As we put 2023 on the shelf, there are several things we can reflect on to make 2024 more profitable. Two key factors helped shaped surprisingly good yields across Latham Country in 2023. First, nights were cooler than the year before, and the corn plant had a reprieve from the intense heat and drought. Second, genetics and plant characteristics have “migrated” north as the growing season has changed year over year.
Let’s take a closer look at how genetics and plant characteristics have changed and what Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds is doing to address these changes. Southern genetics have always been able to tolerate drought and heat better than their counterparts in the north. As the growing season extends throughout the years, southern genetics are being bred into northern germplasm which results in “tougher” products being brought north. Latham’s Research and Development program tests products south and north of their area of adaptation to fully vet these new genetics. The added spend is well worth the investment for Latham customers as we gain first-hand experience with these products across multiple environments.
Along with the shift in genetics and maturities, Latham is seeing a shift in technologies. We are seeing a shift in corn rootworm technology with the launch of VT4PRO™ with RNAi Technology. This technology brings three above-ground modes of action and two below-ground modes of action, including RNAi Technology. RNAi technology offers a specific mode of action which attacks the gut of the rootworm differently than all other modes of action. This technology is also featured in SmartStax® PRO with RNAi Technology. If rootworm protection is not in your plans, Latham hybrids featuring PowerCore® Enlist® are taking the market by storm. The Enlist® corn trait allows for the ultimate weed management flexibility with tolerance to glyphosate, glufosinate, 2,4-D choline, and FOP herbicides in corn. Enlist® herbicides stay on target and have lower volatility than both dicamba and traditional 2,4-D formulations. Use Enlist herbicides to control late season emerged broadleaf weeds such as waterhemp and Palmer amaranth. PowerCore® trait technology brings long-lasting insect control against key above-ground susceptible insects.
Latham Seeds offers a full portfolio of the latest traits and technologies, but we know it all comes down to yield. Here is a small sample of what you can expect from Latham’s corn portfolio.
LH 3775 VT2 PRO RIB, 87 RM:
+ 4 bu over DKC41-55 across 18 locations
+9.3 bu over P9193AM across 13 locations
LH 4438 SS PRO RIB, 94 RM:
+ 1.5 bu over DKC45-65 across 12 locations
LH 4866 TREC RIB, 98 RM:
+17.9 bu over DKC47-85RIB across 10 locations
+17.9 bu over P9624AM across 23 locations
LH 5336 PCE RIB, 103 RM:
+11.2 bu over P0421AM across 26 locations
+5.9 bu over DKC55-54 DG VT2P across 26 locations
LH 5815 VT2 PRO RIB, 108 RM:
+10.8 bu over P0622Q across 10 locations
LH 6306 PCE RIB, 113 RM:
+1.1 bu over DKC64-34 across 8 locations
+9.9 bu over P1197AM across 15 locations
LH 6445 VT2 PRO RIB, 114 RM:
+6.9 bu over DKC64-34 across 7 locations
+13 bu over P1197AM across 7 locations
Contact your local Latham representative to find out more information about these and other top-performing Latham corn hybrids or call 1.877.GO.LATHAM.