Once again for 2022, First Harvest Farm Management, LLC is the lead sponsor for the “Competitive Seed Comparison Plot”, an independent test plot that evaluates hybrid seed cutting-edge technology useful for local producers. The 2022 plot will complete the third year of a three-year comparison in the use of biologics using in-furrow applied plant growth enhancements. In 2020, the First Harvest “Competitive Seed Comparison Plot” initiated the biologic trial measuring the yield benefit to in-furrow applied biologics products. In 2021 the plot repeated the 2020 parameters with 12 separate hybrids planted in multiple replications. Each hybrid was planted in 4 four-row replications in order to evaluate the benefits of 3 separate biologic products provided by plot participants New Leaf Symbiotics, Nutrien Ag Solutions, LLC, and Valent USA. Each replication using the different biologics is compared against a control involving the same hybrids without the benefit of the biologics. This allows for an unbiased comparison of each hybrid and the benefits of the biologics.
For 2022, a separate side trial will involve the application of foliar feeding products applied by a drone in a companion field next to the plot. Be sure to check out the First Harvest Farm Management, LLC website at www.fhfm.biz to follow the 2022 plot and foliar feeding trial by clicking on the First Harvest Blog link. Updates are added periodically, and readers can weigh in with comments.