Growers choose how SGD stacks up

Dec. 15, 2020

Farmers are invited to tell Seed Genetics Direct what to test against to ensure research data provides the comparisons all farmers want! Other than providing seed, this program is free and farmers do not need to be a SGD customer to supply a corn or bean competitive check.

SGD has 19 research locations throughout Ohio and Indiana. (click here to see locations).

“We serve farmers across the Corn Belt, but Ohio and Indiana are where our SGD test plots are located, so farmers in those states would gain the most from providing competitive checks as the data would more closely match their ground,” explained Erika Jeffries, director of marketing and special projects.

Farmers who wish to participate should send their name, contact info and 10 pounds of seed (with tags) to Seed Genetics Direct at 9983 Jeffersonville-West Lancaster Road, Jeffersonville, Ohio, 43128. Nominations must be received by Feb. 20, 2021.

Questions should be directed to Chris Jeffries, president, at 740-505-0073 or chrisj@seedgeneticsdirect.com.

SGD customers may also manage STEPP (Seed Testing Evaluation Plot Program) plots with SGD. An on-farm customer testing program, STEPP is an important tool in SGD’s research program and offers additional data points in more locations to provide a broader perspective on current and new hybrids and varieties. Customers interested in managing a STEPP plot should contact Todd Jeffries, vice president, via email or at 812-212-0200. SGD will provide seed for STEPP plots.

“Gathering performance data helps characterize the value of Seed Genetics Direct seed based on factors such as yield, moisture, test weight, lodging and general appearance,” Jeffries shared. “These additional measures serve as a valuable supplement to the SGD Seed Guide (which shows disease resistance, relative maturity, planting rates, etc.), to offer a broader perspective and deeper understanding of seed performance. We basically want to provide all the information we can to customers so the best seed is chosen for their particular ground, resulting in higher yields and a higher return on investment for them.”

The data SGD gathers from all test sites and testing programs is published each year for our customers. Click here to see 2020 harvest data and customer-supplied checks.