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  • Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

    What Does Harvest Moisture Really Cost You?

    When harvest decisions come down to dollars and cents, grain moisture deserves a place in the conversation.

    Waiting for corn to dry naturally in the field may reduce drying expenses. But leaving a crop standing longer can introduce other costs, especially when stalk integrity, lodging or changing weather conditions become concerns.

    So how do you decide when it’s time to roll?

    Consider More Than Drying Costs

    Harvesting wetter corn typically means additional drying expenses. Those costs depend on grain moisture, fuel prices, drying equipment and the amount of water that needs to be removed.

    But delaying harvest isn’t automatically the less expensive option.

    Field losses from lodging, dropped ears or deteriorating stalks can quickly change the economics.

    Know Your Field Risks

    Walk fields before making harvest-order decisions.

    Check stalk strength, root condition, disease pressure and lodging potential. A field with compromised standability may deserve priority even if its grain moisture is higher than you’d prefer.

    Conversely, a healthy field with strong stalks and roots may provide more flexibility.

    Think Ahead to Hybrid Selection

    Harvest moisture isn’t just a fall consideration. It’s also something to evaluate when selecting next year’s hybrids.

    Relative maturity, drydown characteristics, stalk integrity and harvest timing all influence how a hybrid fits your operation.

    That’s why Latham evaluates more than yield when considering product performance. The goal is to help farmers understand how hybrids fit different acres and management systems.

    Look at the Whole Equation

    The lowest drying bill doesn’t always produce the best financial outcome.

    Compare expected drying expenses with the potential risks of leaving corn in the field. Consider the weather forecast, available equipment and the condition of the crop.

    Sometimes harvesting a little wetter is the better decision. The key is knowing what waiting could cost you. Talk with your local Latham representative to learn more.

    Team Latham

    October 19, 2026
    Agronomics, Crop, Fall, General, Rain, Season, Soil, Weather
  • Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

    Four Corn Hybrids Worth Watching This Harvest

    the combine is where the report card comes in

    As harvest gets underway across Latham Country, we’re watching more than the numbers flashing across the yield monitor. We’re also paying attention to standability, drydown, ear development and how products finish across different yield environments.

    Here are four Latham® corn hybrids we’re especially excited to watch this harvest.

    LH 6226 PCE RA: The Yield Trend-Setter

    There’s a reason we’re calling LH 6226 PCE RA a Yield Trend-Setter. It’s one of the top hybrids we’ve seen in years, combining strong yield potential with excellent disease resistance and agronomics.

    Strong ear flex also makes it a good fit for moderate-to-lower populations, while its dual-purpose potential adds another layer of flexibility.

    LH 5626 PCE RA: Yield Meets Drydown

    Big yields are great. Big yields that come with excellent drydown are even better.

    LH 5626 PCE RA pairs high yield potential with an outstanding yield-to-moisture ratio. Strong agronomics and very good disease tolerance help it perform consistently across yield environments, while efficient drydown can pay dividends when the combine starts rolling.

    LH 5976 PCE RA: Big Ears, Big Potential

    Sometimes you can see the potential standing in the field.

    LH 5976 PCE RA produces large, girthy flex ears with huge top-end yield potential. This exciting PowerCore® hybrid thrives at medium densities and brings excellent greensnap scores to the package.

    It’s one we’ll be watching closely as harvest results come in.

    LH 5856 PCE RA: Flexibility Through Harvest

    Grain or silage? LH 5856 PCE RA gives farmers options.

    This 108-day PowerCore hybrid combines high yield potential with excellent late-season plant health and very strong stalks and roots. Its dual-purpose potential gives farmers flexibility at harvest without sacrificing standability.

    Follow the Results

    Of course, what happens in one field never tells the whole story. Growing conditions, soils and management all play a role in product performance.

    That’s why we’ll be watching results from across Latham Country as harvest continues.

    Follow Latham on social and watch for John’s Harvest Reports as he hits the road gathering yield results from Latham Dealers and customers.

    Team Latham

    October 15, 2026
    Agronomics, Corn, Crop, Data, Fall, Season
  • Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

    Four Soybeans Worth Watching This Harvest

    we’re eager to see these varieties cross the scale

    From proven performers to exciting new genetics, this year’s Latham® soybean lineup offers different combinations of yield potential, disease defense and agronomic strength.

    Here are four varieties we’ll be watching as harvest results roll in.

    L 1912 E3: The Defensive Beast

    We called this one a defensive beast for a reason.

    New L 1912 E3 combines huge yield potential with a serious defensive package, including strong defense against Brown Stem Rot, Iron Deficiency Chlorosis, soybean white mold, Sudden Death Syndrome and Phytophthora Root Rot.

    Add excellent emergence and extremely strong standability, and this new superstar has plenty to watch at harvest.

    L 2337 E3: The Contest Winner

    Want a reason to pay attention to L 2337 E3? Start with this one: It’s a yield-contest winner.

    But yield isn’t its only calling card. L 2337 E3 also brings strong emergence, the Rps1k gene for Phytophthora Root Rot and PI88788 for Soybean Cyst Nematode protection.

    That combination of yield and defensive traits makes it an intriguing package.

    L 1181 E3: The Superstar

    L 1181 E3 came into the lineup with “superstar” attached to its name — and there’s plenty behind the nickname.

    This variety combines high yield potential with Peking-source SCN resistance, excellent standability and exceptional tolerance to IDC and Phytophthora Root Rot. It has also delivered consistent performance across yield environments.

    In other words, there’s more than one reason we’ll be watching the numbers.

    L 1558 E3: The Proven Performer

    Not every variety we’re watching is the newest kid on the block.

    L 1558 E3 has delivered multiple years of strong yield performance across Latham Country. Strong emergence and standability combine with the Rps3a gene for Phytophthora Root Rot and resistance to Brown Stem Rot.

    Sometimes the most exciting harvest result is seeing a proven performer do it again.

    Follow Along This Harvest

    Individual fields and plots provide valuable information, but the bigger picture develops as results come in across different soils, environments and management systems.

    We’ll be following that bigger picture throughout harvest.

    Follow Latham on social for John’s Harvest Reports and more results straight from fields across Latham Country.

    Team Latham

    October 14, 2026
    Agronomics, Crop, Data, Fall, General, Season, Soybeans
  • Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

    What Are Your Fields Telling You About 2027?

    What is your harvest telling you
    What is your harvest telling you

    harvest gives farmers more than a yield number

    As the combine moves across the field, it’s also revealing where disease showed up, which products stood strong, how different acres responded to stress and where management decisions paid off.

    Those observations can provide valuable clues for 2027.

    Where Did Disease Show Up?

    Make note of disease pressure while the evidence is still easy to see.

    Did Sudden Death Syndrome appear in certain soybean fields? White mold in others? Did stalk disease affect standability in corn?

    Field history matters. Knowing where problems occurred — and how different products handled them — can help guide variety selection, seed treatment decisions and management strategies for next season.

    What Stayed Standing?

    Yield matters, but so does getting that yield into the combine.

    Pay attention to stalk and root strength in corn and standability in soybeans. Which products maintained late-season plant health? Where did lodging occur? Did certain fields or growing conditions create more problems than others?

    Those observations can help identify where stronger defensive characteristics may deserve more consideration in 2027.

    What Happened on Your Tougher Acres?

    Some of the most useful harvest information may come from fields that didn’t have ideal growing conditions.

    Look at how products handled drought stress, excess moisture, disease pressure and variable soils. A product that held its own under challenging conditions may tell you just as much as one that topped the yield monitor on your best ground.

    Where Did Population and Placement Matter?

    Did a flex-ear corn hybrid respond well at a moderate population? Did another product seem better suited to your highest-yielding acres? Were there differences between soil types or management practices?

    The goal isn’t simply to identify the highest-yielding product. It’s to understand where each product performs best.

    What Would You Do Differently in 2027?

    Harvest is a good time to start building that list.

    Maybe one field needs stronger disease protection. Another needs a product better suited for stress. Perhaps this season reinforced the value of spreading risk across different genetics, maturities and trait packages.

    Every field is different — and every growing season teaches us something new.

    Before the details of 2026 fade, take a few notes. Talk through what you’re seeing with your Latham® Dealer. Look beyond the final yield number and consider the story behind it.

    Because your fields may already be telling you what they need in 2027.

    Team Latham

    October 8, 2026
    Agronomics, Corn, Corn Silage, Crop, Data, Disease, Emergence, Fall, Fertility, General, Growth Stages, Season, Seed Treatment, Soil, Soybeans
  • Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

    Harvest is Here. Take the Extra Minute

    harvest has a way of creating urgency

    There’s weather coming. Another field is ready. Trucks are waiting. Daylight is disappearing. And after a long day in the cab, it’s tempting to save a minute wherever you can.

    But some minutes aren’t worth saving.

