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From the Field Crop Report: June 13

EASTERN IOWA

Jerry Broders

Crops across Eastern Iowa are growing by leaps and bounds. Rainfall varied from half an inch to 7 inches last weekend. Prior to the rainfall, corn here was rolling due to lack of moisture. These pictures were taken of the Latham® Hybrid SuperStrip plot planted April 29 by Bart Paulsen of Stockton. All the corn stands between 36 to 46 inches tall, so next week Bart plans to side-dress nitrogen.

CENTRAL IOWA

Bryan Rohe

Farmers cutting alfalfa, corn is between V5 to V8 stages, and soybeans are growing nicely. Rain has been spotty in areas of the region. There are some areas that could use a little more rain.

NORTHEAST IOWA & SOUTHEAST MINNESOTA

Craig Haaland

Latham’s popular L 2084 R2 is coming along great in northern Iowa. Corn and Soybean fields were coming along great before last weekend’s storm hit. Last Friday this area received another 4 inches of rain plus another 1.5 inches and hail on Saturday. Now the attention has turned to replanting soybeans.

WEST NORTH CENTRAL IOWA

Bart Peterson

Hail hit Webster and Wright Counties on Monday, May 28. Check out the photos in the last crop report to see how the corn is progressing. I took these pictures June 12 at the same location of the same corn plants. This corn is knee high or better.

NORTH CENTRAL IOWA & SOUTH CENTRAL MINNESOTA

Cory Greiman

A nice looking field of LH 5245 VT2 PRO RIB near Algona, IA.

NORTHWEST IOWA

Darin Chapman

After a long drawn out spring, it rewarding to see good stands from these two hybrids. Latham’s LH 6045 VT2 PRO RIB and LH 5635 VT2 PRO RIB look to have a bright future!

WESTERN IOWA & EASTERN NEBRASKA

Larry Krapfl

Knee high by the Fourth of July…this field of LH 5965 VT2 PRO RIB corn in Moville, IA is waist high. The corn is progressing well in my territory with this field at stage V6 to V7.

SOUTHERN WISCONSIN

Greg Mair

The 2017 rock star in Wisconsin, LH 5245 VT2 PRO RIB, is living up to the hype so far in 2018! Some soils were cold at planting time, but it didn’t take any extra time for this hybrid to come out of the ground. I stopped to check on this perfect field here at V4 in Ripon, Wisc.. It was planted May 8. Nice weather and a heat wave forecast for this weekend will make it a race to get this field sprayed and side-dressed before the corn gets too big. Strong emergence and uniform stands have my heart set on another solid year of performance from this hybrid!

NORTHERN WISCONSIN

Joey Salter

The last soybean plot went in the ground on Friday in Cadott, Wisc. Planting across the region is nearly finished. Now the race is on for weed control! Many of the corn acres have been covered, and the sprayers are going strong on soybeans. Giant ragweed is becoming an issue to the south and yellow nutsedge in the north. The northern half of the state could use a little rain as shown in the second photo. You can see late planted soybeans are struggling to break the surface.

SOUTHERN MINNESOTA

Jay Nelson

The corn condition was rated 90% good to excellent in Minnesota, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Soybean condition was rated 86% good to excellent. Soybeans acres are 98% complete and 87% emerged. Unless, your ground happens to be in the areas that received 3 to 7 inches of rain during three days. Then your crops are submerged.

Photo Courtesy of Mike Chippewa Valley Corn & Soybean Growers

NORTHERN MINNESOTA

Ken Highness

A severe storm moved through Cass County on June 8. Unfortunately, it caused lots of damage to corn and soybeans fields around Kindred, North Dakota.

SOUTHEAST SOUTH DAKOTA

Ramie Coughlin

This spring as been an interesting to say the least. South Dakota has experienced heavy rain, flooding, slow/poor planting conditions, stretches of hot dry weather with strong winds, and areas of drought. As you can see from the pictures, we have many corn fields that have canopied and others are in very early growth stages. There are still people planting soybeans in this area.

NORTHEAST SOUTH DAKOTA

James Keltgen

Much needed rain fell this week across Northeast South Dakota (NESD)! The areas that are dry could still use more moisture, but at least they received some rain. Areas in the east received 1 to 2 inches and drier areas received closer to a half inch. Last week a storm rolled through the area. Winds of more than 80 miles per hour blew corn stalks and covered soybean fields with trash, which cut off young soybean plants. Planters have been back in full force replanting these areas.

Latham customers, who planted at least 120 units of treated soybeans, are get the benefit of free replant. The corn is really growing quickly with the above-average temps and rainfail. Much of the early corn is nearly knee high. Soybeans are starting to take off as we’re nearing the longest days of the year!

Young soybean plants were cut and broken off from 80+ mph winds last week.

SOUTHEAST NORTH DAKOTA

Gary Geske

Last weekend I got some “windshield time” while disking up a few acres of CRP ground on which the contract had expired. I believe this will be the first crop planted on this ground in 30 years.

