Half of corn harvest loss and a whopping 80% of soybean harvest loss can occur at the header. It’s easy to overlook adjustments to the header because there aren’t any sensors to tell us what’s wrong. That’s why a relatively quick inspection is well worth your time.
A combine performs five key operations during harvest: cuts the crop; threshes the crop (first part of the rotor); separates the grain from the chaff (back part of the rotor); cleans the grain with fans and the cleaning shoe; and handles the crop to move it through the combine and into the grain cart or wagon. We all do our best to adjust our combines for each of these five areas.
Harvest loss can add up in a hurry as 1 bushel/acre of harvest loss is only 2 kernels of corn or just 4 soybeans per square foot.
Be sure to check the following two areas, which are often overlooked when making adjustments at harvest time:
Reel speed is typically set automatically based on tire speed in modern combines. However, you can adjust reel speed on-the-go and stop loss due to changing field conditions. The reel should be hitting soybeans about one-half to 3/4 of the way up the plant and at a speed that lays them back onto the platform. If your reel speed is too fast, it will cause premature shatter losses.
Corn harvest loss typically comes from whole ear loss or “butt-shelling” at the deck plates. Whole ear loss can be minimized by installing different things like ear savers for over the throat and at the front of the gathering chains. Upgrades that extend the height of each end of the header help when corn is down. “Butt-shelling” should be adjusted for by adjusting deck plates to stalk size and by making sure there is not extra wear where the ears continually snap.
Adjusting monitors in your combine cab is another area that can have a significant impact on your data collection. Following are a few noteworthy areas for your consideration:
Don’t lag behind. Inaccurate Flow Delay is the most common issue with yield mapping. Are you noticing red streaks or a gap at the beginning and ending of each pass? This means the flow delay is not set appropriately. The delay is typically between 10 and 20 seconds. If you see lots of red as you start a pass, increase that time. If you see a gap of data points between the end of a pass and the headlands, you need to decrease the delay.
Calibrate. Yield monitors can be off as much as 100%. Even if you diligently calibrated your monitor in corn last year, you must calibrate it again this year in corn. Make sure the moisture sensor is accurate because that calibration also impacts yield calibration. Electronic sensors are especially prone to needing adjustments.
Do you run Auto Steer? If you don’t run auto-steer on your combine, you’ll need to adjust the swath width for soybeans if you’re running at an angle or harvesting drilled beans. For example, if you’re leaving about a two-foot gap on a 35-foot header, your swath width should be changed to 33 feet.
Focus on making the adjustments that can have a significant impact on the quality of your data, but don’t sweat the small stuff. For example, if you must stop on a dime for a tile blowout that would swallow your combine or if you skirt around a waterway, that data can be cleaned up later. Feel free to call me if you have any questions or need assistance.
Sclerotinia stem rot – also known as White Mold –can lead to significant yield loss in soybeans. Yield loss from white mold is attributed to the damage it causes to leaves, pods and stems. Research from the University of Wisconsin estimates the disease has costed growers in the U.S. and Canada 101 million bushels of soybeans – equal to $1.2 billion.
White mold is caused by the fungus Sclerotinia sclerotiorum and overwinters in the soil for a number of years. After the fungus emerges from the soil, mushroom shaped structures known as apothecia will form on the soil surface. The apothecia, ranging between ¼ and ½ an inch wide, will first infect through soybean flowers before it reaches the stem.
While the fungus primarily spreads through the air via spores, moisture is required for infection to take place. As a result, cool and wet weather along with high humidity are the main causes of white mold.
Credit: University of Wisconsin
Scouting for White Mold
While Sclerotinia sclerotiorum is often confused with other fungal pathogens, the sclerotia distinguishes white mold from other look-alike diseases. Symptoms of white mold will be most prevalent between R3 and R6. Infected plants will exhibit white fuzzy growth on the lower stem.
Soybean blossoms are the first area of the plant to exhibit signs of infection and neighboring stems and pods may appear water-saturated. After infecting blossoms and pods, white mold may eventually spread through the entire stem causing it to turn tan or bleached of color. As the mold growth becomes thicker, black spots will begin to surface throughout the fuzzy white surface.
White mold also creates foliar symptoms, causing leaves to completely die while still attached to the stem. In infected soybeans, the tissue area between the leaf veins will turn gray and cause leaves to become wilted and curled.