    As National Farm Safety and Health Week comes to a close, it’s a good reminder that safety doesn’t end with Safety Week. It matters every day of harvest.

    Slow Down Around Equipment

    Before clearing a plug, making an adjustment or working around moving parts, shut equipment down completely. Keep guards and shields in place and take the extra few seconds to walk around equipment rather than stepping over moving components.

    Those few seconds are always worth it.

    Don’t Let Fatigue Make Decisions for You

    Harvest means long days and late nights. Fatigue can affect concentration and reaction time, so build in breaks, stay hydrated and recognize when you’re too tired to safely keep pushing.

    The crop will still be there after you rest.

    Stay Visible on the Road

    Harvest puts more combines, tractors, grain carts and trucks on rural roads — often early in the morning or after dark.

    Before heading out, make sure lights, signals, reflectors and slow-moving vehicle emblems are clean and visible. Give other drivers plenty of warning when turning and remember that large equipment comes with large blind spots.

    And for everyone sharing the road this fall: slow down, be patient and give farm equipment room.

    Keep Everyone in the Loop

    Whether you’re harvesting alone or with a crew, make sure someone knows where you’re working. Communicate when equipment is moving between fields and take extra care when children and family members are around the operation.

    Harvest is one of the most rewarding times of the year. It can also be one of the busiest.

    So take the extra minute. Shut it down. Look twice. Get some rest.

    Because no bushel is worth risking the people who make harvest possible.

    From all of us at Latham Seeds, have a safe and successful harvest.

    Team Latham

    October 4, 2026
    Agronomics, Fall, General, Industry News
  • Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

    What Makes a Great Silage Hybrid?

    look beyond yield

    When choosing a corn silage hybrid, yield matters. But tons per acre only tell part of the story.

    The real value of silage is ultimately measured in the feed bunk. That means selecting the right hybrid requires looking at agronomic performance alongside tonnage, starch digestibility, fiber digestibility and the needs of your livestock operation.

    Here are a few factors to consider as you evaluate silage hybrids for next season.

    Start with Agronomic Fit

    A great silage hybrid still has to perform in the field.

    Consider soil type, crop rotation, disease pressure, maturity and the trait package needed for each acre. Strong plant health and standability are also important, particularly because silage hybrids need to maintain plant integrity until the crop reaches the right harvest window.

    The goal isn’t simply to select a hybrid with excellent feed characteristics. It’s to find one that combines those characteristics with the agronomic package needed to perform on your farm.

    Tonnage Matters — But So Does What’s in It

    More tons per acre can certainly add value. But livestock producers also need to consider how efficiently animals can use what’s in those tons.

    That’s why Latham evaluates silage hybrids for factors including starch digestibility and fiber digestibility, in addition to tonnage.

    Starch makes up a significant portion of corn silage dry matter and provides an important source of energy. Fiber digestibility influences how much feed an animal can consume and use.

    Put simply: producing more feed is important. Producing feed that animals can use efficiently is important, too.

    Consider Your Options at Harvest

    Another factor worth considering is flexibility.

    Dual-purpose hybrids can provide growers with the option to harvest a field for silage or take it through to grain, depending on growing conditions, feed needs and other factors at harvest.

    That flexibility can be especially valuable in a year when Mother Nature doesn’t follow the plan.

    Latham evaluates dual-purpose hybrids for both grain performance and silage characteristics, helping farmers understand where products may offer options without sacrificing agronomic fit.

    Look at Performance Across Environments

    One plot, one field or one growing season doesn’t tell the entire story.

    Growing conditions affect tonnage, plant health and feed characteristics. Evaluating performance across locations and years provides a better picture of how a hybrid may perform under different conditions.

    That’s why Latham continues to collect silage performance information across the Midwest and evaluates more than raw grain yield when assessing silage hybrids.

    As you plan for next season, look beyond the biggest yield number. Consider the whole package: agronomic fit, tonnage, digestibility and harvest flexibility.

    Because the best silage hybrid isn’t simply the one that produces the most.

    It’s the one that delivers the most value for your operation.

    Team Latham

    September 29, 2026
    Agronomics, Corn Silage, Crop, Data, Fall, Season, Uncategorized
  • Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

    From seed beginnings to growing leaders: Shannon Latham’s agriculture journey

    For more than two decades, Shannon Latham has helped guide the marketing vision of Latham Hi-Tech Seeds. Now she is bringing that same passion for agriculture, communication and leadership to her new role as Executive Director of the Iowa FFA Foundation. For her, the move feels like a natural extension of the work she has always loved.

