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Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

Latham® Corn Seed: Your Passport to Quality

By the time Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds offers a new corn hybrid, the number of places it has traveled in its developmental process is pretty “a-maize-ing.”

Let’s look at the developmental timeline and how your bag of corn seed gets so many frequent flyer miles. It can take at least five years to create a new hybrid with a new seed parent. These new corn lines like to travel. As a breeder, I become the travel agent coordinating their travel plans.

What are some of the popular destinations for these lucky kernels? We use fields in Hawaii, Mexico, Chile and Argentina. By using these countries, we can plant fields year-round to accelerate our development process. In some cases, we can get three growing seasons in one year.

We use these locations to develop new parents, remake successful hybrids, create new experimental hybrids to test each year and produce hybrid for new releases. No one country can efficiently meet all our needs, so using multiple locations allows us to do different processes to deliver a new product to you.

Your family uses passports to travel and gets inspected by the TSA to get on the plane. A corn family needs similar documents for travel. The difference is that your family typically can travel and get into a country within a day. Each seed shipment we send or receive needs its own inspection and unique documentation, depending on where it’s going. Seed is further inspected upon arriving at its destination. This trip can take up to a week or more if its paperwork isn’t accepted. Delays can affect whether the seed arrives home in time.

The next time you look at a bag of Latham brand hybrid seed corn, know that it might have as many airline miles as you do. Unfortunately, I haven’t found a way to collect and use those frequent flyer perks!

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Team Latham

March 24, 2023

#AskTheAgronomist, Corn, Crop, From the Field, General, Latham News, Tech Tuesday
Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

Breeding Tech Tools

Like our planting and harvest monitors, corn breeding technologies today improve the speed, accuracy (reliability) and cost of identifying, developing and delivering improved genetics to your farm gate. In this article, I’ll try to briefly describe a few of the most widely used tech tools in developing Latham Hybrids. Like electronic tools, they can be a distraction standing alone, but when linked together into a systematic process they create a powerful platform for continuous improvement.

Unlike traditional methods, “Dihaploid Breeding” (DH) creates homozygous (genetically fixed) male or female corn inbreds quickly. What once took five generations of manual self-pollination can now be created in just two or three generations. Not only do DH’s speed the creation of new inbreds but because they are uniform, they improve and speed field testing required to identify performance. DH delivers inbreds faster (commonly called “instant inbreds”), with near-perfect genetic uniformity at a moderate cost.

Sorting all those new inbreds can become a bottleneck in finding commercially viable candidates. Similar to trying to find NFL players among thousands of college athletes, corn breeding also requires a large pool of candidate inbreds — as quickly as possible. Thankfully, selecting for inbreds with “Favorable DNA” (genes with proven performance) has never been easier or cheaper. Breeders used to spend thousands of dollars to identify a few genetic markers on a single inbred to make associations with key traits such as yield or disease tolerance. Today, we are fast approaching a capability to sequence an entire corn inbred genome (all genes) for less than a dollar. Considering that corn has more genes than humans (on fewer chromosomes), detailed genetic data can enable breeders to quickly select best “candidate” inbreds.

To speed development even further, “Predictive Breeding” can now use genetic data to now simulate some field performance prior to testing in the field. While this will never replace actual field testing predictions, it enables breeders to discard the “chaff” from the wheat — inbreds with low probability of good performance before they’re ever field tested.

Lastly, once commercial lines are identified, “Embryo Rescue” can cycle four generations of trait conversion in the lab and greenhouse in a single year, to deliver trait conversions in two years instead of what used to take four to five years.

None of these tools stand alone, but when paired together they create a powerful process to speed development, improve uniformity and reduce developmental cost of delivering improved Latham genetics to your farm.

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Doug Barker

March 24, 2023

#AskTheAgronomist, Corn, General, Industry News, Seed Technology, Tech Tuesday
Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

The Luck of the Irish (and Shepherd’s Pie) Is With Us

Books can sweep your mind to far-away places when you must stay home, but it’s the beauty and peace of the Irish countryside that fills my heart these days. St. Patricks’ Day seems like an appropriate time to relive some of my favorite memories from the Irish adventure we enjoyed in July 2022 with a group of Latham® dealers.

Highlights of that trip included a visit to the Cliffs of Moher, a private tour of Jameson Distillery in Midleton and a pint inside The Gravity Bar. Its figure-eight shape gives guests a 360-degree panorama, which includes the Wicklow Mountains where Guinness sources its freshwater. (Irish water is also the secret ingredient in Jameson Whiskey . . . but I digress.)

