 256.9 +6.8 $10.61 BECK 6722VT3 57.8 19.5 261.3 +10.2 $27.61 BECK 6733HXR™** 60.4 18.5 222.8 +2.9 -$8.89 AVERAGE 58.2 17.9 227.4 +3.4 -$6.39

HEADLINE / MUSTANG MAX – FULL TASSEL BECK 5444VT3 56.9 15.9 225.7 +28.7 $115.11 BECK 5555VT3 57.1 17.5 208.9 +14.7 $45.11 BECK 5684VT3 58.0 17.1 214.8 -18.1 -$118.89 BECK 5616VT3 59.1 17.0 233.9 +11.3 $28.11 BECK 7916VT3 57.9 19.9 266.0 +15.9 $51.11 BECK 6722VT3 57.6 20.7 262.7 +11.6 $29.61 BECK 6733HXR™** 60.9 18.5 224.9 +5.0 -$3.39 AVERAGE 58.2 18.1 233.8 +9.9 +$20.97

UNTREATED BECK 5444VT3 55.6 14.9 197.0 BECK 5555VT3 57.3 17.3 194.2 BECK 5684VT3 57.6 17.1 232.9 BECK 5616VT3 59.0 17.3 222.6 BECK 7916VT3 57.3 19.4 250.1 BECK 6722VT3 57.4 19.5 251.1 BECK 6733HXR™** 61.2 18.3 219.9 AVERAGE 57.9 17.7 224.0

95

Fungicide Study on Corn – Continued

Application Brand Test*


Bushels* Per Acre

Yield Advantage

vs. Untreated Return on

Investment^ HEADLINE – BROWN SILK BECK 5444VT3 57.3 15.9 189.7 -7.3 -$59.89 BECK 5555VT3 58.1 18.4 208.0 +13.8 $45.61 BECK 5684VT3 58.1 17.4 232.7 -0.2 -$24.39 BECK 5616VT3 58.4 17.4 206.4 -16.2 -$104.39 BECK 7916VT3 57.0 20.1 257.3 +7.2 $12.61 BECK 6722VT3 57.4 20.8 279.3 +28.2 $117.61 BECK 6733HXR™** 61.0 18.2 203.0 -16.9 -$107.89 AVERAGE 58.2 18.3 225.2 +1.2 -$17.25

HEADLINE / MUSTANG MAX – BROWN SILK BECK 5444VT3 57.6 16.5 216.8 +19.8 $70.61 BECK 5555VT3 57.5 18.6 218.7 +24.5 $94.11 BECK 5684VT3 57.2 17.8 236.4 +3.5 -$10.89 BECK 5616VT3 59.4 17.7 221.1 -1.5 -$35.89 BECK 7916VT3 56.5 21.2 262.2 +12.1 $32.11 BECK 6722VT3 57.5 20.8 229.7 -21.4 -$135.39 BECK 6733HXR™** 60.9 18.8 195.5 -24.4 -$150.39 AVERAGE 58.1 18.8 225.8 +1.8 -$19.39 *Bushels per acre and test weight corrected to 15% moisture. **XL Brand distributed by Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc. ^ROI based on $15.39/A. for 6 oz. of Headline, $5.00 for 2.5 oz. Mustang Max, $2.00 for additives and $6.00 for application. Corn price based on $5.00/Bu.

Summary: Although it appeared that disease pressure was light this summer, heavy rains and

cooler than normal temperatures in July created an excellent environment for late season Northern Leaf Blight and rust infestations. As in previous years’ testing, results varied significantly by genetic family. This year BECK 5444VT3, BECK 5555VT3, and BECK 6722VT3 showed the most consistent returns regardless of timing or product applied. BECK 7916VT3 also showed positive return on investment although historical data would show that most years the yield gain was not enough to pay for the investment. BECK 5684VT3, BECK 5616VT3, and BECK 6733HXR™** showed little to no response to the use of fungicide. The addition of Mustang Max to Headline applied at full tassel showed a 6.5 Bu./A. yield advantage over fungicide alone. Both the response to fungicide and the fungicide/insecticide combination applications were higher at full tassel compared to applications made at brown silk. Higher commodity prices have increased return on investment this year, but note that historical data from the Southern PFR farm suggests that those hybrids which are showing minimal return on investment will not pay for the use of foliar fungicides if market prices were to fall.

96

Foliar Feed Study on Corn – 2008

RAINFALL Planted: May 1, 2008 Previous Crop: Corn April 4.64 in. Harvested: October 3, 2008 Tillage: Disc & Chisel / Field Cultivator May 6.36 in. Rows: Six 30” rows Field Cultivator June 3.12 in. Soil Type: Ragsdale Silt Loam Herbicide: 3 qts. Degree Xtra / 1 qt. Atrazine July 8.90 in. Population: 34,000 seeds/A. 24 oz. Durango August 0.80 in. Product Tested: BECK 7916VT3 Insecticide: 6 oz. Artic Total 23.82 in. Purpose: To evaluate the use of liquid fertilizers applied as starters as well as foliar feed applications with

Roundup and at the time of fungicide applications. Monty’s Plant Food products are low rate foliar fertilizers with a humic acid base that are meant to be used as a supplement to a standard dry fertilizer program. All-Plant Liquid Fertilizers are neutral pH, low salt fertilizers that can be used as supplement to a dry fertilizer program or as a stand alone fertility program.

Application Harvest

Population Test*


Bushels* Per Acre

Gross Revenue Minus Drying & Starter Costs^

220 lbs. Side-dress 28% + Monty’s 4-15-12 Pop-up 32,500 57.0 20.5 212.1 $1,001.46 220 lbs. Side-dress 28% + Monty’s 8-16-8 w/ Roundup 33,250 57.2 21.2 216.3 $1,015.48 220 lbs. Side-dress 28% + Monty’s 2-15-15 @ Brown Silk 33,000 56.7 21.0 217.6 $1,023.40 220 lbs. Side-dress 28% + All Monty’s Products 33,750 56.8 21.4 219.7 $1,005.12 220 lbs. Side-dress 28% (Control) 33,000 57.0 20.7 217.7 $1,038.86 220 lbs. Side-dress 28% + All-Plant 7-24-0 Pop-up 32,750 57.1 21.1 214.5 $1,004.16 220 lbs. Side-dress 28% + All-Plant 9-18-9 w/ Roundup 32,250 57.9 21.2 222.1 $1,036.17 220 lbs. Side-dress 28% + All-Plant 5-15-15 @ Brown Silk 33,000 56.7 21.4 220.1 $1,025.15 220 lbs. Side-dress 28% + All All-Plant Products 34,000 57.0 20.9 214.3 $966.68

AVERAGE 33,056 57.0 21.0 217.2 *Bushels per acre and test weight corrected to 15% moisture. ^Corn prices based on $5.00/Bu. Drying cost figured at $0.04/point of moisture above 15%/Bu. $12.38 for 24oz of all Monty’s products. $3.20/gallon for All-plant 7-24-0, $3.80/gallon for All-plant 5-15-15, and $3.85/gallon for All-plant 9-18-9 (5 gallon rate of each was applied). Summary: This years study showed only 10 Bu./A. variation across this entire study. Although both starter

fertilizer entries appeared greener early in the season, neither starter provided a yield increase. The entry containing all three of the Monty’s products showed a slight yield increase, but this was not enough gain to pay for the product used. Both the All-Plant 9-18-9 and 5-15-15 that were foliar applied provided higher yields than the check, but again did not provide a positive return on investment.

“We have planted some Beck’s on our farm for the past 30 plus years. The past few years, we have planted 100% Beck’s. Our reason for going 100% Beck’s was because we felt they are the best company when it comes to service, programs, replant and quality.” Donald Greiwe Greensburg, IN

97

Herbicide Study on Corn – 2008 RAINFALL April 4.64 in. Planted: April 23, 2008 Previous Crop: Soybeans May 6.36 in. Harvested: September 18, 2008 Tillage: Disc & Chisel June 3.12 in. Rows: Three 30” rows Field Cultivator July 8.90 in. Soil Type: Ragsdale Silt Loam Herbicide: Various August 0.80 in. Population: 32,000 seeds/A. Insecticide: 6 oz. Artic Total 23.82 in. Replications: Two (averaged)

Purpose: In this study, we are comparing five common post-emergence herbicides that are being used in Beck’s southern marketing area. We intended to spray the herbicides near the V6 stage, which is near the late side of the label limit. This was done to test crop safety as the corn plant begins to determine its yield potential. All entries were kept weed free to ensure that herbicide chemistry was the yield limiting factor in this trial.

Yield Rank Brand / Growth Stage

Harvest

Population

Test*

Weight

Percent Moisture


ROUNDUP / ATRAZINE – V6 1 BECK 6733HXR™** 29,000 59.1 23.9 224.9 2 BECK 5555VT3 29,150 58.7 22.4 219.1 3 BECK 5444VT3 29,300 57.6 22.5 215.0 4 BECK 5616VT3 28,300 58.7 21.4 201.3 AVERAGE 28,938 58.5 22.6 215.1

SURESTART / ATRAZINE – V6

1 BECK 6733HXR™** 29,950 58.9 23.4 222.6 2 BECK 5555VT3 30,000 57.7 22.3 217.5 3 BECK 5444VT3 29,300 57.7 22.0 209.8 4 BECK 5616VT3 30,300 59.2 21.4 194.9 AVERAGE 29,888 58.4 22.3 211.2

LAUDIS / ATRAZINE – V6


STEADFAST – V6


CELEBRITY PLUS / ATRAZINE – V6



Summary: For the second straight year the Roundup/Atrazine entries were the highest yielding treatment in this study. The only treatment that showed visible signs of damage was BECK 5616VT3 treated with Steadfast. Both replications of this treatment were severally stunted with nearly all of the ears showing signs of bottle-necking. Compared to the Roundup/Atrazine entry there was an average yield loss of 105.7 bushel per acre across both replications. Please do not use Sulfonylurea herbicides on “16” family hybrids!

98

Seed Treatment Study on Corn – 2008 RAINFALL April 4.64 in. Planted: April 24, 2008 Previous Crop: Corn May 6.36 in. Harvested: September 27, 2008 Tillage: Disc / Chisel / Field Cultivator June 3.12 in. Soil Type: Ragsdale Silt Loam Herbicide: 3 qts. Degree Xtra July 8.90 in. Population: 34,000 seeds/A. 1 qt. Atrazine / 24 oz. Durango August 0.80 in. Insecticide: 6 oz. Artic Total 23.82 in.

Purpose: This study provides another location of testing for Beck’s Extensive Seed Treatment Study on Corn. Several types of seed treatments are tested each year including fungicides, insecticides, biologicals, growth stimulants, and micronutrients. This testing is conducted to ensure that Beck’s Sure Gro and FaSTart seed treatments provide the best performance available in the industry.

Rep 1 Rep 2 Average of 2 Reps

Treatment


Bushels* Per Acre


Bushels* Per Acre

Average Harvested

Pop. Average Bu./A.

Charter + Apron + Stamina + Poncho 250 29,666 226.1 31,650 222.8 30,658 224.5

Maxim XL + Dynasty + Poncho 250 29,666 221.0 31,600 218.2 30,633 219.6

Vortex AL 2.5g + Poncho 250 29,333 213.7 32,666 222.6 31,000 218.2

Maxim XL + Dynasty + Myconate + Poncho 250 31,166 217.9 32,150 217.6 31,658 217.8

Vortex AT 2.5g + Poncho 250 30,166 212.7 32,130 220.6 31,148 216.7

Maxim XL + Dynasty + ReVV 30,833 218.9 31,300 213.1 31,067 216.0

Vortex AT 2.5g + N-Hibit + Poncho 250 31,800 211.2 31,650 220.6 31,725 215.9

Maxim XL + Dynasty + ReVV + Poncho 250 29,833 213.6 31,450 218.0 30,642 215.8

Maxim XL + Dynasty + Protinus + Poncho 250 31,500 216.2 31,950 215.0 31,725 215.6

Maxim XL + Stamina + Poncho 250 29,333 217.4 32,000 211.5 30,667 214.5

Vortex AT 2.5g + ReVV + Poncho 250 30,666 205.2 32,800 222.1 31,733 213.7

Untreated 30,666 212.9 32,300 212.8 31,483 212.9

Vortex AL 2.5g + Stamina + Poncho 250 31,833 204.4 32,500 217.7 32,167 211.1

AVERAGE* 30,497 214.7 32,011 217.9 31,254 216.3 *Bushels per acre corrected to 15% moisture. Summary: Beck’s standard Sure Gro with FaSTart (Maxim XL + Dynasty + Poncho 250) performed very well

again this year. The combination of Charter + Apron + Stamina + Poncho 250 provided the highest average yield across both replications at the Southern PFR farm this year. Charter is a systemic fungicide from BASF. Apron is one of the fungicides that make up Maxim XL. Stamina, also a BASF fungicide, has a similar active ingredient to Headline.

“Beck’s Practical Farm Research is really relevant to what we do. Your tests apply to our fields and no one else is doing that kind of research. Your replant policy is another reason for me, that I’m now planting all Beck’s. I love the replant policy! Beck’s service and knowledgeable salespeople also will keep me PROUDLY planting 100% Beck’s!” Mario LaMantia Liberty, IN

99

Quality Trait Products® - 2008 RAINFALL

Planted: April 29, 2008 Previous Crop: Soybeans April 4.64 in. Harvested: September 19, 2008 Tillage: Disc / Chisel / Field Cultivator May 6.36 in. Rows: Four 30” rows Herbicide: Pre: Bicep II Magnum June 3.12 in. Population: 32,000 seeds/A. Roundup Original Max July 8.90 in. Post: Impact August 0.80 in. Insecticide: 6 oz. Artic Total 23.82 in.

Purpose: This study shows the Quality Trait Products Beck’s is testing and/or offering for sale in the southern marketing area. Opportunities are available for customers in the south to participate in food grade, Non-GMO, and white corn programs. We are also evaluating products that we have identified as High Fermentable Corn.

Quality Trait Product

Brand

Test* Weight

Percent Moisture

Bushels* Per Acre

+ or – Plot Avg.

Potential Premiums

Food Grade BECK 5333 59.9 19.7 179.3 +13.6

Food Grade $0.10-$0.70

Food Grade BECK 5676™** 58.2 22.0 167.0 +1.3 Food Grade BECK 6733 60.4 23.6 166.5 +0.8 Food Grade BECK 5387RR 59.3 19.3 150.8 -14.9 Food Grade BECK 5335™** 60.9 20.8 149.8 -15.9

Non-GMO BECK 5608 57.8 21.7 190.9 +25.2 Non-GMO

$0.20-$0.50 Non-GMO BECK 5684 57.0 20.2 190.3 +24.6 Non-GMO BECK 5444 57.7 21.7 180.8 +15.1

H.F.C. BECK 5722HXR 58.4 21.0 174.0 +8.3 H.F.C.

None at this time H.F.C. BECK 5444VT3 57.7 21.7 168.3 +2.6 H.F.C. BECK 5816CBRR 57.4 21.0 153.6 -12.1

White Corn BECK 6218W 58.2 22.3 117.4 -48.3 White Corn

$0.20 + AVERAGE 58.6 21.3 165.7

*Bushels per acre and test weight corrected to 15% moisture. **XL Brand distributed by Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc. Note: This study was located on a portion of the farm that experienced very heavy pythium pressure this past spring. Pressure seemed to be present in all of the studies where corn followed wheat and double crop soybeans but was significantly worse in this study. Stands were adequate at V2 and diminished by the V4-V5 growth stage. This was particularly bad on the east side of the study in the border and the BECK 6218W entry. Food Grade Corn - Used by dry millers to produce cereal and snack food products. The endosperm is much harder than commodity corn and is higher in test weight. Non-GMO – Non-genetically modified or conventional corn is quickly becoming the new specialty corn. Demand from export companies as well as domestic users demand for non-traited corn continues to be strong while trait adoption by the farmer continues to increase. This creates a deficient supply of Non-GMO grain. High Fermentable Corn (H.F.C.) - Hybrids identified as High Fermentable are those that will produce a higher percentage of ethanol per bushel. Once identified, ethanol producers will use these hybrids to increase ethanol yields and plant efficiencies. White Corn - White corn mainly used by grain millers to produce snack foods.


100

Soybean Show Plot – 2008 RAINFALL April 4.64 in. Planted: May 21, 2008 Previous Crop: Corn May 6.36 in. Harvested: September 20, 29, and Tillage: Fall Chisel / Field Cultivator June 3.12 in. October 1, 2008 Herbicide: 24 oz. Durango on RR Soybeans July 8.90 in. Rows: Six 30” rows 22 oz. Ignite on Liberty Soybeans August 0.80 in.

Seeding Rate: 120,000 seeds/A. Total 23.82 in.

Yield Rank

Brand

Relative Maturity


Bushels* Per Acre

GROUP 2.7 TO 3.3

1 BECK 307NRR 3.0 1.5 77.3 2 BECK 325NRR™** 3.2 2.0 76.3 3 BECK 296NRR 2.9 1.0 75.5 4 BECK 321NRR 3.2 1.5 74.3 5 BECK 274NRR 2.7 4.0 72.7 6 BECK 334LL 3.3 1.5 72.4 7 BECK 326RRL 3.2 1.5 72.4 8 BECK 332NRRL 3.3 3.0 64.3

AVERAGE 2.0 73.2 GROUP 3.4 TO 4.7

1 BECK 376LL 3.7 2.0 84.7 2 BECK 342NRR 3.4 1.5 83.7 3 BECK 399NRR 3.9 3.0 80.7 4 BECK 445NRR 4.4 2.0 79.4 5 BECK 422NRR 4.2 1.5 78.8 6 BECK 362NRR™** 3.6 2.0 77.9 7 BECK 474NRR 4.7 3.0 76.0 8 BECK 403NRR™** 4.0 4.0 75.6 9 BECK 383NRR 3.8 2.0 75.2

10 BECK 377NRR 3.7 2.0 73.4 11 BECK 364NRR 3.6 3.0 72.4

AVERAGE 2.4 78.0 **XL Brand distributed by Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc.