Treatment Options
Due to the overwintering nature of the sclerotia, a two to three-year rotation away from soybeans is advised. When it comes to genetics, some soybean varieties are more resistant to white mold than others. Varieties with resistance to the fungus may recover better than others. It is also important to consider planting practices that cause white mold growth. Shade created from high plant density and growing canopies can lead to the fungal disease. Increasing row width and reducing planting populations are the best methods to improve airflow through the canopy and reduce infection from white mold.
In addition, broadleaf weeds are notorious for hosting white mold and herbicides should be used to control weeds. Fungicides are a viable method for treating white mold and can reduce the negative impacts incurred by soybeans. However, they are most effective when applied just before infection takes place. Be sure to consult with your local Latham representative to determine the best treatment plan for white mold.
There are a variety of stalk rots that infect corn, causing extensive damage to crops and losses in yield. Common factors make corn susceptible to stalk rot including warm and wet weather, stress after pollination, fertility issues, stalk boring insects, and the presence of other foliar diseases. There are key signs, symptoms and differences that distinguish the different types of stalk rot.
Credit: Crop Protection Network
Scouting for Signs and Symptoms
Physoderma stalk rot is caused by the pathogen Physoderma maydis, the same fungus responsible for causing Physoderma brown spot. The fungal disease seems to be showing up in more and more corn fields each year, but typically shows up on random plants and and has minimal impact on yield. Like most stalk rot diseases, warm and wet weather favor the development of Physoderma stalk rot.
Physoderma stalk rot infects corn between the V4 and V9 stages. The disease is not associated with any foliar signs, so it is important to inspect plants closely at the base. Dark brown or black lesions will appear at the base of the stalk, and rotting of the pith will be observed upon splitting the stalk open. Overtime, blackening of the pith will move to higher nodes. Sporangia can also be found on the outside of nodes and within the rotted pith tissue.
Scout for symptoms of Physoderma stalk rot across five areas of the field. Stalks will make a distint “pop” and snap at one of the first 3 nodes above the soil line. If more than 10 to 15% of plants exhibit stalk rot, the field should be harvested early.
Management Strategies
With this being a newer disease we are still learning differences in hybrid tolerances to both stalk and foliar phases of this disease.
As a majority of stalk rots overwinter, one to two-year rotation away from corn and controlling corn residue are key for preventing the return of the disease. Fungicides may also be applied to prevent Physoderma leaf blight , but these studies are in early phases as well given the novel nature of this diesease
There are a variety of stalk rots that infect corn, causing extensive damage to crops and losses in yield. Common factors make corn susceptible to stalk rot including warm and wet weather, stress after pollination, fertility issues, stalk boring insects, and the presence of other foliar diseases. There are key signs, symptoms and differences that distinguish the different types of stalk rot.
Anthracnose stalk rot is the most common type of stalk rot and is caused by the fungus Colletotrichum graminicola. The fungus is favored by wet, warm weather and overwinters in corn residue. Signs of the disease will be observed four to six weeks following pollination.
Scouting for Signs and Symptoms
The disease undergoes three phases with distinct signs and symptoms:
In the first phase, foliar lesions will appear in the early part of the growing season. The leaf blight will begin on the lowest leaves, and will reach the upper leaves by late season.
During the second phase, top-dieback will appear in the middle part of the season after tasseling, killing the parts of the plant located above the ear.
In the third phase, shiny black lesions will appear on outside surface of stalks. Look for setae, or bristles that cover the surface of the stalk. A hand lens can be used to look for the bristle-like texture and black dots in the center of lesions.
Stalks will exhibit fragility and appear to be brittle when handled. Different from other forms of stalk rot, anthracnose stalk rot will cause plants to lodge at the upper portion of the stalk. Pinching or bending at the nodes can be used to test for stalk lodging.
Stalk rot can lead to death just before maturity and reduce yield. In addition, plants defoliated from hail damage and those that are nitrogen deficient are at an increased risk for being infected from the stalk rot.
Management Strategies
Planting hybrids with resistance to stalk rots is a helpful defense against these diseases.
Common Rust and Southern Rust infect corn in the late summer. The diseases generate raised spores known as “pustules” on the surface of leaves, leading to reduced yield and poor grain quality.
Common rust (Puccinia sorghi) and southern rust (Puccinia polysora) fungi are unable to overwinter in the Midwest and require a host plant to remain alive. The spores created by rust diseases are transported by wind to the Midwest from Southern states.
