FIRST Host Brian Herbst talks about decision points for planting and seed selection.

Brian Herbst has hosted a FIRST plot in Kasson, MN for more than 20 years. He takes a broad and deep interest in on-farm research. We talked recently about what’s new on his farm, and some of the tools he is using to manage production decisions.

Herbst noted, “seed genetics have changed a lot, as shown by the national yield trend.” He has noticed how plants can handle a lot of these changes, shifts in weather patterns and operation schedules. These days genetics can be matched with management practices to see more success, for example in no-till vs. conventionally tilled fields.

“Planting is the most difficult time to make decisions of the year”, Herbst mused. He said he has made all the mistakes: planting in less than ideal soil conditions, too early, too late. Sometimes it works out perfectly, and it looks like a smart play.

To try to better understand what is happening under the soil surface, Herbst implemented an extensive DNA soil testing program last fall. He noticed for example, “farms that had less history of fungicide application, had higher levels of mycorrhizal fungi.” He said the information about soil biological conditions gives something new to consider when balancing input decisions. This year, Herbst is using biologicals and humates in some fields to help sustain the organisms at work in the soil nitrogen cycle. He suggests exploring and testing something new every year to keep farming from getting stale.

Considering seed inputs, Herbst uses some online tools available in the industry for hybrid selection. He described looking for how seed performs in the same soil types as his farms. Some of these tools use on-farm data compiled from various users. While a good resource, he likes using FIRST data for the “controlled scenario” of randomized, replicated plots with data collected with specialized equipment by research professionals. “That’s FIRST advantage over other tools, and it goes a long way.” Herbst suggested that other data is not as secure and trusted as FIRST trials.    

FIRST is working to introduce new tools to summarize trials information by soils, management, and environmental factors. The opportunity to maximize information about genetics by environment (GxE) is something that FIRST wants to provide to all American producers, giving them independent information to make the right choices for their farms.