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Carbon 101
By Doug Hanson
Soil Organic Matter in most Midwest farms will range from 1 to 6% organic matter. The percent organic matter can contribute to the productivity of any given farm. Increasing the organic matter on a farm is known to have many benefits. It has the ability to improve nutrient holding capacity which in return can provide more nutrients for a growing crop. It will also help to mineralize unavailable nutrients and make those nutrients more available to the crop. Some physical benefits include improved soil structure which will aid in better water infiltration. Better water infiltration in the soil and improved oxygen supply helps nutrients to be more available to plant roots.
Increasing organic matter in a traditional corn soybean rotation is possible, but it is difficult to accomplish. Increasing organic matter to a measurable amount in a traditional system will require cover crops and a decreased tillage system. This does work, but it is slow. If increasing the organic matter on a farm is a desired goal, including wheat or perennial crops like hay and pasture are going to be needed. Reduce tillage/no-till will also be necessary so the newly developed organic matter does not burn –up through tillage.
What does this have to do with Carbon? Simply put, you cannot improve the organic matter on a farm without sinking Carbon. Therefore, creating a farming system that sinks more carbon than it loses each year provides the opportunity to increase organic matter and sink Carbon all at the same time. This along with some of the reduced use of fossil fuels by doing less tillage in these new systems is why the government and private industry is interested in helping farms to sink Carbon and get paid for it. Not only does the Carbon stay in our soils, but our soils are also more resilient. The more resilient a soil is the better it can handle adverse weather conditions and crop stresses. 
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Several things to be out watching and looking for this time of year!
By: Eric Yoder
Corn Diseases – We went from being pretty hot and dry to cooler and wetter. More clouds around too. Maybe we are getting to a drier stretch here now. The cooler, humid conditions lends the corn to Tar Spot, Gray Leaf Spot and even Northern Corn Leaf Blight. Warmer temps might bring up the risk for Common and Southern Rust. Jake and I looked at some corn by the office Tuesday. We could see several marks on some leaves, but not much to clearly identify at this point. I have seen lots of fungicide being applied between rains over the past week. Keep your eyes peeled!
Flooded Crops – Here is an article from U of I discussing the impact of mature corn handling standing water.
Corn Rootworm - Damage is much more common this year, mostly where you have drier conditions. Lots of larvae and damaged roots can be found. Now we are about done with larvae hatch and we can use the CRW traps to monitor adult populations. Near Dekalb, IL I saw plenty of adults while scouting last summer and now this year there is damage there. Watch for the warning signs!
Japanese Beetles – I have seen beetles in lots of fields, but nothing that warrants any treatment yet. They can come in a hurry, so be watching for silk feeding during pollination.
Bean Leaf Beetles – Jake and I noticed quite a few of these when around the office too. If you remember last year, several fields in Eastern IL ended up being treated for bean leaf beetle damage. Another pest to be watching for!
ALSO- If you get time, read this article regarding cover crops in Illinois. Very interesting reading. Challenge yourself to start adapting cover crops if you haven’t already. The momentum is building faster than the organic matter in the soil following a cover crop!
https://www.farmprogress.com/
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Would You Rather....?? By Eric Yoder
Would you rather have a field full of waterhemp OR rye grass? Let me explain. During the past 15-20 years, we continue to see less tillage and more herbicide use. However, I’m afraid if we rely solely on herbicides alone to counteract reduced tillage, we are headed for trouble like running out of chemistries to use or increased weed resistance.
The days of conventional tilling and planting into clean fields are gone for many growers. Strip and no-till are now the norm for a lot of folks. Since the early 2000s, USDA data shows increases in mulch and no-till in almost all 4 major crops. The benefits of reduced tillage are plentiful including increased soil health, better water penetration, reduced erosion, and the list goes on. Although less tillage translates into a need for other methods to help control weeds.
When the first glyphosate tolerant soybeans hit the market in 1996, everything changed for growers. We entered a new realm of weed control. As growers embraced the new technology, herbicide usage fell the following several years, but was focused heavily on one chemical alone: glyphosate. Fast forward to today where herbicide use is up some 40% since 2002 and we have 165 herbicide resistant weeds across many modes of action. The picture looks quite different. But what can be done to help relieve some of the pressure being put on herbicides?
