Des Moines, Iowa
December 29, 2008
Kip Cullers of K&K Farms in Purdy,
Missouri, impressed the agricultural world the previous two
years by smashing soybean production records with yields of 139
bushels per acre in 2006 and 154 bushels per acre in 2007. In
2008, he didn't break his own record yields, but accomplished
another advancement by surpassing 100-bushel yields consistently
across large fields, not just contest plots.
"I had an 85-acre irrigated field yield 103 bushels per acre and
another 160-acre field make 106 bushels per acre," notes Kip
Cullers. "We're managing our non-contest fields a lot like our
contest beans, which has boosted yields."
Cullers' contest entry for the Missouri Soybean Association
(MSA) yield contest - 117 bushels per acre with
Pioneer® brand 94B73 (RR)
soybean variety - was still enough to win the contest for the
third year in a row. It was in the MSA contest that Cullers set
and broke soybean yield records. Cullers continues to hold the
world record for soybean yields with his 2007 yield of 154
bushels with Pioneer soybean variety 94M80 (RR).
"I like to challenge myself to do better every year," says
Cullers. "The weather this year didn't cooperate for a world
record breaker - too many cool and wet days. However, we are
very pleased with the yields we achieved."
The 100-plus bushel, non-contest soybean fields, planted to
Pioneer soybean variety 94B73 for seed production, were
irrigated and yield averages include the non-irrigated corners.
Test plots on Cullers' farm for Pioneer Y Series soybeans also
yielded more than 100 bushels per acre, even with
less-than-ideal weather conditions to start the 2008 growing
season.
"While world records are gratifying, averaging 100 bushels or
better on the larger soybean production acreage is even more
exciting," says Cullers. "It's important to put the right
genetics on the right field, and incorporating management
practices across the board has helped us reach and maintain
higher yields."
"Reaching these yield levels continues to support that it's a
new day for soybeans, with yields moving dramatically higher
with these new products," says Dale R. Ludwig, MSA executive
director/CEO. "This puts the spotlight on production management
practices and the latest genetics."
Cullers' attention to detail and proactive management style
helped him achieve his high yields. He monitors his fields
closely to check for production challenges, such as disease and
insects. Cullers says a good fungicide program is critical to
growing quality crops, as are good genetics.
Cullers co-owns and operates a diversified farm, K&K Farms,
located southeast of Joplin, Mo. Cullers has been involved in
farming for more than 20 years, owning or managing farms in
Newton and Barry counties in Missouri. He manages more than
5,000 acres of corn, soybeans, green beans and greens - spinach,
collard, kale, mustard and turnip. The farming operation is
located in Missouri's fertile Newtonia red soil. K&K Farms also
includes beef, hay and poultry.
For more information on Pioneer brand soybeans or to learn more
about varieties best suited for your area, contact your local
Pioneer sales professional or visit
www.pioneer.com/soybeans.
Pioneer Hi-Bred, a DuPont business, is the world's leading
source of customized solutions for farmers, livestock producers
and grain and oilseed processors. With headquarters in Des
Moines, Iowa, Pioneer provides access to advanced plant genetics
in nearly 70 countries.
DuPont is a science-based products and services company. Founded
in 1802, DuPont puts science to work by creating sustainable
solutions essential to a better, safer, healthier life for
people everywhere. Operating in more than 70 countries, DuPont
offers a wide range of innovative products and services for
markets including agriculture and food; building and
construction; communications; and transportation.
®Registered trademark of Pioneer Hi-Bred
RR = Contains the Roundup Ready® gene
® Roundup Ready is a registered trademark used under license
from Monsanto Company. |
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