Matt Foley, F2F Genetics Network™ General Manager

For far too long, farmers have felt a constant push toward higher yields as the ultimate goal. It seems pretty easy and straightforward to focus on yield. After all, more grain to sell means more income, right? But all too often the rising cost of seed, chemicals and other inputs can take a toll on your operation, cutting profit margins and increasing pressure for you to achieve even higher yields the following year just to break even. At the end of the day, you want more money in your pocket to provide for your family and sustain your operation over your lifetime—and for future generations.  That’s why so many farmers across the country are turning to conventional corn . Maybe it’s time you give conventional seed varieties a closer look as well. Inside the conventional corn revolution The key driver for planting conventional corn is return on investment, plain and simple.  For years, you were sold the idea that GM traits were essential to achieving higher yields. If it wasn’t traited, went the narrative, then it couldn’t possibly produce the same results come harvest.  But farmers are starting to embrace the fact that seed genetics are what determine yield; GM traits, meanwhile, simply serve to protect that yield. This has many rethinking their approach to seed selection , focusing on finding quality genetics at a fair price to better support their bottom line. You can also take advantage of premiums offered for conventional grains in some markets, helping you increase net revenue even more. The good news is today’s non-traited products are not your dad’s conventional corn . An increasingly advanced line of genetics—paired with crop protection products that are safe for conventional crops and certain agronomic practices—is supporting a conventional corn boom, allowing you to reduce input costs without sacrificing on performance.  Want to hear from farmers who’ve made the switch? Is conventional corn right for your operation?  It’s likely you have some concerns about growing conventional corn. Perhaps you’ve heard that your crop protection costs will soar or that your fields will be overrun by pests without the ability to use some of the same chemical products to manage pressure.  But many farmers who have turned to conventional corn are finding this simply isn’t true.   If you know how to grow traited corn, then you can grow conventional corn . It’s just that we’ve all become accustomed to the easy button. Sure, it’s nice to have access to glyphosate or glufosinate to use over the top. With conventional corn, that isn’t an option. Management is the key. Growing conventional corn may mean a little more time in the sprayer and a bigger focus on scouting. But these simple changes can help you make a big difference on your bottom line and the future of your operation under the right conditions.   Of course, there are some situations where traited corn might be the right choice for your farm. Traits can be an effective tool, especially for specific areas with heavy insect pressures. But you don’t always need every tool in the toolbox.  If you’re considering switching to conventional on your farm, it might be worth trying a mix of GM traited and non-traited seed to see what the differences are for your overall management plan. Whatever you plant this year, the key is in getting the right hybrids and varieties in the right places on your farm.  PRO TIP: FBN Seed Finder is a great tool to give you more information on the seeds you’re planting, providing you with real-world data on thousands of hybrids and varieties.   Find ways to maximize ROI on your farm Want to join this conventional corn revolution? Find out how planting conventional corn seed from F2F Genetics Network™ can help you save on input costs and potentially boost return on investment on your operation. The sprout logo, "FBN" and "Farmers Business Network" are registered service marks of Farmer's Business Network, Inc. “F2F Genetics Network” is a trademark of Farmer’s Business Network, Inc. “F2F Genetics Network branded seed products and other seed products are offered by FBN Inputs, LLC and are available only in states where FBN Inputs, LLC is licensed. Terms & Conditions are subject to change at any time and without notice. See sales order form for additional terms and conditions.All sales are subject to entrance into a Master Distribution Agreement, where applicable, and the terms and conditions set forth therein.