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Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

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

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

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

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

July 23, 2019

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

Early Season Fungicides

This year we have seen slow early growth, reduced tillage, persistent rain and heavy storms. We have also seen an increase in corn-on-corn acres and other agronomic challenges. All these problems can add up to more inoculum in the field and poor overall health leaving plants more susceptible to infection. The early season diseases we think about with corn are typically Anthracnose and seedling diseases (V2-V8); however, Gray Leaf Spot, Northern Corn Leaf Blight, Goss’s Wilt, Southern Rust and Tar Spot can all show early foliar symptoms (V8-R4). Its important to note that bacterial diseases like Goss’s can’t be controlled with a fungicide.

There is very little economic support for early season fungicide application. Depending on the individual fungicide, you may see protection against disease for anywhere from 7 to 21 days. Be sure to check the label for specifics on how long they retain efficacy on the crop. If your focus is on Anthracnose, you may stave off the leaf blight phase of the disease, but this doesn’t mean that the stalk rot phase of the disease won’t infect the plant late season.

It’s also important to remember that coverage is critical with fungicides. This not only means good coverage during your spray operation with correction nozzles, pressure and volume, but it also means that if you spray early in the season, your corn will grow a new leaf approximately every 3-5 days with average GDUs. That new tissue is not protected because fungicides are not very mobile in the plant.

When to Spray?

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

If you’re facing the fungicide decision to protect valuable yield in a tough year scout your fields for disease. If you don’t see any issues now, then skip an early application and focus on tassel. Take a look at the susceptibility of that hybrid to the disease you are seeing and then evaluate the weather outlook and if you’re in a corn-on-corn or reduced tillage situation. Lastly, monitor fields closely that had Tar Spot last season

It has been an interesting year with all the weather components we have had to face. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to call in to the Latham Office.

Phil Long

July 2, 2019

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

Scouting soybeans after a cool wet spring
If you’re fortunate to be done with planting your crops, it’s time to get back out there and check your stands. This year I’m especially concerned with soybean stands for three main reasons:
1. Cold soils. Many fields were planted when soil temperatures were below the recommended 60° Fahrenheit. (This link goes into more detail about the importance of soil temperatures: https://bit.ly/2JuHTkO) Cool, wet conditions can lead to severe disease infestation and reduced stands. Seed treatments protect the seedlings before and just after emergence. Historical data shows that not using a seed treatment can cause yield loss of 2½ to 3 bushels per acre if damping off occurs, but many farmers cut back on seed treatments this season to lower their input costs.
2. Wet soils. Farmers felt like they were racing against the calendar during an especially wet spring, so some seed was planted into unfit soils. Planting into wet soils can lead to both sidewall and overall field compaction. Delayed emergence may cause uneven stands and reduce yield. Nutrient deficiency, reduced crop productivity and restricted root development are three of the top 10 reasons to avoid compaction. (Click here for the rest of the story: https://bit.ly/2VS06zo)
3. Soybean Gall Midge. This new insect pest was especially damaging last season in Northeast Nebraska, Northwest Iowa, Southeast South Dakota and Southwest Minnesota. Ask your local Extension Agronomist if any of these pests have been reported in your area. (You can learn more about Soybean Gall Midge in this blog post: https://bit.ly/2JSLetw)
Walking fields right after emergence gives you the most time to make corrections or to replant. Stand reductions rarely occur evenly across a field. That’s why I recommend taking 10 stand counts in the area where the problem is the worst, as well as taking 10 counts in an area that was not affected or is slightly affected. Most university researchers recommend keeping a final stand of at least 100,000 plants per acre.

University trials also indicate that planting soybeans on or before June 1 in northern Iowa and southern Minnesota gives 95% of expected yield. It is usually June 15 before soybean yields drop below 85% of what is expected. Over the years, we have seen decent soybean yields when soybeans were planted around the 4th of July.

Scouting early and often is the best advice I can give, so you can remedy the situation as soon as possible. Different insects, diseases and pests may be present due to weather conditions and stage of crop development. Scout diligently all growing season long!
Mark Grundmeier, Product Manager

June 10, 2019

Agronomics, Crop, Disease, Rain, Season, Soybeans, Spring, Tech Tuesday, Weather, Weed Control
Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

Factors of Sidewall Compaction

Many farmers are pushing the envelope to get their crop in the ground this season. With moisture continuing to be a real issue, we run into problems with sidewall compaction. We have three examples below of scenarios that can lead to sidewall compaction issues later on: open trench, rubber closing wheels and spiked closing wheels.

