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Tips for Assessing Spring Alfalfa Stands
If you grow alfalfa, you have experienced winter kill.

Alfalfa winterkill is a complex matrix of many factors: variety, fertility, general stand health, previous fall weather conditions, snow cover, winter temperatures, and spring weather patterns. My own experience has proven one type of winterkill is rarer, while the other is more common.

The rarer situation occurs when conditions are ideal for the alfalfa to overwinter, but temperatures warm up in late winter or early spring and are followed by several freeze-thaw events. The rapid thaw causes the snow to melt into and around the permeable alfalfa crown and tap root. The sudden, deep freeze crystalizes that moisture around the crown. I had a case where this type of weather caused the crown to pop two to four inches out of the soil! While this is an extreme example, there was nothing anyone could have done to save this alfalfa. It was an act of nature.

The other type of winter kill also results from Mother Nature but is more subtle and common. This type of winter kill is a combination of many factors, such as a poor and/or diseased stand, a stand with low fertility, a stand that has limited insulating snow cover throughout winter months, and a cheap alfalfa variety with a lower winter hardiness score.

The effects of winterkill can be quite variable in the field due to slopes, soil types, fertility and other factors. If you see a reduced stand after spring green up, walk around the field to evaluate whether it’s time to rotate the crop.

Tips for assessing spring stands:
1. Watch for green up; be patient.
2. If the alfalfa isn’t greening up in some areas of field, dig roots and split them. If the average stem density is low in some areas of field but not in others, consider interseeding something as a quick rescue like Italian ryegrass. It establishes quickly, provides tonnage, is good quality and allows you to capture the value of the alfalfa that is still alive.
3. Calculate yield potential and consider rotating the crop. The University of Wisconsin – Madison Extension provides a calculator to help estimate yield based on the number of stems in a square foot. Once the stem number is determined, use this formula to calculate the yield potential of that stand: Yield (tons/acre) = (Stems/ft2 x 0.1) + 0.38
For example, an alfalfa stand with 50 stems per square foot would have a yield potential of 5.38 tons per acre. Keep in mind that soil, nutrient deficiency, insects, diseases and other factors may affect the actual yield.
Latham Seeds Agronomy Team

March 26, 2021

Agronomics, Alfalfa, Crop, Emergence
Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

Product Placement is Key to Success
Planting a product in the field it was chosen for creates the greatest success.

We spend a lot of time at Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds working with our dealers and customers on the proper placement of our products in their fields. The suggestions we offer in our product guide and tech sheets provide a great amount of detail. In addition, our product team members offer face-to-face support for these recommendations while giving tours to dealers and customers throughout the season.

A Field x Field™ recommendation for your farm creates optimum performance opportunities for the Latham® products you purchased. Our Field x Field guide can either be a paper document provided by your dealer or an electronic version inside your Data ForwardSM App that your dealer or one of our precision agronomists helped you design.

Now that you have this detailed plan, what steps can you take to implement it accurately? Here are a few suggestions to help execute your plan:
1. Review your plan and be sure it matches each field.
2. Did you add a field that needs seed? If so, contact your Latham dealer to get a plan for that field and seed ordered.
3. Take delivery of your seed early. Document that you have all the products and correct volume of each to match your plan for each field.
4. Sort your seed purchases by field.
5. Label where you plan to plant the seed, the seeding rate and suggested timing.
Before planting starts, gather everyone on your team who helps with planting. Review the crop plan with them. Be sure everyone understands the importance of planting each product in the correct field.

Following the steps listed above will help ensure the time spent building your crop plan with your Latham dealer or RSM was time well spent. A well-executed plan can add value to your operation in 2021.
Latham Seeds Agronomy Team

March 15, 2021

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

#AsktheAgronomist: Prep for a Dry Spring Part 2

Join us as we discuss part 2 of how to plan for a dry spring! Phil Long will expand on the topics of herbicide effectiveness and in-furrow applications.

