Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

Scout for Soybean Gall Midge

Gall midge larvae and damage under the soybean stem epidermis. Photo by Dr. Bruce Potter, University of Minnesota

Soybean Gall Midge (SGM) caused extensive damage in 2018. It already has been reported in Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska and South Dakota this season.

Scout around the edges of your soybean fields, especially those areas that are closest to fields where SGM was spotted last year. The adult stage of this pest is a fly from the genus Resseliella. The adult insects are so small that they go unnoticed in everyday scouting activities. Other midge flies are the Hessian Fly and the Wheat Blossom Midge.

The SGM may be spotted in the larval stages as they feed on a variety of items like decaying organic matter, fungi and, of course, galls on the stems of plants. Affected plants will appear wilted and eventually die.

Wilting also is symptom of Phytophthora Root Rot and Fusarium Wilt, so you’ll need to split the base of the soybean stem to know if the problem is an insect or disease. Once you split the stem, look for orange or white larvae.

You can see in this photo by Dr. Bruce Potter from the University of Minnesota that the larvae look like maggots. If find larvae, contact your local Extension Service immediately! While SGM larvae are almost impossible to control once they have colonized plants, Extension personnel want to learn more about this pest’s lifecycle. Any information you can give on how your field may have been infested will help all of us combat this pest in future years.

Because so many soybeans across Latham Country were planted later this spring than in 2018, the concern is SGM might be even more problematic this year. Last fall SGM was recorded in 69 counties of Nebraska, Iowa, Minnesota and South Dakota.

Very little is known about the biology of the Soybean Gall Midge and even less is known about methods to control it. With your help, we can begin to know and understand more about this potential threat to soybean production.

Mark Grundmeier, Product Manager

August 13, 2019

Agronomics, Crop, Insects, Season, Soybeans, Summer, Tech Tuesday
Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

August 5, 2019 Crop Reports

Northwest North Dakota

Brian McNamee

Much needed rain fell across Western and North Central North Dakota last weekend, bringing a halt to harvest. Farmers are taking out crops wheat, barley, oats, peas and rye. Reports are mixed. Peas are having a good year. It looks like the later planted spring wheat, pictured here, will be superb.

After a day or two of rest, farmers will regroup. The timing of this rain is perfect to help fill soybean pods and to provide corn under pollination some relief. Looking forward to watching our Latham Hi‑Tech Corn and Soybean varieties continue to develop!

Southeast North Dakota

Gary Geske

Pollinator habitat, like this long grass prairie along my driveway, is important. Seed harvested from this weed-free plot is used to expand acres planted across the tri-state area. Producers, who value the importance of helping honey bee colonies plant pollinator habitat on their more marginal crop land or an odd-shaped field.

Northeast South Dakota

James Keltgen

Latham’s 5062 Leafy has 10 leaves above the ear even with the early cold growing season!

Wet is still the theme for 2019. Another round of heavy rains, ranging from 1 to 7 inches, hit this past week. Many farmers have been unable to spray crops in a timely manner, so crop dusters have been busier than usual. The early corn is has pollinated and some later planted corn has yet to pollinate.

Soybeans are shorter than normal this year and are slow to canopy due to saturated soils. One customer had to spray for green clover worms. Liberty and the new E3 Enlist soybeans are proving to be a great option for weed control.

Southeast South Dakota

Ramie Coughlin

Corn is coming right along in South Dakota. Most fields are pollinating now and temperatures couldn’t be more perfect. The hot temps in July earned us some much needed Growing Degrees, and so far August is providing us with great flowering weather. Soybeans are also enjoying mild temps while setting pods. Many soybean fields are at the R3, or beginning pod, stage. Many fields in Southeast South Dakota are still drying after anywhere from 0.2 to 6 inches fell here last week. Yep, I said 6 inches!

Northern Minnesota

Ken Highness

This field of LH 3695 VT2 PRO looks great on the farm of Kerri and Mathew Mattson. Their daughter, Taylor, posed for me with her Champion Dairy Steer at the Pope County open show. This dynamic duo will show at the Minnesota State Fair, August 22 through September 2. Good Luck, Taylor!