Temperatures ranging from 61–77° fuel the growth of rust diseases. Cool and humid temperatures, especially when exhibited overnight, can further drive the development of the fungi.
As long as the weather conditions are right for rust diseases, the cycle of spore development will continue. The return of hot and dry weather can prevent further development of the fungus and kill off the spores.
Implications
Rust can reduce yield and decrease grain quality. Foliar damage from rust diseases can interfere with water transpirationand reduce photosynthetic leaf area.
Nutrients designated to support plant growth are rerouted in response to the damage incurred by leaves. Damage from rust diseases deplete carbohydrate reserves in corn leaves. As a result, the plant will begin sourcing the nutrients from stalks and roots, leading to reduced yield and stalk rot.
Common Rust. Credit: Crop Protection Network
Scouting for Rust Diseases
While common rust has less of an impact on yield, southern rust has been found to reduce yield by 25 bu/acre in corn with no fungicide application. The fungi can begin to infect plants under favorable conditions in as little as six hours.
Southern rust signs are evident on the upper leaf surface and are round, as opposed to elongated in plants infected with common rust. The pustules will be orange compared to the darker color of common rust. Overtime, southern rust pustules will become brown or black.
Common rust pustules are found on the upper and lower leaf surface and are oblong. Common rust pustules will be brick red in appearance and can coalesce to kill parts of leaves. In order to determine the difference between common and southern rust pustules, use a magnifying lens to inspect the leaf surface.
Management
Planting early is one of the best ways to reduce corn’s vulnerability to rust diseases. Corn planted late in the season is most susceptible to experiencing yield loss and grain damage. Many hybrids are also equipped with resistance to rust diseases, though the extent to which they are protected from the fungus can vary.
When pustules are observed on 50% of scouted plants, it is advised to begin implementing a treatment plan. Fungicides can also be used to treat corn infected with common and southern rust. Be sure to consult with your local Latham representative to determine the best management options for rust diseases.
Frost damage occurs in corn and soybeans when plants are exposed to freezing or below-freezing temperatures. Damage can occur to the plants above and below the soil when temperatures range from 28 to 32°F and colder. Corn and soybean plants exposed to air temperatures below 28°F are often lethal and prevent plants from undergoing full recovery from injuries.The key in assessing frost damage is waiting five days to allow for any potential growth recovery or rehabilitation to occur.
Credit: Michigan State University
Fall Frost in Soybeans
Once soybeans begin maturity and already have developed pods, they are most often immune from frost injury. Soybeans placed in narrow rows can have more protection from freezing air temperatures in being covered by leaf canopies. Pods growing on the lower portion of the plant are less vulnerable to frost damage than those on the top part of the canopy. Injured soybeans exhibit elongated pods that shrink to smaller than normal sizes upon drying. Most yield loss occurs during the full seed maturity stage.
Soybeans damaged by frost should be dried at a temperature no higher than 130°F and may have lower oil content. Both frost damaged corn and soybeans may also have delayed dry down.
Credit: University of Minnesota
Fall Frost in Corn
Frost-damaged corn can exhibit softened kernels prone to breakage and should be dried at temperatures below 160°F and be stored at a moisture level no higher than 14%. The storage life for frost-damaged corn will be cut in half and damaged corn should be handled separately from uninjured corn.
Eastern Iowa farmers have been running long hours on soybeans for the past eight days. Soybean harvest is nearly complete, and many farmers are finishing corn. Fall tillage is right around the corner.
CENTRAL IOWA
Bryan Rohe
Harvest will wrap up in a week for many Central Iowa farms. Results have been variable, depending on soil types, drainage and weather events that occurredthroughout the growing season.
Now is a great time to evaluate decisions you made in 2018 and the changes you want to make for 2019. Jot down details about this year’s crop while they’re fresh in your mind. No detail is too small when you’re planning future crops.
One tool to make crop notes is Climate FieldView. You can overlay maps that show soil type, fertility and drainage – all of which contribute to your overall yield. You also can place pins in the exact location where you saw poor yields, tile issues or even a rock that you want to go back and pick up.
Did you know you can try Climate FieldView before you buy it? Ask me how! Call 877-GO-LATHAM (877.465.2842).
