The 2014 growing season held true to the old adage, “no two years are the same.” In Eastern Nebraska, we started with unusually cool temperatures during planting with three nights of frost advisories. That hurdle was then followed by heavy storms producing multiple hail storms. Finally, we faced cool temperatures during the grain fill period for most of Eastern Nebraska. When it was all said and done, yields were surprisingly very good.
Soybean yields were no exception in exceeding grower’s expectations. In the mid-maturity group, the 2408R2 and 2500NR2 have produced great yields while under stress. In the full season group, the 3101NR2 and 3300NR2 soybeans performed well through this year’s growing conditions. This held true even in replant situations with many field averages coming out in the mid 60 bushel/acre range.
Overall, corn yields were very good this year with a few exceptions where the compounded stresses (early frosts, hail, weather conditions at pollination) throughout the year ended up to be too overwhelming. Both irrigated and dryland acres averaged yields similar to last year when Mother Nature provided a chance for them to do so. Insect pressure was down as a whole when compared to previous years. However, disease pressure was a bit heavier this season, which was not surprising due to the early hail storms. Cool, damp conditions later in the season only furthered the progression of the diseases. Surprisingly though, many fields that had begun to show signs of disease were able to hold them off to full maturity with minimal yield loss, even in a climate conducive to the spread of the disease. In the end, some of the hybrids in our lineup that really shined this year were 7198STXRIB, 7213VT2RIB and 7268STXRIB, all of which were in the top third of most plots.
Take a look for yourself at all of our corn and soybean product performances on the web at http://yourdealersite.thinkcaliber.com/yield-results/. Please contact your District Sales Manager or Agronomist in regards to additional information for any corn or soybean products to place on your farm.