101 Animals on the Auction Block

Southern Minnesota

Justin Prokosch

This E3 plot near Butterfield, Minnesota continues to shine. Many farmers are applying fungicide on their corn and are just starting to apply fungicide on their soybeans. Not many aphids have been spotted yet in the area. Come to Farmfest in Redwood Co. Minnesota this week and stop by the Latham booth for some goodies!

Northern Wisconsin

Joe Salter

Crops as a whole look good in my territory. Unfortunately, storms in the north caused several barns and grain bins to go down. These photos show my Latham soybean plot and my boys are doing some farm work with their grandpa.

Southern Wisconsin

Greg Mair

The corn crop is moving along quickly in southern Wisconsin. This field of LH 5635 VT2 PRO, which was planted June 1 in Cuba City, was full shed on August 5. Corn that was planted late into appropriate field conditions appears to have the potential to be a very good crop.

Northwest Iowa

Jeremy Joynt

While signing fields and scouting for late-season pests and diseases, continue to scout for Japanese Beetles, grasshoppers, and aphids. It only takes 20% defoliation to meet the economic-threshold for loss when soybeans are in the reproductive stages. You might add pesticide to the tank mix if you are putting on fungicide.

North Central Iowa

Cory Greiman

Farmers in North Central Iowa are protecting yield with fungicide and insecticide applications this week.

Northeast Iowa

Craig Haaland

Both this field of L 2228 R2 and this field of our popular LH 5245 VT2 PRO RIB are progressing nicely in Chickasaw County, crops across northern Iowa could use a shot of rain. Keep a close watch for Japanese Beetles. We’re seeing some common rust in corn fields, as well as root worms and some blight. Aerial applicators have been pretty busy.

Eastern Iowa

Jerry Broders

While scouting corn and soybeans this past week, I’ve seen Gray Leaf Spot and a little eyespot. I haven’t seen any disease in the soybeans. Our biggest concern right now is moisture. Timely August rains are needed. Moisture can be found, but it is 18 to 20 inches from the surface.

Western Iowa

Larry Krapfl

Soybeans and oats were planted six days ago on this farm that was put into preventative planting.

West North Central Iowa

Bart Peterson

I scouted this field of Latham Hi‑Tech Hybrids near Humboldt, IA this week. The shorter-stature corn is LH 4249 SS. Towering 2 foot taller alongside it is LH 5199 SS/LFY. This taller variety is intended for silage and we’re already seeing the impressive height and wide leaves of the leafy trait come through. Looking forward to the tonnage results at silage harvest.

Central Iowa

Aaron Steenhoek

Corn planted during the last half May and the first part of June is reaching tassel. Bugs are extremely prevalent as is disease! If timing is right, applying fungicide and insecticide may be very worthwhile on these fields. Not only could an application help this year, but it could make a difference in rootworm beetle populations next year if you’re planning to plant corn-on-corn.

Laura Cunningham

August 7, 2019

#FromTheField Crop Reports, Season, Summer
Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

July 31, 2019 Crop Reports
Northwest North Dakota

Brian McNamee

With all the new soybean technologies, I often gets asked these questions:
- How do Enlist soybeans yield compared to Extend?
- All things considered, which beans have the highest yielding genetics for my geography?
- Can I see some supporting data?
Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds is conducting research across the Upper Midwest to help our customers answer these questions. Rest assured, before any product makes it into our lineup, it’s already gone through extensive testing. We take great care to select the products that have been shown to perform best in “Latham Country.”

Southeast North Dakota

Gary Geske

It’s been a challenging year for production, as well as for research and test plot sites. As you study plot results this fall, keep in mind that each testing site faced different weather-related issues. That’s why, at Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds, we test products for multiple years and across multiple locations. Visit with your Latham Seed representative for a field-by-field seed recommendations based on years of experience rather than on one year of questionable data.

Northeast South Dakota

James Keltgen

Another 1 to 2 inches of rain fell this week, but only a 0.5 inch would have been welcome. Unfortunately, we also got strong winds that caused green snap. Damage was as much as to 90% of the corn in areas where the corn was about to tassel. Most is in full pollination this week, although the latest planted corn has yet to reach that stage. Many are putting on vegetation while flowering, while the latest planted soybeans have yet to canopy.

