Summer | | Latham Hi-Tech Seeds

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

From the Field Crop Reports: Sept. 20

Northeast Iowa & Southeast Minnesota

Craig Haaland

Here are two of our Double PRO numbers from southeastern Minnesota. With nice kernels and very consistent ear placement, both LH 4727 VT2 PRO RIB and LH 4955 VT2 PRO RIB both are looking good in the field.

Soybeans are starting to drop leaves, so harvest will be underway in a couple years.

Eastern Iowa

Jerry Broders

Harvest is coming on quickly! If you would like help calibrating your yield monitor for either corn or soybeans, my weigh wagon is available. This week’s featured product is L 2368 R2 FX. This super new 2.3 maturity Roundup 2 Xtend soybean has looked great in our plots. This soybean is loaded with pods and is standing great. Check with your local Latham® dealer to see if this variety fits your field.

North Central Iowa & South Central Minnesota

Cory Greiman

Here’s a bird’s eye view of Latham® corn SuperStrip plot near Garner on September 17.

West North Central Iowa

Bart Peterson

This field of LH 5215 VT2 PRO was planted May 29, 2017 at a population of 35,000 in Humboldt County.

Central Iowa

Bryan Rohe

An up close view of soybeans near Boone, IA. Harvest is near for this field!

Northwest Iowa

Darin Chapman

Farmers in Northwest Iowa are getting their combines ready for 2017 harvest! I can’t wait to see this LH 4727 VT2 go through the combine! Plus, Latham 2184 R2X soybeans are showing a lot of 4-bean pods.

Western Iowa & Eastern Nebraska

Larry Krapfl

Ear pinching results from severe stress during the 7 to 10 leaf collar stages (V7-10) may result in reduced numbers of kernel rows. The more stress from the summer dry spell, the more apparent the pinching. This is not hybrid specific as it is effecting several hybrids to the degree of stress the corn was put under.

Southern Wisconsin

Greg Mair

Harvest is officially underway on soybeans as I received my first harvest report yesterday. Latham’s L 1438 R2 yielded 75 bu/Acre at 14% moisture. With yield reports like this, you can’t help but get excited for #harvest17!

Latham products are set to finish the year strong in Wisconsin. While walking a Latham(R) Corn SuperStrip in Utica, I couldn’t help but notice the consistently large ear size on this LH 5245 VT2PRO. I am excited to see where yields come in this fall.

Another new product I am excited about this year is L 1845 R2X. In both locations, it has excellent standability with lots of pods on lateral branches. It appears to be a great defensive Soybean against White Mold.

Eastern North Dakota

Brian McNamee

It’s silage chopping season here in North Dakota. I’m happy to report that in some areas the yields are exceeding last year’s banner year! Fields under moderate to severe drought stress are showing rapid dry down and, as expected, poorer than average yields.

One thing to note: If your farm experienced early drought followed by average to above average rainfalls, there might be as much as a 3-week delay on maturity.

Pictured here are Latham customers in front of a field of LH 4532/RR LFY. Honestly, this picture doesn’t do justice for how good that crop really looks!

Southeast North Dakota

Gary Geske

One of our Latham® dealers is harvesting silage near Emeradro, ND this week!

Northeast South Dakota

James Keltgen

Silage chopping is in full swing! L5062LFY running 24-30 ton/acre in South Dakota. Have been some really goo 4th cuttings of hay as well. A few soybean fields off in drier regions 18-28 bu/acre.

Southeast South Dakota

Ramie Coughlin

Two hybrids, two fields, miles apart, both 22 rows around. The field of LH 4242 VT2 PRO RIB was planted near Arlington, SD, and the field of LH 5339 SS RIB is near Montrose, SD.

Northern Minnesota

Ken Highness

Yesterday we harvested the Latham Silage research plot near Emerado, North Dakota. Our leafy hybrids have twice as many leaves above the ear, which adds to tonnage. New genetics, with native drought and insect tolerance, allowed these plants to grow very tall and for high-yielding silage.

Southern Minnesota

Brandon Wendlandt

Here’s one cluster of 4-bean pods that I found on a plant of 2184 R2X in southern Minnesota! I’m really excited to start harvest!

