Search Results

As you may have seen mentioned in last week’s edition of This Week at Red Barn Enterprises Jenny and I had the opportunity to attend FarmCon in Kansas City January 3rd and 4th . It was our first time attending this conference, hosted by Kevin VanTrump and The VanTrump Report but it certainly won’t be our last. One of the keynote speakers who resonated with me most talked about data and how more data doesn’t necessarily lead to better decisions. He talked about some research that was done on the accuracy of a decision based on the number of data points the person had to base the decision on. In the study they found that a group of doctors was more likely to make an accurate decision when they were given 10 pieces of information about the problem than when they were given 1000. Really, it’s interesting, but I’m sure many of you have heard of or experienced “Analysis Paralysis.” You know, when you have so much information you just can’t seem to figure out what the right decision is. Believe me I totally understand!! The second week of January I spent three days in Des Moines, Iowa at my first Winter Production meeting with Axis Seeds. If ever a person was going to be hit with Analysis Paralysis this is the perfect opportunity. Over the course of two days, around 12 hours spent in meetings, I was presented with the breeding, product placement, and yield data on around 80 new corn hybrids and 80 new soybean varieties. So, with all this information what do we do now? Step back, look at the 10 things that are the most important to the region we work in and the growers we serve, and make a decision. The decision I made was that I need to “Dial in the Data,” and how we do that is by selecting the top hybrids for our region based on the genetic team’s data and growing them right here in our own back yards. Testing them in ways that are important to our customers, and advancing only the ones that have the top yield and agronomic qualities that we need right here in Western Kansas. So, in 2024 we are going to pivot – I know it’s a big buzz word! But we have decided to change course and do more local testing of hybrids before they advance to our product line up than we have ever before. A few ways we are going to do this are: Strip-Trials 4-6 rows planted of each hybrid 600-1000 feet in length with a check hybrid. These trials will mostly consist of Experimental hybrids that are not yet commercially available. Flex Trials 2-4 row trial planted at 5 different populations under irrigation, populations will range from 10,000 – 32,500 used to demonstrate and push ear-flex to the maximum. pH Trials 2 row trials planted 1-200 feet in length in an area known to be very chlorotic. Primarily used for visual pH ratings throughout the season. Show-Trials 4-6 rows planted of each hybrid 600-1000 feet in length with a check hybrid. Primarily consisting of commercial hybrids used to evaluate yield as well as a place for growers to look at new hybrids for their farms. This data won’t replace the information we receive from the genetic teams of each of the corn companies, but it will help us “Dial in the Data,” so you can be confident that when you plant Axis Seed on your farm, you’re getting the most localized hybrid selection, with the highest seed quality in the industry, backed by the best service in your field. If you are interested in being one of our testing partners, or if you know of someone who does an excellent job on their farm with testing, please let us know. We would love the opportunity to work with you!

Stop trying to make hybrid selections. Wait, what?  Yield is determined by a complex combination of Genetics, Management, and Environment. Or in simple terms G x M x E = Yield. Some have even referred to G, M, and E as the three legs of the “Yield Stool.” And from this perspective, each of the three legs of the stool are equally important.  Have you ever tried to sit on a three-legged stool whose legs aren’t equal in length? The reality is that a stool with unequal legs, while it may be difficult to sit on, is exactly how yield is made. It’s more like: Yield is the seat, the level of productivity that we can measure from a given combination of Genetics, Management, and Environment, and each of the legs is not equal .  So, what do you think is the most impactful leg? Environment?  In measurable terms you are exactly right. Based on university research approximately 48% of yield can be attributed to “climate” or the environment in which your crop is grown.  What’s interesting though is most growers believe after the environment that genetics is the next largest variable in the yield equation.  Management, or as the university research calls it “agronomic,” is the second most important leg on the stool, accounting for around 39% of final yield .  What is “agronomic” you might think, for the most part it is you and the management decisions you make. The tools, timing, and products you choose to use to produce a crop. And I would argue that YOU are the most important variable.  Why? Because you can’t control the weather, and if you are doing the math with me, you’ve already figured out that Genetics only accounts for around 13% of final yield. Of the 52% of total yield that you have control of, how much time are you spending on the 13% that is determined by genetics? And how much time are you spending on improving the 39%, the management? The most valuable part of your operation, the part you have complete control of and where you can make the biggest effect on yield on your farm. So, STOP trying to make hybrid selections!  That’s where our team and the team of genetics and trait suppliers can make the most impact on your operation – identifying, testing, and selecting for production, only the very best products. Then placing the best in the fields on your farm where they fit, assisting you in making timely management decisions about those hybrids, and watching with you as the harvest results roll across the scale.

LEOTI, Kan. – Red Barn Enterprises is excited to announce it has entered into a partnership with Axis Seed, a growing Midwest company with a proven track record of helping farmers boost yields and increase profits. Founded in 2009, Axis Seed is a family-owned business that emphasizes customized planning and premium products. It has earned a reputation for offering exceptional seed – and delivering the quality service and local expertise that growers need. The partnership will give Red Barn access to an unparalleled seed portfolio, giving the company more and better options to recommend to growers. “From day one, we have been committed to helping local farmers increase their production, achieve their goals, and grow their farms,” said Matt Long, owner of Red Barn Enterprises. “By partnering with Axis Seed, we’ll be able to provide the latest genetics, traits, and technology to our customers. That means giving them the best options for their exact growing conditions and yield goals.” Long and his wife, Jenny, founded Red Barn Enterprises in 2009. The couple has taken immense pride in helping farmers increase their production and achieve their goals. Because they are farmers themselves, the Longs possess a firsthand understanding of the obstacles farmers in western Kansas face- and what it takes to overcome them. As the Longs learned more about Axis Seed, it was apparent that the two companies’ priorities and philosophies aligned. “It became clear to us that we share a lot of the same values,” Long said. “It is about families serving families—and that was extremely important to us.” While Axis Seed has a national reach, it maintains a regional mindset by partnering with Independent Regional Companies (IRCs) that are free to make their own decisions and keep dollars in their local communities. This unique model ensures that local customers are being serviced by local experts with specific knowledge on the region and its soils. As the latest IRC operating under the Axis Seed umbrella, Red Barn Enterprises will remain the same locally owned and operated company customers have come to rely on. “The only thing that will change for you is having better options for improving your yields,” Long said. Contact: Matt Long620-312-7696matt@redbarnenterprises.com