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Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

Hybrid Selection for Continuous Corn
The number of corn acres are expected to rise for 2012 planting. Since only a portion of the projected acreage was planted to soybeans in 2011, it stands to reason that more acres will be continuous corn in 2012.

Corn-on-corn can be a profitable venture if those acres are properly managed:
1. Residue management is the first step of a successful corn-on-corn situation.
2. Fertility should be evaluated and applications planned for continuous corn fields. It really pays to have a soil test to determine needs for N, P & K.
3. Work with your Latham representative to put a crop plan together and stick with it. Selecting hybrids with the right trait package is important, but that’s just one part of a crop plan. These plans should focus on hybrid selection, plant population, fungicide usage and other management issues.
Hybrid selection can make a 40- to 50-bushel difference in grain yield, according to university researchers. Important hybrid characteristics for continuous corn include quick emergence, stalk strength, as we potential disease problems in corn following corn.
Spread your risk and increase your potential for high yields by planting at least three different Latham® hybrids with differences in genetic traits, maturity or disease susceptibility. Balance yield with reasonable grain moisture. Hybrids must be well suited specifically to the area they will be grown. Hybrids planted in continuous corn situation must be able to perform across the field in tough conditions. Spray with a foliar fungicide to help preserve overall late-season intactness.

Although corn supplies are tight this fall throughout the industry, Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds still has availability for these hybrids in corn-on-corn situations:
- LH 3818 VT3 Pro
- LH 4796 VT3
- LH 4848 3111
- LH 4999 VT3 Pro
- LH 5378 VT3 Pro
- LH 6394 3000GT/LH 6396 3111
Webspec Admin

December 6, 2011

Corn, Crop, General
Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

Soybean Spotlight: L2084R2 Deserves an Encore!
Corn has been stealing the spotlight recently with headlines like “2012 Corn Acres to Rise”. With all of the focus being put on corn, we’d like to take this opportunity to shine the spotlight on some outstanding soybean numbers. Today we’re featuring Latham L2084R2.

Latham L2084R2 topped 26 strip trials in 2011, beating elite genetics in its maturity across northern Iowa, southern Minnesota, southern Wisconsin and eastern South Dakota. It’s not often that we promote a specific product on our blog. With results like this, however, we honestly believe we’d be doing a disservice to soybean growers if we kept it under wraps!

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zgIq37l5cjg&feature=youtu.be[/youtube]

Here are several reasons why L2084R2 is dominating:
- Contains the Genuity® Roundup Ready 2 gene, which is consistently out-performing the original Roundup Ready trait found in Pioneer® brand soybeans and in other brands
- Ranks highest for emergence, stress and no-till
- Is resistant to Soybean Cyst Nematode
- Has complete Brown Stem Rot resistance
- Is tolerant to Iron Chlorosis
- Contains the K gene for Phytophthora Root Rot resistance
- Has good White Mold tolerance
With all of these attributes, it’s no wonder that L2084R2 is Latham’s top-selling soybean product. Just keep in mind that you’re best served when you plant three or four different Latham® Hi‑Tech Soybean products to minimize risk and maximize returns. You can put together a crop plan with other great Latham® numbers like these:
- L1985R2
- L2182R2
- L2183R2
- L2440R2
While everyone else is wrapping gifts and putting presents under the tree, remember to give yourself a gift this season. Order your Latham L2084R2 today, while supplies are available!
John Latham, President

December 5, 2011

Crop, General, Soybeans
Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

Preparing for Christmas
Traditional German advent calendars, like this one, were a part of my childhood Christmases. Today the tradition continues as each season my mom buys a new calendar – the ones with a chocolate behind each number – for my children.

Those who know me best know how much I love a theme! So right after Thanksgiving, I greatly enjoy transforming our living room to reflect “Christmas Around the World.” Our tree is adorned with decorations that pay tribute to our heritage including a Danish paper heart ornament to honor Grandma Latham, a Belleek china ornament that my mother-in-law brought from Ireland and hand-blown glass ornaments from Germany to honor both sides of my family, as well as wooden ornaments from Russia.

