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Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

From the Field Crop Report for April 19

The time is here! #Plant17 has arrived, and farmers throughout the region are gearing up for the 2017 growing season. Pictures can often best portray what is happening in the world around us, so we have updated our weekly From the Field crop reports! We will be sharing #crop17 highlights throughout our marketing territory, with a photo or two to accompany it. These pictures are submitted from our Regional Sales Managers who are in the field every day with our dealers and customers. We hope you enjoy our first From the Field report for the 2017 planting season below!

Eastern North Dakota

Brain McNamee

Spring fieldwork in underway. Farmers in western North Dakota are applying anhydrous and focusing on getting small grains planted.

Southeast North Dakota

Gary Geske

There’s still snow in the ditches between Minot and Bismarck, so it’s evident that not all fields are fit for planting yet in North Dakota. Small grains are going in the ground in the southeast part of our state. One Latham® customer who lives north by Rolette said it might be mid-May before they’re able to get in the field.

Northeast South Dakota

James Keltgen

Fog looms in Northeast South Dakota. Very little fieldwork and small grain seeding has been done here as soils are wet. Fieldwork is progressing in Central SD where moisture is lacking.

Southeast South Dakota

Ramie Coughlin

A view of some spring prep work from the driver’s seat in South Dakota.

Planting conditions have been ideal for small grains in South Dakota!! Corn will have to wait, but until then small grains are in full swing.

Northern Minnesota

Ken Highness

Preventative maintenance is underway near Gilby, ND for spring planting.

Southern Minnesota

Brandon Wendlandt

Rain showers have been falling this week across southern Minnesota, but the seed I’m moving around is under cover and dry.

Southern Wisconsin

Greg Mair

Areas of the state were affected by winterkill on their alfalfa acres. Pictured here is a good stand of alfalfa in southern Wisconsin. It’s estimated that 75,000 to 100,000 acres of alfalfa in Wisconsin is suffering from some sort of winter damage.

As farmers wait for fields to dry out, there are still many farms that need to haul manure before planting can begin. A farmer is loaded up with turkey manure headed to the field, attempting to beat the rain.

A semi backs up to the seed shed of a dealer in Wisconsin. As the last bit of corn arrives, dealers are making sure to deliver seed to the growers before they hit the fields.

Seed sits in the shop awaiting dry weather to get planted. Most of the state has been blanketed with rain over the past two weeks, and more rain on the way Wednesday afternoon. Much of the state is waiting for the ground to dry out before working up any ground. Depending on how much rain is received Wednesday evening, I expect tillage equipment and planters to be rolling this weekend.

Northwest Iowa

Darin Chapman

This season we’re looking forward to conducting a variable planting rate and multi-hybrid research study for Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds on our family farm near Spencer. Here my brother, Tim, and my six-year-old son and I are working on the multi-hybrid planter. Photo credit to my nephew, Dan, who’s studying Agricultural Systems Technology at Iowa State University.

We’ve been busy preparing our new planter, which is color coordinated. Blue indicates one particular hybrid and orange is another. Blue supplies the odd rows of the planter and orange supplies the even rows.

South Central Minnesota & North Central Iowa

Cory Greiman

Winter kill is evident in alfalfa fields across North Central Iowa due to ponding and ice cover. Check out these articles on The Field Position to help evaluate winter kill and to manage alfalfa based on winter injury.

Southeast Minnesota & Northeast Iowa

Craig Haaland

A few units of seed has yet to be delivered as wet weather stalled planting progress here in North Iowa. Rain is in the forecast again this week for Wednesday and Thursday.

West North Central Iowa

Bart Peterson

Farmers across western Iowa worked around rain showers to get seed in the ground. In this photo, LH 5096 VT PRO was being planted near Rolfe on April 11.

Latham® dealer Jenna Ricklefs making seed corn deliveries.

Eastern Iowa

Jerry Broders

Latham® seed sorted and ready for delivery.

Central Iowa

Bryan Rohe

Latham dealer in Pella, IA discusses the benefits of using cover crops the last 3 years consecutive.

Western Iowa & Eastern Nebraska

Larry Krapfl

Pictured above is a great stand of alfalfa in western Iowa. Outstanding weather has contributed to the great stand is because of increased seeding populations. Research has shown a remarkable response to increased seeding populations.

Webspec Admin

April 19, 2017

Corn, Crop, Season, Soybeans, Spring
Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

Quick Steps to Slow Spread of Soybean Aphid Resistance
The number one soybean insect pest is growing across the Upper Midwest. Recent reports indicate some aphid populations are developing resistance to insecticides, especially pyrethroid products.