Since I was driving at slow speed, I had time to reflect. I believe the first CRP contracts were signed in the mid-80s. It made me think about the legacy that is passed on from generation to the next. Our family picked up this piece of ground in the mid-70s while I was transitioning from high school to college. At that time, I was picking up on the wisdom of my father and my grandfather. I remember thinking how much respect they had for the land.

Last weekend I was thinking about how my grandson, who is 2 and a half, could be the 5th generation on this farm. He enjoys riding with me and his dad in tractors and trucks. So here we are, taking care of the land that we have been given an opportunity to manage so that we may pass on our legacy to future generations.

Stay safe. Happy Father’s Day to all of you who are passing on the farming tradition!

EASTERN NORTH DAKOTA

Brian McNamee

Last week a very bad hail/wind/rain event hit about a 30-mile stretch in eastern Stutsman and western Barnes Counties of North Dakota. Tens of thousands of soybean acres needed to be replanted, so it was a scramble to get the appropriate seed to growers. We got Latham® seed delivered to our customers in less than four hours of a phone call, while some of our competitors took 24 to 48 hours to service the calls. I am very proud of customer service and am thankful for the Latham Team members who helped!

Shannon Latham

June 13, 2018

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

From the Field Crop Report: June 6

EASTERN IOWA

Jerry Broders

The race is on in Eastern Iowa to get side-dress applications of nitrogen applied before the corn grows too tall. We have had excellent growing conditions for all crops.

CENTRAL IOWA

Bryan Rohe

Did you plant in the ideal condition?

The photo shows what happens when planting causes compaction. Most likely, soils were too wet when this corn hybrid was planted. Problems will continue to surface all growing season long, and we will see yield loss at harvest time.

NORTHEAST IOWA & SOUTHEAST MINNESOTA

Craig Haaland

Our LH 5099 SS RIB in Northern Iowa is coming along good in corn-on-corn field. With 90-degree temps, a lot of corn and soybeans have popped out of the ground within 5 days. Corn planting has wrapped up, and soybeans are 95% done. Lots of spraying is going on now. We’re going to need some moisture pretty soon.

WEST NORTH CENTRAL IOWA

Bart Peterson

Hail fell across Webster and Wright Counties. This corn field received hail on Monday, May 28. This photo was taken Thursday, May 31. Next week I will be take another photo to see how corn progresses when its growing point is below the ground. LH 5245 VT2 PRO is at V4 to V5 stage.

NORTH CENTRAL IOWA & SOUTH CENTRAL MINNESOTA

Cory Greiman

A field of Latham 9600 alfalfa has been raked and is ready to bale.

NORTHWEST IOWA

Darin Chapman

Despite late snows in April and delayed in spring planting, the cereal rye cover crop had a chance for good growth. Good cover crop growth helped prevent abundant weed growth before we could plant soybeans at the end of May.

Next fall, this farmer will seed our Driller Daikon Radish with cereal rye to help with nitrogen uptake and compaction issues.

WESTERN IOWA & EASTERN NEBRASKA

Larry Krapfl

This field of Latham’s 455 TQ RR alfalfa was waist tall with less than 10% bloom on June 4. At 10:30 the next day, it was cut. It got raked on June 5 and baked on June 6. Planting at high population led to very fine stems, which is more desirable for feeding livestock.

SOUTHERN WISCONSIN

Greg Mair

This field of LH 5495 3122 EZR, which was planted May 3, is turning heads in the neighborhood at V3! With a soft starch kernel, high yield potential and exceptional stress tolerance, this hybrid is a must-have for Wisconsin dairy farmers. A perfect stand with even emergence could help this surpass last year’s yield of 35 ton/acre.

First crop alfalfa is completed or has hit the ground across this region. You can always tell when first crop alfalfa has been cut because that’s when the classics come out of winter hibernation. This Allis Chalmers Series IV Diesel D-17 was used to rake first crop in a grower’s field. It really is as clean and nice as it appears in this photo.

NORTHERN WISCONSIN

Joey Salter

Farmers in northern Wisconsin are finishing planting corn and soybeans. Corn is about 95 to 99 percent done. As soon as a few more acres of silage corn get planted, it will be a wrap. Soybeans are also nearing the end with 90+ percent of the acres planted. Emergence has been good with some corn in areas 12 inches tall and soybeans about 3 to 4 inches tall. In the first photo, you can see good planting conditions allowed for several producers to get to their first cutting of alfalfa in a timely fashion to insure good quality feed for their herd. Last week was the beginning of the super warm summer weather reaching 100 degrees at times and some pop up thunderstorms with some hail, but no damage was reported here. The last photo shows my daughter, Rejee Lynn, “planting” corn for the first time. Farm big or small, teach them all!

