News from the FIRST Program


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First 2023 Michigan Corn Trials Report Released

Corn trial results from 10 different locations across Michigan have been compiled and released by Farmers Independent Research of Seed Technologies (FIRST), following completion of a later-than-normal corn harvest.

December 14, 2023

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AgUpdate | Corn sets FIRST record in dry year

In a year dominated by headlines of drought, some fields were setting records.

November 23, 2023

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AgUpdate | FIRST Soybean tests show strong yields

Yield reports are in from fields across the Midwest and impacts of the ongoing drought are proving to be less than expected.

November 15, 2023

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Press Release | FIRST founder Kevin Coey retiring

Farmers’ Independent Research of Seed Technologies (FIRST) independent variety trials are announcing the retirement of owner Kevin Coey from active management of the program. Coey has spent 38 years working in the seed industry.

November 7, 2023

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DTNPF | FIRST Corn Trials Surprise in Missouri

Despite enduring drought conditions for much of the growing season in Missouri, today's corn hybrids proved to be surprisingly resilient, according to the results of yield trials conducted by Farmers Independent Research of Seed Technologies (FIRST).

October 13, 2023

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DTNPF | DTN, FIRST Partner in Field Data

DTN/Progressive Farmer and Farmers' Independent Research of Seed Technologies (FIRST) have teamed up to offer an in-field view of crop development around the Corn Belt. This project aims to produce time-lapse video of corn growth progress in FIRST plots in eight locations within five states.

July 7, 2023