Sidewall compaction can result from V-openers “smearing” through wet soil. Gauge wheels or planter lift wheels will then compound the problem. When the soil dries it becomes too hard for roots to penetrate through and develop the root system.

If you see an open trench, the key takeaway is to decrease your unit down pressure and increase closing wheel down pressure. During a seed’s crucial growth stage, it transitions from growing seedling roots into developing its nodal root system. This tends to be around V2 and V3 and is when you can see implications of sidewall compaction. When the seedling shuts down those seedling roots the nodal root system starts to grow horizontally along the trench searching for water. You may start to see nutrient deficiency symptoms, yellowing corn, stunted growth or floppy corn.

The University of Kentucky released a study showing a 50 percent yield reduction when corn is planted in a completely open trench. We recommend avoiding sidewall compaction by either staying out of the field until conditions are suitable, staggering your closing wheels or investing in the spiked closing wheels. The spiked wheels leave a zippered pattern in the soil that breaks down the sidewalls to ensure seed to soil contact.

Sidewall compaction is not something you can see from your planter, so we encourage you to jump out and look at what’s happening with your seed to soil contact. Dig few plants and wash off the roots to determine how growth is proceeding. Knowing this information early on will be important for late season windy and wet weather, and for evaluating stalk quality when harvest approaches later in the season.

Example 1 – Open Trench

Example 2 – Rubber Closing Wheels

Example 3 – Spiked Closing Wheels

Phil Long

June 4, 2019

Agronomics, Emergence, Rain, Season, Spring, Tech Tuesday, Weather
Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

Feed Your Crops to Maximize Yield
The official start of the grilling season is almost upon us! What’s better than grilling your favorite brats or hamburgers while listening to a game of baseball on a beautiful spring day?

With the season of good food upon us, it’s also time to feed your crops. Some farmers plan to reduce fertilizer rates or forgo advanced management practices, such as soil or tissue testing, to save money. I understand that margins are tight, but the short-term savings could cost more in the long run.

I want to encourage farmers to hang in there by offering a few strategies to help navigate tight budgets:
- Review the latest soil test reports;
- Study crop removal rates; and
- Strike the balance between cost and return on investment.
For example, alfalfa is coming off a super hard winter. Crown carbohydrate levels are going to be low. Supplemental potash, boron, and sulfur will help replenish crown reserves and prepare for next winter. If you only can afford one supplemental nutrient, consider potash.

The crown is like alfalfa’s gas tank; the roots are its supply hose; and foliage the energy source. More foliage above the ground helps harness more sun, which helps fill the gas tank. When foliage is removed, the plant takes stored carbohydrates from the root to rebuild the manufacturing plant. When the plant has potash and other vital nutrients, its gas tank fills faster.

More access to carbohydrates in the crown can be used to rebuild another cutting for more yield plus leave the gas tank fuller. Without adequate potash, the gas tank fills slower and even more stored carbohydrates are used. The plant becomes more vulnerable late in season.

Bottom Line: Reducing supplemental fertilizer can lower yields and increase winterkill potential. One way to potentially reduce the risk of winter kill during a reduced supplemental fertility year is not take the last cutting of the season to allow plants to build or manufacture as many carbohydrates as possible. Even if you don’t like the idea of one less cutting, it’s food for thought.

If you’re wondering how to best feed all your plants this season, feel free to call me. I’ll gladly talk through your options. I applaud farmers for their ingenuity. With grit and moxy, farmers do the best with what they have. We, at family-owned and independent Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds, are here to help farmers protect their bottom line.
Webspec Admin

May 21, 2019

Alfalfa, Crop, Tech Tuesday
Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

Key Dates for Switching Maturities
Each day we turn the calendar, I receive more calls from Latham® dealers and farmers asking whether they should change maturities. Keep in mind, the object is to achieve maximum yield potential for this crop. When you switch maturities, you forfeit maximum potential and have essentially decided to lower your yield expectations!

Based on my experiences over the past 40 years – as well as research findings from many Midwest land grant institutions – I can tell you with confidence that full-season hybrids and varieties outperform early maturing hybrids and varieties. Most people jump the gun and make the switch way too soon. Corn planted in mid-June can make decent yields, and there’s no need to switch from corn to soybeans until after that.