While we may not be able to stop the spread of this resistance, we can certainly slow it down by using these best management practices:
- Avoid spraying any insecticide if the economic threshold has not been reached. The accepted economic threshold is 250 aphids per plant in 80% of the field as long as the aphid population is increasing. This should not be confused with the injury threshold, which ranges from 600 to 700 aphids per plant. The economic threshold is designed to give farmers time to apply insecticide before the field reaches the injury threshold.
- Use insecticides with different modes of action just like we use herbicides with different modes of action to help control resistant weeds. Some common examples of pyrethroid products include Warrior®, Mustang®, Asana®, Baythroid® and Pounce®, as well as a host of generic products. Lorsban® is an example of an organophosphate insecticide that may be used for aphid control.
- Avoid adding insecticide to herbicide application just as “insurance” or to save a trip across the field, as this can easily lead to resistance problems.
- When applying insecticides, good coverage is essential. Higher spray volumes and pressure help to move the product down into the soybean canopy.
- As with many potential threats, scouting early and often is crucial to overall success!Soybean aphids can greatly increase in numbers if the weather is cooler than normal and if natural predators are not present.
First identified in Wisconsin during the summer of 2000, soybean aphids are found in 21 states and three Canadian provinces. Besides the damage they do by sucking sap from plants, aphids also are vectors of several viruses that attack soybeans.

Scouting for aphids is key for maintaining the health of your soybean crop now… and in the future. Do what you can now to keep numbers down and to avoid insecticide resistance from building.
Webspec Admin

April 12, 2017

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

Xtend Soybeans: Frequently Asked Questions
There are lots of questions with any new products, and that’s also the case with Xtend soybeans and the new herbicide XtendiMax™ with VaporGrip™ technology. Below are answers to frequently asked questions:

Q. Do Xtend soybeans yield as well as other soybeans?

A. The short answer is yes. Latham’s Xtend soybeans excelled in the 2016 F.I.R.S.T. Trials. Like any soybean variety, optimal yield is achieved by placing them in the correct environment.

Q. Does VaporGrip control drift?

A. VaporGrip does NOT control drift, but it does significantly reduces the potential of volatility.

Q. How can I control drift?

A. Here’s a summary of required application requirements:
- Use nozzles and operating pressure listed on the herbicide product label to minimize driftable fines. These nozzles make bigger droplets that, when used with lower pressure and a minimum of 10 gallons of spray solution per acre, help minimize drift.
- Use at the application rate of 22 fluid ounces per acre for any single, in-crop application.
- Do not exceed a boom height of 24 inches above the target pest or soybean canopy.
- Apply when wind speed is between 3-10 mph, and avoid application if there is no breeze at all.
- Do not exceed 15 mph ground speed.
- Do not apply when wind is blowing toward adjacent susceptible crops.
Q. Do I have to put in a buffer strip?

A. The label requires a buffer to protect sensitive areas. Read and follow the label instructions.

Q. Can I apply Ammonium Sulfate (AMS) with XtendiMax with VaporGrip?

A. Ammonium Sulfate and ammonium-based additives are prohibited in applications that include XtendiMax with VaporGrip Technology.

Q. Can I tank mix any Roundup with XtendiMax herbicide?

A. To find a list of approved products for tank mixing, click here. Before application, farmers and applicators should visit http://www.roundupreadyxtend.com/ to see if any new products have been approved for tank mixing.

Q. Am I required to use a residual herbicide with XtendiMax with VaporGrip?

A. You are not required to do so, but using a residual pre- and post-emergence strategy as outlined in the Roundup Ready Xtend Crop System for in-crop use will give better weed control and can net you $14/acre cash back.

Q. Do I get any residual activity with XtendiMax Herbicide with Vapor Grip?

A. You can get up to 14 days of soil activity from Dicamba on certain small-seeded broadleaf weeds to help other residual herbicides control weeds.

Q. Do I have to spray XtendiMax Herbicide on Xtend soybeans.

A. No, you can spray Xtend soybeans with any herbicide approved for Roundup Ready soybeans.

This Q&A is not meant as a substitute for reading and following all product labeling. Find more insight below:
- Farmers Have More Options to Fight Weeds
- Latham Offers Xtend Products for 2017 Planting
Webspec Admin

March 29, 2017

Crop, Seed Technology, Soybeans
Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

Balance™ GT Soybeans: One Step Closer to Commercialization
Visitors to Latham headquarters last fall for our field day saw replicated tests of Balance GT along with EnlistTM, Roundup Ready 2 Xtend® and LibertyLink® soybeans. Plots conducted by Latham’s Research Team show there are good genetics to go with the Balance GT technology, so we’re eager for full approval to make them available.

