Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

Not All Alfalfa is Created Equal — It Pays to Plant Quality

Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds is a great source of top alfalfa genetics, and now’s the time to get in on these products!

More farmers will diversify in seed alfalfa in 2023 to capture high markets. You’ll also get the benefit of up to 100+ nitrogen credit plus 20% more yield on the crop that follows rotated alfalfa.

Review the features and benefits of the alfalfa products offered by Latham Seeds, so you can truly understand that not all alfalfa seed is the same.

We are very intentional about finding the best genetics and seed treatments for your acres. Many competitors sell lower-yielding genetics with very basic seed treatments, which are cleverly wrapped with an alluring price. That “alluring” price can distract farmers from looking at the value of the features and benefits of each component.

When you run a race, fly an airplane, or drive in the Indy 500, you can’t win with lower horsepower or by running half throttle. Yes, you might get to the finish line — but how will you celebrate? Your best chance of achieving top yields is running the yield race with the most horsepower, full throttle with proven seed genetics and seeding treatments.

Features	Benefits
Newest generation plant genetics	· Capture as much yield as possible each cutting · Have best chance at strong stand for life of rotation · Capture the soil’s full yield potential
Best disease package	· Healthier plants · Higher yield · Longer stand life
Quick recovery after cutting	· More yield
Industry-leading seed treatment	· Emerge fast · Grow stronger · Yield more
Optimize® Gold alfalfa inoculant	· Growth promoter · Enhances quick nodulation and nitrogen fixation · Boosts yields; improves quality
Nitragin® Gold Alfalfa	· Nitrogen-fixing inoculant · Helps stimulate early nodulation and nitrogen fixation · Boosts yield
Stamina® fungicide	· Newer class of fungicide · Helps reduce broader spectrum of pathogens, especially at emergence time · Protects against Aphanomyces races
APRON® fungicide	· Helps reduce pathogen risks like root diseases
Micronutrients	· Specific micronutrients that facilitate and promote emergence, health and vitality
Polymer	· Helps flowability for uniform distribution
Coating	· Encapsulate the blend of treatments · Helps seed absorb moisture for quicker germination

Varieties
LH 9120 Branch Root	· Great in all soils · Works well in wetter soils Finer stemmed; great for dry baling
LH 9700 Disease	· Strong disease package · Works in all soils · Great for chopping, baleage, and dry bale
LH 8101	· Basic alfalfa, short rotation,
AA Harvxtra 481 Ultra Cut	· Very special genetics · 10%+ more yield vs non-ultra cut · Best disease package, especially involving Aphanomyces and anthracnose threats · Best forage quality potential · Unique HarvXtra Genetics with Ultra Cut features

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Webspec Admin

January 12, 2023

Agronomics, Alfalfa, Crop, General

Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

Fit ‘er Done: Latham Seeds is up for the challenge!
During a cold Midwest winter, it’s easy to curl up with a blanket and binge on Netflix while consuming empty calories. That’s why two of my New Year’s Resolutions are to eat healthier and move more. My daily S.M.A.R.T. goals are to eat 5 fruits/veggies, drink 64 ounces of water, and log 10,000 steps.

Those daily goals sound simple enough, but I find it easy to get off track. How about you? An organized exercise effort like Live Healthy Iowa’s 10 Week Wellness Challenge is just what I need to form new habits. (#DYK it takes, on average, two months to form a new habit?)

Live Healthy Iowa has helped more than 308,000 participants shed over one million pounds and log nearly 600 million minutes of physical activity since 2002 through the 10 Week Wellness Challenge! This challenge has become part of Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds’ corporate wellness program, and we’re inviting you to join us!

If organized exercise isn’t for you, our blog contains several healthy recipes and motivational blogs. We’ve posted a few here to get you started:
Shannon Latham

January 6, 2023

General
Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

“CAN” Nitrogen-Fixation Products Improve Silage Quality?
As quickly as we close the book on the 2022 season, we start the next chapter of 2023.

This is referred to as “Constant and Never-ending Improvement” (CANI) by Tony Robbins — author, coach and motivational speaker. His CANI technique is about making consistent, small changes in your life that are often more effective than trying to change everything at once. I believe most farmers embody this spirit of growth and optimism.

As we sharpen the pencil on our 2023 story, it’s beneficial to review observations from the 2022 growing season. One of the most expensive components in livestock feed is supplemental protein. Because I hope to find ways beyond plant genetics to help improve plant protein, I’m taking a closer look at nitrogen-fixation products.

