As combines roll and grain carts fill, it’s natural to focus on yield results. Harvest is the finish line of a season-long marathon, but it’s also a reminder of all the steps that got us here. Successful farming isn’t only about getting the seed in the ground and applying fertilizer, it’s about managing the whole acre for plant health from start to finish.
Two tools that often get overlooked in that bigger picture are fungicides and tissue sampling. Both play a critical role in protecting yield potential and helping growers make smarter decisions for future seasons.
Fungicide:
Fungicides aren’t just about stopping visible disease. They protect the plant’s ability to photosynthesize, move nutrients, and stay healthy through critical growth stages. Even in fields where disease pressure seems low, fungicides can extend plant health, and preserve stalk strength. That translates into fewer stand issues and more bushels in the bin.
Tissue Sampling:
Soil tests tell us what nutrients are available, but tissue sampling tells us what the plant is actually using. By pulling tissue samples during the season, growers can spot hidden deficiencies early and adjust management. Over time, these samples build a record that helps identify patterns and fine-tune fertility plans. When paired with yield data at harvest, tissue results give a clearer picture of what worked and what didn’t across the acre.
Harvest is the time to reflect, but it’s also the perfect time to plan ahead. Think about how in-season decisions like fungicide applications and tissue sampling impacted your crop. Did treated acres stand longer? Did tissue tests highlight a nutrient gap you can address next year?
Managing for plant health is about more than just planting and fertilizing, it’s about protecting the crop through every stage of growth. Fungicides and tissue sampling are two of the most effective tools we have to make sure every acre reaches its full potential.
Contact your Premier agronomist today to review your harvest results and start building a management plan for next year.
