Record commodity prices reinforce value of seed treatments

Record commodity prices are reinforcing the need for seed treatments to protect seed investment and maximize the yield potential of every acre planted. Commodity prices for corn, cotton and soybeans have increased significantly since last spring with corn valued at more than $7 per bushel, cotton around $1 per pound and soybeans at $13 per bushel. With these commodity prices, even a small yield increase per acre can significantly improve profitability for growers.

As growers invest in high-value seed, additional land and technologically advanced equipment, and as the cost of fuel continues to rise, input costs are increasing dramatically.

Protecting front-end crop investments is becoming more important to realize optimal yield from every acre planted. Seed treatments can help growers protect their seed investment and ensure that each seed has the ability to reach its genetic potential.

"In terms of a seed treatment versus untreated, our data clearly proves there's a significant yield increase that pays for itself," said Dr. Shawn Conley, associate professor in the Department of Agronomy at the University of Wisconsin at Madison. "We're not planting 220,000 soybean seeds on June 1 anymore. We're planting 150,000 seeds (depending on where you are in the country) on April 20," explained Conley. "You're putting fewer seeds out there, so you need to protect them to make sure that your stands remain above 100,000 to avoid yield loss."

Seed treatments serve as a convenient way to manage unwanted pests by protecting crops against early-season nematodes, insects and diseases. Proven to help increase plant stand, vigor and yield potential, seed treatments promote healthy, vigorous seedlings from the first day of planting. Seed treatments such as Avicta® Complete Corn, Avicta Complete Beans and Avicta Complete Cotton nematicide/insecticide/fungicide combinations, and CruiserMaxx® Beans insecticide/fungicide protect high-value seed and help increase profitability.