USA
February 3, 2016
Horizon Ag Clearfield varieties not only offer high yield potential, but also allow for economical and effective weed control programs that positively impacts the bottom line.
The table below shows that when Clearfield and conventional varieties yield the same, you make $19 more per acre with Clearfield varieties. Although there is additional seed cost associated with Clearfield varieties, the difference in weed control expenses more than makes up the difference. The advantages become even clearer when Clearfield varieties outyield conventional varieties by 5 or 10 bushels per acre. When this happens, the profit of Clearfield varieties increases to $41 and $63, respectively.
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Horizon Ag Clearfield Variety
Yield Difference
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Conventional Variety
Profit/Loss
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Bu/A
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$/A
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-10
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$25
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-5
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$3
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0
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($19)
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5
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($41)
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10
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($63)
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Great Returns Compared to Clearfield Hybrids
While Clearfield varieties may not always outyield hybrids, the overall ROI with Clearfield varieties oftentimes comes out on top.
Many factors are at play. The table below shows a realistic profit/ loss associated with Clearfield varieties. The raw data suggests that one must make 14 bushels per acre more on Clearfield hybrids just to break even between the two products. When milling yield is taken into account, the difference becomes even greater
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Horizon Ag Clearfield Variety
Yield Difference
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Clearfield Hybrid
Profit/Loss
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Bu/A
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$/A
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-20
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$10
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-10
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($34)
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0
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($77)
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10
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($121)
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20
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($143)
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|
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On average, Clearfield hybrids mill 2 points less than Clearfield varieties. In some cases this can lead to a $0.15 per bushel increase in income for Clearfield varieties, causing the break-even yield of hybrids over varieties to increase to 18 bushels per acre.
The input data used to make comparisons are from suggested planting practices. However, when producers were surveyed, the cost difference between the two products was even more pronounced, making the break-even yield increase 20 to 30 bushels per acre. This was mainly due to seed costs being higher than anticipated due to higher than suggested seeding rates.
In addition to the obvious input cost advantage, Horizon Ag Clearfield varieties have excellent tolerance to Newpath® herbicide. For some time, we have known that injury in Clearfield hybrid rice can occur from a 6-ounce application of Newpath, especially when made early in the growing season or when the temperature is cool. Research conducted by Dr. Jason Bond at Mississippi State University pointed to the fact that, in addition to questionable tolerance to full rates of Newpath, Clearfield hybrids were also less tolerant to Beyond® compared to Clearfield varieties.
Injured rice can lead to increased fertilizer costs and more weed control issues (such as costly salvage treatments) required later in the season. This scenario can exacerbate weed escapes, decreasing yield and quality. In addition, many farmers growing hybrid rice are now making fungicide applications for sheath blight or overall plant health. This levels the playing field for cost, as most Clearfield varieties receive a fungicide application as well.
To compound the problem, many fields planted consecutively to Clearfield hybrid rice have problems with weedy rice. In this scenario, the weedy rice is resistant to Newpath and cannot be controlled, thus becoming a weed, which can affect yield and quality.
Of the Clearfield rice seed choices available for planting, Horizon Ag varieties offer the best seed cost per acre. The affordable seed costs mean farmers do not have to plant at a low seeding rate and contend with managing a thin stand after emergence.
Clearfield varieties offer outstanding package-rice quality, with desired cooking properties. They are accepted by both foreign and domestic buyers.
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