From our farm...to your farm. Dear Friends in Agriculture,

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1 Dear Friends in Agriculture, Have the latest trends in agribusiness left you with more questions than answers about the future of your farm, the products you use and the services you receive from local suppliers? Corporate Ag Business has given us remarkable technologies that benefit our farming operations. In the process, there has also been some restructuring of companies that has left many growers, like you, with more questions than answers. Ownership has changed for several companies in our marketing area over the past two years. These changes are limiting their ability to offer customers a broad diversity of traits and genetics. However, as you read through this publication, take note of how customers are taking advantage of our independence to give themselves freedom to choose the best genetics and traits from many different sources. Our strength is our #2 brand position in Indiana, and we are now the largest family-owned retail seed company in the United States. We have been a family farm for over 100 years and a seed company for 70 years, providing our customers with the best in traits and genetics and providing them the opportunity to do business with a company that better understands the needs of family farms. Because our family roots are in farming, we demonstrate our passion for learning how to farm better through the continued expansion of our practical farm research program. This past spring we purchased farm ground near Bloomington, IL so that farmers in central Illinois can benefit from practical research conducted in their soil types and environment. We thank you for taking time to read through this publication to better understand how Beck s can provide you with freedom... freedom to choose the products and traits that you desire in the best genetics for your farm and to incorporate them into your farm using the most profitable farming practices for your operation. Sincerely, Scott Beck Vice President Anniversary From our farm...to your farm

2 2006 RESEARCH PLOTS Field K South 270' th 440' Field K Purdue Nitrogen Rates NTB Seed Trt. Study in Stress Soil 300-6N Alfalfa Lime Study New Bean Varieties Triple Stack 300-5N Drill Corn Organic C=Beans B=Corn A=Beans C B A 300' 300-5S Soybean Foliar Fungicide Pumpkins and Insecticide Test H2 190' H3 Advanced ZTC Fungicide Study 50' 80' 80' Advanced Conv-Till Beans (1 rep.) 300 Bushel Attempt Cont. Corn 2nd yr. Corn H1 Soybean Population and Foliar Fungicide H5 H4 Advanced NTB 2 Reps 160' 160' 80' 60' Advanced Conv-Till Corn 180' 300 Bushel Attempt Soybean High Yield Trt Study 1st yr. Corn 6YC 2YC 1YB 1YC L1 L2 L3 E3 E 5 Zone-Till Cont. Corn Corn Seed Trt including Poly Buildup E1 280 E 6 305' E 7 E2 Determinator Corn Planter Study E 8 E4 E 9 Truck Shed 180' E 10 PARKING LOT Shop Pumps 140' GRAIN CENTER FERTILIZER PLANT E 12 E 13 Cont. Cont. Beans Beans Conv. No-Till 80' 80' 80' 80' 80' 80' 80' 80' T1 Tiled T2 Untiled Cont. Corn Conv. Beans Conv. Beans No-Till 125' Beans GREENHOUSE GREENHOUSE Plant D1 Sure Gro vs. Untreated Early April F1 RESEARCH DEV. CENTER D2 F2 TOWER PARKING LOT Office D3 Soybean Seed Treatments 2 reps BULK STORAGE COB STORAGE F3 LOADING DOCK WAREHOUSE WAREHOUSE WAREHOUSE BULK STORAGE SEED CORN DRYER F4 WAREHOUSE WAREHOUSE A1 Beans WAREHOUSE WAREHOUSE 140' 240' 120' N4 N5 Soybean Beans N6 Seed Treatment 15 Show Plot D.O.P. Conv.-Till Beans 180' 180' 140' N1 Corn EPC/D.O.P. N2 QTP N3 Silage A2 Corn WAREHOUSE WAREHOUSE Tile and Corn Strip Crop 20 Row 30 Row Herbicide Starter Pasture Study with RR 270' 280' Corn Corn Corn Sens. Fertilizer T4 Untiled Population Population Study Beans 300' 30' 285' 160' 160' 80' 180' Corn and Beans NutriDense 7½ vs. 15 vs. 30 Row Study Corn Zone-Till Corn Conv. T3 Tiled BECK Ex Test NEW TOWER 225' Office Corn Plot 105' 175' B3 A3 PU Nitrogen Rates A7 Rootworm Control Study A8 Long-term RR vs Trad. Systems (2YC) A9 CornSeed Treatments including Poly Buildup 160' Pasture Corn Seed Treatment 180' 200' 153' A6 460' B1 520' B2 Sur egro A4 Crop and Herbicide Rotation (Roundup Ready Corn 2 vs. Herculex Technologies) Nitrogen Form Study Annual Ryegrass Cruiser on Soybeans vs. Sure Gro only Soybean Fungicide and Insecticide Study 290' 564' approx. 440' W Filler Soybeans A5 N S E Field C North Beans Field C Middle Field C South Wheat Beans Beans Population Study 580' 160' 440' 216' 480' 288' BECK'S HYBRIDS 6767 E. 276th Street Atlanta, IN YES-BECK Cruiser is a registered trademark of Syngenta. Poncho, Liberty and LibertyLink are trademarks of Bayer. Herculex is a registered trademark of Dow AgroSciences. NutriDense, CLEARFIELD and Lightning are registered trademarks of BASF. Intellicoat and Early Plant are registered trademarks of Landec Corporation. FaSTart and Sure Gro are trademarks of Beck s Hybrids. QTP and Quality Trait Products are registered trademarks of Beck s Hybrids. YieldGard, YieldGard VT, YieldGard VT Triple, YieldGard VT Rootworm/RR2, Roundup Ready and Vistive are trademarks of Monsanto Technology, LLC.

3 TABLE OF CONTENTS 3 MULTI-YEAR COMPARISONS Page Corn Summary 6-13 Soybean Summary PRACTICAL CORN RESEARCH Agronomic Research Studies and Plots Page Office Show Plot 18 Atlanta Show Plot 19 Arcadia Show Plot 20 Early Plant Corn Tech. and Planting Date Study 21 High School Educational Plot 22 Advanced Hybrid Corn Plot in HP and MP Soils 23 Tile and Strip Crop Study 24 Tiling Study Bu. Attempt 26 De-Terminator Corn Planter Study Zone-Till vs. Conv.-Till Long Range Study - CAB 34 Zone-Till vs. Conv.-Till Continuous Corn Study 35 Purdue Nitrogen Rate Study CAB vs. CAA 36 Nitrogen Form Study 37 Purdue Nitrogen Rate and Population Study 37 Starter Fertilizer Study 38 Lime Study II on Corn Row Corn Population Study 40 Herbicide Sensitivity Study 41 Crop & Herbicide Rotation Study 2 Yr Corn-1 Yr Soy. 42 Roundup Ready vs. Trad. Systems Long Term Study 43 Extensive Seed Treatment Study on Corn Corn Rootworm Control Study Row Drill Corn Study 46 Quality Trait Products 47 NutriDense Study 48 Corn Silage Study 49 PRACTICAL ALFALFA RESEARCH Page 2007 Alfalfa Highlights 50 PRACTICAL SOYBEAN RESEARCH Agronomic Research Studies and Plots Page Office Show Plot 51 Traditional Soybean Variety Plot 51 Atlanta Show Plot 52 Arcadia Show Plot Row Show Plot 54 Soybean Variety Plot Field C 55 Planting Date Study on Soybeans 56 Advanced Soybeans in No-Till and Conventional 57 No-Till vs. Conv.-Till Long Range Soybean Study vs. 15 vs. 30 Row Spacing & Population Study 60 Soybean Population Study 61 High Yield Soybean Study 61 PRACTICAL SOYBEAN RESEARCH CONT. Agronomic Research Studies and Plots Page Soybean Seed Treatment Study 62 Sure Gro vs. Untreated Soybeans Early April Planting 63 Lime Study on New Soybean Varieties 64 Fungicide Timing & Population Study 65 Foliar Fungicide and Insecticide Study 65 Cruiser Large Block Study 66 Micronutrient Study on Soybeans 66 No-Till Double-Crop Soybeans after Wheat Study 67 SOUTHERN PRACTICAL FARM RESEARCH Agronomic Research Studies and Plots Page Corn After Soybeans Show Plot 68 Corn After Corn Show Plot Bu. Corn Study Tillage System Study 71 Strip Crop Study Corn Rootworm Study 73 Corn Planting Date & Population Study 74 Seed Treatment Study 75 Corn Nitrogen Timing Study Starter Fertilizer Study 77 Purdue Nitrogen Rate Study 78 Herbicide Study on Corn 79 Fungicide Study on Corn 80 Replant Corn Study 81 Double Crop Corn Study 82 Soybean Show Plot 83 Seed Treatment Study 83 Wheat / Double Crop Soybean Systems Study Double Crop Seed Treatment Study 85 Double Crop Soybean Population Study 86 Double Crop Foliar Fungicide & Insecticide Study 86 Foliar Fungicide and Insecticide Study 87 Soybean Planting Date & Population Study 88 FREESTAR AG SERVICES PRACTICAL FARM RESEARCH Agronomic Research Studies and Plots Page Corn Planting Date Study 89 Corn Population Study 90 Twin Row Corn Population Study 90 Seed Treatment Study 91 Fungicide & Insecticide Application Timing Study 92 Soybean Gaucho / Cruiser Study 93 Soybean Row Width & Population Study 94 Soybean Optimize Study Independent Test Results Page Purdue & University of Illinois 95 F.I.R.S.T. Results 95 University of Kentucky 95

4 4 TABLE OF CONTENTS FARMER TEST PLOTS - CORN Farmer Cooperator Area of State County Page Allyn Farms Southwest IN Posey 124 Anliker Farms Northwest IN Pulaski 99 Anson, John Northeast IN Huntington 106 Arnold, Dick Northeast IN Wells 106 Begle, Paul Southwest IN Spencer 119 Bennett, Kirk North Central IN Starke 103 Booher, Reese Southwest IN Greene 121 Bosse, Jay Northwest OH Hancock 134 Brownstown Ag Center Southern IL Fayette 160 Brummett, Rick Northwest IN White 100 Cates, Lester & Wendell Central IN Grant 111 Chamberlain, Mark Michigan Lenawee 143 Collins, Ken West Central IN Tippecanoe 108 Conrad, David Central IN Madison 115 Cooper Farms, Inc. Southeast IN Orange 131 Daube, Steve Central IN LaPorte 103 Davis, Earl Northwest IN Benton 100 DeFreese, Ben West Central IN Tippecanoe 110 Douglas, Alan Southwest IN Gibson 128 Drobny, Chad Michigan Kalamazoo 144 Duncan, Brien West Central IN Fountain 109 Duttlinger Farms Northwest IN Jasper 98 Ebelhar Farms Kentucky Daviess 164 Engels, Don Northeast IL La Salle 147 Fischer, Rick Southwest IN Posey 122 Flat Branch Farms Kentucky McLean 165 Folz Farms Kentucky Christian 164 Fox, A & R East Central IL Livingston 152 Francis, Jeff & Brian West Central OH Miami 143 Franz, Duane Northeast IN Allen 104 Fuhs Brothers Southwest IN Gibson 125 Gable, John West Central IN Montgomery 108, 109 Gettinger, Neil East Central IN Wayne 118 Gieseke, Nathaniel Central IL Logan 157 Goetz, Duane Michigan Lenawee 145 Gretencord, Gary Northwest IN Benton 97 Grubaugh, Jim & Son Northwest OH Paulding 137 Hackman, Denver Southeast IN Jackson 129 Harvey Farms Northeast IN Wells 107 Haulk Farms Southwest IN Martin 125 Haynes Dairy Farm, Inc. Northeast IN DeKalb 105 Heidrick, Brian East Central IL Vermilion 149 Henderson Grain Farms Central IN Carroll 113 Hirsch Genetics Southwest IN Gibson 123 Hite Farms Central IN Howard 112 Holland, Jack Central IL McLean 157 Houin, Marvin North Central IN Marshall 101 Jackson Farms Southwest IN Posey 127 Johnson Grain Farms, Inc. Central IN Hamilton 111 Kincaid Ag Services Southwest IN Sullivan 126 King, Rick Northwest OH Paulding 132 Kissel, Joe Southwest IN Gibson 120 Klise, Rex North Central IN Miami 101 Knippen, Ralph Northwest OH Allen 134 Kunz, Jim Southeast IN Decatur 130 Lane, Greg Central IL Mason 156 Langfeldt, Jon North Central IN Marshall 102 Lawson Farms Central IN Boone 116 Lawyer, Tim East Central IN Randolph 117 Lehman, Amos West Central OH Darke 141 Maneval Farms Northwest OH Williams 135 FARMER TEST PLOTS - CORN Farmer Cooperator Area of State County Page Martin, Kay & Dave Central IN Carroll 116 Mathews Farms Central IL McLean 154 Mattingly, Brent Southwest IN Daviess 126 Maxson, Dale West Central OH Clark 137 Mayfield, Steve Central IL DeWitt 155 McCloskey, Brian Northeast IL La Salle 145 McComb, Ken & Becky Northeast IL La Salle 146 McComb, Wayne Northeast IL Grundy 147 McGee, Jon East Central IL Champaign 153 Meharry, Brian East Central IL Champaign 148 Murphy, Bill West Central OH Preble 139 Nichols Farms Southwest IN Sullivan 121 Nieport, Matt West Central OH Darke 140 Patterson, Paul Central IL McLean 156 Phil Overdorf Farms, Inc. Central IN Tipton 114 Pierce Farms Central IN Madison 113 Pittman, Ed & Craig West Central OH Delaware 138 Prairie View Farms Northwest IN White 99 Probst, Alan Southern IL Jasper 161 Ramsey, Jim Central IN Clinton 114 Recker Farms Northwest IN Jasper 98 Reigseker, Alan Northwest OH Fulton 135 Rexing, Ray Southwest IN Vanderburgh 122 Rolling Prairie Farms East Central IL Coles 150 Rulon Enterprises Central IN Hamilton 112 Russell, Paul East Central IN Delaware 118 Schafer, David East Central IL Iroquois 153 Schleder, Mark Central IL Tazewell 154 Schmidt, Richard North Central IN Marshall 102 Schnur Farms Southwest IN Warrick 123 Scott, Leroy Southern IL Cumberland 162 Sefton, Mike Southeast IN Decatur 129 Shouse Farms Kentucky Union 163 Specialty Grains, Inc. East Central IL Ford 150 Stahl Farms Southwest IN Warrick 120 Starkey, Garry East Central IL Edgar 149 Stelter, Eric Central IL Mason 155 Stephenson, Daryl Central IN Hendricks 115 Stewart Farms Southeast IN Lawrence 131 Storch, Al Northwest OH Henry 133 Thatcher, Craig Northwest OH Van Wert 136 Turley, Phil Southeast IN Scott 128 Uthell, Tom & Robert Southern IL Effingham 163 Webster Farms East Central IL Ford 151 Welch, Todd West Central IN Tippecanoe 107 Wentworth, Norman & Nathan Central IL Macon 158 Wenzinger, Gerry Northwest OH Henry 133 Westover, Bob East Central IN Wayne 119 White Sands Farms Northeast IL Kankakee 146 Wildt, Doug Michigan Calhoun 144 Wilkinson, Monte Northeast IN Whitley 105 Williams, Kent Southwest IN Posey 124 Williams, Robbie Kentucky Henderson 165 Wimmer Farms West Central IN Parke 110 Wittenmeyer, Gary Northwest OH Hancock 132 Wuebker Farms West Central OH Darke 142 Ziebarth, Arin Central IL McLean 158 Ziebarth Farms Central IL McLean 159 Ziliak Enterprises Southwest IN Gibson 127 Zink, Rick Southeast IN Washington 130 Zook, Travis Northeast IN Lagrange 104

5 FARMER TEST PLOTS SOYBEANS Farmer Cooperator Area of State County Page Alford, Darrin Southeast IN Dearborn 188 Alka Farms Southern IL Wabash 204 Atkins, Dean Central IL McLean 203 Bennett, Kirk Northwest IN Starke 168 Bensman Enterprises West Central OH Shelby 193 Booher, Reece Southwest IN Greene 185 Carr, Jeff Southern IL Jasper 204 Cervenka, Mark Northwest IN Pulaski 169 Cobb, Denny Northwest IN Newton 168 Cook Farms Kentucky Christian 206 Crosby, George Central IN Shelby 182 Daube, Steve Northwest IN LaPorte 171 DeFreese, Ben West Central IN Tippecanoe 178 Drobny, Chad Michigan Kalamazoo 195 Duncan, Brien West Central IN Fountain 176 Dunn, John West Central IN Owen 176 Elliott Farms Kentucky Henderson 205 Eppard, Ron Northeast IN Huntington 173 Fox, A & R East Central IL Livingston 200 Francis, Brian & Jeff West Central OH Miami 193 Franz, Duane Northeast IN Allen 174 Freestar Ag Services East Central IL Livingston 200 Gable, John West Central IN Montgomery 177 Gick, Ron Northwest IN Benton 170 Goedde, Ken Southwest IN Gibson 186 Goetz, Duane Michigan Lenawee 196 Hackman, Denver Southeast IN Jackson 189 Hadley, Roger II Northeast IN Allen 173 Henderson Grain Farms Central IN Carroll 181 Hess, Wayne West Central OH Champaign 192 Hilltop Farms Southwest IN Greene 185 Hite Farms Central IN Howard 179 Houin, Charlie North Central IN Marshall 172 Kendle, Thomas Michigan Cass 196 Klise, Rex Central IN Howard 179 Knippen, Ralph Northwest OH Allen 191 Kunz, Jim Southeast IN Decatur 188 Lawson Farms Central IN Boone 180 Lawyer, Tim East Central IN Randolph 183 Lehman Feed Mill, Inc. Northeast IN Adams 175 Lloyd, Bruce Northwest OH Allen 190 Lumley, George West Central IN Tippecanoe 177 McCloskey, Brian Northeast IL La Salle 198 McComb, Ken & Becky Northeast IL La Salle 198 McGee, Jon East Central IL Douglas 199 McNeilan, Dave West Central OH Mercer 192 Neef, Dennis East Central IL Piatt 199 Neidenthal, Joe East Central IN Rush 184 Pickrell, Joseph Central IL Sangamon 202 Pierce Farms Central IN Madison 180 Prairie View Farms Northwest IN White 170 Probst, Alan Southern IL Jasper 205 Rettinger Farms North Central IN Marshall 172 Rinehart Family Farms Central IN Carroll 182 Runyan, Ken & Dennis Central IN Madison 181 Schlipf, Rich North Central IN Kosciusko 171 Schriner, Jon Northwest IN Newton 169 Sefton, Mike Southeast IN Decatur 189 Seifke, Alan Michigan Calhoun 197 Specialty Grains, Inc. East Central IL Ford 201 Stammen, Jim West Central OH Mercer 194 FARMER TEST PLOTS SOYBEANS Farmer Cooperator Area of State County Page Storch, Al Northwest OH Henry 190 Thomas, Frank Michigan Calhoun 195 Thompson Farms Kentucky Daviess 206 Toncray, Alan Central IL Mason 201 Trotter, Barry Southeast IN Bartholomew 187 Upchurch, Luther East Central IN Henry 183 Uthell, Tom Southern IL Effingham 203 Vieck, M. & Sons Southwest IN Knox 184 Wening, Brent Southwest IN Dubois 186 Willis, Jim Southwest IN Sullivan 187 Wilson, Henry Northwest OH Defiance 191 Wimmer Farms West Central IN Parke 178 Wuebker Farms, Inc. West Central OH Darke 194 Zook, Travis Northeast IN LaGrange 174 Regional Area of State Corn Plot Pages Bean Plot Pages Northwest IN North Central IN Northeast IN West Central IN Central IN East Central IN Southwest IN Southeast IN Northwest OH West Central OH Michigan Northeast IL East Central IL Central IL Southern IL Kentucky Page Full Field Corn Yield Checks 166 Full Field Soybean Yield Checks 167 5

6 6 CORN SUMMARY Multi-Year Yield Comparisons of Various Products (Includes Farmer Plots, BECK'S Research, and University Data) Dollar advantage per acre is calculated using $2.75/bu. pricing and drying costs of $0.03 per point of moisture per bushel. BECK 5244RR Comparisons BECK 5444RR Comparisons Yrs Plots Brand-Hybrid Bu/A % Moist. $/Acre Adv. Yrs Plots Brand-Hybrid Bu/A % Moist. $/Acre Adv BECK 5244RR $ BECK 5444RR $27.91 BECK BECK 5244RR BECK 5244RR $ BECK 5444RR $67.55 BECK BECK BECK 5244RR $ BECK 5444RR $63.11 BECK 5166RR BECK 5422CBCL BECK 5244RR $ BECK 5444RR $4.14 BECK 5214Hx BECK 5507RWRR BECK 5244RR $ BECK 5444RR $30.35 BECK BECK 5616CBRWRR BECK 5244RR $ BECK 5444RR $36.49 BECK 5228RR BECK 5816CBRR BECK 5244RR $ BECK 5444RR $25.64 BECK 5283Bt AgriGold A BECK 5244RR $ BECK 5444RR $50.72 BECK Dekalb DKC BECK 5244RR $ BECK 5444RR $18.02 Dekalb DKC Dekalb DKC BECK 5244RR $ BECK 5444RR $18.61 Dekalb DKC Dekalb DKC BECK 5244RR $ BECK 5444RR $90.10 Dekalb DKC Pioneer 33M BECK 5244RR $ BECK 5444RR $49.64 Dekalb DKC Pioneer 33N BECK 5244RR $ BECK 5444RR $48.81 Pioneer 34A Pioneer 34A BECK 5244RR $ BECK 5444RR $52.11 Pioneer 34H Pioneer 34H BECK 5244RR $ BECK 5444RR $64.18 Pioneer 34M Pioneer 34M BECK 5244RR $ BECK 5444RR $15.63 Pioneer 35D Pioneer 34P

7 CORN SUMMARY (continued) 7 BECK 5444RWRR Comparisons BECK 6722CBRWRR Comparisons Yrs Plots Brand-Hybrid Bu/A % Moist. $/Acre Adv. Yrs Plots Brand-Hybrid Bu/A % Moist. $/Acre Adv. 1 8 BECK 5444RWRR $ BECK 6722CBRWRR $42.71 BECK BECK 5422CBCL BECK 5444RWRR $ BECK 6722CBRWRR $3.19 BECK 5444RR BECK 5507RWRR BECK 5444RWRR $ BECK 6722CBRWRR $22.23 BECK 5507RWRR BECK 5616CBRWRR BECK 5444RWRR $ BECK 6722CBRWRR $26.19 BECK 5538Hx BECK 6097CB BECK 5444RWRR $ BECK 6722CBRWRR $19.65 BECK 6722CBRR BECK 6197RW BECK 5444RWRR $ BECK 6722CBRWRR $17.62 Asgrow RX715RR BECK 6722RR BECK 5444RWRR $ BECK 6722CBRWRR $39.01 Dekalb DKC BECK 7997CBCL BECK 5444RWRR $ BECK 6722CBRWRR $5.70 Dekalb DKC Asgrow RX715RR BECK 5444RWRR $ BECK 6722CBRWRR $25.56 Dekalb DKC Dekalb DKC BECK 5444RWRR $ BECK 6722CBRWRR $10.71 Dekalb DKC Dekalb DKC BECK 5444RWRR $ BECK 6722CBRWRR $2.49 Dekalb DKC Dekalb DKC BECK 5444RWRR $ BECK 6722CBRWRR $12.49 Dekalb DKC Pioneer 32W BECK 5444RWRR $ BECK 6722CBRWRR $26.40 Pioneer 33N Pioneer 33M BECK 5444RWRR $ BECK 6722CBRWRR $20.37 Pioneer 34A Pioneer 33N BECK 5444RWRR $ BECK 6722CBRWRR $4.04 Pioneer 34H Pioneer 33N BECK 5444RWRR $ BECK 6722CBRWRR $14.54 Pioneer 34M Pioneer 33P BECK 5444RWRR $ BECK 6722CBRWRR $5.43 Pioneer 34P Pioneer 34P

8 8 CORN SUMMARY (continued) BECK 5507RWRR Comparisons Yrs Plots Brand-Hybrid Bu/A % Moist. $/Acre Adv. Yrs Plots Brand-Hybrid Bu/A % Moist. $/Acre Adv BECK 5507RWRR $ BECK 5507RWRR $27.86 BECK BECK 5816CBRR BECK 5507RWRR $ BECK 5507RWRR $17.06 BECK 5244RR BECK 6097CB BECK 5507RWRR $ BECK 5507RWRR $19.55 BECK 5316HRW Dekalb DKC BECK 5507RWRR $ BECK 5507RWRR $18.13 BECK 5439RWRR Dekalb DKC BECK 5507RWRR $ BECK 5507RWRR $14.84 BECK 5538Hx Dekalb DKC BECK 5507RWRR $ BECK 5507RWRR $18.44 BECK 5597Hx Dekalb DKC BECK 5507RWRR $ BECK 5507RWRR $16.15 BECK 5616RR Pioneer 33M BECK 5507RWRR $ BECK 5507RWRR $8.35 BECK 5899CBRR Pioneer 34P BECK 4996Hx1 Comparisons BECK 5228CBRWRR Comparisons Yrs Plots Brand-Hybrid Bu/A % Moist. $/Acre Adv. Yrs Plots Brand-Hybrid Bu/A % Moist. $/Acre Adv BECK 4996Hx $ BECK 5228CBRWRR $30.46 BECK 5012CBRR BECK BECK 4996Hx $ BECK 5228CBRWRR $46.76 BECK BECK BECK 4996Hx $ BECK 5228CBRWRR $7.00 BECK 5283Bt BECK 5507RWRR BECK 4996Hx $ BECK 5228CBRWRR $22.57 BECK Dekalb DKC BECK 4996Hx $ BECK 5228CBRWRR $5.43 BECK Dekalb DKC BECK 4996Hx $ BECK 5228CBRWRR $34.95 Pioneer 34M Dekalb DKC BECK 4996Hx $ BECK 5228CBRWRR $22.63 Pioneer 36B Pioneer 34M

