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Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

Tackle the Tar Spot Threat with Latham® Hybrids

Tar Spot is a fungal disease has rapidly become a significant concern for corn growers across the Midwest. As we all know, sometimes a great offense is your best defense. That’s why Latham Seeds has been placing a greater emphasis on developing hybrids with Tar Spot tolerance in recent years.

Latham’s 2025 Corn Hybrids

Latham’s 2025 corn hybrid lineup includes three new hybrids with great Tar Spot scores. If you’re seeing Tar Spot in your fields this growing season, consider one of these for 2025 planting:

Early scouting and timely treatment are critical in managing this disease and protecting yield potential.

Understanding Tar Spot

Tar spot is caused by the fungus Phyllachora maydis and can be identified by its characteristic black, tar-like spots on corn leaves. These spots can merge, causing significant leaf damage, which leads to reduced photosynthesis, premature leaf senescence, and ultimately, lower yields. The disease thrives in cool, humid conditions and can spread quickly, making early detection essential.

The Importance of Early Scouting

Scouting early and often is your best defense against tar spot. Begin monitoring your fields as soon as conditions become favorable—typically in late spring or early summer when temperatures are cool, and humidity is high. Keep a close eye on the lower canopy, where the disease usually starts. Catching tar spot in its early stages allows you to make informed decisions about fungicide applications, which can help mitigate the disease’s impact.

Treatment Strategies

If tar spot is detected, a timely fungicide application is crucial. Choose fungicides with proven efficacy against tar spot and apply them at the right growth stage for maximum effectiveness. In some cases, a second application may be necessary, especially in high-risk environments or when conditions favor disease development.

Top-Performing Latham Hybrids

At Latham Seeds, we’ve been rigorously testing our hybrids in a variety of conditions to ensure they can withstand the challenges posed by tar spot. Learn more about how hybrids handle Tar Spot this fall during Training in Excellence (TIE) plots!

By prioritizing early scouting and timely treatment, and by choosing hybrids with strong disease resistance, you can minimize the impact of tar spot on your fields. As always, we’re here to support you with the best products and agronomic advice to help you succeed.

shannonlatham

September 24, 2024

Corn, Crop, General
Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

Crops and Cattle Are This Farm Family’s Business

As a kid in 4-H, Aaron Steenhoek got hooked on beef. Through 4-H projects, he kept pens of cattle and sold quarters, halves and wholes direct to consumers. He tracked how the cattle grew and how they gained. He remembers a local locker that sent a USDA inspector to show him how beef was graded and measured.

“It was really interesting to me,” Aaron says. “Cattle have always been in my family, but I really got interested in the meat side of things.”

So much so that he and his wife, Cory, decided six years ago to grow that side of their own family business. The couple live on the Steenhoek family’s Iowa Century Farm in Pella, where Aaron and his dad run a cow-calf operation. They also grow corn and soybeans, as well as summer forage, rye and alfalfa as feed for their herd.

Now, Aaron and Cory also have a feedlot at Black Oak Acres. Aaron says they buy four or five groups throughout the year – feeding roughly 150 to 160 head annually — in order to keep a constant flow of cattle on the farm. He’s particular about only buying cattle private treaty, or directly from a small number of trusted producers.

“They don’t go through a sale barn or auction. We go and pick them up straight from the farm,” Aaron says. “It keeps the cattle from being exposed to other cattle, which keeps them healthier.”

Aaron, who is also a regional sales manager for Latham Seeds, says he and Cory decided a few years ago to apply for a retail license to sell their farm-raised beef direct to consumers. Until then, they had been relying on local outlets to retail it for them. Now they have an inspected space right on the farm where they can sell cuts and bundles themselves.

Aaron says the retail business has been nice because people can fill in with particular cuts even when Black Oak Acres might be a month or two out on product. Customers can buy in smaller amounts, too.

“But what’s really great is that people know where their beef is coming from and how it’s been treated,” he says. “We never use growth hormones or antibiotics.”

The Steenhoeks are careful stewards of the land — both for quality nutrition for their animals and conservation practices to protect it for generations to come.

“Stewarding the land and the livestock is important to me,” Aaron says. “We really enjoying educating people about livestock and cattle in particular. There’s a lot of misconceptions and misinformation out there, because people are more removed from the farm life in general these days.”