Another favorite stop for me was a visit to Ballymaloe, where I purchased a beautiful coffee table cookbook entitled “30 Years at Ballymaloe” by Darina Allen. Allen started Ireland’s first farmers market and helped develop it into a national industry. She and her brother Rory O’Connell established Ballymaloe Cookery School in 1983. As a tireless ambassador for Irish cooking, Allen has authored more than 10 books and presented on six television series. Today one of her daughters-in-law, who graduated from Ballymaloe Cookery School, has taken on many of Allen’s duties.

The importance of using fresh, local ingredients is taught at Ballymaloe Cookery School. I agree the most delicious food is prepared when using the highest quality ingredients. Because I don’t have greenhouses and our gardens are still frozen in the Upper Midwest, I have adapted a recipe from Ballymaloe for Shepherd’s Pie.

I’m also linking to my family’s favorite recipe for the Best Dang Mashed Potatoes. As an empty nester, I’m all about repurposing leftovers. A “round one” recipe of Iowa Ham Balls with a side of mashed potatoes becomes a “round two” recipe of Shepherd’s Pie. Brownies, however, go with every meal in my opinion! Which one of these recipes do you think I should try first: Guinness Brownies with Irish Cream Frosting or Fudge Guinness Brownies with Salted Caramel?

Shannon Latham

March 14, 2023

Beef, Food & Family, General, Recipes
Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

Farming (and Mustangs) Fuel this Minnesota Family

Farming is at the heart of Kyle and Sally Johnson’s family — so much so that they made sure their wedding vows included the words “in sunshine and in rain” when they were married 22 years ago. Sally’s wedding ring has a head of wheat engraved on each side, a reflection of their Minnesota farm near Fargo, N.D., where they raise corn, soybeans, sugar beets and wheat.

“All four of our boys are farm boys in every way,” Sally says. “They all want to farm together too.”

Kyle and Sally met in high school at a church retreat, where Sally quickly noticed Kyle’s green Mustang and asked him for a ride.

Little did she know that Mustangs were a Johnson family “first car” tradition that began with Kyle’s dad. Both Kyle and his brother, Chad, had a Mustang growing up. Sally’s oldest sons — Ethan, Preston and Logan — have since chose a Mustang for their first cars, too. Thirteen-year-old Dawson plans to keep the tradition going.

“Even though our driveway is gravel, our boys all wanted one,” says Sally, who works as a trauma team case manager at Sanford Medical Center in Fargo. “Even I have a Mustang now.”

It’s said when you drive a Mustang, you’re living your dream. Together, Kyle and Sally are fueling similar dreams for their family on their fifth-generation North Dakota farm. A Latham® Seeds dealership helps diversify their income.

It was Sally’s cousin, Ken Highness, who first introduced her and Kyle to Latham products, which they started planting in 2015. The quality and performance of corn varieties and Ironclad™ soybeans helped Ken, a Latham regional sales manager, convince the Johnsons to take on a Latham® dealership — a decision Kyle says ended up being a perfect fit.

“It was a good opportunity, but it also made sense for us being a family-owned business,” he says. “We love that the whole Latham family, from John, Shannon and Chris are involved, because that’s what we strive for with our own family. We want to keep working together.”

When they aren’t farming, the Johnsons enjoy sports, hunting, ice fishing and annual trips to Yellowstone National Park. They also love this tried-and-true chicken enchilada recipe that feeds their hungry crew.

bonnie-harris

March 10, 2023

Food & Family, General, Latham News, Poultry, Recipes
Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

Latham Seeds welcomes Steve Sick as Product Manager

When Steve Sick was 12 years old, he started working summers in the corn nursery in Freemont, Nebraska, where his dad was research director at J.C. Robinson Seed Co. He developed a love for agriculture and continued his career in R&D well after high school (24 years to be exact) before moving into Product Management.

“I learned the seed business from the inside out,” Steve says. “I didn’t grow up on a farm and I did not attend college, but I’ve been involved in agriculture my entire life.”

After working for several larger companies over the years, Steve is happy to get back to what he calls “the bare roots and basics of seed” in his new role as Latham’s product manager.

“I honestly enjoy talking to and teaching growers about new products to help them be more successful in the farming operations,” Steve says. “You’ll never leave a conversation with me and not know exactly where I stand on a topic or a product. It’s just who I am.”

Steve and his wife, Cindy, have been married for 32 years. They go to Las Vegas twice a year, with Steve betting on sports and Cindy enjoying the slots. (This June will mark their 59^th trip to Vegas.) They also have taken on a growing interest in watching their granddaughter, Emily, play her favorite sport: bowling.