9 9 CORN SUMMARY (continued) BECK 5616CBRR Comparisons Yrs Plots Brand-Hybrid Bu/A % Moist. $/Acre Adv. Yrs Plots Brand-Hybrid Bu/A % Moist. $/Acre Adv BECK 5616CBRR $ BECK 5616CBRR $18.64 BECK 5222Hx BECK 6722CBRR BECK 5616CBRR $ BECK 5616CBRR $0.25 BECK 5228CBRR AgriGold A BECK 5616CBRR $ BECK 5616CBRR $1.97 BECK 5422CBCL Dekalb DKC BECK 5616CBRR $ BECK 5616CBRR $13.46 BECK 5507RWRR Pioneer 33M BECK 5616CBRR $ BECK 5616CBRR $2.70 BECK 5597CB Pioneer 33N BECK 5616CBRR $ BECK 5616CBRR $17.98 BECK 5597Hx Pioneer 34A BECK 5616CBRR $ BECK 5616CBRR $20.71 BECK 5616RR Pioneer 34H BECK 5616CBRR $ BECK 5616CBRR $2.89 BECK 6097CB Pioneer 34N BECK EX 4558CBRR (5416CBRWRR Genetics) BECK 5816CBRR Comparisons Yrs Plots Brand-Hybrid Bu/A % Moist. $/Acre Adv. Yrs Plots Brand-Hybrid Bu/A % Moist. $/Acre Adv. 1 6 BECK EX 4558CBRR $ BECK 5816CBRR $24.80 BECK 5416CBRWRR BECK 5422CBCL BECK EX 4558CBRR $ BECK 5816CBRR $25.94 BECK 5439RWRR BECK 5597Hx BECK EX 4558CBRR $ BECK 5816CBRR $17.87 BECK 5616RR BECK BECK EX 4558CBRR $ BECK 5816CBRR $9.87 AgriGold A AgriGold A BECK EX 4558CBRR $ BECK 5816CBRR $37.39 Dekalb DKC Dekalb DKC BECK EX 4558CBRR $ BECK 5816CBRR $2.47 Pioneer 33N Pioneer 33P BECK EX 4558CBRR $ BECK 5816CBRR $19.70 Pioneer 34P Pioneer 34A

10 10 CORN SUMMARY (continued) BECK 5538Hx1 Comparisons Yrs Plots Brand-Hybrid Bu/A % Moist. $/Acre Adv. Yrs Plots Brand-Hybrid Bu/A % Moist. $/Acre Adv BECK 5538Hx $ BECK 5538Hx $2.31 BECK 5214Hx Dekalb DKC BECK 5538Hx $ BECK 5538Hx $7.31 BECK 5422Bt Dekalb DKC BECK 5538Hx $ BECK 5538Hx $31.46 BECK 5422CBCL Pioneer 33M BECK 5538Hx $ BECK 5538Hx $10.78 BECK 5597Hx Pioneer 33N BECK 5538Hx $ BECK 5538Hx $8.30 BECK 5616CBRR Pioneer 33P BECK 5538Hx $ BECK 5538Hx $15.48 BECK 5616CBRWRR Pioneer 34A BECK 5538Hx $ BECK 5538Hx $15.00 BECK 5816CBRR Pioneer 34H BECK 5538Hx $ BECK 5538Hx $28.56 BECK 6097CB Pioneer 34N BECK 5129 Comparisons BECK 5166 Comparisons Yrs Plots Brand-Hybrid Bu/A % Moist. $/Acre Adv. Yrs Plots Brand-Hybrid Bu/A % Moist. $/Acre Adv BECK $ BECK $8.15 BECK BECK 5283Bt BECK $ BECK $0.42 BECK BECK BECK $ BECK $3.27 BECK 5214Hx Dekalb DKC BECK $ BECK $1.58 BECK 5439RWRR Pioneer 34A BECK $ BECK $7.03 Pioneer 34H Pioneer 34H BECK $ BECK $1.55 Pioneer 34M Pioneer 34M BECK $ BECK $44.22 Pioneer 36B Pioneer 36B

11 11 CORN SUMMARY (continued) BECK 5616CBRWRR Comparisons Yrs Plots Brand-Hybrid Bu/A % Moist. $/Acre Adv. Yrs Plots Brand-Hybrid Bu/A % Moist. $/Acre Adv BECK 5616CBRWRR $ BECK 5616CBRWRR $12.20 BECK 5228CBRWRR BECK BECK 5616CBRWRR $ BECK 5616CBRWRR $34.76 BECK BECK BECK 5616CBRWRR $ BECK 5616CBRWRR $5.29 BECK 5439RWRR AgriGold A BECK 5616CBRWRR $ BECK 5616CBRWRR $19.84 BECK 5507RWRR Dekalb DKC BECK 5616CBRWRR $ BECK 5616CBRWRR $0.42 BECK 5593HRW Pioneer 33N BECK 5616CBRWRR $ BECK 5616CBRWRR $30.34 BECK 5616RR Pioneer 33P BECK 5616CBRWRR $ BECK 5616CBRWRR $16.30 BECK 5727CB Pioneer 34A BECK 5616CBRWRR $ BECK 5616CBRWRR $62.22 BECK 5816CBRR Pioneer 34H BECK 5222Hx1 Comparisons BECK 5316HRW Comparisons Yrs Plots Brand-Hybrid Bu/A % Moist. $/Acre Adv. Yrs Plots Brand-Hybrid Bu/A % Moist. $/Acre Adv BECK 5222Hx $ BECK 5316HRW $10.13 BECK 5244RR BECK 5439RWRR BECK 5222Hx $ BECK 5316HRW $4.03 BECK BECK 5593HRW BECK 5222Hx $ BECK 5316HRW $8.97 Dekalb DKC BECK 5616CBRWRR BECK 5222Hx $ BECK 5316HRW $10.40 Dekalb DKC BECK 5616RR BECK 5222Hx $ BECK 5316HRW $33.84 Dekalb DKC BECK 5959RW BECK 5222Hx $ BECK 5316HRW $15.13 Pioneer 34H Dekalb DKC BECK 5222Hx $ BECK 5316HRW $29.69 Pioneer 34M Pioneer 34A

12 12 BECK 5444 Comparisons CORN SUMMARY (continued) BECK 6722CBRR Comparisons Yrs Plots Brand-Hybrid Bu/A % Moist. $/Acre Adv. Yrs Plots Brand-Hybrid Bu/A % Moist. $/Acre Adv BECK $ BECK 6722CBRR $10.99 BECK BECK 5422CBCL BECK $ BECK 6722CBRR $10.37 BECK BECK 5816CBRR BECK $ BECK 6722CBRR $28.56 BECK 5422CBCL BECK 5899CBRR BECK $ BECK 6722CBRR $23.38 BECK 5444RR BECK 7997CBCL BECK $ BECK 6722CBRR $2.45 Pioneer 33M Pioneer 32W BECK $ BECK 6722CBRR $13.57 Pioneer 33N Pioneer 33M BECK $ BECK 6722CBRR $10.02 Pioneer 34A Pioneer 33N BECK $ BECK 6722CBRR $9.83 Pioneer 34M Pioneer 33P BECK 5959RW Comparisons BECK 6197RW Comparisons Yrs Plots Brand-Hybrid Bu/A % Moist. $/Acre Adv. Yrs Plots Brand-Hybrid Bu/A % Moist. $/Acre Adv BECK 5959RW $ BECK 6197RW $15.32 BECK 5422CBCL BECK 5507RWRR BECK 5959RW $ BECK 6197RW $5.52 BECK 5597Hx BECK 5616RR BECK 5959RW $ BECK 6197RW $5.85 BECK 5737RWCL BECK 5816CBRR BECK 5959RW $ BECK 6197RW $18.40 BECK Dekalb DKC BECK 5959RW $ BECK 6197RW $36.21 BECK 6097CB Pioneer 33M BECK 5959RW $ BECK 6197RW $1.22 Pioneer 33M Pioneer 33N BECK 5959RW $ BECK 6197RW $6.34 Pioneer 35D Pioneer 33P

13 13 CORN SUMMARY (continued) BECK EX 4561CB (7916CBRR Genetics) Comparisons Yrs Plots Brand-Hybrid Bu/A % Moist. $/Acre Adv. Yrs Plots Brand-Hybrid Bu/A % Moist. $/Acre Adv. 1 5 BECK EX 4561CB $ BECK EX 4561CB $3.46 BECK 5422CBCL BECK 6197RW BECK EX 4561CB $ BECK EX 4561CB $2.27 BECK 5507RWRR BECK 6722CBRR BECK EX 4561CB $ BECK EX 4561CB $38.25 BECK 5597Hx BECK 7997CBCL BECK EX 4561CB $ BECK EX 4561CB $20.85 BECK 5616CBRR BECK 7997CL BECK EX 4561CB $ BECK EX 4561CB $17.60 BECK 5816CBRR Dekalb DKC BECK EX 4561CB $ BECK EX 4561CB $19.00 BECK 5899CBRR Pioneer 33M BECK EX 4561CB $ BECK EX 4561CB $5.79 BECK 6097CB Pioneer 33N BECK EX 4561CB $ BECK EX 4561CB $29.75 BECK Pioneer 33P BECK 5899CBRR Comparisons BECK 7997CL Comparisons Yrs Plots Brand-Hybrid Bu/A % Moist. $/Acre Adv. Yrs Plots Brand-Hybrid Bu/A % Moist. $/Acre Adv BECK 5899CBRR $ BECK 7997CL $10.10 BECK 5422CBCL BECK 5422CBCL BECK 5899CBRR $ BECK 7997CL $9.43 BECK 5597Hx BECK 5597Hx BECK 5899CBRR $ BECK 7997CL $24.06 BECK 5616CBRR BECK 5616CL BECK 5899CBRR $ BECK 7997CL $2.29 BECK BECK 5899CBRR BECK 5899CBRR $ BECK 7997CL $3.88 BECK 5737RWCL BECK 6722RR BECK 5899CBRR $ BECK 7997CL $2.36 BECK BECK 7997CBCL BECK 5899CBRR $ BECK 7997CL $51.96 Pioneer 34H Pioneer 34H

14 14 SOYBEAN COMPARISONS SUMMARY Multi-Year Yield Comparisons of Various Products (Includes Farmer Plots, BECK'S Research, and University Data) BECK 321NRR Comparisons BECK 342NRR Comparisons Yrs Plots Brand-Variety Bu/A Difference in Yield Yrs Plots Brand-Variety Bu/A Difference in Yield BECK 321NRR BECK 342NRR BECK 297NRR 56.7 BECK 297NRR BECK 321NRR BECK 342NRR BECK 323RR 57.8 BECK 321NRR BECK 321NRR BECK 342NRR BECK 354NRR 59.7 BECK 323RR BECK 321NRR BECK 342NRR BECK 367NRR 58.8 BECK 333RR BECK 321NRR BECK 342NRR BECK 405NRR 59.8 BECK 354NRR BECK 321NRR BECK 342NRR Asgrow AG BECK 367NRR BECK 321NRR BECK 342NRR Asgrow AG BECK 383NRR BECK 321NRR BECK 342NRR Asgrow AG BECK 405NRR BECK 321NRR BECK 342NRR Asgrow AG Asgrow AG BECK 321NRR BECK 342NRR Asgrow AG Asgrow AG BECK 321NRR BECK 342NRR Dekalb DKB Asgrow AG BECK 321NRR BECK 342NRR Dekalb DKB Asgrow AG BECK 321NRR BECK 342NRR Dekalb DKB Asgrow AG BECK 321NRR BECK 342NRR Pioneer 92M Asgrow AG BECK 321NRR BECK 342NRR Pioneer 93B Dekalb DKB BECK 321NRR BECK 342NRR Pioneer 93M Pioneer 93B BECK 321NRR BECK 342NRR Pioneer 93M Pioneer 93M

15 SOYBEAN COMPARISONS (continued) 15 BECK 354NRR Comparisons BECK 367NRR Comparisons Yrs Plots Brand-Variety Bu/A Difference in Yield Yrs Plots Brand-Variety Bu/A Difference in Yield BECK 354NRR BECK 367NRR BECK 297NRR 57.3 BECK 323RR BECK 354NRR BECK 367NRR BECK 323RR 59.2 BECK 405NRR BECK 354NRR BECK 367NRR BECK 333RR 59.3 Asgrow AG BECK 354NRR BECK 367NRR BECK 336NRR 59.6 Asgrow AG BECK 354NRR BECK 367NRR BECK 367NRR 61.6 Asgrow AG BECK 354NRR BECK 367NRR BECK 405NRR 61.0 Dekalb DKB BECK 354NRR BECK 367NRR Asgrow AG Dekalb DKB BECK 354NRR BECK 367NRR Asgrow AG Dekalb DKB BECK 354NRR BECK 367NRR Asgrow AG Dekalb DKB BECK 354NRR BECK 367NRR Asgrow AG Dekalb DKB BECK 354NRR BECK 367NRR Asgrow AG NK S37-N BECK 354NRR BECK 367NRR Dekalb DKB Pioneer 93B BECK 354NRR BECK 367NRR Dekalb DKB Pioneer 93B BECK 354NRR BECK 367NRR Pioneer 92M Pioneer 93B BECK 354NRR BECK 367NRR Pioneer 93B Pioneer 93B BECK 354NRR BECK 367NRR Pioneer 93B Pioneer 93M BECK 354NRR BECK 367NRR Pioneer 93M Pioneer 93M

16 16 SOYBEAN COMPARISONS (continued) BECK 274NRR Comparisons BECK 286NRR Comparisons Yrs Plots Brand-Variety Bu/A Difference in Yield Yrs Plots Brand-Variety Bu/A Difference in Yield BECK 274NRR BECK 286NRR BECK 297NRR 56.9 BECK 274NRR BECK 274NRR BECK 286NRR BECK 298CRR 55.4 BECK 297NRR BECK 274NRR BECK 286NRR BECK 349NRR 57.3 BECK 298CRR BECK 274NRR BECK 286NRR Asgrow AG BECK 323RR BECK 274NRR BECK 286NRR Dekalb DKB Asgrow AG BECK 274NRR BECK 286NRR Dekalb DKB Dekalb DKB BECK 274NRR BECK 286NRR Pioneer 92M Dekalb DKB BECK 274NRR BECK 286NRR Pioneer 93M Pioneer 93M BECK 297NRR Comparisons BECK 326RRL Comparisons Yrs Plots Brand-Variety Bu/A Difference in Yield Yrs Plots Brand-Variety Bu/A Difference in Yield BECK 297NRR BECK 326RRL BECK 295NRR 56.4 BECK 323RR BECK 297NRR BECK 326RRL BECK 298CRR 55.4 BECK 297NRR BECK 297NRR BECK 326RRL Asgrow AG Asgrow AG BECK 297NRR BECK 326RRL Asgrow AG Asgrow AG BECK 297NRR BECK 326RRL Dekalb DKB Dekalb DKB BECK 297NRR BECK 326RRL Dekalb DKB Dekalb DKB BECK 297NRR BECK 326RRL Pioneer 92M Pioneer 93M BECK 297NRR BECK 326RRL Pioneer 92M Pioneer 93M

17 SOYBEAN COMPARISONS (continued) 17 BECK 383NRR Comparisons BECK 405NRR Comparisons Yrs Plots Brand-Variety Bu/A Difference in Yield Yrs Plots Brand-Variety Bu/A Difference in Yield 1 55 BECK 383NRR BECK 405NRR BECK 354NRR 61.5 BECK 323RR BECK 383NRR BECK 405NRR BECK 367NRR 60.0 BECK 375NRR BECK 383NRR BECK 405NRR BECK 375NRR 56.3 BECK 417NRR BECK 383NRR BECK 405NRR BECK 405NRR 60.8 BECK 476NRR BECK 383NRR BECK 405NRR Asgrow AG Asgrow AG BECK 383NRR BECK 405NRR Asgrow AG Pioneer 93B BECK 383NRR BECK 405NRR Dekalb DKB Pioneer 93B BECK 383NRR BECK 405NRR Dekalb DKB Pioneer 93M BECK 422NRR Comparisons BECK 444NRR Comparisons Yrs Plots Brand-Variety Bu/A Difference in Yield Yrs Plots Brand-Variety Bu/A Difference in Yield 1 23 BECK 422NRR BECK 444NRR BECK 354NRR 62.3 BECK 354NRR BECK 422NRR BECK 444NRR BECK 367NRR 61.2 BECK 367NRR BECK 422NRR BECK 444NRR BECK 405NRR 60.8 BECK 375NRR BECK 422NRR BECK 444NRR BECK 444NRR 60.8 BECK 405NRR BECK 422NRR BECK 444NRR BECK 476NRR 60.1 BECK 476NRR BECK 422NRR BECK 444NRR Asgrow AG Asgrow AG BECK 422NRR BECK 444NRR Asgrow AG Dekalb DKB BECK 422NRR BECK 444NRR Dekalb DKB Pioneer 94M

18 18 BECK'S Corn Plot - Office Location: East of Office Previous Crop: Soybeans April 3.6 in. Planted: April 13, 2006 Tillage: V-Rip / S-tine May 4.5 in. Harvested: September 27, 2006 Herbicide: PPI: 2.1 qts. Bicep II Magnum June 4.6 in. Rows: Three 30 rows 1.0 qt. Princep July 4.4 in. Population: 29,000 seeds/a. Post: 1.67 qts. Lexar / 8 oz. Stinger August 4.0 in. Soil Type: Brookston Insecticide: Force on non-rw Hybrids Total 21.1 in. Broken Stalks Yr. Average* Yield Rank Brand-Hybrid Harvested Population Test Weight Moisture 1 BECK 5444RWRR 23, BECK 5244RR 26, BECK 6722CBRWRR 26, BECK 5222Hx1 21, BECK 5444RR 21, BECK 5323wx 22, BECK 5818wx 27, BECK 5816CBRR 22, BECK 7997CL 22, BECK 5416CBRWRR 23, BECK 5422CBCL 26, BECK 5112CBRWRR 27, BECK 5616CBRWRR 21, BECK 6197RW 22, BECK 7916CBRR 22, BECK 5538Hx1 23, BECK 5616CL 23, BECK 5597CB 20, BECK 5899CBRR 22, BECK 5228CBRWRR 24, BECK , BECK 5959RW 19, BECK 5593HRW 26, BECK 5439RWRR 26, BECK , BECK 5316HRW 20, BECK 5214Hx1 18, BECK 4996Hx1 24, AVERAGE 23, *Bushels per acre corrected to 15% moisture. Becknology Days, an annual event held one week before Labor Day weekend, attracts nearly 6,000 people. In addition to looking at the latest seed products, farmers acquire useful agronomic information on the tours offered by Beck s trained specialists. In 2007, Beck s offered a dozen different tours and hosted three special speakers from the agriculture community.

19 BECK'S Corn Plot - Atlanta Location: SR 19 West of Atlanta Previous Crop: Wheat April 3.6 in. Planted: April 22, 2006 Tillage: Plow / S-tine May 4.5 in. Harvested: September 22, 2006 Herbicide: PPI: 2.1 qts. Bicep II Magnum June 4.6 in. Rows: Four 30 rows 1 qt. Princep July 4.4 in. Population: 30,000 seeds/a. Post: 1.67 qts. Lexar / 8 oz. Stinger August 4.0 in. Soil Type: Brookston Insecticide: Force on Non-RW Hybrids Total 21.1 in. Broken Stalks Yield Rank Brand-Hybrid Harvested Population Test Weight Moisture 1 BECK EX , BECK 6722CBRWRR 30, BECK 5222Hx1 28, BECK EX 0398CB (5816CBRR Genetics) 29, BECK 5538Hx1 28, BECK EX 2606Hx1 (5316Hx1RR Genetics) 25, BECK 5444RWRR 28, BECK 5616CBRR 28, BECK 5244RR 28, BECK 5816CBRR 26, BECK EX , BECK EX , BECK EX 4558CBRR (5416CBRWRR Genetics) 25, BECK EX , BECK EX , BECK 6197RW 26, BECK EX 4561CB (7916CBRR Genetics) 29, BECK EX , BECK 5616CBRWRR 27, BECK EX , BECK 5228CBRWRR 28, BECK , BECK 4996Hx1 28, BECK 5593HRW 28, AVERAGE 27, *Bushels per acre corrected to 15% moisture. Insect Resistance Management and Product Stewardship Rootworm Corn Borer Growers of transgenic rootworm products (YieldGard Rootworm, YieldGard VT, and Herculex RW) are required to plant a corn refuge that does not contain Bt technologies that control corn rootworm. The refuge must represent at least 20% of the grower s total corn acres and must be within or adjacent to the transgenic rootworm field. The refuge can be treated with a non-bt soil-applied, seed-applied or foliar-applied insecticide if pest pressure exceeds the economic threshold. If adult corn rootworm beetles are present in the refuge when the refuge is treated, the transgenic Rootworm portion must be treated in a similar manner. The refuge can be planted as a block or strips within the transgenic Rootworm field or as an adjacent field. Growers of YieldGard Corn Borer (Bt 1, CB) and Herculex I products, are required to plant a non-bt corn refuge representing at least 20% of their total corn acres. Refuges must be within ½ mile of each Bt corn field. The refuge can be treated with a non-bt insecticide if pest pressure exceeds the economic threshold. The refuge can be planted as a border, block, strip, or as a separate field.

20 20 BECK'S Corn Plot - Arcadia Location: ½ mile West of Arcadia Previous Crop: Wheat April 3.6 in. Planted: May 22, 2006 Tillage: Plow / S-tine May 4.5 in. Harvested: October 23, 2006 Herbicide: PPI: 2.1 qts. Bicep II Magnum June 4.6 in. Rows: Four 30 rows 1 qt. Princep July 4.4 in. Population: 32,300 seeds/a. Post: 1.67 qts. Lexar / 8 oz. Stinger August 4.0 in. Soil Type: Crosby & Miami 2/3 oz. Accent Total 21.1 in. Insecticide: Force on Non-RW Hybrids Broken Stalks 2006 Yield Rank Brand-Hybrid Harvested Population Test Weight Moisture 1 BECK EX 0398CB (5816CBRR Genetics) 29, BECK 5444RWRR 27, BECK 5616CBRR 31, BECK EX , BECK EX , BECK 7916CBRR 29, BECK 5538Hx1 28, BECK EX , BECK 6722CBRWRR 30, BECK EX , BECK 5816CBRR 27, BECK 5616CBRWRR 28, BECK EX , BECK EX 2606Hx1 (5316Hx1RR Genetics) 28, BECK 6197RW 29, BECK 5228CBRWRR 26, BECK EX , BECK EX , BECK EX 4558CBRR (5416CBRWRR Genetics) 28, BECK 5244RR 30, BECK 5222Hx1 31, BECK 5593HRW 28, BECK , BECK 4996Hx1 25, AVERAGE 29, *Bushels per acre corrected to 15% moisture. I look forward to viewing the Practical Farm Research tours during Becknology Days. With agriculture changing so quickly, I feel this is one way of keeping abreast of today s technologies. Homer Ousley Atwood, IN

21 BECK'S Early Plant Corn Technology and Planting Date Study Location: N1 plot Previous Crop: Soybeans April 3.6 in. Planted: Various Tillage: S-tine May 4.5 in. Harvested: September 21, 2006 Herbicide: PPI: 2.1 qts. Bicep II Magnum June 4.6 in. Rows: 30 rows 1 qt. Princep July 4.4 in. Population: 32,300 seeds/a. Post: 1.67 qts. Lexar / 8 oz. Stinger August 4.0 in. Insecticide: Aztec or Force on non-rw Hybrids Total 21.1 in. 21 We know from past Practical Farm Research that earlier planted corn generally has greater yield potential than later planted corn. Intellicoat Early Plant is a polymer technology that controls the germination of seed and provides protection from chilling injury in harsh, early soil environments. Planting Date Brand-Hybrid Harvested Population Test Weight Moisture March 20 BECK 5616RR 26, March 20 BECK 5507RWRR 27, AVERAGE 27, March 20 BECK 5616RR Early Plant 27, March 20 BECK 5507RWRR Early Plant 28, AVERAGE 28, March 30 BECK 5616RR 28, March 30 BECK 5507RWRR 28, AVERAGE 28, March 30 BECK 5616RR Early Plant 31, March 30 BECK 5507RWRR Early Plant 28, AVERAGE 30, April 5 BECK 5616RR 28, April 5 BECK 5507RWRR 25, AVERAGE 27, April 5 BECK 5616RR Early Plant 29, April 5 BECK 5507RWRR Early Plant 28, AVERAGE 28, April 12 BECK 5616RR 23, April 12 BECK 5507RWRR 21, ** AVERAGE 22, April 27 BECK 5616RR 30, April 27 BECK 5507RWRR 30, AVERAGE 30, May 10 BECK 5616RR 26, May 10 BECK 5507RWRR 29, AVERAGE 27, May 20 BECK 5616RR 26, May 20 BECK 5507RWRR 29, AVERAGE 27, June 1 BECK 5507RWRR June 1 BECK 5616RR AVERAGE *Bushels per acre corrected to 15% moisture. **Green snap. The Early Plant corn provided a yield benefit to uncoated corn planted on the same date in one comparison. Earlier planting in general paid off once again; however, BECK 5616 maintained high yields even on the May plantings. Corn planted on June 1 suffered from silk clipping by insects and should have been sprayed. Intellicoat, Early Plant, and Landec are registered trademarks of Landec Corporation.

22 22 BECK'S High School Educational Plot Location: SR 19 across from Previous Crop: Soybeans Hamilton Heights High School Tillage: Zone-Till April 3.6 in. Planted: April 28, 2006 Herbicide: PPI: 2.1 qts. Bicep II Magnum May 4.5 in. Harvested: October 13, qt. Princep June 4.6 in. Rows: Four 30 rows Post: 1.67 qts. Lexar July 4.4 in. Population: 30,136 seeds/a. Insecticide: Force on Non-RW Hybrids August 4.0 in. Soil Type: Crosby / Brookston Total 21.1 in. With this study being located across from our local high school, we invited the agriculture classes to the field during planting and harvest. Here they observed and learned about technologies like biotech traits, seed-applied insecticides and auto-steer guidance systems. We also applied 12 oz./a. of Headline fungicide to one replication of this study at tasseling time to evaluate its performance on over thirty corn products. The data shown is the average of both replications. Yield Rank Brand-Hybrid Harvested Population Test Weight Broken Stalks Moisture 1 BECK 6722CBRWRR 26, BECK 5444RWRR 28, BECK EX , BECK EX 4561CB (7916CBRR Genetics) 27, BECK EX , BECK EX 2606Hx1 (5316Hx1 Genetics) 25, BECK EX , BECK 6197RW 25, BECK EX , BECK EX , BECK 5222Hx1 27, BECK 5228CBRWRR 25, BECK EX , BECK EX , BECK EX 3609Hx1 (6197 Genetics) 28, BECK EX , BECK EX , BECK EX 0398CB (5816CBRR Genetics) 27, BECK 5244RR 26, BECK 5112CBRWRR 25, BECK EX , BECK 5816CBRR 25, BECK 5538Hx1 27, BECK 5616CBRWRR 23, BECK EX 4558CBRR (5416CBRWRR Genetics) 22, BECK , BECK 5012RWRR 24, BECK 5593HRW 27, BECK 5616CBRR 28, BECK EX , BECK EX , AVERAGE 26, OVERALL SUMMARY With Headline fungicide 26, No Headline 26, *Bushels per acre corrected to 15% moisture. While Headline s performance across all hybrids did not provide a yield advantage, plant health was improved, and as a result both harvest moistures and test weights were higher. In addition, soil type differences favored the replication where no Headline was applied and likely contributed to lower yield where Headline was applied. When we analyzed the individual rep data (not shown), we also found an advantage for using Headline on the earlier hybrids. Headline showed positive responses on 10 out of 13 hybrids that were less than 23% moisture content at harvest, compared to only 3 out of 18 hybrids with moisture content at 23% or higher. For hybrids with less than 23% moisture content, the average yield increase was 6.8 Bu./A. when Headline was applied. Breakeven yield needed to pay for Headline at 12 oz./a. $24.66/A. plus $5.50/A. application cost is about 11 Bu./A. at $2.75/Bu. market price. Many farmers apply only 6 oz./a.