Southeast South Dakota

Ramie Coughlin

When scouting for aphids and spider mites watch for leaf feeding. This is the time of year we can typically see the second generation of bean leaf beetles feeding on plants. Most insecticide seed treatments provide full control of the first generation, which emerges in early June, and help suppress the second generation. When considering a mid-summer insecticide application, please do NOT spray unless a pest threshold has been met. Threshold for bean leaf beetles can be found on the chart provided.

Northern Minnesota

Ken Highness

President of Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds, John Latham, toured my territory this week. He’s standing in LH 5245 VT2 PRO DG RIB, which is Latham’s five-time F.I.R.S.T. Trial champion!

Southern Minnesota

Justin Prokosch

A majority of the corn that was planted in May is pollinating pretty nicely now with the moderate temperatures we’re experiencing this week in southern Minnesota.

Northern Corn Leaf Blight is showing up in Central Minnesota. This is a great time to think about applying a foliar fungicide.

Northern Wisconsin

Joe Salter

Crops have come a long ways during the past two weeks, but a late frost is still needed to help finish out this crop.

Fungicide application could prove to be very profitable with the conditions. It’s important to know if the hybrid you planted is responsive to fungicide application. Look in the Latham Product Guide or check our website to make sure your hybrid(s) has a HR (highly recommended) or R (recommended) rating before applying fungicide.

This Latham plot is coming right along in Eastern Chippewa County.

Wyatt Pozarski standing next to LH 4657 VT2 PRO RIB

Southern Wisconsin

Greg Mair

Insecticide and fungicide are being applied this week to corn and soybeans. Leaf diseases, like Grey Leaf Spot and Northern Corn Leaf Blight, started showing up last week. Japanese Beetles are defoliating soybean plants. Fungicides and insecticides paid significant dividends last year, helping farmers capture the full potential of the crop. If corn prices rise as expected, it will pay off more to protect yield.

North Central Iowa

Cory Greiman

Latham L2193 E3 was planted in a field with high pH and shows no signs of yellowing. The pH levels in this field get as high as 8.3 while the field average is 7.8.

Northeast Iowa

Craig Haaland

Our L1995 Enlist Soybeans in Mower County, MN, are really coming along but still on the short side. Corn fields have pretty much tasseled and farmers applying fungicide. Keep scouting field because we all know that insects and disease can show up strong in a short period of time.

Eastern Iowa

Jerry Broders

Last week’s weather pattern has been dry across Eastern Iowa. Considering all the heat and lack of moisture, the crop is doing fairly well. Areas with lighter soil are showing signs of drought stress. Aerial applicators are applying fungicide on the early-planted corn. Later corn is still developing and has yet to reach the R1 stage of development. Latham® field signs are going up on plots and in fields throughout the area. Please contact me or your local Latham dealer if you’re interested in taking a plot tour.

Western Iowa

Larry Krapfl

Japanese Beetles are defoliating crops near Woodbine, Iowa. Be sure to scout your fields and keep a watch on treatment thresholds.

West North Central Iowa

Bart Peterson

Dealers in my area have been busy signing plots. The hybrids in this Latham SuperStrip™ plot range in maturity from 100 to 107 days.

Central Iowa

Aaron Steenhoek

Corn pollination has gone well. Corn planted prior to the mid-May rains has pollinated. Early yield estimates are all over the board, but some fields look really good. Soybeans that were planted timely are nearing the R3 fungicide window.
Laura Cunningham

July 31, 2019

#FromTheField Crop Reports, Season, Summer
Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

Mid-Season Foliar Fungicide Application

With the hot, humid weather that has made its way into Latham Country this summer, conditions are prime for foliar diseases. Fields considered to be high risk are continuous corn fields, fields with conservation tillage and susceptible hybrids. Watch for Gray Leaf Spot, Southern Rust, Common Rust, Northern Leaf Blight, Goss’s Wilt, Tarspot and Eyespot.

When it comes to weighing the costs and benefits of fungicide, there are many factors to consider. Price of corn, product, application and drying cost can all seem like daunting costs that would scare any farmer away from going the extra mile. However, investing in a fungicide could be a small tradeoff when it comes to protecting your yield potential. When scouting, look for disease on the third leaf below the ear. If 50 percent or more of the field is infected at tassel, we recommend spraying fungicide.

