What is SmartStax™ and what can it do for you?
Genuity™ brand SmartStax™ is a collaboration of trait technologies from Monsanto and Dow, in effect a "hybrid" of VT Triple Pro™ with Herculex XTRA. Combining three modes of action to control Corn Borer, two modes of action to control Rootworm plus the benefits of Roundup Ready® and LibertyLink® in the same hybrid. The overwhelming benefit to SmartStax™ is that the refuge requirement has been reduced from 20% to 5%!
SmartStax™ trait technology will cost most farmers about $50 more than previous Monsanto triple stack hybrids, $44 more in Zone 2 compared to Renk VT3 hybrids and $53 more in Zone 2 than RRYGPL products. A very common question at field days this fall has been, "is it worth it"? For every 100 acres that you farm it adds as much as $2000 in seed cost! What can you expect in return?
There are two or three primary sources of additional revenue from SmartStax™ hybrids. Corn growers can plant 15% more trait technology acres with SmartStax™ than with any other insect protected hybrid and most growers should have a yield number in mind on the value in bushels of stacked trait insect protection versus refuge acres. Growers that apply Rootworm insecticide on refuge acres will save $250-$275 for every 100 acres or 15 treated acres. Farmers should not overlook the benefit of some outstanding new genetics coming forward with SmartStax™, though not a direct benefit of the trait technology, most of these products will not be sold any other way and I would encourage you to "budget" a few more bushels just for using new genetics.
A new hybrid that yields five more bushel/acre than last years triple stack plus the savings from less Rootworm insecticide would roughly pay for the added seed cost. Most growers think that insect protected hybrids yield at least 20 bushels/acre more than conventional or refuge products. The number varies from north to south, from east to west and even from farm to farm. It adds another 300 or more bushels for every 100 acres you farm, just remember that this is a general estimate and the yield advantage on your farm is most likely somewhat different. While you think about this consider that there will be some benefits that may be difficult to budget. How much should you budget for the convenience of planting less refuge? How much for risk reduction controlling minor pests that weren't controlled by the trait technology you are currently using?
To compound the equation there are some bargains to be had on some older triple trait hybrids. The price gap can exceed $100 when comparing the best SmartStax™ to an older product that may have performed well on your farm. I encourage you to think hard about the best application of the products and price points available from Renk Seed. Your District Manager has a spreadsheet tool that you might find valuable to calculate the value of the newer versus older trait technologies. It will allow you to run multiple scenarios in a short period of time using your own cost and performance parameters.