Webspec Admin

September 20, 2017

Corn, Crop, Season, Summer
Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

From the Field Crop Report: Sept 13

Northeast Iowa & Southeast Minnesota

Craig Haaland

Crops are really changing, and harvest will soon be in full swing. These photos were taken in a very nice looking field of LH 5095 VT2 PRO in Floyd County, Iowa. Ears are filled out and ear placement is consistent. North Iowa has had a long streak of no rain and temperatures are going to be warm for the next 7 to 10 days.

Eastern Iowa

Jerry Broders

It’s beginning to look a lot like fall! Soybeans are turning and harvest will be here before we know it.

North Central Iowa & South Central Minnesota

Cory Greiman

Signs of fall are evident in this field of Latham brand L 1787 LL, which is turning in the Garner area.

Central Iowa

Bryan Rohe

Latham’s L 2084 RR2 turned last week near Bondurant, Iowa. Harvest will likely be underway here next week.

West North Central Iowa

Bart Peterson

Harvest is underway near Webster City, Iowa. On Sept. 8, 2.3 acres of L 1328 L was combined, yielding 64.8 bushels/acre and running 14.4% moisture. On Sept. 11, L 1328 L went 71.8 bu/A on better ground.

Northwest Iowa

Darin Chapman

We have been out walking fields looking for potential disease. These soybeans look pretty good, but in spots, it looks like cercospora leaf spot is a possibility. As the plants mature, infected leaves will turn from orange to bronze. Tillage and crop rotation effectively reduce the survival of fungi from season to season.

Western Iowa & Eastern Nebraska

Larry Krapfl

Southern Wisconsin

Greg Mair

The weather is heating up this week in Wisconsin and choppers are hitting the fields. Moistures have been between 63-73% whole-plant moisture, which is critical to achieving the most consistent fermentation and forage quality.

Latham LH 5495 3122 EZR is a key corn silage variety for Wisconsin. It is always a good day when you get to tell a grower that his corn silage yield is estimated at over 34.5 ton/acre.

Eastern North Dakota

Brian McNamee

It’s Big Iron time again in West Fargo. Stop by and see us in Booth 22 at the west end of Exhibit Hall.

Silage chopping and early soybean harvest will be starting to roll this week. I look forward to seeing all my customers in the field for what looks to be a better than expected yields.

Southeast North Dakota

Gary Geske

Latham 5042 RR/LFY silage corn looks awesome! The chopper will make its way soon to this field east of Sheldon, ND.

Northeast South Dakota

James Keltgen

A fair amount of Goss’s Wilt showing up in corn. LH 3877 VT2 PRO is handling it well. Warmer temps are helping corn to reach black layer.

Soybeans are very close to maturity. Yellow leaves are present everywhere and growers expect to be harvesting in about 2 weeks!

Southeast South Dakota

Ramie Coughlin

Latham(R) dealer Estelline Co-op hosted its annual fall field day on Monday. Growers got a chance to look at multiple brands and technologies side by side. Also in South Dakota, silage chopping season is underway. Timing is everything to harvest quality silage. I expect it to be in full swing next week.

Northern Minnesota

Ken Highness

Come see us Sept. 13-14 in Fargo at Big Iron, the largest farm show for agribusiness in the Upper Midwest. We are located in the Exhibit Hall building Booth 22.

Southern Minnesota

Brandon Wendlandt

We had a beautiful weather Monday night for a plot tour and customer appreciation event in Sanborn, Minnesota. Now is a great time walk corn and soybean plots before because soon everyone will be in the throes of harvest.

Webspec Admin

September 13, 2017

Season, Soybeans, Summer
Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

From the Field Crop Report: Sept. 6

Northeast Iowa & Southeast Minnesota

Craig Haaland

Found these nice, consistent ears and ear height in this field of Latham LH 5175 VT2 in Clayton County. This looks like a good yielding corn. Farmers are going to start chopping these next few days the way there talking.

Latham® Hi‑Tech Soybeans 2084 and L 2228 in this county are podded nicely and filled to the top.

Eastern Iowa

Jerry Broders

Latham L2887 R2X are looking great in Eastern Iowa! If you’re looking for a high yielding soybean with a super defensive package, look no further.