    “It has been quite a journey,” Shannon said during a recent episode of Beyond the Bushel. “When I look back at the pictures from when John and I started Latham Hi-Tech Hybrids back 2004, you can tell it’s been a year or two. We look a little different than we do now.”

    Her path began at Iowa State University, where she and John were both majoring in agriculture. After college, she worked in public relations and marketing before returning to Iowa to join the Agribusiness Association of Iowa. That role sparked something important.

    “That really planted that seed for me to be in public service,” she said. “I always knew that I want to be a state representative if I could.”

    Her early career also shaped her leadership philosophy. She recalled advice from her first boss: “People support what they help create.” That lesson stayed with her as she grew into leadership roles.

    When John started the corn company in 2004, Shannon stepped naturally into marketing. 

    “ Maybe it was God’s plan,” she said. “John had that background in sales. I had that background in marketing, communications and writing. Chris had the finance background, so it just all came together.” 

    Over the years, she found joy in leading the team. 

    “I absolutely love leading the marketing team here,” she said. “Nothing can replace hard work. Nothing replaces relationships.”

    Leaving the family business was not a decision she made lightly. But FFA and 4-H shaped her life from a young age, and she felt called to give back.

    “At this point in my life, I’m looking for an opportunity to give back,” she said. “I feel so blessed that I also get an opportunity to give back to the Iowa FFA organization.”

    Her time at the FFA Enrichment Center has brought a renewed sense of excitement.

    “It has been so fun working for the foundation since September of 2025, and it’s like homecoming every week,” she said. “There’s always people every week at the enrichment center popping into my office to say hi.”

    She also sees clear parallels between her work at Latham Seeds and her new role. 

    “In the nonprofit world, we are working really hard to convince people why they should part with their hard-earned money,” she said. “Your brand needs to be distinct. It needs to be relevant. It needs to be consistent.”

    Her focus now is helping prepare Iowa’s youth for the future. 

    “We are really preparing the workforce,” she said. “Regardless of what they go into, they are going to be prepared because of their workforce development and their premier leadership skills that they develop in the FFA.”

    To hear more of Shannon’s insights and stories from her career path, listen to the full Beyond the Bushel episode.

    Pork Roast with Raspberry Sauce

    • Slow cooker
    • 3 pound boneless pork roast
    • 3/4 tsp salt
    • 1 tsp sage
    • 1/2 tsp pepper
    • 12 ounces frozen unsweetened raspberries (thawed)
    • 3/4 cup sugar
    • 1 tablespoons cornstarch
    • 1/4 tsp nutmeg
    • 1/4 teaspoon cloves
    • 1/4 cup white vinegar
    • 1 tablespoons lemon juice
    • 1 tablespoons butter

    Directions for Pork Roast:

    1. Grease a six-quart crockpot with cooking spray.

    2. Place roast in crockpot; pat top and sides of roast with salt, sage and pepper.

    3. Pour about 1 cup of water or chicken broth around the bottom of the roast.

    4. Cook on LOW for 9 hours or until the roast pulls apart easily with a fork.

    5. Set raspberries in the refrigerator to thaw.

    Directions for Raspberry Sauce:

    1. In a large saucepan, combine: sugar, cornstarch, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves.

    2. Stir in the vinegar, reserved raspberry juice, and raspberries.

    3. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened.

    4. Remove from heat; add lemon juice and butter.

    5. Stir until butter is melted.

    Let pork stand for 10 minutes before slicing.

    Serve with the raspberry sauce.

    Cook’s Tip: We always have leftover raspberry sauce, and it’s too good to toss! Transfer the cooled raspberry sauce into a freezer-safe container. Then heat and serve another day. This sauce is delicious with grilled pork chops or chicken breasts.
    Main Course

    Team Latham

    January 30, 2026
    Food & Family, Latham News, Recipes, Winter
  • Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

    Meet Our New RSM For Eastern Iowa: Levi Graver

    Latham Hi-Tech Seeds welcomes Levi Graver as the new regional sales manager for eastern Iowa. With a lifelong connection to agriculture, a strong relationship-driven mindset and deep respect for family-owned values, Levi brings both experience and authenticity to the Latham team. 

    Levi grew up on a family farm near Lisbon, Iowa, where he was actively involved in day-to-day operations, including caring for livestock and working with row-crop production. 

    “Those early mornings and long days helped shape my work ethic and gave me a deep appreciation for the commitment it takes to succeed in agriculture,” Levi says. 