Forage quality is complex and has a lot to do with a combination of plant genetics x soil fertility x environment. In addition to the seed treatment trials conducted at Latham’s Premier Agronomy Center in Alexander, I did a small experiment with Envita in a small corn silage trial in Ellsworth, Wisc. I’m just learning about these nitrogen-fixation products on corn. I’m sharing my observations because I found them interesting.

I sprayed Envita in a foliar form on healthy plants around tassel time. After spraying, moisture was limited until corn silage harvest time. The following photos help show the harvest results.

Corn Silage Yield Observations

LH 5389 + Envita = 7.7 more harvest tons, and 3 more dry matter (DM) tons versus the check with no difference in quality.

There is clearly a visual difference in ear size, so I’m curious to learn more about these types of nitrogen-fixation products. NOTE: This research was done only one year in one location. It will be interesting to see what type of yield response we see in subsequent years and at different locations. My hypothesis is Envita helped the silage plant better handle stress from dry conditions, but I need to test it further. There is so much to be learned!

What types of experiments do you plan to conduct on your farm in 2023?

Check out past articles for tips on conducting small scale, on-farm experiments:
Did you enjoy this article? We want to (TECH)talk with you! Sign up for our newsletter to receive agronomy articles in your inbox! We’ll talk soon.
Webspec Admin

December 21, 2022

Corn Silage, Crop, General
Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

Grateful to Have Hope

All of us at Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds are so grateful for the support that’s been given to our Sowing Seeds of Hope campaign. Earlier this year we set a goal to raise $75,000 for the American Cancer Society in commemoration of our company’s 75^th anniversary. Besides donating $1 for every unit of LH 3937 VT2 PRO, LH 5245 VT2 PRO and LH 6477 VT2 PRO sold, we’re supporting local events, matching employee contributions and raising awareness through stories on social media. Watch this video to learn more about our Seeds of Hope campaign and why it’s so near and dear to us!

Ready to make an impact? Donate here.

bonnie-harris

December 15, 2022

General, Seeds of Hope
Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

Latham Seeds Welcomes Jenny Moore

Jenny celebrating at our Feliz Navidad party!

Taking care of business (and people) has always been Jenny Moore’s passion. As Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds’ newest team member, she’s doing both for us!

Born and raised in Belmond, Iowa, Jenny was an all-around athlete. She played basketball, softball, volleyball and track throughout high school. She also was a clarinet-playing band kid, and says she was happy to “twirl the flag” in marching band.

“I was good at that,” Jenny says with a laugh.

She’s also good at helping people in their darkest times of need.

Before joining Latham Seeds, Jenny worked for more than 20 years at Mercy One in Mason City. As a patient care technician in the emergency room, Jenny served countless families through their worst traumas. Jenny managed paperwork, documented patient needs and, especially, held the hands of people who needed it most. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she became the primary prevention police officer in her unit. Jenny trained colleagues on a whole new hospital protocol, from how to properly wash hands to safely move in and out of patients’ rooms.

“I definitely wasn’t the most popular person at work during that time,” Jenny says. “But I knew I was doing the right work.”

One of Jenny’s cousins told her about Latham’s executive administrative assistant opening, a job she thought sounded perfect at the time. Jenny has fond memories of traveling to meet with seed dealers with her ex-husband, a former ag sales rep.

“The trust and bond we all had was very inspiring,” Jenny says. “I am extremely happy to be a part of the Latham Seeds family now.”

Jenny is most grateful for the patience and grace that her fellow Latham colleagues have shown her in the last two months since she joined the team. “Nobody makes me feel like I’m asking too many questions,” Jenny says. “Everyone is so kind to me. I’m very happy where I am.”

Jenny’s parents, Curtis and Byrul, live on a farm near Rowan, Iowa, where they raise corn and beans. Jenny is the middle child of their three daughters. Kim, the oldest, lives Texas. Jamie, the youngest, lives in Dows, Iowa. The sisters have an older brother who passed away in 1999.

In her free time, Jenny loves doing anything outdoors — especially camping at the Iowa State Fair where her family has a coveted camp site. She also travels with her dad every year as he races his fastest vintage car.

“Nothing’s better than that,” Jenny says.

One thing that might come close is this recipe from Jenny’s beloved grandmother. Take note of Grandma June’s Homemade Mac ‘n Cheese recipe below.

bonnie-harris

December 9, 2022

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

Three Keys to High-Yielding Soybeans
Our focus for Latham Premier Agronomy Center in Alexander, Iowa, is to showcase a broad lineup of independent options and to demonstrate how genetics interact with the environment and management styles (G X E X M).