The highest return on investment is going to be around VT to R2 time period because you will be able to suppress diseases that may be present on the leaves and protect them for a few weeks of any diseases trying to get into the plant. Corn is also done putting on new leaves at this point. Typically, a 5-8 bu/A yield increase will pay for the investment depending on grain price and application costs. If you are facing heavy disease pressure, be sure to select the right fungicide for the diseases you have. Fungicides with dual modes of action in the Group 3 (Triazoles) and 11 (QoI) will provide suppression and some lasting protection. Look for the active ingredients that end in “ole” (Triozoles) and “in” (QoI).

We recommend doing your homework before applying fungicide. Scout fields to determine disease pressure, consider high susceptibility hybrids and the disease history of the field.

Shown above is common rust. To identify this in your fields, look for raised, brick-red pustules.

Team Latham

July 29, 2019

Agronomics, Corn, Crop, Fungicide, Season, Summer, Tech Tuesday
Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

#AskTheAgronomist: Greensnap & Root Lodging

What is cause and effect of greensnap? Tune in to hear from Phil Long!#AsktheAgronomist

0:15 – Updated Across Latham® Country

1:25 – Why does greensnap happen?

3:30 – Growth regulator herbicides & the relation to greensnap

4:20 – Root lodging yield loss

6:15 – Location of corn stalk snap & yield loss

9:35 – Select the appropriate plant characteristics

10:50 – Disease potential

Laura Cunningham

July 25, 2019

#AskTheAgronomist, Agronomics, Corn, Crop, Growth Stages, Season, Summer
Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

July 24, 2019 Crop Reports

Northwest North Dakota

Brian McNamee

A couple bad storms blew through in the southwest part of my territory. Tornadoes touched down with the battered farm pictures to prove it. It’s really a shame as the corn silage corn in that area looked fantastic because it had received above-normal precipitation. Lots of tassels have started shooting out of corn in the past four to five days. It’s amazing how the development of corn and soybeans caught up with the hotter weather. The good news is it looks like there’s another week of ideal temperatures on the horizon.

Winter wheat harvest just started last weekend, and I expect to see many combines in the fields this week.

Southeast North Dakota

Gary Geske

My grandson and I inspected a field of Latham LH 4940 CNV/LFY. Notice the big, wide leaves and the healthy plant. It still has a lot of growing to do before harvest, but you can tell by Carson’s smile that there will be plenty of tons of high quality silage this fall. Ask your Latham® dealer about all the great forage choices that Latham Seeds has to offer.

Northeast South Dakota

James Keltgen

Corn is just starting to show tassels this week. We have had less moisture this past week, so yellowed corn is starting to root down some. Soybeans are putting on flowers and vegetation. We need continued warm weather for corn to reach maturity.

Southeast South Dakota

Ramie Coughlin

Mother Nature has once again proven that she is in charge. Corn fields across Southeast South Dakota were looking good, and the first planted fields were beginning to tassel. Then in rolled a severe thunderstorm on Saturday morning that caused damage across a large region of Eastern SD. While some areas had little to no damage, other areas were hit hard. In addition to many down power lines, trees were uprooted. Imagine what happened to the corn in a rapid growth stage! Pictures here is a field that goose-necked in the storm.

Northern Minnesota

Ken Highness

Last week we received some much needed sunshine and heat units. The crops are looking good. Pictured is 160 acres of LH 4097 VT2 PRO near Cayuga, ND.

Southern Minnesota

Justin Prokosch

L 1858 R2 looks really nice and is close to filling the rows in Southeast Minnesota.

Northern Wisconsin

Joe Salter

Last week brought crazy weather with high winds, lots of rain and more than a half dozen confirmed tornados. Areas to the north appear to have received the most damage to crops as field after field of corn is laying flat.

This picture shows the storm approaching my house.

Southern Wisconsin

Greg Mair

Tassels are beginning to shed on the early-planted acres. While walking fields this past week, I saw Grey Leaf Spot developing on the corn leaves.

Soybeans are beginning to close rows, and insects are becoming a concern. We haven’t seen aphids, but we are seeing a decent amount of Japanese Beetle pressure.