The sun is setting on another field day during the 2017 crop season. With harvest approaching, only a few field days remains. Come see what Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds has to offer for 2018 at Alexander on September 15. Tours begin at 9 AM and 1 PM. You can come early and stay for lunch or come for lunch and stay for the afternoon tour. Mike Pearson of Market to Market is our luncheon speaker, so make plans to join us next Friday!

North Central Iowa & South Central Minnesota

Cory Greiman

Although with Sudden Death Syndrome (SDS) infects soybean plants right after germination and emergence, symptoms generally do not appear until mid- to late summer. Future management tactics include: reducing soil compaction; planting fields with a history of SDS towards the end of a planting schedule when soils may be warmer and drier; and testing for the presence of Soybean Cyst Nematodes. Planting tolerant varieties, or avoiding very susceptible varieties, is the most effective way to reduce losses from SDS.

Central Iowa

Bryan Rohe

Soybean harvest has begun in Prairie City, Iowa. These soybeans were planted April 11 and are running around 12.5 moisture.

West North Central Iowa

Bart Peterson

Latham® L2558L was planted May 12 in this SuperStrip plot near Steamboat Rock, Iowa. This photos shows a side-by-side comparison of soybean seed treated only with SoyShield (on right side) and those treated with Soyshield/ILevo (on left side). Notice how much greener the Soyshield/ILevo side is!

Northwest Iowa

Darin Chapman

Look at the kernel depth on this LH 4955 VT2 PRO! This is one of my favorite hybrids for Northwest Iowa, and I’m looking to seeing harvest results.

Western Iowa & Eastern Nebraska

Larry Krapfl

Pretty happy with this second cutting of new seeding Spring 2017. It’s been an extremely dry summer in the Loess Hills of Western Iowa but 455TQ is handling it well.

Southern Wisconsin

Greg Mair

The late-plated soybeans in Wisconsin are finally starting to fill the pods. This plant from a field of L 1845 R2X is one I randomly sampled last week in Watertown, Wisconsin. There are 103 pods on this plant with excellent lateral branching. Wet weather has white mold showing up in places we haven’t seen it before, so this would be a good variety to look at for selecting resistance in 2018.

Eastern North Dakota

Brian McNamee

2017 continues to be a real struggle for growers across my region. We have seen an extensive drought, causing failure of pre-emergence chemicals leading to expansion of resistant weeds into new areas. Then after a seemingly saving amount of rain we observed reduced pollination with poor grain fill. So now what? Well, no we’re seeing disease pressure. Goss’ Wilt is showing up in areas where we have never ever had symptoms before.

The disease went undetected for sometime and spread across the plant very rapidly. We’ll be noting where this disease is present, so we can change hybrid placement in the future. Because this is truly a new event in our area, there will be a bit of a learning as we go. Hopefully, this is the last of our hiccups before harvest!

Northeast South Dakota

James Keltgen

Some of the earlier corn is 30-40% milk line, nearing full maturation. Heavy dew and high humidity is creating disease pressure from rust, Northern Corn Leaf Blight and Goss’s Wilt. Soybeans are really starting to turn yellow as they are nearing maturity. Some areas in the drought will get better than expected yields thanks to some saving rains! Pictured below is John Latham, Myron Keltgen and Phil Long inspecting LH 5245 VT2 PRO. The soybean picture is L0982R2 on the left half and L1438R2 on the right half. L1438R2 showing a little white mold possibly from time of irrigation application. (Brown in center)

Southeast South Dakota

Ramie Coughlin

This field of Latham® 2228R2 near Beresford, South Dakota, was planted at 160,000 in 30-inch rows. It has lots of 4+ pods per node with 3-4 beans in each pod and is filled all the way to the top.

Northern Minnesota

Ken Highness

These pictures were taken last Tuesday in a field of corn near Beltrami, Minn. Samples were taken to NDSU for diagnostics and confirmed Goss’s Wilt. This corn disease was first confirmed in Minnesota 2009, and the first I have seen in my region North of Interstate 94. This disease can be managed by using resistant hybrids, rotating from corn production, using tillage that buries corn residue after harvest, and controlling grassy weeds. Latham has hybrids that are designated as â€œthe boss on Goss,â€ so be sure to check those out for 2018 planting.