:30 – Topic introduction

:55 – Herbicide effectiveness

6:00 – In-furrow applications

10:00 – In-furrow application placement

12:10 – Final thoughts

Laura Cunningham

March 11, 2021

Agronomics, Corn, Crop
Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

Fighting Aphanomyces in Alfalfa

Photo sourced from the UW Extension Forage.

The world of soils is made up of a complex living biology. Uncovering production-limiting factors can be one of the many links to selecting the best products and seed treatments for that acre. More specifically, it is helpful to know the most prominent diseases that could hamper emergence and yield. There are steps you can take to reduce that risk.

Aphanomyces Root Rot is a big word to describe a microscopic pathogen with the power to cause big problems. The fungus responsible, Aphanomyces euteiches, is an oomycete that is present in many Midwest soils. It’s especially prevalent in heavy, wet, poorly drained soils. The pathogen spreads by zoospores, which move easily in wet soils. Many years ago, scientists discovered two dominant races of this particular pathogen: Race 1 and Race 2. The latter proves more virulent or infectious. There is speculation of a “Race 3” although testing is still taking place.

Aphanomyces often presents as stunted, yellow plants with poor root development and very few lateral roots. If the seedling becomes infected, symptoms escalate to include yellow cotyledons and first leaves with chlorosis. The roots and stems will first appear grey (often water soaked) and then change to brown. Yield reduction results from poor root growth and significantly less nodules.

Photo sourced from the UW Extension Forage.

Rebound is also extremely slow after harvest. If you are concerned you have Aphanomyces and want to know which races you have, you can submit a soil sample to the UW Plant Disease and Diagnostic Clinic.

Plant breeders rose to the challenge and have done a great job selecting varieties of alfalfa with high resistance to Race 1. When Race 2 was discovered, they also began selecting for that. On page 69 of the 2021 Latham® product guide, you will find our disease resistance chart with Aphanomyces Race 1 and 2 index ratings.

In addition to genetic resistance, we also equip our alfalfa varieties with an additional layer of protection with AlfaShield seed treatment. The success of a multi-year alfalfa stand rests on good emergence and seedling survival. Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds includes Stamina® in its seed treatment to provide that needed broad-spectrum protection against soil-borne pathogens.

Seed treatments that don’t include Stamina can suffer mortality rates of up to 75% in the seedling year. Discount seed companies tend to use older plant genetics and cheaper seed treatments, which can offer significantly less protection. In addition to high mortality rates, the risk includes reduced stands and less yield.

Latham Seeds can we reduce that risk, increase your yield potential and promote greater stand longevity thanks to good genetic resistance and seed treatments. Talk with your Latham rep to learn more. Now is a great time to buy alfalfa for spring seeding!

Webspec Admin

March 4, 2021

Agronomics, Alfalfa, Crop, Disease
Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

Ask The Agronomist: Plan for a Dry Spring Part 1

Join us for Part 1 of our spring planting discussion. Phil Long discusses two factors to consider as we head into a dry spring. #AsktheAgronomist #LathamSeeds

:25 – Topic introduction

1:10 – Tillage practices

4:15 – Row cleaner recommendations

6:00 – Nitrogen Applications

11:15 – Final thoughts

Laura Cunningham

March 4, 2021

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

Using XtendFlex® Soybeans in Your Weed Management Program
XtendFlex soybeans, which were approved for global sale in September 2020, will be an important tool to manage resistant weeds. The combination of tolerance to dicamba (XtendiMax®, Engenia® and Tavium®), glyphosate (Roundup®) and glufosinate (Liberty®) herbicides offers a unique triple option of choices to control a wide range of grasses and broadleaf weeds in soybean fields.

Farmers who have used Roundup Ready 2 Xtend® soybeans are generally happy with their yields but desire better weed control options. Most farmers with whom I’ve visited believe they must wait as long as possible to apply the post-emergence dicamba products with the Xtend system. This application was later than ideal, resulting in weed escapes and even off-target movement of the dicamba herbicide to neighboring soybean fields that weren’t tolerant to that herbicide.

