Agronomics | | Latham Hi-Tech Seeds

Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

How Would You Define Technology?
tech·nol·o·gy noun tek-?nä-l?-j? 1a:> the practical application of knowledge especially in a particular area b: a capability given by the practical application of knowledge 2: a manner of accomplishing a task especially using technical processes, methods, or knowledge <new technologies for information storage> 3: the specialized aspects of a particular field of endeavor

Despite what Webster says, every person at Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds most likely would define “technology” as it relates to his/her job. Mention “technology” to company president John Latham and he’s apt to engage you in a conversation about Agrisure Durcade, which should receive approval soon, to fight corn rootworm. Product Manager Mark Grundmeier might have Xtend^TM soybeans on his mind since new stacked brands are in the pipeline, featuring Genuity® Roundup Ready 2 Yield® technology with Dicamba resistance.

Kathy Rogotzke, math instructor at North Iowa Area Community College, visits with Dani Young, a sophomore at CWL, during the Women in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) Conference Friday at NIACC. PHOTO COURTESY OF MARY PIEPER/The Globe Gazette

I hadn’t really stopped to think about how technology advancements – many that we’ve made within the last four years – have changed the way we do business until I sat down to write a speech. I looked at our business in a different light after Dr. Kathy Rogotzke, math instructor at North Iowa Area Community College (NIACC), contacted me to be a speaker for NIACC’s WOMEN in STEM (Science, technology, engineering and math) careers event.

My charge was to inspire high school students to consider careers in technology and to help open their eyes to career opportunities. Instead of talking only about how new media technology has changed Latham Seeds’ approach to marketing and public relations, I decided to give high school students an idea of just how broad the technology field is and how many jobs are affected by it.

Today I’d like to share with you, our readers, a brief overview of how technology impacts every facet of our business:

Research / Product Development
Seed Production / Soybean Manufacturing
- New bagging line
- Robotic stacker
[youtube]http://youtu.be/6IyB97uF2nI[/youtube]

Trucking
- GPS navigation
Customer Service
- New phone/ answering system
- New computer software integrates operations
Sales
- iPhone / iPad / apps
- Seed-to-Soil®
- Webinars / conference calls
- Remodeled conference room complete with Smartboard for training
Marketing
- Facebook, Twitter and blog
- Website, blog coding and development
- Design programs
Farmers
- Seed traits
- Auto steer
- GPS / yield monitors
- Precision planting
- Variable rate planting
- Smartphones for up-to-the-minute markets and real-time weather
Bottom line: Even if a person wasn’t raised on a farm, chances are he or she could find a fulfilling career in a technology field that’s somehow affiliated with agriculture. With a job placement rate of 98% for Iowa State University’s College of Agriculture graduates, it’s certainly worth considering!

Not only are placement rates great, but starting salaries are among the highest for new grads since careers in agriculture encompass science, technology, engineering and math. People who want jobs move to areas where there is opportunity, and today there is virtually limitless opportunity in agriculture. There’s never been a better time for young people to enter the industry!
Team Latham

March 25, 2013

Agronomics, General, Precision Ag
Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

Best Management Practices to Control CRW
Continued use of the same rootworm-resistant trait in corn hybrids, an increase of corn-on-corn areas, plus a lack of refuge acres, has caused rootworm resistance to become an issue in some areas. Best management practices, including rotation, are key to effectively controlling corn rootworm populations.

Northern Corn Rootworm

However, rotation isn’t as simple as it used to be. Farmers can no longer merely rotate between corn and soybeans as the only effective management strategy. Both the Northern Corn Rootworm and the Western Corn Rootworm have developed methods to counteract the effects of rotation on their life cycles. The Northern species uses a tactic called Extended Diapause that allows its eggs to lay dormant during the time fields are in soybeans. The eggs will then hatch after the field is planted to corn, and the young worms will feed on the corn roots. Adult females of the Western species have actually learned to lay their eggs in soybean fields, thereby allowing them to hatch the following spring when the field is planted to corn. With these changes in what used to be considered the “normal” life cycles of rootworms, managing CRW today requires increased diligence.

Western Corn Rootworm Beetle

Rotating rootworm-resistance traits developed by Monsanto, Syngenta and Dow will help CRW resistance from developing if farmers actually rotate modes of action. One advantage of working with family-owned and independent Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds is that we can help you select the trait packages needed to change up your modes of action. Latham offers the industry’s broadest, deepest seed lineup – which makes it more convenient for farmers to get all their seed needs met.