Piedmontese Cattle

Included in Aaron’s herd are four Piedmontese cattle, a rare breed that is known for being a leaner, premium-tasting but lower-calorie choice in beef. This is because Piedmontese are myostatin free, meaning they have a higher lean-to-fat ratio and do not develop the fatty marbling of traditional breeds. In addition, Piedmontese have lower levels of cholesterol, making it a healthier option for some people.

Aaron says the texture of Piedmontese is different, and it needs to cook more slowly and at a lower temperature than more common cuts of beef.

“But when it’s cooked right, you can almost cut it with a fork,” he says. “It’s that good.”

Aaron and Cory have four children: Emmett, Rhett, Klay and Quinn. They both graduated from Central College with degrees in exercise science and health promotion. When she’s not helping out on the farm, Cory is a personal fitness trainer. Today they’re sharing a family favorite recipe for National Beef Month.

shannonlatham

May 17, 2024

Beef, Corn, Crop, Food & Family, General, Recipes
Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

Brisket Brings the Kids Home

Latham® dealer Mark Hawthorne backgrounds cattle near Lohrville in West Central Iowa. His family buys 400-pound steers in January and sells them around 800 to 900 pounds sometime between Labor Day and Thanksgiving.

“I had always planned to farm if there was an opportunity to do so,” says Mark, who worked for a farmer near Story City while attending Iowa State University. He continued working there for eight more years after graduation when an opportunity in corn breeding at the Syngenta plant in Glidden became available. Glidden was close enough to home that Mark also could help his dad farm.

Mark says he’d probably still be working in Glidden if Syngenta hadn’t closed the plant. He didn’t want to uproot his family to Seward, Nebraska, so he put his Ag Business major and Agronomy minor to use for himself by taking on a Latham® dealership and assuming more of the day-to-day responsibilities on the farm.

“Our farm has changed as times have changed,” Mark says. “We used to raise hogs in open-front buildings but got out of the business instead of reinvesting in new facilities. When packers started to buy large numbers of cattle, we switched to backgrounding cattle rather than raising cow-calf pairs. It works out well because we get to take a break from doing chores for a few months each year.”

Mark farms with his father, Merrill, and son Max. Max is finishing his freshman year at Iowa State University and looks forward to working with his family on the farm this summer. Once their corn and soybean crops have been planted, the family turns their attention to making hay.

Latham’s alfalfa products have always lived up to their description,” Mark says. “We were happy with the disease package and fine stems with fast regrowth, so we were hesitant to make a switch. Then we tried HarvXtra® technology and realized it’s worth the extra! It has a lot higher feed value, so we don’t need as many acres of alfalfa. For example, I used to mix one bale of alfalfa to one bale of grass hay. Now it’s a ratio of one bale alfalfa to three of grass — and it delivers the same feed value.”

The Hawthorne family has target dates to deliver their product to market. After all, time is money. Their cattle usually ship out in late fall, so the early winter months provide time for the family to enjoy a ski vacation or to visit family members and friends. Mark and Susan’s daughter, Jessi, lives nearby with her family. Their son, Kodi, lives in Sioux Falls, SD. The couple has five grandchildren.

“Our goal is to leave our farm in a position that allows our kids to come home if they so desire,” Mark says. “We’re getting the next generation ready now, so they can take over some day.”

One sure-fire way to get all the kids together is to serve brisket, says Susan, noting that “they all come running home” when they hear Mark’s Midnight Brisket is in the smoker. Here is the Hawthorne family’s favorite beef recipe.

shannonlatham

May 3, 2024

Alfalfa, Beef, Crop, Food & Family, General, Recipes
Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

Unleash the “Madness” for Your Fields: Top Latham® Picks for 2024
Just like the excitement of March Madness grips basketball fans, spring brings a different kind of competition for farmers: the quest for maximum yield. But assembling a winning lineup for your field isn’t a matter of a lucky draft pick. It requires a strategic approach, and that’s where Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds steps in.

Think of Latham’s R&D team as your expert recruiters, meticulously scouting and selecting the top-performing corn and soybean varieties for the Upper Midwest.

