It’s finally that time of year when corn seed is starting to roll into the shed. As we begin to organize and sift through bags and boxes, it is important to take a look at what seed sizes were received. Corn seed can come in a variety of sizes and shapes ranging from large rounds (kernels from the base of the ear), flats (from the center of the ear), and small rounds (from the tip of the ear). 

Ready for planting? Technical planter checklist Spring is coming, and if you want corn and soybeans to emerge evenly, everything is decided right on the farm. A properly tuned planter is the key to avoiding lost yield potential from day one. Here’s what to closely watch:

In the first 24-48 hours after planting a corn seed takes up its first drink of water, referred to as imbibition. When the seed imbibes cold water, the risk of chilling injury rises often resulting in reduced stands as the seed “dies”.

And just like that planting season is right around corner. When it comes to planting corn, it is important to get depth right, as it essential for proper root development, growth, development and maturity. Background: Corn Root Structure

Fungicide applications have been becoming increasingly popular as tools to help manage diseases in corn. There are two types of diseases that are trying to be managed though the use of fungicides: ear moulds and the associated DON/vomitoxin risk, as well as leaf diseases such as Northern Corn Leaf Blight, tar spot and grey leaf spot.

Tissue testing and foliar feeding can combine to help growers fine-tune in-season fertilizer applications to meet the needs of a growing corn crop. But how do the characteristics of individual hybrids influence the fertility rates growers need to apply?

When it comes to assessing soybean stands, it is as much an art as a science. Damage or stand loss is never uniform across a field so it is important to first try to nail down what has caused the issue and then do a stand assessment that represents the field. Soybean stand counts can be done in a couple of ways depending on row width.

When it comes to assessing soybean stands, it is as much an art as a science. Damage or stand loss is never uniform across a field so it is important to first try to nail down what has caused the issue and then do a stand assessment that represents the field. Soybean stand counts can be done in a couple of ways depending on row width.

When planting is delayed due to weather or other factors, farmers must reconsider their crop plans—particularly in adjusting Crop Heat Units (CHUs) to match the shortened growing season.

Uniform Emergence Consistent planting depth ensures uniform emergence, which is essential for even crop development and maximum yield. If seeds are planted at varying depths, some may emerge earlier than others, leading to uneven competition for sunlight, nutrients, and water.

Stephanie Myslik, Sales Agronomist at PRIDE Seeds, discusses the significance of proper seed orientation during planting and its impact on crop performance

Twenty years ago, soybeans seemed an easy crop to grow.

Stephanie Myslik, sales agronomist with Pride Seeds, is using NutriAg’s NutriAnalytics system to enhance fertilizer recommendations for corn and soybeans. Through tissue tests and data analytics, her research helps farmers understand nutrient interactions and hybrid-specific returns, aiming to optimize yields while minimizing costs.

From unpredictable weather to new disease threats, growers are reflecting on the lessons of 2024 to make more informed decisions and build resilience for the year ahead.

Does the seed size impact the potential yield growers can expect to combine? On this episode of the RealAgriculture Corn School, PRIDE Seeds agronomist Olivia Noorenberghe notes that all seed, regardless of size, carries the same genetic yield potential.

✨ Celebrating 75 Years of Legacy & Innovation!

Welcome Jeremy O'Shea to the PRIDE Seeds team! Jeremy brings a wealth of experience in the seed industry and has extensive network and industry connections. His passion for seed, along with his expertise in coaching and developing sales teams, will be invaluable as we continue to expand and strengthen our position in Ontario and beyond.

In this episode of RealAgriculture's Corn School, Aidan Filipchuk of Pride Seeds discusses some of the contributing factors to choosing a silage hybrid. Matching the final use, such as for just silage or for grazing, and for dairy or beef cattle, with standability and growing season length will have a direct impact on the eventual success of the crop

As tar spot continues to spread northeast across Ontario's corn region, growers are looking to build a better defence against the yield-robbing leaf disease.

2025 marks a remarkable milestone—75 years of PRIDE Seeds leading the charge in genetics and innovation within the agricultural industry. Founded with a vision to support farmers and enhance crop productivity, PRIDE Seeds has been at the forefront of agricultural advancement, consistently delivering high-quality seed varieties tailored to the unique needs of growers.