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Due to another down year of commodity prices, combined with uncertainty in the marketplace and the transition to a new presidential administration, many Midwest farmers are looking for ways to limit their risk exposure. Here are three key ways farmers can limit risk in 2017:

  1. LATHAM’S FREE REPLANT POLICY. Qualifying is simple: Purchase at least 60 units more of Latham® corn than was ordered in 2016 and/or a minimum of 120 units of treated soybeans, and you will qualify for free replant! This low-cost insurance policy offers a great options for our customers.
  2. SEED TREATMENTS. The old saying, “It’s hard to save your way to prosperity,” really holds true here! So much of a farmer’s money is invested in seed that it’s hard for me to understand why some people forego seed treatment. This is where the saying, “Penny wise but pound foolish” comes into play. Seed treatment is a good return on investment. Data shows a 3 – 5 bushel advantage on fungicides and insecticides that provide protection against diseases and insects in certain parts of our market. Last week, Mark Grundmeier wrote about how soybeans treated with ILeVO® yielded 8 – 18 bushels per acre, even where Sudden Death Syndrome wasn’t severe.
  3. FIELDXFIELD™ YIELDS. Crop planning, field by field, helps farmers reduce risk by placing the best products on given soil types and farming practices. It also takes into consideration disease, plant population and weed control. Determining the best population for both corn and soybeans also is a good way to reduce cost since many farmers plant soybeans too thick. Paying special attention to ear type (flex, semi-flex or determinate) makes a big difference in choosing the right population.
One final point to make is the stability and proven performance of Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds and its products. Our family-owned, independent company will celebrate its 70th year of business in 2017. In addition, we set records (again) in 2016 with our F.I.R.S.T. Trials Seed Tests across the regions we serve. Go to lathamseeds.com to see the data.
Feel free to also contact us at 1.877.GO.LATHAM. Also remember to “search” for specific agronomic topics like “risk management” on TheFieldPosition.com for more information.