Success strategies from Beck’s Hybrids Practical Farm Research

ATLANTA, Ind. — Beck’s Hybrids published its 2025 Practical Farm Research findings, available for free online.

To accompany the release, registration is open for 2026 PFR Insight Meetings, where experts break down the latest PFR findings and share management strategies for growers.

Here are a few highlights from the guide.

Corn Success Strategies

• Early planting pays. However, the penalty for delayed planting with corn may not be as severe as it is for soybeans. Achieving a uniform stand is more important than the calendar date.

• In most soils and most situations, any pair of spiked closing wheels is better than the standard two solid rubber closing wheels.

• Placing nitrogen on both sides of the row has proven to increase yield by improving root growth on both sides of the plant.

• By splitting your nitrogen applications, you reduce the risk of loss from early-season rainfall.

Soybean Success Strategies

• The R3 growth stage is the key time to apply a fungicide in soybeans. Soybeans have reached the R3 growth stage when there is a 3/16-inch pod at one of the top four fully developed nodes.

• Planting soybeans early is one of the most important factors in driving high yields. Early planting increases node count and captures more sunlight during the growing season.

• As earlier planting dates tend to drive yield, seed treatments will play an increasingly more important role in protecting the plants from diseases and insects.

• Narrower row widths capture more sunlight, especially when planted earlier, and help shade the rows for improved weed control. Cooler soils likely improve nodule performance, as well.

• Beck’s doesn’t recommend a planting rate of 100,000 seeds per acre, however, their seeding rate data indicates two things: Seeding soybeans over 150,000 seeds per acre is likely less profitable; and replanting a relatively uniform thin stand in the 80,000 to 100,000 seeds per acre range is usually unwarranted. Any seeding rate planted early out-yields every seeding rate planted later.

Learn more at www.beckshybrids.com/research/practical-farm-research.