Syngenta : Golden Harvest hybrid nets Delavan grower state title for highest corn yield

MINNETONKA, Minn.,- Grower and Syngenta agronomist Gary Prescher from Delavan, Minnesota, took home first place statewide in the National Corn Yield Contest, yielding 288.6 bushels per acre (bu/A) with Golden Harvest hybrid G10S30-3220 brand.

According to a United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) crop report, the 2016 Minnesota corn yield average was projected to be 184 bu/A. This was the state's second-highest yield prediction ever, and yet Gary Prescher surpassed this estimate by more than 100 bushels.

'I first noticed Golden Harvest hybrid G10S30-3220 brand in 2015 southern Minnesota field trials for its outstanding performance and tremendous yield potential along with the Agrisure Viptera trait,' said Prescher. 'I decided to take advantage of early planting in 2016 for a longer growing season, and expand my maturity from 107 days to 110 days, which added about 20 bushels to my yield.'

Operated by the National Corn Growers Association, the National Corn Yield Contest launched in 1965 to explore new ideas and production techniques. As a first-time contestant, Prescher wanted to learn something new and validate his ability to grow high corn yields.

To enter, contestants must complete an application with more than 30 questions and submit the weigh ticket. Yield results over certain thresholds must be certified by an independent local supervisor, who are typically third-party community members such as Extension agents, teachers or ag lenders trained to verify yield results. Prescher will be recognized in the awards ceremony at the 2017 Commodity Classic in San Antonio and have his results in the National Corn Yield Competition guide.

While industry-leading genetics from Golden Harvest Corn were key to Prescher's success, he also took calculated steps to protect the crop's potential at every growing stage. Even the best plans can go awry with weather, and Prescher was challenged by rainfall from planting to harvest that totaled 15 to 20 inches above average.

'If I hadn't used fungicides Quilt Xcel at V5 and Trivapro at R1, I would have lost 20-30 bushels from heavy disease pressure due to the excessive rainfall in 2016,' said Prescher.

To start strong with Golden Harvest hybrid G10S30-3220 brand, Prescher applied Force 3G insecticide for greater soil pest control, resulting in more fully-developed roots and stronger stands. He then turned to Dual II Magnum and Halex GT herbicides to prevent waterhemp, which has a history in his champion field. Additional agronomic practices including tiling, grid sampling and three nitrogen applications were also critical to the win.

'I definitely recommend other southern Minnesota growers try Golden Harvest Corn on their acres,' said Prescher. 'Even more important, growers should partner with ag industry experts to maximize field performance.'

For more information on Golden Harvest and to find a local Golden Harvest Seed Advisor™ to help make hybrid recommendations tailored for your specific fields, visit www.GoldenHarvestSeeds.com.

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About Syngenta
Syngenta is a leading agriculture company helping to improve global food security by enabling millions of farmers to make better use of available resources. Through world class science and innovative crop solutions, our 28,000 people in over 90 countries are working to transform how crops are grown. We are committed to rescuing land from degradation, enhancing biodiversity and revitalizing rural communities. To learn more visit www.syngenta.com and www.goodgrowthplan.com. Follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/Syngenta and www.twitter.com/SyngentaUS.

Media Contacts:
Bev Larson
612-656-8122
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Kristin DeSutter
312-648-6700
[e-mail]

Web Resources:
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Trivapro
Force 3G
Dual II Magnum
Halex GT
Syngenta Newsroom
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Plant performance assumes the presence of disease pressure.

©2017 Syngenta, 11055 Wayzata Boulevard, Minnetonka, MN 55305. Important: Always read and follow label instructions. Some products may not be registered for sale or use in all states or counties. Please check with your local extension service to ensure registration status. Force is a Restricted Use Pesticide. Trivapro is sold as a combination of separately registered products: Trivapro A and Trivapro B fungicides. Agrisure Viptera, Dual II Magnum, Force, Golden Harvest, Halex GT, Quilt Xcel, Seed Advisor™, Trivapro and the Syngenta logo are trademarks of a Syngenta Group Company. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.