LibertyLink® Soybean Herbicide Study – 2008

Planted: May 31, 2008 Previous Crop: Corn Harvested: October 1, 2008 Tillage: Chisel / Field Cultivator Rows: Twenty-two 15” rows Herbicide: Various Seeding Rate: 120,000 seeds/A. Product Tested: BECK 376LL

Purpose: This study demonstrates the use of Liberty and Ignite herbicide on LibertyLink soybeans. Both products will be applied as both stand alone post treatments as well as in combination with a residual herbicide.

Target Treatments Bushels

Per Acre*Summary:

32 oz. Liberty – 6” weeds & 32 oz. Liberty – 22 days later 71.6

22 oz. Ignite – 6” weeds & 22 oz. Ignite – 22 days later 73.6

2.8 oz. Scepter 70DG Post Emerge & 22 oz. Ignite – 6” weeds 74.0

AVERAGE 73.1


Overall the performance of BECK 376LL has been very impressive on the Southern PFR farm this year. This plot was planted late and caught a heavy rain prior to emergence, making for some very thin stands (60,000 to 65,000 plants per acre). Despite these thin stands, yields were very good. There was little difference noticed in the performance of Liberty and Ignite. Ignite is a new formulation of Liberty that allows for a lower use rate. A residual product such as Scepter can be used to keep fields clean longer into the season in an attempt to only make one post-emergence pass with Ignite or Liberty. Keep in mind that both Liberty and Ignite are contact herbicides that do not translocate. Therefore coverage of the entire weed is very important. Increase water to 15 – 20 gallon per acre and use higher pressures to ensure that weeds are adequately covered.

101

100 Bushel Soybean Study – 2008 100 Bushel Soybean Study – 2008

RAINFALL Planted: May 21, 2008 Previous Crop: Corn April 4.64 in. Harvested: September 24, 2008 Tillage: Chisel / Field Cultivator (twice) May 6.36 in. Rows: Eleven 15” rows Herbicide: 24 oz. Durango June 3.12 in. Seeding Rate: 150,000 seeds/A. Product Tested: BECK 399NRR July 8.90 in. Replications: Two (averaged) August 0.80 in.

Total 23.82 in. Purpose: This is our first attempt at 100 bushel soybeans here at the Southern PFR farm. This year’s attempt

was made using a combination of Cruiser, a micronutrient seed treatment, LCO Promoters as both foliar and seed treatments, Aim herbicide to shorten internode growth, and a foliar fungicide and insecticide application.

Base Treatment Additional Treatment

Rep 1 Bushels

Per Acre*

Rep 2 Bushels

Per Acre*

Average Bushels

Per Acre* Sure Gro + Cruiser Protinus 94.2 90.5 92.4 Sure Gro + Cruiser Foliar LCO Promoter 88.3 91.9 90.1 Sure Gro + Cruiser Optimize 87.5 90.9 89.2 Sure Gro + Cruiser 85.9 88.0 86.9 Sure Gro + Cruiser Optimize + Protinus + Foliar LCO Promoter + Aim 82.5 88.5 85.5 Sure Gro + Cruiser Aim 84.6 82.981.2

AVERAGE 87.2 88.5 87.8 *Bushels per acre corrected to 13% moisture.

Summary: Average to slightly below normal temperatures along with above average rainfall both the first and

last week of July with a dry period in between, along with a cool August created an ideal environment for high yielding soybeans. Each entry in this study started with a base of BECK 399NRR with Cruiser insecticide seed treatment planted at 150,000 seeds per acre (approximately 15% higher than our standard 15” row planting population at Ft. Branch). Two entries were treated with additional seed treatments, Optimize (an LCO promoter) and Protinus (micronutrient treatment containing Zinc, Manganese, and Iron). Another entry was treated with a foliar LCO Promoter similar to Optimize while the fourth was sprayed with Aim herbicide to attempt to shorten internode growth to minimize lodging. The last entry was treated with all of the aforementioned treatments. All of these entries also received an application of 6 oz. of Headline fungicide as well as 2.5 oz. of Mustang Max at the R4 growth stage.

Although we didn’t quite hit our 100 bushel goal, we came surprisingly close in the first year. The highest yielding entry in this study was BECK 399NRR with Cruiser and Protinus seed treatments and an application of Headline/Mustang Max at R4. This entry achieved 94.2 Bu./A. and had the highest average across both replications at 92.4 Bu./A.

“I started using Beck’s when I went to their web site and found a few products that interested me. When I found out who my local dealer was he treated me just the same as if I was a large grower and has always given me great service no matter what time of day.” Eric Rennekamp Lawrenceburg, IN

102

Foliar Fungicide and Insecticide Study – 2008

RAINFALL Planted: May 1, 2008 Previous Crop: Corn April 4.64 in. Harvested: October 1, 2008 Tillage: Chisel / Field Cultivator (twice) May 6.36 in. Rows: Six 30” rows Herbicide: 24 oz. Durango June 3.12 in. Seeding Rate: 120,000 seeds/A. July 8.90 in. August 0.80 in.

Total 23.82 in.

Purpose: The use of foliar fungicides has grown with the movement of Asian Soybean Rust into the southern United States. Although rust was discovered as far north as central Illinois this fall, it has yet to be detrimental to Beck’s growers. Testing of foliar fungicides in preparation for Rust control has led to the discovery that these products could be used for other yield enhancing qualities due to their ability to maintain plant health and seed quality. This test is our continued look into the usefulness of these products for our growers. We are also using leaf wetness sensors to monitor the amount of moisture present in the canopy during the season to see if there may be a way to monitor the crop to determine when applications may be profitable.

2008 Summary

Insecticide and/or Fungicide Application

Growth Stage

Bushels Per Acre*

Yield Advantage

Return on Investment^

BECK 399NRR Headline R2 76.0 -2.4 -$50.04 Headline/Mustang Max R2 77.6 -0.8 -$37.27 Mustang Max R2 78.4 0.0 -$13.00 Untreated - - - - 78.4 - - - - - - - - Headline R4 77.5 -0.9 -$33.38 Headline/Mustang Max R4 78.4 0.0 -$28.38 Mustang Max R4 73.7 -4.7 -$65.22 BECK 422NRR Headline R2 68.3 +0.3 -$20.05 Headline/Mustang Max R2 66.4 -1.6 -$46.16 Mustang Max R2 67.3 -0.7 -$20.78 Untreated - - - - 68.0 - - - - - - - - Headline R4 72.4 +4.4 $25.50 Headline/Mustang Max R4 72.6 +4.6 $22.73 Mustang Max R4 75.0 +7.0 $64.77

3 Year Summary


Growth Stage

Bushels Per Acre*

Yield Advantage


Headline/Pyrethroid Insecticide R2 74.1 +3.0 $9.61 Headline R2 72.9 +1.8 -$8.09 Pyrethroid Insecticide R2 71.2 +0.1 -$12.10 Untreated - - - - 71.1 - - - - - - - - Headline/Pyrethroid Insecticide R4 77.3 +6.2 $45.43 Headline R4 77.3 +6.2 $40.28 Pyrethroid Insecticide R4 74.0 +2.9 $19.33 *Bushels per acre corrected to 13% moisture. ^Return on Investment (ROI) based upon yield advantage of application minus the cost of product and application charge. Costs were based on $15.38/A. for 6 oz. of Headline, $5 for 2.5 oz. of Mustang Max, $2.00/A. for additives, and $6.00/A. average application charge. Soybean price based on $11.11/Bu. average.

103

Foliar Fungicide and Insecticide Study – Continued

Leaf Wetness Hours Per Growth Stage

0.0

50.0

100.0

150.0

200.0

R2 R3 R4 R5

Growth Stage

Leaf

Wet

ness

Hou

rs

Summary: Unlike previous years’ results, the data collected from the Southern PFR farm did not show as much promise using fungicides on soybeans in 2008. Both BECK 399NRR and BECK 422NRR failed to produce positive yield gains using fungicide, insecticide, or a combination of both at the R2 growth stage. BECK 422NRR did however produce a positive return on investment using these applications at the R4 growth stage although BECK 399NRR did not. With the use of our leaf wetness sensors we were able to monitor the amount of moisture present in the crop canopy at the time that each of these applications were made. It is interesting to note that the number of leaf wetness hours was significantly higher at R4 growth stage than at R2. Previous data collected with these tools at the IL PFR suggested that there may be a correlation between increased leaf wetness and the likelihood of making profitable fungicide applications in soybeans. Was this the case in 2008 at the Southern PFR farm? The jury is still out, but we hope to expand our efforts in future testing to see if applications made at various growth stages follow the same patterns that we recorded with the moisture sensors. The three year summary shows only marginal yield gains that did not produce a profitable return using fungicide alone at the R2 growth stage. To the contrary, applications made with both a fungicide and a pyrethroid insecticide at this same stage show a slight increase in profitability. Both applications of fungicide with and without insecticide as well as stand alone applications of insecticide show promising results at the R4 growth stage in the three year summary.

Soybean Foliar Feed Study – 2008

Planted: May 21, 2008 Previous Crop: Corn Harvested: October 1, 2008 Tillage: Chisel / Field Cultivator (twice) Rows: Six 30” rows Herbicide: 24 oz. Durango Seeding Rate: 120,000 seeds/A. Product Tested: BECK 422NRR Purpose: To evaluate the use of liquid fertilizers applied three different times: as starter, as foliar feed applications with

Roundup, and at the time of fungicide applications. Monty’s Plant Food products are low rate foliar fertilizers with a humic acid base that are meant to be used as a supplement to a standard dry fertilizer program. All-Plant Liquid Fertilizers are neutral pH, low salt fertilizers that can be used as supplement to a dry fertilizer program or as a stand alone fertility program.

Foliar Fertilizer Application Growth Stage

Bushels Per Acre*

Yield Advantage


Untreated - - - - 75.0 - - - - - - - - 16 oz. Monty’s 8-16-8 w/ Roundup V6 74.0 -1.0 -$25.36 16 oz. Monty’s 2-15-15 R4 71.7 -3.3 -$50.91 16 oz. Monty’s 8-16-8 w/ Roundup & 16 oz. 2-15-15 V6/R4 74.1 -0.9 -$38.50 4 gal. All-Plant 5-15-15 R4 76.2 +1.2 -$7.87 4 gal. All-Plant 5-15-15 w/ Headline R4 73.8 -1.2 -$51.91

*Bushels per acre corrected to 13% moisture. ^Return on Investment (ROI) based upon yield advantage of application minus the cost of product and application charge. Costs were based on $15.38/A for 6 oz. of Headline, $2.00/A. for additives, and $6.00/A. average application charge. Costs for Monty’s 8-16-8 were based on $8.25/A. for 16 oz. of product. Costs for All-Plant 5-15-15 were based on $3.80/gallon product. Soybean price based on $11.11/Bu. average.

Summary: The only foliar fertilizer application in this study that showed a yield increase was 4 gallons of All-Plant 5-15-15 at R4. None of the entries applied were able to produce a positive return on investment. Considering the ideal growing conditions for soybeans and the high levels of P & K on the Southern PFR farm, the likelihood of these products showing a return on investment diminished in 2008. Under extremely wet or dry conditions that decrease nutrient availability, the probability of a foliar fertilizer providing a yield benefit may increase. There was no visual tissue burn or stunting noted in any of the entries in 2008.

Daily Leaf Wetn

05

1015202530

7/1/20

08

7/8/20

08

7/15/2

008

7/22/2

0

Da

Leaf

Wet

ness

Hou

rs

ess Hours

08

7/29/2

008

8/5/20

08

te

104

P & K Study Soybeans after Corn and

Corn after Soybeans – 2008 SOYBEANS AFTER CORN: RAINFALL Planted: May 21, 2008 Previous Crop: Corn April 4.64 in. Harvested: September 24, 2008 Tillage: Various May 6.36 in. Rows: 30” rows Herbicide: 24 oz. Durango June 3.12 in. Seeding Rate: 120,000 seeds/A. Product Tested: BECK 342NRR July 8.90 in. August 0.80 in.

CORN AFTER SOYBEANS: Total 23.82 in. Planted: May 1, 2008 Previous Crop: Soybeans Harvested: October 9, 2008 Tillage: Various Rows: 30” rows Herbicide: 3 qts. Degree Xtra Seeding Rate: 32,000 seeds/A. 1 qt. Atrazine Product Tested: BECK 5444VT3 22 oz. Roundup Original Max Insecticide: 6 oz. Artic

Purpose: This study was set up to evaluate the practice of banding fertilizer in a corn/soybean rotation over a long term period of time compared to broadcast applications. Both corn and soybeans were planted in 30” rows in order to place strips and plant between the rows from the previous crop in the strip till replication.

Corn After Soybeans Soybeans After Corn

Planting Order Fertilizer


Bushels* Per Acre

Yield Advantage


Bushels** Per Acre

Yield Advantage

CONVENTIONAL-TILL 1 400 lb. 4-11-45 29,500 233.8 109,500 81.2 2 300 lb. 4-11-45 31,500 222.8 110,250 81.1 3 200 lb. 4-11-45 30,750 217.5 94,000 78.8 4 100 lb. 4-11-45 30,500 215.1 112,750 81.4 5 No P & K Plow-down 28,000 189.1 111,500 80.7

AVERAGE 30,050 215.7 +7.1 107,600 80.6 +0.3 STRIP-TILL

6 No P & K Banded 26,375 217.7 114,500 80.7 7 3.63 gal. 5-15-15 w/ 0-0-30 27,563 211.3 110,500 83.0 8 7.25 gal. 5-15-15 w/ 0-0-30 30,188 202.7 112,000 79.0 9 10.875 gal. 5-15-15 w/ 0-0-30 26,938 201.7 115,250 78.9

10 14.5 gal. 5-15-15 w/ 0-0-30 27,188 209.5 111,000 80.0 AVERAGE 27,650 208.6 112,650 80.3

*Bushels per acre and test weight corrected to 15% moisture. **Bushels per acre corrected to 13% moisture.

Summary: In the conventional-till entries, dry fertilizer was applied with an air-boom truck prior to deep tillage. In the strip-till area, liquid fertilizer was banded with a Case 5310 bar within a few days of dry fertilizer application. A 14.5 gallon rate of the liquid fertilizer solutions used is comparable to 400 lbs. of 4-11-45 (100 lbs. DAP, 300 lbs. 0-0-60). This is the second year in a row that the corn after soybean entries in the conventional-till portion of the study have continued to show yield increases as the rate of fertilizer is increased. The highest yielding corn after soybean strip entry was the unfertilized check. Soybeans on the other hand showed no significant difference between any of the entries. Soil tests pulled from this field in the fall of 2007 showed adequate to high levels of phosphorus and high to very high levels of potassium, therefore we don’t expect to see any consistent trends in regards to yield and the rate of fertilizer applied for several more years. The conventional-tillage portion of the corn study out yielded the strip-tilled portion by 7.1 Bu./A. while there was no significant advantage in the favor of either tillage method in the soybean study.

105

Soybean Seed Treatment Study – 2008 Soybean Seed Treatment Study – 2008

Planted: Planted: May 23, 2008 May 23, 2008 Seeding Rate: Seeding Rate: 140,000 seeds/A. 140,000 seeds/A. Harvested: Harvested: September 23, 2008 September 23, 2008 Previous Crop: Previous Crop: Corn Corn Rows: Rows: Eleven 15” rows Eleven 15” rows Tillage: Tillage: Disc / Chisel / Field Cultivator Disc / Chisel / Field Cultivator Product Tested: Product Tested: BECK 342NRR BECK 342NRR Herbicide: Herbicide: 24 oz. Durango 24 oz. Durango

Treatment

Plot 1 Emerged

Population

Plot 2 Emerged

Population

Plot 1 Bu./A.*

Plot 2 Bu./A.*

Average Bu./A.*

Sure Gro + Gaucho 81,500 110,250 57.1 85.2 71.2 Sure Gro + Cruiser 73,000 114,500 59.3 82.2 70.8 Sure Gro + Excalibre QR 92,500 107,000 60.4 81.0 70.7 Sure Gro + Myconate 86,500 110,000 60.8 80.3 70.6 Sure Gro + Optimize 62,000 99,000 60.2 80.3 70.3 Sure Gro + ReVV 78,500 100,500 59.8 79.3 69.6 Sure Gro + Stamina 89,500 98,500 58.0 80.8 69.4 Sure Gro + N-Hibit Gold 81,000 110,500 60.4 77.9 69.2 Sure Gro + Acronis 99,000 105,500 58.5 79.7 69.1 Sure Gro + Protinus 67,000 107,000 58.8 77.8 68.3 Sure Gro + Thiodicarb 105,000 100,000 58.9 76.9 67.9 Untreated 85,000 118,000 58.4 76.5 67.5 Sure Gro 102,500 106,000 54.5 78.4 66.5

AVERAGE 84,846 106,673 58.9 79.7 69.3 *Bushels per acre corrected to 13% moisture. ReVV: ReVV technology is a signal molecule that maximizes a plant’s genetics by advancing vital growth processes

independent of external factors and allows the plant to reach its inherent yield potential.

Protinus: A seed treatment that promotes early plant health and growth by delivering zinc, magnesium and iron right to the seed. This can lead to increased root mass, better vigor and early emergence. Protinus helps to lower the pH in the zone immediately around the seed thus allowing important nutrients to be more easily absorbed.

Stamina: A fungicide seed treatment that helps control key seed and seedling diseases, such as Rhizoctonia, and improves seed tolerance. Stamina’s formulation is built on pyraclostrobin.

Myconate: Myconate® is a synthesized form of the naturally-occurring isoflavanone- formononetin- that was originally isolated from plant roots. This chemical stimulates the activity and colonization of plant roots by beneficial vesicular-arbuscular mycorrhizal (VAM) fungi. VAM are the state of fine roots of nearly all plants growing in soils of natural plant ecosystems. VAM increase the ability of the plant to absorb water, nitrogen and essential minerals by significantly increasing the effective absorbing surface area of the root system. This improved water and nutrition aids the plant in managing stress, such as soil water and mineral deficiencies and salinity. Increased phosphorus absorption and utilization by mycorrhizal plants also increase nodulation of legumes by nitrogen-fixing bacteria.

