New hybrids, diverse mix of genetics and trait platforms give upper midwest farmers more options for 2027

Alexander, Iowa — August 1, 2026 — Latham Hi-Tech Seeds is introducing its 2027 corn lineup, featuring new hybrids and a diverse mix of genetics and trait platforms designed to give Upper Midwest farmers more options for managing risk and maximizing performance.

The 2027 portfolio includes PowerCore® Enlist®, conventional, Trecepta®, VT Double PRO®, SmartStax® and SmartStax® PRO hybrids across multiple genetic backgrounds.

“Diversity has always been an important part of how we build our corn portfolio,” said John Latham, third-generation seedsman with Latham Hi-Tech Seeds. “Different fields have different challenges, and every growing season brings something we can’t predict. Having access to multiple genetic backgrounds and trait platforms allows us to recommend products based on what fits a farmer’s acres.”

Latham’s independent position allows the family-owned seed company to offer technologies from multiple providers, creating a balanced portfolio across maturities, agronomic characteristics and management needs.

The 2027 lineup builds on proven performers while adding new PowerCore, Trecepta and SmartStax PRO hybrids. New additions include:

• LH 3586 PCE — A new PowerCore hybrid for Latham’s northern growing area, combining strong yield potential, late-season intactness and adaptability across environments.
• Latham E481-G — A new GT hybrid with excellent stalks and roots, strong yield potential and good drought stress tolerance.
• LH 5128 SS PRO — Designed for challenging corn-on-corn acres, with excellent stalk strength, good roots and late-season intactness.
• LH 6126 PCE — A high-yielding PowerCore hybrid with a strong disease package, kernel depth and test weight that pairs well with proven LH 6226 PCE.

“We often compare building a seed lineup to building a diversified investment portfolio,” Latham said. “You don’t want everything riding on one approach. Genetic and trait diversity gives farmers more ways to spread risk across their acres while positioning themselves to capture yield opportunity.”

Latham’s 2027 corn lineup is available through Latham Dealers across the Upper Midwest.

For more information or to find a Latham Seeds dealer near you, visit www.lathamseeds.com.

# # #

Since 1947, Latham Seeds has been committed to delivering seed products in corn, soybeans and alfalfa that are field-tested, proven on the farm and trusted by farmers. By combining localized product research, personal service and a deep passion for rural communities, Latham Seeds helps farmers maximize their yield potential — one field at a time. Learn more at www.lathamseeds.com. Latham and Latham Hi-Tech Seeds are trademarks of M.S. Technologies, L.L.C.

No two fields are exactly alike. Soil type, yield environment, cropping history and pest pressure can vary across an operation — which is why choosing seed shouldn’t necessarily mean choosing one product and planting it everywhere.

A strong seed plan starts with matching the right products to the right acres.

Latham’s corn and soybean lineups offer depth across a wide range of maturities, yield environments and productivity levels. That gives farmers and their Latham® Dealers the ability to build a package of products around the needs of an entire operation.

For example, farmers planting corn in the 99- to 103-day maturity range have several options with different strengths. LH 4986 PCE RA offers versatility and the ability to perform in tougher yield environments. LH 5106 PCE RA is built for offensive acres, while proven LH 5226 PCE RA combines top-end yield potential with the ability to handle tougher soils.

Fields with different management needs may call for another approach. For corn-on-corn acres where below-ground protection is important, Latham has added depth in the 101- to 105-day range with new LH 5128 SS PRO RIB, LH 5358 SS PRO RIB and LH 5418 SS PRO RIB, alongside LH 5578 SS PRO.

Product selection is only the first step

Product selection is only one part of building a plan for the season. Seed treatment can provide another layer of protection during the critical early stages of crop development.

SoyShield ULTRA brings several components together in one treatment package. It includes an increased rate of mefenoxam over SoyShield Plus; HeadsUp for Sudden Death Syndrome (SDS) and Soybean White Mold (SWM) suppression; BIOST for nematode and insect protection; and Amplifyr, a biostimulant designed to support early-season plant growth.

The goal is the same whether you’re selecting hybrids, soybean varieties or seed treatment: give each acre what it needs to get the season off to the strongest possible start.

As harvest approaches and you begin evaluating this year’s results and planning for next season, talk with your local Latham Dealer about building a seed package around your fields, your challenges and your yield goals.