February and March are key months for Latham’s product team as we focus on choosing next year’s product lineup. What we grow in 2017 becomes the seed we offer for 2018, so you might say our 2018 guide “hangs in the balance.”

Last month, Balance™ GT soybeans received import approval from China. Balance™ GT has already received approval from these critical countries: Argentina, Brazil, Canada and the European Union. However, Balance® Bean herbicide is pending registration.

Bayer has announced it won’t release the technology until the chemical is fully approved by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Balance GT soybeans may be sprayed with glyphosate and with Balance Bean herbicide, which contains the same active ingredient as Balance herbicide for corn. Although the first generation of Balance GT products won’t have resistance to Liberty herbicide, Bayer plans to add Liberty resistance in the near future.

Balance™ GT and Monsanto’s Xtend™ soybeans have both been approved in the past year, and we’re hopeful that Dow’s Enlist™ soybeans will be approved in 2017. We’re eager for this approval for two reasons:
1. Farmers need new tools to win the fight against weed resistance.
2. Increased competition helps keep seed prices down. With the Bayer/Monsanto merger pending; all of these technologies would be controlled by one company: RR1, RR2, RR2 Xtend, Liberty and Balance GT. There’s a good chance one of more of these technologies will be sold for the Justice Department to approve the merger. I believe it’s in farmers’ best interest for these technologies to be owned by competing companies.
One benefit of our family-owned seed business is that we can access the industry’s latest and greatest technologies, regardless of which trait providers own them! That means Latham dealers can sell seed that best fits a customer’s situation.

As well, stay tuned for updates on new approvals. You can be sure we will offer new products as soon as they become commercially available!
John Latham, President

March 22, 2017

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

Three Ways Latham Helps Farmers Reduce Risk
Due to another down year of commodity prices, combined with uncertainty in the marketplace and the transition to a new presidential administration, many Midwest farmers are looking for ways to limit their risk exposure. Here are three key ways farmers can limit risk in 2017:
1. LATHAM’S FREE REPLANT POLICY. Qualifying is simple: Purchase at least 60 units more of Latham® corn than was ordered in 2016 and/or a minimum of 120 units of treated soybeans, and you will qualify for free replant! This low-cost insurance policy offers a great options for our customers.
2. SEED TREATMENTS. The old saying, “It’s hard to save your way to prosperity,” really holds true here! So much of a farmer’s money is invested in seed that it’s hard for me to understand why some people forego seed treatment. This is where the saying, “Penny wise but pound foolish” comes into play. Seed treatment is a good return on investment. Data shows a 3 – 5 bushel advantage on fungicides and insecticides that provide protection against diseases and insects in certain parts of our market. Last week, Mark Grundmeier wrote about how soybeans treated with ILeVO® yielded 8 – 18 bushels per acre, even where Sudden Death Syndrome wasn’t severe.
3. FIELDXFIELD™ YIELDS. Crop planning, field by field, helps farmers reduce risk by placing the best products on given soil types and farming practices. It also takes into consideration disease, plant population and weed control. Determining the best population for both corn and soybeans also is a good way to reduce cost since many farmers plant soybeans too thick. Paying special attention to ear type (flex, semi-flex or determinate) makes a big difference in choosing the right population.
One final point to make is the stability and proven performance of Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds and its products. Our family-owned, independent company will celebrate its 70th year of business in 2017. In addition, we set records (again) in 2016 with our F.I.R.S.T. Trials Seed Tests across the regions we serve. Go to lathamseeds.com to see the data.

Feel free to also contact us at 1.877.GO.LATHAM. Also remember to “search” for specific agronomic topics like “risk management” on TheFieldPosition.com for more information.
Webspec Admin

February 15, 2017

Agronomics, Crop, Soybeans
Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

Tips for Managing SDS in 2017 and Beyond
Sudden Death Syndrome (SDS) in 2016 affected numerous soybean fields in the Upper Midwest. We saw SDS in fields where it had never been a problem, and some of that can be attributed to Mother Nature. Frequent or heavy rains can add to the severity of the disease, and irrigated fields are also at higher risk.

While we cannot control the weather and it’s not possible to get rid of this soil-borne fungus, there are strategies you can implement to protect future yield:
- Studies show SDS severity increases when high populations of Soybean Cyst Nematode (SCN) are present. Practices that lower the SCN population may also help decrease SDS, but note SDS and SCN can infect fields on their own.
- Improving drainage and soil structure, as well as reducing compaction, can help reduce the severity of SDS. Any movement of infected soil spreads both SCN and SDS within the field and to other fields.
- Wait for fit soils. Working or planting into wet soils greatly enhances the disease. I spoke with farmers who rolled their fields in 2016 when conditions were too wet, which increased the severity and incidence of SDS in their fields.
- Crop rotation. There have been reports of farmers using an oats and alfalfa/clover rotation in a third year that seemed to reduce SDS severity. However, crop rotation in general hasn’t been effective in managing SDS, as the SDS fungus readily invades corn roots. Legume crops like alfalfa, clovers, navy beans and pinto beans also can host the SDS fungus.
- Plant soybean varieties that are tolerant to the disease. While no soybean brand is completely resistant, planting tolerant varieties can minimize yield loss. At Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds, we evaluate soybeans for a wide range of diseases, including SDS. Only those with the best defensive packages earn the IRONCLADTM distinction.
- Delayed planting allows the soil to dry and warm. Because overall soybean yield research shows higher yield potential with early planting dates— even if SDS is present at moderate levels — I recommend delayed planting only when a field has a history of severe SDS and yields have been drastically reduced in past years.
- Employ ILeVO®. The most exciting new tactic for SDS management is ILeVO seed treatment from Bayer CropScience. Numerous university trials have shown IleVO effectively reduces SDS severity and protects yield. Latham’s own research across 26 locations in 2016 showed an average benefit of 3.64 bu/A, which easily pays for the cost of the treatment.(See the January 2017 issue of TECHtalk for more details.) Other seed treatments claim efficacy on SDS, but university research shows the level of effectiveness from thiabendazole products like Mertect® are not quite as good as what ILeVO shows.
If Sudden Death Syndrome is a potential problem in your area for 2016, do all that you can to limit its effect in the future. Feel free to call me if you have any questions.
Webspec Admin

February 8, 2017

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

2016 Trials Results Show it Pays to Treat Soybean Seed with ILeVO®

Many farmers in 2016 experienced yield loss from Sudden Death Syndrome (SDS) and Soybean Cyst Nematode (SCN). In fact, we saw SDS in areas where it’s never before been a problem! This situation left many farmers asking what can be done to protect yield in the future.

Using new tools like lLeVO Seed Treatment, which received regulatory approval last winter, can help protect yield and add revenue for Upper Midwest soybean growers. ILeVO showed very good efficacy against SDS and also helps protect against SCN.

Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds in 2016 sent 34 ILeVO trials to our dealers and their customers. Each trial consisted of a Latham® soybean product treated with SoyShield PLUS™ planted side-by-side with that same soybean treated with SoyShield PLUS and lLeVO. Yield data was received from 26 of the 34 trials and those results are in the table included below.

Not every plot experienced a high degree of SDS severity, but many of these plots still showed a yield bump from using ILeVO. Plots where SDS was fairly severe showed the most yield benefit, ranging from 8 to 18 bushels per acre (bu/A). Figuring soybeans at a market price of $9/ bushel, even at the 3.64 bu/A average yield benefit, that’s still more than $32 of gross revenue from using ILeVO. Our studies show the cost of this seed treatment easily paid for itself in 2016.

We can’t predict the weather in 2017, however, using tools like ILeVO and other seed treatments helps protect your crops and yield. If you have questions about the results shown below or about ILeVO seed treatment, please call me at 1.877.GO.LATHAM (1.877.465.2842).

Webspec Admin

January 11, 2017

Crop, Soybeans
Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

Latham Releases Three New Products for 2017 Planting

Christmas often comes early for the Latham Product Team. We don’t always know what our research will reveal until we take a close look at it, but just like kids who eagerly await to unwrap their presents, we know our data is going to be good!

Our team analyzes third party research conducted throughout Latham Country, as well as our own proprietary trials including SuperStrips. Sometimes experimental products in these trials get advanced following promising results.

After analyzing fall 2016 yield data, we’re pleased to announce the following corn and soybean products — which weren’t listed in our 2017 product guide — are now being offered for spring 2017 planting.

Additional product information and yield data is available at lathamseeds.com. If you have questions about these new releases, feel free to contact your Latham Regional Sales Manager or me.

CORN:

LH 3117 VT2 PRO

This new 81-day hybrid was tested in our 2016 SuperStrips as EX3217. It’s a medium-short plant with excellent late-season standability and very good early vigor. It flowers moderately early and has very good tolerance to Northern Corn Leaf Blight, Eyespot and Common Rust.

LH 5339 SS RIB

This SmartStax® version of LH 5335 VT2 PRO has the same features as LH 5335, which is listed on page 37 in our 2017 product guide and also under the “corn” “products” tabs on lathamseeds.com. It’s a very versatile product with excellent early vigor. Because this product is a better option for continuous corn acres, it has received Latham’s Gladiator™ designation.

SOYBEANS:

L1958L

This 1.9 soybean was tested in our 2016 SuperStrips and research plots as E1958L. It compares to L1787L and L2186L. This fairly tall, bushy soybean has very good tolerance to Soybean Cyst Nematode, Iron Deficiency Chlorosis and stress. It is moderately resistant to Brown Stem Rot and carries the Rps1-c gene for Phytophthora Root Rot control. It performs best in wider rows (greater than 20 inches) and in those light-to-marginal soils; it can be planted on better soils if the seeding rate is lower. I recommend planting 135,000 to 140,000 seeds per acre in 30-inch rows.

Webspec Admin

January 4, 2017

Corn, Crop, Soybeans
Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

“42” is a Record-Setting Number!

When most people hear the number 42, they think of Jackie Robinson and the fantastic baseball movie “42.” Jackie Robinson made history in 1947 by becoming the first African American Major League Baseball player. This movie tells the amazing story of his struggle to gain acceptance in the major leagues.

The same year Robinson was making the news, Willard Latham made news of his own right here in Franklin County Iowa when he founded a seed company on his farm. Also “42” is an amazing number for Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds as it is the total number of F.I.R.S.T. Seed Tests that our corn and soybean products won this fall. Our corn program produced 17 wins and 199 total Top 10 finishes; our soybean program produced 25 wins and 185 total Top 10 finishes.

The 42 overall 1st place finishes in the 2016 F.I.R.S.T. trials validates Latham’s research program. It also is proof positive that accessing the best genetics and selecting products for specific geographies allows Latham to offer a deeper and broader corn and soybean line-up. View our corn and soybean F.I.R.S.T. trial results to see what products excelled in your area.

Xtend Your Yield
Our Roundup Ready 2 Xtend® soybeans also made their mark in the 2016 yield book. We entered Roundup Ready 2 Xtend® Soybean varieties in F.I.RS.T. trials in maturities ranging from 0.7 to 3.0. We won seven top 3 finishes in F.I.R.S.T. Trials and 28 Top 10 finishes! Look up area specific soybean data for your area here.

Winning trials is fun, but we want to help you win on your farm. Contact your Latham representative for more information. He or she is here to help you choose the right seed for your farm, field by field.

John Latham, President

December 28, 2016

Crop, Soybeans
Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

Avoid the Temptation to Buy Only Based on Plots

It’s that time of the year when we reflect upon the decisions we made last year and make changes for 2017. Many farmers will base next year’s planting decisions based only off this year’s results, so please avoid making that huge mistake!

Base your decisions on facts and results but also the odds. Odds are, the 2017 growing season isn’t going to be exactly like the 2016 growing season. We can’t control Mother Nature, so spread risk by planting packages of both corn hybrids and soybean varieties.

Resist the urge to plant that racehorse hybrid or winning soybean variety on most of your acres! The breadth of Latham’s product strength is evident from our F.I.R.S.T. Trial performance. Multiple Latham brand products placed in the Top 10 at multiple trial locations.

We have 25 wins in soybeans and 17 wins in corn. We also have 185 Top 10 performances in soybeans and 199 in corn so far. With such great harvest results, it’s easy to order the yield trial winners. It’s important, however, that you do NOT buy based exclusively on this year’s winning results.

At Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds, we select products bred to perform in specific geographies. The Latham team also takes pride in making sure only the highest quality seeds go in the bag, which is evident with the yield results we saw again this year in the F.I.R.S.T. Trials seed tests!

Take the time to review your farm, field- by- field, and place the product for every acre! Seed selection is one of the important decisions a farmer will make. It’s well documented that the ability to reach yield potential begins with the seed. At Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds, we want to work with you to reach new yield levels in 2017!

Webspec Admin

December 14, 2016

Crop, Soybeans