Sure Gro: Beck’s exclusive fungicide coating which contains Maxim, Apron XL (systemic fungicide), Thiram, red colorant, polymer coating, and brightener.

Acronis: A fungicide seed treatment in development by BASF as a seed treatment for legume crops. This product is currently in review by EPA.

Excalibre QR: An encapsulated inoculant featuring three strains of Bradyrhizobium bacteria. Excalibre QR is a pre-formulated combination of Excalibre and QuickRoots, which contains Bacillus subtilis var. amyloliquefaciens and Trichoderma virens G1-3. It was developed to improve root growth, soil exploration by microbes and nutrient efficiency.

Optimize: Features LCO Promoter Technology, and is a naturally occurring molecule that activates a cascade of plant genes which begins and enhances cell division in both the root and shoot, independent of soil and weather conditions.

Thiodicarb: A systemic carbamate pesticide used for added protection from thrips, aphids, cutworm and plant protection from early-season nematode damage.

N-Hibit Gold: A biochemical pesticide seed treatment that suppresses nematode egg production, increases root mass and enhances yield.

Cruiser: A systemic nicotinoid insecticide whose active ingredient, thiamethoxam, is intended to provide early-season protection against injury from insects.

Gaucho: A seed-applied insecticide that provides protection from early season pests acting both on contact to protect the roots and systemically to protect the plant.

contains and

106

Soybean Row Spacing & Population Study – 2008

RAINFALL Planted: May 22, 2008 Previous Crop: Corn April 4.64 in.Harvested: October 1, 2008 Tillage: Chisel / Field Cultivator (twice) May 6.36 in.Rows: Various Herbicide: 24 oz. Durango June 3.12 in.Seeding Rate: Various July 8.90 in. August 0.80 in.

Total 23.82 in. Purpose: Soybean varieties can vary greatly in their structure and ability to branch. Selecting the

correct variety for your soil type along with knowing how that variety responds to various populations and row spacing is critical for maximizing yield. This study compares two different Beck’s soybeans at three populations in both 15” and 30” row spacing.

Two Variety Average

Brand Target

Population Emerged

Population Bushels* Per Acre Bu./A.*

Net^ Return

15” ROWS BECK 399NRR 125,000 105,500 68.8 76.2 $816.97 150,000 114,500 76.8 80.9 $863.26 175,000 136,000 79.5 78.5 $830.67

AVERAGE 118,667 75.0 78.5 BECK 445NRR 125,000 100,500 83.6 150,000 110,500 85.0 175,000 152,500 77.5

AVERAGE 121,167 82.0 30” ROWS BECK 399NRR 125,000 108,000 74.5 74.8 $801.41 150,000 119,500 70.3 74.9 $796.60 175,000 150,000 69.5 73.5 $775.12

AVERAGE 125,833 71.4 74.4 BECK 445NRR 125,000 104,500 75.0 150,000 120,000 79.4 175,000 157,000 77.5

AVERAGE 127,167 77.3 *Bushels per acre corrected to 13% moisture. ^ Seed cost based on $30.82 average cost per bag. Summary: The optimum planting population for 15” rows was 150,000 seeds per acre while the

optimum for 30” rows was 125,000 seeds per acre. 15” rows planted at the optimum 150,000 seed per acre population out-yielded 30” rows at their optimum 125,000 seeds per acre by 6.1 Bu./A. across both varieties and all populations. BECK 399NRR recorded its highest individual yield at 175,000 seeds per acre in 15” rows. BECK 445NRR recorded its highest individual yield at 150,000 seeds per acre in 15” rows. There was little to no correlation between lodging and yield in this year’s study.

107

Soybean Planting Date & Population Study – 2008

RAINFALL Planted: Various Previous Crop: Corn April 4.64 in. Harvested: Various Tillage: Disc / Chisel May 6.36 in. Rows: Eleven 15” rows Field Cultivator June 3.12 in. Seeding Rate: Various Herbicide: 24 oz. Durango July 8.90 in. (2 applications) August 0.80 in.

Total 23.82 in.

Purpose: In this study we compared two varieties on nine planting dates at three populations in 15” rows. This study can also be referenced when attempting to make replant decisions by evaluating yield trends by planting date.

Planting Date

Brand

Population

Bushels* Per Acre

Population

Bushels* Per Acre

Population

Bushels* Per Acre

Bu./A. Each

Variety

Bu./A. Combined Average

April 18 BECK 383NRR 120,000 67.4 150,000 60.8 180,000 69.0 65.7 April 18 BECK 422NRR 120,000 86.9 150,000 84.9 180,000 89.5 87.1 76.4 April 25 BECK 377NRR 120,000 86.2 150,000 93.5 180,000 75.1 84.9 April 25 BECK 422NRR 120,000 87.6 150,000 79.9 180,000 88.4 85.3 85.1 May 1 BECK 377NRR 120,000 72.0 150,000 67.7 180,000 78.8 72.8 May 1 BECK 422NRR 120,000 87.6 150,000 90.4 180,000 81.5 86.5 79.7 May 21 BECK 377NRR 120,000 82.1 150,000 84.1 180,000 82.6 82.9 May 21 BECK 422NRR 120,000 89.3 150,000 88.0 180,000 86.0 87.8 85.4 May 27 BECK 377NRR 120,000 77.3 150,000 81.3 180,000 77.3 78.7 May 27 BECK 422NRR 120,000 73.8 150,000 82.2 180,000 85.8 80.6 79.6 May 31 BECK 377NRR 120,000 64.0 150,000 64.7 180,000 72.7 67.2 May 31 BECK 422NRR 120,000 62.1 150,000 77.9 180,000 78.2 72.7 69.9 June 7 BECK 377NRR 120,000 72.8 150,000 73.8 180,000 71.8 72.8 June 7 BECK 422NRR 120,000 76.4 150,000 77.0 180,000 76.4 76.6 74.7 June 16 BECK 377NRR 120,000 62.4 150,000 66.1 180,000 62.9 63.8 June 16 BECK 422NRR 120,000 74.9 150,000 72.7 180,000 70.8 72.8 68.3 June 23 BECK 377NRR 120,000 58.5 150,000 59.0 180,000 61.5 59.6 June 23 BECK 422NRR 120,000 34.9 150,000 44.0 180,000 39.0 39.3 49.5

AVERAGE 73.1 74.9 74.9 74.3 *Bushels per acre corrected to 13% moisture.

Product Summary:

BECK 422NRR showed a 3.2 Bu./A. advantage over BECK 377NRR across all planting dates and populations. BECK 377NRR produced its highest yields across all populations on April 25th while BECK 422NRR averaged its highest yield across all populations on May 21st.

4 Year Soybean Planting Date Trend

20.0

30.0

40.0

50.0

60.0

70.0

80.0

90.0

April

Wk3

April

Wk4

May

Wk1

May

Wk2

May

Wk3

May

Wk4

June

Wk1

June

Wk2

June

Wk3

June

Wk4

July

Wk1

Planting Date

Yiel

d

Population Summary:

The population providing the most return on investment across all planting dates in 2008 was 150,000 seeds per acre. At a cost of $28.12 per bag, an additional 30,000 seeds per acre required a 0.6 Bu./A. yield increase with $11.11 soybeans. The 4 year average of populations planted across all planting dates shows a 0.6 Bu./A. difference in yield, thus making 120,000 seeds per acre the most profitable over the 4 year history of this study. Although rain was plentiful, no lodging was noted in this year’s study due to excessive vegetative growth.

Planting Date Summary:

The highest average yield was achieved on the May 21st planting date this year with the April 25th planting date being only 0.3 Bu./A. less. In 2008, yields ranged from 79.6 to 85.4 Bu./A. from April 25th to May 27th but only fell off slightly through the first week of June. Yields steadily decreased after this point. The 4 year average of this study shows the first week of May to be the highest yielding. The long term trend line shows little variation in yield from the 3rd week of April through the 3rd week of May, but yields decrease steadily after that date.

108

Double Crop Soybean Population Study – 2008 Population Study – 2008

RAINFALL Planted: June 23, 2008 Previous Crop: Wheat April 4.64 in. Harvested: October 17 & 21, 2008 Tillage: No-Till May 6.36 in. Rows: Eleven 15” rows Herbicide: 24 oz. Durango June 3.12 in. Seeding Rate: Various (2 applications) July 8.90 in. August 0.80 in.

Total 23.82 in.

Purpose: This study was designed to look at seven different maturities of soybeans planted at various populations to use in a double crop system following wheat.

Yield Rank Brand

Bushels* Per Acre

2008 Average

180,000 220,000 1 BECK 445NRR 64.4 67.7 66.1 2 BECK 403NRR™** 63.0 67.6 65.3 3 BECK 422NRR 61.1 64.2 62.7 4 BECK 474NRR 59.7 63.8 61.8 5 BECK 399NRR 59.7 62.6 61.2 6 BECK 364NRR 56.0 61.3 58.7 7 BECK 377NRR 51.6 52.0 51.8

AVERAGE 59.4 62.7 61.1 3 Year Average 45.9 48.6

**XL Brand distributed by Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc.

Summary: The average yield for this study in 2008 broke the previous 3 years’ high by over 12.5 Bu./A.! BECK 445NRR lead the way with an outstanding 66.1 Bu./A. average across both populations! Increasing planting population from 180,000 to 220,000 seeds per acre showed a 3.3 Bu./A. yield increase compared to the four year average of 2.7 Bu./A. A yield increase of less than 1 Bu./A. is required to pay for a 40,000 seed per acre population increase. Group IV soybeans out-yielded Group III’s by an average of 6.7 Bu./A. in 2008 compared to a four year advantage of 5.3 Bu./A.

Double Crop Foliar Fungicide Study – 2008

Planted: June 24, 2008 Previous Crop: Corn Harvested: October 21, 2008 Tillage: No-Till Rows: Eleven 15” rows Herbicide: 24 oz. Durango Seeding Rate: 220,000 seeds/A. (2 applications) Product Tested: BECK 422NRR

Purpose: This study was developed after we began noticing significant yield and profit increases using foliar fungicides and insecticides in early planted soybeans. This study was designed to see if that same effect held true in a double crop soybean scenario.


Growth Stage

Bushels Per Acre*

Yield Advantage

Net^ Return Per Acre

Headline R2 57.5 -2.0 -$45.61 Headline/Mustang Max R2 63.2 +3.7 $12.72 Mustang Max R2 62.8 +3.3 $40.33 16 oz. Monty’s 8-16-8 R2 59.3 -0.2 -$16.47 16 oz. Monty’s 2-15-15 R2 57.8 -1.7 -$33.14 Untreated - - - - 59.5 - - - - - - - - Headline R4 59.4 -0.1 -$24.50 Headline/Mustang Max R4 58.0 -1.5 -$45.06 Mustang R4 58.4 -1.1 -$25.22 16 oz. Monty’s 2-15-15 R4 59.0 -0.5 -$19.81 4 gal. All-Plant 5-15-15 R4 55.9 -3.6 -$61.20


Summary: The Headline®/Mustang Max® application at R2 showed a positive return on investment. This is the first time in the three year history of this study that a fungicide treatment showed a profit on double crop soybeans. The stand alone insecticide treatments at both the R2 stage also proved to be profitable with 3.3 Bu./A. advantage over the untreated entry. The three year history of this study shows a 2.0 Bu./A. average advantage for the use of insecticide treatments on double crop soybeans. Visual differences between fungicide treatments and the untreated check were minimal in 2008. None of the foliar fertilizer treatments provided a yield boost this year.

109

Double Crop Soybean Wheat Row Spacing Study – 2008

Wheat RAINFALL Planted: October 9, 2007 Previous Crop: Corn April 4.64 in. Harvested: June 21, 2008 Tillage: Disc (twice) May 6.36 in. Rows: Various Herbicide: 0.6 oz. Harmony June 3.12 in. Seeding Rate: Various Insecticide: Cruiser July 8.90 in. August 0.80 in.

Soybeans Total 23.82 in. Planted: June 23, 2008 Previous Crop: Wheat Harvested: October 17, 2008 Tillage: No-Till Rows: Eleven 15” rows Herbicide: 24 oz. Durango Seeding Rate: 220,000 seeds/A. (two applications) Insecticide: None

Purpose: This study was started a few years ago to compare wheat planted in 15” rows to traditional drilled 7.5” rows. Interest in this cultural practice was generated from reports of growers throughout the country using 15” row Kinze planters to plant their wheat. With bulk fill 15” row planters becoming more common for planting soybeans, the question has been raised whether or not a grower could use the same planter and save the cost of a drill. In the fall of 2007, wheat was planted in both 15” rows with a Kinze 2000 planter. In addition to looking at wheat planted in various row spacing, we are testing the soybeans planted behind this row spacing in order to evaluate the entire double crop system.

Wheat Row Spacing Brand Population

Bushels* Per Acre Brand Population

Bushels* Per Acre

7.5” Rows BECK 122 Cruiser 1,500,000 91.2 BECK 399NRR 220,000 63.9 15” Rows BECK 122 Cruiser 1,500,000 86.3 BECK 399NRR 220,000 58.4 15” Rows BECK 122 Cruiser 1,200,000 82.6 BECK 399NRR 185,000 56.4 15” Rows BECK 122 Cruiser 900,000 81.1 BECK 399NRR 158,000 56.0

* Bushels per acre correct to 13% moisture.

Wheat Row Spacing

Average Wheat Yield

% of 7.5" Row Yield

Average Soybean Yield

% of Yield following 7.5” Row Wheat Gross Income^

2007 7.5” Rows 67.7 - - - - 27.0 - - - - $772.52 15” Rows 60.8 89.9% 29.5 109.1% $752.13

2008 7.5” Rows 91.2 - - - - 63.9 - - - - $1,346.51 15” Rows 86.3 94.6% 58.4 91.4% $1,251.20

2007-2008 7.5” Rows 79.4 - - - - 45.5 - - - - $1,059.72 15” Rows 73.6 92.7% 44.0 96.7% $1,002.57

^ Gross Income based on $6.98/Bu. wheat and $11.11/Bu. soybeans.

Summary: The average yield for 15” row wheat in 2008 was approximately 94.6% of the yield recorded for

7.5” rows. This is up from 89.9% in 2007 due to raising wheat populations in 15” rows up the same 1.5 million seeds per acre that was used in 7.5” rows. Soybean yields following 15” row wheat did not show the same yield boost that we saw in 2007 thus lowering gross income further. This study has been expanded this fall to include 3 replicated locations that will evaluate optimum planting populations for 15” row wheat as well as the soybeans that follow. Many thanks to Lester Farms (Hopkinsville, KY), Pasture Belt Farms (Owensboro, KY), and Hirsch Family Farms (Ft. Branch, IN) for providing testing locations for the upcoming year as well as Dr. Palle Pedersen (Iowa State University) and Dr. Chad Lee (University of KY) for assisting with this project.

110

Wheat / Double Crop Soybean Systems Study – 2008

Wheat RAINFALL Planted: Various Previous Crop: Corn April 4.64 in. Harvested: Various Tillage: Disc (twice) May 6.36 in. Rows: Sixty-six 7.5” rows Herbicide: 0.6 oz Harmony (Spring) June 3.12 in. Seeding Rate: 1.5 million seeds/A. Insecticide: Cruiser July 8.90 in. August 0.80 in.

Soybeans

Total 23.82 in. Planted: Various Previous Crop: Wheat Harvested: Various Tillage: No-Till Rows: Eleven 15” rows Herbicide: 24 oz. Durango Seeding Rate: 220,000 seeds/A. (2 applications)

Purpose: This study was written with the intentions of answering the question of which combination of wheat and soybean maturities would return the most income per acre in a double crop system. The trial was set up using three different wheat maturities, all of which were planted on three different planting dates in the fall. Wheat entries were harvested as they reached full maturity and were then followed with three different maturities of soybeans for each wheat entry.


WHEAT SOYBEANS Wheat and Soybeans

Brand Fall 2007

Planting Date Bushels* Per Acre Brand

Summer 2008 Planting Date

Bushels* Per Acre

Gross Income Per Acre^

BECK 399NRR 57.3 $1,137.77 BECK 112 October 2 BECK 422NRR June 23 59.1 $1,157.77

71.8

BECK 445NRR 66.4 $1,238.87 BECK 399NRR 58.7 $1,251.74

BECK 117 October 2 BECK 422NRR June 23 59.9 $1,265.07

85.9 BECK 445NRR 65.0 $1,321.73


85.1

BECK 445NRR 65.4 $1,320.59 BECK 399NRR 63.0 $1,153.63


65.0 BECK 445NRR 69.0 $1,220.29


78.8

BECK 445NRR 67.3 $1,297.73 BECK 399NRR 60.0 $1,234.07


81.3 BECK 445NRR 68.2 $1,325.18

BECK 399NRR N/A’ N/A’ BECK 112 October 21 BECK 422NRR June 30 61.8 $1,122.85

62.5

BECK 445NRR 69.9 $1,212.84 BECK 399NRR 60.9 $1,176.37


71.6 BECK 445NRR 67.0 $1,244.14


73.2

BECK 445NRR 73.5 $1,327.52

^Wheat price based on $6.98/Bu. average price. Soybean price based on $11.11/Bu. average price. ‘Combine mechanical malfunction Bold number indicates highest gross income per acre.