Iowa State University Crop Marketing Specialist Chad Hart shares his outlook on today’s agricultural economy

At this year’s annual Dealer Kickoff, Dr. Hart gave an overview of the current corn and soybean markets, highlighting the factors shaping prices and profitability as farmers prepare for another growing season. While grain supplies remain strong, he noted that demand from exports, ethanol, soybean crush and renewable diesel continues to play an important role in supporting the market.

His message was clear: agriculture continues to evolve, and understanding the economic landscape is an important part of making informed decisions on the farm.

Hart also discussed current market trends, crop conditions and price projections, encouraging growers to keep a close eye on changing market conditions while planning for the future. As always, local conditions, management decisions and long-term planning remain key to making the most of every season.

Latham was honored to welcome Dr. Hart to Dealer Kickoff as he prepares for his upcoming retirement from Iowa State University. Throughout his career, he has helped countless farmers and agricultural professionals better understand the markets through research, education and practical insights.

Latham Seeds Unveils Next Generation K-Class Soybeans for 2027

New Lineup combines elite yield potential, Ironclad® defense and genetics tailored for Latham Country

Alexander, Iowa — July 30, 2026 —Latham Hi-Tech Seeds is raising the bar for soybean performance with the introduction of its new K-Class soybean lineup for the 2027 growing season.

Featuring 16 new soybean products, the K-Class lineup represents the next generation of Latham soybean genetics — combining exceptional yield potential with the strong defensive traits farmers need to perform across the diverse growing conditions of Latham Country. Five of the K-Class soybeans carry the Ironclad® designation, giving farmers added confidence through a package of defensive characteristics designed to help protect yield potential from planting through harvest.

“I’m especially excited about our 2027 lineup,” said third-generation seedsman John Latham. “Our new K-Class soybean products combine outstanding yield potential with strong defensive traits. It’s the strongest soybean portfolio we’ve ever offered to Latham customers.”

Built for today’s production challenges, K-Class soybeans deliver more than high yields. They’re tailor-made for the environments where Latham customers farm, combining offensive performance with the agronomic strength needed to help growers rest easy throughout the season.

Among the new lineup, Latham is especially excited about three standout K-Class varieties:

• L 1912 E3 is a new superstar that delivers outstanding yield potential with solid iron deficiency chlorosis (IDC) tolerance. This standout features the Rps 3a gene for Phytophthora root rot resistance and a defensive package that includes BSR, SDS and soybean white mold tolerance.
• L 2048 E3 has excellent stress tolerance and strong sudden death syndrome (SDS) protection. With lineage tracing back to proven performer L 1558 E3, this medium-tall variety delivers broad adaptability and is especially well suited for north central Iowa.
• L 2181 E3 offers exceptional yield potential backed by the Peking source of soybean cyst nematode (SCN) resistance, along with strong SDS and soybean white mold tolerance. Its attractive plant style, defensive characteristics and outstanding Iowa performance make it another exciting addition to the 2027 lineup.

“Every season presents new challenges,” Latham said. “Our goal is to continue bringing farmers the genetics that help them succeed, regardless of what the growing season delivers.”

For more information about the 2027 K-Class soybean lineup or to find a Latham Seeds dealer near you, visit www.lathamseeds.com.

# # #

Since 1947, Latham Seeds has been committed to delivering seed products in corn, soybeans and alfalfa that are field-tested, proven on the farm and trusted by farmers. By combining localized product research, personal service and a deep passion for rural communities, Latham Seeds helps farmers maximize their yield potential — one field at a time. Learn more at www.lathamseeds.com. Latham and Latham Hi-Tech Seeds are trademarks of M.S. Technologies, L.L.C.

Rohe will work alongside brothers John Latham and Chris Latham to help guide the independent seed company into its next chapter—building on a legacy rooted in independence, innovation and a deep commitment to farmers. 

Rohe brings more than a decade of leadership experience at Latham, having joined the company in 2010 and most recently serving as Sales Manager. During her tenure, she has played a key role in strengthening Latham’s dealer network, supporting sustained growth and fostering a culture centered on teamwork, relationships and performance. 

“Amy has been instrumental in shaping our sales strategy and building strong relationships across our footprint,” said John Latham. “She understands our customers, our dealers and our values. Her leadership will help carry Latham forward while staying true to what has made us successful for nearly 80 years.” 

Rohe’s promotion reflects not only her leadership within the organization, but also the growing role of women in agriculture. At Latham, women continue to play a vital role in driving innovation, strengthening communities and supporting farmers across the industry. 

