Archive for January, 2010

17th Annual US AG Associates comes to a close

Saturday, January 30th, 2010

Over 36 research presentations  on crops from throughout the world are  complete and this unique international conference comes to a close.

With the focus on increased plant productivity and understanding what technologies and factors can positively impact crop yields the audience of over 100 experts was engaged from beginning to end.

Armed with enthusiasm and data, the group was encouraged to take the information shared and push for further advancements that will benefit growers and help the food-deficient world market.

A humble meeting that began 17 years ago in Chicago has grown to a completely unique gathering where those passionate about crops and plant health are encouraged to challenge one another to think beyond the traditional   and  break barriers to new levels of yield performance

To hear interviews with various participants go to AgWired US AG Associates Coverage

Founder and CEO of Stoller Enterprises, Jerry Stoller proclaimed the 17th conference as one of the best so far…sighting the innovation, creativity and quest for solutions that is the underlying theme of the gathering.

For more information on how to obtain an invitation to next year’s event or to get specific info on the research covered at the conference email stoller@stollerusa.com

US Ag Associates–Making Friends and Fun

Saturday, January 30th, 2010

The US AG Associates Conference is rich with data, research and information sharing.  But even those passionate about plants and crops must take a break from power points, lectures, and seminars.

That break came in the form of easy and enjoyable networking…at the lunch table, over morning muffins and coffee or at the “casino night” hosted by Stoller.

Dairy Nutrition Alert: Treated feed enhances milk production and herd health.

Saturday, January 30th, 2010

The US Ag Associates conference held some good news for dairy farmers.  In recent years Dairy farmers treating their alfalfa with Stoller’s products (Bio-Forge, FoliZyme) experienced improved milk production. Some even attributed better herd health to the feed that had been treated with Stoller products.  Data was shared from Homestead Nutrition, University of Wisconsin ( on corn silage trials) and Advanced Ag.

In Alfalfa trials Homestead Nutrition recorded a 13% increase in Milk/Acre with alfalfa treated using a proprietary treatment that includes Stoller technology.

University of Wisconsin Silage trails showed that seed treated corn silage increased milk/acre by 700 lbs or +2%

Advanced Ag reported seeing longer stand life, improved root growth, reduced leaf hopper injury, lower disease and improved forage quality.

Lots of interest and excitement on the potential for dairy operations.  While more validating research needs to be done…the initial feedback from dairy farmers is a big THUMBS UP!

Soybeans: improved disease resistance = higher yields

Saturday, January 30th, 2010

Denny Wildman from Advanced Ag in Ohio speaks about his soybean trials. White mold and other disease issues rob farmers of yield potential.  Denny emphasized that  keeping the plant healthy makes it more resistant to disease. The program of Stoller products– including X-Tra Power, Frame Concentrate, and Bio-Forge performed in test plots, offering yield increases and bigger differences from control plot.  Results were not as dramatic as in the test plots of past years… Denny speculated the cool and wet growing conditions contributed to this.

As farmers consider inputs many attendees  felt it wasjust as  important to promote the plant health–as a proactive  approach to disease control.

Bio-Forge Seed Treatment– a new no muss, no fuss option for farmers?

Wednesday, January 27th, 2010

Corn seed treatment trial data was presented. Surprisingly this data did not come from Iowa or Illinois but from Wisconsin and China.

The study by Niki Chen  concluded that the treatment improved the overall plant health at each observation check point.  She noted a stronger root system, better crop height at at harvest and  the overall plot yield increase report was 7.55%.

In Wisconsin Darwin Lawson reported consistent positive yield results with conventional hybrids.  The yield bump went as high as 16 bu/acre.  Discussion on soil chemistry and phosphor levels gave possible insight into the results experienced.

Cost effectiveness and efficiency are fueling the growing interest in seed treatment of corn.  Stay tuned for future developments.