Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

Maximize Yield Potential with Latham’s Seed-2-Soil®
Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds created its hallmark Seed-2-Soil® program before “right seed, right acre” became an industry buzzword. Why? Because we’re interested in simplifying the crop planning and seed selection process to help our customers maximize their yield potential.

Research has shown that correct product placement leads to a 3-7% yield improvement. Latham’s Seed-2-Soil program utilizes the power of a partnership between grower and Latham representative to fit the right seed to every acre.

Seed-2-Soil begins with a discussion with you and your seed rep about all the variables that go into your farming practices each year. Each field is considered on an individual basis, factoring all the important information the farmer holds with the product and performance information the seed rep can bring to the table. The outcome is a tailored solution focused on maximum yield and profit per acre.

Not everyone has the same needs, so you get to choose your level of participation in the Seed-2-Soil program. Want to go beyond managing which varieties go in your field? Seed-2-Soil has another level of offerings to help measure and utilize micronutrients in your field for maximum yield per acre. Click here for more information.

How to Enroll

There are many variables that contribute to overall yield, so the Seed-2-Soil program helps you focus attention on those you can more easily control. That’s why this year-long field observance and consulting program gives more meaning to grid sample data and geo-reference yield data, as well as promotes understanding about nutrients, varieties, and production practices.

To get started, your Latham representative will want to gather any previous year data that may be of help when planning and placing products for the coming season. This can include but is not limited to:
- GPS yield monitor data
- Grid soil samples
- Variety/hybrid information from previous year
- Basic fertilizer and chemical application records
Seed-2-Soil provides farmers an opportunity to utilize data to help make sound management decisions in the quest for more profit per acre. Click here to see how Seed-2-Soil can help organize data and evaluate results.
Team Latham

July 29, 2013

Agronomics, General, Precision Ag
Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

Pressure on the Rise from Insects & Disease
Gray leaf spot (early symptoms). (photo from Alison Robertson)

Corn diseases will likely be more prevalent this season due to an excessively wet spring followed by humid summer weather. Plentiful moisture or dew is ideal for most fungal corn diseases. Watch for Gray Leaf Spot, Southern and Common Rust, Northern & Southern Leaf Blight and Eyespot.

Later planted crops can get stressed more easily, which also makes them more prone to insect pressure. It’s likely we’ll see different insect and disease pressure now than we typically would because our corn is not as far along in its development as it would be in late July.

Corn rootworm are strongly attracted to corn during pollination and can trim back silks to the husk. Photo by Marlin E. Rice.

Watch for these insects now that corn is silking: adult corn rootworm beetles, Japanese beetles, western bean cutworm, aphids, corn flea beetle, corn borer and grasshoppers. Consider infection levels, potential economic damage and weather conditions before determining a treatment strategy.

Take good field notes to help you select the right seed for the future. For example, fields with confirmed Goss’s Wilt should be planted to a hybrid that is more resistant to Goss’s wilt in subsequent years. Tillage and crop rotation can also help reduce corn rootworm. Tillage and crop rotation also can help reduce the amount of residue that can harbor bacteria for the next corn crop. For additional information about managing disease or insects, click on the related links below.

Related Links:
Webspec Admin

July 25, 2013

Agronomics, Corn, Crop, Disease, General, Insects, Soybeans
Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

Stop Weeds from Going to Seed

Marestail

Bare ground is an invitation for weed development. From the looks of it, Waterhemp and Marestail are having quite a party in the fields! Large-seeded broadleaf weeds like giant ragweed, sunflower and cocklebur are showing up, too.

Existing weed vegetation should be controlled with tillage, herbicides, or a combination of tactics. Weed management on prevent plant acres is challenging for a couple reasons. First of all, many of those fields have weeds growing on them that are now two to three feet tall. The taller the weeds, the harder it is to manage them.

Some weeds are simply too large to effectively spray at this point, and those weeds that survive a herbicide application can start developing resistance. Manage herbicide resistance before it becomes a major problem. Some farmers are trying to control weeds with tillage, but this method may require more than one pass.

You don’t want this season’s weeds to rob next year’s corn or soybean crop of yield. Crops have a better chance of reaching optimal yield when they’re not competing with weeds for sunlight, water and nutrients.