Southern Minnesota

Brandon Wendlandt

L 1787 L are looking great in the late season! Now is a good time to evaluate your weed control program. Maybe Liberty will be a fit. Go ahead and call Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds, and I’d be happy to talk with you about your needs.

Webspec Admin

September 6, 2017

Crop, Season, Soybeans, Summer
Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

From the Field Crop Report: August 30

Northeast Iowa & Southeast Minnesota

Craig Haaland

This week’s crop report is a “mixed bag.” The good news is we’ve received moisture, but temperatures have been cooler than normal. The month of August brought lots of cool temperatures, so let’s hope early September is usually warm!

Soybeans are looking pretty good, but they could really use some heat. This field of soybeans in Mitchell County was planted to our popular L 2084 R2. As you can see, there 4-bean pods in there.

Eastern Iowa

Jerry Broders

John McGillicuddy, independent agronomist, addresses the group at our South English, IA field day last night. Thanks John for coming to speak to our dealers and customers!

North Central Iowa & South Central Minnesota

Cory Greiman

Scouting crops all season long is especially important because different insect and disease pressures become evident at this time of year. Any type of stress greatly enhances the likelihood of opportunistic insects such as corn leaf aphids, European corn borer and army worm to feed upon plants. This week I noticed corn aphids in a field near Estherville.

Central Iowa

Bryan Rohe

It’s that time of year when farmers ask themselves what they can do differently to improve yield for the next season. Seed selection is certainly a major factor – some some might argue it’s the most important consideration – to increasing yield. Soil fertility and reducing weed pressure also are among the Top 10 Tips for increasing yield.

I am encouraging farms to look at hybrids that either have a strong drought score or to plant Genuity® DroughtGard® hybrids from Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds in 2018. The longer you can keep plants alive, the more ability they have to do their job. Health corn dies from the ground up, so I’m sure we’ll see an ROI on fungicides this year due to keeping plants health long enough to finish their jobs.

Good plant health is also key to increasing soybean yields. Sudden Death Syndrome (SDS) is starting to show up in Central Iowa soybean fields. The time is right to start watching any side by sides with ILevo and without ILevo. Also, it is a good time to make notes for future years seed treatment plans if SDS is showing up in your fields.

Soybean product selection is key. Prevention is the best defense against SDS. Soybean Cyst Nematodes (SCN) are associated with SDS. The best way to combat SCN is to plant resistant varieties or avoid susceptible varieties. Be sure to keep Latham IRONCLAD™ soybeans in mind when mapping out which varieties will be used on different fields for 2017.

The time is right to also start noting results from studies using ILeVO treated seed. Latham Seeds’ research staff to conduct 2016 studies using ILeVO treated seed side-by-side with seed that was not treated with ILeVO. We saw an average yield advantage of 3.64 bushels per acre across 26 plots, so ILeVO definitely provided a return on the investment.

West North Central Iowa

Bart Peterson

Silage harvest is underway near Alta, Iowa.

Producers often ask what the most important characteristics are when selecting corn hybrids for silage or grain. To pick the best hybrids for his situation a farmer should follow 3 basic steps: (1) Consider the end use first; (2) Keep crop rotation in mind; and (3) Minimize yield-limiting factors.

Click here for more silage selection details from Latham Forage Products Manager Corey Catt.

Northwest Iowa

Darin Chapman

Latham® Dealer Brian Schafer and his son, Adam, prepare for area farmers to show up to their Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds plot tour.

Everthing is looking good here in Northwest Iowa. The ear in the center is LH 5505 VT2 PRO, which has looked consistent in Latham’s SuperStrip plots all season long. I’m really looking forward to seeing yield results this fall!

Western Iowa & Eastern Nebraska

Larry Krapfl

Last silage crop of the year being harvested near Emerson, Nebraska. Click here if you would like tips for selection corn silage products for next year!

