Arthur, Illinois, USA
February 16, 2012
StollerUSA recently sponsored two test plots in Southern Illinois to help local FFA chapters experience the advancing technology available to the growing agriculture industry. The two test plots at Unity and Arthur High Schools, located in Tolono and Arthur, Illinois, demonstrated the importance of maintaining plant health throughout the entire growing season to produce higher yields and increased ROI.
Local agronomists and FFA educators worked closely with StollerUSA sales representative, Rick Gaffney, to develop a hands-on learning experience. At the Tolono trial soybeans were planted in mid May at a 150,000 plant population in a 40-acre plot. The trial included applications of Bio-Forge®, Sugar Mover and Harvest More™ Urea Mate. FFA members witnessed the impact of adverse weather conditions as summer arrived and temperatures continued to rise. From field to field, crops dried out as drought like conditions continued well into fall.
While many area soybean farmers reported crops had “shut down” due to the stress of hot temperatures and dry conditions, the FFA students monitoring the Stoller soybean test plots noted the plants continued to grow and maintain dark green foliage. Students digging up roots could visibly see larger root masses and nodulation when Stoller products were applied. The health benefits of using Stoller technology also paid off at the season end when the test plots were harvested.
“As spring turned to summer and summer to fall, we watched as fields nearby dried up from lack of rain and high temperatures,” explained Rick Gaffney, StollerUSA Sales Representative. “Using Bio-Forge and other Stoller products, the test plots stayed healthy and green all season and resulted in some pretty impressive yields.”
Harvested in early October, both plots survived a challenging growing season and produced significant yield increases. Students worked with a local grower to harvest the Arthur plot which resulted in 57 bu/acre – a 4.81 bu/acre increase over the control plot. The Tolono 40-acre soybean field also produced high yields with 57 bu/acre.
“With the average age of today’s farmer at 57, we want to do everything in our power to help the future farmers gain the knowledge and experience they’ll need to succeed.” explains Dr. Wayne Smith, General Manager at StollerUSA. “Today’s farmers need to be in tune with their plants to maximize crop yield. Stoller plant performance technology helps to deliver healthier, stronger plants and higher yielding crops.”
FFA and agricultural education is designed to prepare students for a lifetime of educated choices. StollerUSA is proud to support FFA and help young people learn lasting skills to ensure the future of agriculture. By teaching tomorrow’s leaders the importance of advanced technology StollerUSA can ensure the success of the agricultural industry for years to come.
StollerUSA is dedicated to helping producers enhance yields by maximizing genetic expression. The result is enhanced marketable yield, improved return-on-investment and improved tolerance to disease and other stress. Only Stoller products contain Stoller’s proprietary technology that is proven to ensure optimum plant growth by maintaining appropriate hormone balance in combination with supporting nutrients. Validated by Universities nationwide, Stoller’s unique formulations result in healthier, more productive crops that are better able to withstand stress and achieve their full genetic potential.
Topics
Species