It’s important to take care of the weeds before they go to seed. As weeds reach maturity, any seeds they leave behind will increase the difficulty of keeping next year’s crop clean. Dead weeds don’t make seeds!

Team Latham

July 18, 2013

Agronomics, General, Weed Control
Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

Be a Vigilant Scout

Walking fields and noting where there is weed and insect pressure will help you determine what you select seed products in the future.

“Be prepared” is the Boy Scout motto. Like a good Scout, farmers across the Midwest should be prepared for the unexpected this season as pests aren’t following their typical developmental patterns. Corn and soybean plant development is later than normal, so they could be more susceptible to insect and disease pressure as pests prey on weaker plants.

We haven’t seen much insect pressure yet this year, and that could be for a couple of different reasons. First of all, the wet spring delayed planting and spraying. Many farmers have gone straight from planting and tillage to spraying and haying. Not many people have had the time to walk their fields and really take a close look for signs of insect and disease pressure. Secondly, just as crop development is delayed, so is insect development. We know the corn rootworm hatch was delayed. We also know Japanese Beetles have been delayed.

Just because the weather slowed them down, don’t count them out! The Japanese Beetle is becoming a more common pest for both corn and soybean crops. These voracious eaters literally eat anything that’s green. They seem to prefer the leaf tissue between the veins of soybean leaves and the soft silks of corn plants. Both activities can result in significant yield loss, so it’s important to scout for Japanese Beetles.

Also watch for Bean Leaf Beetles, which have adapted to winter by protecting themselves in leaf litter. Although overwintering beetles rarely cause economic damage, their presence may be an indicator of building first and second generations later in the season. While feeding on young soybean seedlings, these beetles have been known to infest them with disease that leads to Bean Pod Mottle Virus.

Another insect that could do some damage this season are corn rootworm. Because of the wide variance in planting dates in 2013, rootworm beetles may move between fields in search of the best “buffet.” A late maturing corn field may attract a large numbers of beetles if neighboring corn stopped producing pollen, for example. Rootworm beetles may also move into corn and/or soybean fields that have an abundance of pollen-producing weeds, including volunteer corn, ragweed or foxtails. Controlling weeds will also help control corn rootworm populations.

In addition to corn rootworm, black cutworm could a larger problem this year as they’re known to cause more damage in fields where corn is planted later. Fields of higher risk also include those that are poorly drained and low lying; those next to areas of natural vegetation; and those that are weedy or have reduced tillage.

Walking fields and noting where there is both weed and insect pressure will help farmers determine an action plan for the future, too. It will help you determine if you need to change modes of action in future years. Remember, family-owned Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds offers the industry’s broadest product portfolio. New for 2014 planting are Latham® Hi‑Tech Hybrids featuring Artesian and DroughtGard technologies. We also will offer a complete portfolio of Refuge Made Simple products including corn hybrids with Genuity® SmartStax, VT2 and VT3, plus Agrisure 3122 E-Z Refuge. For more details, contact your local Latham® representative or call the Latham office at 1-877-GO-LATHAM.

Webspec Admin

July 11, 2013

Agronomics, Corn, Crop, Disease, Fungicide, General, Soybeans, Weed Control
Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

Protect Your Crop from In-Season Nitrate Loss

Rachel grew up near Madison, Wisconsin, on a dairy and grain crop farm. Her passion for agriculture took her to the University of Wisconsin-River Falls where she earned a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Crop and Soil Science and also a master’s from Iowa State University in Weed Science. Prior to joining Hagie Manufacturing, Rachel worked as an agronomist for North Central Cooperative in Clarion and made recommendations for crop protection and fertilization decisions. As the agronomist for Hagie, Rachel works with employees and customers to help them gain a better understanding of the role the machinery plays in agronomy.

Guest Blog from Rachel Halbach

One of the biggest concerns of 2013, aside from actually getting the crop in the ground, is the fate of nitrogen that has already been applied. Heavy, excessive rainfall events throughout this season have brought up many questions: Is the nitrogen still there? How much is lost? Does more need to be applied? How much more should be applied? All these are legitimate worries with answers that are hard to quantify due to variations in environmental and field conditions. Many university extension departments have information that estimate losses and can help answer the above questions.

But how is nitrogen lost in spring and summer?

