News

Seed selection could help protect margins

Selecting the right seed variety to maximize return on investment in 2027.

Agronomist Trey Stephens with Beck’s Hybrids says seed selection is one of the most important decisions especially when margins are tight. “Depending on the hybrids that fit your management style is where you’ll get extra yield. And, don’t forget about the things that happened this year when making decisions for next year.”

He says, in some cases, it could be more economical to spend more dollars up front. “If I did have bad tar spot and I can really only afford to spray one time, I need to invest in a hybrid that has a good tar spot score.”

As for soybeans, Stephens tells Brownfield, “What’ve been the most successful passes you made with herbicides? I know we often talk about that both platforms yield the same, but if we’re going over the field more times with one program or the other because herbicides aren’t working, I’d really consider what that looks like on your operation. That’s a place where you can save money.”

And, he says, the implementation of artificial intelligence is giving more insight to agronomists and farmers where farmers can best spend their dollars.  

Trey Stephens: