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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.
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.
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).

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.

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!

December 14, 2016

Crop, Soybeans
Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

Seed Choices for Farmers Means Options

Yesterday one of my nephews asked a question that really made me think. This young man is two generations removed from farming and wondered how I choose what type of corn to plant.

It probably sounds like such a simple question to those who don’t farm, but there’s a lot more to seed selection than what meets the eye. The brand and variety take a lot of thought and research, but we also rely on experience and our gut feelings.

I know selecting seed is second nature to most farmers, but how can we explain it to people who are generations removed from farming? Until yesterday, I hadn’t given much thought to the fact that I’m the only farmer in my nephew’s family. He’s living in a metropolitan area where the anti-modern farming crowd wants “good people” to believe farmers are forced by big conglomerates to buy and plant their seed. These activists want “good people” to believe that farmers no longer have a choice as to which seed to plant, but that’s so far from the truth!

To help dispel the myth that farmers are forced to buy seed from the same corporation year after year, Jennie Schmidt, a farmer and registered dietitian in Maryland, wrote a blog post. Here’s an excerpt:

“So far, we have received about a dozen seed catalogs, and I don’t mean Burpee-type gardening catalogs. I mean commercial seed for farmers. Some are large seed companies, others are small regional seed companies. None of them ‘impose’ their seeds on us. We have 100% freedom of choice. My husband and brother-in-law make those choices based on our own farm’s performance records, recommendations by our seed dealers, data provided by companies who do research plots on our farm and in our region, and conversations with farmer friends. No corporation influences these choices. No pressure is applied from any company to secure our business. Absolutely no one ‘imposes’ seed on our family farm. We have hundreds of seed choices in each of our crops: corn, soybeans, wheat, barley, tomatoes, hay, and green beans. We have 100% control over what gets purchased and planted.”

Thanks to technology, today’s farmers have more seed choices than ever before and the future is even more exciting! That’s the short answer I wish I would’ve first given my nephew and then gone on to explain. Plant breeding is allowing farmers to grow crops today in drier areas where it was never before possible. New seed genetics allow us to put more nutrition into crops, and as a result, can save millions of children and people living in poverty from malnutrition and blindness. Check out the amazing results the 2016 World Food Prize Winners have achieved by getting more farmers in Africa, Asia and Latin America to plant drought-resistant, blight-resistant orange sweet potatoes instead of white sweet potatoes that contain no Vitamin A.

This is so much more that goes into how a farmer chooses seed. To be continued… next week!

Larry Sailer, Musings of a Pig Farmer

November 29, 2016

Corn, Crop, Soybeans
Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

Ask the Agronomist: Brown Stem Rot or SDS?

Thanks for tuning in to our weekly “Ask the Agronomist” Audiocast! Play the audio file below to listen to Mark’s response to this week’s question about how to determine whether a soybean crop is affected by Brown Stem Rot or Sudden Death Syndrome.

Q: I thought my field was showing signs of Sudden Death Syndrome. Now I’m not sure if it’s really SDS or Brown Stem Rot. How can I tell the difference?

A: Late-season crop scouting is so important because we see different symptoms, depending on the point we’ve reached in the growing season as well as environmental conditions. We’re seeing both SDS and BSR, sometimes even in the same field!

The best way to tell to the difference is to split the soybean stem. Brown Stem Rot (BSR) infection causes vascular and pith tissues to turn brown to reddish brown. When disease is severe, discoloration is continuous from the base of the plant up. Discoloration only occurs at nodes disease when the disease is less severe, and you’ll see healthy, white tissue between the nodes.

Q: What causes Brown Stem Rot?

A: BSR is caused by a fungus that enters through the plant’s root system. Severe infestation occurs when soil moisture is high and air temperatures are cooler throughout the summer, which promotes the growth of the fungus in the stems. Symptoms worsen if the disease development is followed by drought stress during pod fill. BSR also increases in severity if Soybean Cyst Nematode populations are high.

Q: How does Brown Stem Rot spread?

A: Brown Stem Rot is a soil-borne pathogen. It survives in infected soybean residue left on the soil surface. The fungus is not carried with seed.

Q: What can be done if you find Brown Stem Rot in your fields now?

A: Unfortunately, just like Sudden Death Syndrome, nothing can be done for a field once it has been infected with BSR. Scouting now for Brown Stem Rot is important for two main reasons: (1) To determine if management practices may have had an impact on the severity this season; and (2) To select soybean seed for the following season based on BSR score and Soybean Cyst Nematode tolerance.

Q: What management practices can help control Brown Stem Rot?

A: The most effective way to manage Brown Stem Rot, Soybean Cyst Nematode and Sudden Death Syndrome is through seed selection. Latham® brand soybean varieties with the IRONCLAD^TM designation offer the best control, but be sure to read disease ratings of each product. For fields with a history of severe brown stem rot problems, plant a variety with a rating of 1.5 or better. A Latham rep also can help you select the best product on a field-by-field basis.

In addition, crop rotation can help reduce the likelihood of Brown Stem Rot. Going away from soybeans for 2 years is more effective than 1 year. Reducing soybean residue helps because then the BSR inoculum doesn’t have a place to overwinter. Tillage can also be effective.

August 18, 2016

#AskTheAgronomist, Agronomics, Disease, Soybeans
Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

Ask the Agronomist: New Soybean Technology Approvals

Thanks for tuning into our weekly “Ask the Agronomist” Audiocast! Play the audio file below to listen to Mark’s response to this week’s question about the new soybean technology approvals.

