News from the FIRST Program


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Press Release | FIRST Special Report - Evaluation of On-Combine NIRS Quality Monitor Technology

An on-combine NIRS instrument was used to measure the crude protein and oil composition of soybeans harvested in Minnesota trial plots in the 2023 Farmers’ Independent Research of Seed Technologies (FIRST) program. The report offers an interactive look at how the NIRS instrument was installed and used in FIRST plots. Results comparing the on-combine sensor to benchtop laboratory sensor measurements are presented, with promising results for protein content monitoring.

April 29, 2024

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FIRST Newsletter | March 2024

Introducing the 2024 Season, NEW FIRST Managers in South Dakota and SCN Reporting Updates

April 1, 2024

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FIRST Newsletter | January 2024

Featuring 2023 Top Hybrids and Varieties, harvest wrap up, meet NEW Managers for 2024 Trials

January 9, 2024

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First 2023 Michigan Corn Trials Report Released

Corn trial results from 10 different locations across Michigan have been compiled and released by Farmers Independent Research of Seed Technologies (FIRST), following completion of a later-than-normal corn harvest.

December 14, 2023

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AgUpdate | Corn sets FIRST record in dry year

In a year dominated by headlines of drought, some fields were setting records.

November 23, 2023

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AgUpdate | FIRST Soybean tests show strong yields

Yield reports are in from fields across the Midwest and impacts of the ongoing drought are proving to be less than expected.

November 15, 2023