Denitrification and leaching are two major pathways of nitrate nitrogen loss at this point in the season. Denitrification occurs when bacteria in the soil convert nitrate into either N₂ or N₂O gas, and it is subsequently is released into the atmosphere. This process is typically a cause for concern in soils that tend to remain saturated- not usually coarse soil textures. Leaching, however, can be more of an issue in coarse soils that don’t hold as much water as medium and fine textured soils. Put simply, nitrate leaching occurs when the total amount of precipitation received exceeds the amount of moisture the particular soil can hold per inch.

Major factors influencing the amount of nitrate lost to denitrification include the amount of nitrate present, soil temperature, soil moisture, organic matter, and soil pH. Warm, saturated soils with a pH above 5 are most at risk. For example, when soil temperatures are above 75 degrees and the ground is saturated for five days, 75% of the nitrates present can be lost! Nitrate leaching is dependent on three major factors- the amount of nitrates in the soil, soil texture, and precipitation. Unfortunately, none of the variables influencing denitrification or leaching are very controllable.

So how does one protect against in-season nitrate loss?

Timing, timing, timing! Nitrogen applied close to the time when the crop will use it is less at risk for loss. Fall applied nitrogen is subject to a range of environmental conditions and is expected to still be available to the plant nine months later if no additional applications are made. Those that split apply can, in some cases, apply less nitrogen because no “extra” has to be factored in for what nitrogen might be lost.

Traditionally, side-dressed nitrogen happens earlier in the corn plant’s lifecycle, but estimates are that 40% of the nitrogen a corn plant will use is taken up after tassel. At Hagie, we have found a solution to provide a wider application window with our Nitrogen Toolbar attachment. With 72” of clearance, our NTB can place nitrogen in tall corn just as the plant needs it for maximum yield potential!

Team Latham

July 1, 2013

Agronomics, Fertility, General, Soil
Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

Scout All Fields for Corn Rootworm
With most of the 2013 crop in the ground, it’s time to walk fields. Crops should be scouted within 3 to 5 days of planting and then regularly throughout the growing season. Be on the lookout for: (1) crop emergence; (2) nitrate leaching and (3) insect and disease pressure

It’s a good idea to walk fields within 5 days of planting. Evaluating current stands can indicate whether to replant portions of the field. Notes you take now also could impact your seed buying decisions this fall. Plus, evaluating current stands can help determine if adjustments should be made to your equipment or planter speed next spring.

When checking fields where the corn is more developed, look for signs of nitrogen loss. Iowa State University Nutrient Management Specialist John Sawyer says the best options for sidedressing, in order from most to least preferable, include:
1. injected anhydrous ammonia, UAN or urea,
2. broadcast dry ammonium nitrate, ammonium sulfate or urease treated urea,
3. surface dribbling UAN solution between rows,
4. broadcast UAN, and
5. broadcast urea.
Also walk every field for signs of corn rootworm (CRW), regardless of what traits they planted. The corn rootworm hatch is underway, so larvae will soon begin feeding on roots if they aren’t already doing so. Corn development, although delayed, still provides plenty of plant material for the CRW larvae to feast upon. Severe infestation can destroy nodes 4-6, which effect water and nutrient uptake.

Because of the wide variance in planting dates this year, rootworm beetles can move between fields in search of the best “buffet.” A late maturing corn field may attract a large numbers of beetles if neighboring corn stopped producing pollen, for example. Beetles may also move into corn and/or soybean fields that have an abundance of pollen-producing weeds, including volunteer corn, ragweed or foxtails.

Weed control is important for several reasons. Crops have a better chance of reaching optimal yield when they’re not competing with weeds for sunlight, water and nutrients. Plus, controlling weeds helps control corn rootworm populations. The rootworm hatch is underway; expect 50 percent hatch between 684-767 degree days. Click here for current degree day accumulation for corn rootworm provided by the Iowa Environmental Mesonet, ISU Department of Agronomy.
Webspec Admin

June 27, 2013

Agronomics, Corn, Crop, General, Insects
Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

Best Options for Side Dressing Nitrogen

Yellowing corn can be a symptom of nutrient deficiency. Photo by South Dakota State University

This spring has been a logistical challenge for farmers in many ways, especially nitrogen applications. Farmers were told to forego nitrogen applications just to get the crop in and side dress later. It is now later and rain continues to fall. Nitrogen applied pre-plant in the form of UAN or Urea has the most potential for loss, primarily from leaching too deep into the soil for the late planted corn roots to catch up.

