This is not the year to cut back on inputs: aggressive management can mean substantial additional profits this fall.
 

Treating irrigated corn with Headline fungicide is a new program in this area, but it has proven itself across the nation in the last two years. Yield increases of 15 bushels per acre or more are common. To read more data on Headline, click here.

At today's prices, you could see increased returns of $42-$60 per acre with an input of less than $19. Not sure? Treat some half pivots and compare yields. We are happy to do this.

BASF says that Headline is best applied aerially. Treatment is best timed at tasseling. Book your acres today, so that we can treat your corn at the right time to maximize your profits.

Two major chemical options exist: Furadan and Penncap-M. The Furadan application has been used by many of our customers for years.

The single application of Furadan controls corn rootworm when they are in the larval stage. It is best used on center pivot corn, so that incorporation of the Furadan is guaranteed. With this program, you get bonus control of 1st generation European corn borer.

FMC still offers a $3 per acre rebate, but it is an instant rebate: FMC reduces the price by $3 per acre. Timing: anytime, as rootworms are now starting to feed on corn roots.

We have other customers who prefer the Penncap-M program on continuous corn. Their corn is treated twice, beginning at silking to control adult beetles for next year. Since no egg laying occurs, no spring treatment is required. With the Penncap-M program, the second application can often be used to tank mix in corn borer and spider mite applications, thereby giving them a free ride onto the crop. The Penncap-M program requires careful scouting, and might be better done with a consultant. 　

We've used High NRG-N for a number of years and it's still a good product.

However, we are excited about two new products: N-Pact (UAP/Loveland) and KQ-XRN (Kugler), both of which are slow release methylene urea nitrogen products. These products provide yield boost on wheat with no burn. Even better, they are more economical.

We used N-Pact on some of the wheat topdress this year, and we expect to use both of the methylene urea products next year on wheat.

Another way to use these products is to add a gallon of the KQ-XRN or N-Pact in with glyphosate on corn, or with a Headline application. When piggybacking the fertilizer with an existing application, you add around $6 to the application, but you get faster burndown with glyphosate and the real chance of substantial yield boost in the corn crop. It is possible to see 5-8 bushel per acre increases with a marginal cost of only 1.5 bushels of corn.