Using hybrids with more than one rootworm trait like Genuity® SmartStax® may offer another line of defense against CRW. The recent approval of Agrisure Duracade from Syngenta provides another trait in the arsenal to fight CRW; hybrids with Agrisure Duracade are expected to be commercially available in 2014.

Additionally, refuge acres must be planted. Refuge-In-the-Bag (RIB) hybrids available from Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds make compliance simple. Respect the refuge® and it will greatly increase our likelihood of keeping rootworm traits viable for years to come. Rotation helps reduce the risk of resistance. However, planting refuge alone is not enough.

Corn rootworm management is a complex issue and the solution is more than just traits. There are many factors and management options that must be considered:
Webspec Admin

March 14, 2013

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

Pursuing Season-Long Protection from Nematodes
Average Nematode Risk in the U.S.

While perusing some ag chat sites this week, we came across the following questions posted by a Midwest farmer. Today Latham Product Manager Mark Grundmeier answers questions that are top-of-mind with farmers.

Q: Is treating seed corn with VOTiVO® enough to protect the crop from nematodes throughout the growing season? Extremely high numbers of nematodes have been confirmed on one of our farms. We have ordered our corn seed for 2013 treated with VOTiVO. What else should we do to eliminate nematodes, if possible? This is by far the biggest yield robbing problem I have ever seen. I thought Gray Leaf Spot was a big yield robber, but it’s nothing compared to the damage done last year by nematodes. It was deceiving because symptoms all showed signs of drought, even under full irrigation and compaction.

A: One reason nematodes are difficult to control is because stunted, yellowing, wilting corn is often mistaken for something else, such as drought in this case. Therefore, nematodes often go undetected and the yield-robbing situation multiples – literally.

Nematodes are a growing problem across the Midwest, most likely due to trends of no-till farming. Nematodes are sensitive to soil disturbance, so they tend to thrive in no-till situations. Crop rotation isn’t an effective form of management as corn nematodes also feed on soybeans and grasses. So what is an effective way to manage corn nematodes?

A new management option is using a seed treatment that moves onto the roots to provide early season protection against nematode feeding, says Dr. Greg Tylka from Iowa State University. Poncho^®/VOTiVO^® seed treatment protects young plants from pests during critical early development stages, leading to healthier root development and stronger stands.

VOTiVO seed treatments act like a barrier, preventing nematodes from attaching to corn roots. Applied directly to the seed, it helps prevent damage to early-season seedlings and roots before pests can strike. Nematicides on the other hand, actually kill the nematodes on contact. Avicta® from Syngenta Seedcare is a nematicide seed treatment that moves on the surface of the root.

Key benefits of Poncho^®/VOTiVO^® seed treatment:
- Immediate Protection – Systemic agent protects valuable seed from the moment it’s planted
- Pest Control – Biological agent creates a living barrier of protection against a wide range of nematodes, including Soybean Cyst, Root Knot and Reniform nematodes
- Yield Potential – Promotes healthier root systems and a more vigorous and uniform crop, positively impacting yield
Benefits of Avicta® Brand Seed Treatments:
- Avicta Complete Corn is a combination of Avicta nematicide and CruiserMaxx® Corn 250 (Cruiser® 5FS insecticide & Maxim® Quattro fungicide). It is also available with a higher rate of thiamethoxam for enhanced insect protection (0.5 mg ai/seed and 1.25 mg ai/seed respectively).
- Provide instant protection against a wide variety of damaging nematode species
- Consistently protect against a broad range of early-season insects and disease pathogens
- Proven to help increase plant stand, vigor and yield potential
- Much of the corn plant’s yield potential is determined in the early growth stages. Avicta Complete Corn provides immediate protection from day one.
The higher the population of nematodes, the greater the chances are that nematodes will break the barrier created by VOTivO. So when extremely high populations of various species of corn nematodes are present, it may be beneficial to use both a seed treatment and a planter-applied nematicide.

Studies by Iowa State University show nematode management products may have a more pronounced beneficial effect in fields with very damaging nematode species and in fields with much greater plant-parasitic nematode population densities.
Webspec Admin

February 14, 2013

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

Seed Quality: How Long is Germ Viable?