23 BECK'S Advanced Hybrid Corn Plot in HP and MP Soils Also: Headline Fungicide Study Location: H3 plot (MP Soil) Previous Crop: Soybeans 300-1,2 N plot (HP Soil) Tillage: V-Rip / S-tine April 3.6 in. Planted: April 13, 2006 Herbicide: PPI: 2.1 qts. Bicep II Magnum May 4.5 in. Harvested: September 20, qt. Princep / 16 oz. 2,4-D June 4.6 in. Rows: Two 30 rows 32 oz. Clearout 41+ July 4.4 in. Population: 32,300 seeds/a. Post: 1.67 qts. Lexar / 8 oz. Stinger August 4.0 in. Insecticide: Force on non-rw Hybrids Total 21.1 in. This study shows how our most popular hybrids as well as some leading experimental hybrids perform in HP (Highly Productive) and MP (Medium Productive) soil types. In the MP soil study we also applied 12 oz./a. Headline fungicide to one rep of the test at the onset of tasseling. Broken Stalks Average Bu./A.* Bu./A. Advantage In HP Soil* Brand-Hybrid Soil Type Harvested Population Test Weight Moisture BECK EX 0627 HP 29, BECK EX 0627 MP 31, BECK EX 0590 HP 29, BECK EX 0590 MP 29, BECK EX 3589 HP 30, BECK EX 3589 MP 29, BECK EX 2675 HP 30, BECK EX 2675 MP 30, BECK EX 0398CB (5816CBRR Genetics) HP 29, BECK EX 0398CB (5816CBRR Genetics) MP 28, BECK EX 5222Hx1 HP 29, BECK EX 5222Hx1 MP 30, BECK 5444RWRR HP 29, BECK 5444RWRR MP 31, BECK 5244RR HP 31, BECK 5244RR MP 31, BECK EX 1583 HP 31, BECK EX 1583 MP 29, BECK EX 2606Hx1 (5316Hx1RR Genetics) HP 30, BECK EX 2606Hx1 (5316Hx1RR Genetics) MP 30, BECK EX 2607 HP 30, BECK EX 2607 MP 29, BECK 5616CBRR HP 27, BECK 5616CBRR MP 28, BECK 5538Hx1 HP 28, BECK 5538Hx1 MP 30, BECK EX 2664 HP 28, BECK EX 2664 MP 31, BECK EX 1525 HP 30, BECK EX 1525 MP 31, BECK 5816CBRR HP 29, BECK 5816CBRR MP 27, BECK EX 1597 HP 28, BECK EX 1597 MP 28, BECK 5616CBRWRR HP 25, BECK 5616CBRWRR MP 28, BECK EX 4558CBRR (5416CBRW Genetics) HP 28, BECK EX 4558CBRR (5416CBRW Genetics) MP 27, BECK EX 1619 HP 30, BECK EX 1619 MP 30, HP Soil Average 28, MP Soil Average 29, > 8 Bu./A. Difference (includes hybrids not published in this report) *Bushels per acre corrected to 15% moisture. Note: Some experimental hybrids were omitted due to limited space on this page. Since 1999 when we began this study, yield differences between HP and MP soils have been a direct reflection of available moisture. In drier years, differences in the average yield range from 35 to 63 Bu./A. In years with normal or excess rainfall, an average of 20 Bu./A. separate the two soil types. This year s results reflected an 8 Bu./A. difference between HP and MP soils where no Headline fungicide was used. In the MP soil study, where we applied Headline to one replication, we saw nearly 8 Bu./A. more yield which made those yields equal to those in the HP soil. Plant health differences were noticeable in late August as well. Plants with Headline applied had 20% more green in the leaves. Breakeven yield needed to pay for 12 oz. Headline at $24.66/A. plus $5.50/A. application cost would be about 11 Bu./A. at $2.75/Bu. market price, so the 8 Bu./A. gain was 3 Bu./A. short of break even. Many farmers apply 6 oz./a. of Headline which is more cost effective. 23

24 24 BECK'S Tile and Strip Crop Study Location: T1 - T2 plots Previous Crop: Corn / Soybeans April 3.6 in. Planted: April 21, 2006 Tillage: Zone-Till May 4.5 in. Harvested: September 27, 2006 Herbicide: PPI: 16 oz. 2,4-D June 4.6 in. Rows: 30 rows 1 qt./100 gal. Rivot July 4.4 in. Population: 32,500 seeds/a. 16 oz. Roundup Original Max August 4.0 in. Soil Type: Crosby / Miami Post: 1.67 qts. Lexar / 8 oz. Stinger Total 21.1 in. Insecticide: Force on 6722CBRR only Maximizing yield on every acre is a key to obtaining greater profitability. Strip cropping (planting corn and soybeans in strips across the same field) allows corn to capture more energy from sunlight during the growing months and improves air movement for dry down purposes in the fall. We also planted a short hybrid, BECK 5439RWRR, on the outside two rows and a tall hybrid, BECK 6722CBRR, on the middle four rows of each strip to maximize the performance of the tall hybrid. With the use of Roundup Ready technology in corn and soybeans, and the Auto-Steer guidance systems for planting accuracy, strip cropping may now be easier to implement. In this study, we planted the rows north and south (perpendicular to the tile lines) and measured yields in the tiled area and in the un-tiled area. The data below reflects the average of seven strips of both corn and soybeans. Tiled Plot Seven Corn Strip Averages Harvested Population Test Weight Moisture Two Outside Rows (West exposure) 33, Two Outside Rows (East exposure) 30, AVERAGE 31, Four Middle Rows 29, Seven Soybean Strip Averages Two Rows Next to Corn 56.8 Four Middle Rows 67.0 AVERAGE 61.9 Un-Tiled Plot Seven Corn Strip Averages Harvested Population Test Weight Moisture Two Outside Rows (West exposure) 28, Two Outside Rows (East exposure) 27, AVERAGE 28, Four Middle Rows 27, Six Soybean Strip Averages Two Rows Next to Corn 50.9 Four Middle Rows 59.4 AVERAGE 55.2 Both corn and soybeans in the tiled area out-yielded those in the un-tiled area. BECK 5439RWRR (109 day) on the outside rows produced yields comparable to BECK 6722CBRR (114 day) in the untiled area and averaged 4.0% lower moisture. Both hybrids averaged over 230 bushels per acre on this moderately productive soil. This is 17.6 bushels per acre more than the BECK 6722CBRR planted as a solid block in the tile study on the next page. At $2.75 per bushel corn this nets an additional $24.20 per acre. We compared soybeans planted in strips by weighing the two rows next to the corn separate from the four middle rows. We found 9.3 bushels per acre loss for the two rows planted next to the corn. This nets a revenue loss of $55.80 at $6.00 market price. When we factor in our $24.20 additional corn revenue, our net return for strip cropping is -$31.60 per acre compared planting blocks of corn and soybeans. In 2005, we gained 25 more bushels of corn in strips and lost only 4 bushels in our soybean strips, so net revenue was positive for strip cropping.

25 BECK'S Tiling Study Location: T3, T4 plots Previous Crop: Corn April 3.6 in. Planted: April 21, 2006 Tillage: No-Till beans / Zone-Till corn May 4.5 in. Harvested (Corn): September 27, 2006 Herbicide: PPI: 22 oz. Roundup Original Max June 4.6 in. Harvested (Beans): October 13, 2006 (Beans) Post: 22 oz. Roundup Original Max July 4.4 in. Rows: 30 rows 9 lbs./100 gal. Array August 4.0 in. Population (Corn): 32,500 seeds/a. (2 post applications) Total 21.1 in. Population (Beans): 123,000 seeds/a. Herbicide: PPI: 2.1 qts. Bicep II Magnum Soil Type: Crosby (Corn) 1 qt. Princep Products Tested: BECK 6722CBRR & Post: 1.67 qts. Lexar / 8 oz. Stinger BECK 333RR 25 In this study we are comparing yield between a non-tiled plot and a plot that was tile ditched in September 2004 with 4 tile every 20. We are also measuring yield in the four rows directly above the tile lines verses the three or four rows between the tile lines. Soybean Tiled Plot Corn Tiled Plot Moisture Population Test Weight Rows Over Tile 62.5 Rows Over Tile , Rows Between Tile 67.5 Rows Between Tile , Rows Over Tile 76.3 Rows Over Tile , Rows Between Tile 74.2 Rows Between Tile , Rows Over Tile 74.0 PLOT AVERAGE , Rows Between Tile 71.7 Rows Over Tile 73.4 Rows Between Tile 63.9 PLOT AVERAGE 70.4 AVG. YIELD OVER TILE 71.5 AVG. YIELD OVER TILE , AVG. YIELD BETWEEN TILE 69.3 AVG. YIELD BETWEEN TILE , UN-TILED BLOCK OF SOYBEANS 78.5 UN-TILED BLOCK OF CORN , Corn Soybean In both the first and second year following tile installation, corn rows over the tile averaged around 17 bushels per acre less than the corn rows between the tiles. We anticipate that tile benefits will likely occur in the next few years once the soil has settled and subsoil structure begins to develop. The tiled study averaged 11.1 bushels per acre less than the un-tiled plot overall, but only 2.3 bushels per acre less where yields were taken from rows between tile lines where subsoil structure was not disturbed. These differences are reduced significantly from our results in The un-tiled plot is slightly better soil and will likely produce more in most years. This study will help us determine if we can help soil that is not as productive, become as productive as better soil through the use of tiling. Soybeans planted over the tile were 2.2 bushels per acre above those planted between the tile, which may not be significant. What appears to be most significant is the difference that soil type made. The un-tiled plot in better soil produced 8.1 bushels per acre more than the tiled area.

26 26 BECK'S 300 Bu. Attempt 2006 Location: 300-1, 3 & 4 S. plots Fertilizer: Fall Plowdown: 300# #N Planted: April 10, 2006 Weed & Feed: 18 gal #N Harvested: September 20, 2006 Starter Mix: 8.5 gal Soil Type: Genesee Silt Loam 8.5 gal #N Tillage: In line Ripper / S-tine in 1 st year corn Sidedress: 65 gal #N Moldboard Plot / S-tine in 2 nd year 300#N and continuous corn Insecticide: Force on non-rw Hybrids Herbicide: Pre: 2.1 qts. Bicep II Magnum / 1 qt. Princep Post: 1.67 qts. Lexar / 8 oz. Stinger In our attempt to reach 300 bushels per acre, we have tried several different approaches in the past 26 years. In the early years, we increased our populations and applied extremely high rates of fertilizer as well as some micronutrients. In the middle years, we tried using different tillage methods like v-rip, chisel, and moldboard plow. From 1991 to 2002 we tested zone-till vs. conventional. In 2003, we tested ultra-high populations and twin rows using conventional-till practices. In 2004, we started the next phase of research where we compare the following crop rotations: continuous corn, two-year corn/one year bean, and corn/soybean rotations. In an effort to maximize yield on each hybrid, we adjusted the planting populations based on ear type. We planted 22 series hybrids at 32,300 and planted all others at 36,000 population. Planted Population Harvested Population Test Weight Broken Stalks Root Lodging Moisture Brand-Hybrid 30 ROWS CONTINUOUS CORN BECK 5444RR 36,000 32, BECK 6197RW 36,000 33, BECK 5538Hx1 36,000 35, BECK 5222Hx1 32,300 28, BECK 5816CBRR 36,000 30, BECK 6722CBRWRR 32,300 28, BECK EX 4558CBRR (5416CBRWRR Gen.) 36,000 26, BECK 5616CBRWRR 36,000 32, AVERAGE 35,075 30, ROWS SECOND YEAR CORN BECK 5444RR 36,000 31, BECK 6197RW 36,000 32, BECK 6722CBRWRR 32,300 27, BECK 5222Hx1 32,300 32, BECK EX 4558CBRR (5416CBRWRR Gen.) 36,000 31, BECK 5538Hx1 36,000 32, BECK 5816CBRR 36,000 33, BECK 5616CBRWRR 36,000 32, AVERAGE 35,075 31, ROWS FIRST YEAR CORN BECK 5538Hx1 36,000 37, BECK 5444RR 36,000 36, BECK 6197RW 36,000 32, BECK 6722CBRWRR 32,300 24, BECK 5616CBRWRR 36,000 29, BECK 5222Hx1 32,300 27, BECK 5816CBRR 36,000 32, BECK EX 4558CBRR (5416CBRWRR Gen.) 36,000 32, AVERAGE 35,075 31, *Bushels per acre corrected to 15% moisture. On average, we observed no significant yield differences between any of the crop rotation methods tested for the past two years. This year s top hybrids, BECK 5444RR and BECK 6197RW performed at the top in all three environments as well. BECK 5538Hx1 genetics was also at or near the top of this high yield study for the past two years. This year s top yield of Bu./A. was 17 Bu./A. higher than last year s top yield. Overall, this year s plot averaged 8.3 Bu./A. more than last year, and is our highest yield we have reached since our record setting yield of 308 Bu./A. in 1994.

27 BECK'S De-Terminator Corn Planter Study Background: Case IH built a six-row planter called The De-Terminator to test the row unit and seed metering systems of five planter manufacturers. They tested the following brands on a single tool bar at 10 locations in four states: Case IH John Deere Vacuum* Kinze Finger Pickup Kinze Finger Pickup with Precision Planting Seed Meter White Air *The Precision Planting E-Set unit for the John Deere meter was also tested at the Pontiac, IL location. There were 7 cooperators who each set up their own test protocol. In total, 8 speeds, 21 seed sizes and 3 seed treatments were tested. The row units and meters were all set to plant 32,400 plants per acre. Of the 38,500 plant measurements that were taken, nearly 50% were done at the three sites associated with Beck s Hybrids (Atlanta, IN, Ft. Branch, IN and Pontiac, IL). The purpose of this study was to determine the performance of each meter when using different seed sizes, seed treatments and planting speeds. Data was collected for the following: 1) Population 2) Variation in plant spacing and growth stage 3) Yield, moisture and test weight at harvest The focus of doing the early stand counts was to determine the Net Effective Stand (NES) which measures Stand Quality. NES takes into account both seed spacing and emergence uniformity. To figure NES, count the total emerged population then subtract the late emerging plants (0.5 for 1-2 leaves behind, 1 for 3+ leaves behind), then subtract poorly spaced plants (0.5 for 1 double, 2 for 1 triple). Example: Counted 29.0 plants in 1,000 th of an acre (29,000 population) -1.5 (Counted one plant 1 leaf behind and one plant 3 leaves behind) -0.5 (Found one double) 27.0 productive plants contributing 100% to yield 27,000 is the Net Effective Stand even though there are 29,000 plants emerged. To figure the Net Effective Stand age, divide the Total Productive Plants by the Final Population. Example: 27,000 = 93.1 Net Effective Stand % 29,000 NES% is a measure of a planter row unit and meter s ability to accurately space seeds and provide a seed environment that is conducive to uniform emergence. In later pages we will present yield data from the De-Terminator plots in Atlanta and Fort Branch. To predict yield results use the following equation: NES% x Final Pop = NES Pop (Remember optimum NES Pops vary from year to year and from hybrid to hybrid.)

28 28 BECK'S De-Terminator Corn Planter Study - Continued Net Effective Stand ages Each number represents the average number of productive plants to the total population on a percentage basis for the entire 10 plot study. The bold numbers represent the NES percentages that are 90% or more. The italicized numbers represent the 2-3 lowest NES percentages. This data can be used as a general guideline for deciding which grade sizes and speeds are optimum and which should be avoided for each type of planter. Case IH Kinze - Precision Seed Weight (lbs.) Seed Weight (lbs.) Speed (mph) < >60 Speed (mph) < >60 <5 91% <5 92% > > Comments: Case IH gave highest overall NES% for all seed sizes and speeds. Caution: Large seed at higher speeds. Kinze Comments: Small seed okay at slow speeds. Handles larger seed at high speeds. White Seed Weight (lbs.) Seed Weight (lbs.) Speed (mph) < >60 Speed (mph) < >60 <5 83% <5 89% > > Comments: Handles larger seed relatively well. Caution: <40 lbs. seed at any speed other than 5-6 mph. John Deere Seed Weight (lbs.) Speed (mph) < >60 <5 89% > Comments: Likes speed <5 mph. Caution: Higher speed and larger seed in general. Comments: Likes speed <5 mph. Caution: High speeds any seed size and seed above 60 lbs. Colleen Hunt, College Research Intern from Western Illinois University and Toby Ripberger, Assistant Practical Farm Research Manager collecting data.

29 BECK'S De-Terminator Corn Planter Study - Continued 29 ALL BRANDS, ALL PLANTING SPEEDS Net Effective Stand age 100% 95% 90% 85% 80% 75% White Precision Kinze Deere Case IH 70% Planting Speed This data illustrates what we have historically known to be true: planters provide the most uniform drop at speeds between 4.5 and 5.5 mph. At speeds above 6.8 mph, planting accuracy quickly declines. ALL BRANDS, ALL GRADE SIZES Net Effective Stand age 95% 90% 85% 80% 75% Case IH Deere White Kinze Precision 70% Round Flat Small Plateless Large Plateless Grade Size All planter brands had a greater NES% when planting rounds and flats except the Precision Meter, which did not decline in NES% when planting small plateless. Case IH had a clear advantage, overall. White handles all grade sizes comparable to the other brands, except the large plateless size where it showed the lowest NES%.

30 30 BECK'S De-Terminator Corn Planter Study - Continued ALL BRANDS, ALL SEED SIZES Net Effective Stand age 100% 95% 90% 85% 80% 75% Case IH Deere Kinze Precision White 70% < >60 Seed Size (lbs.) We would expect lbs. to be the optimum size to plant to obtain the highest NES%, and Case IH and Precision responded as expected. However, we can t explain why the other three brands showed lower NES% when they planted lb. seed, but improved when planting seed >60 lbs. We go to Beck s Field Show every year if we can. Nobody else has the studies like they do and they always have a good meal. It helps me understand the reports we get in the Practical Farm Research book in the fall if we have seen the research in the field. Monte Vandyke Mason, IL

31 BECK'S De-Terminator Corn Planter Study - Continued 31 Overall Results for Yield, Population and NES% Atlanta, IN Location Location: E1 - E2 plots Previous Crop: Soybeans April 3.6 in. Planted: April 12, 2006 Tillage: V-Rip / S-tine May 4.5 in. Harvested: October 29, 2006 Herbicide: PPI: 2.1 qts. Bicep II Magnum June 4.6 in. Rows: One 30 row 1 qt. Princep July 4.4 in. Population: 32,400 seeds/a. Post: 1.67 qts. Lexar / 8 oz. Stinger August 4.0 in. Soil Type: Brookston / Crosby Insecticide: None Total 21.1 in. It must be noted that yield performance does not directly correlate to NES% although it is an important part of the equation. Final population must be multiplied by NES% to get NES Population which is a key yield driver. Environmental variables are also an important part of the overall equation; we know that planting thicker does not always produce more yield. One must determine a NES Population target then divide by their expected NES% to determine their target Final Population which then needs to be factored by germination rates to determine their actual planting population. In these plots, each row unit was set to plant 32,400 plants per acre although final populations varied. NES 100% Atlanta, IN Location Bu./A % 90% % 80% 87% 86% 85% 82% 81% 150 NES% Bu./A. 75% % 50 Planter Brand Precision Case IH Kinze John Deere White Total Population 30,389 29,306 30,333 27,444 29,389 NES Population 26,438 25,203 25,783 22,504 23,805 In any given year for any given hybrid the optimum NES Population target may vary. In the case of Atlanta in 2006 the optimum yields were harvested in checks with 24,000 to 25,000 NES Populations (White and Case IH). This is calculated by multiplying Final Population by NES%.

32 32 BECK'S De-Terminator Corn Planter Study - Continued Overall Results for Yield, Population and NES% - Continued Ft. Branch, IN Location Planted: April 13, 2006 Previous Crop: Corn April 2.5 in. Harvested: September 6, 2006 Tillage: Chisel / Field Cultivator May 6.6 in. Rows: 30 rows Herbicide: 3 qts. Degree Xtra June 2.5 in. Population: 32,500 seeds/a. 1 qt. Atrazine July 3.6 in. Soil Type: Ragsdale Silt Loam Insecticide: 6 oz. Artic August 6.3 in. Total 21.5 in. NES 100% Ft. Branch, IN Location Bu./A % 90% % 80% 91% 89% 88% 87% 87% NES% Bu./A. 75% % Planter Brand Case IH Precision Kinze John Deere White Total Population 31,100 30,900 31,300 30,800 33,800 NES Population 28,301 27,501 27,544 26,796 29, In Fort Branch, early season conditions were more favorable than Atlanta and yields tended to increase as NES Populations increased. In Fort Branch in 2006 the optimum NES Population target was not determined as there was no drop in yield at the highest NES Population in the plot (White).

33 BECK'S De-Terminator Corn Planter Study - Continued Overall Results for Yield, Population and NES% - Continued Pontiac, IL Location Location: Pontiac, IL Previous Crop: Soybeans April 3.6 in. Planted: April 15, 2006 Tillage: Conventional May 3.7 in. Harvested: N/A Herbicide: PPI: 2 qts. Degree Extra June 1.8 in. Rows: One 30 Row Post:.75 oz. Impact July 3.7 in. Population: 34,000 seeds/a. Insecticide: None August 5.3 in. Soil Type: Crane Loam Total 18.1 in. 33 NES 100% Pontiac, IL Location 95% 94% 90% 91% 90% 89% 85% 80% 86% NES% 75% 70% Planter Brand Case IH John Deere (E-set) Precision White Kinze Total Population 31,137 31,020 30,951 33,187 31,897 NES Population 29,269 28,228 27,856 29,536 27,431 The data from Pontiac does seem to validate a performance enhancement with the E-set replacement meter versus the standard Deere vacuum meter used in the Atlanta and Fort Branch plots. No yield data was collected for the Pontiac location. Overall Yield and Population Summaries For Speed, Grade Size and Poncho 1250 Tests Atlanta, IN Ft. Branch, IN Population Bu./A. Population Bu./A. 4.5 mph 30, , mph 28, , mph 30, , MR 29, , MF 29, , SP 27, , PL 30, , Poncho , , The speed data provides no clear correlation between speed, population and final yield. However, the grade size breakout does favor graded or large plateless seed over small plateless. Poncho 1250 coated seed at the Atlanta location provided the highest population and yield of all tests. No yield data was collected for the Pontiac location.

34 34 BECK'S Zone-Till vs. Conv.-Till Long Range Study 2006 Corn After Soybeans (Also Nitrogen Rate Study) Location: E9 E10 plots Insecticide: Force Planted: April 13, 2006 Tillage: Zone-Till = 7" wide with 3 coulters Harvested: September 21, 2006 Conv.-Till = V-Rip & S-Tine Rows: Four 30" rows Fertilizer: Fall Plowdown: 300# # N Soil Type: Crosby / Miami Weed & Feed: 18 gal # N Population: 29,000 seeds/a. Starter Mix: 8.5 gal Previous Crop: Soybeans 8.5 gal # N Herbicide: Pre: 2.1 qts. Bicep II Magnum Sidedress: # N or 90# N (30# less N) 1 qt. Princep 226# N 196# N Post: 1.67 qts. Lexar 8 oz. Stinger This is the sixteenth year for evaluating Zone-Till vs. Conventional practices in a corn / soybean rotation. Since the previous year s soybeans are said to supply about 30# of nitrogen credit, we are also comparing a 30# lower rate of nitrogen on the same hybrids in each test. Harvested Population Test Weight Broken Stalks Moisture Bu./A. Difference for less N Brand-Hybrid Notes ZONE-TILL STUDY BECK 5444RR Sidedress 30# less N 25, BECK 5166RR Sidedress 30# less N 28, BECK 5616RR Sidedress 30# less N 26, BECK 5228RR Sidedress 30# less N 24, AVERAGE 26, BECK 5444RR 24, BECK 5616RR 23, BECK 5166RR 26, BECK 5228RR 27, AVERAGE 25, ZONE-TILL AVERAGE 25, CONVENTIONAL STUDY BECK 5444RR Sidedress 30# less N 26, BECK 5616RR Sidedress 30# less N 23, BECK 5166RR Sidedress 30# less N 26, BECK 5228RR Sidedress 30# less N 26, AVERAGE 25, BECK 5444RR 27, BECK 5166RR 24, BECK 5616RR 26, BECK 5228RR 24, AVERAGE 25, CONVENTIONAL AVERAGE 25, *Bushels per acre corrected to 15% moisture. Tillage Nitrogen Zone-Till vs. Conventional corn following soybeans for 16 years have produced higher corn yields in the Zone-Till areas in eight out of the last eleven years. This year, the Zone-Till and Conventional-Till were equal in yield. In 2005, we saw no significant difference when sidedressing 30 lbs. less nitrogen in either tillage system in this corn after soybean environment. This year, we saw mixed results: Zone-Till produced nearly 4 bushels per acre more yield with 30# less Nitrogen, and Conventional-Till produced over 5 bushels per acre less with 30# less nitrogen sidedressed.