SOUTHERN MINNESOTA

Jay Nelson

Most of the corn has been planted and is taking off, but we’re struggling to finish planting soybeans. There are areas that actually becoming too dry. Other areas have had significant rain and hail events. Although planting is a bit behind, there is potential for some tremendous yields.

NORTHERN MINNESOTA

Ken Highness

Planting conditions were great this past week throughout my region. Most farmers will be 100% planted by the end of this week. I expect the few areas that needed to be replanted also will get done this week. Many farmers are spraying their first application of herbicide to corn and soybeans. Pictured is a 160-acre field of Latham’s LH 3877 VT2 PRO corn, receiving its first application of Roundup Ready herbicide South of Barnesville, Minn.

SOUTHEAST SOUTH DAKOTA

Ramie Coughlin

The final corn plot of the season went in over the weekend near Gann Valley, SD. Planting continues to progress. Hopefully, we can wrap up the majority of planting by the end of the week. Most of the state received some rain Friday, and it was a much needed rain in some areas.

NORTHEAST SOUTH DAKOTA

James Keltgen

Hot and dry is the word this week. Very little rain has fallen and temperatures have been well above average. Strong winds ripped across the Plains, cutting off young soybean plants. Tens of thousands of acres had to be replanted along the James River Valley. Rain fall will be needed soon to keep the crops growing. The James River Valley has been abnormally dry the past year and continues to be dry.

Planting Mork Farms Corn SuperStrip in Pierpont, SD

SOUTHEAST NORTH DAKOTA

Gary Geske

We are making the transition between planting, crop scouting and spraying for weeds and pests. If you’re scouting fields with a drone, remember that you’re sharing airspace with planes. Many times crop dusters are flying as low as 10 feet off the ground, so they cannot see drones flying in the same airspace. The law gives manned aircraft the right-of-way over unmanned drones. They are a useful tool in field diagnostics, but please use them carefully and safely.

EASTERN NORTH DAKOTA

Brian McNamee

The rains we needed to save the crop finally fell last week across the northern and western parts of North Dakota. Crops that were in dry dirt now look hopeful and rejuvenated. The forecast looks very favorable with periodic rains and plenty of heat during the next 10 days. Sprayers will be out in full force. It’s truly outstanding to see both the relief and a smile come back to my customers. Planting is all but done. The final push for alfalfa is on now.

This field of LH 3612 GTA was given up for dead last week. These once puny, frail, light green sticks are turning darker by the hour.

Shannon Latham

June 6, 2018

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

From the Field Crop Report: May 30
EASTERN IOWA

Jerry Broders

Crops are moving along quickly in Eastern Iowa. Planting is almost complete, so the race is on to apply post-emergent herbicide and to side-dress nitrogen. Pictured here is of Latham SuperStrip plot planted near Eldridge.

CENTRAL IOWA

Bryan Rohe

Farmers in my Central Iowa territory are 100% planted, both corn and soybeans. Corn looks good and is rooting down with this dry weather. Soybean stands have been compromised were the ground crusted over, creating a challenge for some soybeans to emerge. We really need a soaking rain.

NORTHEAST IOWA & SOUTHEAST MINNESOTA

Craig Haaland

Our popular LH 5505 VT2 PRO RIB is coming along nicely in northern Iowa. Corn planting is 90% done and soybeans are about 80% planted. A lot of soybeans went in the ground during the past week. It’s been a long spring and recent rains have slowed the planting process. Farmers are eager to finish planting.

WEST NORTH CENTRAL IOWA

Bart Peterson

The field of L 1958 L was planted April 25 at a population of 130,000 near Odebolt, Iowa, by Latham® dealer Troy Johnson. This photo was taken May 21.

NORTH CENTRAL IOWA & SOUTH CENTRAL MINNESOTA

Cory Greiman

This picture, taken Monday night, sums up our strange spring weather. More than 10,000 people in North Iowa were without electricity on May 28 after torrential rain, marble- to dime size hail and wind gusts of 70 miles per hour hit the area.

NORTHWEST IOWA

Darin Chapman

Due to a stretch of dry weather, Latham® Hi‑Tech Soybean SuperStrip plots are going in at a rapid pace across Northwest Iowa! A stretch of 100-degree days and saturated soils have growers amazed at the quick emergence. We hope for continued sunshine and timely rainfall the rest of this growing season. We also look forward to the results from these SuperStrip plots, which help us decide which existing and experimental products to keep in the Latham lineup.

WESTERN IOWA & EASTERN NEBRASKA

Larry Krapfl

Rural residents are known for coming together and helping their neighbors when the going gets tough. That’s exactly what happened May 26, when friends and neighbors united in Emerson, Neb., to put in the crop for Virgil and Irene Rasmussen.