    That farm-first mindset continues today as Levi and his wife raise their family. The two have known each other since childhood and have been married for seven years. 

    Together, they are raising two young children and enjoy sharing the values of hard work and togetherness that come from a rural upbringing. Their household also includes three dogs: a Blue Heeler and two miniature dachshunds.

    “I love having my kids be a part of the farming lifestyle, even though we don’t live on the farm,” he says. 

    Levi attended Iowa State University and has built a career that blends hands-on farming with professional sales experience. After spending a decade in automotive sales, he returned to farming while continuing to pursue his passion for working with people and helping them make confident decisions. 

    That combination of production agriculture and sales gives Levi a strong ability to understand both the operational and financial sides of farming — allowing him to relate to growers while also helping them identify opportunities to improve their operations. 

    Outside of work, Levi enjoys spending time outdoors with his family.

    “I love going fishing — especially for trout — and I also enjoy camping with my family,” he says. “There’s nothing better than sitting around a campfire together.”

    What drew Levi to Latham Hi-Tech Seeds is the company’s commitment to integrity and family ownership.

    “It is a family-owned company, and our word means something,” Levi says.

    In his new role, Levi is focused on building strong relationships with farmers across eastern Iowa while helping them get more out of every acre. 

    “I’m looking forward to working with farmers, learning how their operations are unique and helping improve their return on investment,” Levi says. 

    Please join us in welcoming Levi Graver to the Latham Hi-Tech Seeds team. We’re excited to see how his experience, work ethic and passion for agriculture will support growers throughout eastern Iowa.

    Smoked Prime Rib

    • smoker
    • 1 6-8lb prime rib
    • 6-8 cloves fresh garlic, peeled and sliced
    • 3-4 sprigs fresh rosemary
    • 2 tbsp kosher salt
    • 1 1/2 tbsp freshly ground black pepper
    • 1/2 cup beef baste
    • 2 cups red wine
    • 1 cup unsalted butter, melted (2 sticks)
    1. Pat the prime rib dry. Cut small slits all over the meat and insert garlic. Add rosemary, then season generously with salt and pepper. Mix melted butter, beef baste, and red wine.

    2. Preheat smoker to 525°F. Smoke the prime rib for 30 minutes, basting once or twice. Remove from smoker and loosely tent with foil while the smoker cools to 225°F, about 20–30 minutes.

    3. Return the roast to the smoker and cook at 225°F until internal temperature reaches 125°F, about 1½–2½ hours. Remove, rest 20–30 minutes, then slice and serve.

    Main Course

    Team Latham

    January 23, 2026
    Beef, Food & Family, Winter
  • Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

    Meet Our New RSM For West Central Minnesota: Daniel Williamson

    Latham Hi-Tech Seeds is excited to welcome Daniel Williamson as the new regional sales manager for west central Minnesota, bringing with him deep agricultural roots and a wide range of hands-on experience.

    Daniel grew up on a small farm near Spicer, Minnesota, where his family raised certified organic seed soybeans, corn, oats, barley and alfalfa hay. They also managed a flock of sheep, raising and selling feeder lambs. Agriculture has long been a family affair.

    His father, Donnel, is a farmer and township clerk in Irving Township, while his mother, Christa, is a high school agriculture teacher at KMS High School. Daniel said growing up in that environment shaped his passion for farming and leadership.

    “I grew up on a small farm near Spicer, MN,” Daniel said. “We raised certified organic seed soybeans, corn, oats, barley, and alfalfa hay. We also have a herd of sheep that we raise and sell feeder lambs from.”

    Daniel attended South Dakota State University, earning a degree in agronomy with a minor in precision agriculture. He also spent two and a half years working at a cooperative as a crop advisor, gaining experience working directly with growers and their operations.

    “I attended South Dakota State University for Agronomy with a minor in Precision Agriculture,” he said. “I also spent two and a half years working at a coop as a crop advisor.”

    Beyond crop production, Daniel’s background includes experience with livestock operations, working with beef cattle and hogs. While in college, he also worked part time for SGS, assisting with seed planting for germination testing.

    Leadership and service played a major role in Daniel’s youth. He was actively involved in FFA and 4-H, serving as a regional officer and earning his American FFA Degree.

    “I was very involved in FFA and 4-H growing up,” Daniel said. “I had served as a region officer and have obtained my American degree.”

    Daniel said his interest in Latham Hi-Tech Seeds grew as he learned more about the company’s values and approach.