Here’s a glimpse into Latham’s “bracketology” of seed picks for 2024:

Starting Five for Latham Corn:
1. 3937 VT Double PRO: The Point Guard. This early-maturing superstar gets your season off to a fast break. It is adaptive to all soil types and emerges quickly and strongly, setting the stage for a productive campaign.
2. 4937 VT Double PRO: The Fan Favorite. Team Latham’s biggest seller the last couple of years, this hybrid has fast dry down and top-end yields. It’s a farm favorite in the north, delivering a winning shot even when the competition wilts.
3. 4866 Tricepta®: The Power Forward. The high-yielding hybrid plays a critical role. With excellent standability and a multi-year track record, it’s ready to dominate even the most challenging fields.
4. 5336 PowerCore®: The Quiet Leader. Exceptional disease ratings, impressive girth and high test-weight for this hybrid keeps the competition off guard to maximize harvest potential.
5. 5815 VT Double PRO: The Clutch Performer. Known for its outstanding root strength, this beast stands tall even under harsh weather conditions — making it a reliable champion that delivers when the pressure’s on.
Starting Five — Soybeans:
- 0254 XtendFlex®: The MVP (Most Valuable Pod): One of the tallest in the market, this variety keeps the first pod higher off the ground, giving it champion rights against yield-robbing pathogens. Coupled with impressive IDC tolerance, it’s a must-have player in Team Latham’s portfolio.
- 0888 XtendFlex: The Defensive Stopper. This showoff has excellent standability with good lateral branching, ensuring a harvest victory with consistent performance all season long.
- 1881 Enlist E3®: The “And-One” Producer. It may be new to the lineup this year, but this Peking source SCN came to play. A new Ironclad® designation for the highest disease resistance makes it a high scorer across all soil types.
- 2031 Enlist E3: The Fast Stealer: Another Peking source SCN, this variety flies out of the ground and moves easily north or south of zone. Its standability and solid IDC and SDS tolerances make it a high-yielding game changer.
- 2551 Enlist E3: The “Moneyball” Choice. Latham coaches call this variety a “yield hog” that blew the doors off test trials last year. It’s a newly-crowned Ironclad® variety that’s itching to perform – and won’t disappoint.
Beyond the Picks: Latham’s Coaching Advantage

These are just a few of Latham’s all-star selections. Just like a strong coaching staff, the Latham Product Team is here to help you choose the perfect products for your specific field conditions and goals. They’ll guide you through Latham’s deep bench of options, ensuring you have the right variety for every position on your farm.

Don’t settle for a mediocre “free agent” seed. Recruit Latham’s championship-caliber lineup and experience the satisfaction of a winning harvest. Let’s assemble your perfect plays for ultimate yield success! Learn more.
steve-sick

April 3, 2024

Corn, Crop, General, Soybeans, Tech Tuesday
Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

Proof Points – Episode 19

Corn breeding is like fine-tuning the best burger. Fred Wilz, our GM of Breeding, explains how Latham serves it up best.
#FamilyOwned #FarmProven #WhyLatham #CornBreeding

Webspec Admin

March 7, 2024

Corn, Proof Points Podcast
Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

Your Planting Questions Answered
It’s hard to believe that spring is right around the corner, and planters will be rolling in two months’ time. There are many questions to consider before that first seed goes in the ground. Let’s take a closer look at three of them:
1. How early is too early?
2. Is the soil temperature warm enough to start planting?
3. What depth should I be planting?
Q1: Generally, farmers maximize corn yield when they plant in late April or early May.
This holds true IF conditions are fit for planting. A mid-April planting date produces similar yield if young plants are not damaged by a freeze in May. In years with few growing degree days in late April and the first half of May, farmers can maximize corn yield when planting in mid-May.

When spring arrives early, farmers should weigh the risks and benefits of planting earlier than usual. Farmers with federal crop insurance will lose replant coverage if they plant before the earliest allowable planting dates specified by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Risk Management Agency — even if they must replant due to factors other than freeze damage or poor emergence.

Seed treatments and planting high quality seed are a must with early planting.

Q2: Before planting, check the weather forecast and soil temperatures for your area.

It’s wise to check the soil temperature early in the morning of each field that you intend to plant. Wet soils and fields with more crop residue tend to have lower soil temperatures relative to drier soils or fields with less crop residue. Check the seed tag or talk to your seed dealer about the cold tolerance of your corn hybrids. Be aware that hybrids vary in cold tolerance.