In the Premier Agronomy Center this year, we tested 26 Latham® soybean varieties using 28 different management practices. My top take-home messages for our 2022 soybean plots are:
1. August rains make soybeans. We received 11.8 inches of rain this season but 4.1 inches of it fell in August. Although we received below-normal moisture, the rain came at the right time. Our plots averaged 75 bushels per acre (bu/A) on about 12 total inches of rain!
2. Don’t stress soybeans at early bloom. Weed control in soybeans is extremely important. I made a second pass of Liberty® in season, however, it reduced yields by 10 percent. Our showcase plots did not get the extra dose of herbicide and averaged 86 bu/A; the plots that received a second pass yielded an average of 78 bu/A.
3. “Early” planting date is key to high yield. While earlier is better, “early” does not mean April 10 because we don’t want to risk stand loss to freezing temps. This year our first soybean plots were planted later than expected due to conditions. The plots planted May 13 averaged 5.5 bu/A better than the plots planted May 20. Seven days can make a difference in the number of nodes and pods retained, plus the canopy closes sooner.
The key to higher yields is how all three components – genetics by environment by management – interact. Fertility tops my list, so I always make sure potassium is sufficient. Potassium is what gets soybeans (and corn) through stressful times and helps them better manage water loss on hot days.

Latham® soybeans have outstanding yield potential. But like all living and breathing organisms, our soybeans struggle to perform when they’re stressed at the wrong time. The key to top soybean yields is management: reduce as much stress as possible during the growing season because we can’t control the weather.

Did you enjoy this article? We want to (TECH)talk with you! Sign up for our newsletter to receive agronomy articles in your inbox! We’ll talk soon.
Phil Long

December 8, 2022

Agronomics, Crop, Disease, Emergence, Fertility, Fungicide, General, Growth Stages, Insects, Seed Treatment, Soil, Soybeans, Weed Control
Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

Feliz Navidad!

At Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds, we have been kicking off the holidays with an all-company potluck since 2009. This year, we thought our gathering was worthy of a Christmas poem. Enjoy our little story and our pictures! Here’s to carrying on your own cherished family traditions this season.

This week at Latham Seeds, we all gave a cheer

For the food and the sweaters — yes, our potluck was here!

Crockpots and cookies all waited in line

And the tacos arrived, just precisely on time.

Who brought that cheese dip? Who made those bars?

Mexican sushi? Oh, we’re eating like stars.

“Feliz Navidad” was our theme for this year,

There were jalapeños galore, for those with no fear.

We had cheesy corn and tortillas, beans and rice

And all the Christmas staples – so much sugar, so much spice!

Our ugly sweater contest brought Quentin some fame.

But who knew Spanish Bingo is the best reindeer game?

Quentin was our big winner!

Personalized ornaments were hung on the tree

As a thank you to Team Latham for everyone to see.

With hearts and bellies full, no one left without

Because a tradition like this is what family’s all about.

Enjoy a recipe that was brought to the potluck below!

bonnie-harris

December 1, 2022

Appetizers, Beef, Breads/Breakfast, Dairy, Desserts, Food & Family, General, Latham News, Pork, Poultry, Recipes, Salads, Seafood, Sides, Soups
Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

Latham Seeds Welcomes Kody Trampel as Regional Sales Manager

Sometimes, the best opportunities present themselves at just the right time. That was true for Kody Trampel, who joined the Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds team earlier this fall after working as an agronomist in ag retail for 12 years. Kody knew the Latham family even before he graduated from Iowa State University 10 years ago, and always kept an eye on the company’s go-to-market strategy.

“One thing Latham does really well is bringing options to customers and letting them pick the trait packages that best fit within their operation,” Kody says. “Being an independent seed company gives us the ability to do that. Most other companies can’t.”

While he didn’t grow up on a farm, Kody helped his grandpa mix feed at the Klemme (Iowa) Co-op every week. He participated in FFA and 4-H; and majored in Agricultural Studies at ISU. He met his wife, Vanessa, while working as an agronomist in one of her grandpa’s bean fields.

Kody and Vanessa Trampel with their children Pierce and Finley.

Today, Kody and Vanessa raise corn, soybeans, alfalfa, cattle and hogs. They also represent District 2 for the Iowa Farm Bureau’s Young Farmer Advisory Committee. Kody is involved with the Hancock County Extension Council and Hancock County Farm Bureau, as well. Vanessa is an Iowa Central nursing graduate.

Kody says he’s most excited for the opportunity to “focus on seed only” in his RSM role at Latham Seeds — while also using his experience in ag retail to help grow his dealer network.

“Bringing real-life experiences to the farm gate is something I’m really looking forward to,” he says.

Kody knows how committed Latham Seeds is to its customer base because of a single, short statement that company President John Latham always drives home: “We are a genetics-first company and a trait company second.”

