The clients who work with Burkholder Seeds are very diverse in their operations. They range from dairy producers who dedicate all their acres for feed to the crop producer who is pushing grain yields to the next higher level. As such, there is not one genetic line of corn that will fill the needs of every client we consult. We are privileged to have access to two lines of genetics. KingFisher hybrids are primarily bred and selected for cutting edge forage production which includes increased digestibility for both the fiber and the starch. This allows the livestock producer to maximize the amount of energy produced per acre. Sun Prairie hybrids are utilized on operations that are focused on high yielding, high test weight grain production. These hybrids have proven to be a success largely due to the diversity of genetic bases within the line-up.

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Minnesota currently ranks in the top 5 states for soybean production in the United States. And since it is the only legume in the upper midwest that is used extensively for grain production, soybeans are an integral part of crop rotations. Due to the relative ease of herbicide management and strong genetic base, Burkholder Seeds is an advocate for and distributor of Enlist soybean genetics. Our alignment with Merschman Seeds as a supplier allows us to be on the frontlines of the most advanced soybean varieties in the industry.

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A staple on many livestock farms today, alfalfa has proven to be one of the most drought tolerant legumes in the upper midwest. That being said, although we think of alfalfa as exclusively a tap root crop only, we have access to advanced branch root varieties today that have proven to be more tolerant of heavy, wet soils compared to the traditional varieties. Blending two or more alfalfa types together can have a positive impact on yield and longevity as well.

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The clover genetics we have access to today are not your grandfather’s clover genetics. Much improvement has been made in recent years. Red clover, which we recommend as an addition to your new hay seedings that you plan to harvest mechanically, will consistently produce better RFQ values and twice the bypass protein compared to alfalfa. As such, red clover is appropriately known as the King of Legumes and alfalfa as the Queen of Legumes. White clover is a good fit for new seedings that will be primarily used for grazing.

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In the world of alfalfa, genetic breeders in the US have made huge advancements in genetic improvement. However, when we enter the realm of cool season grasses, the European breeding programs have left us in the dust since very little effort for advancement in this area has been put forth in the US. Why not have the best of both worlds? Burkholder Seeds, because of the partnership with Byron Seeds, has secured cool season grass genetics from several of the most progressive breeders in Europe. This results in genetics coming from countries like Czech Republic, Romania, and New Zealand. The results our clients are seeing when they add grass to their new seeding hay fields has been impressively positive

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As an advocate for crop diversity and because of the benefits it can bring to the operation, we encourage our clients to seriously consider adding a small grain to their portfolio of crops. We are always ready to assist with comparing multiple cropping plan scenarios. We have access to both winter and spring small grains, along with genetics specific for forage or grain.

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Most summer annual species are warm-season, C4 type grasses. The process these plant species utilize when going through the photosynthesis process is different compared to cool season (type C3) grasses. This results in optimal growing conditions that are different as well. This includes warmer soil temp requirements prior to being able to plant and the ability to produce respectable tons of forage with limited amounts of moisture. The most common species in this category are forage sorghum, sudan grass, sorghum sudan grass, millet, and teff. Most of the varieties we carry are BMR which allows our clients to incorporate the silage harvested from these crops into the dairy/beef ration.

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Being this far north in the midwest, growing cover crops between the cash crops can be challenging. However, this does not mean there are no solutions. And we want to be part of that solution. Whether you are currently using the traditional corn/bean rotation or you have a more diverse rotation, with proper management, cover crops can be incorporated into your operation with positive results. With political and public opinion trending towards nutrient preservation, etc., we encourage our clients to stay ahead of the trend as opposed to being caught behind the times.

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