Source: CropWatch
News service from University of Nebraska Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources Cooperative Extension

The University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension Spring Seed Guide for 2006 is available from Extension offices and will be delivered this week in the Midwest Messenger Bullseye edition.

It includes the results from a number of crop trials conducted across the state this year. In addition to sections on corn, soybean and grain sorghum, there will be sections devoted to alfalfa variety tests, grass forage tests, proso and foxtail millet, spring wheat, and oats. A section of the seed guide also contains variety descriptions and availability of certified seed being grown by members of the Nebraska Crop Improvement Association.

Trial results in the guide reflect another good year with excellent yields of both irrigated and dryland crops. Several areas of the state had some relief from several years of drought. In looking toward 2006, farmers are challenged to choose the best hybrid or variety for their farm. Identifying which ones will perform best under most conditions can be a challenge though. The top performer from one year is not always the top performer the next year. Only accumulated information from many locations, years, and sources will reveal truly superior varieties, and by then, the industry has moved on to new and improved types.

Several NebGuides are available to guide your use of the variety test information to select varieties and hybrids which can increase the profitability of raising crops.

• Using Soybean Yield Data to Improve Variety Selection — Parts I & II (1546 & 1547)
• Using Corn Hybrid Yield Data to Improve Selection of Rapidly Changing Hybrids (G1521)

Time spent now to research the attributes of various hybrids and varieties and select a balance of traits can pay big dividends next fall at harvest.

To view the variety trial results online, go to varietytest.unl.edu

Lenis Nelson
Extension CropVariety and Seed Production Specialist