There becomes a point in time where the advantages of planting a full-season hybrid diminishes to the point where shifting to a shorter-season hybrid or variety will generally result in drier corn and higher yields come fall. Below is a summary of factors to consider when deciding whether to switch corn or soybean maturities.

CORN

I’ll use northern Iowa and southern Minnesota as an example. If your maturity range is 98- to 109-days (which is what I use for the Latham Research Farm), then you should generally not deviate from those maturities until at least May 25. If all you have left to plant is your 98-day hybrids, then you can safely extend your planting window to about June 7-10. On the other hand, if you only have your 109-day hybrids left to plant, you’ll probably be better off switching to 95- or 99-day products.

That brings us to the next subject… if you must switch, how early of a hybrid is needed? You don’t need to take it to extreme and switch from 109 RM to an 85-day hybrid or something equally silly! Research has proven that it pays to stay closer to your “normal” maturity. Switch to hybrids that are about 5 to 7 relative maturity units earlier than full season for the region. Yields in this scenario will be greatly improved if northern Iowa and southern Minnesota farmers (from the example above) move toward a 92- to 95-day hybrid that is more closely adapted to the area.

The decision to switch maturity with delayed corn planting is difficult because of so many variables including: available GDUs, first frost date and fall drying conditions. With this in mind, here are some general guidelines for Iowa farmers:

Location
within Iowa Full Season RM Switch to
on May 25 Switch to
on June 10

South of U.S. 92 114-117 108-111 105-109

Central 108-115 104-110 100-106

North of U.S. 20 100-109 96-105 94-100

For your convenience, below are few links to related articles: Adjust this information depending on where you farm, but make your decision is based on sound research and not “coffee shop facts.” Just because your neighbor is switching doesn’t mean it’s the best decision. Conduct a little research of your own before deciding what might be best for your operation.
- Soybean Planting Decision Tool by Iowa State University Extension
- Late Corn Planting Options by Iowa State University Extension
- Corn Planting Guide by South Dakota State Extension
- Considerations for Late Planted Corn by North Dakota State University
- Soybean Planting Date and Maturity Considerations by University of Wisconsin-Madison Extension
- Considerations for Late-Planted Corn in Minnesota by University of Minnesota Extension
SOYBEANS

There is absolutely no reason to start switching soybean maturities until at least mid-June. I use June 20 as our cutoff here in North Central Iowa, but again, it depends on what you were planning to plant in the first place. In this area, bean maturities range from 1.8 to 2.7. L 2482 R2’s are still good to plant in this region until mid-June as we’ve done it before with great results.

Soybeans have even more resiliency when it comes to maturity stretch. Because soybeans are more “photo period” sensitive, they actually adjust based on the length of the nighttime. A planting date of June 20 in southern Wisconsin and June 15 in northern Wisconsin, using early maturing varieties, was considered to be the latest practical date by the University of Wisconsin. Soybeans can be planted in our area as late as the Fourth of July with decent yield results as long as we don’t go into a dry period.

The 2019 planting season will certainly test our patience! It’s tough to turn pages off the calendar without putting any seed in the ground, but it’s better to wait a few more days than to mud seed into the ground. Experts warn that compaction and/or inadequate seed-to-soil contact from planting in wet conditions cause yield reductions for soybean farmers. During a wet year, it’s even more important for soybean growers to pay close attention to machinery. Avoiding soil compaction and obtaining good soil closure over seeds will help increase yields. For more soybean planting tips to boost yields, click here.
Mark Grundmeier, Product Manager

May 6, 2019

Corn, Crop, Rain, Season, Soybeans, Spring, Tech Tuesday, Weather
Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

Spring Management Decisions
Written by Darin Chapman, Latham Agronomy Adviser

Having a plan, and the execution of that plan with corn planting is critical to maximizing the yield potential with today’s high yielding hybrids, and many of these management decisions are made well before planting. Some of these choices may be hybrid, crop rotation, tillage, nutrient placement, target planting rate, and even planter upgrades.

One of the most crucial key management decisions to look at is achieving uniform plant emergence. If we do not achieve even emergence throughout the field, everything else we worked hard to achieve such as singulation, target population, and spacing will not matter if they don’t have even emergence.