Virgil, who has been diagnosed with leukemia, was deeply touched by the generosity of local farmers. I’d like to express a big THANK YOU to everyone who participated in our community planting day:
- Virigil and Irene’s son, Troy, ran his own tractor and planter;
- Rod Rohde ran his John Deere tractor and 40-foot drill;
- Dennis Rohde planted Kirby Lamp’s soybeans, which freed up Kirby to plant at Virgil’s;
- Kirby ran Virgil’s tractor and planter;
- Kirby’s son, Kendrick Lamp, and my son, Kayl Krapfl, kept busy delivering seed to planters in different fields;
- Dan Starzle brought his tractor and planter;
- Kevin and Rodney Bonderson brought their tractor and planter plus a seed tender;
- Mel Hansen ran for parts fixed broken planters, as well as helped with a soybean test plot; and
- My wife, Tracie Krapfl, and Kayl’s fiancé, Amy Klein, kept everyone fed and hydrated. They also took photos plus helped put in the Latham® test plot.
It was an extremely hot and tiring day, but everyone pulled together and pulled off a huge job! So many seeds of kindness were planted last Saturday.

SOUTHERN WISCONSIN

Greg Mair

Fields that have been in the roughest shape this spring seem to have been planted consistently on May 8. Cooler temps and above-normal precipitation after planting have delayed germination and growth in these fields across southern and eastern Wisconsin.

Meanwhile in Watertown, this LH 5245 VT2 PRO RIB looks pretty good. This hybrid was planted May 8 in a Latham® SuperStrip plot.

SOUTHERN MINNESOTA

Jay Nelson

Is it too early to talk about next year’s planting schedule? We’ve experienced one environmental challenge after another this spring.

Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds offers premium seed treatment with three modes of action on fungi. Soybeans are impacted by the environment, but you can protect yield with seed treatment. While many people blame IDC for poor stands, it’s been my experience that Rizocctonia is a larger issue.

How is your corn doing with Mycoryzae syndrome (purple corn?) Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds offers products like 5099/4437/ 4454/ 4455 that work well in these environments. Corn after sugar beets can be tough to manage, but Latham Seeds has the answer.

NORTHERN MINNESOTA

Ken Highness

Summer-like weather, beach towel, new Latham® cap and an afternoon with her dad in the field near Ardoch, ND… what more could a little girl want? Her bright smile says it all!

SOUTHEAST SOUTH DAKOTA

Ramie Coughlin

There are still a lot of soybean acres to be planted in Southeast South Dakota. With all the moisture we’ve received this combined with temperatures of 90 degrees and higher, seedlings are popping out of the ground quickly!

NORTHEAST SOUTH DAKOTA

James Keltgen

The earliest planted corn is nearing V5, and soybeans have been emerging quickly also with the warm weather. Soybean planting is in full force in the east and is nearing completion in the central areas. Planting progress continues as four days of temperatures in the 90s dried out many fields. Unfortunately, areas to the west are still waiting for moisture while wetter areas continue to get the rains.

SOUTHEAST NORTH DAKOTA

Gary Geske

Soybeans can be impacted by decisions the decisions you make at this time in their development. Many herbicides used as a pre-emerge can injure soybeans before emergence or as they’re just cracking the ground. If you roll the ground after planting, make sure the beans are not hooking or just emerging because that’s when they’re most sensitive to breaking off. If you must roll beans after emergence, wait until they are 3 to 4 inches tall and do it on a warmer day so the seedlings are more flexible and will rebound quicker.

EASTERN NORTH DAKOTA

Brian McNamee

This picture doesn’t do justice to the amount of planting/seeding that was going on within a two-mile radius of where we were planting this test plot. At one time, I counted seven different units plus ours. Farmers here are really close to being done with planting. Rains continue to be spotty. It seems like the rain falls where it’s not needed but misses other areas that are in dire need of moisture. Crops are starting to show drought stress and growing progress is slow in areas where less than half an inch has fallen since April 1. To quote one of my northern ranchers, “It’s so dry here that flies and mosquitos are dying of thirst!”
Webspec Admin

May 30, 2018

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

From the Field Crop Report: May 23

EASTERN IOWA

Jerry Broders

Corn is growing fast, but the weeds are growing faster! You’ll get a better kill when a post-emergence herbicide is applied before the weeds are 4 inches tall.

CENTRAL IOWA

Bryan Rohe

Farmers in my Central Iowa region are 100% done with planting corn and 95% done with soybeans. Corn looks great and is standing well.

Some soybeans are struggling to get through a crust top, so rain would be helpful.

NORTHEAST IOWA & SOUTHEAST MINNESOTA

Craig Haaland

A lot of corn was put in the from last Wednesday through Sunday. This corn pictured in this plot was planted last week in Southeast Minnesota. Corn planting is about 75% done in northern Iowa and southern Minnesota. Farmers here are just getting started on soybeans.

WEST NORTH CENTRAL IOWA

Bart Peterson

Last Saturday, May 19, we put in a Latham® SuperStrip corn plot in western Iowa. Maturities ranged from 100 to 106 days. Fifteen-year-old Jessica Vosika was an excellent helper. She ran the shop vac, poured seed into the planter and drove side by side.