In addition to these beautiful worldly ornaments, our tree includes precious decorations our children have made throughout the years. As I hang each one, I fondly remember their little faces as they eagerly waited for me to unwrap the ornaments they had made in school. My favorite decorations are those that include their school picture from that year. My kids and I have also had fun making many of the ornaments together. Later this month I’m looking forward to making pinecone ornaments with my Junior Girl Scout troop and decorating cookies for shut-ins.

For me, Christmas is a time of year to honor traditions and create new ones. One tradition that I’ve enjoyed since moving to Sheffield is our church’s annual Advent by Candlelight program. It’s a great way to kickoff the holiday season by preparing our hearts and minds for the season. This year I had the honor of hosting a table of girlfriends for dessert prior to the program. I had so much fun decorating the table, including making the cake. (Confession time: The reason my cake looked beautiful is because I made it during a three-hour cake decorating class. That class was one of the best birthday presents I’ve ever received!)

This homemade, white cake with raspberry filling was topped with a delicious Italian butter cream frosting. The frosting recipe, however, is the pastry chef’s trademark secret.

Thankfully, Latham’s graphic designer, Amy Hild saved the day by sharing one of her family’s favorite recipes for Christmas cake. Unlike me, Amy’s mom really gets all the credit for making this beautiful cake. Amy gets the credit for helping decorate the table and taking the beautiful photographs.

It’s become a tradition for the Hilds to enjoy this melt-in-your-mouth chocolate cake topped with cherries each Christmas Eve. What foods does your family traditionally serve on Christmas Eve or Christmas day?

Related Posts
- “Sharing a little Christmas Magic”
- “Sharing Christmas Traditions”
Team Latham

December 2, 2011

Desserts, General, Recipes
Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

Last Chance to Comment On Child Labor
The deadline draws near to raise concerns over the U.S Department of Labor’s proposed changes to “youth labor” rules. Comments are due Dec. 1.

At face value, it looks like if you have a family farm, you’ll be exempt. However, if the family farm is incorporated, you’re not exempt if someone other than the child’s parents own stock. Our concern is that these rule changes will reach further than we might even know. The proposed regulations also don’t take into account the many faces of modern family farms. Not everyone fits the government’s traditional definition of family farms; today’s family farming operations might be grandparents and grandchildren or uncle and aunts, nieces and nephews.

We hope you – as well as your family members and friends – will contact the Department of Labor and let them know how detrimental these changes would be to your family. To submit comments, click here and reference RIN 1235-AA06.

Click here to hear more.

For additional background information on the proposed rule changes, see these blog posts:
1. Comment by Dec. 1 on how proposed changes to “child labor” regulations would impact your farm: http://bit.ly/ueDC92
2. Farm cores help build character & work ethic. If you agree, please contact the Department of Labor by Dec 1: http://bit.ly/uCEp0X
3. FFA & 4-H projects could be affected by proposed “child labor” rules: http://bit.ly/uCEp0X
4. Child labor? Oh, please! Every day is “bring your child to work day” on the farm.” http://bit.ly/rWd2My
5. Teen Farm Labor is Vital in Rural Areas: http://bit.ly/t5j65s
6. Proposed “child labor” rules include gray areas. Help common sense (aka “grey matter”) prevail. Take a look: http://bit.ly/tU2qMw
Team Latham

November 30, 2011

Agriculture, General, Industry News
Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

Farmers Have New R-I-B Option

There’s big news across the seed industry! Genuity® VT Double PRO® RIB Complete™ recently received registration from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

This is great news for Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds customers as they will have another true, single-bag refuge option (RIB) for managing above-ground pests. Genuity VT2 PRO RIB Complete, as well as Genuity® SmartStax® RIB Complete, will be broadly available to farmers in 2012.