There is no clear cut method to figure out how much nitrogen you may have lost. If you applied everything pre-plant using either UAN or Urea, it may be worth the extra money to add some additional in season. The amount of rain is the driving factor to deciding how much you may have lost. Anhydrous Ammonia has less available up front in the form of nitrate and therefore will likely still be there.

There are still several good options to side dress corn with. Anhydrous Ammonia, UAN, and slow-release or sulfur coated Urea are a few. Injected or shallow incorporated with a UAN or NH3 toolbar is best. Broadcasting Urea works as well, as long as it has a urease inhibitor on it or a slow release form. If you choose to broadcast Urea, its best to do it before V6 so you are not risking yield loss. If you choose to apply all of your nitrogen this way, it’s best to get it on before the plants hit V4. Past V4, it can damage the corn plant and will cause yield loss and larger corn plants. The larger the corn plant, the more urea can end up lodged down in the whorl. As a reminder, the growing point is still below ground until around V6.

This was a good spring to have an in-furrow or starter fertilizer down with your planter. If you did not and your corn is showing some yellowing, there is still time to get some additional nitrogen applied. One important thing to remember is yield potential decreases if you planted late, so if you had a lot of nitrogen down up front you may not need to add more. Take all factors into consideration and remember the power of your organic matter to supply some nitrogen now that we are warm enough for mineralization to keep the nitrogen available to the crop.

If you have any questions, call the Latham office at 641-692-3258 and we will get you in contact with one of our experts.

Photo courtesy of www.omafra.gov.on.ca

Team Latham

June 24, 2013

Agronomics, Fertility, General
Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

Corn Rootworm Hatch is Delayed but Underway

Expect 50 percent hatch between 684-767 degree days. Click here for current degree day accumulation for corn rootworm, courtesy of Iowa Environmental Mesonet, ISU Department of Agronomy.

Cool, wet spring weather delayed corn planting and the corn rootworm hatch, which is largely dependent upon soil temperature. When soil temperatures accumulate between 684-767 degree days, 50 percent of the rootworm hatch occurs.

Although corn is not as far along in its development as it normally is at this time of year, there is still plenty of plant material available to provide a feast for the CRW larvae. It won’t be long before newly hatched larvae begin feeding on corn roots. Severe infestation can destroy nodes 4-6, which effect water and nutrient uptake.

Shortly after larvae begin feeding on roots, adult beetles begin to emerge from fields and begin feeding on pollen, green silks and leaves. The males emerge first, and the females follow about 5 to 7 days later. Mating takes place, and then females will lay eggs toward the end of July through August.

Because of the wide variance in planting dates this year, it will be important to inspect every field – regardless of seed selection. Rootworm beetles can move between fields in search of the best “buffet.” A late maturing corn field may attract a large numbers of beetles if neighboring corn stopped producing pollen, for example. Beetles may also move into corn and/or soybean fields which have an abundance of pollen-producing weeds, including volunteer corn, ragweed or foxtails.

Note areas where corn rootworm damage is the highest and create a plan of action if root injury is high. To help assess injury, ISU Entomologist Aaron J. Gassmann developed an Interactive Node Injury Scale. To help develop an action plan, keep best management practices in mind.

Field notes from 2013 will help you select seed products for 2014. To prevent corn rootworm damage from reaching such devastating levels, plant a portfolio of products. Remember, that in 2104 Latham® Hi‑Tech Hybrids, will offer Agrisure Duracade^TM as another option in the fight against corn rootworm.

Webspec Admin

June 20, 2013

Agronomics, Corn, Crop, General, Insects

Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

Rules of Thumb for Late Planted Soybeans

This spring has been anything but normal. We are currently sitting at 67% of corn planted and 39% of soybeans planted. With the higher-than-average number of unplanted acres, we could be looking at a contender for 2013 prevent plant numbers. Although this has been tough for many of our farmers and dealers throughout the growing season, there has been a positive response for corn and soybean markets. With a few more days of drier weather, Latham Country could make a lot of #plant19 progress.

