Training Camp delivers

A proving ground for products and teaching grounds for MFA

In 2012, MFA established a research and training program called Training Camp. Training Camp is used as a testing ground for new and existing fertility and crop protection products on corn and soybeans. We have also used this as a training site for retail staff across our trade territory. The first training camp was held in August 2012. We brought in 330 people, mostly MFA staff, to see the plots and demonstrations. The time spent at Training Camp allowed our employees to familiarize themselves with the issues of the growing season and better understand the products and seed and services in the MFA retail system. The second Training Camp was in July 2013 with 438 people in attendance.

In 2012 we split the Training Camp sites. The corn was near Boonville, Mo., and the soybean plots near Laddonia, Mo.

In 2013 we moved both corn and soybeans to Boonville. It allowed us to use the one location to better use the time that we had with our employees. I encourage you to ask your local managers and agronomist about their experience at Training Camp. Aside from MFA experts, we invited private industry seed, fertilizer and crop protection experts along with university weed specialists and agronomists. There was plenty to talk about.

In 2013 we also launched a variety testing protocol for MorCorn and MorSoy genetics. We placed these trials throughout our trade territory so we could see how our future lines will perform in different areas. These trials help our seed division determine what lines to bring forward and what lines may have holes or weaknesses. I have included the distribution and status of the trials in the following tables.

At Training Camp, we had variety, fungicide, foliar fertilizer, nitrogen timing, nitrogen-use-efficiency, phosphorus enhancement, tank contamination, spray drift, volatility and herbicide symptomology trials.

When you look at the data in the following charts, remember that any treatment that has the same letter following the yield showed no significant difference at P=0.10. This year is the first year of the data, and we will replicate these trials in 2014. We’ll continue to compile this information for a longer-term reference.

The nitrogen source and timing study turned out to be an interesting trial. We applied the “ATPLANT N” preemergence and the second application was at V6. After we planted corn trials, we had significant rain to incorporate the nitrogen. However, after the V6 timing, the rain had stopped. All ATPLANT treatments were statistically the same with the exception of ESN, showing that little to no nitrogen was lost from these treatments. In the ESN treatment, we applied 100 percent ESN. Agrium recommends 30 to 60 units of soluble nitrogen with ESN. With most nitrogen recommendations we use some form of a split application. Depending on the year, rain patterns and nitrogen source, yield can be significantly affected. I still recommend split applications in most situations to minimize nitrogen loss and boost utilization.

Our corn variety trial had 42 varieties. After we planted the corn, we spread 200 pounds per acre of nitrogen. Training Camp site soil fertility levels were optimal for P and K. This trial had some exceptional yields. These trials were in the river bottom ground near Boonville, Mo., on very good soil. They were all dryland.

After harvesting this trial and tabulating the data on the computer, I realized the yields were phenomenal. I had to double-check the weights of the plots to make sure that they were correct. While I don’t believe these are typical yields for this field I do believe that proper fertilization, weed control and management played a big part in achieving these high yields.
As we move into the 2014 growing season I will publish more results from our research site and in the fall of 2014 look for some results with two years of data.

Dr. Jason Weirich is the Director of Agronomy at MFA Incorporated. READ MORE FROM DR. WEIRICH HERE

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