    “I wasn’t to familiar with Latham but became interested the more I looked into them,” he said. “I was attracted to Latham because they are a family run company and talk with their farmers and sales staff to see what is missing from our seed portfolio and what can be improved.”

    As regional sales manager, Daniel is focused on building strong relationships with dealers and supporting their success.

    “I am looking forward to meeting and working with our dealers and helping them grow their business,” he said.

    Outside of work, Daniel enjoys ice fishing, deer hunting and turkey hunting, staying connected to the outdoors and the land that shaped his agricultural journey.

    Welcome to the Latham family, Daniel! We’re excited to see how your strong agricultural roots and agronomy education will support farmers and dealers across west central Minnesota.

    Spinach Sausage Ravioli Bake

    • baking dish
    • skillet
    • 10 oz cheese ravioli
    • 4 cups spinnach
    • 24 oz jar vodka sauce
    • 2 cups shredded mozzare
    • 5 oz pesto
    • 1 lb Italian sausage
    1. Add seasonings to taste. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, red pepper flakes and Italian seasoning.

    2. Brown the sausage in a skillet, seasoning as it cooks. Drain any excess grease.

    3. Layer ravioli in a baking dish while the sausage is cooking.

    4. Add the cooked sausage over the ravioli, then top with spinach.

    5. Pour vodka sauce over the top, making sure everything is fully covered.

    6. Sprinkle mozzarella evenly over the sauce, then dollop pesto on top.

    7. Bake at 400 degrees for 25–30 minutes. Broil on low for a few minutes if desired to crisp the mozzarella.

    Main Course

    Team Latham

    January 16, 2026
    Beef, Food & Family, Uncategorized, Winter
  • Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

    How to Assess Winterkill in Alfalfa

    Alfalfa3

    It’s time to start thinking about getting your alfalfa orders in for the upcoming season. As spring approaches and fields begin to green up, now is the right time to evaluate winter survival and plan ahead in case stand replacement or improvement is needed.

    When soils thaw in early spring, we can see how our alfalfa crop fared. You can get a pretty good indication of your alfalfa crop’s health from the road. If your field is still brown and the neighbor’s field is green, check for injury or death.

    The best way to diagnose winter injury is by digging four to six inches deep and then examining the plants’ roots. Healthy roots should be firm and white in color with little evidence of root rot. Winter-killed roots will have a gray, water-soaked appearance early.

    If your alfalfa stand has suffered winter injury, assess the field’s yield potential by determining the number of stems per square foot:

    Yield (tons/acre) = (Stems/ft2 x 0.1) + 0.38

    This calculation should only be used as a guideline as many factors determine yield. Factors that influence winter injury and yield in alfalfa stands include:

    • Stand age. Older stands are more likely to winterkill than younger ones.
    • Variety. Varieties with superior winter-hardiness ratings and a high disease resistance index are less likely to experience winter injury.
    • Soil pH. Stands growing on soil with a pH about 6.6 are less likely to experience winter injury.
    • Soil Fertility. Stands with high fertility, particularly potassium, are less likely to experience winter injury than those with low fertility.
    • Soil moisture. Alfalfa grown on well-drained soils is less prone to winter injury.
    • Fall soil moisture status. As dehydration is the primary means of tolerating freezing temperatures, stands that go into winter with low soil moisture are better able to lose moisture and are less likely to winterkill.
    • Cutting management. Both harvest frequency and timing of fall cutting affect alfalfa winter hardiness. The shorter the interval between cuttings, the greater the risk of winter injury. Stands where the last cutting was taken between Sept. 1 and Oct. 15 are at greater risk, as plants are unable to replenish root carbohydrate reserves before winter.
    • Snow cover. Snow is an excellent insulator. Four inches of snow can result in a 10°F difference in soil temperatures. Stands that were not cut after Sept. 1 or that have at least six inches of stubble retain more snow cover and are less susceptible to winter injury.

    While we cannot control what Mother Nature delivers during the winter months, we can take steps to control or reduce alfalfa winter injury. Now is the time to think about getting your alfalfa orders in so you are ready for the seasons ahead.

    Contact your local Latham® dealer or call our office at 877-GO-LATHAM (877-465-2842); we’d love to assist you with any questions you may have.

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

    Team Latham

    January 14, 2026
    #AskTheAgronomist, Agronomics, Alfalfa, Crop, From the Field, Growth Stages, Season, Spring, Tech Tuesday, Winter
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131 180th Street | Alexander, IA 50420

(641) 692-3258

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