Consider three things when trying to achieve stellar emergence: Simultaneous, quick, and secure. Consistent heat and moisture are two things needed when a seed is planted. Tillage, residue management, downforce, and closing the furrow, are just a few variables to manage attaining even emergence.
1. TILLAGE. If making a tillage pass in the spring prior to planting, it is important to make sure both dry and moist soil are not mixed in the seed zone. This could cause the seeds to experience variances in moisture causing different emergence timing.
2. RESIDUE MANAGEMENT. Leaving crop residue on the surface of the soil is an investment and saves from wind and water erosion. Although residue being very valuable, it needs to be managed. If residue isn’t properly managed, it can cause late emergence, seedling blights, and nutrient deficiencies.
3. DOWNFORCE. This is probably one of the more crucial aspects that affect emergence and yield but is often overlooked. The proper weight on a planter gauge wheel determines we are planting at the correct depth. To control this, we need adequate down pressure on the gauge wheel. Side walls can collapse if there isn’t enough weight applied to the gauge wheels. If there is too much weight applied, compaction can be an issue. Studies have shown that lift force on a planter row unit plays as big of a part in even emergence as downforce. Lift force will help avoid side wall compaction while still maintaining adequate seed depth.
Let us help you with these management decisions to attain even emergence and a picket fence stand. Call 1-877-GO-LATHAM to schedule a Data Forward Needs Assessment.
Webspec Admin

May 3, 2019

Agronomics, Precision Ag, Season, Spring, Tech Tuesday
Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

Follow the Rules to Keep the Dicamba Tool
In 2018, the EPA extended the registration for over-the-top use of select dicamba products to control weeds in soybean and cotton fields that are genetically engineered to resist dicamba. This registration included label updates which add certain measures to further minimize the potential of off-target damage. This registration will automatically expire on December 20, 2020, unless the EPA extends it further. Listed below are some of the FEDERAL updates now in effect:
- Only certified applicators may apply dicamba over-the-top; applicators working under the direct supervision of certified persons are no longer qualified.
- Post-emerge applications to soybeans are prohibited 45 days after planting or later.
- Applications are allowed only from 1 hour after sunrise to 2 hours before sunset.
- In counties where endangered species exist the downwind buffer will remain at 110 feet and there is a new 57-foot buffer around the other sides of the field.
- Training periods for 2019 and beyond will be clarified, ensuring more consistency across all three registered products: XtendiMax®, Engenia® and FeXapan®.
- Tank clean-out instructions will be
  further enhanced.
- Enhanced labels to improve the awareness of the impact of low pH’s on volatility.
- Label clean up and consistency to improve compliance and enforceability.
In addition to these updates, some state Departments of Agriculture have additional restrictions. Here are a few standouts from states in Latham Country:

Minnesota: Must not apply dicamba herbicides after June 20th. There will be no temperature restriction for 2019.

North Dakota: Must not apply dicamba after June 30th. Keeping records of dicamba applications is required and will be strictly enforced.

South Dakota: Must not apply dicamba after June 30th, 45 days after planting or the R1 (beginning bloom) stage of soybeans, whichever comes first. Applicators must also pass a short exam after training is completed.

Illinois: Must not apply dicamba after June 30th. Do not apply when the wind is blowing toward adjacent residential areas. Before spraying, the applicator must consult the FieldWatch sensitive crop registry. Further restrictions apply when spraying near the downfield edge of any Illinois Nature Preserves Commission Site.

These are just some of the new requirements for the application of dicamba over-the-top of soybeans in 2019. There may be additional restrictions from the states not mentioned above or from local authorities. If you will be applying any of the dicamba products in 2019, make certain you attend the required ANNUAL training and conform to what the label requires. Please make these restrictions a high priority so we can continue to use this valuable tool in the fight against weed resistance!
Mark Grundmeier, Product Manager

April 30, 2019

Agronomics, Crop, Herbicide Technology, Industry News, Season, Soybeans, Spring, Summer, Tech Tuesday, Weed Control
Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

Now There’s a FieldView™ Cab App for iPhones!

Viewing equipment in real time offers benefits like knowing how close an operator is to finishing a field, and this feature just got easier thanks to technology. Climate FieldView has released a cab app for iPhones that will help farmers coordinate filling planters in the spring and semis during harvest.

The opening map screen on the phone app is an interactive weather radar. From the menu, “remote view in” to another account. You will quickly see which field operations are underway in real time.