Southern Wisconsin

Greg Mair

The Latham Technology Tour stops in Platteville, Wisconsin tonight, Aug. 30. The plot is located at 3775 State Road 80 between Platteville and Cuba City. Tours are at 5:30 and 6 pm. We’re excited to offer our customers so many options in our lineup for 2018! We would love to see you there.

Despite not having the desired heat units, the corn is still moving along. LH 5245 VT2 PRO appears to have great yield. With ears of 16×33 and 16×36 planted at over 36,000 plants per acre (ppa), it’s sure to catch your eyes this fall.

Eastern North Dakota

Brian McNamee

Is this some new type of nurse crop?

This season, across my territory in North Dakota, I have been taken aback by the number of semi-resistant or fully-resistant weeds I have been seeing. I had no idea that marestail was as bad as it is and spread so far west. This particular field is the worst infestation I have ever seen. You can just barely make out the soybeans planted in this field.

A full grown marestail can have upwards of 200,000 seeds per plant. Just think of how many seeds are in this field… Crazy!

This year was the perfect storm for these issues to arise: pre-emergence not working; droughty conditions with slow and poor seed emergence; and periods of late-season rains that produced flushes of all weeds.

This now has the potential to be an epidemic problem not only for this farmer but all the adjacent landowners, as well. It’s going to be a challenge and will have to be monitored especially closely.

Herbicide rotation is important, but mixing herbicides with different sites of action makes weed resistance 83 times less likely to occur. Click here to learn more about weed management, including how and why herbicide resistance occurs.

Southeast North Dakota

Gary Geske

Despite very dry conditions on the Red River Valley, the corn and soybean plots we viewed at the plot day are still in good condition.

Northeast South Dakota

James Keltgen

Another widespread rain event this week will benefit the crops. Early corn is denting and converting to starch. Soybeans are filling pods. Early soybeans are beginning to yellow, signaling harvest just around the corner.

Southeast South Dakota

Ramie Coughlin

With all the rain we’ve been getting, growers are getting a nice 2nd and some 3rd cuttings of alfalfa and hay.

Northern Minnesota

Ken Highness

Congratulations to Latham rep Ryan Skaug of M&R Seed for hosting a successful plot day yesterday in Beltrami, Minnesota! The main topics of discussion among growers in attendance was weed management plus corn and soybean technologies.

Weed management is certainly more challenging! Plants that develop resistance to herbicides are simply following the age-old process of “survival of the fittest.” That’s why seed product selection and herbicide rotation are more important than ever.

Southern Minnesota

Brandon Wendlandt

Latham 2084 R2 is looking great in southern Minnesota! Now is a great time to scouting soybeans for things White Mold and Sudden Death Syndrome. The best defense is a great offense! Be sure to note problem areas and look at disease ratings when selecting future products. Also know that IRONCLAD soybean products are exclusively available from Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds.

Webspec Admin

August 29, 2017

Corn, Insects, Season, Summer
Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

From the Field Crop Report: August 23

Northeast Iowa & Southeast Minnesota

Craig Haaland

With photos like these that were taken in Mower County, Minnesota, it’s easy to see why L1858R2 soybeans are so popular! The Latham product has dominated F.I.R.S.T Trials for the past two years. Put this soybean on order and place it on your better soils!

It looks to be another banner year for LH 5215 VT2 PRO, too. North Iowa and Southeast Minnesota has received adequate rainfall lately, but we could use a few more heat units.

Eastern Iowa

Jerry Broders

The future is here! L 2887 R2X soybeans are going to be hard to beat with their yield potential along with their superior defensive characteristics. They are so good that they’re giving our ever popular L 2884 R2 soybeans a run for the money.

North Central Iowa & South Central Minnesota

Cory Greiman

White Mold is showing up in southern Minnesota where they’ve been getting excess rainfall and cooler temps. Be sure to note areas with White Mold because this will aid in future product selection. The best offense is a good defense! Plant tolerant varieties, or avoid very susceptible varieties, is to manage soybean disease. Also remember the seed treatments are effective insurance policies.

Central Iowa

Bryan Rohe

Soybeans are maturing rapidly on these sandy and clay soils near Jefferson, Iowa. Nick Coleman of Coleman Ag Solutions counts pods on Latham 2228 R2 soybean and compares it to a competitor’s brand in a plot near Ogden.

