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Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

Goal: To Consistently Raise 300-Bushel Corn

Peter Bixel

Farmers throughout history have raised corn yielding 300 bushels per acre (bu/A). In 1985, Illinois farmer Herman Warsaw produced corn yields of 370 bu/A. Warsaw spent years working toward his goal. He patiently built up soil nutrition and tilth for better plant health.

So what do we need to do to raise 300-bushel corn? Like Warsaw, we must commit to plan. Our plan must involve soil fertility, which takes into account nitrogen and micronutrients. Weather dictates when nitrogen (N) can be applied, its availability to the plant and its usability by the crop.

Nitrogen loss can occur immediately after application, and leaching can occur after N has been incorporated into the soil. That’s why renowned corn yield researcher Dr. Fred Below uses a stabilizer when applying his nitrogen. His fertility program also includes aggressive rates of Phosphorus (P) and Potassium (K) to push for higher yields. Potassium is very important but is often lacking, especially in a drought year like 2012.

“As growers, we need to look at agronomy first. It’s important to build a good database for each field, understand interactions of nutrients and use the tools to apply the agronomy,” said Ron Olson, who was one of the first consultants nationwide to use GPS/GIS tools to assist farmers in managing Precision Ag databases. From 1974 to 1996, Ron owned an independent agronomic consulting company based in Illinois.

Today Ron serves as Research and Development Manager – New Products for the Mosaic Company. During a recent presentation in Des Moines to Seed-2-Soil and SciMax client, Ron admitted that a lot of work must be done to consistently achieve 300-bushel corn yields. However, he says taking incremental steps will lead to higher yields overall.

Nutrient management is key to increasing yield, according to research done in cooperation with Dr. Below and the University of Illinois. This research uses “omission plots” that compare corn both with and without fertilizer, fungicide, insecticide and seed treatments. While yields increase with each of these additions, fertility has the most impact.

In addition nutrient management, other factors influence yield. Click here to see Dr. Below’s 7 Wonders of the Corn World, which are the seven factors that have the most influence on yield.

Team Latham

February 25, 2013

Corn, Crop, Fall, General, Season
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

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

Be Assured “Quality” is in the Bag

High heat and low moisture levels created several production challenges – for farmers and seed suppliers alike – in 2012. Dry growing conditions have affected seed germinations, seed size and seed quality nationwide.

Not all seed brands will be able to offer top quality products for 2013 planting. Be sure to read the bag tag and consider switching product numbers or adjusting plant populations accordingly.

Rest assured when you plant Latham®, you’re planting quality. Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds’ hands-on production process allows for less handling, which leads to higher germination rates.

The vast majority of our seed beans are brought to Latham’s production facility in Alexander, Iowa, immediately upon harvest. Bringing the soybeans directly to our plant allows Latham to control the seed from the production field to our customer’s shed.

The trays we use to bring soybeans from the cleaner to the bagging system are so gentle they’re 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. Our bagging line was shut down most of this week due to cold temperatures.

We take great pride in producing soybeans that contain the industry’s top genetics with leading technologies like Genuity® Roundup Ready to Yield® and LibertyLink. We’re also proud to offer top hybrids featuring the industry’s top genetics – and one of the broadest, deepest trait lineups in the country.

As a family-owned company, Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds can offer hybrids with the following technologies: Genuity® SmartStax® and RIB Complete™; Agrisure Viptera 3111 and 3000GT; and Herculex Xtra™. (Click here for our full hybrid lineup.)

Contact your Latham® representative or call 1-877-GO-LATHAM for more information about top-shelf Latham brand products on inventory that will meet your needs for spring 2013 planting.

[youtube]http://youtu.be/6IyB97uF2nI[/youtube]
“The gentle handling of Latham® seed through each part of the bagging and delivery process helps preserve seed quality.”

John Latham, President

January 24, 2013

Agriculture, Corn, Crop, General, Industry News, Soybeans
Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

Corn or Beans: 2013 Acreage Battle Brews

“The 2013 Acreage Battle” was the topic of discussion as the U.S. Farm Report was taped recently during the Executive Women in Ag conference in Chicago.

“98 million acres of corn – is that possible?” asked Tyne Morgan, AgDay agribusiness reporter, of participants in a marketing roundtable. Naomi Blohm of Stewart-Peterson and Sue Martin of Market Analysts Ag Investment Services say farmers are going to plant crops that offer the highest return. That means farmers in some regions will plant corn-on-corn, while farmer in other areas will return to a more traditional rotation. The “drought hangover” is causing many farmers to have second thoughts.