NORTH CENTRAL IOWA & SOUTH CENTRAL MINNESOTA

Cory Greiman

Latham’s LH 5245 PRO RIB has excellent emergence and stand establishment in this field planted May 10 in the Garner area.

NORTHWEST IOWA

Darin Chapman

With clouds in the sky and rain in the forecast, growers are working as quickly as possible to try and finish up corn planting. Planting conditions have been far from ideal in Northwest Iowa, and frustrations are high due to a late start this spring from snow and continued rainfall.

WESTERN IOWA & EASTERN NEBRASKA

Larry Krapfl

The portion of the field closest to the camera was planted to 455TQ alfalfa from Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds in 2017. In the background, you can see the 455TQ planted this spring is now a carpet of green.

SOUTHERN WISCONSIN

Greg Mair

Growers are battling weather conditions to get fertilizer and preemergent herbicides applied before the corn and soybeans emerge on later planted acres. Wet fields and tire tracks is the view as you drive around the countryside to the south and east.

Even though it is wet in a large majority of the region, the northwestern areas of the state are dry should wrap up planting this week. Corn planted between April 27 and May 8 is emerging and looking great at the VE to V2 stage.

SOUTHERN MINNESOTA

Jay Nelson

My favorite time of year is temperatures temperatures warm up and corn pops up in rows. This is a field near Sanborn, Minn., of LH 5245 VT2 PRO RIB with nice, even emergence.

NORTHERN MINNESOTA

Ken Highness

These photos were taken May 22 of Latham® Hi‑Tech Corn LH 4955 VT2 PRO that was planted on May 3. This field of Latham brand L 1238 L Liberty soybean was planted May 11 near Rutland, ND.

SOUTHEAST SOUTH DAKOTA

Ramie Coughlin

Last week was a good one for Southeast South Dakota. Warm temperatures and only a few light rain showers are providing good planting weather. We mostly missed the forecasted 2 to 4 inches of rain, so thousands of acres were planted. You can now travel across the state and see corn up in many fields. This week growers finishing planting corn and switching over to soybeans.

NORTHEAST SOUTH DAKOTA

James Keltgen

Huge progress was this past week in Northeast South Dakota. Despite a few cloudy and drizzly days, growers managed to get corn in the ground in the eastern part of my territory. The first planted corn is emerging, and stands are looking good. Many growers are wrapped up corn and starting on soybeans. Areas to the west could still use moisture, and many growers say they would like a half inch just to get a break! If there is no rainfall this week, soybean planted acres should increase in the east.

SOUTHEAST NORTH DAKOTA

Gary Geske

This is a great time to walk fields and check emergence. Hopefully, all the time spent setting planters paid off with a uniform stand. This is also the perfect time to make sure the pre-emerge herbicide application is working. Start scouting for weeds to stop them early!

EASTERN NORTH DAKOTA

Brian McNamee

The finish line is approaching. It’s virtually been five weeks of non-stop seeding/planting here in North Dakota. Rainfalls have started to replenish some of the dry seed beds, but as always, the rain has been spotty. It’s way too dry in the north and west while it’s extremely wet in the East Central area. Planting has been delayed, especially Barnes and Griggs Counties.

In-season seed orders keep us rolling. Last Sunday my dog rode shot gun, helping me deliver from Point A to B. Some day soon I owe him a hunting trip or at least a swim in the lake.

Webspec Admin

May 23, 2018

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

Sidewall Compaction

With a wet spring across Latham Country, today we discuss sidewall compaction!

For the FB Live link, click here: https://www.facebook.com/LathamSeeds/videos/10156410256102138/

Webspec Admin

May 17, 2018

#AskTheAgronomist, Spring
Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

From the Field Crop Report: May 16

EASTERN IOWA

Jerry Broders

Dave Boeding is planting Latham® seed beans while his grandson Brennen Boeding runs the seed tender.

CENTRAL IOWA

Bryan Rohe

A good part of Central Iowa has finished or is finishing planting all together. Corn has emerged and is looking good in most fields. Soybeans are just emerging in many fields.

NORTHEAST IOWA & SOUTHEAST MINNESOTA

Craig Haaland

Monday we put in a Latham® corn plot in Black Hawk County. Many farmers are already done planting in that area. Further north and into southern Minnesota, however, planting is still at a standstill after 2 to 2.5 inches of rain fell last week. Sunny days are in order for next couple days, so we’re hopeful planting will resume on Thursday or Friday.

WEST NORTH CENTRAL IOWA

Bart Peterson

This field was planted to LH 5279 SS April 27 near Dows, Iowa at a population of 35,000.

NORTH CENTRAL IOWA & SOUTH CENTRAL MINNESOTA

Cory Greiman

These photos taken along Highway 69 near Garner, Iowa, sums up the wet spring we’ve experienced so far in northern Iowa and southern Minnesota.