“Agriculture is built on relationships, resilience and a shared commitment to helping farmers succeed,” said Rohe. “I’m honored to step into this role and continue working alongside our team, our dealers and our customers to build on the strong foundation Latham has already established.” 

As Latham prepares to celebrate its 80th anniversary in 2027, the company remains focused on delivering high-performing products, expanding genetic diversity and maintaining its independence in an increasingly consolidated industry. 

“This is an exciting time for Latham,” said Chris Latham. “Amy’s leadership, combined with our team’s experience and our commitment to staying independent, positions us well for the future.” 

# # # 

Since 1947, Latham Seeds has been committed to delivering seed products in corn, soybeans and alfalfa that are field-tested, proven on the farm and trusted by farmers. By combining localized product research, personal service and a deep passion for rural communities, Latham Seeds helps farmers maximize their yield potential — one field at a time. Learn more at www.lathamseeds.com. Latham and Latham Hi-Tech Seeds are trademarks of M.S. Technologies, L.L.C. 

Of these, “when to spray” may be the most critical decision a grower makes. Injury or stress to a young plant can have lasting effects that aren’t always visible to the naked eye. Understanding crop growth stages—and how they align with product label requirements—is essential for making sound application decisions and protecting yield potential. Let’s start with corn.  

Corn Growth Stages and Application Timing 

Herbicide and crop protection labels typically reference growth stages when outlining application timing. The corn growth stage chart is an excellent resource for understanding these stages.  

VE (Emergence) occurs when the coleoptile reaches and breaks through the soil surface. Corn generally requires about 100–200 growing degree units (GDUs) to emerge, which can take as little as four to five days after planting under warm, moist conditions. During this time, growth is also occurring below ground as the nodal root system begins to develop. 

Emergence can be rapid in favorable soil conditions but may take three weeks or longer in cooler soils. Early in the season, a new leaf typically appears about every three days. As temperatures warm, leaf appearance can accelerate to one new leaf every one to two days. Full season hybrids grown in the central Corn Belt commonly produce 21–22 leaves, while earlier maturing hybrids produce fewer. 

These numbers are important to keep in mind as you plan your spray program. Under favorable conditions, corn can move from planting to the V5–V7 stage within a month. Missing application windows can happen quickly if fields aren’t monitored closely. 

Soybean Staging Considerations 

Soybeans add another layer of complexity, as plants within the same field rarely develop at the same pace. A soybean field is considered to be at a specific V or R stage when 50% or more of the plants are at or beyond that stage. Because of this variability, understanding soybean staging is critical when determining application timing. The soybean growth stage chart is a valuable reference when evaluating field conditions. 

A general rule of thumb is to expect about five days between soybean growth stages, although weather can speed this up or slow it down. One of the most critical stages to be aware of is R1, defined as one open flower at any node on the main stem. Soybean flowers are highly sensitive, and herbicide applications should be avoided at this stage whenever possible. 

R1 can begin before full canopy closure, which can tempt growers to make a final post emergence application. However, the risk at this stage often outweighs the reward. A strong pre-plant and early post program can greatly reduce the need for late season spraying, and a handful of late weed escapes is rarely worth the potential consequences of applying herbicides after flowering begins. 

We need to pay attention to emergence to maximize our yield that will be going into our bins this fall. We like to see everything come up within 24 hours of each other. Many studies have been conducted showing that plants that emerge on Day 2 of emergence can have a 10% yield loss compared to the first plants that emerged. Plants that come up on Day 3, the yield decrease can be close to 40% and those that emerge on Day 4 can have a yield loss of over 80%. The reason behind some of these yield losses is because those bigger brother corn plants will have the opportunity to take more water and nutrients away from the smaller brothers because they were able to get established sooner and they do not leave much for the runts to thrive on.  

It is so crucial that we make sure we are doing everything in our power to allow these corn plants to emerge at the same time. Are we going through our planters well before we hit the fields to make sure the disc openers and scrapers are in optimal condition? Are we making sure we are doing tillage and planting into optimal field conditions and not pushing soil moisture and soil temperature? Are we adding some sort of starter to help those plants get out of the ground easier? Are we looking at the closing systems on our planters to make sure we are closing the seed trench well? These are just a few things to be mindful of when we are thinking about emergence. Let’s get off to a good start and fill our bins with as many bushels as possible this fall.

Make it a great spring and be safe! 

