Great Lakes Hybrids fully develops new hybrids that are proven to perform to their maximum genetic potential. This process involves many steps of testing before hybrids are approved for production. In fact, the final stage of testing is conducted in cooperation with hundreds of growers who provide diverse growing conditions and different management practices. This comprehensive approach pinpoints where, when and how a hybrid will perform to its maximum potential.

Research Database Features

The research database from which we access valuable data from provides the confidence and knowledge for our people to make accurate decisions on proper management of our hybrids. The research database has many dynamic features:

• The database holds plot data where our products are present. It includes plot data from: NET, GAP, Side-by-side Comparisons, University Trials, Competitor Plots (Third Party), F.I.R.S.T. Trials, etc.
• Functionalities include Single Head to Head, Multiple Head to Head, and Head to Head against a single brand or all brands.
• Head to Head Comparisons can be as broad or as narrow as the user specifies. Sorts can be made by any number of the following: Region, State, Soil Type, Plot Type, Planting and Harvest Dates, Harvest Populations, Tillage, Row Spacing, and Previous Crop.
• Other options include the ability to compare hybrids by yield levels and applied nitrogen level.
• We are currently in the process of developing functionality to look at herbicide interactions.
• Development of the database is ongoing. Functionalities will be added as needed.

Plot Planters and Combines

The Research Team has invested in 8-row planters and unique twin-plot combines, which allow:

• Greater efficiency
• Superior accuracy and precision in both the planting and harvesting of replicated research trials

Greater efficiency is achieved by the ability to plant many more replicated plots with more locations per day – which produce more accurate results in the fall.

The twin-plot combines cut the time it takes to harvest one replicated test from 30 seconds to 10 seconds with greater precision. The new High Capacity Grain Gage system of measuring moisture and test weight is more precise than previous systems.

Ron Bell, Director of Corn Research, says “Plant breeding is a numbers game, the more hybrids you look at in replicated plots and locations, the greater opportunity of finding hybrids better than the current products in the market.”

By continuing to increase our number of hybrids tested and the precision to which they are planted and harvested, we are better able to outperform the competition in the development of new hybrids. Customers can be confident of getting better-quality and more reliable products, as well as a greater number of choices.