It’s the perfect fit for cover crops! First, the cover crop can help protect fields from winter annuals by growing in the off season, maybe even reducing the need for a traditional burndown. Secondly, the biomass can act as a residual herbicide for 2-3 weeks after planting. Can you imagine a 90% boost in Palmer Amaranth suppression without even touching your sprayer? It can and does happen leaving behind a much smaller need for weed control from your herbicide program. Third, cover crops can also help reduce the weed seed bank in the long run. Finally, cover crops can boost soil health, ecology, organic matter, water use, and I could keep going.
I personally would rather have ryegrass covering my family farm instead of an unknown population of nasty, possibly resistant, weeds. Are there tricks and tips for integrating cover crops into your operation? Most definitely, ProHarvest is here to help. We have the people, products, and know-how to make cover crops a success for you!
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While the world looks to be changing around us, we wanted to make sure ProHarvest customers were aware of opportunities to connect with our company. We use a platform called AgriSync that allows customers and dealers a direct pipeline to technical support and service. Do you have a question about seed traits? Want to know more about where and how our products fit? Do you want more information on our seed treatments? Want to know more about our seed quality? There is no question too big or too small. Submit your question today!
Call or text 309-300-3277 for agronomic service and support! Your inquiry will be sent right to our Corn Product Manager/Agronomist Eric Yoder. It will be addressed right away. We are here to help as Spring is still coming! Let us know how we can help you gear up for a great 2020!
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March 23, 2020
As recognized by Governor Pritzker, the agricultural businesses are essential, especially as we head into the spring planting season. ProHarvest and MWS Seeds will remain open to support our customers to the best of our abilities.
However, as we try to navigate through the new reality of the current situation, we are implementing additional practices to minimize and slow the spread of COVID-19. We understand that this may be an inconvenience to some of our customers but given the seriousness of the situation, we are taking the following measures:
· We currently prefer to do business over the phone, text, or email. Please consider this instead of visiting our office if possible.
· If you do need to visit the office to pick-up an order, please call ahead and we will have your order ready for you. Call our office at 866-807-7015 when you arrive and we will direct you where to get loaded, please stay with your vehicle and we will come to you.
· Paperwork will be handled through a window, please share your email address with us we can email any paperwork to you directly.
· Signatures on shipping documents will not be required during this spring.
· While in any of our facilities, please keep at least 6 feet away from others.
· At this time, mailing payment is preferred. If you have questions on your account, invoice, or statement, please call to reconcile instead of coming to the office.
· Deliveries of seed for spring planting will continue. We ask that you be mindful when scheduling an appointment for a delivery, if you don’t feel well, it can wait until a later date.
· No sales vendors or other outside vendors will be allowed inside.
We are updating our technology tools to utilize web-based communications as much as possible.
We are updating our staff to follow CDC recommendations to keep a safe distance from others, follow good hygiene practices, sanitizing highly touched surfaces, and to stay at home if they are showing any symptoms of illness. We ask that you do the same.
We value our relationships with you and want for all of us to be safe. Farming is the backbone of our food supply, and our country and we feel it is our duty to serve you to be prepared as possible for the Spring season.
We also encourage you to show patience with others during these high stress times and take time to reflect with prayer.
Sincerely,
The ProHarvest and MWS Teams
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March 18, 2020
Dear Customers,
We are continuing to monitor the COVID-19 situation and its effect on our business as well as our customers’ and employees’ lives. It is our responsibility to be mindful of the risk that comes with public occupancy of our facilities.
We value our relationships with you and want all of us to be safe. Farming is the backbone of our food supply, and our country and we feel it is our duty to serve you to be prepared as possible for the Spring season.
ProHarvest and MWS Seeds will remain open for the foreseeable future and ask that you follow the guidelines listed below.
1. We currently prefer to do business over the phone, text, or email. Please consider this instead of visiting our office if possible.
2. If you do need to visit the office or pick-up an order, please call ahead and make an appointment so we do not have large gatherings of people waiting together.
3. While in any of our facilities, please keep a safe distance from others.
4. At this time, mailing payment is preferred. If you have questions on your account, invoice, or statement, please call to reconcile before coming to the office.
5. Deliveries of seed for spring planting will continue. We ask that you be mindful when scheduling an appointment for a delivery, if you don’t feel well, it can wait until a later date.
We are updating our staff to follow CDC recommendations to keep a safe distance from others, follow good hygiene practices, sanitizing highly touched surfaces, and to stay at home if they are showing any symptoms of illness. We ask that you do the same.
We also encourage you to show patience with others during these high-stress times and take time to reflect with prayer.
