Kentucky Farmer Finds Reliability with Enlist E3® soybeans in Uncertain Times
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When volatile weather and unpredictable soybean markets put pressure on soybean margins, Jonathan Ayer, Calhoun, Kentucky, counts on one thing he can control: the performance of his soybeans.
On nearly every acre of his operation, Jonathan plants NuTech brand Enlist E3® soybeans — and the results have been consistent. Year after year, he sees strong yields, flexible weed control, and a system that helps him manage risk. “The Enlist E3soybeans have delivered consistent performance on our farms,” Jonathan says.
A Family and Team Effort
Jonathan bought his first farm ground at 13 and now runs Fairview Farms with his wife, Traci, their children, Trenton and Kirstin, along with a team of employees and family members who pitch in during busy seasons. “We’re spread out across several counties, so it takes everyone working together,” Jonathan says. Traci also manages four chicken houses for Perdue Farms, adding stability and diversity to the operation.
Alongside farming, Jonathan owns Imperial Ag Solutions, a retail business providing NuTech Seed, biologicals, minerals, and crop inputs. Manager Caleb Hatfield handles daily operations, while Jonathan stays involved in strategy. “Being both farmer and retailer gives me perspective on what growers really need,” he explains.
Proven Yield Performance
Jonathan began planting NuTech brand Enlist E3® soybeans soon after their release and immediately noticed one key advantage: no yield drag. “I never saw yield loss with Enlist E3 beans on my acres,” he notes. His five-year farm average for soybeans sits around 64 bushels per acre, putting him ahead of Kentucky’s five-year average of 53 bushels per acre1.
Jonathan also manages his fertility program closely, targeting applications to match yield goals. For soybeans, he typically employs a minimum-till approach, planting into clean fields, and applies crop nutrients based on removal rates. That kind of discipline, he says, helps him get the most out of Enlist® E3® genetics.
Flexibility in Weed Control
Weed control is another advantage he counts on. With Enlist® herbicide options, Jonathan has a wider spray window and greater flexibility compared to older systems. He relies on residual herbicides before planting, then applies Enlist herbicide applications in-season when pressure demands it. “It’s easier to work with, and that makes a big difference,” he says.
Building Trust for the Long Term
Beyond agronomics, Jonathan believes relationships are central to success. He values the support of his NuTech Seed District Sales Manager Jim Jackson, and he appreciates the family feel of NuTech Seed. “It reminds me of the days when a seed company CEO would come out and help me put up field signs. With NuTech, it feels personal. They care about us,” Jonathan explains.
Looking Ahead
Jonathan believes one of the best tools farmers can have in unpredictable times is confidence in their seed. For him, NuTech brand Enlist E3® soybeans deliver that peace of mind with proven performance and flexible weed control. As weather and markets continue to challenge growers, Jonathan’s advice is simple: talk with your local NuTech dealer and see how Enlist E3 soybeans can work on your farm.
1 Source: USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service (USDA–NASS), Kentucky soybean yield data, 2020–2024. State Agriculture Overview and Crop Production Reports. Average yield: 53 bu/acre.
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The transgenic soybean event in Enlist E3® soybeans is jointly developed and owned by Corteva Agriscience and M.S. Technologies L.L.C.
Following burndown, Enlist Duo® and Enlist One® herbicides with Colex-D® technology are the only herbicides containing 2,4-D that are authorized for preemergence and postemergence use with Enlist® crops. Consult Enlist® herbicide labels for weed species controlled. Enlist Duo and Enlist One herbicides are not registered for use or sale in all states and counties; are not registered in AK, CA, CT, HI, ID, MA, ME, MT, NH, NV, OR, RI, UT, VT, WA and WY; and have additional subcounty restrictions in AL, GA, TN and TX, while existing county restrictions still remain in FL. All users must check “Bulletins Live! Two” no earlier than six months before using Enlist One or Enlist Duo. To obtain “Bulletins,” consult epa.gov/espp/, call 1-844-447-3813, or email ESPP@epa.gov. You must use the “Bulletin” valid for the month and state and county in which Enlist One or Enlist Duo are being applied. Contact your state pesticide regulatory agency if you have questions about the registration status of Enlist® herbicides in your area. ALWAYS READ AND FOLLOW PESTICIDE LABEL DIRECTIONS. IT IS A VIOLATION OF FEDERAL AND STATE LAW TO USE ANY PESTICIDE PRODUCT OTHER THAN IN ACCORDANCE WITH ITS LABELING. ONLY USE FORMULATIONS THAT ARE SPECIFICALLY LABELED FOR SUCH USE IN THE STATE OF APPLICATION. USE OF PESTICIDE PRODUCTS, INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, 2,4-D-CONTAINING PRODUCTS NOT AUTHORIZED FOR USE WITH ENLIST CROPS, MAY RESULT IN OFF-TARGET DAMAGE TO SENSITIVE CROPS/AREAS AND/OR SUSCEPTIBLE PLANTS, IN ADDITION TO CIVIL AND/OR CRIMINAL PENALTIES. Additional product-specific stewardship requirements for Enlist crops, including the Enlist Product Use Guide, can be found at www.traitstewardship.com.