Still Beating the Same Drum – Because It Still Works

Every spring, as farmers hit the fields, I come back to the same topic: the Top 5 Factors to Produce a Top Crop. And I get it—some of you might think I’m just beating a dead horse. But I’ll say this loud and clear: this horse is still very much alive and kicking. These five factors aren’t just talking points—they’re the backbone of a high-yielding crop, and every year I watch farmers violate one or more of them, often knowingly, and it costs them big.

Face it, we are creatures of habit. We rely on what’s worked in the past, what Dad or Grandpa used to do, or what the neighbor swears by. But in today’s farming environment—where every bushel counts and margins are tight—doing things “because that’s how we’ve always done it” can leave serious yield and profit on the table.

Let’s run through the Top 5 Factors again. Not because they’ve changed, but because they haven’t, and they still matter just as much—if not more—than ever.

1. Soil Conditions at Planting

This is the #1 factor for a reason. You only get one shot to plant, and your yield potential will never be higher than the day you put that seed in the ground. I see too many farmers chasing a calendar date instead of watching soil temps and moisture. Planting too early, too wet, or into poor soil conditions crushes yield before the crop even starts growing. Don’t plant because it’s April 20th. Plant because your soil conditions are fit for max yield.

2. Seed Placement

Seed placement is about giving every seed equal opportunity to grow, compete, and perform. That means consistent depth, spacing, seed-to-soil contact, and row closure. Why does this matter? Because even emergence equals even development. Which gives you uniform ear size, a longer grain-fill period, and consistent dry down, all of which contribute to Max Yield. Uneven emergence creates winners and losers in your field, it makes your crop compete against itself, and it hurts the overall potential of your crop.

3. Seed Quality

At Axis Seed, we focus on providing the highest seed quality available, and that gives you an edge from the start. But let me be clear—high seed quality can’t overcome poor planting decisions. If your soil conditions are bad or your planter isn’t dialed in, you’ve already sabotaged that seed. Quality matters and helps you get the consistency needed to achieve Max Yield, but only when paired with execution.

4. Right Hybrid, Right Field

This one gets ignored too often. 75% of hybrids don’t perform to their potential because they’re planted in the wrong field. It’s not just about yield—it’s about planting the right hybrid based on the soil type, pH, bu/1000 plants goal, and knowing your disease, weed, and insect pressures on a field x field basis. Your Max Yield System Hybrid x Field Plan is designed to put the right hybrid in the right field, Follow it. Early Planning = Intentional Planting.

5. Post-Planting Management

When you’ve nailed the first four, this is where you begin to protect the yield you’ve established at the planter – at all costs. Think of post-planting management as your opportunity to preserve the crop’s potential. One misconception is that Post-Planting Management can increase yield, yield can never be increased after planting, it can only be preserved. 

So now it’s time to scout your fields, manage weeds, diseases, and insects, and feed the crop for Max Yield. Making timely decisions is critical, creating a Max Yield System plan based on historical data and field specific goals and obstacles can help you focus your post-planting management. This is where yield and profit is either protected or lost.

Every year, I have these conversations because the Top 5 Factors are still the difference-makers. They aren’t trendy or flashy, but they’re still critical. And year after year, when we look at the best fields—the ones that blew the top off the yield monitor, I can assure you The Top 5 Factors to Produce a Top Crop were in play.

So no, I’m not beating a dead horse. I’m reminding you that the path to Max Yield doesn’t change—it just requires discipline, attention to detail, and the willingness to leave old habits behind.

Grow Your Yield. Grow Your Legacy. Grow Strong with Axis Seed.

Have questions or want help dialing in your Top 5 this spring? Let’s talk, reach out to your Max Yield System Advisor at Axis Seed – Red Barn today!