A Tank Full of Sugar Helps the Profits Go Down

 

This growing season has been what I can best describe as “Craptacular“. Farmers are under severe economic stress and are looking to squeeze the highest yields possible out of whatever acres they were able to get planted. Across the Midwest post emergence herbicide applications are going out and farmers are considering what else to add into the tank to “help” their crops. This year the question of sugar has resurfaced so I thought I would dust off and re-post the below article originally entitled “Do Foliar Applications of Sugar Improve Soybean Yield”.

 

I also wanted to link to a few other articles from colleagues at the University of Nebraska “Sugar Applications to Crops – Nebraska On-Farm Research Network Results” and “Research Results: Sugar Applications to Crops“. In short the University of Nebraska team did not find a consistent yield increase in corn or sorghum and averaged 0.8 bu per acre in soybean. If farmers are considering a pass for just the sugar application the average cost of ground application in $7.65 and aerial is $10.75; 2019 Iowa Farm Custom Rate Survey and the average yield loss caused by sprayer wheel track damage in soybean in rows less than 20 inches is 1.9 or 1.3% with a 90 or 120 foot boom, respectively.

 

I also want to give credit to my colleague Chad Lee who wrote a nice article entitled “Could Sugar Help Drought Stressed Corn?” that discusses sugar rates, biological activity and actual costs of product.

 

I am certain this re-posted article will stir up the same severe indignation as the original, however when the local cash bids are averaging $8.42 ROI is more important than ever. Continue Reading.