The Red River Valley, which forms the border between Minnesota and North Dakota, is one of the most productive agricultural regions in North America. Known for its rich, dark soils and high organic matter content, the region is capable of producing exceptional yields across a wide range of crops. However, the Valley’s flat topography in combination with heavy clay soils and high organic matter can also create significant water management challenges.
These conditions can create an ideal environment for early-season seedling diseases such as Pythium, Fusarium, and Rhizoctonia. Later in the season, prolonged periods of high humidity, saturated soils, and temperatures between 55°F and 75°F can significantly increase the risk of white mold development.
We spoke with Maggie Nelson-Luther of K&S Seeds in Enderlin, North Dakota, located on the southeastern edge of the Red River Valley.
K&S Seeds has been offering Heads Up to growers for the past seven to eight years. Over their first two years of trialing, K&S Seeds saw a 4 bushel advantage when using Heads Up.
“We’ve done trials with plenty of our customers; a lot of guys will try it on one field and see if it’s a right fit for them. Usually, the next year they’ll ask for it on a few more fields or their entire farm.”
Many growers in the region make in-season decisions about whether to apply a foliar fungicide for white mold, depending on disease pressure and the expected return on investment. K&S Seeds recommends incorporating Heads Up as an additional layer of protection against white mold, helping growers manage risk and, in some situations, reduce the need for a foliar fungicide application.
“Using Heads Up is incredibly easy, I like to call it stupid proof.”
K&S Seeds has invested in a seed treatment system that allows them to seamlessly integrate Heads Up into their soybean treatment offerings.
Founded more than 30 years ago by Kathi and Steve Luther, K&S Seeds is a farmer-owned dealership serving growers throughout southeastern North Dakota. They offer products from DeKalb, Asgrow, Peterson Farms Seed, Legend Seeds, and Latham Seed, while also treating their own bulk soybeans and wheat. Their team is continually evaluating new technologies and agronomic solutions that can help growers maximize yield potential and improve profitability.