To maximize your crop’s potential, actively walk your fields and address any concerns. If you’re looking for a second opinion, I’m just a phone call away.

North Central Iowa

Cory Greiman

This Latham® SuperStrip corn plot at Zach Greiman’s Farm, south of Garner, Iowa, is looking good.

Northeast Iowa

Craig Haaland

Here’s a great looking field of Latham’s LH 5200 conventional corn in Fillmore County, Minnesota, after a tough week of weather. Rainfall ranged from 4 to 6 six inches this week. These corn fields are starting to or have tasseled, and the weather has been favorable. We’ve experienced heat during the day with cooler nighttime temps. Soybean fields are starting to fill the rows and also are looking pretty good. Keep scouting your fields for any type of issues.

Eastern Iowa

Jerry Broders

The western part of my area got anywhere from 0.4 to 2 inches of rain this last week during the hot spell. Farms east of Interstate 380 were not as fortunate. The rain moved around us, and we caught about a tenth of an inch on Thursday. Fortunately, we didn’t get any damaging winds either.

It’s very hard to tell what is happening in in an entire field without flying over them with an airplane or drone. One of our Latham® dealers sent up his drone last Friday to scout a field. You can see where there was wet spot in the field that was planted three days later than the surrounding corn. There is about a two-foot difference in plant height, and there is definitely a reduced stand in area of the field. Most growers experienced similar conditions due to conditions during spring planting.

I’m also getting reports of Japanese beetles showing up in high numbers in soybean fields. Proactively scout as insect pressure starts to build in the field.

Western Iowa

Larry Krapfl

The tassel was worth the hassle! Farmers had to remove acres of trash left from the March floods, but it was worth it to see their fields tassel.

West North Central Iowa

Bart Peterson

Jenna Ricklefs’ Latham® SuperStrip corn plot, was planted May 2. Maturities, ranging from 106 to 109 days, are nicely tasseled.

West North Central Iowa

Aaron Steenhoek

Pollination is going well throughout much of central and southern Iowa as some welcome rains have brought with them cooler temperatures through this crucial phase! Pictured is LH 6175 VT2 PRO RIB planted the end of April, standing strong through some of the strong winds this weekend and nearing brown silk! We have some very good crop potential throughout areas and now is the time to be on the offense with yield enhancement practices like fungicide for increased plant health and stand ability into the fall. Remember to contact your local Latham® representative, so that we can guide you to those products that will provide you the best return on your investment this year!

Laura Cunningham

July 24, 2019

#FromTheField Crop Reports, Season, Summer
Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

The Cause & Effect of Greensnap
Greensnap can occur during two of the most rapid vegetative growth stages of corn from V5 to V8 and from V12 to R1. During a corn’s rapid growth stage, internodes elongate and become susceptible to breaking off. From V12 to R1, a corn plant can grow up to 4 inches per day!

When greensnap occurs, it happens at the primary ear node which is detrimental to corn yield in the fall. Aside from high winds, other factors can include planting conditions, farm management practices and genetics of the corn plant.

When corn plants are in their first stage of rapid growth from V5 to V8, post-emergence herbicide is often applied. Growth-regulator herbicides can play a negative role in the integrity of the plant structure for short time after application. This combined with rapid plant growth weakens plant structure leaving it susceptible to greensnap.

Here are three suggestions to manage for greensnap in future crop years:
1. Choose hybrids that have strong plant characteristics. We suggest selecting hybrids with above average root strength, stalk strength and disease resistance.
2. Take a second look at your herbicide management plan, specifically time of application or reduction of growth regulator herbicides.
3. Set your corn crop up for success from the beginning of the season by planting into a favorable seed bed at the appropriate seed depth. Give the seed a chance to establish a strong nodal root system to help withstand harsh weather through the growing season.
If you have questions on selecting the right hybrid for your field, let us know. We can connect you with one of our product specialists to ensure the right seed is placed on the right acre. This is the first step you can do to protect your corn crop from greensnap.
Laura Cunningham

July 23, 2019

Agronomics, Corn, Crop, Growth Stages, Season, Summer, Tech Tuesday

Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

#AskTheAgronomist: Soybean Scouting Blitz

It’s time to scout soybeans!! Tune in for a 10 minute soybean blitz on what to look for in the field.

