LOCATED IN PRINCETON, ILLINOIS
Product Reviews
with your team at Hefty Seed Company - Princeton
QLF Agronomy
I believe that livestock nutritionists understand soil biology as good (if not better) than most. QLF has a rich history, and an amazing story in livestock nutrition. QLF Agronomy, although younger, is no different. We started our relationship with QLF Agronomy looking for a molasses based sugar product for both in-furrow and foliar applications. L-CBF BOOST was the product we needed. Up until I used QLF's L-CBF BOOST, I was concerned about the "flowability" of molasses based products through in-furrow systems, but QLF Agronomy has figured it out. From their 7-21-3 MKP Starter to Amino 15 to Kelpak (kelp based pgr) to L-CBF BOOST, the list goes on. QLF Agronomy has a large product line up that is focused around carbon and molasses based sugar.
Let's focus on their L-CBF BOOST product first:
"BOOST", as I refer to it as, has such a broad spectrum of use, I find myself recommending it in almost every pass across a growers field. L-CBF BOOST serves as an "N" stabilizer that reduces burn and actually feeds the soils microbiology rather than making them lethargic. It also is successful as an in-furrow/2x2x2 application that feeds micro biology directly next to the seed to a foliar application that gives the plant energy to take in nutrients, grow resulting in higher yields. It is not just sugar. The team at QLF Agronomy has pulled together a line of products that compliment soil biology.
Application rates can vary. I stick to a 1-2 gallon rule and you can't go wrong. Not only will it benefit the crop you are apply L-CBF BOOST on, the products in the tank mix benefit from L- CBF BOOST as well. From one of the best drift control products to softening the burn effect that most fertilizers can have, L-CBF BOOST helps with both application and plant health and nutrition.
If you want to talk more about BOOST or any of the L-CBF based products QLF has to offer give me a call.
Micro Juice
Nate:
If you tissue test at all you understand the frustration of applying a product and not seeing it show up or not staying in the plant tissue for exceptionally long. Do the nutrients have to show up in the tissue for the plant to utilize them? That is a topic for whole other conversation.
Micro-Juice is a sulfate-based product containing Sulfur, Boron, Cobalt, Copper, Manganese, Molybdenum, Nickel and Zinc. This product in not compatible with phosphates you cannot mix it with starter fertilizers. That being said, I like the direct dose of nutrient (non-chelated) that get into the plant from a sulfate-based product. I often recommend it in in-furrow situations if the P levels are above 10. Foliar applications across corn and soybeans (any crop for that matter) are a great fit as well. Foliar rates are from 1-1.5 gallons/acre. What I really like about Micro-Juice is that when it is applied growers see a jump in tissue tests and retention of the nutrients. Positive tissue tests and nutrient retention is good but added bushels are great and what we are seeing when applying Micro-Juice. Even though Micro-Juice cannot be used with phosphates, it holds one of the top spots in my recommendations across many acres. You can use it at practically any timing, from in-furrow to grain fill. Feel free to give me a call and let us visit about where Micro-Juice can work for you.
Mike:
I agree with Nate. We have run this on our farm as one part of our soybean in-furrow mix and the results have been amazing. Tissue tests have held well into the season and yields have been great. It mixes well with many other partners, is a clear, clean liquid and packs a wallop of ingredients that are hard to find at a similar price point. Try some on your farm on corn or soybeans to see the results for yourself.
Any of our sales agronomists can help you put together a plan for 2021 which includes Micro-Juice. You will be glad you did!
Customers LOVE QLF Agronomy products! Whether it is L-CBF Boost, the mainstay of their lineup, or their newer products like 7-21-3 MKP Starter and Amino 15, QLF Agronomy products deliver.
These sugar cane molasses-based products are an effective way to introduce a carbon and sugar source into your fertility program to help “wake up” microbiology, allowing the plant to take in nutrients more efficiently. Easy to use and cost effective, QLF products have become an “every acre/every pass” products for many of our growers.
Brandt
This is my 3rd season of working with Brandt products. First off, if Brandt's "people" are any representation of their product you are in for a win-win scenario. All the luxuries of working with a "big company" and yet they make you feel like one of the family. Brandt is a company that sets the bar high in both
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a large line up of products that work.
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top notch service in and out of the field.
As an agronomist I like the fact that I can reach a rep or even the head chemist if there is a question that needs answered. Brandt has done an amazing job with their season to season test plots and receiving their plot results "pole position" is a highlight of the year.