NORTHWEST IOWA

Darin Chapman

It looks like we might get some much needed sunshine for a couple of days Northwest Iowa. There’s also another chance of rain this weekend, so farmers are working to get seed in the ground!

WESTERN IOWA & EASTERN NEBRASKA

Larry Krapfl

It’s been a wet week in western Iowa and eastern Nebraska, but at least the plot seed that got in the ground is emerging nicely.

SOUTHERN WISCONSIN

Greg Mair

Tuesday we journeyed north to find some dry soils and were able to plant a Latham SuperStrip in Almena, Wisc. The spring weather has been challenging, so only about 40% of the corn and 10% of soybeans planted. I didn’t think planting conditions could ever be more challenging than in 2017, but unfortunately, conditions have been more challenging this spring.

Luckily positive harvest results from 2017 are holding off planters until soil conditions are right. Beautiful weather forecast for this week will get us back on track before more rain moves in this weekend!

SOUTHERN MINNESOTA

Jay Nelson

Field conditions in South Central Minnesota are extremely variable, so planting progress varies. Areas in Renville County are 90% planted on corn and 60% planted on soybeans. Moving a little farther south to Redwood and Brown Counties, fields are only 5% planted on corn and 0% planted on soybeans.

These two photos were literally taken 5 miles apart. You can see where the field in the second photo is just too muddy to get into the field.

NORTHERN MINNESOTA

Ken Highness

Ryan Skaug of M&R Seed in Beltrami, Minn., on May 15 loads Latham® L 0485 R2 soybeans.

SOUTHEAST SOUTH DAKOTA

Ramie Coughlin

Planting came to a halt last Thursday in South Dakota as rain moved across most of the state. It just picked up again this Tuesday where we able to get our first Latham(R) plot of year in at Estelline, SD. It’s slow going this year, but we are taking advantage of every good day we get.

NORTHEAST SOUTH DAKOTA

James Keltgen

Between the showers, cloudy and cool days during the past week, there were some periods of sunshine. Growers in the James River Valley are planting soybeans in full force. To the east, corn is going in quickly where conditions are suitable. Some soybeans also are being planted there. Many growers are working through the night as another 1 to 3 of rain is in the forecast for Thursday night. Because field conditions are already wet, additional rain this week would mean some acres won’t get planted this year.

This photo was taken as we were planting a Latham SuperStrip in Watertown, SD.

SOUTHEAST NORTH DAKOTA

Gary Geske

Not all area growers are as lucky as my son, Kyle Geske, who finished planting corn this week. One nice feature of technology like auto steer is that it makes it easier to have “management” check on you. Avery and Carson approve of planting Latham Seed.

EASTERN NORTH DAKOTA

Brian McNamee

Steady and unwavering planting progress continues across North Dakota. Several customers are 100% done. As a whole, I would guess we are 75 to 80% planted on corn and 30 to 40% on soybeans. We need rains west and north in the worst way as several farmers are planting into severely dry conditions.

Business is growing at Ideal Seed Solutions in Rugby, ND. To keep up with demand, a new bulk system was built. A a Quickveyor tender was added recently, so they won’t have to handle so many totes next year.

Webspec Admin

May 16, 2018

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

Is It Time to Switch Maturities?

Is it time to switch maturities? Tune in to hear what Phil Long has to say!

Click here: https://www.facebook.com/LathamSeeds/videos/10156393792032138/

Webspec Admin

May 10, 2018

#AskTheAgronomist, Corn, Spring
Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

From the Field Crop Report: May 9

EASTERN IOWA

Jerry Broders

This customer is finishing up corn planting by Center Point. Most growers in Eastern Iowa are winding down with corn and moving to soybeans.

CENTRAL IOWA

Bryan Rohe

Soybeans planted early in Central Iowa are confused, which is a sign of imbibitional chilling damage. “Confused seedlings” either emerge incorrectly or not at all because these seeds absorbed water when soil temperatures were less than 55° or 60° F for an extended period of time.

NORTHEAST IOWA & SOUTHEAST MINNESOTA

Craig Haaland

Soil temperatures are warm enough for planting, but we received 5 inches of rain last week. Many farmers held off planting when they saw rain was in the forecast, and that turned out to be a good decision for many. After four good days of drying conditions, we had hoped planters would get rolling on Tuesday. Very few soils were dry enough yesterday and then we received another 0.7” last night. We need more drying weather! We need fit soil conditions for best results.

WEST NORTH CENTRAL IOWA

Bart Peterson

This photo was taken on Thursday, May 4, about 4 miles east of Humboldt in West Central Iowa. Total rain fall last week in that area was 4 inches. Due to snow and rain the last two months, farmers in Humboldt County have maybe only 20% of their corn in the ground.

NORTH CENTRAL IOWA & SOUTH CENTRAL MINNESOTA

Cory Greiman

We’re seeing signs of winter kill. When alfalfa plants break dormancy, plants are susceptible to cold crown temperatures. Spring snowmelt, combined with late-season snow, may have frozen these plants. Other factors that affect winter kill include: stand age, alfalfa variety, soil pH, soil fertility and cutting management.

