By Jamie Martin
Successful seed planning begins during harvest. The information collected in the field can help growers make better decisions and improve returns in future growing seasons.
While seed cost is an important consideration, selecting products based only on price may not deliver the best results. Each field has unique characteristics, including soil type, moisture levels, fertility, and disease challenges. Choosing varieties that match those conditions can improve productivity and profitability.
"One of the worst things you can do is immediately consider price before you look at the acre fit of that product," said Mark Menke, Wilbur-Ellis Lead Agronomist and Corn Product Manager. "Every product has its place and has a reason for it. But if you have the wrong seed variety on the wrong acre, you're likely to get a bad result."
Harvest is the ideal time to evaluate performance. Yield monitor results, field observations, and weather records help identify products that worked well under real farm conditions. Reviewing data from multiple years can help separate consistently strong performers from varieties that succeed only during favorable seasons.
Reliability is an important factor when evaluating seed value. Growers should look for varieties that perform well across a range of environments and weather conditions. Consistent performance can help reduce production risks and support more predictable returns.
Good agronomic traits also contribute to profitability. Characteristics such as strong standability, disease tolerance, stalk quality, and stress resistance can protect yields and reduce harvest losses. These traits often provide value beyond simple yield numbers.
Seed quality remains a key consideration. Healthy seed and strong stand establishment create a solid foundation for the crop and can influence final production outcomes.
Modern crop production also requires careful trait selection. As more seed technologies become available, growers should ensure products fit their weed management, insect control, and overall farming objectives.
Planning ahead starts with asking the right questions. Farmers should consider how a variety performs over time, whether it fits local conditions, how it handles production challenges, and whether it supports their management goals.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-studio2013
Categories: National