DF Seeds is Michigan Proven
By Jan Motz | May 25, 2022
DF Seeds has expanded our seed testing program in Michigan.
John Diehl started the “Best of the Best” soybean plots. We have invited our competitors to enter the plot and compare the DF Seeds soybeans and Legacy Seeds corn portfolio to the best competitors. These plots have always been in the Dansville area near the plant for ease of evaluation. However, as our business grows, we have decided to expand the “Best of the Best” plot. This year we added a Southern Michigan plot with longer maturities and a Northern Michigan plot with shorter maturities.
In each “Best of the Best” soybean plot we will evaluate the following:
- Current lineup, non-GMO and Enlist 3 soybean lines from 2022
- New lines we are introducing for 2023 plant
- 22 experimental lines we are testing from many different genetic suppliers
- Metribuzin tolerance on all varieties
- Seed Treatment trials
- Yield, protein and oil of each variety
In addition to the “Best of the Best” plots, we will have each line evaluated in the Michigan State University soybeans trials. Each DF Seeds experimental line will be tested at the same locations as the published MSU trials. We also have Michigan State University test these experimental lines in the Sudden Death Syndrome (SDS) and White Mold locations.
Irrigation is also important in Michigan, MSU has one soybean location that is under irrigation. For the second year, we will have our newest non-GMO lines tested under irrigation at the AgroLiquid Fertilizer testing farm.
Corn is a big part of the “Best of the Best” plots in the past few years. We take the nearly 100 hybrids to yield, including Ration Choice® hybrids. Ration Choice, from Legacy Seeds, is a unique silage system designed to meet the needs of dairy and livestock operations. The program includes testing of silage yield and digestibility samples. These corn trials are expanding with southern and northern Michigan locations.
We partner with our dealers to have over 40 dealer corn and soybean plots with a smaller range of varieties and hybrids for testing under the local conditions.
Both corn and soybeans plots will include organic, conventional and the best available traits. DF Seeds evaluates more than yield. We evaluate food grade qualities like protein in soybeans. In corn, Ration Choice hybrids are specifically chosen for their silage yield along with characteristics that our customers value, characteristics such as: yield, starch, fiber, and sugar digestibility. This enables us to match the right products to your operation’s specific needs and expectations which enables you to maximize your herd’s potential.
And there’s more…. We currently have 4 winter wheat plots being evaluated. These plots along with the entries in the Michigan State University testing program will give us a solid evaluation of our 4 red wheat varieties and our 4 white wheat varieties we are going to sell this next year. That includes the two new red wheat varieties, DF 121 R and DF 131 R, that we had limited introduction of last year and the new DF 292 W that we will introduce this fall.
Rounding out our portfolio, DF Seeds has 3 alfalfa plots. We are evaluating these plots at each cutting for yield and feed quality. Stay up to date with your plots through our Facebook page.