“She wants to be a professional bowler when she grows up,” Steve says. “Her high game is 205. Not bad for a 12-year-old!”

bonnie-harris

March 2, 2023

Food & Family, General, Latham News
Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

Phytophthora Root and Stem Rot
Phytophthora root and stem rot is a significant disease affecting soybeans across Latham Country. It can kill and damage seedlings and plants from planting almost through harvest. This disease especially favors saturated conditions early in the growing season.

You’re most likely to find Phytophthora in the following places:
- Low, wet spots in a field
- Fields with high clay content
- Fields that have been in no-till for a few years
- Weedy areas that may be the result of stand reduction earlier in the season
Begin scouting as early as emergence where soils are saturated by heavy rains following planting. Where gaps in the row appear, carefully dig down to the seed zone. Infected seeds may rot before germination. Others may germinate but fail to make it to the surface.

In other instances, soybean plants may emerge from the soil and then die. These dying or dead plants often show a “pinching” of the stem just at or slightly below the soil line. This symptom is commonly referred to as damping-off.

If damping-off is a problem in the spring, watch for Phytophthora infection following rainy periods later in the season. The stem rot phase is easily recognizable by the presence of a distinct chocolate-brown lesion moving up the stem from the soil line. Initially, the upper stem of the plant may remain green. The plant will eventually wilt, turn yellow, and then die with leaves remaining attached.

The root rot phase of Phytophthora is not as readily recognized as the stem rot phase. Infected plants can be stunted and less vigorous, although this is hard to spot unless the infected plants are near a healthy comparison. A close inspection of the root system will reveal a significant reduction in the number of secondary roots and fine root hairs that help the plant take up moisture and nutrients. Plants with the root rot phase may mature a week or two earlier than healthy plants in the field.

Management

Many soybean varieties have resistance genes. The most common group of genes are known as Rps genes (“Resistant to Phytophthora sojae”). Varieties with “stacked” genes can show significantly higher resistance to Phytophthora. Specific information on PRR genes for each of Latham® soybean varieties is included in our 2023 Seed Guide.

Using Latham’s SoyShield® and SoyShield Plus seed treatments is a proven, effective way to protect against early-season diseases like Phytophthora. Using our seed treatment gives you the confidence and flexibility for a strong start to the growing season.

*Sources:
- Phytophthora Root & Stem Rot – Soybean Disease – Soybean Research & Information Network – SRIN (soybeanresearchinfo.com)
- Phytophthora root and stem rot on soybean | UMN Extension
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Webspec Admin

March 2, 2023

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

Put on your cancer shield

Our risk of being diagnosed with certain cancers can be dramatically reduced — if not prevented — simply by making healthy choices. Here’s how to start: Eat right, stay active and don’t smoke. There. You’ve already struck cancer down in half!

Here’s another tip: get cancer screenings. Don’t wait. Screenings can help detect some cancers early. Oh, and because skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States (that applies directly to those of us in agriculture who spend a lot of time outdoors), don’t mess around. Make sunscreen your new best friend.

More than 1.6 million people are diagnosed with cancer annually in the United States. Whether it’s ourselves, our parents, a neighbor or a coworker, each of us has a cancer story. No one should fight alone.

The American Cancer Society has Cancer Screen Guidelines to help guide you when you talk with your doctor.

Just being aware of cancer threats isn’t enough. Put on your shield and take action!

Learn more about our Sowing Seeds of Hope campaign where we are fighting cancer one unit at a time.

bonnie-harris

February 24, 2023

General, Seeds of Hope
Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

Drive Yield with Soil Health and Customized Plant Nutrition
It’s no secret that optimal yields result from a combination of many factors: environment, plant nutrition and nutrients to name a few.

Plant nutrition is key to maximizing the yield potential of today’s plant genetics. To meet the intensive nutritional demands of these plants, there must be a higher fidelity to soil condition and nutrition. Removing nutrients removes nutrition from the soil reserves.

There is a no “one-size-fits-all” nutrition program, and there are many variations of soils and environments. So customizing nutrition programs by field can help optimize yield. Today’s technology allows us to do just that!

Many years ago, we heard about a farmer who found a unique combination of cover crops that worked well for his soils and climate. He tracked everything precisely and found that soil organic matter (OM) increases by 0.1% each year. This may not seem like much, but the impacts are exponential. In 10 years, you gain 1% more OM. For every 1% OM, the soil can hold 1 acre inch of rain. That’s 27,000 gallons of water.

This farmer is improving water and nutrient-holding capacity of the soil in the root zone. During drought years, his farm’s yield was only down 10 bushels while the average yield decrease was 60 bushels. Plus, his farm produced the same yields using less nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) because leaching is reduced.