Latham’s Genuity VT2 PRO RIB Complete is a blend of 95% Genuity VT Double Pro and 5% refuge (non-BT) seed, delivering the lowest refuge in the corn growing area for above ground pests. VT2 PRO is actually a triple-stack product as it contains two traits for above-ground protection of pests like European Corn Borer, Corn Earworm and Fall Armyworm, in addition to the Roundup Ready trait. I look at this product as a different kind of triple stack, one that is specifically made for rotated ground and not for corn-on-corn situations.
Contact your local Latham® dealer or call our office at 1-877-GO-LATHAM to order your Latham Genuity VT2 PRO today!

The following Latham hybrids are still available as Latham Genuity VT Double Pro RIB Complete: LH 3557 VT2 PRO, LH 4227 VT2 PRO, LH 5465 VT2 PRO and LH 5875 VT2 PRO. All four of these products are tremendous new genetics that offer fantastic top-end yields in rotated ground.

John Latham, President

November 28, 2011

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

A Thanksgiving poem: "Giving Thanks for America’s Farmers"

submitted by Aaron Putze, Iowa Food & Family Project, Iowa Soybean Association

Thanksgiving Day is approaching, an opportunity to be mindful of the many blessings we enjoy as Americans. Near the top of the list are dedicated farm families who take pride in providing wholesome and healthy food choices for everyone. Aaron Putze, Sr. Director of Information & Education for the Iowa Soybean Association, has authored a Thanksgiving poem, recognizing the ongoing commitment of farmers and the good things they bring to life.

Giving Thanks for America’s Farmers
By Aaron Putze

They don’t seek attention or verses that rhyme;
Nor features or spotlights, none of any kind.

For farmers it’s not a headline to rise each new day;
Often before sunrise as they get on their way.

They say it’s part of the job to get soaked by rain;
To plow through snow and work through pain.

To move augers and wagons and make quick repairs;
To volunteer their time at local churches, schools and fairs.

They don’t mind working alone, some prefer it that way;
But don’t be mistaken for they have plenty to say.

About markets and weather, soil types and fields;
The status of regulations and a neighbor’s yields.

About rainfall, the stock market and global ag trade;
Barge transportation and the way stuff is made.

They’re focused and driven to get their work done;
Unless a neighbor needs help and then off they’ll run.

They don’t admit perfection because things can go wrong;
Accidents will happen but they make the will strong.

To put in a good day’s work before there is rest;
Continually improving and doing one’s best,

Like innovative ways that protect the water, soil and air;
Being a good neighbor and raising livestock with care.

Of providing more food using less energy, water and land;
And offering choices to meet customer demand.

For these things and more we recognize this Thanksgiving;
America’s farmers and what they bring to living.

Like thousands of food items, many easy to prepare;
Fuel to power vehicles and clothing to wear.

Then there are life-saving medicines, tires and blue jeans;
The sheets on our beds and soaps to keep us clean.

In fact, about everything we need to live, work and play;
Is derived from the work that farmers will do today.

With that in mind, we pause, take stock and remember;
What farmers bring to life as we gather to give thanks this November.

Team Latham

November 23, 2011

Agriculture, General, Industry News
Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

#FoodThanks for Thanksgiving

Our nation’s Thanksgiving holiday presents a prime opportunity to help remind people to “thank a farmer” for the food on their table. Many Americans this month are using their personal Facebook pages and Twitter feeds to say what they’re thankful for this season.

“Farmers represent less than 2 percent of the population,” says Darin Grimm, president of the AgChat Foundation, a 100 percent volunteer organization that aims to empower farmers and ranchers to “agvocate” via social media platforms. “#FoodThanks helps us engage with the other 98% who are not directly involved in agriculture. It’s also an opportunity for us to thank the many people involved in getting food from our farms to tables across America.”

Members of the ag and food communities are encouraged to tweet, post and blog about #foodthanks, especially on November 23 as Thanksgiving becomes top of mind for much of the country.

You can become part of the #foodthanks campaign. Last year, more than 800 people participated in the campaign by blogging, adding the #foodthanks twibbon to their avatar photo and sharing more than 2,000 Twitter posts.

