ATLANTA, Ind. – Beck’s Hybrids will host 110 Practical Farm Research (PFR) Insight meetings in 15 states beginning in early January. The first meeting is Jan. 3; they wrap up Feb. 8.

The meeting topics may include studies on in-season decision making, tire pressure and nitrogen. Other topics may include results of on-farm research, plus new PFR Proven products. Data from first-year and three-year studies will be presented.

“The goal is for us to bring information to the farming community about ways to maximize yields and maximize profits through equipment and agronomic practices,” explained Steve Gauck, regional agronomy manager with Beck’s. “It’s an educational meeting for agronomic information, open to the public. Come and listen.”

The meetings are free and include a meal. For more information, including a list of dates and locations, and to register, visit www.beckshybrids.com.

Gauck called the in-season studies exciting, saying, “Farmers in the spring have a grand plan. They plant their crop and then Mother Nature throws a wrench into it. Whether it’s a poor stand, hail, or frost, they need to know what to do now with the stand to maximize profits. How should they react to concerns or a change in plans?”

Beck’s research can mimic damage such as frost or hail, he noted. With the company’s databases, farmers have a resource to consult if necessary, Gauck said.

“In the back of their minds, at planting time, farmers try to position themselves to offset any concerns that might happen (during the course of the growing season),” he pointed out. “But they don’t know what issues may happen during the season, where they might happen.”

A first-year tire pressure study looked at newer technologies that allow tractor tire pressure to be adjusted from the cab. Beck’s researched if changes in tire pressure reduced compaction and improved yields.

Beck’s said it has received many requests from farmers to study ground versus aerial-applied fungicides. The company conducted on-farm testing to help answer questions for growers about the two options.

“Ground application is generally the premier choice because there’s better coverage, every acre gets covered, and it’s more timely,” Gauck said. “In general, the theory is that ground is a better way to apply. But ground is expensive, though application costs for both can vary.

“We were surprised by the results. There may not be as big a difference as we expected (between the two). That’s a positive in a lot of ways.”

Beck’s will also share results of nitrogen studies that examined such topics as depth of sidedress application, nitrogen rate and nitrogen systems. The studies will provide information to help farmers be more efficient with every dollar they spend, the company said.

As for new PFR Proven products, Beck’s said, “this year’s class of PFR Proven products is smaller than previous years, but some products provided a consistent return over multiple years and locations. These products include silicon-based foliar products and some new biological compounds, among others.”