While perusing some ag chat sites this week, we came across the following questions posted by a Midwest farmer. Today, Latham Product Manager Mark Grundmeier answers the questions that are top-of-mind with farmers.

Q: How long will seed corn hold its quality/germ? A lot of seed is in warehouses already, and I presumed tested and determined “good quality” before it was shipped. Is it possible that the condition of any of this seed will deteriorate before spring planting?

A: You’re right in that state and federal guidelines require seed companies to test – and tag – all seed before it ships to dealers and farmers. We must perform germination tests no sooner than December 2012 for spring 2013 delivery/planting.

The germ on seed corn is quite stable and is largely dependent on heat and moisture. Since it’s unlikely that we’ll experience excessive heat and humidity before this seed corn gets planted, it’s very unlikely that the condition of this seed corn will deteriorate before spring planting.

The trays we use to bring soybeans from the cleaner to the bagging system are so gentle they’re used to make corn flakes!

On a side note, soybean seed is much more delicate and how it’s handled can greatly impact the germination rate. Extremely dry conditions in 2012 produced seed beans that were drier than optimal when harvested. Because the seed coat is so fragile, rough handling can crack the seed coat and deteriorate the quality. To preserve seed quality, Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds “babies its beans.” The majority of our seed beans are brought to our Alexander, Iowa, facility where it’s hand-tested before its stored on site.

Our equipment is specially designed to treat the soybean seed as gently as possible. The trays we use to bring soybeans from the cleaner to the bagging system are so gentle they’re identical to those that are used to make corn flakes! We also don’t bag in extremely cold conditions, which can lead to splits and cracks and further reduce the chances of having that seed germinate. But the care doesn’t stop there… dealers and farmers must also handle soybean seed with care. Dropping bags of soybeans can damage the seed coat and lead to a lower germination rate than appears on the bag tag.

Unlike corn, soybean seed can fall out of quality quite rapidly. Look for the germ rate on the seed tag. Anything above 90 percent indicates high quality soybeans; germ rates of 95% indicate high quality seed corn. If your soybeans are tagged at 80%, seed quality is most likely on a downward spiral. You’ll definitely need to increase your seeding rate to account for lower germination rates. You might even be better off to switch soybean brands.

Don’t assume that all soybean seed is tagged at the highest quality. Be sure to read the tags on all products that get delivered to your farm.

Webspec Admin

February 13, 2013

Agronomics, Emergence, General
Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

To Inoculate, or Not to Inoculate?
With the extremely stressful weather conditions we experienced last year, growers are starting to inquire about using soybean inoculants going into the 2013 planting season. While there is no definitive answer to this question, here are a few tips to keep in mind:
1. Soybean inoculant is comprised of living bacteria (Bradyrhizobia japonicum), which is necessary for the establishment of the nitrogen nodules on the roots of young soybean plants. Soybeans can require more than 300 pounds of nitrogen per acre and most of it is needed during the initial flowering through seed-set stages. Living organisms do need adequate moisture to thrive.
2. Inoculate the seed if soybeans haven’t been grown in your field for four or five years. If the field is sandy or in the event of severe weather problems (e.g., flood or drought), you might consider inoculating if the field has not been in soybeans for as little as three years.
3. Nitrogen is essential to photosynthesis. Nitrogen is usually supplied to soybean plants by a process called nitrogen fixation, which is associated with Rhizobia bacteria in the soil. It’s important to note, however, these bacteria are not always present – especially if soybeans haven’t been grown in a field for a few years. In this case, consider adding an inoculant to your soybean seed.
4. Scouting your fields and digging up plants to assure proper nodulation is crucial for achieving top-end yields. If you decide to use inoculants in your own fields, be sure to study whether the inoculants benefitted your production levels.
5. Get to know your local Latham sales representative, who can introduce you to our Seed-2-Soil program. This program helps determine the best varieties to plant in your fields, giving you the best possible chance to achieve high yield.
Webspec Admin

January 31, 2013

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

Seed Selection is Even More Critical in Dry Years

The Iowa Legislature convened last week, and along with that, came talk that Iowa’s drought law may get a closer look this year. “Water restrictions” isn’t a typical topic of conversation in the north, but it looks as though it might become commonplace across the Upper Midwest in 2013 if weather patterns don’t change.

It’s safe to say we’ll be planting the 2013 crop in dry soils. The 2012 drought caused most soils here to be depleted of moisture in the upper 7 to 8 feet, so it will take at least two growing seasons to recharge those soils.

