Agronomy Articles
Why Seed Selection Matters in South Dakota
By Allen Johansen, Agronomy Department Purchasing Manager
Seed selection plays a critical role in the success of corn and other crops in South Dakota, as the state faces unique environmental challenges and agricultural conditions. Choosing the right seed variety can directly influence yield potential, pest resistance, drought tolerance, and overall crop health. Here are a few reasons why seed selection is so important for South Dakota farmers:
1. Pest and Disease Management
South Dakota’s corn fields are often under threat from pests like corn rootworm, corn borers, and aphids. Selecting seed with traits designed to combat these pests, such as Bt corn hybrids or SmartStax PRO™ technologies, can minimize the impact of pest damage and reduce the need for chemical insecticides. This helps maintain healthier crops and improves yield consistency.
2. Environmental Conditions
South Dakota’s climate can be unpredictable. Choosing seed with drought and cold tolerance traits ensures that crops are better equipped to withstand these challenges. Hybrids with such traits can perform well in varying soil conditions and during periods of environmental stress, ensuring a more reliable harvest.
3. Soil Type and Regional Adaptation
Different soil types within South Dakota require specific seed varieties to maximize yields. Some hybrids perform better in loamy or clay soils, while others are better suited for sandy or drought-prone soils. Selecting the right seed variety adapted to the region ensures optimal growth and reduces the risk of poor crop performance.
4. Yield Potential
Seed selection directly impacts the potential for high yields. Hybrids designed for high productivity, such as those with improved genetics or traits that improve nutrient uptake, will yield better results. This is especially important in South Dakota, where maximizing yield is key to profitability.
5. Resistance to Weather Extremes
The unpredictable weather in South Dakota can range from flooding to extreme heat. Seed varieties that offer resilience to stressors like temperature fluctuations or excess moisture can help ease the impacts of these events and contribute to higher crop stability.
Conclusion
Seed selection is an important decision for farmers in South Dakota, directly influencing their crop’s ability to thrive in challenging conditions. By choosing the right seed varieties with traits tailored to their specific needs, farmers can improve pest management, adapt to environmental changes, and maximize yield potential, ensuring a more successful and profitable growing season. If you have not purchased your seed needs yet don’t be afraid to call one of our agronomists so they can help you make the right decision!
1/24/2025
Preparation for Spring 2025
By Andy Stapleton, Precision Ag Manager
Analyzing yield data during the winter is a helpful tool when deciding on variable rate planting for the next season.
The main goal of variable rate seeding is placing the seed at the right population in the right place to optimize yield potential of a given zone. This should lead to more stable yields across the entire field. Same process with variable rate fertility practices, variable rate seeding should be looked at as another risk management tool that increases production over time.
Most seeding maps start with several years of yield data combined into a normalized yield map with generally 3-5 zones. In addition to yield data, soil test data can be added for more detailed zone management. These management zones will allow you to determine yield capability and arrive at a proper plant population for each zone.
Variable rate seeding prescriptions are included in all our CMT packages. If this is something you would like to try this season, please submit any yield data to either myself or your sales agronomist.
1/10/2025
Into the Future
By Ryan McGinnis, Agronomist, Dimock
The end of 2024 brought South Dakota a nice surprise. Moisture was much needed going into the new year. Most, if not all, of our growers are finished with their fall fertility/spreading. Warm December weather has allowed growers to finish applying fall herbicides such as Valor, making springtime crop protection easier for everyone. Unfortunately, grain prices still aren’t in favor of the farmer currently. Fertilizer prices continue to increase, making things more difficult for growers as well. The new year brings new opportunities for Central Farmers Cooperative. Having a good group of co-workers who care makes a world of difference in this industry. I’m excited to look into the future and be a part of what this company represents and stands for.
1/3/2025
Agronomy Staff
 Jeff Schmiesing
Agronomy Dept. Manager
Cell: 605-940-7665
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 Allen Johansen
Agronomy Dept.
Purchasing Manager
Cell: 605-661-4882
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