While many factors affecting crop success are beyond our control, it’s important to manage the ones we can. Planting depth often gets a lot of attention, but it isn’t the only—or even the most important—factor in plant development. Soil conditions at planting are just as critical, if not more so. 

For a successful growing season, consider the following: 
Planting into wet soils or working ground that’s too wet can lead to sidewall smearing, compaction from disk openers, and seed trenches that don’t close properly. These issues can result in uneven emergence and seedling. Ideally, the top three to four inches of soil should be dry enough for proper planting conditions. 

Cold weather after planting can also stress corn during emergence and early growth. Aim to plant as early as conditions allow, ensuring that the first few days in the soil support proper kernel imbibition. If the forecast shows temperatures that are continuing to decrease, it would be best to delay planting until our forecasted temperatures are getting warmer, 2-3 days out.  

Finally, avoid reducing planting depth, as shallower placement often leads to lower yields and complications throughout the growing season and at harvest. In recent years, more growers have shifted toward planting fuller-season hybrids for their maturity zones and planting earlier to extend the growing season and maximize yield potential. Just be sure to prioritize optimal conditions when doing so. 

Happy Spring and Happy Planting Season! Good luck to everyone and remember to be safe! 

At Latham Hi-Tech Seeds, we’re proud to work alongside women whose dedication and passion help move agriculture forward. 

In recognition of National Women in Agriculture Day, we asked several members of Team Latham one question: What does agriculture mean to you as a woman in this field? Here’s what they shared.

Amy Rohe, General Manager

“Being born and raised in the Midwest, agriculture has always been part of everyday life—from planting in the spring to watching crops grow throughout the summer to the excitement of harvest. Now, working in ag, it brings a new perspective and carries something so familiar forward for generations to come.

Agriculture is about more than crops and yields. It’s about grit, resilience and relationships. It’s being part of an industry that feeds the world while adapting to new challenges and technologies. It’s carrying forward traditions while pushing for innovation and progress.

Agriculture is deeply personal. It’s about supporting farmers, strengthening rural communities and taking pride in work that truly matters. Being a woman in this field adds another layer of purpose — showing that leadership, knowledge and passion come in many forms, and that there’s a place for the next generation of women to grow and thrive.”

Chelsea Bamrick, Corn Supply Lead, Southern Sales Account Manager

Chelsea has spent more than 20 years working in agriculture. Along the way, she has learned that perseverance and confidence are key.

“Being a woman in this field, sometimes I feel as if I am looked down upon or as if I have to prove myself twice just to be seen the same. But those moments have also shaped me. They’ve fueled my drive, sharpened my voice, and reminded me why I belong here,” she shared. “I’ve learned that my perspective matters; my work speaks for itself, and I have every reason to stand confidently in this industry. Agriculture has challenged me, strengthened me, and ultimately made me proud of the woman I am and why I love working in this field as much as I do. 

Carma DeVries, Office Manager

For Carma, agriculture is more than a job. It’s a lifestyle that connects her work and home life.

“Agriculture to me is a way of life. It isn’t just an 8–5 job. I have the privilege of working in agriculture during the day while helping support my family’s farm at home,” she said. “There are so many ways to be involved in agriculture, and producing food is incredibly important. We need women in all aspects of the ag world. Whether you’re leading a company or caring for livestock, every role matters.”

Rachael Bruns, Soybean Supply Lead, Northern Sales Account Manager

Rachael sees agriculture as an opportunity to serve farmers and strengthen rural communities.

“Agriculture to me is more than a career. It’s a commitment to supporting farmers, strengthening rural communities and feeding families. Every day I have the opportunity to contribute to something bigger than myself,” she said. “Being a woman in this field means showing that knowledge, leadership and resilience have no boundaries. It means setting an example for the next generation of girls who may one day see themselves in agriculture.”

Jodi Lundt, Accounts Payable Specialist

Jodi said being a woman in agriculture is about meaningful work, community, and the strength women bring to the industry.

“As a woman in agriculture, it means being part of something meaningful- working with the land, supporting my community, and proving that women bring strength, skill and knowledge to this industry,” she said.

Today and every day, we celebrate the women who help agriculture grow stronger. Happy National Women in Agriculture Day from all of us at Latham Hi-Tech Seeds!

On this episode of Beyond the Bushel, John Latham sits down with Amy and Bryan Rohe to discuss work-life balance, working alongside a spouse, and what that experience is like at Latham Hi-Tech Seeds.