We have received many questions this spring about when it is time to switch soybean varieties. The good news is soybeans are not as picky about maturity and delayed planting as corn. The typical maturity range for your area can be planted up to Mid-June without any worries. For those in the northern part of the territory, that date is closer to Early June. Its not a good idea to jump down more than 0.5 maturity group for your area. Remember soybeans mature based on night-length and not heat units, so they will make it to maturity, but the full season maturity encourages them to accumulate more nodes (i.e. more pods) before fully switching to seedfill.

Rules of Thumb on Later Planting:

Each 4 days later in planting date causes 1 day later maturity. One month later planting causes 1 week later maturity.
Farmers should not switch to a soybean variety that is out of their maturity zone.
For later planting, use narrower rows and slightly higher seeding rates whenever possible. We need to get canopy coverage as soon as possible.
When planting between June 1-10, expect a yield loss of one half bushel per day. When planting between June 11-20, expect an additional yield loss of one bushel per day.
Yield predictions for planting July 1 or later are extremely variable depending on growing conditions and frost date.

Soybean Yield Expectations & Physiological Maturity
Relative yield percent and Bushels Per Acre based on a 60 bpa potential yield

Planting Date	Northern Iowa		Central Iowa		Southern Iowa
Late April	100%	60.0 bpa	96%	57.6 bpa	98%	58.8 bpa
Early May	96%	57.6	100%	60.0	100%	60.0
Mid May	99%	59.4	96%	57.6	98%	58.8
Early June	81%	48.6	93%	55.8	89%	53.4
Mid June	61%	36.6	59%	35.4	82%	49.2
Early July	33%	19.8	45%	27.0	47%	28.2

NOTE: All yields through mid-May are not statistically different from 100% yield.

SOURCE: ISU Extension publication PM 1851, “Soybean Replant Decisions”

Phil Long

June 13, 2013

Agronomics, Crop, Growth Stages, Soybeans, Tech Tuesday

Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

Early Season Tissue Sampling Helps Detect Deficiencies

Tissue sampling has become very popular in recent years as it more accurately represents plant nutrition. That’s why tissue samples should be taken as early in the season as possible to properly detect nutrient deficiencies and make adjustments during the growing season.

For accurate results, avoid testing plants that show severe signs of stress from factors not related to nutrients. This includes damage from insects, drought or flooding, temperature, chemicals or machinery. Also be sure to test normal plants in addition to affected plants in the same stage of growth.

When testing alfalfa plants from beginning stages until the first flower, it’s important to sample from the top six inches of the plant. Collect about 35 samples. When sampling alfalfa closer to or at harvest for comparison, test about 25 whole plants. Collecting soil samples simultaneously can be helpful when paired with the plant analysis to identify nutrient deficiencies, toxicities and imbalances. Take soil samples, at a six- or seven-inch depth, from the same areas where plant samples were collected.

Once samples have been collected, remove foreign particles like dirt but do so without washing the plant. Place the samples in a paper bag or a large envelope to help prevent them from developing mold during shipping. Soil samples also may be placed in a waterproof container with a correlating label to the field and tissue sample with which it was taken.

Depending on the lab you use, some reports for plant samples will reveal the concentration of N, P, K, Ca, Mg, S, Zn, Mn, B, Cu, Fe, Al, and Na within the plant. Soil samples submitted with the plant sample will be analyzed for pH, organic matter, P, K as well as special soil test results. Nutrient levels will also be interpreted for soil and plant samples to identify any nutrient issues and potentially offer recommendations. It’s important to note that nutrients can then be soil, seed and foliar applied.

The ability to apply timely nutrition and reach new yield levels is so exciting! Experiment on your farm.

Webspec Admin

June 6, 2013

Agronomics, Corn, Crop, Fertility, General, Soybeans

Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

Maximize Yield Potential with Latham’s Seed-2-Soil®

How to Enroll

Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

Pressure on the Rise from Insects & Disease

Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

Stop Weeds from Going to Seed

Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

Be a Vigilant Scout

Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

Protect Your Crop from In-Season Nitrate Loss

But how is nitrogen lost in spring and summer?

So how does one protect against in-season nitrate loss?

Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

Scout All Fields for Corn Rootworm

Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

Best Options for Side Dressing Nitrogen

Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

Corn Rootworm Hatch is Delayed but Underway

Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

Rules of Thumb for Late Planted Soybeans

Soybean Yield Expectations & Physiological Maturity

Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

Early Season Tissue Sampling Helps Detect Deficiencies