111

Wheat/ Double Crop Soybean System Study – Continued System Study – Continued

2008 Summary 2008 Summary

WHEAT SOYBEANS Averages (All Planting Dates) Averages (All Planting Dates)

Variety Bushels* Per Acre*

Gross Income Per Acre^ Brand

Bushels* Per Acre


BECK 112 66.4 $463.47 BECK 399NRR 60.5 $672.16 BECK 117 78.8 $550.02 BECK 422NRR 60.0 $666.60 BECK 164 79.9 $557.70 BECK 445NRR 68.0 $755.48

Averages (All Varieties) Averages (All Varieties)

Date Bushels* Per Acre

Gross Income Per Acre^ Date

Bushels* Per Acre


1st Week Oct 80.9 $564.68 23-Jun 60.9 $676.60 2nd Week Oct 75.0 $523.50 24-Jun 63.2 $702.15 3rd Week Oct 69.1 $482.32 30-Jun 64.9 $721.04

3 Year Summary 3 Year Summary

WHEAT SOYBEANS Averages (All Planting Dates) Averages (All Planting Dates)

Maturity Bushels* Per Acre*

Gross Income Per Acre^ Brand

Bushels* Per Acre


Early 68.5 $478.21 Late III 46.2 $512.93 Early Mid 75.9 $530.09 Early IV 49.7 $552.04 Medium 74.7 $521.64 Mid IV 55.1 $612.55

Averages (All Varieties) Averages (All Varieties)

Date Bushels* Per Acre

Gross Income Per Acre^ Date

Bushels* Per Acre


1st Week Oct 73.7 $818.68 1st Planting 49.5 $549.78 2nd Week Oct 70.8 $786.46 2nd Planting 50.6 $562.61 3rd Week Oct 74.8 $831.52 3rd Planting 51.3 $569.53

*Bushels per acre corrected to 13.0% moisture. *Bushels per acre corrected to 13.0% moisture. ^Wheat price based on $6.98 per bushel average price. Soybean price based on $11.11 per bushel average price. ^Wheat price based on $6.98 per bushel average price. Soybean price based on $11.11 per bushel average price.

Summary: Summary: Wheat Wheat

The 2008 data suggests that the first week of October was the optimum planting date for wheat. The three year data shows that both the 1st and 3rd weeks of October have only a 1.1 Bu./A. yield difference. Average yields for the 2nd week of October are lower primarily due to a rainfall event in the fall of 2006 that lead to thin stands and significantly higher freeze damage the following spring. BECK 164 had the highest average yield across all planting dates in 2008 although the three year data suggests that an early-mid maturity variety holds a 1.2 Bu./A. advantage.

The 2008 data suggests that the first week of October was the optimum planting date for wheat. The three year data shows that both the 1st and 3rd weeks of October have only a 1.1 Bu./A. yield difference. Average yields for the 2nd week of October are lower primarily due to a rainfall event in the fall of 2006 that lead to thin stands and significantly higher freeze damage the following spring. BECK 164 had the highest average yield across all planting dates in 2008 although the three year data suggests that an early-mid maturity variety holds a 1.2 Bu./A. advantage.

Double Crop Soybeans Double Crop Soybeans Similar to the three year historical data, a mid-group IV variety yielded significantly higher than late Group III and early Group IV soybeans. BECK 445NRR out-yielded all other varieties in this study by nearly 8 Bu./A.! Soybeans planted on June 24th and 30th averaged nearly 3.2 Bu./A. more than those planted on June 23rd. Straw was significantly tougher on the June 23rd planting date making it more difficult to penetrate the soil. Overall, historical data showed less than a 2.0 Bu./A. difference in double crop soybean planting date.

Similar to the three year historical data, a mid-group IV variety yielded significantly higher than late Group III and early Group IV soybeans. BECK 445NRR out-yielded all other varieties in this study by nearly 8 Bu./A.! Soybeans planted on June 24th and 30th averaged nearly 3.2 Bu./A. more than those planted on June 23rd. Straw was significantly tougher on the June 23rd planting date making it more difficult to penetrate the soil. Overall, historical data showed less than a 2.0 Bu./A. difference in double crop soybean planting date.

112 In 2006, Beck’s purchased 165 acres in McLean County to establish our newest Practical Farm Research location in Central Illinois. This site will better serve the growing demand for information relevant to our customers in the western part of our marketing area.

Corn Show Plot – 2008 RAINFALL April 1.88 in. Planted: April 28, 2008 Previous Crop: Corn May 6.41 in. Harvested: October 2, 2008 Tillage: Chisel June 4.44 in. Soil Type: Silty Clay Loam Herbicide: Degree Xtra July 7.05 in. Population: 33,000 seeds/A. Roundup Original Max August 0.91 in. Rows: Four 30” rows Insecticide: Aztec Total 20.69 in.

Yield Rank

Brand

Test* Weight

Percent Moisture

Bushels* Per Acre

1 BECK 6733HXR™** 60.0 23.0 257.2 2 BECK 4807VT3 59.0 17.5 256.7 3 BECK 5716A3 60.0 22.0 255.1 4 BECK 5333HXT™** 60.0 19.5 252.9 5 BECK 5722HXT 58.0 23.7 251.4 6 BECK 5316HXT 57.0 21.4 246.0 7 BECK 5135RR™** 60.0 18.4 242.7 8 BECK EX 0842 57.0 19.5 242.1 9 BECK 5608VT3 59.0 18.8 241.5

10 BECK 5416CBRWRR 57.0 22.5 241.1 11 BECK EX 8719 (BECK 5784RR Genetics) 57.0 21.9 239.4 12 BECK EX 9864 (BECK 5779VT3 Genetics) 57.0 19.9 238.2 13 BECK 5335HXR™** 60.0 19.3 237.6 14 BECK 6722VT3 58.0 23.2 237.6 15 BECK 5684VT3 57.0 19.9 237.0 16 BECK EX 9850 59.0 23.8 235.7 17 BECK 5616VT3 58.0 20.1 232.8 18 BECK 5444VT3 57.0 18.1 231.3 19 BECK 6722wx 58.0 24.2 227.5 20 BECK 6197VT 56.0 22.7 224.0 21 BECK 5244VT3 59.0 18.1 222.3 22 BECK 7916VT3 56.0 21.7 220.9 23 BECK 5676™** 60.0 22.7 220.2 24 BECK 5555VT3 58.0 20.1 219.4 25 BECK 5112CBRWRR 58.0 19.2 215.7

AVERAGE 58.2 20.8 237.1 *Bushels per acre and test weight corrected to 15% moisture. **XL Brand distributed by Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc.

Jason Webster, CCA Illinois PFR Director

113

300 Bu. Attempt – 2008 RAINFALL Planted: April 23, 2008 Tillage: Chisel / Field Cultivator April 1.88 in. Harvested: September 28, 2008 Herbicide: Degree Xtra May 6.41 in. Population: 36,000 seeds/A. Roundup Original Max June 4.44 in. Rows: Four 30” rows Insecticide: 1 pt. Govern at tassel July 7.05 in. Previous Crop: Corn / Soybeans Nitrogen: CAC=280# CAB=240# August 0.91 in. Fungicide: 6 oz. Headline at tassel Total 20.69 in. Purpose: To reach 300 bushel corn yields at the Illinois Practical Farm Research Center. This is

our second year attempting to reach 300 bushel corn. This study evaluates four Beck corn hybrids in both crop rotations of 3rd Year Corn and 1st Year Corn.

Brand

Crop Rotation

Test*

Weight


Percent Moisture

Bushels* Per Acre

BECK 6733HXR™** 3rd Year Corn 60.1 0.0 28.5 252.6 BECK 5684VT3 3rd Year Corn 57.7 0.0 25.1 249.0 BECK 5244VT3 3rd Year Corn 58.1 0.0 24.7 242.9 BECK 5444VT3 3rd Year Corn 57.4 0.0 22.9 234.7

AVERAGE 58.3 0.0 25.3 244.8 BECK 6733HXR™** 1st Year Corn 60.5 0.0 28.5 292.6 BECK 5684VT3 1st Year Corn 57.1 0.0 25.1 283.1 BECK 5444VT3 1st Year Corn 57.2 0.0 22.9 278.5 BECK 5244VT3 1st Year Corn 58.3 0.0 24.7 264.9

AVERAGE 58.3 0.0 25.3 279.8 *Bushels per acre and test weight corrected to 15% moisture. **XL Brand distributed by Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc. Summary: This year’s highest yield came from BECK 6733HXR™** with a yield of 292.6 Bu./A.

This falls just 7.4 bushels short of our 300 bushel yield goal! Corn after corn yields were on average 35 bushels less than 1st year corn. Yields on 3rd year corn yields were primarily lower due to heavy spring rains throughout April and May. Although we missed our 300 bushel goal, yields from this trial were excellent.

“As a new customer I have been very impressed with Beck’s products and service. Beck’s goes the extra mile in providing SureGro and FaSTart treated seed as well as a 100% replant guarantee. From wheat and forages to a full lineup of corn and soybeans, Beck’s provides everything I need for my farm.” Robert Dubois Metamora, IL

114

Hail / Frost Study – 2008 RAINFALL Planted: May 5, 2008 Tillage: Chisel / Field Cultivator April 1.88 in. Harvested: October 20, 2008 Herbicide: SureStart May 6.41 in. Population: 34,000 seeds/A. Roundup Original Max June 4.44 in. Rows: Four 30” rows Insecticide: None July 7.05 in. Previous Crop: Corn Product Tested: BECK 5444VT3 August 0.91 in. Total 20.69 in.

Purpose: To simulate and evaluate both frost and hail environments in BECK 5444VT3. Frost simulations were made at V2 with a propane burner to monitor crop response of plant health, death loss, and recovery. Hail simulations were made beginning at V6 and ended at the blister growth stage. Hail damage was manually created by hand stripping leaves from the corn plant along with the use of a weed whacker to simulate bruising on the stalk and ears.

Timing / Degree of Damage Test*


Bushels* Per Acre

Bu./A. Difference

% of Control (Bu./A.)

Control 58.0 19.7 221.0 V2 Frost / 25% Damage 59.0 21.5 217.8 -3.2 98.6 V2 Frost / 50% Damage 58.0 20.6 218.0 -3.0 98.6 V2 Frost / 75% Damage 58.0 20.8 216.9 -4.1 98.1 V2 Frost / 100% Damage 58.0 20.4 216.8 -4.2 98.1

Control 59.0 19.7 226.3 V6 Hail / Low Damage 58.0 20.0 226.7 0.4 100.2 V6 Hail / Medium Damage 58.0 20.1 221.7 -4.6 98.0 V6 Hail / High Damage 58.0 19.6 198.9 -27.4 87.9

Control 59.0 19.7 198.7 V12 Hail / Low Damage 58.0 19.3 183.7 -15.0 92.5 V12 Hail / Medium Damage 57.0 18.1 167.9 -30.8 84.5 V12 Hail / High Damage 57.0 17.2 114.6 -84.1 57.7

Control 59.0 19.0 198.7 V14 Hail / Low Damage 58.0 18.5 188.5 -10.2 94.9 V14 Hail / Medium Damage 58.0 17.8 182.3 -16.4 91.7 V14 Hail / High Damage 57.0 18.1 126.5 -72.2 63.7

Control 59.0 20.9 211.9 VT Hail / Low Damage 59.0 21.7 192.0 -19.9 90.6 VT Hail / Medium Damage 59.0 22.7 189.0 -22.9 89.2 VT Hail / High Damage 57.0 20.1 106.5 -105.4 50.3

Control 58.0 20.6 252.9 Blister Hail / Low Damage 58.0 19.2 246.1 -6.8 97.3 Blister Hail / Medium Damage 57.0 19.2 220.6 -32.3 87.2 Blister Hail / High Damage 57.0 19.2 134.3 -118.6 53.1

AVERAGE 58.0 19.7 195.1 *Bushels per acre and test weight corrected to 15% moisture.

Simulation: Heavy Hail Damage at Tassel Stage

Simulation: Heavy Hail Damage at Blister Stage

115

Hail / Frost Study – Continued Summary: Frost damage at V2 gave only a 3 - 4 Bu./A. average loss, proving that in some situations, corn can

withstand frost damage and recover nicely before the V3 growth stage. We had planned for a V3 and V4 frost simulation, but with the wet spring conditions, planting of other plots took precedence over the later frost simulations.

Hail defoliations showed the worst yield losses at the Blister growth stage revealing almost a 120 Bu./A. yield loss. This yield represented only 53% of the control yield. The early V6 hail simulation gave a 0.4 Bu./A. - 27 Bu./A. loss, showing that the corn recovered nicely at the low and medium defoliations, but the high defoliation did result in a 27 Bu./A. yield loss. Hail damage at the VT growth stage showed over 20 Bu./A. of yield loss at low – medium defoliation and over 100 Bu./A. loss at the high VT damage timing.

Overall the hail simulations showed that corn can recover from hail damage at various growth stages and damage levels. For corn at V12 stage and later, high rates of defoliation can significantly reduce yield by removing green tissue and photosynthetic capability.

Corn Tillage Study – 2008

RAINFALL Planted: May 5, 2008 Previous Crop: Corn April 1.88 in. Harvested: October 23, 2008 Tillage: Various May 6.41 in. Rows: Twenty Four 30” rows Herbicide: Roundup Original Max June 4.44 in. Seeding Rate: 34,000 seeds/A. SureStart July 7.05 in. Product Tested: BECK 5684VT3 August 0.91 in. Total 20.69 in.

Purpose: To evaluate different forms of tillage in both 1st year and continuous corn rotations. Tillage methods included No-Till, Strip-Till, and Conventional-Till. Conventional-Till consisted of deep chisel plowing in the fall followed by two field cultivator passes in the spring. Strip-Till was completed with a Case IH 5310 Strip-Till toolbar in the fall, and the No-Till consisted of a JD 7200 planter equipped with No-Till cutters and residue cleaners.

Tillage Test*

Weight


Percent Moisture

Bushels* Per Acre

Strip-Till CAC 57.0 1.0 20.8 245.6 Strip-Till CAB 57.0 1.0 21.3 250.6 No-Till CAC 57.0 1.0 20.4 226.7 No-Till CAB 57.0 1.0 21.0 230.7 Conventional-Till CAC 57.0 1.0 22.4 253.3 Conventional-Till CAB 57.0 1.0 22.2 261.1 *Bushels per acre and test weight corrected to 15% moisture.

Summary: In such a wet spring like we had, we thought for sure that Strip-Till and No-Till would have a clear

advantage due to field cultivators working wet soils and creating soil density layers. Fortunately for Conventional-Till, it kept raining throughout the growing season. Strip-Till had a few areas where erosion was a concern from water washing out the strips. Both the No-Till and Strip-Till planted excellent and quite honestly we expected them to yield better than what they did. A corn fungicide was not applied to any of these treatments, which may explain some of the yield advantage for Conventional-Till. Continuous corn yielded on average 5.6 Bu./A. less than 1st year corn.

116

YieldGard VT3 vs. Roundup Ready Study – 2008

RAINFALL Planted: May 15, 2008 Tillage: Chisel April 1.88 in. Harvested: October 27, 2008 Herbicide: Degree Xtra May 6.41 in. Population: 32,500 seeds/A. Roundup Original Max June 4.44 in. Rows: Four 30” rows Insecticide: Aztec On RR Entries July 7.05 in. Previous Crop: Corn August 0.91 in. Total 20.69 in.

Purpose: To compare four YieldGard VT3 products to single trait Roundup Ready products with the same genetic family using Aztec for rootworm control.

Brand

Corn Rootworm Control Method


Test* Weight

Percent Moisture

Bushels* Per Acre

BECK 5244VT3 BECK 5244RR

YieldGard VT3 Aztec

30,000 29,000

58.0 58.0

19.2 18.7

165.1 146.1

AVERAGE 29,500 58.0 20.3 187.4

BECK 5555VT3 YieldGard VT3 30,000 58.0 20.0 193.8 BECK 5555RR Aztec 28,500 58.0 20.6 180.9 AVERAGE 29,250 58.0 20.3 187.4



*Bushels per acre and test weight corrected to 15% moisture. ^Gross return = Bu./A. x $5.00/Bu. ^^Net Return= Gross Return Less Seed and Insecticide Cost/A. **Insecticide Costs=Aztec 2.1G 7.3 oz. rate at $14/A.

Rootworm Control Method

Average Bu./A.

$ Gross Return/A.^

Extra Seed or Insecticide Cost**

$ Net Return/A.^^

$ Advantage over No Insecticide

VT3 trait only 196.5 $982.50 $20.00 $962.50 +$61.00 Aztec (RR trait only) 183.1 $915.50 $14.00 $901.50

Summary: YieldGard VT3 yielded 13.4 Bu./A. better than the Roundup Ready with Aztec for a net return of $61.00 per acre.

Counter 15G Study on Corn – 2008

RAINFALL Planted: May 13, 2008 Previous Crop: Soybeans April 1.88 in. Harvested: October 17, 2008 Tillage: Chisel May 6.41 in. Rows: Six 30” rows Herbicide: Roundup Original Max June 4.44 in. Seeding Rate: 34,500 seeds/A. Product Tested: BECK 5244VT3 July 7.05 in. Replications: Three (averaged) Insecticide: Counter 15G at August 0.91 in. 4 oz. / 1000 ft. Total 20.69 in.

Purpose: To evaluate the use of a soil-applied insecticide in conjunction with VT3 corn hybrids. This study used AMVAC’s Counter 15G Lock-n-Load soil applied insecticide and was distributed in a T-band application method on BECK 5244VT3. With the use of VT3 hybrids, we do not recommend the use of a soil-applied insecticide since they offer below ground insect protection. BECK VT3 corn products also have FaSTstart® which is a seed-applied insecticide.

Test*

Weight


Percent Moisture

Bushels* Per Acre

Net Return^

+/- Control

Control 57.2 2.0 20.9 231.9 $1,159.33 Counter 15G 57.2 1.0 21.1 234.7 $1,162.83 +$3.50 *Bushels per acre and test weight corrected to 15% moisture. ^Net Return = Bu./A. x $5.00/Bu. Less $10.67 (cost of Counter 15G).

Summary: Counter 15G applications yielded an additional 2.8 Bu./A. over the control and returned an extra

$3.50 per acre after the cost of the soil-applied insecticide. Stand counts were identical for both treatments (34,000) and root digs indicated very low pressure of western corn rootworm larvae.

117

Corn Refuge Study – 2008 RAINFALL Planted: May 15, 2008 Tillage: Chisel April 1.88 in. Harvested: October 27, 2008 Herbicide: Degree Xtra May 6.41 in. Population: 32,500 seeds/A. Roundup Original Max June 4.44 in. Rows: Four 30” rows Insecticide: Aztec July 7.05 in. Previous Crop: Corn August 0.91 in. Total 20.69 in.

Purpose: In this study we compared BECK 5616VT3 alone and with Aztec to a blend of various

percentages of refuge within the bag (BECK 5616RR with Poncho 1250). The concepts of refuge in a bag and the potential for reduced refuge in the future have not been approved by the EPA for normal field production.