35 BECK'S Zone-Till vs. Conv.-Till Continuous Corn Study 2006 (Also Nitrogen Rate Study) Location: E5 E6 plots Herbicide: Pre: 2.1 qts. Bicep II Magnum Planted: April 13, qt. Princep April 3.6 in. Harvested: September 21, 2006 Post: 1.67 qts. Lexar / 8 oz. Stinger May 4.5 in. Rows: Four 30" rows Insecticide: Force June 4.6 in. Soil Type: Crosby / Miami Tillage: Zone-Till = 7" wide with 3 coulters July 4.4 in. Population: 29,000 seeds/a. Conv.-Till = Plow & S-Tine August 4.0 in. Previous Crop: Corn Fertilizer: Same as listed on previous page, except Total 21.1 in. where noted. 35 This study is similar to our long-term Zone-Till vs. Conventional Study on the previous page except this is continuous corn and instead of lowering the nitrogen rate 30# for soybean credit, we increased the rate by 30# in one replication to determine whether additional nitrogen in a continuous corn environment pays. Harvested Population Test Weight Broken Stalks Moisture Bu./A. Advantage for extra N Brand-Hybrid Notes ZONE-TILL STUDY BECK 5444RR Sidedress extra 30# N 26, BECK 5616RR Sidedress extra 30# N 24, BECK 5166RR Sidedress extra 30# N 27, BECK 5228RR Sidedress extra 30# N 25, AVERAGE 25, BECK 5444RR 25, BECK 5616RR 25, BECK 5228RR 25, BECK 5166RR 27, AVERAGE 26, ZONE-TILL AVERAGE 25, CONVENTIONAL STUDY BECK 5616RR Sidedress extra 30# N 26, BECK 5444RR Sidedress extra 30# N 25, BECK 5228RR Sidedress extra 30# N 21, BECK 5166RR Sidedress extra 30# N 26, AVERAGE 25, BECK 5444RR 27, BECK 5616RR 26, BECK 5166RR 25, BECK 5228RR 21, AVERAGE 25, CONVENTIONAL AVERAGE 25, *Bushels per acre corrected to 15% moisture. Tillage Nitrogen In 2006, the Conventional Till areas out-yielded the Zone-Till by 19.4 bushels per acre which gives a 15.0 bushel per acre advantage for Conventional Till on average for the past three years in this continuous corn environment. In 2005, adding 30# extra nitrogen improved yields in both Zone-Till and Conventional areas and gave the largest benefit in the Zone-Till environment, where it was also an economic benefit. This year, there was no yield benefit to adding 30# more nitrogen.

36 36 BECK'S Purdue Nitrogen Rate Study 2006 Corn After Soybeans vs. Corn After Alfalfa Location: A3 plot Previous Crop: North: Soybeans Planted: April 13, 2006 South: Alfalfa April 3.6 in. Harvested: September 25, 2006 Tillage: DMI / Plow / S-tine May 4.5 in. Rows: Four 30 rows Herbicide: PPI: 2.1 qts. Bicep II Magnum June 4.6 in. Population: 32,300 seeds/a. 1 qt. Princep July 4.4 in. Soil Type: Crosby / Miami Post: 1.67 qts. Lexar August 4.0 in. Insecticide: Aztec Total 21.1 in. This study was set up to help gather nitrogen data for a state-wide database coordinated by Purdue University. Gross Minus Nitrogen & Drying Cost Return on Additional 50 lbs. of N Lbs. of Nitrogen Moisture Test Weight Gross Income CORN FOLLOWING SOYBEANS 200 lbs $ $ $ lbs $ $ $ lbs $ $ $ lbs $ $ $ lbs $ $ AVERAGE CORN FOLLOWING ALFALFA 200 lbs $ $ $ lbs $ $ $ lbs $ $ $ lbs $ $ $ lbs $ $ AVERAGE lbs. N 50 lbs. N 100 lbs. N 150 lbs. N 200 lbs. N Average Bu.*/A. Brand-Hybrid CORN FOLLOWING SOYBEANS BECK 5228RR BECK 5444RR BECK 5616RR AVERAGE CORN FOLLOWING ALFALFA BECK 5228RR BECK 5444RR BECK 5616RR AVERAGE *Bushels per acre corrected to 15% moisture. ^Nitrogen prices based on $185/ton 28% liquid nitrogen for sidedress. Corn price based on $2.75/bu. Drying charge based on $0.03/point moisture/ bu. over 15% moisture. At tasseling time, we noticed a maturity delay in the corn following soybeans: corn planted after alfalfa was tasseling 2-3 days ahead. Yields following alfalfa also proved to be superior to those following soybeans; the highest yield came where we applied no nitrogen. Nitrogen credits are often attributed to soybeans at the 30 lb. level and to alfalfa at the 150 lb. level. Our results would substantiate the additional benefits of using alfalfa as a nitrogen source in crop rotations.

37 BECK'S Nitrogen Form Study 2006 Location: A6 plot Previous Crop: Wheat / Soybeans April 3.6 in. Planted: May 5, 2006 Tillage: S-tine May 4.5 in. Harvested: October 5, 2006 Herbicide: PPI: 16 oz. 2,4-D / 1 qt./100 gal. Rivot June 4.6 in. Rows: Four 30 rows 16 oz. Roundup Original Max July 4.4 in. Population: 33,600 seeds/a. Post: 1.67 qts. Lexar / 8 oz. Stinger August 4.0 in. Soil Type: Crosby / Miami Insecticide: Force Total 21.1 in. As nitrogen prices have increased over the past year, farmers are looking for the most economical rates and forms. This study compares four forms of nitrogen (Urea, ESN, 28%, NH 3 ) on four different types of genetics. ESN (Environmentally Smart Nitrogen) is encapsulated Urea. We applied 105 lbs. of Urea and ESN pre-plant and side-dressed the 28% and NH 3. Urea ESN 28% NH 3 Brand-Hybrid Bu./A.* $ Return Bu./A.* $ Return Bu./A.* $ Return Bu./A.* $ Return Average BECK 5444RR $ $ $ $ BECK $ $ $ $ BECK 5616CL $ $ $ $ BECK $ $ $ $ AVERAGE $ $ $ $ Nitrogen prices based on $400/ton Urea, $480/ton ESN, $450/ton NH 3 and $185/ton 28% liquid nitrogen. Corn price based on $2.75/bu. Average yields were similar for all nitrogen forms (less than 5 bushels per acre difference). Economic return widened the profitability. 28% produced the highest yields and was second in cost to NH 3, which was the least expensive form. While ESN was the most costly form of nitrogen, it was slightly better than Urea in yield and economic return. Drying costs at $.03/pt. of moisture were also removed. BECK S Purdue Nitrogen Rate and Population Study Location: Field K (North) Previous Crop: Soybeans Planted: April 12, 2006 Tillage: DMI / S-tine Harvested: September 25, 2006 Herbicide: PPI: 2.1 qts. Bicep II Magnum Rows: Eight 30 rows (harvested center four) 1 qt. Princep Population: Various Post: 1.67 qts. Lexar Soil Type: Brookston 8 oz. Stinger Product Tested: BECK 5616CBRWRR Insecticide: None This study was set up to help gather nitrogen data for a state-wide database coordinated by Purdue University. Gross Minus Nitrogen & Drying Cost 37 Return on Additional 50 lbs. of N Lbs. of Nitrogen Moisture Test Weight Harvest Population Gross Income 30,000 POPULATION (2 REPS) 200 lbs , $ $ $ lbs , $ $ $ lbs , $ $ $ lbs , $ $ $ lbs , $ $ AVERAGE , ,000 POPULATION (1 REP) 200 lbs , $ $ $ lbs , $ $ $ lbs , $ $ $ lbs , $ $ $ lbs , $ $ AVERAGE , *Bushels per acre corrected to 15% moisture. Nitrogen prices based on $185/ton 28% liquid nitrogen for sidedress. Corn price based on $2.75/bu. Drying charge based on $0.03/point moisture/ bu. over 15% moisture. By testing two populations, we were able to differentiate the effectiveness of nitrogen utilization. The 30,000 population produced more than the 36,000 population at the 0 and 50 lb. rates of nitrogen. While the 36,000 seeding rate produced the highest yields overall, the return on the extra nitrogen investment at 150 lbs. and 200 lbs. was negative. In addition, we needed about 4 more bushels of yield to pay for the added seed cost.

38 38 BECK'S Starter Fertilizer Study Location: F4 plot Tillage: Spring Plow / Cultimulcher Planted: April 27, 2006 S-tine April 3.6 in. Harvested: September 29, 2006 Herbicide: PPI: 2.1 qts. Bicep II Magnum May 4.5 in. Rows: Two 30 rows 1 qt. Princep June 4.6 in. Population: 30,000 seeds/a. 32 oz. Roundup Original Max July 4.4 in. Soil Type: Crosby Post: 1.67 qts. Lexar August 4.0 in. Previous Crop: Pasture Insecticide: Force Total 21.1 in. Product Tested: BECK 5616 Recent interest among farmers regarding starter fertilizers and micronutrients led us to do this research to compare different programs currently available to our customers. Since pasture was the previous crop, we are also testing Poncho 250 and Poncho 1250 versus untreated seed and seed treated only with a fungicide (Maxim XL). Yield Rank Treatment Harvested Population Test Weight Moisture Bu./A. Difference CROP PRODUCTION SERVICES PROGRAM 1 Maxim XL 30, Maxim XL / Poncho , Maxim XL / Poncho , Untreated 22, CROP PRODUCTION AVERAGE 25, NO STARTER AVERAGE 26, AGROCULTURE PROGRAM 1 Maxim XL 26, Maxim XL / Poncho , Maxim XL / Poncho , Untreated 25, AGROCULTURE AVERAGE 25, NO STARTER AVERAGE 28, CONKLIN PROGRAM 1 Maxim XL 24, Untreated 24, Maxim XL / Poncho , Maxim XL / Poncho , CONKLIN AVERAGE 25, NO STARTER AVERAGE 28, BECK S PROGRAM 1 Maxim XL / Poncho , Maxim XL / Poncho , Maxim XL 29, Untreated 27, BECK S AVERAGE 27, NO STARTER AVERAGE 27, OVERALL AVERAGE (Starter) All Programs 26, OVERALL AVERAGE (No Starter) 27, *Bushels per acre corrected to 15% moisture. Note: The Agroculture Program recommends lower total nitrogen units because their recommendations are based on the availability of their special formulation. For specific information on each program refer to page 41 of Beck s 2005 Research Book at Only one starter program showed a slight yield improvement this year: the Crop Production Services Program gave a 3.0 bushel per acre increase. It also gave a 5.7 bushel per acre advantage in The overall comparison showed no yield difference between starter use or non-use in this year s test.

39 BECK'S Lime Study II on Corn Location: S. plot Previous Crop: Wheat April 3.6 in. Planted: May 6, 2006 Tillage: Conventional-Till May 4.5 in. Harvested: October 23, 2006 Herbicide: PPI: 2.1 qts. Bicep II Magnum June 4.6 in. Rows: Four 30" rows 1 qt. Princep July 4.4 in. Population: 29,000 seeds/a. Post: 1.67 qts. Lexar / 8 oz. Stinger August 4.0 in. Soil Type: Genesee Silt Loam Insecticide: Aztec Total 21.1 in. This study compares four BECK double or triple stack corn products planted where 3 ton/a. of the following lime types were applied in the Spring of 1998: High Calcium Lime, High Magnesium Lime and Bed Ash (Calcium Sulfate). Broken Stalks Yr. Average 99-01, 03, 06 Yield Rank Brand-Hybrid Harvested Population Test Weight Moisture BED ASH (Calcium Sulfate) 1 BECK 5444RWRR 24, BECK 6722CBRWRR 25, BECK 5816CBRR 26, BECK 5616CBRWRR 24, AVERAGE 24, HIGH CALCIUM LIME 1 BECK 5444RWRR 27, BECK 5816CBRR 23, BECK 6722CBRWRR 27, BECK 5616CBRWRR 28, AVERAGE 26, HIGH MAGNESIUM LIME 1 BECK 5444RWRR 26, BECK 5816CBRR 23, BECK 5616CBRWRR 25, BECK 6722CBRWRR 26, AVERAGE 25, *Bushels per acre corrected to 15% moisture. SOIL TEST RESULTS (IN LBS./A.) ph P K Mg Ca C.E.C. SPRING 1999 Bed Ash (VH) 550 (VH) 800 (H)* 5400 (H) 17.0 High Calcium (VH) 310 (H) 638 (H)* 4968 (H) 15.0 High Magnesium (VH) 464 (VH) 778 (H)* 5292 (H) 17.0 SPRING 2000 Bed Ash (VH) 428 (VH) 788 (H)* 4752 (H) 16.0 High Calcium (VH) 384 (VH) 680 (H)* 5400 (H) 17.0 High Magnesium (VH) 332 (VH) 616 (H)* 4860 (H) 15.0 SPRING 2001 Bed Ash (VH) 398 (VH) 526 (M)* 5474 (H) 16.0 High Calcium (VH) 318 (VH) 542 (M)* 5684 (H) 17.0 High Magnesium (VH) 226 (VH) 450 (M)* 4520 (H) 14.0 SPRING 2002 Bed Ash (VH) 518 (VH) 610 (M)* 5668 (H) 17.0 High Calcium (VH) 434 (VH) 572 (M)* 5488 (H) 17.0 High Magnesium (VH) 408 (VH) 518 (M)* 4416 (H) 14.0 FALL 2006 Bed Ash (VH) 384 (VH) 510 (M)* 4032 (H) 12.7 High Calcium (VH) 464 (VH) 530 (M)* 4048 (H) 12.9 High Magnesium (VH) 390 (VH) 538 (M)* 3668 (H) 11.9 VH = Very High H = High M = Medium L = Low * The Mg results are relative to Ca and C.E.C. Soil test conducted by Agri-Labs. Our 1998 results were inconclusive due to spring flooding. The results showed lower yields where High Magnesium Lime was applied. It s interesting to see how the ph has increased where the Bed Ash and High Calcium Lime were added, but decreased where the High Magnesium lime was applied. In this year s results, yields are similar to our five year average. The five year average still shows a 12.4 bushel per acre advantage for the High Calcium Lime area over the High Magnesium Lime area, with the yields in the Bed Ash area still coming in between these two.

40 40 Location: Planted: Harvested: Rows: Replications: BECK'S Corn Population Study F2 plot April 21, 2006 September 26, 2006 Two 30" rows Two (averaged) Soil Type: Previous Crop: Tillage: Herbicide: Insecticide: Brookston Soybeans V-Rip / S-tine PPI: 2.25 qts. Bicep II Magnum 1 qt. Princep Aztec April May June July August Total 3.6 in. 4.5 in. 4.6 in. 4.4 in. 4.0 in in. One key management decision to maximize return per acre is choosing the correct population for each hybrid for a given soil type. This is a long term study to learn how our current hybrids respond to various populations. The final stand populations range from 18,000 to 42,000 plants per acre in increments of 3,000 plants per acre. The graphs below show data on three groups of hybrids with different ear types. The graph on lodging displays the lodging of all hybrids across years. The graph in the lower right compares variable to even spacing at the same final population rate. Bu/A 260 Determinate Bu/A 260 Flex-Length Bu/A 260 Medium-Flex Population (x1000) Population (x1000) Population (x1000) % Ldg Lodging - 8 Yr. Avg Spacing Study - 10 Yr. Avg. 15 Bu/A Population (x1000) Variable Spacing Even Spacing The top three graphs above represent different hybrid types for ear flex. BECK 5129 for example, is a determinate-eared hybrid and the yield continues to increase with increased populations. BECK 5222Hx1 for example, is a flex-eared hybrid that reaches a peak for yield and decreases with higher population. The third category, has an intermediate flexing potential (BECK 5616CBRR for example) and doesn't significantly decrease yield until the highest populations. By looking at the data you can decide the optimum population range for each hybrid type. Keep in mind that this test was conducted on medium-high productivity soils and the populations listed were final populations. In general, you should slightly reduce populations in soils with less productivity. Refer to Beck's 2007 Pricing Guide to determine the ear type for each specific hybrid. The variable spacing study (bar graph above) continues to show significant differences. Having uniform spacing offers an excellent return per acre. Lodging increases as population increases as is shown by the line graph above.

41 BECK'S Herbicide Sensitivity Study Location: F3 plot Previous Crop: Soybeans April 3.6 in. Planted: April 21, 2006 Tillage: V-Rip / S-tine May 4.5 in. Harvested: September 26, 2006 Insecticide: Aztec June 4.6 in. Rows: Two 30 Rows Pre-Applied Herbicide: 2.3 qts. Bicep II Magnum July 4.4 in. Population: 31,000 seeds/a. Used only where Post- 1 qt. Princep August 4.0 in. Applied products Total 21.1 in. were tested. 41 Numerous factors can affect crop injury from herbicides, including soil type, weather conditions before, during and after application, planting depth, and proper furrow closure to name a few. This study was designed to evaluate the sensitivity of four post-applied herbicides including one herbicide combination of Accent and Lexar. To simulate a spray overlap, a 2X labeled rate was applied. When evaluating the results, the lower the percentage, the greater the sensitivity. (Example: BECK 5244 (94.6%) was more sensitive to Impact than BECK 4996Hx1 (104.1%)). Accent + Brand-Hybrid Lexar Balance Fultime Impact Control BECK 4996Hx BECK BECK 5222Hx BECK 5228CBRWRR BECK 5244RR BECK EX 4558CBRR (5416CBRWRR Genetics) BECK 5444RWRR BECK 5538Hx BECK 5593HRW BECK 5616CBRWRR BECK 5816CBRR BECK 5959RW BECK 6197RW BECK 6722CBRWRR BECK EX 4561CB (7916CBRR Genetics) AVERAGE* *This column is an average of all hybrids per treatment. The 2006 results for all hybrids at a 2X rate, showed that Accent + Lexar and Impact had the most sensitivity (97.8% and 97.7% respectively in the Average row). Accent + Lexar had the most sensitivity in 2005 as well indicating that labeled rates and timing are crucial to herbicide applications. Balance and Fultime showed very little hybrid sensitivity. Individual hybrid sensitivity to a given herbicide is displayed in the body of the table.

42 42 BECK'S Crop and Herbicide Rotation Study Year Corn 1 Year Soybean Rotation Location: A4 plot Previous Crop: Soybeans April 3.6 in. Planted: April 22, 2006 Tillage: Zone-Till May 4.5 in. Harvested: September 29, 2006 Herbicide: PPI: 2.1 qts. Bicep II Magnum June 4.6 in. Rows: Eight 30 rows 1 qt. Princep July 4.4 in. Population: 30,000 seeds/a. Post: 1.67 qts. Lexar / 8 oz. Stinger August 4.0 in. Soil Type: Crosby Insecticide: Force on non-rw Hybrids Total 21.1 in. This study compares Roundup Ready and Herculex products in a two year corn / one year soybean rotation. Over time, herbicide rotation may become more necessary as Roundup Ready corn and soybeans are more widely used in a corn / bean rotation. Adding Herculex products that offer resistance to Liberty herbicide may provide an effective way to control volunteer Roundup Ready corn in Roundup Ready soybeans. As more farmers want to grow more corn acres, the rotation pattern could be: Roundup Ready corn Herculex (Liberty Link) corn Roundup Ready soybeans Roundup Ready corn, etc. This study also compares the genetics used in Roundup Ready corn to those used in Herculex products. Yield Rank Brand-Hybrid Harvested Population Test Weight Broken Stalks Moisture ROUNDUP READY 1 BECK 5507CBRWRR 23, BECK 6722CBRWRR 24, BECK 5228CBRWRR 26, BECK 5616CBRWRR 23, AVERAGE 24, HERCULEX 1 BECK 5538Hx1 27, BECK 5316HRW 24, BECK EX 3629HXT (5316HRW Genetics) 30, BECK EX 2695HXT 26, AVERAGE 26, *Bushels per acre corrected to 15% moisture. Overall performance between the Roundup Ready system and Herculex system was similar. The Herculex products had slightly more population which translated into a few bushels of additional yield. My neighbor is a good farmer and a Beck s dealer. His plot is fair and this impressed me. I think he will be able to tell us what we need to know about Beck s products. Wayne Dickerson Blissfield, MI

43 BECK'S Roundup Ready vs. Traditional Systems Long Term Study Location: A8 plot Herbicide: All Traditional & Traditional Corn / April 3.6 in. Planted: April 11, 2006 Roundup Ready Soybean: May 4.5 in. Harvested: September 25, 2006 Pre-Emerge: 2.1 qts. Bicep II Magnum June 4.6 in. Rows: Four 30 Rows 1 qt. Princep July 4.4 in. Seeding Rate 32,300 seeds/a. Post Emerge: 1.67 qts. Lexar August 4.0 in. Previous Crop: Corn All Roundup Ready: Total 21.1 in. Tillage: V-Rip / S-tine Pre-Emerge: 2 qts. Harness Xtra Replications: One (All RR System) 1 qt. Princep Two (Other Systems) Post Emerge: 1 qt. Roundup Original Max Insecticide: Force We developed this study to compare the long-term effects of three different seed/herbicide systems: 1) Roundup Ready System where Roundup Ready Corn and Roundup Ready Soybeans are used. 2) Roundup Ready Soybeans and Traditional Corn System. 3) Traditional System where only Traditional Corn and Soybeans are used along with Traditional herbicides. We will look at the long-term effects of each system on weed species, weed control, and its effect on yield. We will also compare other visual or measured observations as they appear (e.g. volunteer corn, and herbicide interaction with the corn/soybeans). 43 Yield Rank Brand-Hybrid Test Weight Moisture ALL ROUNDUP READY SYSTEM 1 BECK 5899CBRR BECK 5616RR BECK 5099RR BECK 5228RR AVERAGE TRADITIONAL CORN / ROUNDUP READY SOYBEAN SYSTEM 1 BECK BECK BECK BECK AVERAGE ALL TRADITIONAL SYSTEM 1 BECK BECK BECK BECK AVERAGE *Bushels per acre corrected to 15% moisture. This year s results favored the All Roundup System in overall yield and performance by a slight margin over the Traditional Corn / Roundup Ready Soybean System. Products performed similarly in relation to each other across all three systems.

44 44 BECK'S Extensive Seed Treatment Study on Corn 2006 This study evaluates several types of seed treatments (fungicides, insecticides, biologicals, plant growth stimulants and micronutrients) on BECK 5616 in Zone-Till and Conventional-Till. April 3.6 in. May 4.5 in. June 4.6 in. July 4.4 in. August 4.0 in. Total 21.1 in. Zone-Till (2 Reps) Zone-Till (2 Reps) Conventional-Till (2 Reps) Location: A9 plot B3 plot L1 plot Planted: April 24, 2006 April 20, 2006 April 27, 2006 Harvested: September 28, 2006 September 27, 2006 September 26, 2006 Previous Crop: Soybeans Soybeans Soybeans Rows: Two 30 rows Two 30 rows Two 30 rows Population: 30,000 seeds/a. 32,500 seeds/a. 30,000 seeds/a. Tillage: Inline Ripper/S-tine Zone-Till Fall Plow / S-tine Insecticide: Force Force Force Herbicide: PPI: 2.1 qts. Bicep II Magnum 3 qts. Harness Xtra 2.1 qts. Bicep II Magnum 1 qt. Princep 1 qt. Princep 1 qt. Princep 32 oz. Roundup Original Max Post: 1.67 qts. Lexar 1.67 qts. Lexar 1.67 qts. Lexar 8 oz. Stinger Treatment Harvested Population Harvested Population Harvested Population Avg. Pop. Avg. Bu./A.* Untreated 24, , , , Vortex AL 2.5g 23, , , , Vortex AL 2.5g + Poncho , , , , Vortex AT 2.5g 27, , , , Vortex AT 2.5g + Poncho , , , , Syngenta EX A14919A 26, , , , Maxim XL 26, , , , Maxim XL + Poncho , , , , Maxim XL + Poncho Dynasty 27, , , , Maxim XL + Poncho ReVV 28, , , , Maxim XL + Poncho Myconate 29, , , , Maxim XL + Poncho Zinc (Agrilliance Liquid) 27, , , , Maxim XL + Poncho Micro-Stimulant Yield Enhancer 28, , , , Maxim XL + Poncho Trilex 26, , , , Maxim XL + Poncho , , , , Maxim XL + Poncho Micro-Stimulant Yield Enhancer + ReVV + Dynasty 27, , , , AVERAGE* 26, , , , *Bushels per acre corrected to 15% moisture. Bold numbers indicate performance is above the plot average. Higher populations translated into higher yields 100% of the time in this year s test. Maxin XL + Poncho 250 (Beck s FaSTart) alone or in combination with other products was always above the plot average in yield. Maxim XL + Poncho 1250 produced the highest yields in this year s test.

45 BECK'S Extensive Seed Treatment Study on Corn Continued 45 Seed Treatment Descriptions: Maxim XL: Beck s standard fungicide treatment that comes on all Beck hybrids. A combination of Apron XL and Maxim 4FS. Beck s trademark name is Sure Gro. Pests Controlled Fusarium, rhizoctonia, phytophthora and pythium. Seedborne and soil-borne fungi, which cause seed decay, damping-off and seedling blight. Apron XL: A fungicide component of Maxim XL. Pythium, phytophthora. Vortex AL: Syngenta EX A14919A: Vortex AT: Trilex: ReVV: Dynasty: Poncho 250: Myconate: Zinc Micro- Stimulant Yield Enhancer: A new broad spectrum fungicide that could be a substitute for Maxim XL. It contains Allegiance. An experimental fungicide from Syngenta. A new broad spectrum fungicide that could be a substitute for Maxim. A fungicide in the strobin family (Trifloxystrobin) that is derived from mushrooms. (Minimal systemic activity) ReVV technology is a signal molecule that maximizes a plants genetics by advancing vital growth processes independent of external factors and allows the plant to reach it s inherent yield potential. A newer fungicide in the strobin family (Azoxystrobin) that is derived from mushrooms. (Systemic) A seed-applied insecticide for control of several early season insects. It is a standard component in Beck s FaSTart branded hybrids. Myconate is a synthesized form of the naturallyoccurring isoflavanone- formononetin- that was originally isolated from plant roots. This chemical stimulates the activity and colonization of plant roots by beneficial vesicular-arbuscular mycorrhizal (VAM) fungi. VAM are the state of fine roots of nearly all plants growing in soils of natural plant ecosystems. VAM increase the ability of the plant to absorb water, nitrogen and essential minerals by significantly increasing the effective absorbing surface area of the root system. This improved water and nutrition aids the plant in managing stress, such as soil water and mineral deficiencies and salinity. Increased phosphorus absorption and utilization by mycorrhizal plants also increase nodulation of legumes by nitrogen-fixing bacteria. Adding micronutrients like Zinc on the seed corn causes elevated responses in tissue sampling and can improve yield in cold, stress conditions. A proprietary synthesis of ATP for enhancing germination in cold/wet soils. Results include increased ear girth/elongation, kernel size, root density, stalk size/strength, and dry down. Broad spectrum like Maxim XL. N/A Broad spectrum like Maxim XL. An additive to Maxim XL to aid in fusarium, rhizoctonia and pythium control. N/A An additive to Maxim XL to aid in fusarium, rhizoctonia, pythium and penicillium control. Wireworm, seed corn maggot, flea beetle, white grub, black cutworm, grape colaspis. N/A N/A N/A

46 46 BECK'S Corn Rootworm Control Study Location: A7 plot Tillage: V-Rip / S-tine April 3.6 in. Planted: April 13, 2006 Herbicide: PPI: 2.1 qts. Bicep II Magnum May 4.5 in. Harvested: September 25, qt. Princep June 4.6 in. Population: 32,300 seeds/a. Post: 1.67 qts. Lexar July 4.4 in. Rows: Four 30 rows Insecticide: Various August 4.0 in. Previous Crop: Corn Total 21.1 in. This study evaluates the corn rootworm control options of YieldGard Rootworm, Herculex Rootworm, Poncho 1250 and Force, and compares a full and a half-rate of Force in combination with Poncho Brand-Hybrid Corn Rootworm Control Treatment Harvested Population Test Weight Moisture BECK 5166RR None 30, BECK 5316HRW Herculex Rootworm 28, BECK 5166RW YieldGard Rootworm 28, BECK 5166RR Poncho ½ rate Force 26, BECK 5166RR Poncho Force 27, BECK 5166RR Force 28, BECK 5166RR Poncho , AVERAGE 27, We dug roots and did evaluations in July and found minimal feeding damage from corn rootworm larvae in this continuous corn study. However, yield results showed a slight advantage when both Poncho 1250 and Force were used in combination, versus using Poncho 1250 alone. The advantage was not enough to justify the additional cost of Force. With the lack of any significant corn rootworm feeding, we saw minimal yield differences between the various forms of rootworm control. The different genetic package of BECK 5316HRW finished second and BECK 5166RR without rootworm control topped the plot but also had a population advantage. BECK'S 7.5 Row Drill Corn Study Location: N. plot Previous Crop: Pumpkins Planted: May 9, 2006 Tillage: V-Rip / Cultimulcher Harvested: October 23, 2006 Herbicide: PPI: 2.1 qts. Bicep II Magnum Population: 75,000 seeds/a.+ 1 qt. Princep Soil Type: Genesee Silt Loam Post: None Insecticide: None A study to determine how corn planted at high populations would perform when drilled in 7.5 inch rows. Test Brand-Hybrid Weight Moisture BECK 5439RWRR In comparison with previous years we planted 25-50% increase in population this year. By exceeding the population threshold we achieved the lowest yields thus far. Even with a late harvest date we saw minimal to moderate lodging. Throughout the season we noticed smaller ear size due to an increase in population. *Bushels per acre corrected to 15% moisture.

