Golden Harvest increases the size and scope of the Agronomy Up Front Program in 2004.   Since 1983, Golden Harvest member companies have been providing unique agronomic information to their customers through their Agronomy Up Front^® research program. Golden Harvest member companies have expanded their research programs for 2004 with exciting new studies that will push the envelope of Golden Harvest brand hybrids.

Each year Golden Harvest member companies invest increasingly more into research in order to assist producers in achieving a profitable harvest.  More than 30 unique studies are conducted nationally each year. 

Expanded studies for 2004 include:

• Cropping System Investigations: This study has increased in scope to include nearly 50 combinations of hybrids, crop rotation, tillage, planting density, row spacing, and fertility.  Another 18 treatment combinations are included for soybeans.

• Soybean Insect and Disease Control:  Seed applied insecticides and fungicides as well as foliar insecticides and fungicides are undergoing extensive evaluation

• Hybrid Response to Population and Row Spacing:  In addition to ongoing population research in 30” rows, numerous corn hybrids are under evaluation for population response in 15” rows.

• Utility of Slow Release Nitrogen Fertilizer:  ESN, a coated slow release nitrogen fertilizer from Agrium, is compared to traditional urea to evaluate the most productive time and quantity to apply to corn.

• Corn Rootworm Studies:  Numerous studies have been established to identify the best management practices for corn rootworm control.  Aspects of this research include planting date, crop rotation, extensive examinations of Poncho® 1250, and comparing the profitability of YieldGard® traits combined with the Roundup Ready® trait.  

The Agronomy Up Front program was initiated in Nebraska in 1983.  In 2004, research is being conducted at 9 locations including Nebraska, Iowa, Illinois, Wisconsin, Michigan, and Ohio. Golden Harvest member companies are committed to advancing the success of their customers by providing them with the information they need to make sound business decisions.  Results from Agronomy Up Front research are published annually in a research summary, with the results available at www.goldenharvestseeds.com, through newsletters, as well as at agronomy meetings throughout the Midwest.

The Golden Harvest brand of hybrid corn, soybeans, sorghum and alfalfa is produced and marketed by five family-owned and managed seed companies serving farmers throughout the U.S. Corn Belt, Europe, South America and Canada. These five companies share research and marketing resources nationally, while continuing to offer the nearby service that is the heart of the seed industry.