Test* Weight

Percent Moisture

Bushels* Per Acre

Bu/A Advantage vs. 100%

VT3 BECK 5616VT3 Control (No Refuge) 32,000 56.0 21.0 216.5 BECK 5616VT3 with Aztec Insecticide (No Refuge) 32,000 56.0 20.6 217.4 +0.9 95/5 BLEND BECK 5616VT3 / 5616RR with Poncho 1250 32,500 56.0 20.5 210.9 -5.6 BECK 5616VT3 / 5616RR with Poncho 1250 / Aztec 32,000 56.0 20.3 212.3 -4.2

90/10 BLEND BECK 5616VT3 / 5616RR with Poncho 1250 29,500 56.0 20.7 196.9 -19.6 BECK 5616VT3 / 5616RR with Poncho 1250 / Aztec 31,000 56.0 20.6 200.7 -15.8 80/20 BLEND BECK 5616VT3 / 5616RR with Poncho 1250 29,000 56.0 20.7 195.2 -21.3 BECK 5616VT3 / 5616RR with Poncho 1250 / Aztec 29,000 56.0 20.8 198.1 -18.4 *Bushels per acre and test weight corrected to 15% moisture. Summary: This study’s results indicate that as we increased the blend percentage of refuge corn,

yields declined. 95/5 blend yielded 4-5 Bu./A. less, 90/10 blend yielded 15-19 Bu./A. less, and the 80/20 blend yielded 18-21 Bu./A. less than BECK 5616VT3 alone . Insecticide on all blends increased yield by an average of 0.9-3.8 Bu./A. Refuge reduction to 5% or 10% levels has not yet been approved by EPA, nor has mixing 20% refuge within the traited corn been approved. Until then, farmers should identify the best refuge product for their environment which may not always be the same genetic family as their traited corn hybrid.

118

Twin Row vs. 15” vs. 30” Row Corn Population Study – 2008

RAINFALL Planted: May 5, 2008 Tillage: Chisel/Field Cultivate April 1.88 in. Harvested: September 27, 2008 Herbicide: Degree Xtra May 6.41 in. Population: Various Roundup Original Max June 4.44 in. Previous Crop: Corn Insecticide: None July 7.05 in. Soil Type: Silty Clay Loam August 0.91 in. Total 20.69 in.

Purpose: To evaluate 30 inch corn, 15 inch corn, and twin row corn (7.5 inch rows on 30 inch centers) at five planting populations ranging from 32,000 to 42,000 seeds per acre.

Planted

Population Percent Moisture

Bushels* Per Acre

Bu./A. Compared to

30” Row Cost of

Seed/Acre $ Net^ Return

BECK 5555VT3 Twin Row 32,000 25.1 215.4 -5.6 $77.72 $999.28 30" Row 32,000 26.5 221.0 $77.72 $1,027.28 15” Row 32,000 25.4 215.0 -6.0 $77.72 $997.28

Twin Row 34,000 26.5 218.6 -3.3 $82.58 $1,010.42 30" Row 34,000 26.5 221.9 $82.58 $1,026.92 15” Row 34,000 27.9 217.4 -4.5 $82.58 $1,004.42

Twin Row 36,000 26.0 225.7 +1.3 $87.44 $1,041.06 30" Row 36,000 27.0 224.4 $87.44 $1,034.56 15” Row 36,000 26.7 220.1 -4.3 $87.44 $1,013.06

Twin Row 40,000 25.8 223.1 +5.1 $97.16 $1,018.35 30" Row 40,000 26.0 218.0 $97.16 $992.85 15” Row 40,000 26.4 220.4 +2.4 $97.16 $1,004.85

Twin Row 42,000 25.4 211.7 +13.5 $102.01 $956.49 30" Row 42,000 25.8 198.2 $102.01 $888.99 15” Row 42,000 27.3 210.1 +11.9 $102.01 $948.49

AVERAGE 26.3 217.4 +1.1

BECK 5684VT3 Twin Row 32,000 28.3 218.7 -4.1 $77.72 $1,015.78 30" Row 32,000 28.1 222.8 $77.72 $1,036.28 15” Row 32,000 28.1 214.1 -8.7 $77.72 $992.78

Twin Row 34,000 24.4 224.6 -4.4 $82.58 $1,040.42 30" Row 34,000 27.0 229.0 $82.58 $1,062.42 15” Row 34,000 25.8 220.2 -8.8 $82.58 $1,018.42

Twin Row 36,000 26.0 236.7 +3.2 $87.44 $1,096.06 30" Row 36,000 25.9 233.5 $87.44 $1,080.06 15” Row 36,000 26.7 231.4 -2.1 $87.44 $1,069.56

Twin Row 40,000 25.8 232.7 +14.3 $97.16 $1,066.35 30" Row 40,000 25.8 218.4 $97.16 $994.85 15” Row 40,000 26.4 229.6 +11.2 $97.16 $1,050.85

Twin Row 42,000 25.4 220.9 +15.8 $102.01 $1,002.49 30" Row 42,000 26.0 205.1 $102.01 $923.49 15” Row 42,000 27.3 215.1 +10.0 $102.01 $973.49

AVERAGE 26.5 223.5 +2.6 *Bushels per acre corrected to 15% moisture. ^Net return = Bu./A. x $5.00/Bu. - Cost of seed.

119

Twin Row vs. 15” vs. 30” Row Corn Population Study – Continued

Summary: All row widths showed the highest net return at the 36,000 planting population. 30” rows out-

yielded the narrow row widths at the lower populations of 32,000 and 34,000. Above 36,000, the narrow rows took over and overwhelmingly out-yielded the 30” rows. In overall planting populations, the twin rows out-yielded the 30” rows by 3.6 Bu./A. while the 15” rows surpassed the 30” rows by 0.4 Bu./A.

X-Tra Power™ Corn Study – 2008

RAINFALL Planted: April 30, 2008 Previous Crop: Soybeans April 1.88 in. Harvested: October 22, 2008 Tillage: Field Cultivator May 6.41 in. Rows: Four 30” rows Herbicide: Roundup Original Max June 4.44 in. Seeding Rate: 34,000 seeds/A. Degree Xtra July 7.05 in. August 0.91 in. Total 20.69 in.

Purpose: X-Tra Power is a product from StollerUSA that contains Magnesium, Copper, Manganese, Zinc and

chelated with Ethanol. X-Tra Power was applied on both sides of the seed trench through seed firmers on the planter.

Product Test*

Weight


Percent Moisture

Bushels* Per Acre

Net Return^

Return Advantage

BECK 6733HXR™** X-Tra Power 60.4 1.0 28.1 273.3 $1,358.50 +$4.96 Control 60.8 1.0 28.2 270.7 $1,353.54 BECK 5244VT3 X-Tra Power 58.0 1.0 23.5 239.2 $1,188.00 +$4.13 Control 58.1 1.0 23.3 236.8 $1,183.87 *Bushels per acre and test weight corrected to 15% moisture. ^Net Return = Bu./A. x $5.00/Bu. Less $8.00 (cost of X-Tra Power at 1qt. per acre). **XL Brand distributed by Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc. X-Tra Power is a trademark of StollerUSA. Summary: X-Tra Power did increase corn yields by an average of 2.5 Bu./A. on both BECK 6733HXR™** and

BECK 5244VT3. Calculating cost of product at $8.00 per acre with a 1 qt. rate, X-Tra Power applications returned on average $4.55 per acre.

120

Corn Trait / Population Study – 2008

RAINFALL Planted: April 30, 2008 Previous Crop: Soybeans April 1.88 in. Harvested: September 25, 2008 Tillage: Chisel May 6.41 in. Soil Type: Silt Loam Herbicide: Degree Xtra June 4.44 in. Population: Various Roundup Original Max July 7.05 in. Rows: Four 30” rows Insecticide: Aztec August 0.91 in. Total 20.69 in.

Purpose: Improved genetics and insect protection traits may allow farmers to improve yields by simply planting higher populations. This study compares RR to VT3 hybrids at 32,000, 34,000, 36,000 and 38,000 populations.

Brand

Target

Population


Percent Moisture

Bushels* Per Acre

$ Net Return

Per Acre^

$/A. Advantage

vs. 32,000^^

Yield Advantage

VT3 BECK 5555RR 32,000 32,000 26.3 238.5 $1,119.65 BECK 5555RR 34,000 33,000 26.2 243.5 $1,141.17 +$21.52 BECK 5555RR 36,000 35,000 26.1 246.6 $1,152.99 +$33.34 BECK 5555RR 38,000 38,000 25.8 236.3 $1,097.95 -$21.70

AVERAGE 26.1 241.2

BECK 5555VT3 32,000 33,000 27.6 238.1 $1,112.67 BECK 5555VT3 34,000 35,000 26.7 243.0 $1,132.61 +$19.94 BECK 5555VT3 36,000 36,000 26.2 252.1 $1,172.97 +$60.30 BECK 5555VT3 38,000 37,000 26.5 242.5 $1,120.36 +$7.69

AVERAGE 26.8 243.9 +2.7

BECK 5684RR 32,000 30,000 25.1 218.0 $1,102.65 BECK 5684RR 34,000 32,000 25.4 245.5 $1,151.11 +$48.46 BECK 5684RR 36,000 36,000 25.4 260.4 $1,222.09 +$119.44 BECK 5684RR 38,000 37,000 25.7 261.4 $1,223.32 +$120.67

AVERAGE 25.4 246.3

BECK 5684VT3 32,000 24,000 25.4 209.8 $971.32 BECK 5684VT3 34,000 28,000 25.4 227.2 $1,053.33 +$82.01 BECK 5684VT3 36,000 30,000 25.4 246.9 $1,146.82 +$175.50 BECK 5684VT3 38,000 32,000 25.4 258.2 $1,198.52 +$227.20

AVERAGE 25.4 235.5 -10.8

BECK 5444RR 32,000 32,000 26.0 233.5 $1,094.68 BECK 5444RR 34,000 33,000 26.0 235.4 $1,100.87 +$6.19 BECK 5444RR 36,000 36,000 25.8 235.9 $1,099.56 +$4.88 BECK 5444RR 38,000 38,000 25.3 234.2 $1,087.27 -$7.41

AVERAGE 25.8 234.8

BECK 5444VT3 32,000 33,000 27.1 237.4 $1,113.05 BECK 5444VT3 34,000 34,000 26.6 240.2 $1,122.26 +$9.21 BECK 5444VT3 36,000 36,000 25.7 250.4 $1,168.62 +$55.57 BECK 5444VT3 38,000 37,000 25.7 246.4 $1,144.20 +$31.15

AVERAGE 26.3 243.6 +8.8

BECK 5244RR 32,000 30,000 24.8 224.7 $1,050.79 BECK 5244RR 34,000 33,000 24.3 222.3 $1,035.17 -$15.62 BECK 5244RR 36,000 35,000 24.3 222.5 $1,032.39 -$18.40 BECK 5244RR 38,000 38,000 23.9 216.2 $997.33 -$53.46

AVERAGE 24.3 221.4

BECK 5244VT3 32,000 34,000 25.0 233.5 $1,093.41 BECK 5244VT3 34,000 33,000 25.0 238.3 $1,112.69 +$19.28 BECK 5244VT3 36,000 33,000 25.0 238.9 $1,111.08 +$17.67 BECK 5244VT3 38,000 29,000 24.0 235.9 $1,093.41 0.00

AVERAGE 24.8 236.7 +15.3 *Bushels per acre corrected to 15% moisture. ^Net return/acre calculated at yield times $5.00/Bu. less $14.00/A. insecticide cost (if applied), less 2008 seed corn prices with typical discounts. ^^The $/A. Advantage versus 32,000 population shows the difference in return versus the return for 32,000 planting population.

121

Corn Trait / Population Study – Continued

Summary: In this trait planting population study, we found that YieldGard VT3 outperformed Roundup Ready versions (RR) with every hybrid except BECK 5684 genetics. BECK 5684VT3 experienced a very high incidence of silk balling and arrested ear development, which led to lower yields than the RR version. Optimum economic plant populations were 32,000 for BECK 5244RR, 34,000 for BECK 5444RR and BECK 5244VT3, 36,000 for BECK 5444VT3 and BECK 5555RR, and 38,000 for BECK 5684RR and BECK 5684VT3.

Even with the arrested ears of BECK 5684VT3, all VT3 hybrids out-yielded the RR versions by 4.0 Bu./A. on average.

In addition, the yield and economic advantage for planting above 32,000 could be seen in nearly every test. The exceptions were seen in some of the Roundup Ready versions (e.g. BECK 5244RR) where higher populations did not bring higher economic returns.

Torque™ Corn Study – 2008

RAINFALL Planted: April 24, 2008 Previous Crop: Soybeans April 1.88 in. Harvested: September 24, 2008 Tillage: Chisel May 6.41 in. Rows: Six 30” rows Herbicide: Pre: Degree Xtra June 4.44 in. Seeding Rate: 34,500 seeds/A. Post: Roundup Original Max July 7.05 in. Replications: Three (averaged) Product Tested: BECK 5244VT3 August 0.91 in. Total 20.69 in.

Purpose: To evaluate the product Torque from EMD Crop Biosciences, Inc. Torque contains LCO Promoter Technology® for corn and is an in-furrow treatment that is applied at 1 pint per acre through seed firmers on the planter. Torque is a crop enhancing technology focused on improving plant health and yield. LCO Promoter Technology® is a unique molecule that enhances growth in both root and shoots so plants emerge stronger and healthier.

Product Test*

Weight


Percent Moisture

Bushels* Per Acre

Cost of Treatment Net Return Advantage

Torque 57.0 1.0 28.0 248.1 $9.18 $1,231.32 +$0.32 Control 57.3 1.0 28.3 246.2 - - - - $1,231.00 - - - -

AVERAGE 57.2 1.0 28.2 247.2 *Bushels per acre and test weight corrected to 15% moisture. Corn price = $5.00/Bu. Torque and LCO Promoter Technology are registered trademarks of EMD Crop Bioscience, Inc.

Summary: Torque applications averaged 1.9 Bu./A. better than the untreated control over three replications. With an average cost of treatment at $9.18 per acre, Torque just paid for itself and returned $0.32 per acre.

2008 IL PFR Trait/Population Study: BECK 5244

$990.00$1,010.00$1,030.00$1,050.00$1,070.00$1,090.00$1,110.00$1,130.00

32000 34000 36000 38000

Plant Population

Dolla

rs N

et R

etur

n/Ac

re

5244VT35244RR


$1,070.00

$1,090.00

$1,110.00

$1,130.00

$1,150.00

$1,170.00

$1,190.00

32000 34000 36000 38000

Plant Population

Dolla

rs N

et R

etur

n/Ac

re

5444VT35444RR


$950.00

$1,000.00

$1,050.00

$1,100.00

$1,150.00

$1,200.00

$1,250.00

32000 34000 36000 38000

Plant Population

Dolla

rs N

et R

etur

n/Ac

re

5684VT35684RR


$1,080.00

$1,100.00

$1,120.00

$1,140.00

$1,160.00

$1,180.00

32000 34000 36000 38000

Plant Population

Dolla

rs N

et R

etur

n/Ac

re

5555VT35555RR

122

NH3 and N-Serve Study – 2008 RAINFALL Planted: May 13, 2008 Tillage: Field Cultivator April 1.88 in. Harvested: October 20, 2008 Herbicide: Degree Xtra May 6.41 in. Population: 34,500 seeds/A. Roundup Original Max June 4.44 in. Rows: Six 30” rows Insecticide: None July 7.05 in. Previous Crop: Soybeans Product Tested: BECK 5244VT3 August 0.91 in. Replications: Three (averaged) Total 20.69 in. Purpose: To evaluate the benefits of using the nitrogen stabilizer N-Serve in a simulated 100% late fall NH3

application.

Fall Nitrogen Harvested Population

Test* Weight


Percent Moisture

Bushels* Per Acre

Gross Return

N-Serve Cost/A.

Net Return

N-Serve Advantage

185# NH3 / N-Serve 34,000 58.0 1.0 21.0 237.0 $1,184.83 $9.00 $1,175.83 +$46.97 185# NH3 33,500 58.0 1.0 20.7 225.8 $1,128.86 $0.00 $1,128.86 *Bushels per acre and test weight corrected to 15% moisture. Summary: Fall anhydrous ammonia applications were made in November of 2007 at a rate of 185 lbs./A. in a

corn after soybean rotation with and without 1 quart of N-Serve per acre. N-Serve replications proved to yield an additional 11.2 Bu./A. compared to the control and returned an additional $46.97/A. The fall of 2007 and the spring of 2008 was the one of the wettest years on record. From March 1 thru June of 2008, the IL PFR site received 19.52 inches of rain. N-Serve applications helped to stabilize the nitrogen we applied and made more available at a time when the corn plant needed it.

Starter Fertilizer Study – 2008

RAINFALL Planted: May 13, 2008 Tillage: Field Cultivator April 1.88 in. Harvested: October 20, 2008 Herbicide: Degree Xtra May 6.41 in. Population: 34,500 seeds/A. Roundup Original Max June 4.44 in. Rows: Six 30” rows Insecticide: None July 7.05 in. Previous Crop: Soybeans Product Tested: BECK 5244VT3 August 0.91 in. Replications: Three (averaged) Total 20.69 in. Purpose: To evaluate a starter fertilizer of 5-15-15 from All-Plant Fertilizer at corn planting. Starter

was directly applied thru a “Y” splitter on Rebounder seed firmers. Starter Fertilizer

Percent Moisture

Bushels* Per Acre

Starter Cost

$ Net Return^

$ Return Advantage

4 gal/acre 5-15-15 19.7 250.4 $15.12 $1,236.89 $13.84 Control 19.7 244.6 $0.00 $1,223.05

AVERAGE 19.7 +5.8 *Bushels per acre corrected to 15% moisture. ^Corn = $5.00/Bu. Summary: The All-Plant 5-15-15 starter applied at 4 gallons per acre in furrow resulted in a 5.8

Bu./A. increase in yield and a net return increase of $13.84 per acre. 150 lbs. of a dry 9-23-30 was applied to both treatments last fall.

