We hit the road last week and landed in panhandle of Texas. First stop was Dimmitt Texas to catch up with Donny Carpenter. He informed us that the .6″ of rain  experienced in October 2010 is the last natural moisture they’ve seen.  Irrigation is the name of the game… and even that is challenged by the high evaporation rates that occur with the blustery 97 degree winds that have blown through the area. Even the slightest problem in the irrigation system nozzles is amplified.  Crop stress is always high in this part of the country…but this year is unreal!!

Surprisingly Donny has some good looking corn. He attributes that to the close monitoring of his crops so he can address problems as soon as they are revealed. Seed treating with Bio-Forge is also part of his program (He tested it in 2010 and has added it to his broad acreage program)

Next stop is Hart Texas to visit with yield contest winner Steve Albracht. Steve had some stellar looking corn and cotton crops that he let us inspect up close. Like Donny, Steve explained that crop stress conditions were at intense levels.  In fact, some farmers have decided to abandon crops to downsize  to manageable irrigation areas. Again evaporation is happening at an unbelievably fast rate.
Steve seed treated his cotton and corn seed with Bio-ForgeST. He explained that Bio-Forge enhanced his emergence and early seedling vigor.
By July 7th we saw obvious differences. The Bio-Forge treated cotton seed developed into healthy cotton plants, taller with more bowls and a larger root system than the untreated crops. The plants looked great.

The Bio-Forge treated corn had larger root system and healthier, sturdier stalks. The leaves were uncurled and enduring the high heat conditions much better than untreated plants. You could see the difference with the naked eye. Steve is coming continuing to treat his corn plants with full Stoller program that includes foliar Bio-Forge applications. The program is based on his soil and environmental conditions and his overall crop management program.

What kind of stress issues are you facing this growing season? Hot? Cold? Dry? Or Wet?

Stress is stress…. a Stoller program can help you face stress head on!