Team Latham

November 22, 2011

Agriculture, General, Industry News
Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

“Gray Area” vs. “Grey Matter”
Over the course of a week, our family has posted a series of blog articles related to the Department of Labor’s proposed changes the types of work youth can do on a farm. Our intent is to increase awareness of this issue and to create dialogue.

The Lathams are sharing their thoughts and concerns over how our particular operation could be impacted in hopes that other families will do the same. We don’t have law degrees nor are we interested in advising people on how to conduct their own business. We understand that each family farming operation has its own unique set of circumstances, and that’s why we’re encouraging farmers to take a closer look at RIN 1235-AA06 to see how their individual operations might be impacted.

While some rule proponents have pointed out there is an exemption for “parents,” this is a grey area. Even youth who work for their parents might not be exempt if their farm is part of a limited liability company (LLC) or trust that includes more than one owner who isn’t a parent. As written, the proposed rules extend the parental exemption to others acting on behalf of a parent but it does not specify “legal guardian.”

We believe the proposed laws include all sorts of gray areas and would like to see common sense (a.k.a. the use of “grey matter”) prevail. Take a closer look and see what questions you have about the proposed regulations; then be sure to ask for answers from the Department of Labor (DOL). When contacting the DOL, be specific about your questions. Also be specific about when commenting on how your operation would be impacted by the proposed rule changes.

Let’s keep this issue “top of mind” within the agricultural community, so that it doesn’t get brushed under the proverbial rug when the nation’s attention turns to hosting holiday gatherings at the week’s end. The U.S. Department of Labor needs to hear potential impacts their proposed regulations could have on real-life farm families.

Consider making “child labor” a topic of conversation at your family’s dinner table this Thanksgiving. After all, the comments are due by Dec. 1. Click here to submit your comments online. To submit written comments, reference RIN 1235-AA06 in your letter and mail it to:

The Wage and Hour Division
U.S. Department of Labor, Room S-3502
200 Constitution Ave., N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20210

Audio: Shannon Latham Talking about the Proposed Child Labor Law

Other related blog posts:
1. Comment by Dec. 1 on how proposed changes to “child labor” regulations would impact your farm: http://bit.ly/ueDC92
2. Farm cores help build character & work ethic. If you agree, please contact the Department of Labor by Dec 1: http://bit.ly/uCEp0X
3. FFA & 4-H projects could be affected by proposed “child labor” rules: http://bit.ly/uCEp0X (http://bit.ly/w4pBxk)
4. Child labor? Oh, please! Every day is “bring your child to work day” on the farm.” http://bit.ly/rWd2My
5. Teen Farm Labor is Vital in Rural Areas: http://bit.ly/t5j65s
Team Latham

November 21, 2011

Agriculture, General, Industry News
Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

Inside or Out, Children Want to Help

As a child, the highlight of making the 45-minute trip to visit my paternal grandmother in Howard County, Iowa, was a chance to drive around the beautiful countryside and watch the Amish tend to their livestock and care for their crops. I was intrigued by their commitment to family and their sense of duty.

Each member of the family plays a part in the family’s economic survival, says Dr. John Hostetler in his book, Amish Society. He writes:

“Like most parents in American society, the Amish recognize the teen period as critical. The Amish family needs the help of its teen-age child more than the typical American family, and the child feels the family’s need of him. The young person who works on the farm can understand and feel the contribution he is making to his family.”

On a farm, your work directly affects you and your family. You are a member of this company (the family), and you have your job responsibilities. In simple terms, the cows have to be fed and milked so that food and shelter can be provided for the family. Your paycheck comes daily in the form of food, clothing, shelter and affection.

Children see their parents working hard every day and children want to help… I once saw a four-year-old Amish boy cry when he could not go along and help father in the field.

Amish children are needed to help inside the house, too. When a family has eight or nine children, there is a lot of food to be prepared. It’s no wonder that Amish women often get together for a frolic, or a work event that combines socializing with a practical goal. Common frolics include quilting, canning, pie baking and apple sauce making.