123

University of Illinois Nitrogen Rate Study – 2008

Corn After Corn (CAC) RAINFALL Planted: May 5, 2008 April 1.88 in. Harvested: October 1, 2008 Tillage: Chisel / Field Cultivator May 6.41 in. Rows: Six 30” rows Herbicide: 1.75 pt. SureStart June 4.44 in. Population: 34,500 seeds/A. 26 oz. Roundup Original Max July 7.05 in. Soil Type: Ipava Silt Loam Insecticide: 1 pint Govern at VT August 0.91 in. Product Tested: BECK 5684VT3 Fungicide: 6 oz. Headline at VT Total 20.69 in. Replications: Three (averaged)

Corn After Soybeans (CAB) Planted: May 13, 2008 Tillage: Chisel / Field Cultivator Harvested: October 16, 2008 Herbicide: 1.75 pt. SureStart Rows: Six 30” rows 26 oz. Roundup Original Max Population: 36,000 seeds/A. Insecticide: 1 pint Govern at VT Product Tested: BECK 5684VT3 Fungicide: 6 oz. Headline at VT Replications: Three (averaged)

Purpose: This study was set up to help gather nitrogen data for a state-wide database coordinated by University of Illinois. Five nitrogen rates of 0 lb., 50 lbs., 100 lbs., 150 lbs., and 200 lbs. were replicated three times randomly to determine optimum economic rates of nitrogen in a CAC and CAB rotation.

Corn After Corn:

Lbs. of Nitrogen

Percent Moisture

Bushels* Per Acre

Net Income/A. Cost of Nitrogen

Return on Additional

50 lbs. of N 200 lbs. 24.8 207.4 $919.40 $117.86 $124.14 150 lbs. 24.2 176.7 $795.00 $88.39 $41.79 100 lbs. 23.9 162.4 $753.21 $58.93 $24.13 50 lbs. 23.8 151.7 $729.08 $29.46 $478.02

0 lbs. 26.2 50.2 $251.06 $0.00 - - - - AVERAGE 24.6 149.7

Corn After Soybeans: 200 lbs. 21.1 244.0 $1102.10 $117.86 -$62.50 150 lbs. 20.6 250.6 $1,164.60 $88.39 $116.20 100 lbs. 20.4 221.5 $1,048.40 $58.93 $127.90 50 lbs. 20.2 190.0 $920.50 $29.46 $246.70

0 lbs. 20.5 134.8 $673.80 $0.00 - - - - AVERAGE 20.6 208.2

*Bushels per acre corrected to 15% moisture. ^Gross income based on $5.00/Bu. corn. Nitrogen price based on $330/ton for 28% liquid nitrogen.

Summary: In the CAC nitrogen study, the more nitrogen we applied the higher the yield. The 200 lb. nitrogen rate gave us the highest yield of 207.4 Bu./A. and also netted the highest return at $919.40 per acre. This indicated that we needed all of 200 lbs. of nitrogen to get the highest yield. From the start of the growing season, corn after corn needed nitrogen up-front and early and the 0 lb. treatment proved this with an average yield of only 50.2 Bu./A. In comparing 150 lbs. to 200 lbs. of nitrogen, we had a yield increase of 30.7 Bu./A. over the 150 lb. nitrogen treatment. This is the second year that 200 lbs. of nitrogen was the most economic rate in this study. In the CAB study, 150 lbs. nitrogen per acre provided the most yield and greatest return.

2008 IL PFR CAC Nitrogen Net Return

$200.00

$400.00

$600.00

$800.00

$1,000.00

Do

llars

Ret

urn

ed 0#

50#

100#

150#

200#

2008 IL PFR CAB Nitrogen Rate Net Return

$600.0

$700.0

$800.0

$900.0

$1,000.0

$1,100.0

$1,200.0

Do

llars

Ret

urn

ed 0#

50#

100#

150#

200#

124

BECK'S GreenSeeker® Nitrogen Study – 2008 This past year, Beck’s Practical Research team conducted nitrogen trials with the use of the GreenSeeker Sensor from NTech Industries, Inc. and Jenner Sales, Inc. The GreenSeeker Sensor is an active light source, real-time plant reflectance sensor. Its unique, patented optical-electronic system emits light at two wavelengths, measures reflectance and outputs NDVI (Normalized Differential Vegetation Index), a value related to the amount and vigor of plant matter in its field of view. Agronomic applications for the GreenSeeker include GPS Mapping of Field Crop Health, Yield Estimation or Management Zone Creation, Real-Time Variable Rate Applications, and Nutrient Response Testing. Beck’s Hybrids PFR team utilized the GreenSeeker Sensor in conjunction with our Purdue University and University of Illinois Nitrogen Trials. Our nitrogen trials consist of applying rates of nitrogen from 0 lbs.-200 lbs. per acre on Beck’s PFR sites. The GreenSeeker was installed on high clearance high boy sprayers (Figure 1 and 2) and the unit collected NDVI data on each nitrogen rate in Beck’s nitrogen studies. The goal was to use the GreenSeeker to collect average NDVI for each specific rate of nitrogen and to evaluate real-time nitrogen variable rate prescriptions. Another goal was to correlate the NDVI level to the actual yield of corn and to Economic Optimum Nitrogen Rate (EONR). Figure 1 Figure 2 Figure 3 illustrates the results from the Illinois PFR Center on its 1st year corn nitrogen study. The GreenSeeker NDVI rates correlated perfectly with actual corn yield of the nitrogen rates. The line indicates actual corn yield and the bars represent the actual NDVI level of each nitrogen rate that was applied. EONR (Economic Optimum Nitrogen Rate) was achieved at the 150 lb. nitrogen rate and the GreenSeeker had its highest NDVI reading at that level as well. Notice as the rate of nitrogen applied increases, the NDVI increases with it up to the 150 lb. nitrogen rate. The GreenSeeker will not only record NDVI, but if we can calibrate the unit with a “nitrogen rich” strip, the GreenSeeker can then create a variable rate prescription of nitrogen to be applied as we travel the field. In our case with a high boy sprayer, we could have used drops to apply liquid nitrogen between the rows. GreenSeeker is a registered trademark of NTech Industries, Inc.

Figure 3

125

BECK'S GreenSeeker® Nitrogen Study – Continued Figure 4 reveals the problem that we encountered with the GreenSeeker. Our yield data showed that 150 lbs. achieved EONR, but the GreenSeeker still recommended additional nitrogen on the rates of 150 lbs. and 200 lbs. per acre, even though the highest NDVI reading from the field came from these two nitrogen rates. We also tested the GreenSeeker at our Atlanta and Southern PFR sites. The unit was installed on each site’s hi-boy sprayers and NDVI rates were recorded on the Corn after Corn Purdue University Nitrogen Rate Study.

Figure 5 shows the results of the Southern PFR site’s Purdue Nitrogen Rate Study for Corn After Corn. Again, as the nitrogen rate increases across each strip, the NDVI increases accordingly up to 150 lbs. The GreenSeeker was unable to distinguish any difference in NDVI or plant health between 150 lbs. and 200 lbs. of nitrogen, but Scott Ebelhar harvested an extra 32 Bu./A. from the 200 lbs. rate. The Economic Optimum Rate of Nitrogen (EONR) on this study was 200 lbs. per acre.

Figure 6 illustrates the results of the Atlanta PFR site’s 3rd year corn nitrogen study also in conjunction with Purdue University. In this study after 100 lbs. we found very little differences in NDVI levels. As we increased the rate of nitrogen, the NDVI values increases up to the 100 lbs. nitrogen rate, but leveled off at the 150 lbs. and 200 lbs. rate. EONR was achieved at the 200 lbs. rate of nitrogen and even though there was no difference in NDVI at 150 lbs. and 200 lbs., the 200 lbs. rate yielded an additional 14 Bu./A. In conclusion, the GreenSeeker did show fluctuating NDVI levels at all plot locations and generally did show higher NDVI up to the 100 lbs.-150 lbs. nitrogen rates. The GreenSeeker showed the most accurate NDVI levels in relationship to corn yield at the IL PFR Center and was actually able to locate the Economic Optimum Nitrogen Rate. The Atlanta and SPFR failed to differentiate this relationship and could not predict either highest corn yield or EONR. This type of technology can offer growers a way to monitor plant health on their farms. However at this point, the technology needs to be tested further before Beck’s PFR Team can recommend this product or the best way to utilize this type of equipment.

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

126

Fungicide Study on Corn – 2008 RAINFALL April 1.88 in. Planted: April 23, 2008 Previous Crop: Soybeans May 6.41 in. Harvested: September 28, 2008 Tillage: Chisel June 4.44 in. Soil Type: Ipava Silt Loam Herbicide: Degree Xtra July 7.05 in. Population: 36,000 seeds/A. Roundup Original Max August 0.91 in. Rows: Four 30” rows Insecticide: 1 pt. Govern Total 20.69 in. Replications: Three (averaged) Fungicide: Headline

Purpose: To evaluate the performance of Headline fungicide at two different application times on BECK 5444VT3, BECK 5244VT3, BECK 5608VT3, BECK 6733HXR™**, BECK 5684VT3, and BECK 5555VT3. Fungicide treatments were made at the tassel growth stage and also at brown silk. All applications were made with a 6500 John Deere ground applicator at 10 gallons of water per acre.

Brand Fungicide Application Timing

Bushels* Per Acre

Bu./A. Advantage

Net Return^

Fungicide Return^^

BECK 6733HXR™** Tassel 260.2 +6.1 $1,276.00 +$5.50 BECK 6733HXR™** None (Control) 254.1 $1,270.50

BECK 6733HXR™** Brown Silk 270.6 -1.0 $1,328.00 -$30.50 BECK 6733HXR™** None (Control) 271.7 $1,358.50

BECK 5244VT3 Tassel 233.8 +24.8 $1,144.00 +$99.00 BECK 5244VT3 None (Control) 209.0 $1,045.00

BECK 5244VT3 Brown Silk 256.8 +17.2 $1,259.00 +$61.00 BECK 5244VT3 None (Control) 239.6 $1,198.00









AVERAGE 243.4

Avg. Bushels

Per Acre Avg. Percent

Moisture Avg. Net Return^

Avg. Bu./A. Advantage

Control 235.7 26.3 Tassel $49.83 15.0 Headline 248.7 27.5 Brown Silk $29.58 10.9 *Bushels per acre corrected to 15% moisture. **XL Brand distributed by Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc. ^Net Return = Bu./A. x $5.00/Bu. Less $25.00/A. (cost of Headline). ^^Fungicide Return = Net return for Fungicide Application minus Net Return for the Control.

127

Fungicide Study on Corn – Continued Summary: Headline fungicide applications overall increased yields by an average of 15 Bu./A. at the tassel

growth stage and 10.9 Bu./A. with the brown silk treatment. For economic return, fungicide applications needed to yield an additional 5 Bu./A. In evaluating application timing, economic returns with Headline were $49.95/A. at the tassel application and $29.67/A. at the brown silk application.

BECK 5684VT3 and BECK 5244VT3 showed the highest response from fungicide treatments with yield increases of 23-24 Bu./A. at the tassel application to 13-17 Bu./A. at the brown silk application. BECK 5444VT3, BECK 5608VT3, and BECK 5555VT3 all showed nice yield increases of 6-16 Bu./A. averaging both application timings.

This study once again proves that knowing how corn hybrids respond to leaf diseases can help make timely and prudent management decisions to help determine which fields or hybrids need to be sprayed with a corn fungicide.

“I was very satisfied with the yield of all my Beck’s corn and soybeans. I think Beck’s offers a complete package of products and service for my farming operation. I like working with my farmer dealer who knows and tests the products. He provides local expertise and advice for my farm.” Mark Roskamp Manito, IL

128

Corn Planting Date Study – 2008

RAINFALL Planted: Various Tillage: Chisel April 1.88 in. Harvested: October 24, 2008 Herbicide: Pre: Degree Xtra May 6.41 in. Soil Type: Silt Loam Post: Roundup Original Max June 4.44 in. Population: 34,000 seeds/A. Insecticide: None July 7.05 in. Rows: Eight 30” rows Product Tested: BECK 5444VT3 August 0.91 in. Previous Crop: Corn Total 20.69 in. Purpose: To evaluate yield of different planting dates of BECK 5444VT3 throughout April, May

and June. Planting Date

Test* Weight

Percent Moisture

Bushels* Per Acre

April 17 57.0 23.5 185.5 April 22 57.0 24.1 194.0 May 1 58.0 24.6 190.4 May 5 57.0 23.5 185.7 May 15 59.0 27.1 154.1 June 13 59.0 29.0 141.2 Bushels* Per Acre Summary: This year our second planting date of April 22nd was the highest yielding planting date

at the IL PFR center. However, after April 22nd, yields fell every week we waited to plant. After April 22nd, average yields fell by 7.5 Bu./A. per week. The chart below shows that typically the whole month of April has given the highest corn yields, depending on temperature and moisture conditions. If April is warm enough and soils are fit, the sooner we can plant usually equates to higher corn yield.

*Bushels per acre and test weight corrected to 15% moisture.

17-A

pr

22-A

pr

1-May

5-May

15-M

ay

13-Ju

n100110120130140150160170180190200

**Note: Data for each week does not always represent five years of information for a particular week.

129

Replant Study on Corn – 2008 RAINFALL April 1.88 in. Planted: Various Previous Crop: Soybeans May 6.41 in. Harvested: October 24, 2008 Tillage: Chisel / Field Cultivator June 4.44 in. Soil Type: Ipava Silt Loam Herbicide: Degree Xtra July 7.05 in. Population: Various Roundup Original Max August 0.91 in. Rows: Six 30” rows Insecticide: None Total 20.69 in. Product Tested: BECK 5444VT3

Purpose: To replant or not to replant…that is the question. This study’s purpose is to evaluate final corn populations, some of which may require replanting. Replanting is a very tough decision for growers and this plot shows populations of corn at 20,000 versus 34,000 at various planting dates to show if replanting would have paid off given the low final population.

Planting Date Planting

Population Test*


Bushels* Per Acre

Bu./A.* Difference

April 17 20,000 57.7 24.2 180.5 May 1 (Replanted) 34,000 57.8 24.6 190.4 +9.9

April 22 20,000 58.1 25.2 178.7 May 5 (Replanted) 34,000 57.4 23.5 185.7 +7.0

May 1 20,000 58.1 25.3 172.4 May 15 (Replanted) 34,000 59.0 27.1 154.1 -18.3

May 5 20,000 58.1 23.5 162.6 May 15 (Replanted) 34,000 59.0 27.1 154.1 -8.5

May 15 20,000 58.8 25.3 155.3 June 13 (Replanted) 34,000 59.8 29.0 141.2 -14.1 *Bushels per acre and test weight corrected to 15% moisture. Summary: Corn replanting was beneficial only on the early plantings up through May 5th. By replanting low

20,000 populations, we were able to increase yield by 6-10 Bu./A. After May 5th, replanting did not increase yield over the low populations.

This study once again proves that corn replanting can be benefical in increasing corn yield on April and early May plantings. When corn populations are at least 20,000 plants per acre, many times corn replanting will not increase yields over low populations. Corn replanting is costly in terms of time, equipment, fuel, and labor. The later we plant in the spring, the more risk we have of decreased corn yield. Many times a 20,000 corn stand planted May 5th or after will outyield a replanting after May 5th at normal plant stands.

In addition, there are additional costs to replant that offset some of the benefit of replanting early.

130

Invisible Yield Loss Study on Corn – 2008

RAINFALL Planted: April 23, 2008 Previous Crop: Soybeans April 1.88 in. Harvested: Various Tillage: Field Cultivator May 6.41 in. Soil Type: Ipava Silt Loam Herbicide: Degree Xtra June 4.44 in. Population: 34,000 seeds/A. Roundup Original Max July 7.05 in. Rows: Six 30” rows Insecticide: None August 0.91 in. Total 20.69 in.

Purpose: To harvest corn at multiple dates and moistures to evaluate the yield differences as well as net revenues of harvesting wet corn versus dry corn. The goal of this study is to see if we sustain any dry matter weight loss that could cause lower yields at lower moisture rates. Net return will be calculated considering yield of the corn, 1.4% shrink and typical drying rates.

Commercial Drying 50% Commercial Drying

Harvest Date

Harvest Moisture

Bushels* Per Acre

Yield Adv

$ Gross Revenue/A.

Less Drying

Cost/A.^ Net

Revenue/A.

Less Drying

Cost/A.^ Net

Revenue/A. BECK 5444VT3 Sept. 11 29.0% 229.4 +7.1 $1,147.12 $128.48 $1,018.65 $64.24 $1,082.89 Sept. 18 25.4% 226.2 +3.9 $1,131.02 $94.10 $1,036.92 $47.05 $1,083.97 Sept. 26 24.6% 226.9 +4.5 $1,134.32 $87.12 $1,047.20 $43.56 $1,090.76 Oct. 1 21.4% 223.8 +1.5 $1,119.02 $57.29 $1,061.73 $28.65 $1,090.38 Oct. 30 20.4% 222.3 - - - - $1,111.61 $48.02 $1,063.59 $24.01 $1,087.60 BECK 4807VT3 Sept. 11 26.0% 234.5 +4.3 $1,172.66 $103.19 $1,069.47 $51.60 $1,121.07 Sept. 18 25.0% 232.3 +2.0 $1,161.33 $92.91 $1,069.43 $46.46 $1,114.88 Sept. 26 23.0% 231.1 +0.9 $1,155.58 $73.96 $1,081.63 $36.98 $1,118.61 Oct. 1 20.0% 230.7 +0.5 $1,153.54 $46.14 $1,107.40 $23.07 $1,130.47 Oct. 30 16.0% 230.2 - - - - $1,151.14 $9.21 $1,141.93 $4.61 $1,146.54 *Bushels per acre corrected to 15% moisture. ^Drying cost figured at $0.04/pt. of moisture per bushel above 15% for commercial drying. Bold figures indicate highest Net Revenues Summary: Due to the cooler and wet late summer season at the IL PFR center, both BECK 5444VT3 and

BECK 4807VT3 did not encounter a substantial “invisible yield loss” due to dry matter shrink of natural drying. BECK 5444VT3 at its highest harvest moisture of 29% out-yielded 20% corn by 7.1 Bu./A. BECK 4807VT3 at its highest moisture of 26% out-yielded 16% corn by only 4.3 Bu./A. Factoring the cost of drying and shrink, these low yield differences were not enough to justify harvesting at higher moistures. In both hybrids, the lowest harvest moisture was most economical. If one could assume a 50% savings in commercial drying, 16% harvest moisture was the most economical for BECK 4807VT3 and 24% for BECK 5444VT3.