Using the XtendFlex system will allow farmers to apply dicamba herbicide earlier. They can spray either pre-emergence or early post-emergence when weeds are at labeled heights and are most sensitive to the herbicide. This should also greatly reduce the likelihood of off-target movement of dicamba to nearby sensitive crops.

Another benefit of the XtendFlex system is that farmers can apply Liberty herbicides up to the R2 stage of growth if there are any weed escapes. It is still highly recommended that weed management programs start with a pre-plant or early pre-emergence residual herbicide like Warrant®, Authority® or Sonic®. Regardless of which herbicide you use, please read and follow all label recommendations.

At press time, Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds will have seven XtendFlex soybeans available for spring 2021 planting:
1. L 0728 XF – This 0.7 maturity soybean carries the combination 3a and 1c genes for Phytophthora and Brown Stem Rot resistance with good tolerance to Iron Chlorosis.
2. L 1285 XF – This medium-tall, medium-bush type plant has the C-gene for Phytophthora. It also has above-average tolerance to White Mold, Brown Stem Rot and Iron Chlorosis. Maturity is 1.2.
3. L 2283 XF – Very strong emergence, excellent tolerance to Brown Stem Rot and the C-gene for Phytophthora are a few highlights of this 2.2 maturity soybean.
4. L 2385 XF – This 2.3 maturity line features the C-gene for Phytophthora with very good tolerance to Brown Stem Rot. It has above-average scores for White Mold and Iron Chlorosis.
5. L 2494 XF – At a 2.4 maturity, this medium-bushy plant carries the C-gene for Phytophthora with outstanding emergence and early growth.
6. L 3058 XF – Excellent tolerance to Brown Stem Rot and the 3a gene for Phytophthora are highlights of this 3.0 maturity line. Its emergence and standability are outstanding.
7. L 3595 XF – This soybean features the 3a + K-gene for Phytophthora, very good tolerance to Frogeye Leaf Spot and excellent overall stress tolerance. It’s a fairly tall, medium-bush plant at a 3.5 maturity.
All of these XtendFlex releases carry strong Soybean Cyst Nematode tolerance. Contact your Latham Dealer or RSM for current availabilities.
Mark Grundmeier, Product Manager

March 3, 2021

Agronomics, Crop, Soybeans
Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

Think Differently about VR Seeding Soybeans

Variable rate (VR) seeding in corn has been a frequent topic of conversation for years, but now that conversation is shifting to VR seeding soybeans. Before planting VR seeding soybeans, we must change the way we think.

When your yield potential goes up in a corn field, we increase population. When corn yield potential goes down, we decrease population. Makes sense, right? It’s the opposite for soybeans. When yield potential increases, lower your planting rate in a soybean field. When your yield potential decreases, increase the planting rate. Our trials to date have shown the most return on investment in lower-yielding environments where population was decreased.

Why invest more in a geography where yield potential is less for soybeans? There’s good reason! Percent germination in soybeans is one big reason.

When you plant tougher areas in the field, you’re not going to achieve 100% of your germination rate. Now think of your high yielding areas in your field… There is a much greater chance you will achieve close to 100% germination there. High-yielding areas typically have better soils and drainage, so it makes sense to plant more seed in low-yielding areas to increase the germination rate.

We enjoy sitting down with farmers and talking about whether VR planting is right for them. Our Data Forward™ team is here to help you get comfortable with implementation. Phil Long and I love to do On-Farm Trials in your own fields, so this could be a good starting place for farmers wanting to experiment with lower seeding rates. We can experiment on a smaller scale while placing learning blocks throughout the field. Using learning blocks and on-farm research allows us to compare different zones of a farmer’s field and to also compare to previous years.

Imagine the savings if we can drop soybean planting populations by even 20,000! The savings from reducing planting rates from 160,000 to 140,000 can then be invested into seed treatment or something else that protects yield and helps you achieve optimal germination. This allows farmers to continue to achieve higher yields while lowering planting populations.