Sincerely the ProHarvest and MWS Teams
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Nearly 50 farmer leaders from 11 national farm groups completed Syngenta’s agricultural leadership development program – Leadership At Its Best
Josh Wilken of ProHarvest Seeds, Ashkum, IL, recently attended Syngenta’s Leadership At It’s Best.
Farm leaders from 11 national commodity and other farm associations successfully completed Leadership At Its Best (LAIB), a Syngenta professional development program helping current and future U.S. agriculture leaders improve their skills to more effectively advocate for American agriculture. The industry-recognized program was held January 27-31, 2020, at the Syngenta Innovation Center in Research Triangle Park, North Carolina and in Washington, D.C.
“Through LAIB, Syngenta has been training future leaders in agriculture for more than 30 years — with over 4,600 people trained so far, and counting,” said Mary Kay Thatcher, who leads federal government relations for Syngenta in the U.S. “Agriculture faces complex challenges and our program helps farmers learn skills to answer the call and stand up for our industry.”
Each year, a diverse class, which includes dozens of farmers, processors and agriculture retailers, attends LAIB to develop skill sets needed to be confident ambassadors of agriculture. Many LAIB alumni have gone on to become leaders in their organizations, spokespersons for American agriculture and government officials.
This annual training program promotes cross-organizational exchange with various commodity and trade associations. The Syngenta curriculum model enables participants to begin their learning experience prior to arrival and continue after they depart, with online engagement following the formal program.
“LAIB participants experienced learning modules based on today’s leading thoughts, ideas and techniques,” said Thatcher. “Our program focuses on key aspects of leadership training and priority issues facing agriculture, with the goal of empowering today’s leaders for tomorrow’s future challenges and opportunities across the industry.”
Syngenta is working with the following organizations this year to provide LAIB participants a robust and accelerated professional development experience:
1. Agricultural Retailers Association
2. American Agri-Women
3. American Farm Bureau Federation
4. American Soybean Association
5. Independent Professional Seed Association
6. National Agricultural Aviation Association
7. National Association of Conservation Districts
8. National Association of Wheat Growers
9. National Corn Growers Association
10. National Potato Council
11. National Sorghum Producers
Syngenta is a leading agriculture company helping to improve global food security by enabling millions of farmers to make better use of available resources. Through world class science and innovative crop solutions, our 28,000 people in over 90 countries are working to transform how crops are grown. We are committed to rescuing land from degradation, enhancing biodiversity and revitalizing rural communities. To learn more visit https://www.syngenta.com/
Left to Right
Josh Wilken, ProHarvest Seeds, Ashkum, IL, Justin Meints, Titan Pro Seeds, Shaun Ohlde, Ohlde Seeds
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Jay Whalen awarded as a Partner in Conservation by Livingston County Soil and Water Conservation District.
On January 23, 2020, at the Annual Livingston SWCD Meeting Jay Whalen was awarded as a Partner in Conservation for his active participation in conservation throughout the Livingston Co. district. Jay and his family farm in Livingston Co. and have converted all of their farming acres to no-till and are utilizing cover crops on every acre. They have experienced less wind and water erosion because of the conservation practices on those acres. Jay is a Seed Specialist for ProHarvest Seeds and takes pride in promoting and experimenting with cover crops.
Congratulations Jay on your achievement!
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From the ground up
Every new building starts from the ground up. The first step in building is pouring the foundation. The foundation is where most of the integrity of the building will lie, much like a business or a seed company. ProHarvest Seeds was founded in 2011, but its foundation began many years earlier.
MWS Seeds laid the foundation for ProHarvest Seeds to build a new brand. Started in 1993 by Marlin Wilken and his sons, Lynn and Randy, MWS became well known for high quality seed. MWS Seed produced its own seed as well as sold its own soybean and corn products.
In 2011, Randy and Lynn Wilken joined with veteran seedsman Keith Knapp to create the seed company ProHarvest Seeds. The Wilken brothers and Knapp are all second-generation seedsmen, with a strong knowledge and understanding of the seed industry. With their combined expertise, the owners began marketing an extensive and diverse lineup of corn, soybeans, wheat, forages and cover crops under the ProHarvest brand. MWS continues to operate as a seed production company and produces seed for ProHarvest and other seed markets.
ProHarvest has continued to build on this foundation and has expanded its geographical footprint into 15 states throughout the Midwest. In October of 2018, ProHarvest acquired the sales and marketing rights of Moews Seed Company from Granville, IL. Moews Seed has deep roots in agriculture along with the same values that ProHarvest promotes, such as family, integrity, quality and service.