131

Quality Trait Products® - 2008 RAINFALL

Planted: April 30, 2008 Previous Crop: Corn April 1.88 in. Harvested: October 16, 2008 Tillage: Chisel May 6.41 in. Rows: Three 30” rows Herbicide: Degree Xtra / SureStart June 4.44 in. Population: 32,000 seeds/A. Insecticide: Aztec July 7.05 in. August 0.91 in. Total 20.69 in.

Purpose: This study shows the Quality Trait Products Beck’s is testing and/or offering for sale in the Illinois marketing area. Opportunities are available for customers to participate in food grade, Non-GMO, and white corn programs. We are also evaluating products that we have identified as High Fermentable Corn.

Quality Trait Product

Brand

Test* Weight

Percent Moisture

Bushels* Per Acre

+ or – Plot Avg.

Potential Premiums

Food Grade BECK 6733HXR™** 60.3 21.7 263.7 +34.4 Food Grade BECK 6733 61.0 21.3 261.2 +31.9

Food Grade $0.07 - $0.70

Food Grade BECK EX 1804 58.0 21.7 244.6 +15.3 Food Grade BECK EX 0899 58.3 18.0 237.7 +8.4 Food Grade BECK EX 1800 58.4 19.6 226.8 -2.5 Food Grade BECK 5333 59.0 19.6 223.7 -5.6 Food Grade BECK 5387RR 58.4 20.4 222.2 -7.1 Food Grade BECK EX 1830 57.9 19.5 215.3 -14.0 Food Grade BECK 5135RR™** 58.3 19.3 210.3 -19.0 Food Grade BECK 5335HXR™** 58.3 20.4 209.8 -19.5

Non-GMO BECK 5608 58.4 19.9 236.9 +7.6

Non-GMO $0.10 - $0.60

Non-GMO BECK 5676™** 58.5 21.2 231.5 +2.2 Non-GMO BECK 5684 57.9 19.8 226.2 -3.1 Non-GMO BECK 5335™** 58.7 20.3 219.4 -9.9 Non-GMO BECK 5444 57.4 19.0 217.4 -11.9

H.F.C. BECK 5722HXR 57.4 24.9 272.7 +43.4 H.F.C. None at this time H.F.C. BECK 5444VT3 57.3 21.9 220.3 -9.0

Waxy BECK 6722wx 57.3 23.0 262.7 +33.4

Waxy $0.80

BECK EX 0684 (5244wx Genetics) 57.1 20.9 245.0 +15.7

Waxy BECK 5323wx 57.4 21.1 238.0 +8.7 Waxy BECK 5818wx 58.8 21.6 219.8 -9.5

BECK EX 0369 (5616wx Genetics) 58.4 19.9 214.6 -14.7

Waxy BECK 5166wx 57.3 19.8 212.5 -16.8 Waxy BECK 5012wx 58.1 20.3 207.1 -22.2

White Corn BECK 6218W 57.4 22.7 192.4 -36.9 White Corn

$0.20 + AVERAGE 58.2 20.7 229.3


Food Grade Corn - Used by dry millers to produce cereal and snack food products. The endosperm is much harder than commodity corn and is higher in test weight.

Non-GMO – Non-genetically modified or conventional corn is quickly becoming the new specialty corn. Demand from export companies as well as domestic users for non-traited corn continues to be strong while trait adoption by the farmer continues to increase. This creates a deficient supply of Non-GMO grain.

High Fermentable Corn (H.F.C.) - Hybrids identified as High Fermentable are those that will produce a higher percentage of ethanol per bushel. Once identified, ethanol producers will use these hybrids to increase ethanol yields and plant efficiencies.

Waxy Corn - Unlike normal corn, it does not contain any amylose starch, only amylopectin. It is used by processors to produce specialty starches used in food and industrial products.

White Corn - White corn mainly used by grain millers to produce snack foods.


132

Soybean Show Plot – 2008

RAINFALL Planted: May 13, 2008 Previous Crop: Corn April 1.88 in. Harvested: October 10, 2008 Tillage: Chisel May 6.41 in. Rows: Three 30” rows Herbicide: Roundup Original Max June 4.44 in. Seeding Rate: 160,000 seeds/A. July 7.05 in. August 0.91 in.

Total 20.69 in.

Yield Rank

Brand

Relative Maturity

Bushels* Per Acre

GROUP II

1 BECK 287NRR™** 2.8 55.1 2 BECK 274NRR 2.7 51.9 3 BECK 298CRR 2.9 50.8 4 BECK 296NRR 2.9 49.8 5 BECK 257NRR 2.5 49.4 6 BECK 244NRR™** 2.4 44.7 7 BECK 284LL 2.8 44.1

AVERAGE 49.4

GROUP III / IV

1 BECK 422NRR 4.2 66.8 2 BECK 403NRR™** 4.0 63.3 3 BECK 399NRR 3.9 63.1 4 BECK 362NRR™** 3.6 62.1 5 BECK 376LL 3.7 60.9 6 BECK 342NRR 3.4 59.9 7 BECK 325NRR™** 3.2 59.4 8 BECK 364NRR 3.6 58.7 9 BECK 332NRRL 3.3 57.3

10 BECK 381N 3.8 56.4 11 BECK 377NRR 3.7 54.0 12 BECK 307NRR 3.0 53.5 13 BECK 321NRR 3.2 52.7 14 BECK 327 3.2 51.5 15 BECK 334LL 3.3 50.0 16 BECK 311N 3.1 49.9 17 BECK 326RRL 3.2 49.4

“I recently flew in and toured the Beck’s facility. I was impressed with the size and scope of the company and the attention to detail. Beck’s provides high yielding genetics for my farm and I enjoy doing business with a family-owned company. It is clear from my visit that Beck’s is investing for the future in the seed industry.” Ken Beck Mendota, IL

AVERAGE 57.0

Soybean Foliar Feed Study – 2008

RAINFALL Planted: June 13, 2008 Previous Crop: Corn April 1.88 in. Harvested: October 21, 2008 Tillage: Chisel May 6.41 in. Rows: Twenty Four 30” rows Herbicide: Roundup Original Max June 4.44 in. Seeding Rate: 150,000 seeds/A. Product Tested: BECK 307NRR July 7.05 in. Replications: Three (averaged) August 0.91 in.

Total 20.69 in.

Purpose: To attempt to increase soybean yields by applying a 5-15-15 foliar feed fertilizer from All Plant Fertilizer. Two gallons per acre was applied at R3 growth stage on BECK 307NRR in three replications.

Foliar Fertilizer Application

Percent Moisture

Bushels Per Acre*

$ Net Return^

Bu./A. Advantage for Foliar

Fertilizer

$ Return

Advantage Control 11.6 54.0 $599.94 2 Gallons/Acre 5-15-15 11.8 53.5

$586.83 -0.5 -$13.12 AVERAGE 11.7 53.8

*Bushels per acre corrected to 13% moisture. **XL Brand distributed by Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc. ^Soybean price based on $11.11/Bu. 5-15-15 cost at $3.78/gallon

Summary: Foliar feed fertilizer applications did not offer any yield gain throughout all replications. Statistically, we received no benefit with only 0.5 Bu./A. yield difference between the control and the foliar treatment.

133

100 Bushel Soybean Study – 2008 100 Bushel Soybean Study – 2008

RAINFALL Planted: May 5, 2008 Previous Crop: Corn April 1.88 in. Harvested: October 20, 2008 Tillage: Chisel / Field Cultivator (twice) May 6.41 in. Rows: Eight 30” rows Herbicide: Roundup Original Max / Aim June 4.44 in. Seeding Rate: 170,000 seeds/A. Fungicide: 6 oz. Headline at R3 July 7.05 in. Product Tested: BECK 399NRR August 0.91 in.

Total 20.69 in.

Purpose: To achieve 100 Bu./A. soybean yields at our Beck’s Illinois PFR Center. Treatments consisted of seed treatments including Optimize, Protinus, and Cruiser and foliar applications are an LCO Promoter, Aim herbicide and Headline fungicide.

Treatment Additional Treatments Bushels

Per Acre*

+/- Bu./A. vs.

Sure Gro + Cruiser Sure Gro + Cruiser Optimize + Protinus + Aim + Foliar LCO Promoter 74.1 +3.5 Sure Gro + Cruiser Optimize + Protinus + Aim 73.7 +3.1 Sure Gro + Cruiser Optimize + Protinus 73.5 +2.9 Sure Gro + Cruiser Optimize + Protinus + Foliar LCO Promoter 73.5 +2.9 Sure Gro + Cruiser Aim 72.8 +2.2 Sure Gro + Cruiser Protinus 72.8 +2.2 Sure Gro + Cruiser Protinus + Aim + Foliar LCO Promoter 71.1 +0.5 Sure Gro + Cruiser Protinus + Aim 71.0 +0.4 Sure Gro + Cruiser Aim + Foliar LCO Promoter 70.9 +0.3 Sure Gro + Cruiser 70.6 - - - - Sure Gro + Cruiser Foliar LCO Promoter 68.7 -1.9

AVERAGE 72.2

Summary: We were unsuccessful in reaching the 100 Bu./A. yield in this year’s attempt. Yields were very good at an average of 72.2 Bu./A. Our highest yield came from a combination of all of our field treatments of Optimize, Protinus, Aim Herbicide, Foliar LCO Promoter, and Headline. Our other locations of this same 100 Bu./A. attempt showed different results, also found in this publication.

Soil pH Study on Soybeans – 2008

RAINFALL Planted: April 28, 2008 Previous Crop: Corn April 1.88 in. Harvested: September 24, 2008 Tillage: Chisel / Field Cultivator May 6.41 in. Rows: Six 30” rows Herbicide: Roundup Original Max June 4.44 in. Seeding Rate: 165,000 seeds/A. Product Tested: BECK 257NRR July 7.05 in. August 0.91 in.

Total 20.69 in.

Purpose: This long-term pH study evaluates 5 different aglime rates ranging from 0 ton – 4 ton/A. The base soil pH level at the 0 ton entry was 5.8 from the soil test taken the spring of 2007. Each year the same rates are applied in the same area and rotated from corn to soybeans. pH rates are monitored on an annual basis to record pH response and to see how long it takes to increase pH levels with the aglime applications.

Bushels* Per Acre

Bu./A. Advantage Over Control

Soil pH 2008

0 ton Aglime 58.2 - - - - 5.9 1 ton Aglime 59.7 +1.5 6.4 2 ton Aglime 60.1 +1.9 6.9 3 ton Aglime 61.5 +3.3 7.0 4 ton Aglime 60.6 +2.4 7.0

AVERAGE 60.0 +2.3 *Bushels per acre corrected to 13% moisture.

Summary: All aglime areas received a yield benefit from aglime applications an average of 2.3 Bu./A. over the control. After two years of aglime applications, 2 tons increased a 5.8 pH to 6.4 pH, 4 tons to 6.9 pH, 6 tons to 7.0 pH, and 8 tons to 7.0 pH.

This is a long-term study and it will be interesting to see over time how multiple applications and rates affect yield and pH levels.

134

Soybean Seed Treatment Study – 2008 Soybean Seed Treatment Study – 2008 RAINFALL Planted: June 11, 2008 Previous Crop: Corn April 1.88 in. Harvested: October 22, 2008 Tillage: Chisel/Field Cultivate May 6.41 in. Rows: Eight 30” rows Herbicide: Roundup Original Max June 4.44 in. Seeding Rate: 150,000 seeds/A. Product Tested: BECK 342NRR July 7.05 in. August 0.91 in.

Total 20.69 in.

Purpose: To evaluate various seed treatments including traditional fungicides, biological products, inoculants and growth promoters.

Treatment

Population Difference vs. Untreated

Emerged Population

Bu./A. Advantage Over Untreated

Bushels* Per Acre

Sure Gro + Cruiser +3,000 141,500 +5.2 61.7 Sure Gro + FaSTart® +1,500 140,000 +2.6 59.1 Sure Gro -4,000 134,500 +0.6 57.1 Sure Gro + Stamina +7,000 145,500 +0.3 56.8 Untreated - - - - 138,500 - - - - 56.5 Sure Gro + Protinus -9,500 129,000 -0.1 56.4 Sure Gro + Mertech 340 -7,000 131,500 -0.6 55.9 Sure Gro + Optimize -6,500 132,000 -1.4 55.1 Sure Gro + Myconate -7,500 131,000 -2.0 54.5 Sure Gro + Thiocarb -8,500 130,000 -2.6 53.9 Sure Gro + N-Hibit Gold -8,500 130,000 -3.2 53.3 Sure Gro + ReVV -9,000 129,500 -3.3 53.2 Sure Gro + Acronis -6,500 132,000 -4.3 52.2 Sure Gro + Excalibre -10,000 128,500 -4.9 51.6

AVERAGE 133,821 55.5

Summary: Beck’s Sure Gro seed treatment performs again! Sure Gro not only won this plot, but it took the top two spots with Cruiser and FaSTart. Sure Gro + Cruiser out-yielded the untreated check by 5.2 Bu./A., more than likely due to having more plants per acre. Sure Gro + FaSTart also offered a 2.6 Bu./A. advantage over the untreated check.

ProAct™ Soybean Study – 2008

RAINFALL Planted: June 13, 2008 Previous Crop: Corn April 1.88 in. Harvested: October 21, 2008 Tillage: Chisel May 6.41 in. Rows: Twenty Four 30” rows Herbicide: Roundup Original Max June 4.44 in. Seeding Rate: 140,000 seeds/A. Product Tested: BECK 342NRR July 7.05 in. August 0.91 in.

Total 20.69 in.

Purpose: In this study, we tested and evaluated a product from Plant Health Care called ProAct™, which is a product based on naturally occurring Harpin Proteins that activates a plant’s intrinsic ability to protect itself through growth and stress defense responses. Harpin Proteins link to receptors that plants developed to alert them to the presence of disease pathogens. ProAct™ causes the plant to “panic” and turns on its self-defense and growth systems. ProAct™ applications result in improved plant vigor, stamina, nutrient uptake, stress tolerance, and reproductive growth, plus reduced nematode pressure. ProAct™ was foliar applied on the soybeans at the R2 growth stage at a rate of 1 oz. per acre.

Beck’s PFR team has researched the seed treatment of this product called N-Hibit. This is the first year of testing for the foliar version ProAct™. It was tank mixed with Roundup.

Foliar Application Emerged

Population Percent Moisture

Bushels* Per Acre

Net Return

Cost of Treatment

Advantage

Control 131,500 11.8 57.8 $642.16 - - - - ProAct™ 132,000 11.8 58.8 $647.02 $6.25 +$4.86

AVERAGE 131,750 11.8 58.3 *Bushels per acre corrected to 13% moisture. ^Soybean price based on $11.11/Bu.

Summary: ProAct™ out-yielded the control by an average of 1.0 Bu./A. over three replications. At a cost of $6.25 per acre, ProAct™ delivered a net return advantage of $4.86 per acre.

contains and

135

Optimize® Study on Soybeans – 2008 RAINFALL Planted: June 13, 2008 Previous Crop: Corn April 1.88 in. Harvested: October 21, 2008 Tillage: Chisel / Field Cultivator May 6.41 in. Rows: Twenty Four 30” rows Herbicide: Roundup Original Max June 4.44 in. Seeding Rate: 150,000 seeds/A. Product Tested: BECK 342NRR July 7.05 in. Replications: Three (averaged) August 0.91 in.

Total 20.69 in.

Purpose: To study the performance of Optimize seed treatment on soybeans. Optimize is a unique seed applied product that enhances natural growth processes essentially enabling soybeans to achieve full genetic potential by maximizing crop performance all season long. Optimize contains an innoculant along with a LCO Promoter Technology that is a naturally occurring molecule that advances both root and shoot development, and improves plant health independently of soil conditions. The result of this is healthier soybean plants that can withstand environmental stresses throughout the season.

Bushels*

Per Acre Net

Return^ +/-

Control Control 66.6 $739.89 Optimize® 67.7 $748.08 +$8.19

*Bushels per acre corrected to 13% moisture. ^Net return based on $11.11 per bushel soybeans and Optimize Treatment cost at $3.39/unit Optimize is a registered trademark of EMD Crop BioScience, Inc. Summary: Optimize seed treaments increased yield by 1.1 Bu./A. which led to an increased net return of

$8.19 per acre. This is the fifth year in a row that Optimize seed treatments have increased net return. The five year average net return increase is $7.45 per acre.

LCO Promoter Technology® Soybean Study– 2008

Planted: June 13, 2008 Previous Crop: Corn Harvested: October 21, 2008 Tillage: Chisel / Field Cultivator Rows: Twenty Four 30” rows Herbicide: Roundup Original Max Seeding Rate: 150,000 seeds/A. Product Tested: BECK 307NRR Replications: Three (averaged)

Purpose: To evaluate a product treatment similar to Optimize in the above study, but rather than applying the product as a seed treatment, we foliar applied this product on soybeans. This eliminates any additional equipment on the planter and we can even tank mix this with post-emergent herbicides.

Bushels* Per Acre

Net Return^

+/- Control

Control 55.2 $612.83 LCO Promoter Technology 54.9 $610.32 -$2.51

*Bushels per acre corrected to 13% moisture. ^Net return based on $11.11/Bu. LCO Promoter Technology is a registered trademark of EMD Crop BioScience, Inc. At this time, no pricing has been released for the LCO Promoter Technology. Summary: LCO Promoter Technology showed no advantage over the control. Foliar applications of the LCO

Promoter Technology revealed a yield loss of 0.3 Bu./A. and a net return loss of $2.51. At this time, there is not a released price for this product. This study would indicate that the seed treatment appeared to show much more activity than the foliar application.