47 BECK'S Quality Trait Products Location: N2 plot Previous Crop: Soybeans April 3.6 in. Planted: April 20, 2006 Tillage: V-Rip / S-tine May 4.5 in. Harvested: September 27, 2006 Herbicide: PPI: 2.1 qts. Bicep II Magnum June 4.6 in. Rows: Four 30 rows 1 qt. Princep July 4.4 in. Population: 29,000 seeds/a. Post: 1.67 qts. Lexar / 8 oz. Stinger August 4.0 in. Insecticide: Force Total 21.1 in. This study shows the Quality Trait Products Beck s is testing and/or offering for sale. Our purpose is to evaluate and offer for sale the products that are profitable for our customers. Broken Stalks or Plot Avg. Quality Trait Product Brand-Hybrid Harvested Population Test Weight Moisture Food Grade BECK , Food Grade BECK , Food Grade BECK EX , Food Grade BECK EX , Potential Premiums Food Grade $0.10-$0.25 H.E.S. BECK 6722RR 26, H.E.S. BECK , H.E.S. BECK , Waxy BECK 5422wx 24, Waxy BECK 5323wx 25, Waxy BECK 5727wx 26, Waxy BECK 5818wx 23, Waxy BECK 5275wx 27, Waxy BECK 5366wx 26, Waxy BECK 5166wx 28, NutriDense BECK 6102ND 26, NutriDense BECK EX 3606NDCL 27, White Corn BECK 6218W 20, AVERAGE 25, *Bushels per acre corrected to 15% moisture. H.E.S. $0.10-$0.20 Waxy $0.30-$0.40 NutriDense $0.25 White Corn $ Food Grade Corn - Used by dry millers to produce cereal and snack food products. The endosperm is much harder than commodity corn and is higher in test weight. High Extractable Starch (H.E.S.) Wet millers gain efficiency by being able to extract a larger percentage of starch from each kernel. HES hybrids naturally possess a higher percentage of extractable starch and therefore earn premiums from processors. Waxy Corn - Unlike normal corn, it does not contain any amylose starch, only amylopectin. It is used by processors to produce specialty starches used in food and industrial products. NutriDense - Nutritionally enhanced hybrid for swine and poultry producers. Has increased levels of crude protein, essential amino acids, and oil. White Corn - White corn mainly used by grain millers to produce snack foods. NutriDense is a trademark of ExSeed Genetics. Quality Trait Products is a registered trademark of Beck s Superior Hybrids, Inc.

48 48 BECK'S NutriDense Study Location: L2 plot Tillage: Plow / S-tine April 3.6 in. Planted: April 27, 2006 Herbicide: PPI: 2.1 qts. Bicep II Magnum May 4.5 in. Harvested: September 29, qt. Princep June 4.6 in. Rows: Four 30 rows 32 oz. Roundup Original Max July 4.4 in. Population: 30,000 seeds/a. Post: 1.67 qts. Lexar / 8 oz. Stinger August 4.0 in. Previous Crop: Corn Insecticide: Force Total 21.1 in. This study compares nine NutriDense hybrids and experimental hybrids to five regular hybrids (shown as a single entry in this data). Broken Stalks Root Lodging Brand-Hybrid Harvested Population Test Weight Moisture Revenue ND Premium Total Revenue BECK 6702ND 28, $ $52.88 $ BECK EX , $ $52.10 $ Non-ND Hybrid Average 27, $ $ BECK 6102ND 26, $ $51.55 $ BECK EX , $ $51.15 $ BECK 5702ND 27, $ $48.95 $ BECK EX , $ $48.63 $ BECK EX , $ $45.73 $ BECK EX , $ $45.30 $ BECK 5202ND 28, $ $39.78 $ AVERAGE 27, $ Note: Revenue figured using: NutriDense Average $ $0.03/pt. mois./bushel drying costs Yellow Dent Average $ $2.75/bushel corn price NutriDense Advantage $9.76 $0.25/bushel premium for NutriDense *Bushels per acre corrected to 15% moisture. Five non-nutridense hybrids were planted adjacent to these NutriDense hybrids. We are using the average of those hybrids in this data comparison. The average yield of all the NutriDense hybrids including experimentals was 93.6% of the five regular (non-nutridense) hybrids, so net revenue favors the NutriDense hybrids in this study by $9.76. My 2006 corn crop consisted of three different hybrids. One of the hybrids was BECK 5366wx. I was pleased with the standability of the plant. It was also a 12.5 bushel per acre advantage over the competitor s corn. The dry yield bushel was 177 per acre. R. Douglas Daum Plainfield, IN I bought my first Beck s seed many years ago because I thought my dealer had good people. The seed has been consistently good and Beck s gets so much good information to us that I don t even think of using anything else. Maurice Ballmer McClure, OH

49 BECK'S Corn Silage Study Location: N3 plot Previous Crop: Soybeans April 3.6 in. Planted: April 20, 2006 Tillage: V-Rip / S-tine May 4.5 in. Harvested: August 31, 2006 Herbicide: PPI: 2.1 qts. Bicep II Magnum June 4.6 in. Rows: Four 30 rows 1 qt. Princep July 4.4 in. Population: 29,000 seeds/a. Post: 1.67 qts. Lexar / 8 oz. Stinger August 4.0 in. Insecticide: Force Total 21.1 in. NIR (Near Infrared Spectroscopy) Test done by Dairy One Forage Labs Ithaca, NY To find hybrids that combine high tonnage along with excellent nutritional quality. This combination produces the highest pounds of milk per acre as calculated by the Milk 2000 program developed by the University of Wisconsin. The pounds of milk per acre data combine the yield in tons with the nutritional data into one easy to understand number. % Dry Matter Basis Brand-Hybrid Lbs of Milk/Acre Lbs of Milk/Ton % Mois. 65% Moist. Tons/Acre ADF NDF Adj. Crude Protein Starch Crude Fat NEL NEG BECK 5616CBRR 37,046 3, BECK 5222Hx1 36,308 3, BECK 5444RR 36,244 3, BECK 4996Hx1 35,048 3, BECK 5316HRW 33,146 3, BECK 6722CBRR 32,507 3, BECK 5597CB 32,468 3, BECK EX 4558CBRR (5416CBRWRR Genetics) 32,466 3, BECK EX ,791 3, BECK 6197CB 30,751 3, BECK 6097CB 29,015 3, BECK 7997CBCL 28,693 3, BECK 7538Bt 1 27,790 3, BECK EX 4561CB (7916CBRR Genetics) 24,342 3, Top Five Hybrids for Silage North Rm (Days) Central Rm (Days) South Rm (Days) BECK 5444CBRR 110 BECK 5616CBRR 111 BECK 6197RW 112 BECK 6197RW 112 BECK 6197RW 112 BECK 7997RR 116 BECK 5416CBRWRR 110 BECK 5444CBRR 110 BECK 5816CBRR 112 BECK 5222Hx1 108 BECK 5816CBRR 112 BECK 6722RR 114 BECK 5597Hx1 110 BECK 6722CBRR 114 BECK 5616CBRR 111 ADF Acid Detergent Fiber Includes cell wall portions made up of cellulose and lignin. As ADF increases, digestibility decreases. NDF Neutral Detergent Fiber Includes ADF plus hemicellulose. As NDF increases, dry matter intake will generally decrease. NEL Net Energy of Lactation An estimate of energy in feed available for lactating animals. NEG Net Energy for Gain An estimate of energy in feed available for non-lactating animals. Pounds of Milk/Acre & Ton Calculated using the University of Wisconsin s Milk 2000 Program. Hybrids that produce outstanding nutritional quality and tonnage for silage is a major focus at Beck s Hybrids. Two year data indicates that the 16 series and 97 series hybrids typically perform well as silage hybrids. The best silage hybrids are ranked in the box to demonstrate the best hybrids in each region of our marketing area. These have been proven to give the best nutritional quality and tonnage. 49

50 50 Beck s 2007 Alfalfa Highlights SummerGold Fall Dormancy = 4.0; Winterhardiness = 2.1; Disease Resistance = 30 Highest possible disease rating. Fast recovery after harvest and strong persistence. Very winterhardy for long stand life, even in harsh environments. Great fit for growers wanting long term stands with the highest hay quality and yields. New for 2007 Charger Fall Dormancy = 5.0; Winterhardiness = 2.0; Disease Resistance = 29 Fastest recovering alfalfa ever released by Beck s Hybrids. Improved disease resistance over GoldRush. Excellent fit for short harvest intervals and maximum hay tonnage. Unprecedented regrowth by utilizing StandFast technology. SummerGold Tons/Acre Charger 5.90 Tons/Acre Pioneer 54V Tons/Acre Pioneer 54V Tons/Acre Pioneer 54Q Tons/Acre SummerGold 5.18 Tons/Acre LegenDairy 9.85 Tons/Acre HybriForce Tons/Acre AmeriStand 405T RR Fall Dormancy = 4.0; Winterhardiness = 2.0; Disease Resistance = 30 Very high-yielding elite variety that performs across a wide range of soil types. Roundup Ready trait for easy stand establishment and superior weed control. Fast recovery makes this an ideal variety for top managers. GoldRush Fall Dormancy = 4.0; Winterhardiness = 2.0; Disease Resistance = 26 Perfect for growers who are looking to maximize production on their hay acres. Excellent winterhardiness. Unprecedented regrowth by utilizing StandFast technology. GoldRush 3.70 Tons/Acre AmeriStand 405T RR 7.9 Tons/Acre Pioneer 54V Tons/Acre Pioneer 54V Tons/Acre HybriForce Tons/Acre AmeriStand 403T 7.5 Tons/Acre HybriForce Tons/Acre AmeriStand 403T 2.14 Tons/Acre Note: Tests taken from 4 separate plots at 4 different locations

51 BECK'S Soybean Plots 51 BECK'S Soybean Variety Plot - Office Location: A1 plot Seeding Rate: 119,000 seeds/a. April 3.6 in. Planted: April 27, 2006 Previous Crop: Corn May 4.5 in. Harvested: October 3, 2006 Tillage: V-Rip / S-tine June 4.6 in. Rows: Three 30 rows Herbicide: 22 oz. Roundup Original Max July 4.4 in. 9 lbs./100 gal. Array August 4.0 in. (2 post applications) Total 21.1 in. Plant Height (IN.) Pod Height (IN.) Standability 1 = Erect 5 = Flat Yr. Average* Yield Rank Brand-Variety Relative Maturity GROUP II 1 BECK 297NRR BECK 274NRR BECK 286NRR BECK 298CRR AVERAGE GROUP III & IV 1 BECK 342NRR BECK 354NRR BECK 367NRR BECK 333RR BECK 383NRR BECK 422NRR BECK 321NRR BECK 405NRR BECK 444NRR BECK 323RR BECK 326RRL** BECK 335NRRL** AVERAGE **Planted May 3, BECK S Traditional Soybean Variety Plot Location: N4 (E) plot Seeding Rate 150,000 seeds/a. Planted: May 24, 2006 Previous Crop: Corn Harvested: September 21, 2006 Tillage: S-tine Rows: Six 15 rows Herbicide: 4 oz. Pursuit / 4 oz. Fusilade DX Plant Height (IN.) Pod Height (IN.) Standability 1 = Erect 5 = Flat 2006 Yield Rank Brand-Variety Relative Maturity 1 BECK 311N BECK 381N AVERAGE *Bushels per acre corrected to 13% moisture.

52 52 BECK S Soybean Variety Plot - Atlanta Location: SR 19 W. of Atlanta Seeding Rate 119,000 seeds/a. April 3.6 in. Planted: May 5, 2006 Previous Crop: Corn May 4.5 in. Harvested: October 9, 2006 Tillage: Plow / S-tine June 4.6 in. Rows: Four 30 rows Herbicide: 22 oz. Roundup Original Max July 4.4 in. 9 lbs./100 gal. Array August 4.0 in. (two applications) Total 21.1 in. Plant Height (IN.) Pod Height (IN.) Standability 1 = Erect 5 = Flat Yr. Average* Yield Rank Brand-Variety Relative Maturity GROUP II 1 BECK 297NRR BECK 286NRR BECK 298CRR BECK 274NRR BECK EX AVERAGE GROUP III & IV 1 BECK EX BECK 383NRR BECK 333RR BECK 321NRR BECK EX BECK 342NRR BECK EX BECK EX BECK 367NRR BECK 323RR BECK 354NRR BECK 405NRR BECK EX BECK EX BECK EX BECK EX BECK EX BECK 326RRL BECK 335NRRL AVERAGE *Bushels per acre corrected to 13% moisture. Kevin Cavanaugh, Ph.D., Beck s Research Director, evaluates current varieties in Beck s Practical Farm Research studies as well as thousands of experimental varieties in Beck s testing program. Beck s conducts small-plot, replicated testing at seven locations in Indiana, one in Illinois, and one in Ohio to find the best products for each area. Through cooperative and networking efforts, Beck s has access to hundreds of other testing locations throughout the Midwest.

53 BECK'S Soybean Variety Plot - Arcadia 2006 Location: ½ mile West of Arcadia Seeding Rate: 119,000 seeds/a. April 3.6 in. Planted: May 20, 2006 Previous Crop: Corn May 4.5 in. Harvested: October 9, 2006 Tillage: S-tine June 4.6 in. Rows: Four 30 rows Herbicide: 22 oz. Roundup Original Max July 4.4 in. Replications: Two (averaged) 9 lbs./100 gal. Array August 4.0 in. (two applications) Total 21.1 in. Plant Height (IN.) Pod Height (IN.) Standability 1 = Erect 5 = Flat Yr. Average* Yield Rank Brand-Variety Relative Maturity GROUP II 1 BECK 286NRR BECK EX BECK EX BECK 297NRR BECK 274NRR BECK 298CRR AVERAGE GROUP III & IV 1 BECK 383NRR BECK 333RR BECK EX BECK 342NRR BECK 323RR BECK EX BECK EX BECK 321NRR BECK EX BECK 405NRR BECK 326RRL BECK EX BECK 354NRR BECK EX BECK EX BECK EX BECK 367NRR BECK EX AVERAGE *Bushels per acre corrected to 13% moisture. We have been planting Beck s product for over 10 years now and have been very pleased with their products and service. We really appreciate doing business with a Christian based family owned company that puts our needs first. Hilltop Swine Farms Troy & Don Furrer Wolcott, IN

54 54 BECK'S 15 Row Show Plot Location: N6 plot Population: 150,000 seeds/a. April 3.6 in. Planted: May 3, 2006 Previous Crop: Corn May 4.5 in. Harvested: October 4, 2006 Tillage: V-Rip / S-tine June 4.6 in. Rows: Six 15 rows Herbicide: 22 oz. Roundup Original Max July 4.4 in. 9 lbs./100 gal. Array August 4.0 in. (two applications) Total 21.1 in. Plant Height (IN.) Pod Height (IN.) Standability 1 = Erect 5 = Flat Yield Rank Brand-Variety 1 BECK 422NRR BECK 333RR BECK 383NRR BECK 367NRR BECK 342NRR BECK 354NRR BECK 321NRR BECK 297NRR BECK 323RR BECK 326RRL BECK 335NRRL BECK 286NRR BECK 405NRR BECK 274NRR BECK 298CRR AVERAGE *Bushels per acre corrected to 13% moisture. We try to farm several acres and be as efficient as possible. To do this we look for service first from all of our suppliers. Our Beck s representative helps us get the right seed and right technologies where we need them. This service together with the agronomy skill to help solve problems through the season is exactly what we need. Donald Myers Brownsville, IN

55 BECK S Field C Soybean Variety Plot Location: Field C (Middle) Field C (N) Seeding Rate 150,000 seeds/a. April 3.6 in. Planted: May 8, 2006 May 24, 2006 Previous Crop: Corn May 4.5 in. Harvested: October 14, 2006 October 16, 2006 Tillage: V-Rip / S-tine June 4.6 in. Rows: Six 15 rows Herbicide: 22 oz. Roundup Original Max July 4.4 in. 9 lbs./100 gal. Array August 4.0 in. (two applications) Total 21.1 in. 55 We planted several varieties and experimentals on an earlier and also a later planting date to compare performance. Plant Height (IN.) Pod Height (IN.) Standability 1 = Erect 5 = Flat May 8 Planting Bu./A.* May 24 Planting Bu./A.* Yield Rank Brand-Variety Relative Maturity Avg. Bu./A.* GROUP II 1 BECK 286NRR BECK EX BECK 298CRR BECK 274NRR BECK 297NRR Asgrow AG AVERAGE GROUP III & IV 1 BECK 321NRR BECK 342NRR BECK 383NRR BECK 323RR BECK EX BECK EX BECK EX Dekalb DKB BECK 354NRR Dekalb DKB BECK 333RR BECK EX BECK EX BECK 367NRR BECK EX BECK 405NRR BECK 326RRL BECK 335NRRL BECK EX BECK 422NRR BECK 444NRR Asgrow AG BECK EX BECK EX AVERAGE *Bushels per acre corrected to 13% moisture. With adequate rainfall in August and on into the fall season, we saw less difference in yield between the May 8 and May 24 planting dates. Cooler, wet conditions following the May 8 planting also slowed emergence and growth rate of the soybeans planted at that time.

56 56 BECK'S Planting Date Study on Soybeans Location: N4 plot Previous Crop: Corn April 3.6 in. Harvested: September 21 & 28, 2006 Tillage: S-tine May 4.5 in. Rows: Four 30 rows Herbicide: 22 oz. Roundup Original Max June 4.6 in. Population: 119,000 seeds/a. 9 lbs./100 gal. Array July 4.4 in. (2 applications) August 4.0 in. Total 21.1 in. Is it too early to plant soybeans? This question comes up every spring as temperatures begin to increase and the snow melts. So what is the correct answer? It is difficult to give an exact date, since spring weather conditions can vary greatly from year to year. This study has been conducted for several years and compares two soybean varieties, a Group II and a Group III, in six planting dates ranging from March 30 to May 20. Plant Height (IN.) Pod Height (IN.) Standability 1=Erect 5=Flat Planting Date Brand-Variety March 30 BECK 297NRR March 30 BECK 354NRR AVERAGE April 5 BECK 354NRR April 5 BECK 297NRR AVERAGE April 12 BECK 354NRR April 12 BECK 297NRR AVERAGE April 27 BECK 354NRR April 27 BECK 297NRR AVERAGE May 10 BECK 354NRR May 10 BECK 297NRR AVERAGE May 20 BECK 354NRR May 20 BECK 297NRR AVERAGE *Bushels per acre corrected to 13% moisture. In past years, our early April planting date often produced the highest yields. In 2006, adequate rainfall throughout the growing season produced similar yields at all planting dates, except March 30, which had the lowest yields, and was the only date where BECK 297NRR out yielded BECK 354NRR.

57 57 BECK'S Advanced Soybeans in No-Till and Conventional Location: H4 H5 plots (No-Till) Rows: Six 15 rows April 3.6 in , 4N plots (Conv.) Seeding Rate 150,000 seeds/a. May 4.5 in. Planted: May 8, 2006 Previous Crop: Corn June 4.6 in. Harvested: October 2, 2006 (Conv.) Herbicide: Pre: 22 oz. Roundup Original Max July 4.4 in. October 4, 2006 (No-Till) on No-Till only August 4.0 in. Post: 22 oz. Roundup Original Max Total 21.1 in. 9 lbs./100 gal. Array (two applications) This study compares our advanced experimental varieties in our Head Start testing program to our leading products. We are evaluating yield and agronomic characteristics in both the no-till and conventional-till environments. Plant Height (IN.) Pod Height (IN.) Standability 1 = Erect 5 = Flat Yield Rank Brand-Variety NO-TILL (Two Replications) 1 BECK 333RR BECK 383NRR BECK EX BECK 321NRR BECK EX BECK EX BECK 342NRR BECK EX BECK EX BECK 323RR BECK 354NRR BECK EX BECK 405NRR BECK EX BECK 286NRR BECK 367NRR BECK EX BECK 297NRR BECK 274NRR BECK EX AVERAGE Advantage in Conv.-Till CONVENTIONAL (One Replication) 1 BECK EX BECK EX BECK 342NRR BECK EX BECK 333RR BECK EX BECK 354NRR BECK 367NRR BECK EX BECK 321NRR BECK 405NRR BECK EX BECK EX BECK 383NRR BECK 323RR BECK 286NRR BECK 297NRR BECK EX BECK 274NRR BECK AVERAGE *Bushels per acre corrected to 13% moisture. This year s conventional-till study out yielded the no-till study by only 0.6 bushels per acre. Some of the visual differences we observed in the conventional till were 5 more plant height and slightly higher podding height. BECK 333RR has been the top yielding soybean in this study in each of the past three years.

58 58 BECK'S No-Till vs. Conventional-Till Long Range Soybean Study 2006 (Continuous Soybeans) Location: E12 E13 plots Previous Crop: Soybeans Planted: April 20, 2006 Tillage: No-Till: None April 3.6 in. Harvested: October 10, 2006 Conv.: Moldboard Plow / S-tine May 4.5 in. Rows: Six 15" rows Herbicide: Pre: 22 oz. Roundup Original Max June 4.6 in. Soil Type: Crosby (on No-Till only) July 4.4 in. Seeding Rate 180,000 seeds/a. Post: 22 oz. Roundup Original Max August 4.0 in. 9 lbs./100 gal. Array Total 21.1 in. (2 post applications) After fifteen years of comparing no-till with conventional-till soybeans following corn, we converted this portion of our long range testing area to continuous soybeans to evaluate varietal and tillage interaction in a continuous soybean environment. Plant Height (IN.) Pod Height (IN.) Standability 1 = Erect 5 = Flat Advantage for No-Till (per Variety) Yield Rank Brand-Variety NO-TILL STUDY 1 BECK 342NRR BECK 297NRR BECK 295NRR BECK 354NRR BECK 323RR BECK 321NRR BECK 405NRR BECK 367NRR AVERAGE CONVENTIONAL STUDY 1 BECK 405NRR BECK 354NRR BECK 342NRR BECK 321NRR BECK 367NRR BECK 297NRR BECK 295NRR BECK 323RR AVERAGE *Bushels per acre corrected to 13% moisture. This is the third year of continuous soybeans and the first year that we saw a more significant yield difference between no-till and conventional (3.7 Bu./A. in favor of no-till). To date, we have not seen any consistent trends in varietal performance as it relates to tillage and continuous soybean practices. I was extremely pleased with BECK 326RRL this year. We had them planted side by side with a competitive variety and they were consistently 8 to 10 bushels better per acre. They harvested easily and I will be planting 100% Beck s Vistive soybeans in Dick Swank West Point, IN

59 BECK'S No-Till vs. Conventional-Till Long Range Soybean Study 2006 (Soybeans after Corn) Location: E7 E8 plots Seeding Rate 180,000 seeds/a. April 3.6 in. Planted: April 20, 2006 Previous Crop: Corn May 4.5 in. Harvested: October 10, 2006 Tillage: No-Till: None June 4.6 in. Rows: Six 15" rows Conv.: Moldboard Plow / S-tine July 4.4 in. Soil Type: Crosby / Miami Herbicide: Pre: 22 oz. Roundup Original Max August 4.0 in. Post: (on No-Till only) Total 21.1 in. 22 oz. Roundup Original Max 9 lbs./100 gal. Array (2 post applications) From , we studied how four different soybean varieties responded in emergence, plant height, podding height, disease resistance, standability, and yield using no-till and conventional-till practices. Since 2000, we expanded the study to include twice as many varieties, and we used a 15 row drill instead of the 7 ½ row drill. Plant Height (IN.) Pod Height (IN.) Standability 1 = Erect 5 = Flat Advantage for Conv.-Till (per Variety) Yield Rank Brand-Variety NO-TILL STUDY 1 BECK 354NRR BECK 342NRR BECK 367NRR BECK 405NRR BECK 321NRR BECK 297NRR BECK 295NRR BECK 323RR AVERAGE CONVENTIONAL STUDY 1 BECK 342NRR BECK 405NRR BECK 354NRR BECK 295NRR BECK 367NRR BECK 297NRR BECK 323RR BECK 321NRR AVERAGE *Bushels per acre corrected to 13% moisture No-Till vs Conventional-Till Soybean Study Sixteen Year Comparison ( ) N C Advantage for Conventional-Till After sixteen years of testing no-till vs. conventional practices in this same location, the overall average shows a 1.5 Bu./A. difference between the two practices with conventional-till winning ten out of sixteen years. Conv.-Till = 55.3 Bu./A. No-Till = 53.8 Bu./A. Over the years, we have observed a greater concentration of earthworms in the no-till areas, as well as improved water percolation into the soil after a heavy rain. In 2006, we set a sixteen year record for top yields in this study in both tillage conditions. 59

60 60 BECK'S 7.5" vs. 15" vs. 30" Row Spacing and Population Study on Soybeans 2006 Location: E4 plot Previous Crop: Soybeans April 3.6 in. Planted: April 13, 2006 Tillage: No-Till May 4.5 in. Harvested: September 27, 2006 Herbicide: PPI: 22 oz. Roundup Original Max June 4.6 in. Population: Various Post: 22 oz. Roundup Original Max July 4.4 in. 9 lbs./100 gal. Array August 4.0 in. (2 applications) Total 21.1 in. Soybean varieties can vary greatly in their structure and ability to branch. Selecting the correct variety for your soil type along with knowing how that variety responds to various populations and row spacing is critical for maximizing yield. This study compares four different Beck s soybean varieties at 7.5, 15 and 30 row spacing. Target Planting Population Standability 1=Erect 5=Flat Plant Height (in.) Pod Height (in.) Yield Rank Brand-Variety 7.5" ROWS 1 BECK 321NRR 190, BECK 354NRR 190, BECK 297NRR 190, BECK 342NRR 190, AVERAGE " ROWS 1 BECK 342NRR 150, BECK 321NRR 150, BECK 354NRR 150, BECK 297NRR 150, AVERAGE " ROWS 1 BECK 354NRR 120, BECK 342NRR 120, BECK 321NRR 120, BECK 297NRR 120, AVERAGE *Bushels per acre corrected to 13% moisture. Our nine-year average shows only 1.3 bushels per acre difference between all row spacings, with slightly higher yields in 7.5 and 15 rows compared to 30 row spacing. Each row spacing has produced the highest yield in a given year. The only correlation we have found that relates to which row spacing does best in a given year is heat. More specifically, the month that has the most days above 90 degrees has determined which row spacing produced the most in that year. When June had the most number of days above 90 degrees, 7.5 rows produced the most, July, 15 rows, and August, 30 rows came to the top. This pattern occurred in all but one of the past nine years. NINE YEAR AVERAGE* Average *Different varieties used each year. Bold entries indicate highest yield each year.