NORTHEAST IOWA & SOUTHEAST MINNESOTA
Craig Haaland
A Latham® dealer in Black Hawk County harvested this corn plot on October 25 under sunny skies with temperatures in the 50s. Not only was it a beautiful fall day, but Latham corn products were standing well after an especially challenging fall season. They were yielding well, too. Latham’s LH 5725 VT2 PRO RIB won the plot at 266.1 bushels per acre (bu/A). Second place went to LH 5635 VT2 PRO RIB at 248.6 bu/A. The earliest maturity planted in this plot was LH 5245 VT2 PRO RIB, which placed third at 235.6 bu/A.
WEST NORTH CENTRAL IOWA
Bart Peterson
On October 30, we harvested the Latham® SuperStrip plot today with FFA students in Belmond. Latham® dealer Eric Sturgeon was running the combine and his dad, Ron Sturgeon, was driving semi.
NORTH CENTRAL IOWA & SOUTH CENTRAL MINNESOTA
Cory Greiman
This week we harvested a Latham® corn plot south of Hampton. This plot was planted May 25 and harvested October 30. A bald eagle was flying overhead, most likely waiting for a “snack” to run out of the standing corn. Latham’s LH 5245 VT PRO RIB is having a great year! It topped this plot at 236 bushels per acre (bu/A) at 16.4% moisture. Yesterday I got a call that a whole field of 5245 yielded 252 bu/A at 16.5% moisture in the Cylinder area.
NORTHWEST IOWA
Darin Chapman
Farmers in Northwest Iowa are finishing up with soybean harvest and switching to corn. As expected, yields are extremely variable this year due to the challenging weather we received. Farms with tile are showing a major return on the investment.
Latham’s Seed-2-Soil® program is a great way to make decisions on where to place tile on your farm. This is just one of the many reasons it’s important to manage your farm operation with a Precision Ag platform. Contact me to learn more about Latham’s Data Forward and FieldxField services, which are designed to reduce your risk and maximize yield.
The attached photo shows where tile would be beneficial.
WESTERN IOWA & EASTERN NEBRASKA
Larry Krapfl
This is a common sight across western Iowa and eastern Nebraska. Soybean harvest is moving slower than expected fields are fields are wet. I’d say 20 to 30 percent of the soybeans are still standing in the Missouri River bottom. The river is running high and no one wants to get his combine stuck in the mud.
SOUTHERN WISCONSIN
Greg Mair
Soybean harvest is wrapping up in southern Wisconsin. Many farmers are experiencing a new challenge in soybeans and that’s how to effectively control waterhemp. The good news is, whatever route you take for waterhemp control, Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds offers a soybean that will work for you!
Technology advancements usually bring new genetics, and that appears to be the case this year with Xtend® soybean products. Xtend soybeans outperformed Roundup Ready 2 (RR2Y) soybeans by almost 5 bushels per acre in Latham’s Watertown plot. Latham brand L 1845 R2X and L 2295 R2X have performed well in back-to-back stressful growing seasons in southern Wisconsin. These two products would make a great soybean package for your acres whether you’re looking to control waterhemp with Xtend herbicide technology or just looking for high-yielding genetics with an outstanding disease package.
NORTHERN WISCONSIN
Joe Salter
Harvest has been steady over the last week. Soybeans are close to 60 percent complete, and many farmers are rolling into corn. I took off my first Latham soybean plot on October 30, and Latham brand L 1438 R2 did really well. The following soybeans also performed really well: L 0982 R2, L 1092 R2X and L 1184 R2X. In addition, we compared L 1438 R2 treated and untreated. The treated version out-yield the untreated seed by 4 bushels. For more info on our treatment options, please visit our website or contact me at 1.877.GO.LATHAM (1.877.465.2842).
NORTHERN MINNESOTA
Ken Highness
This 160-acre field of Latham’s LH 3877 VT2 PRO RIB was harvested October 30, averaging 202 bushels per acre dry and a weight of 56.2.
SOUTHEAST SOUTH DAKOTA
Ramie Coughlin
Harvest continues in Southeast South Dakota (SESD). Last week many farmers finished harvesting soybeans and switched to corn. This week a few farmers even finished their 2018 harvest. Yields are impressive! Latham’s 4452 RR out-yielded DeKalb’s 91-day VT2P by 17 bushel in Hamlin County. See how Latham has been performing against the competition by checking out the F.I.R.S.T. Trial Results. Latham® brand soybeans are once again having a great year, and we’re waiting to receive corn results as not many corn plots have yet been harvested. I’m excited to take out our SuperStrip plots in the coming week. After a slow start this spring, things really turned around and it has been a fun harvest for most.
NORTHEAST SOUTH DAKOTA
James Keltgen
Soybean harvest is pretty much done in Northeast South Dakota. Some farmers have also finished corn while others are just getting a good start. We’re hearing reports of record corn and soybean yields across the region this year. LH 3937 VT2 PRO RIB has excellent standability and great yield for an early hybrid in our region! The monitor below shows LH 4657 VT2 PRO RIB dominating this year!
EASTERN NORTH DAKOTA
Brian McNamee
So much harvest progress has been made this past week! Some farmers who have finished harvesting their own crops and now helping their neighbors down the stretch. It’s not uncommon to see four or five large class combines in the same field. Harvest storage issues, for the most part, have been minor compared to our expectations a month ago. There is an uncommonly large amount of soybeans being stored on the farm this year, but elevators and grain buyers have done all they can to help the farmers through these challenges.
After heavy, wet snow fell 15 days ago, many farmers are using a simple lift rod to help reduce harvest loss from downed soybeans. I’ve been surprised by the success of a rather simple application. Harvest loss from lodging was reduced from 2 to 5% due to this lift rod, plus harvest speeds could be increased to add efficiency.
We’re seeing big equipment and big yields across South Central North Dakota. I’m always amazed at the amount of work that gets done in a 10- to 12-hour shift.
SOUTHEAST NORTH DAKOTA
Gary Geske
In between rain and snow events, farmers are trying to get the crop harvested as quickly as possible. This Latham® SuperStrip plot was harvested after dark to maximize daylight hours for the crop. Kyle Geske harvested his plot with yields far exceeding spring planting expectations. It was exciting to see yields near 200 bushels per acre on variable soil types. For more yield information, make plans to attend one of Latham’s post-harvest meetings.
There is a great urgency to finish harvesting soybeans pods to capture as much yield as possible.
NORTHEAST IOWA & SOUTHEAST MINNESOTA
Craig Haaland
On October 22, Latham® Dealer Ramon Kuntz harvested L 2228 R2 under sunny skies at temperatures in the 60s. It went 65 bushels per acre at 12.5% moisture.
WEST NORTH CENTRAL IOWA
Bart Peterson
Father and son are combining Latham’s L 2684 L in the same field in West Central Iowa.
NORTH CENTRAL IOWA & SOUTH CENTRAL MINNESOTA
Cory Greiman
Farmers have finally gotten to harvest whole fields this week. Despite the extremely wet weather this growing season, we’re hearing reports of great whole-field corn averages. Latham 5245 VT2 PRO RIB went 239 bushels/acre (bu/A) at 15.7% moisture in the Garner area.
NORTHWEST IOWA
Darin Chapman
This third generation farmer and first time Latham grower said, “L 2186 L soybeans produced the highest yields that all three generations have seen on this farm.” They were surprised that they performed so well in the most stressed areas of this farm!
WESTERN IOWA & EASTERN NEBRASKA
Larry Krapfl
Harvesting a Latham SuperStrip plot near Soldier, Iowa. Latham’s new release L 2249 L performed extremely well, yielding 70 bushels per acre.
Latham’s research team works hard to harvest a research plot near Emerson, Nebraska.
SOUTHERN WISCONSIN
Greg Mair
LH 5137 VT2 PRO had a strong showing last week in Watertown, Wisconsin. This great standing corn has excellent grain quality and outperformed a key competitive hybrid in Wisconsin by four bushels. Take a look at adding this outstanding Latham hybrid to your 2019 crop plan where you plant a 99- to 101-day hybrid on rotated ground.
NORTHERN WISCONSIN
Joe Salter
Harvest is in full swing here in Northern Wisconsin. Soybeans are coming off the fields in good condition with average yields. Corn harvest has been slow, but most of the harvested corn is running between 18-22% moisture. Hopefully, we can take out plots next week. I’m eager to get to the early maturity corn plot! The plot check is LH 3937 VT2, which looks outstanding.
NORTHERN MINNESOTA
Ken Highness
This 55-acre field of Latham LH 4437 VT2 PRO RIB near Morris, Minnesota produced a whole-field average of 218 bushels per acre.