136

Soybean Row Width & Population Study – 2008

RAINFALL Planted: June 14, 2008 Seeding Rate: Various April 1.88 in. Harvested: October 29, 2008 Previous Crop: Corn May 6.41 in. Rows: Various Tillage: Chisel / Field Cultivator June 4.44 in. Product Tested: BECK 342NRR Herbicide: Roundup Original Max July 7.05 in. August 0.91 in.

Total 20.69 in.

Purpose: In this study, we compared three row widths at multiple populations to determine net return when additional seed costs are incurred with higher seeding rates.

Plant Population

Bushels* Per Acre

Approx. Seed Cost

$ Net Return^

Net Return Rank

15” ROWS 75,000 46.6 $16.74 $500.49 8 100,000 49.0 $22.32 $521.98 7 125,000 51.7 $27.90 $546.81 3 150,000 55.1 $33.48 $578.46 1 175,000 52.7 $39.07 $546.65 4 200,000 53.4 $44.65 $549.03 2 225,000 53.6 $50.23 $545.69 5 250,000 52.1 $55.81 $522.62 6

AVERAGE 51.8 $36.27 $538.96

30” ROWS 75,000 39.9 $16.74 $426.18 8 100,000 44.5 $22.32 $472.15 7 125,000 53.6 $27.90 $567.65 1 150,000 53.5 $33.48 $560.70 2 175,000 52.7 $39.07 $546.26 4 200,000 53.4 $44.65 $548.19 3 225,000 52.4 $50.23 $532.37 6 250,000 53.4 $55.81 $537.71 5

AVERAGE 50.4 $36.27 $523.90 *Bushels per acre corrected to 13% moisture. ^Soybean price used is $11.11/Bu. 15" ROWS NET RETURN

$460.00

$480.00

$500.00

$520.00

$540.00

$560.00

$580.00

$600.00

$620.00

75 100 125 150 175 200 225 250

Population X 1000

GRO

SS R

ETU

RN/

ACRE

15" ROWS

30" ROWS NET RETURN

$300.00

$350.00

$400.00

$450.00

$500.00

$550.00

$600.00

$650.00

75 100 125 150 175 200 225 250

Population X 1000

GRO

SS

RETU

RN/A

CRE

30" Rows

5 yr Soybean Population Study

$340.00

$345.00

$350.00

$355.00

$360.00

$365.00

$370.00

30 inch rows 15 inch rows

Ret

urn

125,000150,000175,000200,000

Summary: On average, 15” soybeans out-yielded 30” rows by 1.4 Bu./A. 15” row widths reached maximum yield of 55.1 Bu./A. and highest economic return at 150,000 seeds/acre while 30” row widths reached a maximum yield of 53.6 Bu./A. and highest economic return at 125,000 seeds/acre.

The five year data suggests that 15” rows at 150,000 has given us the highest net return after accounting for cost of seed. 30” rows have typically had its highest yields at higher populations in our Illinois studies. 200,000 plant populations have the highest net return, but there is only a $2.30 difference between all four populations of 125,000 – 200,000.

137

Soybean Planting Date Study – 2008 Soybean Planting Date Study – 2008 RAINFALL Planted: Various Previous Crop: Corn April 1.88 in. Harvested: October 20, 2008 Tillage: Chisel / Field Cultivator May 6.41 in. Rows: Eight 30” rows Herbicide: Roundup Original Max June 4.44 in. Seeding Rate: 150,000 seeds/A. July 7.05 in. August 0.91 in.

Total 20.69 in. Purpose: To evaluate different planting dates of BECK 257NRR and BECK 342NRR during April, May, June

and July. This enables us to see how planting dates affect soybean yield. The July planting date is used to simulate double crop soybeans in wheat.

Planting Date

Brand

Bushels* Per Acre

April 14 BECK 257NRR 58.4 April 14 BECK 342NRR 65.5

AVERAGE 62.0 April 21 BECK 257NRR 57.9 April 21 BECK 342NRR 63.3

AVERAGE 60.6 April 28 BECK 257NRR 57.5 April 28 BECK 342NRR 64.2

AVERAGE 61.0 May 5 BECK 257NRR 54.1 May 5 BECK 342NRR 60.5

AVERAGE 57.3 May 22 BECK 257NRR 46.7 May 22 BECK 342NRR 54.2

AVERAGE 50.5 June 11 BECK 257NRR 45.9 June 11 BECK 342NRR 55.4



AVERAGE 42.2 July 5 BECK 257NRR 32.1 July 5 BECK 342NRR 37.0

**Note: Each data point may not always represent four years of testing in that particular time period.

AVERAGE 34.6 *Bushels per acre corrected to 13% moisture.

Summary: This year soybeans had the highest yield at the April 14 planting with yields of 65.5 Bu./A. and 58.4 Bu./A. On average, after the 1st week of May, we lost about 2.5 Bu./A. per week. BECK 342NRR averaged 55.3 Bu./A. over all planting dates while BECK 257NRR averaged 48.6 Bu./A. Over the past four years of planting date studies, plantings during the last week of April and the 1st week of May have typically given us the highest yields.

The July 5th planting represents a simulation of double crop soybeans and yields ranged from 32-37 Bu./A. BECK 342NRR, a later maturing soybean, out-yielded the early maturing BECK 257NRR by 4.9 Bu./A.

138

Fungicide Study on Soybeans – 2008 RAINFALL April 1.88 in. Planted: May 15, 2008 Previous Crop: Corn May 6.41 in. Harvested: October 22, 2008 Tillage: Chisel June 4.44 in. Rows: Eight 30” rows Herbicide: Various July 7.05 in. Seeding Rate: 150,000 seeds/A. Product Tested: BECK 342NRR August 0.91 in.

Total 20.69 in.

Purpose: This study evaluates applications of Headline fungicide and Cobalt insecticide on BECK 342NRR at growth stages of R2-R5. Weather data was also collected during each growth stage to evaluate correlations between climate and agronomic conditions. This is the second year of recording leaf wetness values to help determine when the correct timing may be for fungicide applications.

Yield (Bu./A.)* and Application Stage Fungicide Application

R2 Stage

$ Return/ Acre

R3 Stage

$ Return/ Acre

R4 Stage

$ Return/ Acre

R5 Stage

$ Return/ Acre

No Fungicide (Control) 63.9 $710.09 62.0 $688.82 62.3 $692.45 56.9 $631.65 Cobalt 64.0 $696.41 63.3 $688.80 63.5 $690.16 60.4 $656.12 Headline 69.4 $748.37 65.9 $709.38 64.5 $693.05 60.2 $645.40 Headline + Cobalt 65.4 $694.94 64.9 $689.49 64.2 $681.33 60.8 $643.21

*Bushels per acre corrected to 13% moisture. Costs/acre used were Headline $17.00, Cobalt $9.00, and application cost of $6.00/acre. Soybean price used is $11.11/Bu.

Summary: Headline fungicide applications increased yield by 3.7 Bu./A. averaging all growth stages. R2 showed the greatest yield benefit by increasing yield 5.5 Bu./A. and returned $38.28 per acre.

The IL PFR Leaf Wetness Sensor showed that R2 had the highest canopy moisture and this is more than likely the reason that R2 fungicide applications paid nicely. This is the second year where leaf wetness readings corresponded with fungicide application timings. We hope by continuing to test with this sensor, we may be able to help predict when or if to spray a fungicide.

139

Soybean Fungicide Additive Study – 2008 RAINFALL April 1.88 in. Planted: May 15, 2008 Previous Crop: Corn May 6.41 in. Harvested: October 28, 2008 Tillage: Chisel June 4.44 in. Rows: Eight 30” rows Herbicide: Roundup Original Max July 7.05 in. Seeding Rate: 150,000 seeds/A. Product Tested: BECK 342NRR August 0.91 in.

Total 20.69 in.

Purpose: To evaluate the use of different additives to Headline fungicide in the effort to increase soybean yield. Products tank mixed with Headline consisted of Prudent Plus®, Bioforge®, and X-Tra Power™. All of these products are concentrated fertilizer nutrient solutions.

Fungicide Additive Bushels

Per Acre*

Yield Advantage

Over Headline

$ Gross Return

Cost of Additive


Headline 56.0 - - - - $622.16 $17.00 $605.16 Untreated (Control) 52.4 -3.6 $582.16 $0.00 $582.16 Headline + X-Tra Power™ 54.7 -1.3 $607.72 $25.00 $582.72 Headline + Bioforge® 55.6 -0.4 $617.72 $23.57 $594.15 Headline + Prudent Plus® 55.5 -0.5 $616.61 $29.00 $587.61 Bioforge® 53.4 -2.6 $593.27 $6.57 $586.70 X-Tra Power™ 53.2 -2.8 $591.05 $8.00 $583.05 Prudent Plus® 53.9 -2.1 $598.83 $16.00 $582.83

*Bushels per acre corrected to 13% moisture. ^Return on Investment (ROI) based upon yield advantage of application minus the cost of product. Prudent Plus is $16.00 per acre as a stand alone while $12.00 per acre when used in combination with Headline (Headline + Prudent Plus = $29.00 per acre.) Soybean price based on $11.11/Bu. Summary: Headline applications alone yielded 56 Bu./A. which was 3.6 Bu./A. better than the untreated tester.

As we tank mixed the additives, no particular treatment gave any yield benefit over and above the fungicide treatment alone.

Prudent Plus from Valagro is a 3-19-14 nutrient solution containing extracts from several different plants including seaweed. The key is the 18 amino acids used in its formulation to drive plant functions. Unlike synthetic hormones which have only one pathway into the plant, the plant has little or no choice in how to utilize the hormones. Prudent Plus and its amino acids have multiple pathways and the plant can choose which of the actives to utilize and maintain plant functions to optimize genetic expression. Prudent Plus in this study did not add additional yield to a fungicide, but it did give an additional 1.5 Bu./A. better than the untreated tester.

X-Tra Power and Bioforge are products from StollersUSA. Bioforge is a 2-0-3 product derived from Urea and Potassium Hydroxide. X-Tra-Power is a product that contains Magnesium, Copper, Manganese, and Zinc. X-Tra Power and Bioforge tank mixes also offered no yield advantage over the Headline fungicide, but did out-yield the untreated tester by 0.8 Bu./A. and 1.0 Bu./A. respectively.

Overall, Headline fungicide performed the best with a $23.00 return on investment. All additives tank mixed with Headline lost an average of $18.34 per acre due to no additional yield increases and additional cost of treatments. Additives did out-yield the untreated tester by an average of 1.1 Bu./A., but only returned an additional $2.03 per acre after the cost of treatments.

140

LibertyLink® Soybean Herbicide Study – 2008

RAINFALL Planted: June 11, 2008 Previous Crop: Corn April 1.88 in. Harvested: October 22, 2008 Tillage: Chisel May 6.41 in. Rows: Eight 30” rows Herbicide: Various June 4.44 in. Seeding Rate: 150,000 seeds/A. Product Tested: BECK 284LL July 7.05 in. August 0.91 in.

Total 20.69 in.

Purpose: To evaluate BECK 284LL LibertyLink Soybeans for not only yield, but to examine recommended pre-emergent and post-emergent herbicide programs in this type of cropping system.

Treatment Emerged

Population


Bushels* Per Acre

Prowl followed by Ignite 132,000 2.0 56.6 Valor followed by Ignite 135,000 2.0 56.1 Ignite followed by Ignite 133,000 2.0 56.7 Liberty followed by Ignite 133,000 2.0 55.5

AVERAGE 133,250 2.0 56.2

Summary: BECK 284LL soybeans averaged 56.2 Bu./A. in this yield / herbicide study. Pre-emerge and post-emerge herbicide programs yielded very similar, although pre-emergent programs of Prowl and Valor had better weed control throughout the whole season. Ignite was applied at the new 22 oz. rate once weeds reached 4-5” in size and offered excellent weed control and crop safety.

LibertyLink® Soybean Stratego® Fungicide Study – 2008

RAINFALL Planted: June 11, 2008 Previous Crop: Corn April 1.88 in. Harvested: October 22, 2008 Tillage: Chisel May 6.41 in. Rows: Eight 30” rows Herbicide: Various June 4.44 in. Seeding Rate: 150,000 seeds/A. Product Tested: BECK 334LL July 7.05 in. August 0.91 in.

Total 20.69 in.

Purpose: To evaluate the performance of Stratego fungicide in a LibertyLink soybean cropping system. Stratego was applied at 10 oz. per acre at the R4 growth stage.

Foliar Fungicide Emerged

Population


Bushels Per Acre*

Yield Increase

Net Return^

Stratego 139,000 1.0 63.6 +1.2 -$11.66 None: Control 139,500 1.0 62.4



AVERAGE Stratego 63.5 +1.4 -$9.44 Control 62.1


Summary: Stratego fungicide gave a very consistent 1.4 Bu./A. increase over the control. However, after accounting for cost of application and product, a break-even yield was needed of 2.3 Bu./A. Our 1.4 Bu./A. increase fell short of break-even and consequently net loss was $9.44 per acre.

One note to mention is that the R4 growth stage was the driest time period for these soybeans. This may account for some of the low yield responses from fungicides. See the Illinois PFR Soybean Fungicide Study results for more details and information regarding how we implement weather data into our fungicide studies.

141

BECK'S Remote Sensing Infrared Study – 2008 Beck’s Practical Farm Research team tested the use of Remote Sensing using Infrared Imaging this past growing season. Infrared Imaging uses aerial photography and light source reflectance to give geo-referenced crop health images. When used appropriately, remote sensing with aerial imagery can reveal a great deal about soil and crop conditions. The “bird’s eye” view an aerial image provides combined with field knowledge allows growers to better understand factors that affect yield. This technology enhances the ability to be proactive and identify site-specific problematic areas before yield loss occurs. Infrared imagery identifies variability in crop health and biomass which can be used to pinpoint crop stressors and accurately have the ability to remediate the problem before it is too late. This high resolution imagery combined with ground-truthing can provide a great ability to monitor crop health and yield. The following are case farms where infrared imagery was acquired on July 5, 2008 and evaluated for crop health and yield: Case Farm #1: Illinois PFR Center Case Farm #1 is Becks IL PFR Center located in Downs, Illinois. With infrared imaging, we receive two types of images that show crop characteristics. We receive a color digital picture as well as an infrared photo. Both are geo-referenced and can be exported to a mobile computer for ground-truthing or for precision farming applications. The left image is a digital color picture taken at 2500 feet. The corresponding image to the right is the infrared image showing the different levels of crop reflectance, which are an indicator of yield potential or crop health. Green colors represent healthier crops and yellow to red colors indicate lower plant health or problem areas. Please notice the arrow that points to a nitrogen study that contains rates of 0 lb.-200 lbs. of nitrogen. The three yellow strips next to the tip of the arrow are the 0 lb. rates in the University of Illinois Nitrogen Rate Study. The darkest green strips are the 200 lb. rates of nitrogen.

Color Digital Image Color Digital Image w/Infrared Overlay

142

BECK'S Remote Sensing Infrared Study – Continued Case Farm #2: Kankakee County, Illinois Infrared Image Taken July 5th, 2008 Yield Map: Harvested Oct 28th, 2008 This farm is a 37 acre farm in East Central Illinois. The nitrogen rich strip in the middle of the farm was applied across the planted rows and totaled 300 lbs. per acre. The infrared image on July 5 shows the strip in detail. As the combine harvested the field, the nitrogen strip averaged 210 Bu./A. while the same size area next to the strip averaged 196 Bu./A. Although the yield map does not show as much detail as the infrared image, yield did increase on the yield monitor as we crossed into the nitrogen rich strip. The red areas on the images show drainage problems on the farm. 2008 was a very wet spring and it took its toll on the wet areas on this farm. Please notice the arrow that shows the area that could not be harvested due to standing water. This farm averaged 200.5 Bu./A.

Case Farm #3: Dennis Webster, Becks Dealer, Buckingham, Illinois Infrared Image Taken July 5th, 2008 Yield Map: Harvested Oct 30th, 2008 The above farm was research plots over the past few years and as a result, the rotation has changed. The top right corner of the farm is 2nd year corn and it resulted in lower yield. The green areas of the field that are 1st year corn averaged 224 Bu./A., while the continuous corn yielded 182 Bu./A. The other red and yellow areas indicate lower yielding corn from drainage issues.

2nd Yr Corn 182 Bu./A.

Hybrid Change

1st Yr Corn 224 Bu./A.

Drainage Problem 188 Bu./A.

Drainage Problem

Hybrid Change

Nitrogen Rich Strip: 300 lbs. Nitrogen

Soil Type Change:

Lighter Soil

230 Bu./A.

Wet area that could not be harvested due to standing water

143

BECK'S Remote Sensing Infrared Study – Continued Case Farm #4: Herscher, Illinois This case study shows a 40 acre farm in Herscher, Illinois. There were three hybrids planted in this field. The BECK 5444VT3 in the center of the farm yielded 221 Bu./A. and the refuge, BECK 5444RR yielded 196 Bu./A. The infrared image did show the hybrid change in the field and did correlate to a yield difference on the GPS yield map. In summary, infrared imaging did in fact offer us the ability to predict corn yield. Many times hybrid changes were identified and yield differences were apparent. In relation to yield maps, the infrared images were much more detailed and clearer than the maps from GPS yield monitors. Ground-truthing is very important when analyzing infrared images. A grower should use the geo-referenced images to scout fields and find possible problem areas. The main question with this type of technology is “How do I use this Information”? This technology could be used for the following agronomic practices:

Management Zone Creation for Soil Testing Prescription Recommendations such as variable rate planting or fertilizer Tile mapping or exploration Nutrient Monitoring such as nitrogen management Hybrid Performance in fungicide studies or strip trials Manure Management Weed Scouting Moisture Stress Management Yield Estimation Prior to Harvest

Hybrid Change

BECK 5444RR 196 Bu./A.

BECK 5444VT3 221 Bu./A.

Hybrid Change

2008_genetics_332.indd 1 10/2/2008 3:04:57 PM

introduction to the 2008 pfr ... - becks hybrids > home · intro.indd 2 11/10/2008 9:03:58 am...

Documents