61 BECK'S Soybean Population Study Location: Field C South Population: Various April 3.6 in. Planted: May 8, 2006 Previous Crop: Soybeans May 4.5 in. Harvested: October 14, 2006 Tillage: No-Till June 4.6 in. Rows: Twelve 15 rows Herbicide: 22 oz. Roundup Original Max July 4.4 in. 9 lbs./100 gal. Array August 4.0 in. (two applications) Total 21.1 in. This study compares six soybean products at three populations to determine differences in how genetics and population affect yield. Target Population (seeds per acre) 90, , ,000 Average Bu./A.* Brand-Variety Bu./A.* Bu./A.* Bu./A.* BECK 342NRR BECK 383NRR BECK 354NRR BECK 321NRR BECK 297NRR BECK 286NRR AVERAGE *Bushels per acre corrected to 13% moisture. OVERALL AVERAGE 62.6 The top yielding soybeans in this year s growing environment also performed the best at each population. There was also only a bushel difference between the 90,000 population and the two higher seeding rates. The bold numbers represent the top yield of each product. 140,000 seeding rate produced the best yields for 4 out of 6 products, and is within the range of where we recommend that farmers plant soybeans when planting our Sure Gro coated seed in 15 rows. However, the cost analysis shows that the savings received on 50,000 seeds (approximately $10/acre) when reducing the rate to 90,000 seeds per acre exceeds the additional benefit of 1.1 bushel per acre gained in this year s environment if soybeans are priced at $6.00 per bushel. BECK'S High Yield Soybean Study 2006 Location: 300-2S plot Seeding Rate: Various Planted: April 12, 2006 Previous Crop: Corn Harvested: October 4, 2006 Tillage: No-Till Rows: Twelve 15 rows Herbicide: 22 oz. Roundup Original Max Product Tested: BECK 321NRR 9 lbs./100 gal. Array (2 applications) Have you ever wondered if you could get those two to three extra bushels of yield from every yield-enhancing product that you were offered? In this study, we compared Sure Gro coated seed to Sure Gro with the addition of all of the following products: High Yield Treatments : Seed applied ReVV (Seed Coater), Excalibur and Dynasty. Post-applied foliar spray at R1-R2 stage Quadris fungicide, Warrior insecticide and CoRoN foliar fertilizer. Plant Height (IN.) Pod Height (IN.) Standability 1 = Erect 5 = Flat Treatments High Yield 130, High Yield 160, Sure Gro Only *Bushels per acre corrected to 13% moisture. We averaged 1.5 bushels per acre more yield with the High Yield Treatment compared to Sure Gro alone, which shows that some products provided a yield benefit, others may have protected yield and others may have not been needed or were not effective in this year s growing environment. Regardless, our financial investment would have been easily over $30 per acre, which would have required 5 bushels per acre increase to break even at $6.00 per bushel market price. 61

62 62 BECK'S Soybean Seed Treatment Study 2006 Location: D2, D3, N5 & Field K (S) plots Tillage: D2, D3, N5: V-Rip / S-tine April 3.6 in. Harvested: October 10, 2006 Field K (S): No-Till May 4.5 in. Rows: Six 15 rows Herbicide: 22 oz. Roundup Original Max June 4.6 in. Replications: Six (averaged) 9 lbs./100 gal. Array July 4.4 in. Seeding Rate: 150,000 seeds/a. (two applications) August 4.0 in. Previous Crop: Corn Product Tested: BECK 321NRR Total 21.1 in. We had three seed treatment studies at our practical farm research site in Central Indiana where we evaluated Sure Gro and a traditional fungicide (Trilex AL) along with biological control treatments, plant growth stimulants, inoculants and Cruiser insecticide. Two plots (D2, D3) and N5 were on medium to darker soil (Crosby / Brookston). The other plot (Field K South) was on more rolling ground and was no-till. Each location had two replications for a total of 6 reps. Population Difference vs. Untreated Emerged Bu./A. Advantage Treatment Population Over Untreated Sure Gro + Cruiser -5, Sure Gro + Myco -2, , Sure Gro + ApexPro STF -14, , Sure Gro + Optimize -8, , Sure Gro + America s Best Excalibre (60 day) -9, , Sure Gro + America s Best Excalibre (1 day) , Sure Gro +3, , Sure Gro + ReVV -6, , Sure Gro + Myconate -2, , Sure Gro + Dynasty -3, , Trilex AL +1, , Untreated , Sure Gro + Micro NFBZ -10, , Sure Gro + Magnify LST -12, , AVERAGE 111, *Bushels per acre corrected to 13% moisture. contains and Sure Gro: Trilex AL: Cruiser: America s Best: Excalibre Magnify LST: Beck s exclusive fungicide coating which contains Maxim, Apron XL (systemic fungicide) from Syngenta Crop Protection, Thiram, PCNB, red colorant, polymer coating, and brightener. A new broad-spectrum fungicide from Bayer (Gustafson) utilizing two different compounds: Trilex (trifloxystrobin) derived from mushrooms to aid in control of fusarium, rhizoctonia and pythium, and Allegience (metalaxyl) for pythium and phytophthora control. Insecticide applied to the seed to improve plant stands, vigor and yield while providing control of wireworm, seed maggots, aphids and bean leaf beetle feeding which is a vector for bean pod mottle virus. Available from Beck s for an additional $6.50 per unit. A sterile peat blend of effective rhizobia that perform under a wide variety of soils for effective root nodulation. Excalibre is promoted as having longer shelf life so we applied it to the seed 60 days before planting and 1 day before planting. A liquid inoculant (Bradyrhizobium japinicum) containing 3 billion viable bacteria cells per gram. Apex Pro STF: ReVV: Optimize: Micro NFBZ: A common strain of inoculant (Bradyrhizobium japinicum) with a unique formulation that extends the life of the bacteria on the seed and is more concentrated, which reduces the chance of bridging since less liquid is applied to the seed. ReVV technology is a signal molecule that maximizes a plants genetics by advancing vital growth processes independent of external factors and allows the plant to reach it s inherent yield potential. Features LCO Promoter Technology, and is a naturally occurring molecule that activates a cascade of plant genes which begins and enhances cell division in both the root and shoot independent of soil and weather conditions. A special nutrient blend of beneficial bacteria that provides superior biostimulation in soybeans as a seed treatment. Contains two strains of Bradyrhizobium and Azospirillum for nitrogen fixation and root development. Myco Seed A biological seed treatment that provides mycorrhizal fungi to aid in nutrient uptake, primarily phosphorus. The Treatment: mycorrhizal fungi acts like an extension of the root to funnel nutrients to the root. For Myconate and Dynasty descriptions, see Beck s Extensive Seed Treatment Study on Corn in this publication (page 45). This year s results showed consistent yield improvements for nearly every treatment used compared to untreated seed. Sure Gro alone provided a yield increase of 1.2 bushels per acre.

63 BECK'S Sure Gro vs. Untreated Soybeans Early April Planting 2006 Location: D1 plot Previous Crop: Corn April 3.6 in. Planted: April 10, 2006 Tillage: V-Rip / S-tine May 4.5 in. Harvested: October 10, 2006 Herbicide: 22 oz. Roundup Original Max June 4.6 in. Rows: Six 15 rows 9 lbs./100 gal. Array July 4.4 in. Seeding Rate: 150,000 seeds/a. (2 applications) August 4.0 in. Total 21.1 in. 63 This long-term study compares Sure Gro with untreated soybeans in early April planting conditions. Final Population Bushels * Sure Gro Advantage Brand-Variety Sure Gro Untreated Sure Gro Untreated Bu./A. BECK 321NRR 108, , BECK 354NRR 129, , BECK 323RR 92, , BECK 405NRR 139, , BECK 297NRR 94, , AVERAGE 112, , *Bushels per acre corrected to 13% moisture. Our research in the past has shown us that Sure Gro flows through the drill slower and plants an average of 8% fewer seeds compared to untreated. In each study, we set the drill at the same population for both Sure Gro and untreated so our planted population of Sure Gro was approximately 8% less due to our estimated reduced flow rate. While resulting populations were lower for Sure Gro, we saw a 2.1 bushel per acre yield advantage for Sure Gro planted on April 10. Advantage for Sure Gro Year Planting Date Final Population Bu./A April , April 18 +6, April 17 +8, April , April 12-2, April 1 +23, April 3 +10, April 17 +2, April 2-4, April 5 0* April 5-1, April 10-5, Average +8, Twelve years of testing supports the advantages of Sure Gro coated seed over non-coated seed. The level of service that we receive from the whole Beck s organization is just great. We really enjoy sharing with other farmers the story of doing business with this family owned company there are not very many left. Dean & Jane Piatt Armstrong, IL

64 64 BECK'S Lime Study on New Soybean Varieties 2006 Location: Middle plot Previous Crop: Corn April 3.6 in. Planted: May 6, 2006 Tillage: Conventional May 4.5 in. Harvested: October 3, 2006 Herbicide: 22 oz. Roundup Original Max June 4.6 in. Seeding Rate: 105,000 seeds/a. 9 lbs./100 gal. Array July 4.4 in. August 4.0 in. Total 21.1 in. Yield Rank This is the fourteenth year of a long-term study to determine the effects of High Calcium lime on corn and soybean production. We applied 0, 5, and 10 ton/a. of High Calcium lime in April 1993 and planted corn. In the spring of 1994 we applied 0, 3, and 5 ton/a. of High Calcium lime to an additional area and planted soybeans. We have rotated the crops over the years, and applied additional lime to only one area; in the Spring of 2000, we applied 1.5 ton/a. each of Bed Ash (Calcium Sulfate) and High Calcium lime to one of the areas where we had not applied lime. In the spring of 2006, we converted the 10 ton/a. area to an alfalfa plot. Plant Height (IN.) Pod Height (IN.) Standability 1=Erect 5=Flat Brand-Variety 5 TON / ACRE 1 BECK 342NRR BECK 383NRR BECK 354NRR BECK 321NRR AVERAGE TON / ACRE + 3 TON / ACRE 1 BECK 342NRR BECK 321NRR BECK 383NRR BECK 354NRR AVERAGE NO ADDED LIME 1 BECK 342NRR BECK 383NRR BECK 321NRR BECK 354NRR AVERAGE TON / ACRE 1 BECK 321NRR BECK 354NRR BECK 342NRR BECK 383NRR AVERAGE TON / ACRE 1 BECK 321NRR BECK 342NRR BECK 383NRR BECK 354NRR AVERAGE OVERALL AVERAGE 1 BECK 321NRR BECK 342NRR BECK 383NRR BECK 354NRR AVERAGE In 1993, we saw no significant yield difference between limed and un-limed areas the first year. In 1994, we also saw very little yield advantage where we added lime for the first time. From 1995 to 2001 we saw an advantage of 22.0 Bu./A. of corn and 5.0 Bu./A. of beans in the limed areas. We have also seen significantly taller plant heights in the limed areas. No data was reported in 2002, due to flooding. We grew soybeans and wheat in , so 2005 is our first year since 2001 to report corn data. The limed areas continued to produce higher yields than the unlimed areas giving us an eight-year average of 20.6 bushels per acre more yield. However, our advantage in 2005 was only 11 bushels per acre. In 2006, average yields between all areas of the study differed by less than 3.0 Bu./A. and the unlimed area topped the trial at 69.2 Bu./A. average.

65 BECK'S Fungicide Timing & Population Study Location: H1, H2 plot Previous Crop: Corn / Soybeans April 3.6 in. Planted: April 24, 2006 Tillage: No-Till May 4.5 in. Harvested: September 30, 2006 Herbicide: 26 oz. Roundup Original Max June 4.6 in. Rows: Twelve 15 rows July 4.4 in. Seeding Rate: Various August 4.0 in. Total 21.1 in. We designed this study to evaluate how row spacing, population, and timing of foliar fungicide Headline affects yield. Drive Path Beans after Corn No Fungicide R2 R4 Drive Path Beans after Beans No Fungicide R2 R4 65 Bu./A.* Average each Pop. BECK 274NRR 110,000 seeds/a ,000 seeds/a AVERAGE BECK 342NRR 110,000 seeds/a ,000 seeds/a AVERAGE OVERALL AVERAGE In this study, the overall yield results showed no significant yield benefit to spraying fungicide. Other noted results were: 1.) Soybeans sprayed at R4 stage averaged about 3 Bu./A. more than those sprayed at R2. 2.) Beans after beans out-yielded beans after corn. 3.) BECK 342NRR out-yielded BECK 274NRR. 4.) 150,000 seeds/a. out-yielded 110,000 seeds/a. which would be expected in 15 rows. We purposely planted a low rate in the event that Asian soybean rust occurred to see if a lower population would be an effective management practice. BECK'S Foliar Fungicide and Insecticide Study 2006 Location: S Previous Crop: Corn Planted: May 6, 2006 Tillage: Conventional Harvested: October 3, 2006 Herbicide: 22 oz. Roundup Original Max Seeding Rate: 105,000 seeds/a. 9 lbs./100 gal. Array Product Tested: BECK 321NRR This study was designed to demonstrate the use of insecticides and fungicides to protect the growth of soybeans. Plant Height (IN.) Pod Height (IN.) Standability 1 = Erect 5 = Flat Treatment Quadris (full bloom) Warrior (full pod) Quadris + Proaxis (full bloom & 2 weeks) Quadris + Proaxis (full bloom) Check CoRoN Quadris (full bloom & 2 weeks) AVERAGE *Bushels per acre corrected to 13% moisture. Small strip tests such as this one are used to demonstrate the techniques and applications of fungicides and insecticides. Similar to past studies of the same nature, we saw a benefit in the use of fungicides and insecticides to increase yield potential. To understand the full economic benefit, we recommend evaluating larger scale studies.

66 66 BECK S Cruiser Large Block Study Location: B1 plot Seeding Rate 170,000 seeds/a. April 3.6 in. Planted: April 22, 2006 Previous Crop: Corn May 4.5 in. Harvested: October 9, 2006 Tillage: Plow / S-tine June 4.6 in. Rows: Twelve 15 rows Herbicide: 22 oz. Roundup Original Max July 4.4 in. Product Tested: BECK 333RR 9 lbs./100 gal. Array August 4.0 in. (2 applications) Total 21.1 in. The goal of this study is to evaluate the performance of the seed applied insecticide Cruiser, and to monitor the affect of strip vs. block style trials. Yield was evaluated on both borders of each treatment as well as in the center to determine yield differences due to insect feeding patterns. Treatment Sure Gro Average (All Checks) 57.1 Cruiser Average (All Checks) 63.7 Cruiser (Borders) (15 Check) 63.5 Cruiser (Middle) (30 Check) 64.4 *Bushels per acre corrected to 13% moisture. ^$6.00 market price. $6.50/unit (130,000) for Cruiser. We weighed every 15 strip in this test separately. The Sure Gro average represents all 17 checks in the two blocks. The Cruiser average represents all 18 checks in two blocks. The 30 checks in the middle of the Cruiser block did show a 0.9 bushel per acre advantage over the border checks. However, the overall advantage for Cruiser was 6.6 bushels per acre, which exceeds the 1.5 bushels needed to break even. BECK'S Micronutrient Study on Soybeans US Location: US 31 Population: 180,000 seeds/a. Planted: April 20, 2006 Previous Crop: Corn Harvested: September 27, 2006 Tillage: No-Till Rows: Six 15 rows Herbicide: Pre: 22 oz. Roundup Original Max Post: 32 oz. Roundup Original Max 9 lbs./100 gal. Array 32 oz. Roundup Original Max 9 lbs./100 gal. Array When a soil s chemistry is deficient or imbalanced, micronutrient application has been found to help unlock the yield potential. In this study we applied liquid Zinc and Manganese to the seed. Plant Height (IN.) Pod Height (IN.) Standability 1 = Erect 5 = Flat 2006 Bu./A. Advantage for Zn./Mn. Brand-Variety BECK 286NRR BECK 286NRR with Micronutrient BECK 297NRR BECK 297NRR with Micronutrient BECK 323RR BECK 323RR with Micronutrient BECK 342NRR BECK 342NRR with Micronutrient AVERAGE *Bushels per acre corrected to 13% moisture. While we were not aware of any major nutrient deficiencies in the soil, all three varieties showed an average yield improvement of 1.4 bushels per acre in However the four varieties we tested in 2006 yielded 0.7 Bu./A. less when Zn/Mn was used, so our two year average shows 0.4 bushel per acre advantage for using the micronutrients.

67 67 BECK'S No-Till Double-Crop Soybeans after Wheat Study Location: A5 plot Seeding Rate 275,000 seeds/a. April 3.6 in. Planted: July 6, 2006 Previous Crop: Wheat May 4.5 in. Harvested: November 2, 2006 Tillage: No-Till June 4.6 in. Rows: 7.5 rows Herbicide: 32 oz. Buccaneer Plus July 4.4 in. August 4.0 in. Total 21.1 in. Double crop soybeans after wheat can be profitable in Central Indiana if the weather cooperates. For double crop soybeans to be successful, we need adequate rainfall during July and August along with a normal to later than normal frost. Plant Height (IN.) Pod Height (IN.) Yield Rank Brand-Variety 1 BECK EX BECK 274NRR BECK 383NRR BECK 321NRR BECK 286NRR BECK 326RRL BECK 342NRR BECK 354NRR BECK 405NRR BECK EX BECK 367NRR BECK 422NRR BECK 444NRR AVERAGE DOUBLE CROP SOYBEAN PLOT AVERAGES Plant Year Planting Date Height (IN.) 2006 July July June July July June June June June July July July July July No Plot No Plot No Plot 1991 June Average Average does not include FIRST KILLING FREEZE (28 o OR LESS) North Central South Columbia City Farmland Indianapolis Washington 2006 Oct. 25 Oct. 15 Oct Oct. 29 Oct. 29 Nov. 16 Nov Oct. 5 Oct. 5 Nov. 13 Dec Oct. 2 Oct. 2 Nov. 7 Nov Oct. 14 Oct. 14 Oct. 14 Nov.2** 2001 Oct. 7 Oct. 7 Oct. 28 Oct Nov. 5 Nov. 5 Nov. 15 Nov Oct. 21 Oct. 18 Nov. 3 Nov Oct. 22 Nov. 4 Nov. 5 Nov. 7* 1997 Oct. 23 Oct. 15 Oct. 22 Oct Nov. 2 Nov. 2 Nov. 2 Nov Sept. 23 Sept. 23 Nov. 3 Nov Oct. 27 Oct. 27 Nov. 23 Nov Oct. 10 Oct. 11 Nov. 1 Nov Oct. 19 Oct. 19 Oct. 19 Oct Sept. 28 Oct. 16 Oct. 16 Nov Oct. 26 Oct. 26 Oct. 27 Oct Oct. 4 Oct. 4 Nov. 3 Nov Oct. 14 Oct. 6 Oct. 12 Oct Oct. 12 Oct. 4 Oct. 12 Oct Nov. 3 Nov. 3 Nov. 10 Nov Nov. 20 Oct. 2 Nov. 21 Nov Nov. 3 Nov. 6 Nov. 6 Nov. 6 Source: Ken Scheeringa, Purdue Agronomy Dept. *Vincennes location.(killing Frost = 32 o F, Killing Freeze = 28 o F). **Bloomington location. This year s yields were 5 bushels per acre above our sixteen year average, but not as high as our record setting yield in 2005, when we had nearly 7 of rain in July, above average temperatures in the last half of the summer and a late frost.

68 68 Timing of harvest in the South normally conflicts with Beck s annual Becknology Days held at our Central Indiana location. For that reason we expanded our Practical Farm Research program into the Southern marketing region (Ft. Branch, IN) and hosted a Field Show in early August for farmers in Southern Indiana, Southern Illinois and Western Kentucky. This venture will allow Southern farmers to observe the many specialized research studies prior to their busiest time of harvest. It also allows them to secure their seed early for the next season and take advantage of ordering the products they want while they are still available. Southern farmers are still welcome and encouraged to attend Becknology Days at Beck s Central Indiana location, August 23-25, Corn After Soybeans Show Plot April 2.5 in. Planted: April 22, 2006 Previous Crop: Soybeans May 6.6 in. Harvested: September 11, 2006 Tillage: V-Rip / Field Cultivator June 2.5 in. Soil Type: Ragsdale Silt Loam Herbicide: 3 qts. Degree Xtra July 3.6 in. Population: 32,000 seeds/a. 1 qt. Atrazine August 6.3 in. Insecticide: 8 oz. Artic Total 21.5 in. Yield Rank Brand-Hybrid Test Weight Moisture 1 BECK 6097CB BECK 5616CBRR BECK BECK 7997CL BECK 7538Bt BECK 6722CBRR BECK 5444RR BECK EX 4561CB (7916CBRR Genetics) BECK 5616CBRWRR BECK EX 4558 (5416CBRWRR Genetics) BECK 5597Hx BECK 5616CL BECK 5899CBRR BECK 5316HRW BECK 5228CBRR BECK BECK 5422CBCL BECK 5816CBRR AVERAGE *Bushels per acre corrected to 15% moisture. Plot weighed by BECK S Hybrids Scott Ebelhar.