Product
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Smart Trio- is a versatile foliar product for both corn and beans that has huge opportunities for timing and performance for the grower throughout the season. My favorite timing for corn is V3, that being said I have seen a positive change in tissue sample leading to higher yields at V10 and into the "R" stages. In beans I like to see Smart Trio used either side of first flower and have also seen a positive response in the later "R stages". The "Smart system" of products gives both myself as well as growers I work with the confidence of a product that can tank mixed with almost anything. Smart Trio must be in your arsenal next season to push yields.
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Smart B-Mo- is a great foliar product for corn and soybeans. Let’s look at corn first. If you are making a late season pass using fungicide, Smart B-Mo is a must. Combining Smart B-Mo with fungicide and sugar is a great way to get Boron, health and energy into the plant helping with grain fill. Soybeans- this is where I feel this product really shines. I have growers applying Smart B-Mo throughout the growing season in soybeans. Boron is important for the reproductive stages of soybean growth; Boron also helps nitrogen get into the plant. So why is there Molybdenum in this product? Moly helps nitrogen fixation and promotes healthy nodulation of the soybeans root system. Both the "B" and the "Mo" are helping nitrogen get in the plant.
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Smart KB- is probably one of better products we have "stumbled" on to in the last 2 year. With 16% Potash and in every quart of Smart KB you get a pint of Smart B-Mo. Great for mid to late season foliar passes on both corn and beans. My favorite timing for the foliar application of Smart KB is: Corn- tassel or later combined with fungicide and sugar. Beans- R3-R4 combined with fungicide and sugar. 1-quart use rate will do allot for the beans with pod retention and pod fill being the focus.
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Brandt 10% Boron- While being a staple in mid-late season foliar applications on corn, we have found Brandt 10% Boron to work well 2x2x2 (on the planter), or in y-drop applications. I have heard it said, "all fertilizers are Not created equal". Brandt 10% Boron is Not your typical 10% Boron. It’s ability to move in and stay in the plant is proof to the quote above. Brandt sets the bar for quality.
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Brandt EnZup ZN- is one of my "go to" products for in-furrow in corn and beans. We do not just utilize this product for the Zn we actually focus on the enzymes that help Zn get in the plant, result being a better P:Zn ratio. I feel that Brandt EnZup Zn is a must if you have in-furrow on your planter.
I just touched on a few of Brandt's products that I use for recommendations to growers. Brandt's extensive line up of products paired with their industry leading support and knowledge makes them a clear choice when picking out any of you nutrient needs, from broad nutrient products to single nutrient products I am confident we can find Brandt products that will fit your specific needs before or during the growing season.
For a proven track record of return on investment and yields, growers turn to Brandt Products. Whether it is EnzUp Zinc at planting time or one of their “Smart” products to push yields by foliar feeding, you will not be disappointed by choosing Brandt. We at Hefty Seed in Princeton, have come to rely on Brandt products for our customers. These products’ high-quality standards, effectiveness, and consistent ROI have made them a go-to in our offerings.
Pivot Bio
"Weather or Weather not".
Yes, Pivot Bio has a catchy phrase for their new nitrogen fixing biological ProveN out in corn fields this 2020 growing season. It's more than just catchy it is what we are physically seeing in broad acres, not just plots, across our footprint that gets me excited. The 2020 growing season, although better than its younger sibling 2019, has had some moisture issues. In Princeton we started out damp and cold, mid-season was great, mid/late season was dry. With Nitrogen applications timing is everything. Will you catch a rain just after applying Nitrogen to ensure the best efficacy or you may get too much rain-washing Nitrogen through the soil profile? It’s an expensive game to play. Pivot Bio has helped by taking the guess work out of at least some of your Nitrogen needs with their product ProveN. With a 12.8oz shot of ProveN with your in-furrow you are guaranteed 25 elemental pounds of Nitrogen (roughly 38lbs of synthetic N) from roughly V4-grain fill. Pivot Bio also has trials with more pounds of Nitrogen coming down the pipeline, that is awesome! That being said I don't just want to focus on the pounds of N your crop will be receiving from ProveN, I want to focus on timing and availability of N. EVERYDAY, that's right everyday your crop will get some N. What I am seeing so far this year (combine will run later this week) is 1/2" larger stalk diameter, +2 rows of kernel, longer stay green and over all better health. That is just what I am seeing above ground. Underneath the surface of the soil I am seeing better roots with more root hairs. ProveN is applied in-furrow….. Now do not get upset if you don't have in-furrow. Pivot Bio is offering money for you to put towards in-furrow if you so choose. We are also looking at ProveN from a seed treatment standpoint as well. Plus get this; if you want to run ProveN in the 2021 season and not sure if it will pay, Pivot Bio gives you the assurance you need by not charging you for their product until harvest of 2021 and if it doesn't work you don't pay. Too good to be true? That's what I thought until I met and started working with the Pivot Bio team, they are legit. ProveN is one of the only in-furrow products that will work for you all season long. So, the big question is…. "whether or whether not" (see what I did their) you choose to utilize ProveN on your corn acres for 2021. As always feel free to contact me with any questions about ProveN.