ProHarvest has access to the industry’s most advanced seed genetics, trait innovations and seed treatments. As an independent seed company, ProHarvest sources its seed from multiple suppliers, creating a lineup that gives high-powered results that are fine-tuned for local geographical areas.
ProHarvest reviews thousands of products each year seeking the ones with optimal performance and desirable agronomic characteristics. They combine their extensive research and testing programs with their experience and knowledge to determine what makes it into a ProHarvest Seed bag.
ProHarvest continues to build on its strong foundation by focusing on what really matters: their customers. Their farming partners rely on them to help make the right decisions. Unlike larger seed companies, which have a one-size-fits-all approach, ProHarvest Seeds, takes into consideration a long list of factors when making seed recommendations. They understand the importance of climate, length of growing season, crop histories, soil types, herbicide and pesticide requirements, and more. Their products and expertise allows them to have customized choices that will produce a winning harvest for their customers.
ProHarvest Seeds’ Dealers and Seed Specialists work on being with their growers throughout the entire growing season and being their trusted advisors. Providing exceptional seed and service is a core value of the company, and they deliver on that pledge. ProHarvest is not just a seed company; but delivers on its goal of being a valuable partner in their customers’ farming operation.
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Ashkum, IL -- ProHarvest Seeds is proud to announce it has acquired the sales and marketing rights of Moews Seed Company, effective October 2, 2018. Moews Seed Company’s main office has been in Granville, IL, since 1927. Moews Seed Company has a long and storied history, beginning with some of the early innovations and development of hybrid seed corn. Moews Seed has deep roots in the same values we promote at ProHarvest, such as family, integrity, quality and service.
The entire ProHarvest team is excited about this acquisition. ProHarvest will continue to provide Moews’ customers with the products and value they have come to expect, with the added benefit of expanded choices not only in seed corn, but also soybeans, forages, wheat and cover crops.
At ProHarvest, our forward-thinking approach to the seed industry creates opportunities for us to grow. As an independent seed company based in Illinois, our goal is to provide our dealers and growers with one of the largest selections of seed products which include traits, genetics and seed treatments.
ProHarvest welcomes the following individuals to our sales staff. Trent Geistlinger from Beatrice, NE will be our Western Regional Manager. While Trent sells in his local district, his other team members include: Matt Retzlaff, Norfolk, NE; Derald Watson, Grand Island, NE; Craig Neppl, Estherville, IA; Jere Covington, Oxford, IA and Jim Dinan, Edgewood, IA. Four Seed Specialists from Illinois will also be joining the ProHarvest sales team including Ronn Dillavou, Aledo; Glenn Wilcoxen, Vermont; Carl Krieg, Centralia and Scott Grosenbach, Oglesby. Matthew Reichert from Maria Stein, Ohio will also be joining ProHarvest.
ProHarvest Seeds, Inc., is an independent seed company started in 2010 and owned by veteran seedsman Randy wilken, Lynn Wilken, and Keith Knapp. ProHarvest strives to bring high performance products to its customers in 9 states with an easy-to-do- business with attitude. Additional information about ProHarvest Seeds can be found at www.proharvestseeds.com, or by calling 866-807-7015.
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Those in the seed industry are getting more questions now than ever before thanks to the various trait options available.
Communication is key heading into the 2018 growing season and growers need to have a plan in place before the tractors start rolling. This includes communicating with neighbors regarding what they are planting and the weed control program they will be using.
“There’s just going to be a lot more scrutiny on us in terms of weed control and herbicide applications in the next 12 months,” explains Randy Wilken of ProHarvest Seeds. “We really need to do a good job with it.”
Being an independent company, ProHarvest has access to all of the current seed traits and those traits coming down the road. A large percentage of sales this year consist of Xtend and Liberty Link soybeans. Wilken reports dwindling sales of straight Roundup beans.
If you are planting cover crops, Wilken suggests a system approach. Everyone wants that first-year payoff and that isn’t always the case.
“It really takes two or three years to really get into that,” said Wilken.
With all of the recent talk on weed control, cover crops fit in well since they can help control weeds in a field. Studies have shown less weed pressure in the years following cover crops. Wilken believes those who use cover crops don’t walk away from the practice after a few years.
“It’s about taking out those bumps when we have those tough stress events that come through, such as dry weather and excessive water.”
Many farmers in ProHarvest Seeds’ backyard have been blessed with excessive rain for several years now. The area saw its largest corn replant ever but that corn had phenomenal yields in most locations. The crop was better than everyone expected no matter where you were.
CIFN - Have a plan in place for Spring
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