West North Central Iowa

Bart Peterson

Latham® Dealer Troy Johnson of Odebolt, Iowa, this week pulled one plant in a field of L 1858 R2. This one plant had 6 pods with 4 beans in each pod. I’ve never seen anything like it! August rains help fill the pods. With findings like this, a person can’t help but look forward to harvest.

Northwest Iowa

Darin Chapman

You’re invited to join Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds for a Seed-2-Soil® Technology Plot Day on August 31 near Spencer, Iowa! Our presentations will focus on hot topics in agronomy including: Weed Management, Corn and Soybean Technologies, Cover Crops and Seed Treatment.

Location: 2515 410^th St., Greenville, IA 51343

Agenda:

5:00 PM — Tour Option #1

5:30 PM — Tour Option #2

Dinner & Speaker to follow

Southern Wisconsin

Greg Mair

Topics on farmers’ minds this week are diseases. Sudden Death Syndrome (SDS) and White Mold are back in 2017 and Goss’ Wilt has affected some areas of Southwest Wisconsin. The best plan for mitigating these diseases in 2018 is selecting a seed product with resistance. Contact your Latham(R) Sales Rep for information on our 2018 IRONCLAD Soybean Lineup and Goss Boss corn hybrids.

Eastern North Dakota

Brian McNamee

Now that small grains and early crop harvest is almost complete, it’s time to walk the corn fields. Pay special attention to pollination, especially in areas that saw significant drought stress throughout the first few months of this growing season.

Like many others, I thought the recent rains might be our saving grace. The new growth and greening up appears misleading. There is a considerable amount of acres with poor to very poor pollination. The crop looks great from the road, but you can see the damage that was done once the husks are pulled back.

Southeast North Dakota

Gary Geske

I was doing some crop scouting on my way to Brainerd, Minnesota last weekend. While we were watching the races, it occurred to me that Latham’s Technology Plot Tour is a little like “speed week” at the track. Latham’s management team and product team members are putting on lots of miles, driving to Latham Seed-2-Soil Plots and visiting with farmers from across our 7-state marketing area.

Last night the first in our series of Technology Plot Tours was held near Mountain Lake, Minnesota. Tonight we’ll be in Fargo, North Dakota. Click here to see our schedule. We hope to see you at one of these events!

Northeast South Dakota

James Keltgen

Widespread rain finally fell this week in Northeast South Dakota. Some areas received more than 4 inches while others received less. Hail fell west of Milbank. It looked as if a winter storm had occurred because the ground was pure white! Corn is beginning dough stage and soybeans are filling pods.

Southeast South Dakota

Ramie Coughlin

With August rains coming down like it’s May, most of the soybeans across Southeast South Dakota have plenty of moisture to fill the pods nicely. Many soybeans are in the R5 (beginning pod fill) stage.

Northern Minnesota

Ken Highness

We’re hosting Latham’s Seed-2-Soil® Technology Plot Day this evening, 5 to 7 PM, near Fargo. Stop out look at our complete lineup of soybean and corn products! Our plot is located on the southwest corner of HWY 10 and HWY 9, just three miles east of Glyndon, Minnesota.

Discussion will follow the tour on topics of weed management, corn and soybean technology, cover crops and seed treatment.

Southern Minnesota

Brandon Wendlandt

Thanks everyone who attended the regional field day last night in southern Minnesota! Those who attended got a sneak peek at Latham’s 2018 lineup, learned about new technologies including Nemastrike seed treatment, and got tips on growing cover crops.

Webspec Admin

August 23, 2017

Crop, Season, Soybeans, Summer
Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

From the Field Crop Report: August 16

Northeast Iowa & Southeast Minnesota

Craig Haaland

We got a much needed rain. Last Wednesday 0.4” fell, and then we received another 0.8” on Sunday night into Monday morning. It looks like more is on the way, too.

This corn pictured here is Latham’s popular LH 5215 VT2 PRO RIB. Due to dry growing conditions, it’s showing a little tip back but is still a nice looking field in Grundy County.

