Monthly Archives: February 2009

From the FieldR U Ready 2 Yield?

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No, this is not a text message from your kid’s cell phone or your nephew’s Twitter page. We’re simply asking if you are ready. Ready to participate in the most significant soybean yield improvement technology to emerge in over a decade.

Latham Seeds L3184R2 and L2958R2 (for Maturity Zones III and II), featuring the highly anticipated Roundup Ready 2 Yield™ technology, will be available in limited release this year.

One big achievement of this product is the observed increase in the number of beans per pod. Farmers who planted RR2Y in last fall’s field trials reported seeing more 3- and 4-bean pods on their plants than with earlier Roundup Ready beans.

What difference can an extra bean or two per pod make? According to Monsanto’s calculations, four extra beans per plant could mean nearly two extra bushels per acre when planted at 85,000 plants per acre. At 185,000 plants per acre, the increase could be more than 4 Bu/a. At a hypothetical $10 per bushel, that’s an extra $20,000 to $40,000 for a 1000-acre planting.

With an extra six to ten beans per plant, which is entirely feasible, the difference is even more dramatic.

See how Latham Seeds’ new brands with Roundup Ready 2 Yield could increase your profitability. Give your Latham dealer a call. And while you’re at it give our new radio ad (click soybeans in the right panel to locate) on RR2Y a listen. Hearing is believing!

Food & FamilyBring a Hint of Spring to Your Breakfast Table

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Here we are mid-February and with this recent taste of warm weather, I am ready for Spring! Here’s a recipe that I love to make for my family. The fresh taste of fruit and the warm gooey french toast is the perfect start to your day!

Blueberry French Toast

12 slices day-old bread, crusts removed
2 (8oz) packages cream cheese
1 c. blueberries (frozen or fresh)
12 eggs
2 c. milk
1/3 c. maple syrup or honey

Sauce:
1 c. sugar
2 T. cornstarch
1 c. water
1 c. blueberries
1 T. Margarine

Cut 6 slices of bread into 1″ cubes. Place in 9X13 baking dish. Cut cream cheese into 1″ cubes and place over bread. Top with 1c. berries and 6 slices of bread.

In large bowl, beat eggs. Add milk and syrup or honey. Mix well. Pour over bread. Cover and chill 8 hours or overnight.

Remove from fridge 30 min before baking. Bake covered for 30 min. Uncover and bake another 25-30 min or until bread is golden brown. Top with sauce.

Sauce:
Combine sugar, cornstarch and water. Bring to a boil over medium heat. Boil three minutes, stirring constantly. Reduce heat, and stir for 8-10 min. Stir in margarine until melted.

This recipe serves 6-8 people.

Have a favorite breakfast recipe of your own? Share it with us in the comment box below!

From the FieldMatching Seed to Soil: How it all Works

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Plant breeders with whom I work estimate that 75% of seed varieties fall short of their yield potential because they’re planted in the wrong soil. Despite today’s amazing seed technology, a hybrid planted in the wrong soil wastes a good portion of the seed’s value. So when we begin talking with a farmer about using our Seed2Soil consulting program, we make sure he or she knows there are no shortcuts.

First, we clearly explain our consulting program and ask if it fits within our customer’s decision-making process and timetable. Next, we review the customers crop management practices to identify the exact hybrid features providing the best chance for success. Then we identify soil types and how they might impact seed performance. We want to pinpoint the seed features that best match soil characteristics. After than we write a crop recommendation suggesting the specific seed variety for each field. Finally we meet with the farmer again for a pre-planting review, making sure nothing’s been overlooked.

Unfortunately, many farmers don’t have the time needed to invest in developing a plan to place products in each field relative to soil types and crop management practices. Admittedly, if they do make an effort, it’s often done at the last minute with little opportunity for analysis.

Unlike others, Latham’s Seed2Soil program is thorough, detailed and not quick. But in the words of author and artist William A. Foster, “Quality is never an accident; it is always the result of high intention, sincere effort, intelligent direction and skillful execution; it represents the wise choice of many alternatives.” My thoughts exactly!