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Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

Consider Traits & Chemistries in Your Crop Rotation

A soybean-corn crop rotation allows farmers to spread out spring and summer fieldwork and provides a larger window for harvest. Plus, a soybean-corn rotation can lead to energy savings during production and when handling, drying and conditioning of stored grain, according to recent issue of “Advance” published by the ISA On-Farm Network.

“Studies show us that corn yields are higher following soybeans. The advantage of a soybean-corn rotation still centers on yield. The positive impact is probably due to several factors,” says Ed Anderson, Iowa Soybean Association senior director of supply and production systems. “Soybeans break disease, insect and weed cycles and provide a nitrogen credit for corn the following year.

It’s true that crop rotation can help achieve higher yields, as well as reduce risk ranging from volunteer corn to weed resistance. Other benefits include better soil health, less disease pressure and higher profits are a few of the benefits that come from rotating corn and soybeans if farmers are careful about rotating traits and chemistries. Plus, crop rotation can be one of the best management practices to control CRW.

However, it’s no longer enough for farmers to merely rotate crops. Farmers also must rotate between herbicide chemistries, as well as hybrid/variety traits. Rotating between various herbicide traits is important from the standpoint of reducing weed resistance. It also has been proven that it helps in overall herbicide performance.

Rotating traits, especially insect resistance traits in corn, is especially important for the same reasons – to decrease the risk of insects becoming resistant to those traits and also to improve overall trait performance. As newer traits become commercially available in soybeans, the same will be true. We will need to be good stewards of these traits and rotate them whenever possible!

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.

Team Latham

May 2, 2013

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

Don’t Push the “Panic” Button!

Even though spring planting has been delayed by unseasonably wet and cold weather, there’s no need for corn farmers within the Upper Midwest to push the “panic” button. We’re still within the ideal planting window, so work your crop plan.

Research shows that hybrids adjust to planting dates. Adapted full season corn hybrids can compensate somewhat for later plantings. As planting is delayed, hybrids shorten the time between planting and silking. Full-season hybrids almost always outperform short season hybrids, so farmers really don’t need to consider switching maturities until May 25.

Let soil temperatures and soil conditions – not the calendar – dictate planting dates. At this point, fields are not yet fit for planting. Your yield potential will be more negatively affected by planting in wet soils than waiting even a couple of weeks for better conditions. On average, farmers will lose about half of a bushel/acre per day due to delayed planting. Research shows farmers will lose more yield if crop is planted into less than ideal conditions, so we encourage you to wait for soils to warm up and dry out.

Corn planted into wet soils will be prone to problems throughout the growing season such as: stunted plant growth; slow infiltration of water and/or ponding; high surface runoff under normal or light rainfall; poor root system development, or rootless corn; and even nutrient deficiency. Potassium deficiency is caused by corn roots not being able to take up potassium from compacted soils.

REMEMBER: The majority of yield is determined during planting. “Patience” is key right now. Good things come to those who wait for the right seedbed conditions!

Team Latham

April 24, 2013

Agronomics, Corn, Crop, Season, Soybeans, Spring, Tech Tuesday
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.
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.
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.

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“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

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
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

Status of 2013 Seed Supply

An early fall harvest means many farmers have finished (or are nearly finished) with fall tillage and ready to confirm their 2013 seed selections. That’s why I’d like to take this opportunity to assure you that Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds has adequate supplies to meet your needs for 2013.

As an independent seed company, Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds is able to source genetics and traits form multiple providers. We were fortunate to have corn production acres in eight states, which allowed us to spread the risk of crop failure in one particular region. Most of the soils in these production areas are heavy, and the lighter soils were irrigated. We further mitigated our risk by crop planning for three times more than our estimated sales.

Latham is more than able to meet demand for Hi‑Tech Hybrids even though 2012 yields overall were lower than we had originally estimated. While a few hybrids are still in short supply, we’re planning to produce additional quantities of these hybrids in South American this winter.

We’re also pleased to share with you that soybean harvest went better than we had expected, given the extremely hot and dry conditions we faced in North Central Iowa this past growing season. Supplies will be tight on certain brands, but overall, our production growers harvested more bushels than we had expected. Dry years often result in small seed size and lower germinations from cracked seed coats. While it’s too early to tell about seed quality for 2013 planting, we take great pride in our hands-on soybean production strategy.

Latham’s production process has allowed us to produce the highest quality soybean seed over the past couple of years. Our plant is built to be as gentle as possible on the soybeans, so we are hoping this can help overcome the dry conditions. (Some of our handling equipment is the same as that used by a maker of corn flakes. You know it’s gentle if it keeps a corn flake intact!)

Last season farmers who planted Latham® Hi‑Tech Soybeans noticed a drastic difference when our soybeans had 10% higher germination than our competitors. We heard more than one customer tell us he was surprised when the actual germination was higher than the number we had placed on the tag. The reverse situation occurred on the competitor’s soybeans, and the tag on the bag actually showed the germination to be 4% better than the true germ.

Every bag of Latham® soybeans is stamped with the word “quality.” It’s a word by which we measure our work – from product selection to service. Dedication to quality is at our foundation. And after 65 years of service, it’ become our mantra. Thank you for partnering with Latham. Here’s to 2013!

John Latham, President

October 15, 2012

Crop, General, Soybeans
Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

Charcoal Rot in Soybeans

As if yield losses to dry weather stress weren’t enough, the drought of 2012 has brought another problem to the forefront of soybean producers in the Upper Midwest – Charcoal Rot. Also known as dry weather wilt, this is a soil-borne root and stem disease that usually develops in mid-to-late summer when plants are under severe heat and drought stress. Not since 2003 has there been an outbreak of this disease that had a major impact on yields and the effect on this year’s crop could be the worst in recent memory.

Spores overwinter in plant tissue and can survive for several years in dry soil. Infected plants often appear yellow, wilted and stunted. These symptoms are very similar to other yield-robbing problems that farmers experience in our growing region, so they may go unnoticed or could be attributed to other pests like Soybean Cyst Nematode (SCN), Brown Stem Rot, Sudden Death Syndrome or even Iron Chlorosis. One fairly easy method of identification is to dig up soybean roots and take a knife to gently scrape off the epidermis (outer layer) of the root. Gray-colored lines or striations present throughout the root tissue are an indication of Charcoal Rot.

There are no viable methods to manage this disease other than to do your best to insure ample moisture for your crop throughout the growing season. Anything that reduces soil moisture, including unnecessary tillage passes or excessive tillage, will add to the impact of the disease. There is no known varietal resistance available on the market today, however, there are some soybean cultivars that show tolerance to Charcoal Rot. Contact me or your local Latham® representative for more information.

October 8, 2012

Agronomics, Crop, Disease, Fungicide, General, Soybeans