Rosenberg, Texas, USA
November 24, 2010
New production standards have been reached for soybean crops in Texas, defying skeptics who once thought the growing conditions would never allow soybeans to yield so strongly in the region.
In areas where farmers previously expected to produce no more than 25 bushels per acre, many Texas growers in 2010 reported yields of 50-plus bushels per acre – despite a dry, challenging season.
Many local farmers credit their success in large part to the commitment of HBK Seed, a unit of Hornbeck Seed Company, to conduct research that has led to soybean varieties developed specifically to perform in Texas.
"The biggest advantage of planting HBK soybeans is because of the localized research being done here," said Waller County farmer Tim Otto.
"HBK soybeans are tailored for Texas – this is what I appreciate most. I am very happy with their performance and want Hornbeck to continue their research for the Texas soybean producers," Otto said.
"We are fortunate that Hornbeck is testing and selecting for the Texas region," said Bill Hansen, of Hansen Farms in Matagorda County. "On our farm, the bar has been raised on both the top-end and bottom-end yields from the research efforts of Hornbeck Seed Company."
Curt Mowery, who farms in Brazoria County, said he particularly appreciates that HBK has a long-term commitment to Texas, that it wasn't a seed dealer that appeared for a year or two before looking elsewhere.
"Hornbeck has produced brands adapted specifically for the Upper Gulf Coast. It is not a one-size fits all company," Mowery said.
Hornbeck Seed, a family-owned seed company with four generations of farming experience in the soybean-rich Mississippi River Delta, began its research operation 30 years ago and began developing Texas-specific brands six years ago. Now the company's soybeans are grown in the Rio Grande Valley, near Waco and other areas where soybeans previously were absent.
Troy Hornbeck, chief operations officer of HBK Seed, said the company is excited about results and profits soybean farmers are achieving in Texas.
"A few years ago, if someone said that you would be doubling yields and getting some acreage at 60 or 70 bushels in these parts of Texas, they would have thought you were crazy. Now, we're optimistic even greater yields are possible," Hornbeck said.
Troy Hornbeck also credited the farmers' success to Mike Perkins, a Texas A&M graduate and long-time expert on the growing conditions in Texas. Perkins said he saw greater potential for soybeans in the Lone Star State, but he said it took the expertise and research of HBK to make it happen. The company had previously mastered the science of researching, breeding and selecting soybeans specifically for conditions in Arkansas, Mississippi, Louisiana and other states.
"HBK doesn't simply take existing lineups of their soybean brands that have worked elsewhere and stamp 'Made for Texas' on the label," said Perkins, HBK's sales representative based in Rosenberg. "HBK is doing something no other company is doing, and the amount of research that has been done to create Texas-specific brands is tremendous. And farmers and their families are enjoying the results."
Hornbeck Seed Company, Inc. was established in 1980 and has grown today into one of the Mid-South's largest and most reputable seed suppliers. Providing high quality seed and excellent service is the cornerstone of the business. Hornbeck Seed sells its exclusive line of HBK brand soybean and wheat products, along with rice and corn seed. Hornbeck seed lines, along with its truck fleet and excellent customer service staff, make a combination that is hard to beat in today's market place.
Topics
Species