The soybean field in Floyd County was planted to Latham’s popular L 2084 R2. We haven’t seen aphid pressure yet here, but keep an eye on your fields. Soybeans are starting to finish out the top of the plant, so hopefully August rains will come and we’ll see some good yields again this fall.

Eastern Iowa

Jerry Broders

Be sure to come to the Latham® Seed-to-Soil Technology Plot at South English on August 29 at 5 pm. Independent agronomist John McGillicuddy will be speaking at the event. Click here for more information about this field day!

North Central Iowa & South Central Minnesota

Cory Greiman

LH 5339 SS looks pretty good, considering the dry conditions. This war measures 18 kernels around by 30 long at 34,000 population.

Central Iowa

Bryan Rohe

Full maturity Latham Liberty Link soybeans doing well in Pella!

West North Central Iowa

Bart Peterson

Check out the power of waterhemp kill with Xtendimax on Xtend soybeans!

Northwest Iowa

Darin Chapman

Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds and its dealers understand the importance of service after the sale. That’s why Latham® Seed Representative Andrew Perry used his drone to uncover issues in a grower’s field. We could see where some Nitrogen applicator knives must have been plugged and talked about different tillage practices.

Click here for ideas on how drones may be used during each season of the year.

Southern Wisconsin

Greg Mair

Tonnage and Digestibility are two very important criteria used when selecting Corn Silage Hybrids. Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds “Leafy” hybrids offer the perfect package. Leafy hybrids generally have two times more leaves above the ear, increasing both tonnage and digestibility. These soft starch kernels offer the best in starch digestibility for maximum energy intake.

This variety in the photo has tonnage. You can see this leaf has a width of more than 6 inches. This plant is taller than 10 feet and is still stretching. To get the right balance of starch, leafy hybrids perform best for corn silage when planted at populations between 29,000 to 30,000 plants per acre.

If you’re looking for heifer feed, push the population to 32,000 or 34,000 plants per acre. Contact your local Latham Sales Rep or shoot me an e-mail for more information on these leafy genetics.

Eastern North Dakota

Brian McNamee

This Latham® seed rep in training is standing in a field of our LibertyLink soybeans. He likes these experimental 0.7’s the best and thinks they will take the plot. This little guy was such a trooper! He “helped” us sign the plots and even kept that smile when rain started to fall.

Southeast North Dakota

Gary Geske

Check your fields for white grubs and Iron Chlorosis.

Iron Chlorosis is a serious threat to soybeans. There is no such thing as complete resistance to IDC, however, some soybean brands (i.e. varieties) are better than others at handling this condition. Because Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds is headquartered right in the heart of North Central Iowa where Iron Chlorosis is a familiar challenge to us, we have always tried to choose soybean genetics that have the best possible scores against this condition. Latham IRONCLAD soybeans are your best defense. Talk to your local Latham® dealer to find out what products are best suited for your fields.

Northeast South Dakota

James Keltgen

We experienced cooler than normal temps again this week. While more rain fell, it came with hail. Corn is in the milk to dough stage. No insect pressure but starting to see some aphids.

Southeast South Dakota

Ramie Coughlin

The skies are cloudy and dropping some moisture as we kickoff Dakota Fest in Mitchell, SD.

Northern Minnesota

Ken Highness

This field in Clay County Minnesota is severely damaged by white grubs, which are sometimes called May/June beetles. As the picture shows, the damage is wide spread in this quarter section. There is no rescue treatment available for white grubs in soybeans.

Southern Minnesota

Brandon Wendlandt

We have been blessed with ample rainfall this season so far in southern Minnesota. This is a picture of 5025 VT2 DroughtGuard, planted on sandy soils at a lower population.

Look at both of those ears on one stalk! I’m looking forward to weighing this corn.

Webspec Admin

August 16, 2017

Corn, Crop, Season, Soybeans, Summer
Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

From the Field Crop Report: August 9th

Eastern North Dakota

Brian McNamee

Wow what a difference a week and 2.5 to 3 inches of rain makes. Phone calls went from customers calling asking about mycotoxins, poisonous nitrates and whether to bale or cut for silage to asking if they should now spend the extra money to push yield with all the lost fertility. Made the job way more enjoyable! I am amazed how much better these new corn hybrids and soybean varieties take adverse conditions.