Certainly, plant hybrids that have more tolerance for colder temperatures first. However, be aware that “imbibitional chilling” is a physical phenomenon that can override genetics. Imbibitional water uptake occurs within the first 48 hours after a seed is planted.

Once planted, corn seeds need a two-day (48-hour) window when the soil temperature at planting depth does not drop much below 50°F. When soil temperatures drop much lower than 50°F within that 48-hour time frame, chilling injury may affect seed germination and subsequent seedling growth.

During the osmotic phase of water uptake, which starts about 48 hours after the initial imbibitional phase of water uptake ends, the risk of chilling injury approaches zero. Thereafter, temperatures below 50°F can slow germination and delay seedling emergence. This can result in a longer exposure to soil-borne pathogens, particularly in soggy wet soils. If you expect the latter, use fungicide seed treatment for at least your earliest planted corn fields.

When corn seeds imbibe (take up) water, cell membranes stretch and cells expand. When a damaged cell membrane rehydrates, it may not return to its normal shape and size. This can create a “leaky” cell. Water is at its densest at about 39°F, so when cold water is imbibed additional membrane damage occurs. These ruptured membranes may occur in the cell walls and in the mitochondria. In the plant, this action may disrupt the embryo/endosperm enzymatic conversion to energy. It likely interferes with the emerging seedling’s development and reduces the plant’s growth rate.
- Debate exists about what specific temperature and timing causes imbibitional chilling. However, corn seeds that imbibe cold water (in the low 40s) in the first 48 hours after planting undoubtedly are affected.
- Planting when soil temperatures are above 50°F — and are not anticipated to drop much below this during the following 48 hours — alleviates concerns of imbibitional chilling affecting corn emergence.
Q3: Check seed depth and seed depth consistency across your planter units.

The “set it and forget it” approach to seed depth isn’t the best idea. To get corn off to the best start, it is important to achieve both rapid and consistent emergence following planting.

One aspect of achieving rapid and consistent plant emergence is by choosing the correct seeding depth and ensuring there is adequate and uniform moisture at the chosen seeding depth. The most common seeding depths recommended for corn range between 2.0 and 2.5 inches deep, and these planting depths can work very well within most conditions. However, certain soil moisture conditions at planting may warrant further examination/change in seeding depth.

A corn seed imbibes soil moisture within the first 24 to 48 hours after planting, therefore maintaining both adequate and uniform moisture at seeding depth (not too wet and not too dry) within the first 48 hours is important. If the soil remains too dry, then the seed may be delayed in emergence until precipitation occurs. Furthermore, if the soil remains saturated after planting, the seed may rot and die.

Contact your local Latham® representative to find out more information about ideal planting depth for your area, or call 1.877.GO.LATHAM.
steve-sick

March 5, 2024

Agronomics, Corn, Crop, Emergence, General, Growth Stages, Soybeans, Spring
Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

Set Up a Strong Start for an Even Stronger Finish

For soybean growers across Latham Country, 2024 looks promising. Not only is Latham offering the strongest portfolio in history, but soybean acres are also projected to increase. This offers growers the opportunity to plant high-quality Latham soybeans on more acres than in previous years. In early November of 2023, the USDA projected growers would plant 87 million acres to soybeans in 2024, up 3.4 million acres from 2023. Corn plantings would fall to 91 million acres, down 3.9 million acres, according to the USDA. This is in part due to better-than-expected corn yields in 2023 and an increase in soy demand fueled by the Renewable Fuels Act.

One way Latham Seeds is helping growers maximize production is through the release of high performing Peking source soybean varieties. Soybean Cyst Nematodes (SCN) damage often goes undetected or misdiagnosed. Stunted plants and uneven canopies are often obvious symptoms of SCN feeding. Chlorotic-looking plants is another common symptom of SCN damage and is often misdiagnosed with Iron Deficiency Chlorosis (IDC). Yield reductions of up to 40% on susceptible varieties are not uncommon without any above-ground visible symptoms of nematode damage. Fall is the best time to sample for SCN numbers, but sampling can be done anytime the ground is not frozen. More than 95% of SCN populations have elevated reproduction on PI 88788. Planting Peking source SCN varieties is more important than ever with these types of numbers.