69 Corn After Corn Show Plot April 2.5 in. Planted: April 27, 2006 Previous Crop: Corn May 6.6 in. Harvested: September 27, 2006 Tillage: Chisel / Field Cultivator June 2.5 in. Soil Type: Ragsdale Silt Loam Herbicide: 3 qts. Degree Xtra July 3.6 in. Population: 34,000 seeds/a. 1 qt. Atrazine August 6.3 in. Insecticide: 8 oz. Artic Total 21.5 in. 69 Yield Rank Brand-Hybrid Test Weight Moisture 1 BECK EX 4561CB (7916CBRR Genetics) BECK EX BECK 7916CBRR BECK 5316HRW BECK 7538Bt BECK 6722CBRR BECK EX BECK 5616CBRR BECK 7997CL BECK 5816CBRR BECK 5444RR BECK EX BECK EX BECK 5228CBRR BECK EX 2606Hx1 (5316Hx1RR Genetics) BECK 5616CL BECK EX 3607RR (6197 Genetics) BECK BECK EX BECK BECK EX 4558CBRR (5416CBRWRR Genetics) BECK 6097CB BECK 5616CBRWRR BECK 5899CBRR BECK 5616CBRR BECK 5597Hx BECK 5422CBCL AVERAGE *Bushels per acre corrected to 15% moisture. Plot weighed by BECK S Hybrids Scott Ebelhar & Gene Hagedorn. Beck s is a friendly, family oriented company with great service. Their Southern Field Show and Practical Farm Research have given me information that I have been able to take home and apply to my own farm. The population studies have helped me lower soybean seeding rates without losing yield. Larry Dame Rumsey, KY

70 Bu. Corn Study April 2.5 in. Planted: April 22, 2006 Previous Crop: Corn May 6.6 in. Harvested: September 28, 2006 Tillage: Chisel / Field Cultivator June 2.5 in. Soil Type: Ragsdale Silt Loam Herbicide: Degree Xtra / Atrazine July 3.6 in. Population: Various Insecticide: Artic August 6.3 in. Fertilizer: Plow Down: 400# Total 21.5 in. Pre-Plant: 244# In our second attempt for 300 bushel per acre corn at our Southern PFR site, we tried to reach our goal by planting at higher populations, planting different row spacing and using foliar fungicides and insecticides. 15 rows were planted with our 6 row Kinze planter with splitters while the 8 twin rows were planted with a Great Plains Twin Row planter. Quilt fungicide and Warrior insecticide were applied just prior to pollination with a Hagie sprayer. Yield Rank Brand-Hybrid Planted Population Test Weight Moisture 30" ROWS 1 BECK 5616RR 34, BECK 5616RR Poncho , BECK 5444RR 34, BECK 6722RR 34, AVERAGE Yield Advantage vs ,000 1 BECK 5616RR 38, BECK 5616RR Poncho , BECK 5444RR 38, BECK 6722RR 38, ^ AVERAGE " ROWS + QUILT / WARRIOR 1 BECK 5616RR 38, BECK 5616RR Poncho , BECK 5444RR 38, BECK 6722RR 38, ^ AVERAGE " ROWS 1 BECK 5616RR 38, BECK 5616RR Poncho , BECK 5444RR 38, BECK 6722RR 38, AVERAGE " TWIN ROWS 1 BECK 5616RR 34, BECK 5616RR Poncho , BECK 5444RR 34, BECK 6722RR 34, ^ AVERAGE BECK 5616RR 38, BECK 5444RR 38, BECK 6722RR 38, ^ AVERAGE

71 300 Bu. Corn Study - Continued Yield Rank Brand-Hybrid Planted Population Test Weight Moisture Yield Advantage vs ,000 8" TWIN ROWS + QUILT / WARRIOR 1 BECK 5616RR 38, BECK 5616RR Poncho , BECK 5444RR 38, BECK 6722RR 38, ^ AVERAGE *Bushels per acre corrected to 15% moisture. Plot weighed by BECK S Hybrids Scott Ebelhar ^6722RR experienced significant root lodging in this plot which lead to increased moisture and some inconsistency in yield. Although this year s 300 bushel attempt fell short of our goal, there is interesting data concerning row spacing at high populations. At 38,000 population, the average yield decreased in 30 rows while average yield increased in 15 and 8 twin rows. BECK 5616RR showed the most yield increase when planted in 15 rows using high populations. Average yield was equal between Beck s standard FaSTart TM treatment and Poncho BECK 6722RR experienced heavy root lodging due to excessive rain and wind. Lodging was greatest in twin and 30 rows at high populations. Yield increases also occurred with the use of a foliar fungicide and insecticide sprayed just prior to pollination. Special thanks to Great Plains and Tri-County Equipment for the use of their twin row planter. 71 Tillage System Study April 2.5 in. Planted: April 12, 2006 Previous Crop: Corn May 6.6 in. Harvested: September 4, 2006 Tillage: Various June 2.5 in. Rows: Twelve 30 rows Herbicide: 3 qts. Degree Xtra / 1 qt. Atrazine July 3.6 in. Soil Type: Ragsdale Silt Loam 22 oz. Roundup August 6.3 in. Population: 34,000 seeds/a. Insecticide: 6 oz. Artic Total 21.5 in. Product Tested: BECK 5616CBRR There are many different tillage practices utilized throughout Beck s southern marketing area, along with many different cropping rotations. With the increase in continuous corn acres we have begun a long term study looking at how these varied tillage practices relate to yield performance in a continuous corn environment. Tillage Method Test Weight Moisture Fall Disk & Chisel / Spring Field Cultivator Fall Disk & Moldboard Plow / Spring Field Cultivator Fall Disk / Spring Field Cultivator (twice) Fall Disk / In-line Ripper / Spring Field Cultivator Fall Disk / Disk Ripper / Spring Field Cultivator No-Till Fall Disk / Spring Field Cultivator In-line Ripper Fall Turbo Till AVERAGE *Bushels per acre corrected to 15% moisture. Plot weighed by BECK S Hybrids Scott Ebelhar. As expected traditional tillage methods had superior performance after one year of data. It appears that the more residue that can be broken down in the fall, thereby reducing a source for disease along with reducing compaction, the more positive yield response we obtained. Fall disking followed by either moldboard plowing or the use of a chisel plow proved to be the most beneficial in the first year. Use of a second pass with the field cultivator or a vertical tillage tool in spring could possibly help to better warm soils prior to planting. It will be interesting to see how no-till and vertical tillage practices perform over the long term as soil structure continues to rebuild itself. There is also a growing interest in strip tillage that we will be looking at in the near future.

72 72 Strip Crop Study April 2.5 in. Planted: Various Previous Crop: Corn May 6.6 in. Harvested: Various Tillage: Chisel / Field Cultivator June 2.5 in. Soil Type: Ragsdale Silt Loam Herbicide: 2 pts. Dual II Magnum July 3.6 in. Population: Corn 34,000 seeds/a. Insecticide: 8 oz. Artic August 6.3 in. Soybeans 130,000 seeds/a. Total 21.5 in. This study was established to take a look into alternative cropping systems which producers might be able to implement to maximize crop production output and profitability on highly managed acres. This is the second year of a multi-year study to look at how sunlight interception and row direction can be used to maximize yield. All rows were planted north to south, compared to the east to west direction we planted last year. We planted a sixty foot block of 30 inch row corn and a sixty foot block of 15 inch row soybeans, to represent a normal field planting environment. Then, we planted alternating strips of both thirty and fifteen foot strips of 30 inch corn rows and 15 inch soybean rows. We will evaluate the increased profitability of different scenarios that revolve around planting dates and strips versus a traditional planting situation. Number of Rows Moisture Planting Date Harvest Date Brand-Hybrid CORN April 12, 2006 September 6, 2006 BECK 5444RR 60 ft. Block ^^ East 15 ft. of Block ^ Center 30 ft. of Block West 15 ft. of Block April 12, 2006 September 6, 2006 BECK 5444RR 30 ft. Strip N/A^ N/A^ 15 ft. Strip April 24, 2006 September 21, 2006 BECK 5444RR 30 ft. Strip ft. Strip May 8, 2006 September 21, 2006 BECK 5444RR 30 ft. Strip ft. Strip ft. Strip Average ft. Strip Average SOYBEANS April 24, 2006 October 2, 2006 BECK 405NRR 60 ft. Block East 15 ft. of Block Center 30 ft. of Block West 15 ft. of Block April 24, 2006 October 2, 2006 BECK 405NRR 30 ft. Strip (13 days after corn) 15 ft. Strip April 24, 2006 October 2, 2006 BECK 405NRR 30 ft. Strip (same day as corn) 15 ft. Strip May 8, 2006 October 2, 2006 BECK 405NRR 30 ft. Strip ft. Strip ft. Strip Average ft. Strip Average 50.5 *Bushels per acre corrected to 15% moisture. Plot weighed by BECK S Hybrids Scott Ebelhar. ^Mechanical Failure led to some grain loss. ^^Average interpolated from West and Center Rows of Block.

73 Strip Crop Study Continued Income Scenarios (The scenarios listed below represent the four different planting dates that were planted in our trial.) Traditional Block Early Planted Corn, Early Planted Soybeans 30 ft Strip 15 ft Strip April 12th Corn Block $653.95/A. April 12th Corn Strips N/A $753.50/A. April 24th Soybean Block $345.60/A. April 24th Soybean Strips $289.20/A. $249.60/A. Average $499.78/A. Average N/A $501.55/A. Normal Planted Corn, Early Planted Soybeans Late Planted Corn, Late Planted Soybeans 30 ft Strip 15 ft Strip 30 ft Strip 15 ft Strip April 24th Corn Strips $677.05/A. $723.25/A. May 8th Corn Strips $558.25/A. $662.75/A. April 24th Soybean Strips $287.40/A. $291.00/A. May 8th Soybean Strips $343.80/A. $368.40/A. Average $482.23/A. $507.13/A. Average $451.03/A. $515.58/A. Price per bushel based on average market price of $2.75 for Corn and $6.00 for Soybeans. 73 Similar to last year s data at Ft. Branch and Atlanta, corn yields increased significantly when corn was planted in strips which allowed for more sunlight interception than the traditional block planting. The drop in soybean yields in strips as compared to the traditional block was lessened this year by changing row direction to north to south. North to south rows allow more sunlight to penetrate the soybean strip which helps to eliminate the severe lodging that was noted last year when the soybean plants needed to grow taller to obtain sunlight. 15 foot strips of corn and soybeans planted at the same time increased profitability by $12.12/acre. Due to a mechanical malfunction on the combine, we were not able to collect data on the April 12 th 30 foot corn strip. While not a direct comparison to the traditional block, later planting dates showed very good yield results especially in the 15 foot strips. 30 foot strips averaged $44.70 less per acre than the 15 foot strips, suggesting that too large of a strip loses the advantages of the additional sunlight and are similar to a block planting scheme again. Corn Rootworm Study April 2.5 in. Planted: April 18, 2006 Previous Crop: Corn May 6.6 in. Harvested: September 4, 2006 Tillage: Fall Chisel / Field Cultivator June 2.5 in. Soil Type: Ragsdale Silt Loam Herbicide: 3 qts. Degree Xtra July 3.6 in. Population: 34,000 seeds/a. 1 qt. Atrazine August 6.3 in. Insecticide: Various Total 21.5 in. This study was established to compare the different insect control options available to producers. This includes traited technologies for Corn Borer and Rootworm control along with liquid insecticide applied directly to the seed with starter fertilizer. Yield Rank Brand-Hybrid Insecticide Treatment Test Weight Moisture 1 BECK 5616RR Poncho BECK 5616 Poncho BECK 5616CBRR Poncho BECK 5616 None BECK oz. Regent BECK 5616 Poncho BECK 5616CBRWRR Poncho AVERAGE *Bushels per acre corrected to 15% moisture. Plot weighed by BECK S Hybrids Scott Ebelhar. This year s study saw little early season insect pressure. With university and industry studies showing the movement of Corn Rootworm into the fringes of Beck s marketing area, we will continue this study to help monitor the damage by Corn Rootworm in the south. Corn Borer technologies proved to be very beneficial in other studies that were planted and harvested later due to heavy corn borer pressure late in the summer.

74 74 Corn Planting Date & Population Study 2006 April 2.5 in. Planted: Various Previous Crop: Soybeans May 6.6 in. Harvested: Various Tillage: Disk Ripper / Field Cultivator June 2.5 in. Rows: Six 30 Rows Herbicide: 3 qts. Degree Xtra July 3.6 in. Seeding Rate: Various 1 qt. Atrazine August 6.3 in. Soil Type: Ragsdale Silt Loam Insecticide: 8 oz. Artic Total 21.5 in. In this study we compare two hybrids on seven planting dates at four populations. We also compared one hybrid with the Intellicoat Early Plant corn (EPC) technology on three of the earliest planting dates. Planting Date 24,000 28,000 32,000 36,000 Seeds/A. Average Bu./A.* by Variety March 7 BECK 5616RR EPC Average Bu./A.* by Planting Date March 27 BECK 5616RR EPC April 11 BECK 5616RR EPC April 11 BECK 5616RR April 11 BECK 6722RR April 18 BECK 5616RR April 18 BECK 6722RR April 27 BECK 5616RR April 27 BECK 6722RR May 6 BECK 5616RR May 6 BECK 6722RR May 19 BECK 5616RR May 19 BECK 6722RR May 29 BECK 5616RR May 29 BECK 6722RR June 6^ BECK 5616RR June 6^ BECK 6722RR AVERAGE Overall Hybrid BECK 5616RR Averages: BECK 6722RR *Bushels per acre corrected to 15% moisture. Weighed by: Beck s Hybrids Scott Ebelhar. ^June 6 th planting date was hit extremely hard by late season corn borer. Harvest losses were much higher than other entries due to excessive lodging. This led to some inconsistencies in data. Variety Population EPC & Planting Date Both BECK 5616RR and 6722RR reached their highest average yield across all populations on April 18 th at and bushels per acre respectively. BECK 6722RR averaged close to 6 bushel per acre higher than BECK 5616RR across all planting dates, but this margin narrowed in later planting dates. This year s data shows that the highest yielding population was 36,000 seeds per acre as compared to 32,000 seeds per acre in last year s data. At an average hybrid price of $130.00/bag and an average market price for corn at $2.75 an increase of 2.4 bushels per acre would be necessary to pay for an increase in plant population of 4,000 seeds per acre. The highest average yield by planting date occurred on April 18 th for the second year in a row. Although yields remained high through the second week of May, yields began dropping significantly after the May 19 th planting date. The Early Plant corn planted on April 11 th emerged five days later than the untreated corn planted on the same date. Yields were even between the untreated and Early Plant corn on April 11 th, but earlier planting dates using the Early Plant technology did not out yield later planted corn until the May 29 th planting date.

75 Seed Treatment Study Planted: April 11, 2006 Previous Crop: Soybeans Harvested: September 5, 2006 Tillage: Disk Ripper / Field Cultivator April 2.5 in. Rows: Three 30 rows Herbicide: 3 qts. Degree Xtra May 6.6 in. Soil Type: Ragsdale Silt Loam 1 qt. Atrazine June 2.5 in. Population: 32,000 seeds/a. Insecticide: 8 oz. Artic July 3.6 in. Replications: Two (averaged) Product Tested: BECK 5616 August 6.3 in. Total 21.5 in. This trial is part of Beck s ongoing commitment to testing available seed treatments to provide our customers with the best stands possible. This year we evaluated several types of treatments including fungicides, insecticides, micronutrients, and biologicals. Yield Rank Seed Treatment Population Moisture 1 Sure Gro / FaSTart / Trilex 30, Vortex AL 2.5g 29, Sure Gro / FaSTart / Zn (Agrilliance Liquid) 31, Syngenta Ex A14919A 29, Vortex AT 2.5g 30, Sure Gro / FaSTart / Dynasty 29, Sure Gro / FaSTart / Corn Coater 29, Sure Gro / FaSTart / Micro-Stimulant Enhancer 30, Sure Gro / Poncho , Sure Gro / FaSTart / Myconate 32, Sure Gro / FaSTart 29, Vortex AT 2.5g / Poncho , Vortex AL 2.5g / Poncho , Sure Gro / Poncho 1250 / Micro-Stimulant Enhancer / Corn Coater / Dynasty 29, Sure Gro (Maxim XL) 28, Untreated 26, AVERAGE 29, *Bushels per acre corrected to 15% moisture. Plot weighed by BECK S Hybrids Scott Ebelhar. Although Beck s standard Sure Gro with FaSTart treatment was near the average in this plot, using that treatment in combination with other fungicides, micronutrients, or biologicals did show some positive effects this year. Beck s will continue to evaluate our standard seed treatment in comparison to new treatments as they become available to ensure that we are providing the best protection to the seed that our customers purchase. Since we farm bottom land, replanting happens often. Beck s replant program is the best in the industry and it s what caused us to first use their seed. We plant a lot of Clearfield corn. Beck s offer many choices of weed control systems and this helps if we have to replant because we can plant another weed control system and clean up anything that comes up from the first crop. Chris Dossett Henderson, KY

76 76 Corn Nitrogen Timing Study April 2.5 in. Planted: April 22, 2006 Previous Crop: Soybean / Corn May 6.6 in. Harvested: September 21 / 27, 2006 Tillage: Chisel / Field Cultivator June 2.5 in. Soil Type: Uniontown / Ragsdale Silt Loam Herbicide: Degree Xtra / Atrazine July 3.6 in. Population: 32,000 / 34,000 seeds/a. Insecticide: Artic August 6.3 in. Total 21.5 in. Nitrogen fertilizer is necessary to aid crop growth and development. This study is designed to help our growers to better pinpoint the maximum return on investment for the amount of nitrogen they apply to their corn. These rates can change depending on a field s current rotation, the timing of application, and the method by which nitrogen is applied. By closely following the format used by the major Midwest agricultural universities, we have tested four hybrids at five different rates of nitrogen along with using three different application times to provide the most data possible to our growers. The continuous corn replication is in its sixth year of continuous corn. Preplant NH3 (3/2/06) Corn Corn Nitrogen Following Following Brand-Hybrid Rate Soybeans Corn BECK 5444RR 0 lbs BECK 5616CBRR BECK EX 4561CB BECK 6722CBRR AVERAGE Sidedress 28% Liquid N (V3) Corn Following Soybeans Corn Following Corn Sidedress 28% Liquid N (V6) Corn Following Soybeans Corn Following Corn Bu./A. Avg. BECK 5444RR 50 lbs BECK 5616CBRR BECK EX 4561CB BECK 6722CBRR AVERAGE BECK 5444RR 100 lbs BECK 5616CBRR BECK EX 4561CB BECK 6722CBRR AVERAGE BECK 5444RR 150 lbs BECK 5616CBRR BECK EX4561CB BECK 6722CBRR AVERAGE BECK 5444RR 200 lbs BECK 5616CBRR BECK EX 4561CB BECK 6722CBRR AVERAGE *Bushels per acre corrected to 15% moisture. Plot weighed by BECK S Hybrids Scott Ebelhar.

77 Corn Nitrogen Timing Study - Continued 77 Corn Following Soybean Rotation Continuous Corn Rotation Lbs. N Preplant Return on Additional 50 lbs. of Nitrogen V3 Return on Additional 50 lbs. of Nitrogen V6 Return on Additional 50 lbs. of Nitrogen Preplant Return on Additional 50 lbs. of Nitrogen V3 Return on Additional 50 lbs. of Nitrogen V6 Return on Additional 50 lbs. of Nitrogen $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $0.44 Avg *Return on investment (ROI) based on profit made by adding 50 units of N/acre. Nitrogen prices based on $450/ton NH 3 for preplant and $185/ton 28% liquid nitrogen for sidedress. Corn price based on $2.75/bu. Bold number indicate the highest nitrogen rate that gave a positive return. Although the general yield trend continued to increase as more nitrogen was added per acre, return on additional investment varied significantly dependent upon crop rotation and nitrogen timing. For our corn following soybean rotation yields increased greatly as nitrogen was applied later. The drastic difference between preplant NH 3 and sidedressed liquid nitrogen was due in part to nitrogen loss of preplant N caused by excessive rains and cool temperatures throughout late April and early May. This loss seemed to be negated in the continuous corn rotation due to increased organic matter which ties up nitrogen. Adding nitrogen continued to give return on investment up to 150 lbs. for preplanted N and up to 100 lbs. sidedressing in our corn following soybean rotation. The continuous corn rotation on the other hand saw return on investment continue up to 200 lbs. of N for preplant and sidedressing at both the V3 stage and V6 timing. Return on investment is greatly affected by the price of nitrogen and also the price of corn. As nitrogen prices decrease and/or corn prices increase, return on investment will increase. These figures are simply meant to be used to show trends over time and as a guideline for determining return on investment for added nitrogen fertilizer. Please recalculate with your nitrogen purchase price and expected average corn price to fine tune for your operation. Starter Fertilizer Study April 2.5 in. Planted: April 11, 2006 Previous Crop: Soybeans May 6.6 in. Harvested: September 10, 2006 Tillage: Disk Ripper / Field Cultivator June 2.5 in. Rows: Six 30 rows Herbicide: 3 qts. Degree Xtra / 1 qt. Atrazine July 3.6 in. Soil Type: Ragsdale Silt Loam Insecticide: 8 oz. Artic August 6.3 in. Population: 32,000 seeds/a. Product Tested: BECK 7997CBCL Total 21.5 in. The purpose of this trial was to look at the potential for yield increase due to the addition of starter fertilizers at different rates and placements. With customers pushing for earlier planting dates, it is important to insure adequate stands and availability of nutrients in cool soils was applied as a Pop-up treatment using Keeton Seed Firmer to place fertilizer directly on the seed was placed 2 inches to the side and 1.5 inches below the seed allowing for higher rates without seed or seedling damage Two Year Average Yield Rank Application Population Test Weight Moisture 1 No Starter 28, gal 28% N 2x2 29, gal 28% N 2x2 26, gal x2 28, gal x2 27, gal Pop-up 31, gal Pop-up & 20 gal 28% N 2x2 29, gal Pop-up & 10 gal x2 30, gal Pop-up & 10 gal 28% N 2x2 28, gal Pop-up & 20 gal x2 28, AVERAGE 28, *Bushels per acre corrected to 15% moisture. Plot weighed by BECK S Hybrids Scott Ebelhar. Multi-year data from this trial shows a slight increase in yield with the use of 28% nitrogen placed 2 x 1.5 inches away from the seed. Although there was no yield increase, the placed on the seed has shown visual advantages in plant color and growth rate (average of one leaf collar stage) up to the VT stage. Conditions this year were ideal for seed germination and early growth with little stress prior to the V2 stage. Results might prove to be more beneficial in no-till or minimum till conditions with cooler soils at the time of planting.

78 78 Purdue Nitrogen Rate Study April 2.5 in. Planted: Various Previous Crop: Various May 6.6 in. Harvested: Various Tillage: Field Cultivator June 2.5 in. Soil Type: Ragsdale Silt Loam Herbicide: 2 lbs. Atrazine July 3.6 in. Population: 30,000 seeds/a. 32 oz. Glyphosate August 6.3 in. Product Tested: BECK 5616CBRR 32 oz. Glyphosate Total 21.5 in. Insecticide: 5 oz. Pounce This study was set up to help gather nitrogen data for a state-wide database coordinated by Purdue University. The corn following soybeans and 2 nd year continuous corn follow Purdue s format using five rates of nitrogen ranging from no nitrogen up to 200 lbs. per acre. Each entry was replicated three times. All nitrogen in this trial was applied by sidedressing 28% liquid nitrogen at the V3 stage of growth. Gross Minus Nitrogen & Drying Cost Return on Additional 50 lbs. of N Lbs. of Nitrogen Moisture Test Weight Gross Income CORN FOLLOWING SOYBEANS Planted 4/13/ lbs $ $ $4.92 Harvested 9/25/ lbs $ $ $ lbs $ $ $ lbs $ $ $ lbs $ $ AVERAGE ND YEAR CONTINUOUS CORN Planted 4/13/ lbs $ $ $5.55 Harvested 9/21/ lbs $ $ $ lbs $ $ $ lbs $ $ $ lbs $ $ AVERAGE TH YEAR CONTINUOUS CORN Planted 4/22/ lbs $ $ $18.07 Harvested 9/27/ lbs $ $ $ lbs $ $ $ lbs $ $ $ lbs $ $ AVERAGE *Bushels per acre corrected to 15% moisture. Plot weighed by BECK S Hybrids Scott Ebelhar. ^Nitrogen prices based on $185/ton 28% liquid nitrogen for sidedress. Corn price based on $2.75/bu. Drying charge based on $0.03/point moisture/ bu. over 15% moisture. The data from this trial gives our growers some interesting insight into the long term effects of a couple of different crop rotations. The corn following soybeans was the only cropping rotation to show a return on investment using 200 lbs of nitrogen. In addition, the overall yields and especially yields at lower rates of nitrogen are much higher than the 2 nd year continuous corn. When we compared these results to the 6 th year continuous corn tested across the road and planted 9 days later on the Southern PFR farm we see much higher overall yields as well as higher yields at lower rates of nitrogen. This could be contributed to long term continuous corn increasing organic matter levels which would more tightly bind to nitrogen helping to minimize nitrogen losses. This is achieved by improving the environment for the microorganisms necessary to more efficiently complete the nitrogen cycle. It could also be related to planting date, although we typically lose yield on later planting dates. Special thanks to Hirsch Family Farms along with Tim and Todd Teel for their participation in this study.

79 Herbicide Study on Corn April 2.5 in. Planted: April 22, 2006 Previous Crop: Corn May 6.6 in. Harvested: September 28, 2006 Tillage: Chisel / Field Cultivator June 2.5 in. Rows: Six 30 rows Herbicide: Various July 3.6 in. Soil Type: Ragsdale Silt Loam Insecticide: 8 oz. Artic August 6.3 in. Population: 34,000 seeds/a. Total 21.5 in. 79 In this study, we are comparing four of the common post-emergence herbicides that are being used in Beck s southern marketing area. We intended to spray the herbicides near the V6 stage, which is near the late side of the label limit. This was done to test crop safety as the corn plant begins to determine its yield potential. All entries were kept weed free to ensure that herbicide chemistry was the yield limiting factor in this trial. Yield Rank Brand-Hybrid Root Lodge Test Weight Moisture ROUNDUP / ATRAZINE 1 BECK 5444RR BECK 5616RR BECK 7916CBRR BECK 6722RR AVERAGE STEADFAST / ATRAZINE 1 BECK 5444RR BECK 7916CBRR BECK 6722RR BECK 5616RR AVERAGE CALLISTO / ATRAZINE 1 BECK 5444RR BECK 7916CBRR BECK 6722RR BECK 5616RR AVERAGE CELEBRITY PLUS / ATRAZINE 1 BECK 5444RR BECK 7916CBRR BECK 5616RR BECK 6722RR AVERAGE *Bushels per acre corrected to 15% moisture. Plot weighed by BECK S Hybrids Scott Ebelhar and Mark Schmitt. Due to heavy rains during the V5 to V6 growth stages, application was delayed past label limits. The majority of the hybrids tested were at the V7 stage at the time of application. Although applications were past label limits where yield limiting damage usually occurs, little difference was seen across average hybrid yields. Beck s will continue this study next year to obtain more data.

80 80 Fungicide Study on Corn April 2.5 in. Planted: April 28, 2006 Previous Crop: Corn May 6.6 in. Harvested: September 20, 2006 Tillage: Disc Ripper / Field Cultivator June 2.5 in. Rows: Six 30 rows Herbicide: 3 qts. Degree Extra July 3.6 in. Soil Type: Ragsdale Silt Loam 1 qt. Atrazine August 6.3 in. Population: 32,000 seeds/a. Insecticide: 8 oz. Artic Total 21.5 in. With more continuous corn acres being planted across Beck s marketing area, there is a growing interest in controlling foliar diseases that can be severely yield limiting in this rotation. This study was established to look at two common foliar fungicides applied to hybrids from the majority of the genetic families which Beck s sells in the southern marketing area. Application was made with a Hagie sprayer just prior to pollen shed. Foliar diseases commonly seen in this fifth year continuous corn field include Gray Leaf Spot and Southern Leaf Blight along with occasional occurrences of Northern Leaf Blight, Southern and Common Rust, Anthracnose, and Diplodia kernel rot. Yield Rank Brand-Hybrid Test Weight Moisture Return on Investment^ HEADLINE 1 BECK 6722RR $ BECK 7538Bt $ BECK 5444RR $ BECK 5228RR $ BECK 5616RR $21.11 AVERAGE QUILT 1 BECK 5444RR $ BECK 7538Bt $ BECK 5616RR $ BECK 5228RR $ BECK 6722RR $53.63 AVERAGE UNTREATED 1 BECK 6722RR BECK 7538Bt BECK 5444RR BECK 5616RR BECK 5228RR AVERAGE *Bushels per acre corrected to 15% moisture. Plot weighed by BECK S Hybrids Scott Ebelhar. ^ROI based on $12.38/ac for 12oz of Quilt, $11.48/ac for 6 oz. of Headline, and $5.50 for custom sprayer or aerial application. Corn price based on $2.75/Bu. This year s study experienced heavy Northern Leaf Blight, Gray Leaf Spot, Anthracnose, and some Southern Leaf Blight pressure. Visual differences in staygreen and overall harvest appearance were noted in all entries with a foliar fungicide. Although yields increased by an average of 2.3 bushels per acre with the use of foliar fungicides across all hybrids, there was no positive return on investment for any of the hybrids tested. In previous years, return on investment has been dependent upon the individual hybrid s ability to yield under disease pressure and timing of infestation of foliar diseases. Beck s will continue to study the use of foliar fungicides on corn in future Practical Farm Research studies.

