USA
February 25, 2016
Planting proven, consistent-performing Clearfield® rice varieties offers farmers an opportunity to stabilize weed control costs and improve their chances for return on investment in 2016.
As many farmers look for ways to reduce their cost of production over last year, seed cost can be the first line item to consider. Although the cost of Clearfield varieties is higher than that of conventional varieties, the advantages of having the Clearfield weed control system in fields more than make up the difference.
When Clearfield varieties and conventional varieties yield the same, there is a $19 per acre advantage with Clearfield varieties. The advantages become even clearer when Clearfield varieties out yield conventional varieties by 5 or 10 bushels per acre. When this happens, the profit of Clearfield varieties increases to $41 and $63, respectively.
In fields that have been out of Clearfield production for two or more years, red rice may be a recurring pest in 2016. There are two options for controlling red rice: pin-point flood or the Clearfield System.
The Clearfield system is more economical and less time consuming. It also allows for optimum nitrogen utilization. Because of the herbicide tank-mix options labeled for Clearfield rice, control of barnyardgrass and other problem weeds can be managed efficiently and effectively. In two applications, Clearfield rice fields can be clean.
Studies have shown that rice yields decline by up to 5 bushels per barnyardgrass plant per square meter (10.7 square feet). The weed has become difficult and costly to control in rice. In Clearfield rice, farmers can spend $40 to $50 per acre on tankmix options offering excellent control of barnyardgrass. These tankmix options cannot be used in conventional rice, where farmers can spend $50 to $60 in initial weed control costs, plus upwards of another $50 for salvage treatments that may or may not work.
The Clearfield System still works where stewardship protocol has been followed. There are more tank-mix options and more effective herbicide options near soybeans when Clearfield varieties are planted. In terms of overall return on investment, many fields planted to Clearfield varieties outperformed conventional rice fields in 2015.
Of the Clearfield rice seed choices available for planting, Horizon Ag Clearfield varieties offer the best seed cost per acre. The affordable seed costs mean farmers do not have to plant at a low seeding rate and contend with managing a thin stand after emergence.
Clearfield varieties also offer outstanding package-rice quality, with desired cooking properties. They are accepted by both foreign and domestic buyers.
CL111
• Excellent yield potential in main and second crop (Gulf Coast)
• Early maturing long grain variety with outstanding grain quality and milling
• Preferred by many food companies
CL151
• Highest yielding pure-line variety on the market
• Ideal in most areas for reduced N inputs and lower seeding rates which reduce input costs
CL163
• New long grain variety with very good yield potential and grain quality
• Higher amylose than other long grain varieties on the market making it desirable for food companies and the export market
CL271
• Medium grain variety that offers blast and lodging resistance
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