This new app also allows you to pull up reports that you can print or send. For example, you could send a planting summary to a landlord as soon as you finish planting the field. Simply pull up the “Field Planting Summary” PDF file and email this file from the tractor cab. You also may view reports “by hybrid” to see how many acres of each hybrid you have in the ground and at what population. If you’re running more than one planter, you can view reports “by planter.”

Another feature of the iPhone Cab App (and on the iPad version) is the ability to “log out” of the app and into another account, so you can toggle between accounts to log data. This feature may be especially useful for growers who have more than one Climate account or who custom farm ground for farmers who also use Climate FieldView. NOTE: Those who custom farm multiple farms with separate Climate accounts may find it remains faster and easier to log the data under your own account then send “field files” to that particular Climate account.

One more announcement Climate recently made is a partnership with NAU Crop Insurance Company, which covers acres across Latham Country. Climate also partners with Farmers Mutual Hail Insurance Company, which allows simplified reporting for crop insurance. This eliminates manual reporting errors and can speed up the reporting process.

Hopefully, these new features will help make the 2019 planting season more productive so you’re less fatigued.

Have a safe spring!

Phil Long

April 22, 2019

Agronomics, Precision Ag, Tech Tuesday
Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

Select Plant Genetics to Help You Manage Risks
Webster’s Dictionary defines “risk” in many ways, including a chance that an investment will lose value or something that creates a hazard.

No matter how one defines risk, it’s a reality of production agriculture. Each decision farmers make comes with varying degrees of risk. That’s why it’s helpful to take an annual inventory of details in your own crop production. Bottom line: Check your production-limiting factors to set yourself up for success.

“Trust but verify,” is a famous quote by President Ronald Regan that appeals to my data-driven personality. This quote applies to crop production because now is a good time to verify that the seed corn you ordered early is the right hybrid for the majority soil type on the field in which you will plant it. Now is also a good time to ensure you have enough genetic diversity in your crop plan. On page 12 of Latham Seeds 2019 Product Guide, there is a corn placement chart to help you verify that the genetics you have selected for that soil type is the best fit.

Margins are super tight, and we’re looking for ways to cut costs. If we cut fertility, we risk losing potential yield. Many researchers suggest that up to 60% of yield is dependent upon fertility. If we plant inferior genetics, or place the genetics on the wrong soil type, we run the risk of yield reduction. While this is a review for most, my point is that plant genetics are critical to managing risk.

Understanding – and acknowledging – the depth of the genetics will pay dividends. I’m a very big believer in planting agronomically-stable products on a percentage of your acres. As margins thin, I look for hybrids with proven stability. I know each farmer has his or her own beliefs, but one thing we have in common is that we’re all trying to manage risk.

Some risks are outside our control, but we can reduce risk with our input choices.
- Disease– Select hybrids with superior disease resistance, especially to foliar leaf diseases, if you aren’t planning on investing in a foliar fungicide.
- Drought– Plant a portfolio of seed products, including planting a percentage of your total acres to a hybrid with unapparelled drought tolerance. It’s about building a system of risk management and finding that delicate balance of hybrids to give you the best “team” possible.
- Fertility– Some hybrids use nutrients more efficiently than others. Suggestions are shown in the Latham® product guide, and you can talk with your Regional Sales Manager (RSM).
My hope is that you go into the spring planting season with a sense of confidence, knowing you have done the best job you could with product selection, product placement, fertility and planting conditions. Have a little fun this season and remember to take care of yourself, too!
Webspec Admin

April 15, 2019

Corn, Crop, Industry News, Season, Seed Technology, Spring, Tech Tuesday

Location within Iowa	Full Season RM	Switch to on May 25	Switch to on June 10
South of U.S. 92	114-117	108-111	105-109
Central	108-115	104-110	100-106
North of U.S. 20	100-109	96-105	94-100

Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

The Cause & Effect of Greensnap

Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

Early Season Fungicides

Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

Scouting soybeans after a cool wet spring

Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

Factors of Sidewall Compaction

Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

Feed Your Crops to Maximize Yield

Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

Key Dates for Switching Maturities

CORN

SOYBEANS

Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

Spring Management Decisions

Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

Follow the Rules to Keep the Dicamba Tool

In addition to these updates, some state Departments of Agriculture have additional restrictions. Here are a few standouts from states in Latham Country:

Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

Now There’s a FieldView™ Cab App for iPhones!

Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

Select Plant Genetics to Help You Manage Risks

Some risks are outside our control, but we can reduce risk with our input choices.