81 Replant Corn Study April 2.5 in. Planted: Various Previous Crop: Soybeans May 6.6 in. Harvested: September 21, 2006 Tillage: Chisel / Field Cultivator June 2.5 in. Soil Type: Uniontown Silt Loam Herbicide: 3 qts. Degree Xtra July 3.6 in. Population: Various 1 qt. Atrazine August 6.3 in. Insecticide: 8 oz. Artic Total 21.5 in. 81 This study was designed to look at different final populations, some of which might require replanting. As soon as stand counts could be taken on the first planting date, a second planting was made to compare stands of the replanted corn to plant stands from the original planting date. Two hybrids were used in this study to compare differences between 110 day and 116 day maturities. Test Weight Moisture Bu./A.* Average each Pop. Brand-Hybrid Population APRIL 20 PLANTING BECK 5444RR 32, BECK EX 4561CB (7916CBRR Genetics) 32, BECK 5444RR 28, BECK EX 4561CB (7916CBRR Genetics) 28, BECK 5444RR 24, BECK EX 4561CB (7916CBRR Genetics) 24, BECK 5444RR 20, BECK EX 4561CB (7916CBRR Genetics) 20, AVERAGE MAY 6 PLANTING BECK 5444RR 32, BECK EX 4561CB (7916CBRR Genetics) 32, BECK 5444RR 28, BECK EX 4561CB (7916CBRR Genetics) 28, BECK 5444RR 24, BECK EX 4561CB (7916CBRR Genetics) 24, AVERAGE *Bushels per acre corrected to 15% moisture. Plot weighed by BECK S Hybrids Scott Ebelhar. Since corn still has the ability to achieve 100% of its yield potential through the first full week of May, typical replant decisions would be based off of a somewhat consistent stand in the range of 20,000 to 23,000 plants per acre depending on field histories and weather conditions. BECK 5444RR showed no exception to this. Although a final stand of 32,000 in the later planting date out yielded the 20,000 population on the April 20 th planting date and was nearly equal to the 24,000 population, if the final stand of the May 6 th planting had been any lower, the likelihood of the replanted corn producing higher yields diminishes quickly. Another important note to consider when making replant decisions is that as the date of replanting gets later into May, thinner stands from the first planting date give even higher return on investment than thicker stands which emerge after mid-may.

82 82 Double Crop Corn Study 2006 April 2.5 in. Planted: June 16, 2006 Previous Crop: Wheat May 6.6 in. Harvested: October 24, 2006 Tillage: No-Till June 2.5 in. Population: Various Herbicide: 32 oz. Glyphosate July 3.6 in. (2 applications) August 6.3 in. Total 21.5 in. This study began in 2005 as an alternative look for a profitable crop in a wheat, double crop rotation in the event that soybean rust reaches our area early enough to take away the profit of double crop soybean production. Yield Rank Brand-Hybrid Test Weight Moisture PLANTING POPULATION - 28,000 SEEDS/A. 1 BECK 5616CBRR BECK 5228CBRR AVERAGE PLANTING POPULATION 32,000 SEEDS/A. BECK 5616CBRR BECK 5228CBRR AVERAGE *Bushels per acre corrected to 13% moisture. Weighed by: Beck s Hybrids Scott Ebelhar. Although this year s double crop corn stood and performed very well under heavy late season disease pressure, there are a couple issues that have become apparent after two years. It is very difficult to get late planted corn to dry down in a wet fall, especially with early frost. Late season pests such as earworms also contributed to yield drag and poor grain quality. Although Asian Soybean Rust was found in the area in mid October, there was no yield limiting damage to this year s soybean crop. As long as rust does not enter the area any earlier than it has already, the profit potential for double crop soybeans will still outweigh that of growing double crop corn. Beck s Southern Field Show has been a good source of information for us. Nobody else does this kind of work that I know of. Our Beck s dealer is very good at recommending the right seeds for what we want to do. He provides great service and when a planting delay caused us to change seed he turned it around in a very short time. Knowing Beck s is researching their seed more than some others helps us have confidence in the product. Brian Shouse Morganfield, KY

83 Soybean Show Plot 2006 April 2.5 in. Planted: RM Group 2.7 to April 22, 2006 Previous Crop: Corn May 6.6 in. All others May 6, 2006 Tillage: V-Rip / Field Cultivator June 2.5 in. Harvested: September 27 & October 2, 2006 Herbicide: 32 oz. Glyphosate July 3.6 in. Rows: Six 30 rows August 6.3 in. Seeding Rate: 110,000 seeds/a. Total 21.5 in. Standability 1 = Erect 5 = Flat 2006 Yield Rank Brand-Variety Relative Maturity 1 BECK 444NRR BECK 422NRR BECK 342NRR BECK 405NRR BECK 321NRR BECK 367NRR BECK 381N** BECK 354NRR BECK EX BECK 297NRR BECK 375NRR BECK 274NRR BECK EX BECK 476NRR BECK 323RR BECK 383NRR BECK 298CRR BECK 286NRR AVERAGE **Herbicide: 5 oz. Raptor / 8 oz. Flexstar and 16 oz. Flexstar / 10 oz. Fusion Seed Treatment Study Planted: May 8, 2006 Previous Crop: Corn Harvested: Sept. 22 & Oct. 2, 2006 Tillage: Chisel / Field Cultivator Rows: Eleven 15 rows Disc Seeding Rate: 140,000 seeds/a. Herbicide: 32 oz. Glyphosate This is our continued study comparing Beck s Sure Gro treatment to untreated soybeans. In addition we compared each of the two entries to Beck s Sure Gro treated soybeans with Cruiser, an insecticide labeled for early season control of bean leaf beetle and soybean aphid. Standability 1 = Erect 5 = Flat Yield Rank Brand-Variety Seed Treatment Population 1 BECK 444NRR Untreated 88, BECK 444NRR Sure Gro 100, BECK 444NRR Sure Gro with Cruiser 100, BECK 354NRR Sure Gro with Cruiser 106, BECK 354NRR Sure Gro 103, BECK 354NRR Untreated 115, AVERAGE *Bushels per acre corrected to 13% moisture. Weighed by: Beck s Hybrids Scott Ebelhar. Poor weather conditions after planted led to very erratic stands in this year s trial. Heavy rains followed by high temperatures led to crusting which required the use of a rotary hoe to ensure plant establishment. Even with thin erratic stands, average yield for the test was comparable to the average yield of other trials on the Southern PFR farm, once again proving that Beck s 130 Profit Pack with Sure Gro Seed Treatment will help to maintain yield even when lowering seeding populations by at least 10%.

84 84 Wheat / Double Crop Soybean Systems Study 2006 April 2.5 in. Planted: Various Previous Crop: Wheat May 6.6 in. Harvested: October 21, 2006 Tillage: No-Till June 2.5 in. Rows: Eleven 15 rows Herbicide: 32 oz. Glyphosate July 3.6 in. Seeding Rate: 225,000 seeds/a. (2 applications) August 6.3 in. Total 21.5 in. This study was written with the intentions of answering the question of which combination of wheat and soybean maturities would return the most income per acre in a double-crop rotation. The trial was set up using three different wheat maturities each planted on three different planting dates in the fall. Wheat entries were harvested as they reached full maturity and were then followed with three different maturities of soybeans for each wheat entry. WHEAT SOYBEANS Wheat and Soybeans Wheat Brand Planting / Harvest Dates Soybean Brand Planting Date Gross Income ^ BECK 112 Planted 10/3/06 BECK 354NRR Planted 6/16/ $ Harvested 6/15/ BECK 405NRR 51.5 $ BECK 444NRR 53.0 $ BECK 117 Planted 10/3/06 BECK 354NRR Planted 6/16/ $ Harvested 6/15/ BECK 405NRR 55.1 $ BECK 444NRR 52.8 $ BECK 161 Planted 10/3/06 BECK 354NRR Planted 6/16/ $ Harvested 6/15/ BECK 405NRR 49.9 $ BECK 444NRR 54.2 $ BECK 112 Planted 10/11/06 BECK 354NRR Planted 6/16/ $ Harvested 6/15/ BECK 405NRR 53.3 $ BECK 444NRR 52.1 $ BECK 117 Planted 10/11/06 BECK 354NRR Planted 6/17/ $ Harvested 6/15/ BECK 405NRR 54.3 $ BECK 444NRR 56.3 $ BECK 161 Planted 10/11/06 BECK 354NRR Planted 6/17/ $ Harvested 6/15/ BECK 405NRR 56.3 $ BECK 444NRR 52.4 $ BECK 112 Planted 10/17/06 BECK 354NRR Planted 6/19/ $ Harvested 6/19/ BECK 405NRR 52.6 $ BECK 444NRR 54.9 $ BECK 117 Planted 10/17/06 BECK 354NRR Planted 6/19/ $ Harvested 6/19/ BECK 405NRR 54.4 $ BECK 444NRR 51.9 $ BECK 161 Planted 10/17/06 BECK 354NRR Planted 6/19/ $ Harvested 6/19/ BECK 405NRR 55.2 $ BECK 444NRR 56.0 $ *Bushels per acre corrected to 13% moisture. Weighed by: Beck s Hybrids Scott Ebelhar and Mark Schmitt. ^Wheat price based on $4.00 per bushel average price. Soybean price based on $6.00 per bushel average price. Bold numbers indicate highest return per acre.

85 Brand Wheat / Double Crop Soybean Systems Study Continued WHEAT Averages (All Planting Dates) Gross Income ^ Brand SOYBEANS 85 Averages (All Planting Dates) Gross Income ^ BECK $ BECK 354NRR 48.9 $ BECK $ BECK 405NRR 53.6 $ BECK $ BECK 444NRR 53.7 $ Planting Date Averages (All Varieties) Gross Income ^ Averages (All Varieties) Gross Income Planting Date ^ October $ June $ October $ June $ October $ June $ ^Wheat price based on $4.00 per bushel average price. Soybean price based on $6.00 per bushel average price. This first year s data shows some variation by planting date. For wheat, the middle planting date of October 11 th averaged 2 bushels per acre higher than the latest planting date, October 17 th. BECK 117 topped the trial with an average yield across all planting dates of 84.2 bushels per acre. BECK 117 produced its highest yield per acre on the October 11 th planting date. Soybeans on the other hand only varied by 2 bushels across all three planting dates. This was mostly due to the fact that a hot, dry June increased dry down in wheat and narrowed the window of harvest dates. BECK 405NRR and BECK 444NRR both averaged nearly the same across all planting dates, but the BECK 444NRR had some wetter, less mature beans at harvest. Overall, the combination of BECK 117 wheat planted on October 11 th followed by BECK 405NRR proved to be the most consistent and most profitable combination across all planting dates. Due to this year s wet fall, we will see a large planting date window for wheat which should widen the planting and harvest dates for soybeans next year. Double Crop Seed Treatment Study 2006 April 2.5 in. Planted: June 17, 2006 Previous Crop: Wheat May 6.6 in. Harvested: October 21, 2006 Tillage: No-Till June 2.5 in. Rows: Eleven 15 rows Herbicide: 32 oz. Glyphosate July 3.6 in. Seeding Rate: 230,000 seeds/a. (2 applications) August 6.3 in. Total 21.5 in. This study was designed to take a look at Beck s soybean seed treatment options in a late season scenario. All entries were no-tilled into standing wheat stubble. Brand-Variety Sure Gro/ Cruiser Sure Gro Untreated BECK 354NRR BECK 444NRR AVERAGE *Bushels per acre corrected to 13% moisture. Weighed by: Beck s Hybrids Scott Ebelhar and Mark Schmitt. Although the use of Sure Gro did not prove to show a yield advantage in the 2006 double crop test, the two year average would show that the Sure Gro and untreated entries were nearly even while the Sure Gro with Cruiser entries hold a 2 bushel advantage. In 2005, seeds were dropped at 180,000 seeds per acre while we increased drop to 230,000 seeds per acre in We will continue to look at the use of seed treatments in a double-crop scenario in the future.

86 86 Double Crop Soybean Population Study 2006 April 2.5 in. Planted: June 16, 2006 Previous Crop: Wheat May 6.6 in. Harvested: October 21, 2006 Tillage: No-Till June 2.5 in. Rows: Eleven 15 rows Herbicide: 32 oz. Glyphosate July 3.6 in. Seeding Rate: Various (2 applications) August 6.3 in. Total 21.5 in. Yield Rank This study was designed to look at seven different maturities of soybeans planted at various populations to use in a double-crop system following wheat. Standability 1 = Erect 5 = Flat Bu./A.* Brand-Variety Average 180, , , ,000 1 BECK 422NRR BECK 354NRR BECK 405NRR BECK 375NRR BECK 444NRR BECK 383NRR BECK 476NRR AVERAGE This year s study showed that BECK 422NRR proved to be the highest yielding, best standing soybean in the trial. BECK 354NRR, 405NRR and 444NRR, which are used heavily as double crop soybeans in the southern marketing area also performed very well. Both Group III and Group IV soybeans averaged nearly the same this year as compared to 2005 when Group IV s had a 6.5 bushel advantage. This is probably due to the planting date being a week earlier in Increasing population to 225,000 seeds per acre did not show the advantage that it did in 2005 due to timely rains shortly after planting. One would expect the higher population to pay off quicker under more adverse conditions for establishing a stand. Double Crop Foliar Fungicide and Insecticide Study 2006 Planted: June 16, 2006 Previous Crop: Wheat Harvested: October 21, 2006 Tillage: No-Till Rows: Six 30 rows Herbicide: 32 oz. Glyphosate Seeding Rate: 230,000 seeds/a. (2 applications) Product Tested: BECK 422NRR Insecticide Rate: 2.5 oz. Warrior Fungicide Rate: 6 oz. Quadris / Headline The study was developed after we began noticing significant yield and profit increases using foliar fungicides and insecticides in early planted soybeans. This study was designed to see if that same effect held true in a double crop soybean scenario. Yield Rank Insecticide and/or Fungicide Application Growth Stage Yield Advantage Return on Investment^ 1 Headline and Warrior R $ Quadris and Warrior R $ Headline R $ Quadris R $ Untreated AVERAGE *Bushels per acre corrected to 13% moisture. Weighed by: Beck s Hybrids Scott Ebelhar and Mark Schmitt. ^Return on Investment (ROI) based upon yield advantage of application minus the cost of product and application charge. Costs were based on $11.48/ac for 6oz of Headline, $12.38/ac for 6oz of Quadris, $5.47/ac for 2.5oz of Warrior, and $4.50/ac average application charge. Soybean price based on $6.00/bu average. Although visual effects such as improved grain quality, green stems, and healthier looking plants were consistent with early planted soybeans, there was not enough yield increase in the double crop soybeans to pay for the investment made. Beck s will continue this trial next year to take another look at using foliar fungicides on double crop soybeans.

87 Foliar Fungicide and Insecticide Study 2006 Planted: May 6, 2006 Previous Crop: Soybeans April 2.5 in. Harvested: October 2, 2006 Tillage: Disc / Chisel / Field Cultivator May 6.6 in. Rows: Six 30 rows Herbicide: 32 oz. Glyphosate June 2.5 in. Seeding Rate: 120,000 seeds/a. (2 applications) July 3.6 in. Product Tested: BECK 422NRR Insecticide Rate: 2.5 oz. Warrior August 6.3 in. Fungicide Rate: 6 oz. Quadris / Headline Total 21.5 in. The use of foliar fungicides has grown with the movement of Asian Soybean Rust into the southern United States. Although rust was discovered in western Kentucky and southwest Indiana this fall, it has yet to be detrimental to Beck s growers. Testing of foliar fungicides in preparation for rust control has led to the discovery that these products could be used for other yield enhancing qualities due to their ability to maintain plant health and seed quality. This test is our continued look into the usefulness of these products for our growers. Yield Rank Insecticide and/or Fungicide Application Growth Stage Yield Advantage Return on Investment^ 1 Headline R $ Headline and Warrior R $ Quadris and Warrior R $ Quadris and Warrior R $ Quadris R $ Headline and Warrior R $ Headline R $ Warrior R $ Quadris R $ Untreated Warrior R $10.57 AVERAGE 76.7 *Bushels per acre corrected to 13% moisture. Weighed by: Beck s Hybrids Scott Ebelhar. ^Return on Investment based upon yield advantage of application minus the cost of product and application charge. Costs were based on $11.48/acre for 6 oz. of Headline, $12.38/acre for 6 oz. of Quadris, $5.47/acre for 2.5 oz. of Warrior, and $4.50/acre average application charge. Soybean price based on $6.00/bu. average. 87 This year s data reflects similar results as last year s study. Applications of fungicides and insecticides averaged an 11.9 Bu./A. advantage over the untreated entry. Applications made at the R5 growth stage out yielded the same applications made at R3 by an average of 1.9 Bu./A. Fungicide alone out yielded the untreated check by 7.6 Bu./A. with an average advantage of 8.5 Bu./A. at R5 as compared to an average of 3.6 Bu./A. at R3. Insecticides alone averaged an advantage of 1.2 Bu./A. over the untreated check. Entries treated with fungicides show visual differences by holding their leaves longer and maintaining some green stems. BECK 422NRR untreated (left) versus BECK 422NRR with Quadris at R5 (right).

88 88 Soybean Planting Date & Population Study 2006 April 2.5 in. Planted: Various Previous Crop: Corn May 6.6 in. Harvested: Various Tillage: Disk Ripper / Field Cultivator June 2.5 in. Rows: 15 & 30 rows Herbicide: 32 oz. Glyphosate July 3.6 in. Seeding Rate: Various August 6.3 in. Total 21.5 in. In this study we compare two varieties on six planting dates at three populations in 15 rows. On two planting dates we compared the same varieties in 30 rows at three different populations. Planting Date Brand-Variety Population Population Population Bu./A. Each Variety Bu./A. Combined Average 15 ROWS April 22 BECK 354NRR 120, , , April 22 BECK 405NRR 120, , , May 6 BECK 354NRR 120, , , May 6 BECK 405NRR 120, , , May 19 BECK 354NRR 120, , , May 19 BECK 405NRR 120, , , May 29 BECK 354NRR 120, , , May 29 BECK 405NRR 120, , , June 6 BECK 354NRR 120, , , June 6 BECK 405NRR 120, , , June 13 BECK 354NRR 120, , , June 13 BECK 405NRR 120, , , AVERAGE ROWS May 19 BECK 354NRR 80, , , May 19 BECK 405NRR 80, , , May 29 BECK 354NRR 80, , , May 29 BECK 405NRR 80, , , AVERAGE *Bushels per acre corrected to 13% moisture. Weighed by: Beck s Hybrids Scott Ebelhar. Variety Population Planting Date Overall BECK 405NRR averaged 7.4 bushels per acre more yield than BECK 354NRR at the 120,000 and 150,000 populations, but only 4.5 bushels per acre advantage at 180,000 populations. Both varieties had their highest average yields on May 19 th. In 15 rows there was no statistical difference between the 120,000 and 150,000 populations while the 180,000 population averaged approximately 3 bushel more for both varieties across all planting dates. The additional cost of 30,000 seeds is between $5.50 and $6.00 per acre so a one-bushel per acre advantage would pay for the 30,000 additional seeds. This year s highest economic return was at 180,000 seeds per acre while 150,000 seeds per acre was highest in In 30 rows, the highest yielding and most profitable population was 140,000 seeds per acre as opposed to 110,000 seeds per acre in Although profitability was slightly higher at the higher populations, lodging was more common. In previous years this has led to yield drag at the higher populations depending on the severity and timing of lodging. While the May 19 planting produced the highest yields averaging 80.9 bushels per acre, there was only a 3.8 bushel per acre difference between that date and May 6 th. Last year s data showed that May 10 th was the highest yielding planting date. Soybeans planted in June had significantly lower yields than those planted between late April and the end of May.

89 89 In 2004, we began working with Pontiac National Bank in Pontiac, Illinois (now Freestar Ag Services) to support their efforts to provide farmers with practical farm research in their region. The following corn and soybean research highlights a portion of the research done in For 2007, Beck s purchased 165 acres near Bloomington, IL to establish a practical farm research location in Central Illinois. Jason Webster, Illinois PFR Director, will be preparing this location for the upcoming season when Beck s plan to host a Field Show event in late summer. Corn Planting Date Study 2006 Location: Pontiac, IL Tillage: Conventional April 3.6 in. Planted: Various Herbicide: Degree Xtra May 3.7 in. Harvested: October 24, 2006 Roundup Original Max June 1.8 in. Rows: Eight 30 rows Insecticide: None July 3.7 in. Population: 34,000 seeds/a. Soil Type: Crane Loam and August 5.3 in. Previous Crop: Soybeans Wea Loam Total 18.1 in. Using corn borer and corn rootworm resistant products on your early and late-planted acres is an excellent management practice. This study compares two YieldGard Plus with Roundup Ready Corn 2 products on eight planting dates from March 28 through May 21. Planting Date Brand-Hybrid Moisture March 28 BECK 6722CBRWRR BECK 5507CBRWRR April 5 BECK 6722CBRWRR BECK 5507CBRWRR April 11 BECK 6722CBRWRR BECK 5507CBRWRR April 20 BECK 6722CBRWRR BECK 5507CBRWRR April 25 BECK 5507CBRWRR BECK 6722CBRWRR May 8 BECK 6722CBRWRR BECK 5507CBRWRR May 15 BECK 5507CBRWRR BECK 6722CBRWRR May 21 BECK 5507CBRWRR BECK 6722CBRWRR *Bushels per acre corrected to 15% moisture. Plot weighed by Freestar Bank Bu./A. 220 BECK 6722CBRWRR The normal trend is for early to mid-april plantings to produce the most yield was no exception, however, the decline in yields after mid-april was minimal until mid to late-may. In this year s test, the March 28 planting out-yielded the May 15 planting. While BECK 5507CBRWRR was lower yielding overall, it maintained more consistent yields on the later planting dates Mar Bu./A Mar 4-Apr 4-Apr 11-Apr 18-Apr 25-Apr 2-May Planting Date BECK 5507CBRWRR 11-Apr 18-Apr 25-Apr 2-May Planting Date 9-May 9-May 16-May 16-May 23-May 23-May

90 90 Corn Population Study 2006 Location: Pontiac, IL Previous Crop: Soybeans April 3.6 in. Planted: April 15, 2006 Tillage: Conventional May 3.7 in. Harvested: October 20, 2006 Herbicide: 2 qts. Degree Xtra June 1.8 in. Rows: 30 rows.75 oz. Impact July 3.7 in. Population: Variable Insecticide: Aztec August 5.3 in. Soil Type: Crane Loam Total 18.1 in. Bu./A To evaluate flex-girth and determinate ear hybrids at various planting populations ranging from 20,000 to 40,000 seeds per acre. Flex-Girth - BECK 5444RWRR Our flex type ear hybrid performed amazingly well at all populations and Determinate Ear - BECK 5439RWRR after the cost of seed, the optimum planting population was in the range of 32,000 36,000. Each planting rate increment achieved higher yields as the linear curve would suggest in the graph. The determinate type ear hybrids results were very odd, as low planting populations of 24,000 26,000 achieved our optimum return per acre when including the cost of seed. In most years, a determinate ear hybrid would achieve maximum and optimum plant populations at 32,000 36,000. This year the 5439RWRR declined in yield as 20K 22K 24K 26K 28K 30K 32K 34K 36K 38K 40K population increased over 30,000. Population Twin Row Corn Population Study 2006 Location: Pontiac, IL Tillage: Conventional Planted: April 15, 2006 Herbicide: Degree Xtra Harvested: October 16, 2006 Roundup Original Max Population: Variable Insecticide: None Previous Crop: Soybeans Soil Type: Crane Loam To evaluate 30 inch corn and twin row corn (8 inch rows on 30 inch centers) at planting populations of 28,000 to 42,000 seeds per acre with a flex and fixed ear type hybrids. Bu./A Flex-Girth Ear Type 28,000 30,000 32,000 34,000 36,000 38,000 40,000 42,000 Population Bu./A. 210 Determinate Ear Type 30" Row - BECK 5444RWRR 30" Row - BECK 5439RWRR Twin Row - BECK 5444RWRR Twin Row - BECK 5439RWRR Twin rows improved yields by an average of 18.6 bushels per acre with the determinate ear hybrid. However, the flex hybrid in 30 rows out yielded the twin rows by 1.7 bushels per acre. This data once again shows that twin row corn can be an excellent row width for corn, but a producer needs to plant the correct type of corn for it to be profitable. *Bushels per acre corrected to 15% moisture. Plot weighed by Freestar Ag Services ,000 30,000 32,000 34,000 36,000 38,000 40,000 42,000 Population

91 Seed Treatment Study Planted: May 14, 2006 Previous Crop: Soybeans Harvested: November 6, 2006 Tillage: Conventional April 3.6 in. Rows: Eight 30 rows Herbicide: 2 qts. Degree Xtra May 3.7 in. Soil Type: Wea Loam.75 oz. Impact June 1.8 in. Population: 34,000 seeds/a. Insecticide: Aztec July 3.7 in. Product Tested: BECK 5616 August 5.3 in. Total 18.1 in. This trial is part of Beck s ongoing commitment to testing available seed treatments to provide our customers with the best stands possible. This year we evaluated several types of treatments including fungicides, insecticides, micronutrients, and biologicals. Yield Rank Seed Treatment Population Moisture 1 Sure Gro / FaSTart / Dynasty 33, Vortex AT 2.5g / Poncho , Vortex AT 2.5g 32, Sure Gro / FaSTart / Trilex 34, Sure Gro / FaSTart / Zn (Agrilliance Liquid) 34, Sure Gro / Poncho 1250 / Micro-Stimulant 32, Enhancer / ReVV / Dynasty 7 Syngenta Ex A14919A 31, Sure Gro / FaSTart / ReVV 33, Sure Gro / FaSTart / Myconate 33, Sure Gro / FaSTart 32, Sure Gro / Poncho , Sure Gro (Maxim XL) 33, Untreated 29, AVERAGE 32, *Bushels per acre corrected to 15% moisture. Plot weighed by Freestar Ag Services. Although Beck s standard Sure Gro with FaSTart treatment was near the average in this plot, using that treatment in combination with other fungicides, micronutrients, or biologicals did show some positive effects this year. Beck s will continue to evaluate our standard seed treatment in comparison to new treatments as they become available to ensure that we are providing the best protection to the seed that our customers purchase. I like Beck s being a family owned business. I have planted Beck s for three years. Another thing I like is the Beck s Pre-Harvest Field Show. I also like the products and especially the dry down and yield of BECK 5444RR. The Beck s replant policy is also nice. My BECK 405NRR were the best beans I have ever raised, they yielded around 70 bushels per acre. Linda & Dellos Bruens Cissna Park, IL