Advanced Acre Trials to Show Value of Data-Backed Approach
In today’s challenging and changing marketplace, quality data, ag technology and agronomic expertise are critical tools that enable farmers to make informed decisions and manage for optimal return on investment (ROI) throughout the season.
This season, the WinField United agronomy team is conducting a series of trials in partnership with local retailers as a part of the new WinField® United Advanced Acre™ Rx program. Farmers who participate in the program receive a season-long plan with in-season adjustments and a service warranty for performance.
Throughout the season, we’ll be talking with agronomists who are managing Advanced Acre trials across the U.S. and posting updates regarding program recommendations. These Advanced Acre trials will help produce additional comprehensive data that supports a holistic, systems-based management approach rather than simply comparing different products or comparing treated fields to untreated fields.
How the Advanced Acre trials work
Conducted as part of the WinField United Answer Plot® program, each of the 24 Advanced Acre trial locations is aligned with a local retailer. Our teams have worked with these retail partners to determine what a standard crop management system looks like in their individual areas. From standard hybrid selection to typical nutrient management packages, they laid out a plan that would closely mimic a “standard” or “average” farm plan in that area. They will then build off that standard plan using a holistic Advanced Acre approach.
Leveraging Answer Plot data, WinField United selected the hybrid we would typically recommend for that area or that field. From a nutrient standpoint, the trials will lean on ag technology tools to dial into a nutrient recommendation. This type of detailed protocol will be created for each trial location.
Ultimately, the goal is to compare our systems approach with a standard crop management plan. These trials will allow us to build out data sets that can help farmers make more informed decisions regarding how intensely they should be managing their crops to help meet their yield goals. For example, depending on the prescription level, a fungicide may not be required, whereas advanced levels may require a mid-tier or premium fungicide product application.
What’s in it for farmers?
Data from these trials will be used locally through the use of ag technology to help deliver regional solutions. More broadly, the data will help tailor programs for certain geographies. As technology becomes increasingly prevalent on the farm, data capabilities will become even more important in helping farmers make management decisions. Ideally, the Advanced Acre trials will create a template for how your local retailer can help you create farm plans that will lead to more predictive outcomes.
Speak with your local WinField United retailer to learn more about the Advanced Acre Rx program. And be sure to keep track of what’s going on with our Advanced Acre trials over the summer and early fall through our series that will appear on winfieldunited.com/news-and-insights.
All photos are either the property of WinField United or used with permission.
Important: Before use always read and follow label instructions. Crop performance is dependent on several factors many of which are beyond the control of WinField United, including without limitation, soil type, pest pressures, agronomic practices, and weather conditions. Growers are encouraged to consider data from multiple locations, over multiple years, and be mindful of how such agronomic conditions could impact results.
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