After starting in 1972, one of the first questions our editors asked seed companies concerned which varieties and hybrids were most suited for no-till. It’s a question we’ve continued to ask for 28 years as most companies have been reluctant to run the specialized cold tolerance tests that are essential in identifying these varieties and hybrids.

For next spring, Monsanto is introducing seven Asgrow and one DeKalb Residue Proven Roundup Ready soybean varieties to maximize yield potential and profitability with no-till.

“To carry the Residue Proven arrow, these varieties were tested and shown to offer higher yields,” says Kurt Rahe, Monsanto market manager. “They had to meet stringent requirements for good performance under all types of tillage systems. All Residue Proven varieties have exceptional strong emergence and enhanced disease-resistance packages, so they come up strong and perform well under tough conditions to help growers harvest more profit.”

Monsanto also expects to soon announce a lineup of corn hybrids which are ideally suited for no-till. In the meantime, corn growers will be able to save $10 per bag on stacked YieldGard and Roundup Ready corn hybrids that will improve insect and weed control. “Until now, stacked hybrids have been in short supply, so a limited number of farmers have had a chance to try them,” says Steven Rosenbloom, Monsanto market manager. “Our goal with this offer is to help farmers gain experience with stacked-trait seed so they can see for themselves the value of these hybrids.”

Monsanto has also introduced its…