NORTHWEST IOWA

Darin Chapman

Northwest Iowa farmers are behind on planting due to continued rainfall. We are looking forward to performing multiple hybrid on-farm research. The photo shows a multi-hybrid and variable rate seeding prescription written with Latham Hi‑Tech Seed’s Data Forward Precision Ag Program. We are able to place two different hybrids (LH 4955 VT2 PRO and LH 5095 VT2 PRO) where they should show best performance on the right soil, at the right seeding rate.

WESTERN IOWA & EASTERN NEBRASKA

Larry Krapfl

Another field in Western Iowa is being planted with Latham® LibertyLink 3158 soybeans.

SOUTHERN WISCONSIN

Greg Mair

Field conditions in Wisconsin were good for planting lots of acres on Monday and Tuesday. We got two Latham^® Corn SuperStrip plots planted: one in Cambridge and another in Watertown. SuperStrip plots are replicated trials of a specific hybrid sets for each maturity range. We use them to evaluate hybrids across Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds’ entire regional footprint to determine field-by-field placement, which helps our customers maximize profit on every acre.

SOUTHERN MINNESOTA

Jay Nelson

According to the latest planting report, corn planting is only 9 percent complete in Minnesota. That’s 9 days behind last year and 16 days behind the 5-year average, making some growers more focused on the calendar date rather than planting conditions. Keep in mind that we’re still well within optimal planting dates, so you can afford to wait for fit soils in order to avoid season-long problems. Wet soils are easily compacted, and sidewall compaction can lead to dramatic decreases in yield.

NORTHERN MINNESOTA

Ken Highness

May 8 has been our best day this spring in the Red River Valley with a high of 86 degrees! We planted a Latham® SuperStrip plot on the farm of our dealers Mike and Dave Bergquist.

SOUTHEAST SOUTH DAKOTA

Ramie Coughlin

Fields have finally dried off enough for planters to roll in full force for the past week. We have had some really nice high temperatures and a few very windy days to dry things out nicely. Right now most growers are focusing on corn. A few have planted soybeans, depending on what fields are ready to go. I expect to see a shift to beans start happening within the week.

NORTHEAST SOUTH DAKOTA

James Keltgen

Planting is progressing across Northeast South Dakota (NESD). With 4-inch soil temperatures around 49 degrees and the short-term forecast calls for warmer weather ahead, the first Latham SuperStrip went in May 8 at Clark. Growers along the James River Valley are planting in full force. Latham® corn is going in around West River, as well. Some area farmers have finished corn planting and are switching to soybeans. A little corn has been planted around Watertown, but fields here are wetter and are lagging behind. In the Milbank area, growers have been planting soybeans but frost is still coming out of the corn acres.

SOUTHEAST NORTH DAKOTA

Gary Geske

Planting depth is crucial for even emergence of seedlings. It’s important that you adjust planters at the beginning of the season – and all season long. As the planting season continues, monitor the settings. You may need to adjust it for every field as field conditions and other variables affect how the planter works. We recommend proper seed selection field-by-field, so it only makes sense to also check planter settings field-by-field.

EASTERN NORTH DAKOTA

Brian McNamee

The tractors, seeders and planters keep rolling. Scattered rain showers haven’t slowed down our planting progress. Actually, we could use a rain here. Farmers are chasing planting depth, and we could use more moisture before we continue planting alfalfa. Soybean planting got underway on Monday. We’re providing seed with a smile, right to the field and into the drill!

Webspec Admin

May 9, 2018

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

In-Field Video: Cover Crops

Tune in for in-field discussion on cover crop spring growth and details on termination!

For the Facebook Live Video, click here: https://www.facebook.com/LathamSeeds/videos/10156377002367138/

Webspec Admin

May 3, 2018

#AskTheAgronomist, Cover Crops, Spring
Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

From the Field Crop Report: May 2

EASTERN IOWA

Jerry Broders

It’s “Fast and Furious 2018” in Eastern Iowa. Planters are rolling. Plots being planted, so we can collect information that will help us choose Latham’s 2019 lineup.

CENTRAL IOWA

Bryan Rohe

If you live or farm near Highway 92 in Oskaloosa, you must come look at this Latham® plot by Jackson Seed Sales. We’re showcasing 17 corn hybrids, ranging from 108 to 114 RM. You’ll also see a new 110 day Latham leafy silage corn, plus NemaStrike trials.

NORTHEAST IOWA & SOUTHEAST MINNESOTA

Craig Haaland

There isn’t much action in Northern Iowa and Southern Minnesota. Soil temps have been around 34 to 40 degrees Fahrenheit for the past week. Soil temps finally reached the desired 50-degree mark on May 1, and I saw one Mitchell County farmer put some corn in the ground.