Insects: Japanese Beetles	1:55
Insects: Gall Midge	2:35
Insects: Aphids	3:55
Diseases: Sudden Death Syndrome	4:45
Diseases: Frog Eye	6:10
Diseases: Soybean Cyst Nematode	7:14
Disorders: Iron Deficiency Chlorosis	8:22
Disorders: Root Development	9:33
Disorders: Herbicide Injury	10:55

Laura Cunningham

July 18, 2019

#AskTheAgronomist, Agronomics, Crop, Disease, Insects, Season, Soybeans, Summer

Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

July 17, 2019 Crop Reports

Northwest North Dakota

Brian McNamee

We finally got the rain and heat needed to make the crop flourish in Northwest North Dakota. It’s turning out to be one heck of a year for alfalfa. I’m already seeing bigger than normal stacks in the yards, and it’s good to see! A lot of cow/calf operations were running on empty this spring.

Wheat is starting to turn and harvest could start less than two weeks. There will be some huge swings in yields, depending on seeding dates. Early crops could be under 30 bushels per acre (bu/A) while the later stuff looks like 80 bu/A or more. It’s crazy to think this two-week window could mean $250/acre this year.

Southeast North Dakota

Gary Geske

The end of spraying season is near, but it’s never too late to apply the correct herbicides to the correct fields. We have many choices for herbicide traits for both corn and soybeans, and even more herbicide choices that may be used separately or in combinations. It’s a bad day when you see all your hard work this spring wilting away with a wrong application, so make sure planting maps are double checked before herbicide applications. It’s also a great idea to make sure your field entrances are marked with trait flags.

Southeast South Dakota

Ramie Coughlin

This week we’re looking at plant health below the surface. As a soybean plant’s cotyledons begin to turn yellow, a drop off the roots take over as the primary food and water source. We rarely apply nitrogen to soybeans, but they actually have a high demand for it. Soybeans get nitrogen through root nodules like these pictures. The nodules are formed from micro rhizobia in the soils.

To make sure your plants are getting the nitrogen they need, dig up a few plants. Make sure you can see white ball-like growths on the roots. Some are large and some are small. We like to see 3 to 5 large ones or 7 to 10 small nodules. Also make sure they are healthy, working nodules. Split it in half and look for a steak pink color. If it is green inside, it’s no good. Brown inside means it has run its course and is done.

Some soils have abundant mircro rhizobia, while others are lacking and require an inoculant is applied to the seed. The inoculant is live rhizobia and must be applied within a certain window before planting. Talk to your Latham Seeds Dealer or RSM to learn about the inoculant we offer.

Northeast South Dakota

James Keltgen

Warm weather continues to move along crop development across Northeast South Dakota. Soybeans are blooming and are finally growing through the Iron Deficiency Chlorosis. Corn looks like it will pollinate within the next week to two weeks. We have finally been on the drier side with only a few tenths of rain this past week. Corn is stunted and yellowing in lower areas due to standing water.

L 1238 L beans are clean and nearing full canopy.

LH 3937 VT2 PRO RIB is about 2 weeks behind but looking good!

Northern Minnesota

Ken Highness

Latham® dealer Steve Gades stands In a field of LH 5402 RR near Morris, Minnesota. This corn has the flag leaf up and close to tasseling.

Southern Minnesota

Justin Prokosch

With much needed heat this last week, crops in the southern half of Minnesota are starting to shape up. Things look a little better than they did in recent weeks. This plot just south of Redwood Falls is an example of what heat can do to help the crop.

Northern Wisconsin

Joe Salter

Temperatures have been very hot and humid for the past week helping crops have grown rapidly. Many farmers in my area could use a shot of rain.

Pictured above is LH 4242 VT2 PRO.

Although it is hard to see in the photo below, there is significant variability in this plot and it’s not just due to different hybrid numbers. There are about 14 hybrids in this Latham SuperStrip™ plot, which tests existing and experimental products. What I love about these plots, is good or bad, we get a first-hand look at some of the potential up and coming genetics in our lineup.

