Better Farming - December 2016

44 / 72

44 Follow us onTwitter @BetterFarmingON
CROPS: YIELDMATTER$
are not, however, without some
limitations. Rarely is there a check
hybrid repeated that can be used to
help understand soil variability across
the plot. Some plots are so big they
are actually inadvertently grown in
slightly different soil types in the
same field, which can skew the
results. Comparing results from one
end of plot to another may not be the
fairest way to conduct an evaluation.
The final source of information is
the farmers’ own plot. Most farmers
will compare their current selections
to a new offering on a side-by-side,
full-scale trial. These selections will
be replicated two or more times
across the field. This real-world
comparison takes into account field
variability, fertility and a host of other
management factors.
Once again, an on-farm trial is not
without its limits. It is very important
that these comparisons run perpen-
dicular to tile lines for a fair compari-
son. Also, ensure the entire field has
the same fertility and weed control
programs. You only want to compare
the hybrids – not a starter fertilizer
trial on one side of the field and
nitrogen trial on the other side. Nor a
manure trial, where one half of the
field received a fall application and
the other received a spring applica-
tion. These differing treatments can
affect hybrid performance and may
lead to inappropriate evaluations.
Regardless of who plants and
manages the plots, farmers can attend
field days and plot tours with barbe-
ques throughout the season. You can
discuss hybrids with seed representa-
tives at these events, too. There is no
shortage of opportunities to attend
show-and-tell presentations, and
acquire technical information on the
current offerings. All you need to do is
invest some time, show up and ask
questions!
The final factor in hybrid selection
is: who do you deal with? Who do you
trust to get factual information with a
professional interpretation tailored to
your unique needs? Ask yourself a few
questions. Who knows you best? Who
knows your operation? Who solves
your problems quickly and effectively?
Who brings you new and innovative
ideas and products? Chances are it
might be a local Certified Crop
Adviser that sees you most often.
I will leave Class 12 discussions for
another time! BF
Dale Cowan, CCA-ON, 4 R NMS, is a
senior agronomist with AGRIS Co-op-
erative Ltd. and Wanstead Farmers
Co-operative Ltd.
Images Plus photo
Most farmers will compare their current selections to
a new offering on a side-by-side, full-scale trial.