Keep in mind the short- and long-range forecasts before planting to avoid chilling effect, which occurs when seed corn takes in cold water. Rain is forecasted for the next couple days. The rain might actually help break up some of this ground that is quite hard now. Hopefully fields will dry out later this week, so planters can be in full force over the weekend.

WEST NORTH CENTRAL IOWA

Bart Peterson

Landon Aldinger, a Latham® dealer in Iowa Falls, Iowa, uses prescription farming equipment to collect data that he uses to select and place seed on a field-by-field basis. Landon started planting on April 30.

NORTH CENTRAL IOWA & SOUTH CENTRAL MINNESOTA

Cory Greiman

Our cereal rye cover crop is greening up and growing at my place, south of Garner in North Iowa.

NORTHWEST IOWA

Darin Chapman

With rain in the forecast for Northwest Iowa during the next few days, some farmers are sneaking in field preparation. Frost is still present, so a warm rain may treat us well. Keep in mind that for most of us we can get our entire crop planted within a week, so wait for fit soil conditions and not plant because “the calendar tell us it’s time.” Let’s try to wait for a good window for planting!

WESTERN IOWA & EASTERN NEBRASKA

Larry Krapfl

This week I helped plant the first corn plot for a Latham customer in western Iowa

SOUTHERN WISCONSIN

Greg Mair

Last Saturday a grower in southern Wisconsin fill his planter with LH 5245 VT2 PRO.

Growers hit the field last Friday and haven’t slowed down since. A much needed rain is expected across much of the area and will likely park planters on Wednesday. Rainfall amounts of up to 4 inches are possible in some areas before Friday evening.

Northern and Central Wisconsin could get planters rolling this weekend, depending on expected rainfall.

SOUTHERN MINNESOTA

Jay Nelson

Warmer temperatures led to melting snow and resulted in 1.3 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending April 29, 2018, according to USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service. Snow has melted in most fields with frost still working its way out of the ground. Farmers who were able to work their fields were busy with field preparation, spreading fertilizer, rock picking and planting.

Now that fields are drying, make sure you check whole field soil temperatures to make sure they’re warm enough to put seed in the ground. Planting is the most crucial time for production, so protect the investment you’ve made.

NORTHERN MINNESOTA

Ken Highness

Farmers in my region late last week started fieldwork, spreading fertilizer and started seeding. A cold front worked its way through the Red River Valley, and dropped enough rain to shut us down for the day! This picture was taken in Breckenridge, Minn., yesterday where one of our Latham® dealers was taking time for additional maintenance.

SOUTHEAST SOUTH DAKOTA

Ramie Coughlin

We’re finally getting some field work done. Much of Southeast South Dakota received more rain Monday night, but field work progressed in some areas. The forecast calls for good farming weather in the week to come, so I expect some corn will hit the dirt in the next few days. Please remember, however, it is only the 2nd of May. Plant when conditions are right. It’s not necessary to mud anything in this time of year. If the soil isn’t fit, you’ll see better yields by waiting a few more days to plant.

NORTHEAST SOUTH DAKOTA

James Keltgen

After a beautiful week of warmer weather, we’re another day closer to #plant18. Seed deliveries are in full force this week. Planters in Northeast North Dakota are still parked as 4-inch soil temps are only 44 degrees. Soils are starting to dry out, but low spots are still wet and muddy. Frost is starting to come out of the ground, so it’s becoming sponge-like. Growers along Highway 37 are doing some fieldwork. It will most likely be next week before most start planting. We are about one or two weeks behind last year’s progress at this time, but that’s not a problem at this point in the season.

SOUTHEAST NORTH DAKOTA

Gary Geske

Planting into cold soils is never good, but we’re planting into cool soils because the forecast looks like temperatures will continue to rise. Protecting the seed is extremely important in this challenging spring. Products like Latham® SoyShield Select™ or SoyShield Plus have multiple fungicides for protection against those early pathogens that attack the young seedling and an insecticide to control the early root nibblers along with early season insect control.

EASTERN NORTH DAKOTA

Brian McNamee

After what seemed like two weeks of constant 20-mph winds, our fields have dried out enough for most farmers to get started with spring tillage and crop seeding. I’ve two things as I’ve been driving across the state this week: (1) There is a lot of seed being moved on the roadways; and (2) I cannot remember ever seeing so many fires in the spring. There is a steady hue of smoke from Harvey to Devils Lake as grass fires that stretch for miles. I hear most counties have burn bans in place. From what I’m seeing, the rural fire departments are running steady.

Latham® dealers in North Dakota are doing an excellent job of getting seed in place. Alfalfa is going in the ground, and some people have started planting corn. It’s fast and furious for us this year! Some dealers have expanded their business to better help their customer base. One such example is Heyerdahl Seed Farm where a new soybean bulk system, with high speed treater, was recently built. This will help Heyerdahl customers get the product they need without having to wait in line. It’s looking good!

Webspec Admin

May 2, 2018

#FromTheField Crop Reports, Season, Spring