Another way Latham Seeds is helping growers maximize yields is through seed treatments. SoyShield Plus with Saltro provides industry-leading protection against SCN and Sudden Death Syndrome (SDS). SoyShield Plus with Saltro is also highly effective against Pythium, Phytophthora, Rhizoctonia and Fusarium. Getting your soybeans off to a good start is key to maximizing soybean yields — and seed treatments are the best insurance for making this happen. The combination of Latham Peking source SCN varieties and SoyShield Plus with Saltro will give 2024 a strong start and help the season end with a bang.

Latham is expanding our list of Peking varieties for 2024 planting by adding three new varieties to the list. Peking varieties are offered from an early group 1 to mid-group 3. These varieties compliment an already strong portfolio of PI88788 source varieties to offer one of the most diverse portfolios in the industry. Here is a small sample of what you can expect from the Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds soybean lineup:

L 0254 XF (0.2 RM) – 103% of trial mean

L 1121 E3 (Peking SCN, 1.1 RM) – #1 in the late group 0, early group 1 trial at a whopping 108% of trial mean

L 1881 E3 (Peking SCN, 1.8 RM) – 1 bu > P18A73E in Showcase data

L 2551 E3 (Peking SCN, 2.5 RM) –
Showcase Data
3.5 bu > AG24XF3
5.5 bu > P23A40E
3.1 bu > P25A16E

L 3123 E3 (3.1 RM) –
Showcase Data
Equal to AG30XF4
5.5 bu > P28A65

L 3384 XF (3.3 RM) – #1 in the full season trial at 106% of trial mean

Contact your local Latham representative to find out more information about these and other top-performing Latham products or call 1.877.GO.LATHAM.

steve-sick

February 5, 2024

Agronomics, Crop, Growth Stages, Soybeans
Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

Look back to see what’s new:

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.

steve-sick

January 11, 2024

Agronomics, Corn, Crop, General, Tech Tuesday
Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

Tips for Choosing the Hybrid Maturity
As farmers make their final seed purchasing decisions, some may wonder if the hybrids they selected in early fall are still the right ones today. The Latham Team will gladly help put your mind at ease.

Let’s begin by reviewing a few product selection basics. Most selection decisions begin with relative maturity (RM). These ratings are relative to physiological maturity and largely driven by a combination of growing degree days (GDDs) and planting date. When building a plan for the upcoming growing season, identify the GDD range and average required for a hybrid to reach physiological maturity (black layer) in your geography.

Planting multiple hybrids of varying maturity will reduce risk in three main areas:
1. Agronomics (emergence, stalk strength, disease tolerance)
2. Harvest management (harvest moisture)
3. Genetic diversity (yield, drought tolerance)
About 60 to 70% of a farmer’s portfolio traditionally is focused on the core RM zone (i.e. 100-day RM) with 10 to 20% focused on earlier RM and the remainder on later RM. Remember, there is typically more yield variability within a given RM group. Spreading risk across a wider maturity range is especially important given the moisture limitations across the Upper Midwest.

Grain moisture at harvest also increases steadily with increasing relative maturity. On average, grain moisture at physiological maturity increases by 0.25 to 0.5% with each one-day increase in relative maturity. Selecting hybrids of appropriate maturity is important for a balance between yield potential and managing grain moisture at harvest, which ultimately grows more corn.

The Latham Team is here to help you feel confident about your seed decisions. After harvest each year, we share results from our own research. We hire third-party companies to plant and harvest Latham Elite trials, so our Product Team members can observe products and take notes at a greater number of locations. As a result, we have recently tripled the number of trials conducted on both corn and soybean products in Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, Wisconsin, North Dakota and South Dakota!

Once we identify experimental products from the Elite Trials that meet Latham Seeds’ standards AND fulfill our customers’ needs, we release them for sale. Check out multiple years and multiple locations of Latham® performance at LathamSeeds.com.

Yield pays. Latham delivers on that promise, just as we have for more than 75 years. Feel free to contact your local Latham Seeds representative or call 877-GO-LATHAM (877) 921-3428.
steve-sick

December 14, 2023

Agronomics, Corn, Crop, Data, Fall, General, Growth Stages, Season, Soybeans, Tech Tuesday
Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

Proof Points – Episode 15

shannonlatham

December 13, 2023

Corn, Crop, Industry News, Seed Technology, Seed Treatment, Soybeans