SOUTHEAST SOUTH DAKOTA
Ramie Coughlin
We have been blessed with beautiful harvest weather for the past 10 days and grain is moving. We are nearing 80% completion of soybeans in Southeast South Dakota. I have been hearing soybean yields of 10- to 20-bushels above the standard average. Farmers are impressed with how far the genetics have come in a few short years, and as a result, they’re seeing impressive yields. On the Roundup Ready side, Latham’s L 1858 R2 is really shining once again. Also notice the cleanliness of the Liberty field pictured here. Watch the LathamSeeds.com for yield data as plots continue to be harvested. Keep an eye on F.I.R.S.T. trial results, too. Once again, Latham Seeds is having a tremendous year!
NORTHEAST SOUTH DAKOTA
James Keltgen
Soybean harvest is moving along quickly! Favorable weather has allowed farmers to get in several good days for combining in Northeast South Dakota. Moisture is running in the 9-10% range. Some farmers are working on corn. LH 4657 VT2 PRORIB yielded 277 bushels/acre (bu/A) in a grower’s entry for the SD Corn Growers entry at Hazel. Numerous yield reports are pushing 230 to 240 bu/A. LH 4657 VT2 PRO RIB has excellent top end yield paired with great drought tolerance and late season plant intactness!
Unfortunately, there are still areas plagued by excess moisture in the region where harvest progress is slow.
LH 4450 CNV Looks to push 250 bu/acre near Groton, SD where rain was sparse this summer.
EASTERN IOWA
Jerry Broders
Harvesting the corn plot with Latham® dealers in Brandon, IA.
SOUTHEAST NORTH DAKOTA
Gary Geske
Nice weather has combines rolling at a rapid pace before the next chance of rain on Wednesday evening. This field of L 0982 R2 beans averaged over 55 bushels per acre even with drowned out acres in the field.
The video below is combining LH 6224 3200 EZR by Hillsdale, IL with Fred Howard. We are back in the field and could possibly get some beans started tomorrow!
CENTRAL IOWA
Bryan Rohe
The sun has been shining, and the wind has been blowing. At last, we have weather conditions that are favorable for getting back into the field! We harvested this Latham SuperStrip corn plot, which was affected by a tornado that damaged Vermeer in Pella, Iowa. This plot also experienced heavy winds, hail and heavy rain late in the growing season.
Latham’s LH 6317 VT2 PRO DG RIB was the check hybrid, and it won the plot. This hybrid yield 220 to 235 bushels/acre across an entire field with 16 to 17% moisture.
NORTHEAST IOWA & SOUTHEAST MINNESOTA
Craig Haaland
Thanks to a couple of windy, sunny days, harvest has resumed. This field of LH 5245 VT2 PRO RIB was planted May 9 near Riceville, Iowa, and harvested Oct. 16. The average yield across four checks was 211.20 bushels per acre at 20% moisture with a test weight of 53.6.
WEST NORTH CENTRAL IOWA
Bart Peterson
Rather than focus on everything that could go better, sometimes a person just needs to take stock of what is right with the world. Yesterday morning I took time to appreciate the beautiful sunrise in Humboldt County. Warmer, drier weather has returned to the forecast, and I’m looking forward to getting more crops harvested soon.
NORTH CENTRAL IOWA & SOUTH CENTRAL MINNESOTA
Cory Greiman
STOP… that’s what the weather has done to the harvest for a couple more days! Three to four inches of snow fell Sunday afternoon across North Central Iowa. Fortunately, the snow melted quickly and warmer temperatures have returned. Sunshine and winds were welcome this week to dry out the crops and soils, so harvest resumed with a bang!
NORTHWEST IOWA
Darin Chapman
We fought through the snow last week to get our first Latham SuperStrip corn plot harvested. Precipitation brought harvest to a halt shortly after that. The weather looks promising for the next couple of weeks, so we should finally make some progress with harvest.
Yields are exceptionally variable due to the excess moisture this year. It’s nice to see this picket fence stand of Latham LH 5095 VT2 PRO RIB! I have been very impressed with the health of this hybrid, and it’s ability to yield through the stress.
With farmers making seed decisions for 2019, I’ve been asked several times whether I think it pays to treat soybean seed. I believe that seed treatment may not always gain you yield, but it will protect it. Farmers, who added SoyShield PLUS™with ILeVO treatment to their soybeans this year, have seen a great response against Sudden Death Syndrome. We can’t predict the weather in 2019, but using tools like ILeVO helps protect your crops and yield.
Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds in 2016 sent 34 ILeVO trials to our dealers and their customers. Each trial consisted of a Latham® soybean product treated with SoyShield PLU planted side-by-side with that same soybean treated with SoyShield PLUS and lLeVO. Yield data was received from 26 of the 34 trials. Not every plot experienced a high degree of SDS severity, but many plots still showed a yield bump from using ILeVO. Plots where SDS was fairly severe showed the most yield benefit, ranging from 8 to 18 bushels per acre (bu/A).
More soybeans should get harvested this week, and it looks like we have some great yield potential out there. Stay tuned!
WESTERN IOWA & EASTERN NEBRASKA
Larry Krapfl
While one of our Latham® dealers undergoes his fourth round of chemo, neighbors and friends are taking out his crops. This field of Latham’s LH 5715 VT PRO RIB was running over 220 bushels per acre at 17% moisture.
Now that the weather is more favorable, combines are rolling hard on this field of Latham’s L 2684 L near Emerson, Nebraska. Two combines are helping make up for lost time.
SOUTHERN WISCONSIN
Greg Mair
This Latham Dealer in Tomah, Wisconsin, wasn’t delayed by snow and rain on Sunday afternoon. We harvested a test plot, and LH 5095 VT2 PRO RIB was impressive again this year! As a replicated entry, it was checked three times. Latham’s 5095 averaged about 15 bushel more than the rest of the field surrounding the plot. If you are looking for a consistently durable hybrid with excellent standability, ask your Latham® seed representative if this hybrid would work for you!
NORTHERN WISCONSIN
Joe Salter
Finally, a break in the wet weather! While no one like to park the combine during harvest season, the downtime allowed Latham’s knowledgeable tech team to set up Climate FieldView and provide a demo. Pictured here is one very satisfied customer as he open his first field using Climate.
NORTHERN MINNESOTA
Ken Highness
This exceptional looking field of Latham’s 480 HVXRR HarvXtra® Alfalfa with Roundup Ready® technology was planted mid-August near Hancock, Minn.
SOUTHEAST SOUTH DAKOTA
Ramie Coughlin
Farmers in Southeast South Dakota started getting back in the fields last Saturday after a week of very cold temperatures plus 1 to 4 inches of rain and nearly 4 inches of snow. Each day more farmers are able to get in the fields. In many areas, capacity will be a problem and farmers will be challenged to keep up with moving grain.
It’s a hard picture to see because the combine was in motion, but Latham 4657 VT2 PRO RIB is yielding very well in eastern Kingsbury County. This farmer said his average dry yield this season has been 255 bushels per acre (bu/A) on ground that typically runs 180 to 200 bu/A. He was only able to take the headlands off when he ran against his limits.
I look forward to getting more yield reports as harvest gears back up again. Please email, text or Snap us with your high Latham yields. We love to hear them!
NORTHEAST SOUTH DAKOTA
James Keltgen
Combines are rolling again in Northeast South Dakota (NESD)! Farmers are harvesting both corn and soybeans now as soybeans have dried back down to 13%. Corn yields are still strong in the east, pushing more than 200 bushels/acre!
This field of LH 3937 VT2 PRO was planted at 32,000 near Watertown, SD. Moisture is back down to 18% after the rain.
Drought was extreme in Seneca, SD, but this field of LH 4242 VT2 PRO looks like it will yield decently despite the growing conditions.
EASTERN NORTH DAKOTA
Brian McNamee
Farmers are finally getting back into the fields after that very unpleasant snow event last week. Some farmers are combining corn for the time this season, and I’m hearing seeing some very solid numbers.
Soybeans harvest is complete in large areas in the state, so plots like the one pictured below are finally coming off. Stay tuned for more plot data!
This plot is the highly visible Ideal Seed Solutions plot west of Rugby, ND, on U.S. Highway 2. Latham’s L 0124 R2X earned back-to-back first place finishes in this multi-brand plot. Even under extremely droughty conditions in the west, farmers are witnessing yield separations in these new genetics. Another new soybeans to keep your eye on is L 00828 R2X. This double zero maturity bean packs some punch! It also is Latham Seeds’ earliest IRONCLADTM soybean.