Like the Amish, we can get a group of girlfriends together. A simple frolic can help us make multiple meals in short order while enjoying some “girl time.” That’s essentially what I did in September by hosting “Cook Once for a Bunch.” You could do something similar in your home, community center or even in your church’s kitchen – with friends or even your family.

Many recipes are simple enough for young children to make. Start by putting a new twist on Tator Tot Casserole from Freezer Chics, which one of my friends made when we got together in September. During this same get together, I picked up my new “go to” recipe for lasagna. I like this lasagna so much that I’m going to take it Sunday for our community’s annual Boy Scout Thanksgiving potluck. With browned hamburger in my freezer, prep time will be 15 minutes or less! That means I’ll have time to cut up veggies for this adorable Turkey Relish Tray, as well as organize this “notable” Turkey Craft.

Thanksgiving reminds me that I’m so thankful for family, friendships, food and freedom. (Notice that “football” doesn’t top my list.) I’m hopeful that I might enjoy a little quiet time right after dinner on Thanksgiving Day. Perhaps I’ll get a chance to curl up with a novel by one of my favorite Amish authors, Wanda Brunstetter or Beverly Lewis. Reading will remind me how much I really need some girl time. That will make me think about a frolic, which will prompt me to email my friends about a date to “Cook Once for a Bunch.” Yes, my wheels are already turning!

Team Latham

November 18, 2011

Beef, General, Recipes
Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

Teen Farm Labor is Vital in Rural Areas
Photo courtesy of Jeff Heinz/The Globe Gazette

Picking up rocks, baling and detasseling provide the lion’s share of summer employment opportunities for pre-teens and teens in the Upper Midwest. Such jobs are a boon to the youths’ bank accounts and also help provide them with valuable work experience, plus they help fill a need that farmers and agribusiness owners have to get these jobs done usually within a limited window of time.

As the owner of a family seed business, I’m greatly concerned about the impacts and implications of the U.S. Department of Labor’s proposed changes. These rules, if enacted, would prohibit youth from working on a farm or ranch that is not directly owned by their parents – you’re not exempt if your family farm is structured as an LLC or incorporated – as farm hands under the age or 16 would be prohibited from working in cultivation or harvesting crops.

More than 100,000 individuals are employed each growing season to detassel hybrid seed corn in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Missouri, Nebraska, Texas and Washington. Literally hundreds of thousands of workers are needed at one time because the detasseling season is only two to four weeks long. The living, breathing nature of corn plants means that crews only have a limited amount of time to get the job done during critical production stages.

Detasseling is a necessity when producing commercial seed corn. While detasseling machines are used, they don’t remove each and every tassel. It’s literally a hands-on job to ensure all unwanted tassels are removed, which allows for cross-pollination between designated male and female plants. Cross-pollination, rather than self-pollination, leads to hybrid vigor and also can be attributed to higher yields needed to feed a rapidly growing world population.

Because detasseling is a such a necessary task and is admittedly hard work, it pays quite well. Detasslers are paid by experience, ranging from more than minimum wage to $20 per hour for experienced workers. The national median pay is $9.64 per hour, making it one of the better-paying summer jobs for teenagers. The thousands of dollars a teen makes during one season goes a long way toward buying designer jeans, gaming systems and filling the gas tank.

What else can kids living in rural communities – yes, even those who live in town – get paid this kind of money for summer employment if they’re not allowed to provide farm labor? There are only so many lifeguards and grocery store workers needed here. (Click here to see the HUGE economic impact agriculture has on Franklin County alone.) Plus, the workforce is limited in rural areas like Franklin County, Iowa, where about 20% of the population is of retirement age. With such a small pool of applicants, who will supply the necessary labor in these rural areas if teenagers are prohibited from working?

If your family or your business would be impacted by the proposed “child labor” rule changes, please take the time to make your voice heard. Click here to submit your comments online. To submit written comments, reference RIN 1235-AA06 in your letter and mail it to:

The Wage and Hour Division
U.S. Department of Labor, Room S-3502
200 Constitution Ave., N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20210

RELATED POSTS
John Latham, President

November 17, 2011

Agriculture, General, Industry News