Q: New soybean traits and technologies have been making headlines since last Friday when it was announced that Roundup Ready 2 Xtend soybeans received EU approval. There have been rumblings that the Balance Bean also received EU approval last week. What is the status of these two new soybean technologies?

A: It’s important to understand that none of these technologies have actually received full approval. Roundup Ready 2 Xtend® soybeans received their final approval from the European Union in the global approval process. However, the low-volatile formulation of dicamba herbicide intended for Xtend soybeans has not received approval from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Use of existing dicamba herbicides over top of Xtend soybeans is not allowed at this time.

Meanwhile, the Balance GT soybean also received EU approval last Friday but has not yet received approval from key markets such as China. The accompanying herbicide has not received approval from the EPA either.

Q: Since seed for the Xtend products has global approval, will it be commercially available for 2017 planting?

A: Yes, in fact, there are 13 new Xtend varieties in Latham’s 2017 lineup. Six of these products are designated as IRONCLAD™. Soybeans with the Ironclad designation have the toughest defense systems and are unique to Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds.

Q: What are IRONCLAD Soybeans and why are they unique to Latham Seeds?

A: Research has shown that the best defense against Soybean Cyst Nematodes and Iron Deficiency Chlorosis is diligent seed selection. In 2003, Latham Seeds was the only seed company to introduce SCN-resistant soybean brands. Because we’re headquartered where soils are more prone to IDC, our soybean lines have been bred to overcome it.

The IRONCLAD series was introduced to help farmers distinguish which products have the best defense packages. IRONCLAD soybeans have been proven to yield the highest in difficult conditions. Many of our IRONCLAD products have taken first place over the past two years in the F.I.R.S.T. Trials!

Q: What does it take for a soybean product to receive IRONCLAD designation?

A: To be considered IRONCLAD, the soybean must have a Soybean Cyst Nematode and Phytophthora Root Rot deficiency gene. It must also score an Iron Deficiency Chlorosis rating of 2.2 or better. Depending on the needs of the variety geography, it can also protect against White Mold and Sudden Death Syndrome.

Q: What about Enlist products? Will they be offered in 2017?

A: It’s very possible that Enlist will receive full approval in time for 2017 planting. Opposite of Xtend, Enlist has herbicide approval from the EPA but is awaiting Chinese approval.

Depending on regulatory approval, two Enlist products could be offered. Both Enlist soybeans and E3 Enlist soybeans will be tolerant to 2,4-D choline, glyphosate, and glufosinate.

So far, Enlist Duo is approved for use in the U.S. in 15 states on corn and soybeans. They are Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Ohio, South Dakota, Wisconsin, Arkansas, Kansas, Louisiana, Minnesota, Missouri, Mississippi, Nebraska, Oklahoma, and North Dakota.

We’ll be providing an update on these emerging soybean technologies, as well as new corn technologies as part of Latham’s Technology Road Show. The first tour stop will be Friday, August 19, in Eldridge, Iowa near Davenport. While the Latham Freedom of Independence Ride is traditionally a field day on two wheels, we will make groups available for people who prefer to drive cars or trucks.

July 28, 2016

Crop, General, Industry News, Seed Technology, Soybeans
Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

Soybean Seed: To Inoculate or Not To Inoculate?
It’s that time of year again… Harvest is over. The holidays are upon us, and once more, it’s time to turn our attention to the next crop year! During this crop planning time, I am frequently asked if I recommend using an inoculant on soybean seed. The answer is more complicated than a simple “yes” or “no.”

Proper nitrogen fixation is absolutely crucial to obtain high soybean yields. For this to happen, nitrogen-fixing bacteria (specifically Bradyrhizobia japonicum) must be present in sufficient quantities in the soil. This bacteria stimulates plant roots to produce nodules that absorb nitrogen from the air and convert it into ammonia, which is a useable form that the plant can then take up through its root system. This nitrogen is then used to make amino acids, which are the building blocks for proteins, and also chlorophyll. Chlorophyll is the molecule that converts sunlight, an energy source, into carbohydrates through the process of photosynthesis. Researchers estimate that between 50 and 80% of the nitrogen needed to produce a normal soybean crop can be provided in this way.

Active fixation usually starts at the V2 stage. From there on, more nodules develop and the amount of nitrogen that is fixed continues to increase. The highest demand for nitrogen begins when seeds begin to form in the pods and continues through full maturity.

So when should farmers use inoculants? That’s always a tough question to answer since each crop year is different and there are literally a 1,000 variables that can factor into the decision. Let’s start with the “no-brainers.” I would use an inoculant when:
- Soybeans have NEVER been grown in this field.
- Soybeans have not been in the field for three years.
- You are planting into soils that have a pH of 6.0 or lower.
- You are planting into high pH soils. I would use an inoculant at a pH of 8.3 and above.
- Your soil has a high sand content. Rhizobia bacteria do not survive as well in sandy soils as they do in soils with high organic matter content.
Times when an inoculant might be recommended include if a field was flooded the previous year for more than a week and also in cool, wet soils like no-till fields. The downside of not using an inoculant when one is needed can be as much as a 50% loss in yield! For the cost, inoculants can be a great insurance policy.

Feel free to call me with any questions related to this or other crop production practices.
February 3, 2016

Crop, General, Soybeans