Seed selection will certainly be critical for 2013 due to the extremely dry conditions. That’s why we’re recommending that most of our corn customers plant hybrids at least double- or triple-stack hybrids this spring.

A hybrid’s genetics will be the biggest factor in whether a hybrid can handle drought. Plot data shows that multiple-trait stacks, like Latham® hybrids with the Genuity® SmartStax® technology, can really help protect yield. REMEMBER: Traits protect yield. Genetics make yield. Seed products carrying the Latham brand name combine the industry’s best genetics with the latest traits and technologies.

While corn genetics have come a long ways over the past decade and are much better at handling drought stress than ever, soybeans historically perform even better in dry weather. Farmers will need to consider whether they can manage corn-on-corn in another extremely dry year or whether the economics favor soybeans. Other factors to consider when finalizing your 2013 crop plans are outlined in this recent article posted on agriculture.com: Six Take-Home Lessons from the 2012 Drought.

Regardless of whether you choose to plant corn, soybeans or alfalfa, Latham has the products you need! Our seed portfolio contains products that were bred specifically to thrive in specific areas of the Upper Midwest. Call your local Latham rep to learn more about the products best suited for your growing conditions, or feel free to call our office directly at 1.877.GO.LATHAM (1.877.465.2842).

John Latham, President

January 23, 2013

Agronomics, Drought, General, Precision Ag, Season, Spring, Weather
Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

Choosing the “Smartest” Phone for Your Operation
Katy Flint

Guest blog post by Katy Flint, Sales Manager / Team Leader for CellTech

I was raised on a farm, belong to a Century Family farm, worked in the cooperative system for almost five years, and am married to an agronomist. Now I’m putting my background and experiences to work at CellTech, a premium Verizon retailer, in Hampton, Iowa.

I can’t count the number of times I’ve had someone say to me, “I don’t need anything fancy; I’m just a farmer”. The first thing I think is, “JUST a farmer”? The second thing that comes to mind is, “What makes a phone fancy?” Is it a phone that you can only use if you’re in your Sunday best? 🙂

What if picking a phone or tablet was about choosing something fancy? Would you be more interested in a new phone if it could make your work easier and perhaps even make farming more profitable?

I’ve never met a farmer who didn’t want to make more money, so let’s consider how a Smartphone or tablet could do just that! The first place we typically look at is apps ,or applications. While there are literally thousands to choose from, here are a few of my favorites:
- Market Strategies by DTN will keep up-to-date on market prices. Create a watch list based on the commodities you want to follow and the futures board on which you want to sell. You can see both the futures and the cash bids around your area – no more having to call the co-op 4 or 5 times a day to see what the markets are doing! Get for your iPhone | Android
- Accuweather and Weatherbug keep the weather at your fingertips. You can also plan your day accordingly because these apps use GPS to follow your location. Get WeatherBug for your iPhone | Android. Get Accuweather for your iPhone | Android
- Monsanto and Precision Planting recently launched a new app that is compatible with your variable rate (VR) planter. Did you know that 90% of planters sold today have VR capabilities but only about 5% are being used because the people don’t know how to use them? Simply plug your iPad into your VR planter. Your planter will adjust as necessary so there isn’t any waste, which means more money in your pocket! Get for your iPhone | Android (not available)
Technology today has never made it easier to optimize every dollar you spend. At CellTech, we pride ourselves in being connected with farmers. We would love an opportunity to show you how technology can help you!
Team Latham

December 5, 2012

Agronomics, General, Precision Ag
Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

Extension to Host Meetings about Weed Resistance
Iowa State University Extension, beginning next week, will host a series of meetings about weed resistance. The meetings will provide information about the causes of herbicide-resistant weed populations, as well as weed management programs.

There is no cost to attend, but advanced registration would be appreciated. Registration at each location opens at 8:30 a.m. with the program beginning at 9 a.m. Each meeting will conclude with a noon meal.

Meeting Schedule
- November 20: Decorah The Oaks Steakhouse
- December 4: Ottumwa Bridgeview Center
- December 18: Clear Lake – Best Western Holiday Lodge
- December 19: Wall Lake Community Center
- December 20: Red Oak Red Coach Inn
Click here for additional information about the program or to register online.
Team Latham

November 15, 2012

Agronomics, General, Weed Control
Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

Battle Corn Rootworm with Gladiator Hybrids

Managing corn rootworm has become increasingly important as the number of corn-on-corn (c-on-c) acres rises. University research data confirms the real strategy for dealing with high corn rootworm pressure is to use rootworm-traited genetics in addition to other strategies.