Give your Precision Agronomy Advisors a call today! Let’s start a conversation about conducting on-farm research.

Latham Seeds Precision Agronomy Advisors

February 24, 2021

Agronomics, Crop, Soybeans
Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

Does Seed Size Matter?

Phil Long tackles both the corn and soybean seed size discussion in the videos below. Tune in to learn if seed size matters on your farm!

Laura Cunningham

February 10, 2021

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

Using XtendFlex® Soybeans in Your Weed Management Program
XtendFlex soybeans, which were approved for global sale in September 2020, will be an important tool to manage resistant weeds. The combination of tolerance to dicamba (XtendiMax®, Engenia® and Tavium®), glyphosate (Roundup®) and glufosinate (Liberty®) herbicides offers a unique triple option of choices to control a wide range of grasses and broadleaf weeds in soybean fields.

Farmers who have used Roundup Ready 2 Xtend® soybeans are generally happy with their yields but desire better weed control options. Most farmers with whom I’ve visited believe they must wait as long as possible to apply the post-emergence dicamba products with the Xtend system. This application was later than ideal, resulting in weed escapes and even off-target movement of the dicamba herbicide to neighboring soybean fields that weren’t tolerant to that herbicide.

Using the XtendFlex system will allow farmers to apply dicamba herbicide earlier. They can spray either pre-emergence or early post-emergence when weeds are at labeled heights and are most sensitive to the herbicide. This should also greatly reduce the likelihood of off-target movement of dicamba to nearby sensitive crops.

Another benefit of the XtendFlex system is that farmers can apply Liberty herbicides up to the R2 stage of growth if there are any weed escapes. It is still highly recommended that weed management programs start with a pre-plant or early pre-emergence residual herbicide like Warrant®, Authority® or Sonic®. Regardless of which herbicide you use, please read and follow all label recommendations.

At press time, Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds will have seven XtendFlex soybeans available for spring 2021 planting:
1. L 0728 XF – This 0.7 maturity soybean carries the combination 3a and 1c genes for Phytophthora and Brown Stem Rot resistance with good tolerance to Iron Chlorosis.
2. L 1285 XF – This medium-tall, medium-bush type plant has the C-gene for Phytophthora. It also has above-average tolerance to White Mold, Brown Stem Rot and Iron Chlorosis. Maturity is 1.2.
3. L 2283 XF – Very strong emergence, excellent tolerance to Brown Stem Rot and the C-gene for Phytophthora are a few highlights of this 2.2 maturity soybean.
4. L 2385 XF – This 2.3 maturity line features the C-gene for Phytophthora with very good tolerance to Brown Stem Rot. It has above-average scores for White Mold and Iron Chlorosis.
5. L 2494 XF – At a 2.4 maturity, this medium-bushy plant carries the C-gene for Phytophthora with outstanding emergence and early growth.
6. L 3058 XF – Excellent tolerance to Brown Stem Rot and the 3a gene for Phytophthora are highlights of this 3.0 maturity line. Its emergence and standability are outstanding.
7. L 3595 XF – This soybean features the 3a + K-gene for Phytophthora, very good tolerance to Frogeye Leaf Spot and excellent overall stress tolerance. It’s a fairly tall, medium-bush plant at a 3.5 maturity.
All of these XtendFlex releases carry strong Soybean Cyst Nematode tolerance. Contact your Latham Dealer or RSM for current availabilities.
Mark Grundmeier, Product Manager

February 8, 2021

Agronomics, Crop, Soybeans, Weed Control
Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

Ask the Agronomist: Does Corn Seed Size Matter?

Tune in as we discuss if corn seed size matters. From germination to emergence, learn the importance of an even stand and how seed size can play a role. #LathamSeeds

:45 – Topic introduction

2:40 – Emergence & germination

5:20 – Seed placement

9:20 – Seed genetic potential

10:10 – Seed orientation

Laura Cunningham

February 4, 2021

#AskTheAgronomist, Agronomics, Corn, Crop, Emergence