Dr. Fred Below, University of Illinois presenting at the LIFT Summit.

Dr. Fred Below, professor of plant physiology at the University of Illinois, was one of several experts showcasing technologies, such as In-Furrow Technology (LIFT), that can close the corn yield gap and maximize nutrient availability all while providing sustainable practices. The LIFT Summit, held last month in Bloomington, Minnesota, showcased in-furrow and foliar technologies, new herbicides and crop protection strategies.

Attendees were treated to the launch of the new Leaders of In-Furrow and Foliar Technologies (LIFT2). West Central Distribution, one of the creators of the LIFT and LIFT2 technologies, said the addition of foliar technology will support the continued growth of the ag industry with new herbicide trait technologies as well as the new advancements in adjuvants and foliar treatments.

“With increasing pressure on growers to achieve high yields while maintaining sustainability and stewardship, having strong fertility and crop protection strategies in place is more important than ever,” said Dean Hendrickson, vice president of marketing and business development for West Central Distribution. “Through our enhanced LIFT2 initiative, we are expanding our focus to include both in-furrow and foliar technology, providing a well rounded educational resource for growers and retailers to stay on top of trends and best practices. We believe the entire foliar arena will change significantly in a very short period due to the potential transformation of new trait technologies and the corresponding changes in foliar application practices.”

Steve Roehl, West Central Distribution presenting at the LIFT Summit.

The two-day excursion also featured access to the CHS innovation plot in southern Minnesota. Attendees heard from experts from West Central, BASF, Dow AgroSciences, Climate Corporation, FMC and Nufarm about the newest agriculture technology advances in foliar and in-furrow applications. They were able to view and hear about the innovation plot, experience an adjuvant sprayer demonstration and learn more about the new foliar technology designed to work alongside new herbicide traits for efficacy purposes as well as sustainability and stewardship.

The LIFT program was founded by West Central Distribution and its partners, including BASF, Dow AgroSciences, FMC and NuFarm. These organizations work together to provide an educational resource for growers and retailers to learn more about in-furrow planting systems, industry trends and breakthrough technology.