“That comment from John truly shows that no matter where the traits are sourced from, we won’t bring them to the table unless we have a need from our customers,” Kody says. “That just proves how important they are to us.”

When he isn’t working, Kody enjoys camping with family and friends, and raising and showing livestock. He and Vanessa have two children, Pierce (3) and Finley (2). They also love their four mini Aussies: Paisley, Bentley, Sage and Mila.

Here is a delicious family recipe from the Trampels!

bonnie-harris

November 18, 2022

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

Latham Seeds Welcomes Noah Snedden as a District Sales Manager

As the second oldest of six boys growing up on an Iowa Century Farm near Ogden, Noah Snedden was always heavily involved in the family’s daily operations – whether it be in the fields or working on the cattle and hogs. Even the “not-so-fun-jobs” that he and his brothers got stuck with eventually turned into fond memories, he says.

“Being able to work and learn with your family is a special thing that we often take for granted,” Noah says.

His dad, Dan, farms around the Ogden area raising crops, hogs and a few cattle. His mom works for Alliant Energy. Noah’s brothers — Bryce (24), Ethan (22), Lane (19), Ben (11) and Jake (9) — have been active in the community through sports, 4-H and FFA Noah says his family’s involvement in showing cattle helped him develop a strong work ethic.

Noah Snedden’s Family

Noah showing his younger brother Ben how to run the grain cart.

“The responsibility and work it takes to have livestock look their best to compete at county and state fairs is often overlooked,” Noah says. “Showing cattle taught me a lot about sacrifice and hard work. I will always be grateful for 4-H and FFA giving me those opportunities.”

Noah Snedden Showing Cattle

After high school, Noah completed the Agribusiness program at Des Moines Area Community College and then transferred to Iowa State University, where he graduated in 2022 with an Ag Studies degree.

Noah was attracted to the Latham Team earlier this fall because the company “checked a lot of boxes” for him as a family-owned business. He could tell the family aspect motivated Latham’s employees to work together – and for each other – every day.

“That was a great feeling, especially for someone coming right out of college,” he says. “On top of that, I appreciated being able to interact with our president, John Latham, at dealer field days and being able to talk with Shannon Latham, an Iowa House Representative, whenever I need something. You don’t see that in most companies. It’s pretty awesome to be a part of that.”

When he’s not covering his West Central Iowa region for Latham Seeds, Noah enjoys playing golf, watching his younger brothers play sports and being in the show barn with his family. He also loves to cheer on the Iowa State Cyclones, especially on Cy-Hawk game day.

Speaking of that, here’s a favorite tailgate recipe that Noah likes to share.

bonnie-harris

November 11, 2022

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

A cancer-free milestone keeps this family celebrating the little things

On a random day in March of 2017, my dad, Steve Prokosch, thought he had a hernia. His stomach was bloated, his belly button was red and extended. He wasn’t feeling well. With encouragement from our family, he went to the doctor for a CT scan. He was told he’d get results in 48 hours.

Within 40 minutes – before Dad even got home from his CT scan – the doctor called. The message was to turn around, come back to the hospital right away because there was something more going on than a hernia. The tumor inside his abdomen was the size of a cantaloupe. Within two weeks, it would double to the size of a basketball.

There were tests, a LOT of tests, and they kept Dad in the hospital to start chemotherapy treatments immediately. He was diagnosed with a super-rare cancer called Triple Hit Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. No one was sure how to manage it, so they threw everything they could at Dad: a 12-drug regimen every two weeks that lasted for five months. It wiped him out. It brought my family together more than ever before.

Steve Prokosch

My Dad had never been in a hospital, no broken bones or anything of the sort. Nothing his whole life. This hospital stay was his first. He only got to go home two weekends that whole time. I know it comforted him to watch us plant in the field while he rested in bed. He knew we were keeping things going. Check out the Caring Bridge posts that my sisters did over those long months. We prayed hard and we had so many praying for us, too.

Latham Seeds is passionate about cancer research. Learn more about our Sowing Seeds of Hope campaign.

A stem cell transplant at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester finally brought us hope. A very kind doctor there said he knew we farmed. He told Dad to go home, get the crop out and come back to see him when we were done.

That was all my dad needed to hear.

To this day, Dad is five years cancer-free. He thinks about it every day and praises God every day. I want to share our family’s story to remind us all how important it is to celebrate the little things in life. The blessings we have are never guaranteed.

Steve and Justin Prokosch

We all know someone whose life has been affected by cancer. It’s another reason why we’re taking cancer on one unit at a time. The Latham family is very passionate about cancer research and the services the American Cancer Society has to offer. Learn more about our Sowing Seeds of Hope campaign.

Justin Prokosch

November 4, 2022

General, Seeds of Hope