“…Drought gets in people’s minds and lingers for years,” said Iowa State University (ISU) Extension farm management specialist Steve Johnson in a recent agriculture.com post. “Many farmers want to get their crop rotations back in balance after planting more corn-on-corn in recent years.”

Improved corn genetics, disease/pest challenges in soybeans, improved tillage equipment, and crop insurance considerations have attributed to the rise in corn acres. Higher cash rent prices likely favor planting corn for the higher net revenue potential, adds Johnson.

While corn may offer the most potential, corn-on-corn performance is largely dependent on management. Farmers planting continuous corn need to pay closer attention to soil conditions and fertility levels. They must be vigilant about protecting their crop from disease and insects, including battles with corn rootworm. Hybrid selection for continuous corn acres is even more important.

Pondering corn-on-corn for 2013? Here are a few things to keep in mind…

Continuous corn can help prevent erosion by preserving topsoil in areas with HEL (Highly Erodable Land). Because c-on-c acres require additional nutrients, they can fit well into a nutrient management strategy. With that said, however, you’ll also want to consider the impact of tillage and crop rotation systems on soil carbon sequestration.

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

December 19, 2012

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

O + D = W
It’s that time of year when communities show their hometown pride by turning ot for Friday night football games. Saturday I’ll be heading to Ames, Iowa, where I’ll be celebrating Iowa State’s 100th Homecoming – and hopefully a Cyclone victory. Whether or not ISU gets the “W” will depend on how well they play as a team – on both sides of the fields.

Regardless of how good a particular football team is, I’m sure you’ll agree that it can’t win on the gridiron by having only a strong offense or a strong defense. It takes both!

The same is true whether you’re planting in a corn field or a soybean field. Remember to plant a minimum or four different seed numbers, with a mixture of offensive and defensive traits. You also want to make you have a mix of maturities to further reduce your risk.

As you finalize your seed purchases for 2013, remember:
1. Diversify your crop plan.
2. Protect 2013 Yields with Traits. NOTE: Not all traited products are created equal.
3. Respect the refuge.
4. Plant the right trait for your situation.
John Latham, President

October 25, 2012

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

Corn Breeding: A Colorful Journey

Through a series of weekly video blogs, Latham Forage Products Manager Corey Catt shows how corn has evolved through time. This week Corey shares how crossing dent and flint varieties has increased plant health over time. He shows how corn with purple husks and stalks is used as a marker in breeding plots, too.

http://youtu.be/6C9cOIY3jOE

Team Latham

September 24, 2012

Agriculture, Corn, Crop, General, Industry News
Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

Genetic Garden Shows How Different Types of Corn React to Drought

by Rachel Norby, Seed-2-Soil® Summer Intern

As you drive through the countryside, it’s evident that different corn hybrids are handling the drought stress differently. Some hybrids have stronger roots and stalks, so they’re holding up better in these dry conditions. Other hybrids have weaker stalks and are lodging.

Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds’ Genetic Garden shows how corn from many different eras is reacting to the drought conditions. You can see how much better today’s hybrids can withstand the high heat and low moisture than their early ancestors.

Genetic Garden Shows Drought Stress

Although minimal irrigation was used to keep our “living museum of corn” alive for the Latham Country Fair on August 25, many varieties still reacted to the drought. You’ll see lodging in many early varieties. (NOTE: “Early” is being used here to reference the chronological history corn of varieties, not as in the relative maturity of hybrids.)

Open-pollinated corn varieties grown during the Dust Bowl of the 1930s didn’t pollinate then, and you’ll see the same thing happened in our Genetic Garden. A corn variety found in the Genetic Garden from around the time of the 1988 drought is also showing signs of stress. One of the differences in the droughts of 1988 and 2012, however, is there was less rainfall during the months of April to June in 1988 than we received in 2012. This lack of rain during that quarter of the year meant more stress on crops during early season growth compared to this year when the majority of the stress happened around the time of pollination.

We’d like to invite you to see the differences for yourself! Take a walk through our “living museum of corn” on Saturday, Aug. 25, during the Latham Country Fair. We’ll be hosting tours between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m.

Gary Geske

August 13, 2012

Agronomics, Corn, Crop, Drought, General, Industry News, Seed Technology, Weather