Southern Wisconsin

Greg Mair

As I look at the Latham® corn and soybean plots around my territory, I can honestly say that I can’t wait until harvest! Our SuperStrip™ plots test products that are in our current lineup, as well as experimental numbers. It will be exciting to see which technology will be chosen for our 2020 lineup. My early pick is L 2349 E3. This Enlist soybean variety appeared taller and healthier in all three of the plots I walked this week.

I never thought I would say it this year after the spring we had, but we could use a rain. In southern Wisconsin, one area hasn’t had measurable rain in 22 days. It might be the driest growing season there in four years. You can see the LH 5245 VT2 PRO is starting to curl up in the afternoon heat.

North Central Iowa

Cory Greiman

LH 4517 VT2 PRO RIB is just about tasseled near Garner, Iowa.

Northeast Iowa

Craig Haaland

Here is our new Enlist soybean L 2193 E in Mower County. Weather has been very hot and humid with some moisture here and there. Fields have started to take shape now that they’ve had some sunshine. Farmers are still spraying to control weeds, especially water hemp. Corn fields are getting closer to tassel stage.

Eastern Iowa

Jerry Broders

Corn continues to grow at a rapid rate and some soybean fields are starting to close their rows. Lack of rain over the last 10 days and temperatures pushing into the 90’s is starting to stress both crops.

Northwest Iowa

Darin Chapman

The corn in these photos was planted on what I would call the “good window” around May 7. With a heat index of 100 degrees the past week, corn has grown rapidly. Keep an eye on the root structure and watch for corn root worm pressure. I’ve spoke with several farmers who are applying an early dose of fungicide to their corn that has experienced a lot of stress such as hail, late planting, or replant.

The other photos show a glimpse of the on-farm hybrid placement research we are working on with Latham Hi‑Tech Seed’s Data Forward program. There isn’t a difference in leaf color in the photo quite yet, so you can’t physically see the different hybrids in each zone. This should start to change soon. We are excited to see the results this fall, so stay tuned!

Western Iowa

Larry Krapfl

A sure sign of summer is when sweet corn makes it on the dinner table. It was a long spring so I encourage you to take time and enjoy this summer season.

West North Central Iowa

Bart Peterson

Latham® LH 4240 conventional corn in Webster County looks good at full tassel.

Central Iowa

Bryan Rohe

Tassels have started to show up and will continue for weeks to come as planting dates were widespread this year. The tassel is the beginning of an important process that starts ear development, and protecting the plants during this time is vital. Stress during this point of plant development can slow down this process, reducing yields.

There are many diseases this year that could affect our crops, so I highly recommend applying fungicide to both corn and soybeans. Data shows fungicides pay by allowing the plant to stay healthy.

During the past three years, we have seen a yield increase of 9.8 bushels per acre on first year corn and 14.9 bushels per acre on corn-on-corn Fungicide actually allows the hybrid to dry down further and finish as designed.

The best time to spray fungicide on soybeans is R3 to R4. The average yield response to soybean fungicide during the last three years has been 3.9 bushels per acre.

Laura Cunningham

July 17, 2019

#FromTheField Crop Reports, Season, Summer
Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

July 9, 2019 Crop Reports

Eastern North Dakota

Brian McNamee

Recent rains have been a godsend to the drought-stressed area of my region in North Dakota. The Minot area received more than 2 inches in the past 24 hours, I’ve heard reports of 4 to 6 inches north of there. The corn and soybeans have turned the corner and look great.

Areas in Central and Southeast ND have more moisture than needed. This morning I noticed extreme lodging in wheat and an alarming amount of soybeans under water. https://droughtmonitor.unl.edu/CurrentMap/StateDroughtMonitor.aspx?ND

Southeast North Dakota

Gary Geske

The corn is growing so tall that I have to keep a close eye on my little crop scout. Latham® LH 3937 VT2 PRO RIB is really stretching out with warmer weather. This is a great time for tissue testing fields. If there is a nutrient deficiency, make sure applications are made before tasseling so the plants get the most benefit.

Southeast South Dakota

Ramie Coughlin

Well, we made it! Many corn fields throughout SESD made it to knee-high by the Fourth of July. Although the norm has changed and we are used to seeing corn shoulder-high by this time of year, it still feels good to meet the goal of an old wives’ tale. Recent temperatures have been good to us. Daytime temps in the upper 80s help us accrue much needed heat units. Warm daytime combined with overnight lows below 70 have been ideal for corn growing.