ROI Biologicals
Since I have been in the retail ag world there have always been key worded products like chelated/chelation, PGR, Humic/Fulvic Acid and even micro pak. Right now, the big word is biologicals. Bugs in a jug, right? The list of products deemed "biologicals" grows it seems almost daily. I have found myself many times questioning "how do I choose the right product for the growers I work with"? One of the key things I look for in a product and the company representing the product is their ability to teach us how and why it works. ROI Biologicals is one of the best at teaching why they created the products they have.
I am going to talk about two of their flagship products that I got started learning about, then recommending.
Amplify: 12% humic and 5% fulvic. Amplify is a humic/fulvic with an analysis on both the humic side as well as the fulvic side which sets it apart right out of the gate just looking at the label. Most companies just focus on the humic analysis because all humic has fulvic in it. So, what does Amplify do? Amplify excites and feeds the microbiology already living in the soil bringing them to life and allowing us to utilize them for nutrient breakdown and uptake in the plant and to localized protection of the seed we plant. That is just two of the many things the soil biology does.
Amplify works great in furrow a 1qt rate. In foliar applications Amplify helps get the nutrients applied alongside it into the plant. Rates for foliar applications are 1qt-1gallon.
Exalt: Is a humic/fulvic acid blended with a natural kelp PGR, Potassium, Zinc, Cobalt and Molybdenum. Exalt works great either in furrow or foliar at a 2qt-4qt use rate. I really like Exalt in furrow on both corn and beans and have also seen it work great foliar, especially on soybeans. I like the fact that a natural pgr does not negatively affect your ear size in corn and we have seen more clusters of pods added to the bean plant. As with Amplify, Exalt helps get nutrients into the plant better from soil applications to foliar applications.
These are just two of the products offered by ROI Biologicals. Give us a call and let us talk about where RIO Biologicals can work on your farm.
TEVA Corp
Top quality! From their people to their products Teva is a top-notch company with 41 years in the business of helping growers achieve higher yields. We work with Teva for full season recommendations from dry fertilizer to in furrow and foliar. We like to start the process with soil tests looking for antagonisms in your field's soil. In agriculture our top expense is fertility, so why guess at what we are doing. Teva helps us take a deeper dive into what and why we apply the fertility we do.
I have yet to receive a call concerning the quality of the product from a grower. From years of experience to real field results, working with Teva has been a positive experience for both myself as well as the grower. Their list of products and ability to make a custom blend make row centric to broadcast fertility easy for myself as well as the farmer. Top notch products with a great price and years of experience make Teva a great choice for your farming operation. Give Teva a shot, we are glad we did.
I agree with Nate, when I think about Teva Corporation, I think Quality. If you are looking to take the next step in your operation by taking a deeper dive into fertility and plant health, the people at Teva will help take you there. The people at Teva have the knowledge and will take the time with you to get you where you want to be on your farm. Their products are also produced with the grower in mind. Top quality products at an affordable price is the name of the game, and Teva gets this done.
Complex PGR- Teva’s Complex PGR is a natural PGR that has been tested on R-stage corn without any negative effects, making it much safer to use than typical synthetic, 3-way PGR’s. Another great benefit of Complex, because it is a natural PGR, it has activity in plants of up to 3x-5x longer than synthetics. Affordable, natural, and effective, Complex is a great product to use on your farm.
C-Cat- Carbon Catalyst(C-Cat) is a quality Fulvic Acid blended with other trace elements that can be applied throughout the growing season. Our customers that use C-Cat in their operation have seen great results in nutrient uptake in their crops. Whether used in-furrow to increase germination and seedling development, in side - dress applications, or broadcast foliar, C-Cat will make plants more efficient with both intake and use of nutrients.