Choosing Seed Varieties

For farmers, selecting the right seed genetics is a high-stakes decision, with weather, soil, and market demands shaping every season’s outcome. Farmers Independent Research of Seed Technologies (FIRST), accessible at www.firstseedtests.com, provides unbiased, data-driven comparisons of corn and soybean genetics to help farmers maximize yields and profitability. Since its founding in 1997, FIRST has been a trusted resource for American farmers, offering independent insights to guide planting decisions with confidence.

Founded by Kevin Coey, FIRST emerged to address the need for transparent, farmer-focused seed performance data. Unlike trials sponsored by seed companies, FIRST conducts impartial testing, free from external influence. Its mission is to equip farmers with reliable data to choose the best seed products for their fields. Operating across 16 states, FIRST oversees more than 2,000 yield trials annually, evaluating over 2,000 seed products from 70+ companies on 300+ farms. From small family farms to large operations, FIRST collaborates with farmers to deliver results that reflect real-world conditions.

FIRST’s trials are designed to be rigorous and localized, testing seed performance across diverse soil types, climates, and management practices. Whether a farmer operates in the Midwest’s Corn Belt or the Upper Midwest’s rolling fields, FIRST’s data is tailored to regional needs. In 2024, its trials achieved record-breaking averages: 231 bushels per acre for corn and 62.3 bushels per acre for soybeans. These results highlight the power of data-driven decisions for improving farm outcomes.

FIRST stands out for its speed, accessibility, and precision. After harvest, its team processes data from thousands of plots, delivering detailed reports within days. These reports cover essential metrics such as yield, moisture content, standability, and agronomic traits, providing farmers with a clear view of each seed product’s performance. Through FIRST’s interactive website, farmers can filter trial results by crop, brand, maturity, or region, making it easy to find data relevant to their specific needs. Whether comparing hybrids or varieties, the platform simplifies the process of identifying top performers.

To keep farmers informed year-round, FIRST offers customized email alerts. By subscribing, farmers receive timely updates on trial results, new seed products, or region-specific summaries. This service ensures that critical information is available when it’s needed most—whether a farmer is planning next season’s crop or making real-time decisions in the field.

In an industry filled with marketing claims, unbiased data is invaluable. Seed companies often highlight their top products, but those results may not translate to every farm’s conditions. FIRST provides an objective alternative, conducting trials with independent field managers who adhere to strict protocols. With no funding that compromises its neutrality, FIRST ensures farmers receive accurate, reliable data. This commitment empowers farmers to make informed choices that enhance profitability and reduce risk.

This year’s trials showcased some of the highest yields in FIRST’s history, reflecting advancements in seed technology and the expertise of farmers. Looking ahead to 2025, FIRST plans to expand its testing footprint and enhance its digital tools to provide even more detailed data. Additionally, FIRST is exploring ways to integrate precision agriculture technologies into its trials, helping farmers stay at the forefront of innovation.

What if the key to farm profitability isn’t higher yields, but healthier soil? In this episode of The Land Ledger, Brian Kearney welcomes regenerative agriculture pioneer Gabe Brown for an in-depth conversation about how farmers can boost profitability and build healthier ecosystems without relying on synthetic inputs or chasing maximum yields. Gabe challenges conventional ag assumptions by sharing examples from his own operation and his clients, including those producing above-average yields with fewer inputs—and sometimes no organic certification at all.

Listen in as he opens up about his experiences of transitioning to no-till farming, diversifying crops, and integrating livestock. You’ll learn the role of cover crops in improving soil health and reducing input costs, as well as how farmers of any scale can apply soil health principles. Gabe also offers strategies for securing long-term rental agreements, managing livestock in a time-efficient way, and increasing landowner value.