February 3, 2016
Investment in Clearfield® Varieties Pays Off
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.
Horizon Ag Clearfield Variety Yield Difference
Conventional Variety Profit/Loss
Bu/A
$/A
-10
$25
-5
$3
0
($19)
5
($41)
10
($63)
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. Horizon Ag Clearfield Variety Yield Difference
Clearfield Hybrid
Profit/Loss
Bu/A
$/A
-20
$10
-10
($34)
0
($77)
10
($121)
20
($143)
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 breakeven 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 6ounce 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.
www.horizonseed.com
Horizon Ag LLC
8275 Tournament Dr. Suite 255 Memphis, TN 38125
Clearfield, Newpath and Beyond are trademarks of BASF. © 2016 Horizon Ag, all rights reserved.