AgriGold’s approach to launching new corn hybrids involves extensive field testing across the country to ground-truth their performance. Yield data alone can’t capture the full picture of how a hybrid will perform under real-world conditions, which is why AgriGold utilizes multiple research plots and farmer fields to assess new products. According to AgriGold Brand Product Manager Steve Schany, “Getting eyes on ears is important. The more people we have evaluating corn hybrids in farmers’ fields, the better our opportunity to gauge their capabilities and whether they are good enough to be added to our lineup.”
Every new hybrid launched by AgriGold undergoes rigorous testing in diverse environments to simulate different soil types, weather conditions, and growing practices. This process involves not only observing yield performance but also assessing factors like disease resistance, drought tolerance, and adaptability to changing climatic conditions. Recent data from these field trials show that AgriGold hybrids have demonstrated consistent performance across various growing regions, with an average yield increase of 10% over existing hybrids in controlled testing environments.
The hands-on testing approach provides valuable insights into how these hybrids respond to real-world stressors that aren’t always accounted for in controlled research settings. In one recent trial, AgriGold’s new hybrid demonstrated a significant increase in resilience to late-season droughts, outperforming older hybrids in similar conditions. This ability to adapt to stress conditions is critical for farmers who face unpredictable weather patterns and the challenges of climate change.
Farmers involved in the testing process have provided feedback that is used to refine the selection process. This direct input helps AgriGold adjust traits that are particularly valued in specific regions, such as ear placement, stalk strength, and overall plant health. These refinements ensure that new hybrids are not only high-yielding but also suited to local growing conditions, making them more reliable for farmers to adopt.
The approach AgriGold takes in testing new corn hybrids—ground-truthing in farmer fields—has proven to be an effective method for ensuring the reliability and performance of new varieties. By gathering data from real-world conditions, AgriGold can better assess the suitability of these hybrids for different climates and growing practices. This process allows for more confident recommendations to farmers, helping them make informed decisions about which hybrids to plant and ensuring they get the best return on their investment.
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