They say it takes water to make water, and boy do we have water! Over the holiday weekend, many areas got 4 inches of rain. These two photos were taken just two miles apart. We are once again beyond saturated. However, as you get closer to central SD, it’s beginning to to dry up like usual. Crops there only receive 1/4” this past weekend.

Also last weekend, while sitting outside enjoy the fireworks show, I noticed fireflies. When you start seeing fireflies, it’s time to watch for rootworm. With potentially poor root systems from wet spring weather, it’s important to be proactive. Start scouting for rootworms in your corn fields.

Northeast South Dakota

James Keltgen

Although it has been hot enough in Northeast South Dakota to push along crop development, it has also been wet. More than six inches of rain has fallen during the past month. Some areas south of Watertown received that much in a short time period, cashing Highway 81 to flood.

Corn leaves are turning yellow firing as they show signs of stress from saturation. Soybeans have been stunted, as well. We’re also seeing some cutworm damaged to corn and soybeans, so make sure you’re scouting your fields.

Northern Minnesota

Ken Highness

This field of Latham® LH 0995 E-3 in Wilkin County Minnesota looks very healthy as it enters the R-1 development stage. To keep fields clean and healthy, weeds must be controlled. I’m seeing a lot of Lambsquarter as pictured here, Pigweed and winter annuals. Effective weed control requires a combination of tactics including tillage, herbicides and seed selection. Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds offers farmers choices with a full lineup of Roundup, Liberty link, Extend, LLGT27 and E-3 products. We need to be good stewards of these new traits and rotate them to prevent weed resistance.

Southern Minnesota

Justin Prokosch

Crops really took over during the last week after we received lots of sunshine and heat units. Some corn is already higher than our heads.

Northern Wisconsin

Joe Salter

The last few weeks have been pretty good in Northern Wisconsin. Pictured here is Latham® LH 4450 CNV, which planted June 21. A fair amount of the corn made it to knee high by the Fourth of July. Spraying still a challenge in our area due to rain, and some area farmers hope to get another shot of nitrogen on their crop.

Southern Wisconsin

Greg Mair

Farmers are all smiles in Southern Wisconsin after a warm week. Our crops needed some heat, and they got it! Wayne Melton of Cambridge, Wisconsin, is pictured here with Latham® LH 5739 SS RIB that was planted May 15. Given this spring weather, I don’t think he could be any happier with the health and progress of #Crop19.

North Central Iowa

Cory Greiman

This good looking field of Latham® LH 5245 VT2 PRO RIB near Burt, Iowa, has the flag leaf up and is ready to start tasseling.

Northeast Iowa

Craig Haaland

Here’s a field of LH 5249 SS in Mitchell County. After getting a slow start this spring, fields are uniform now. Farmers are finishing up spraying and crop scouting is underway. Lots of warm, humid weather with rain is creating a favorable environment for pests. Soybeans are really growing and are looking good.

Northwest Iowa

Darin Chapman

This Latham 2184 R2X, which was planted into 4-foot high cereal rye, looks to have great potential!

Eastern Iowa

Jerry Broders

I can finally say that planting is complete in Eastern Iowa. The final field of soybeans went into the ground July 8 for first time planting. We will truly get a sense of what impact planting date has on crop yields this fall. Pictured here is Latham LH 5249 SS, which was planted June 8 west of Iowa City. It’s at V9 growth stage.

Western Iowa

Larry Krapfl

These hard boxes are ready for return to Latham HQ, signaling the close of this season. A big thank you to everyone! Now it’s time to start a new seed selling year.

West North Central Iowa

Bart Peterson

Latham’s LH 5742 RR was planted June 1 in this Hardin County plot.

Central Iowa

Bryan Rohe

Weather has been variable across Central Iowa. State Center saw destructive hail. Areas of Boone received 12 inches of rain within 48 to 72 hours. Where weather events haven’t struck the crops look pretty good. This week the early corn is tasseling. Early to mid-May soybeans are starting to flower.

Laura Cunningham

July 9, 2019

#FromTheField Crop Reports, Season, Summer