Yield is often lost in c-on-c situations due to increased pressure from insects and disease, plus issues related to residue management and soil drainage. Farmers must manage continuous corn acres differently than corn-following-soybeans.

Helping farmers better manage their c-on-c acres is the reason Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds developed the Gladiator group of products. These products combine the best genetics and traits available in the market today to help farmers maximize yields from corn-on-corn acres.

Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds’ 2013 product guide features 33 hybrid seed corn products with 6 different trait combinations for rootworm control in various maturities. Last year we sold out of nearly every bag of our best corn-on-corn products, so order now while supplies last!

We’re also pleased to offer more refuge-in-a-bag (RIB Complete) options than ever before. If you order a Latham® Genuity® SmartStax® hybrid, you’ll receive Poncho 500 and VOTiVO for free. This is a $20 per unit value and will only be offered while supplies last!

Contact your local Latham® representative or call 1-877-GO-LATHAM (1.877.465.2842)

Choose your region:Iowa- Central and Eastern: Kevin MeyerIowa- North Central: Latham HeadquartersIowa- Northeast: Nick BensonIowa- Northwest: Glenn FullerIowa- Central: Nick ColemanIowa- Western: Bart PetersonIowa- Southwest: Larry KrapflMinnesota- Southeast and Iowa Northeast: Craig HaalandMinnesota- South Central and Iowa- North Central: Ryan OhrtmanMinnesota- Southwest: Greg BrandtNebraska- Eastern: John ToftNorth Dakota- Southeast: Gary GeskeSouth Dakota- Notheast: Scott StadheimSouth Dakota- Southeast: Bill EichackerWisconsin- Southwest: Steve Bailie

John Latham, President

November 12, 2012

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

Reduce Risk in 2013 with Rotation
Recently, I’ve received calls from concerned farmers on a wide range of topics from volunteer corn to weed resistance and corn rootworms. There is no simple solution to these problems, but rotation is one common management practice that can certainly help.

Consider how rotation can help with these issues:
1. Herbicide-Resistant Weeds. Resistance to glyphosate-based herbicides (e.g. Roundup^®) is due to using herbicides as the only source of weed management. Weed resistance can be significantly slowed down or even averted altogether with careful crop and herbicide use plans. Bring LibertyLink® or conventional soybeans into your rotation. Likewise, when it comes time to plant corn, use conventional or straight LibertyLink hybrids. Using herbicides that have different modes of action is critical.
2. Volunteer Corn. With careful crop planning and herbicide usage, volunteer corn can be controlled in both corn and soybeans. Several herbicides (e.g. Select, Fusion, Poast Plus, etc.) will take care of volunteer corn in soybean fields, but persistence is key as more than one application may be needed.Volunteer corn in continuous corn situations can be managed by understanding the herbicide tolerances of the traits involved. For example, most Monsanto-traited hybrids contain only the glyphosate-resistant trait for herbicide use. If you plant corn following one of those hybrids, choose a hybrid that incorporates the LibertyLink trait. If you plan to have many years of continuous corn, stay away from hybrids that contain both the LibertyLink and the glyphosate gene for herbicide resistance. Rotating to soybeans or alfalfa also can help break that cycle.
3. Corn Rootworm. Continued use of the same rootworm resistant (Bt) trait in corn hybrids, coupled with the lack of required refuge acres, has caused rootworm resistance to become an issue. Rotation is key. Rotate traits between Monsanto, Agrisure and Dow products. They may also need to rotate to other crops (like soybean or alfalfa) if rootworms cannot be managed by rotating traits. Additionally, the use of hybrids with more than one rootworm trait (e.g. SmartStax) may need to be used. Refuge acres must be planted, and Refuge-In-the-Bag (RIB) hybrids make compliance simple. Respect the refuge® and it will greatly increase our likelihood of keeping rootworm traits viable for years to come.
* Respect the refuge is a registered trademark of the National Corn Growers Association
Webspec Admin

November 8, 2012

Agronomics, Corn, Crop, Disease, General, Soybeans, Weed Control