Southeast North Dakota

Gary Geske

This photo was taken yesterday of our experimental conventional silage hybrid. It’s 11 feet tall and green.

Northeast South Dakota

James Keltgen

Leaves are puckering from lack of moisture in this Enlist demonstration plot. Most of the corn in my territory is done pollinating and is in the milk stage. Soybeans rea beginning to fill pods with little to no insect pressure so far. Some rain has fallen in drought-stricken areas, however, the damage has already been done to crops.

Southeast South Dakota

Ramie Coughlin

This week has been quiet in Southeast South Dakota. Recent rains and cooler temperatures have allowed the crops to do what they do best, produce. Some of those rains came very timely for many acres where others it was a bit to late already. This next week I look forward to visiting with many of you at Dakota Fest in Mitchell and learning about how your acres are looking.

Northern Minnesota

Ken Highness

Latham’s corn and soybean research plots help us evaluate products to bring into the product lineup. Latham Seed Product Manager Mark Grundmeier and Gary Geske, our Northern Product Specialist, are pictured here evaluating potential products on August 8 in Grand Forks, ND.

Southern Minnesota

Brandon Wendlandt

The Latham regional plot in Minnesota is signed and ready to go! You’re welcome to join us in Mountain Lake on Tuesday August 22, at 5 PM.

Southern Wisconsin

Greg Mair

Herbicide-resistant weeds becoming a growing problem in Wisconsin, so farmers and custom applicators have begun switching up herbicide programs. With the changes in herbicide programs, come changes in the sprayer tank cleaning procedure. A rinse or flush with water may have worked in the past for glyphosate, but it does not work for all herbicides. I’ve seen numerous soybean fields this year affected by improper tank cleaning when switching chemistry or fields, such as this one showing affects of ALS-inhibiting herbicide damage.

Northwest Iowa

Darin Chapman

Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds provides leadership to Upper Midwest farmers when choosing the right products for their specific geographies. We understand that precision agriculture plays a big part in helping us make these decisions. This is why we are doing research with our multi-hybrid planter to really micro-manage product placement.

South Central Minnesota & North Central Iowa

Cory Greiman

Aerial view of our dealer’s super strip plot near Garner, IA. It had some hail damage back on 7/10/17.

Southeast Minnesota & Northeast Iowa

Craig Haaland

Corn and soybean crops are looking really good throughout my territory. This picture of Latham’s 2358 Liberty soybeans was taken in Mitchell County.

The Mitchell County cornfield was planted corn-on-corn in late April to our popular LH 5509 SS RIB. Fungicide was applied to this field about 10 days ago, and it’s looking extremely good.

We could use a shot of rain this week, which is in the forecast. We also need to keep scouting fields to stay ahead of pest problems. At this point, I haven’t seen any aphids in soybean fields, but as we all know, they can move in quickly. Keep a watchful eye on them!

West North Central Iowa

Bart Peterson

Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds has a strong lineup of IRONCLAD soybeans, which offer the toughest defensive package. These soybeans are selected for “defense,” but they still pack a yield punch. Click here to see why IRONCLAD is your best defense against Iron Deficiency Chlorosis (IDC).

If you’re looking for a soybean with outstanding IDC tolerance, then L 1882 R2 is the product for you! This photo was taken of a field located 3 miles west of Gilmore City Iowa on Highway 3. Some areas in this field have a pH ranging from 8.0 to 8.3, but there’s no yellowing. High PH causes iron to be unavailable to plants, leading to stunted growth.

Eastern Iowa

Jerry Broders

Keep scouting soybean fields for aphids and Sudden Death Syndrome. Keep an eye on corn for diseases that can rob yield. Gray Leaf Spot starting to appear in some Eastern Iowa corn fields. Crop stage and amount of infection make a difference when making the decision to apply fungicide.

Central Iowa

Bryan Rohe

Western Iowa & Eastern Nebraska

Larry Krapfl

In spite of hot and dry weather there doesn’t appear to be any pollination issues!

Webspec Admin

August 9, 2017

Corn, Crop, Season, Soybeans, Summer