Why not experiment on your own farm? Start small and see how you can capture more yield on the same acre. Here are a couple resources to help you get started:
- Try Something New
- On-Farm Research Helps Find Palatable Solutions
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Webspec Admin

February 22, 2023

Agronomics, Cover Crops, Crop, Disease, Emergence, Fertility, General, Growth Stages, Soil
Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

FOR THE LOVE OF HER LAND

When it comes to farming — specifically as a FarmHer — April Hemmes’ resume speaks for itself.

Besides earning her Animal Science degree from Iowa State University, April has served in leadership roles for the United Soybean Board, USDA Foreign Ag Service Technical Advisory Council and the U.N. Food Security Summit . . . just to name a few. She’s been described as a trailblazer for women in ag — a reference she humbly dismisses and appreciates at the same time.

“I really don’t think you are a trailblazer if you are just doing what you love and pursuing your dream,” April says. “I hope the fact that I farm gives other young women hope that someday they may be able to go home and work on their family farm and manage it, too!”

April lives on the farm her great grandfather bought in 1901. It was always a diverse operation, so when she came home to farm, April knew she could have hogs too. They cleaned out an old building and turned it into a farrowing house with raised crates that April bought from a nearby producer who’d gone out of business. She bought 30 gilts, started a farrow-to-finish operation and farmed with her grandpa and her dad.

April with her grandfather

When the market went to 9 cents a pound in the late 1990’s, April retreated from the hog business to focus more on the 60-head cow calf herd she had purchased from her dad by then.

“I really liked having hogs around,” April says. “But something had to go.”

Business decisions like that helped propel April into a lifetime of farming that has captured headlines as “Midwest Farm Mom of the Year” and on the cover of “Successful Farming” magazine. Her husband, Tom Kazmerzak, always has worked in town and not on the farm. April has been the owner and operator of her family’s century farm south of Hampton, Iowa for more than 40 years, raising corn, soybean and pasture land.

“Farming has always been what I wanted to do with my life,” April says. “I always helped on the farm and knew education and experience would be the best way to be ready for the challenge.”

One of April’s secrets to success is getting up early to answer emails so other farmers feel heard.

“The most gratifying thing I hear is when another farmer thanks me for what I am doing,” she says. “It really means a lot to me.”

The other secret to her success? Sheer stubbornness.

“I did not have a father who encouraged me to farm, but I was always expected to do everything on the farm,” April says. “I’m very proud to carry on the tradition of farming. It’s my love, my life and my legacy.”

Enjoy April’s favorite cookie recipe below.

Shannon Latham

February 16, 2023

Agronomics, Desserts, Food & Family, General, Latham News, Recipes
Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

Mitigate Weather Risks with Best Management Practices
Weather concerns are top of mind as farmers across Latham Country look ahead to spring 2023 planting. Customers frequently ask us how to mitigate risk from the 2022 wet planting season.

While we want to maximize the yield potential of early planting, 2022 data shows us that delayed planting can result in very good yields — and better yields than planting when conditions are unfit.

Consider these factors to successfully mitigate potential risks of delayed planting:
1. Minimize compaction during field preparation.
  - A uniform seed bed creates the best opportunity to plant your crop with precision.
  - Minimize passes in the spring while creating a uniform seed bed.
  - Be careful not to cause sidewall compaction of seed trench at planting.
2. Plant your corn crop with precision. We want all plants to emerge within 72 hours. This creates the best root system to maximize water use through the entire growing season.
  - Plant a consistent seed depth.
  - Check for consistent seed spacing.
  - Ensure great seed-to-soil contact.
  - Delay planting if cold temps or cold rain is forecasted within 72 hours after planting.
3. Promote a healthy root system with fertility. Good fertility programs maintain a healthy, strong root system to effectively use available water.
  - Starter fertilizer gets corn plants off to the best start possible.
  - Side-dress Nitrogen in a timely manner to nurse optimum plant health.
  - Maintain a good fertility balance, using soil testing as a guide.
We suggest staying with a hybrid selection plan that does not vary significantly from previous years. A couple management changes at planting time to get your crop off to a great start will result in more success than totally changing your hybrid selection.

Remember, most corn yield is created in July and August. Get your plants off to the best start, so they can take advantage of that part of the growing season. Don’t get discouraged if you encounter a bit of a delay. Stick to the hybrids in your original plan through the end of May.

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Webspec Admin

February 14, 2023

Agronomics, Corn, Crop, Emergence, General, Growth Stages, Precision Ag, Season, Soil, Soybeans, Spring