The USDA recently released the annual crop production summary. Following are highlights that were reported on Corn and Soybean Digest’s website.

Corn: U.S. grain for corn production reached a record 12.3 billion bushels, up 2% from the Nov. 1 forecast, and 1% above the previous record of 13.0 billion bushels that was set in 2007.

Estimated yields reached record high levels across much of the Corn Belt, Great Plains and Ohio Valley. Mild temperatures and adequate soil moisture contributed to yield growth. Record yields were also estimated for much of the upper Rocky Mountain Region, as well as the Pacific Northwest.

 Soybeans: Production in 2009 totaled 3.36 billion bushels, up 1% from the Nov. 1 forecast and 13% from 2008. U.S. production is the largest on record. Average yield per acre was estimated at 44 bushels, 0.7 bushels above the November forecast and 4.3 bushels above last year’s yield. Acres planted were up 2% from 2008, totaling 77.5 acres.

Yields increased or were maintained in all states except Arkansas, Illinois, Mississippi, New York and South Carolina. Good growing conditions with ample moisture attributed to higher yields.

Click here to view the full report.

MaxYield Cooperative featured Latham in a recent issue of My Solutions with an article titled Latham Seeds Declares Its Independence: Locally-Owned Business Offers Options for Area Growers.

We were pleased with the write up because it highlighted those things we think best define Latham: truly local service, dedication to innovation, and high quality products. Below are two quotes that I pulled from the article that show how, through our independence, we’re able to offer customers the best products for their land.

“Because Latham is independent, I look to them as a gauge to determine which companies offer the best technology,” said Greg Sweeney, a MaxYield seed solutions specialist, who noted that Latham seeds are bred for the high-pH, poorly drained soils common throughout MaxYield’s trade territory. “In a business where every company claims to offer the best products, Latham offers a fresh opinion to help us determine which seed genetics fit each operation best.”

“You get one chance to get it right at planting, and I have a lot of respect for the track record Latham has with MaxYield,” said Kurt Metzger, a MaxYield seed solutions specialist who has worked with Latham for more than 25 years. “Seed is not a commodity like DAP or potash, and it’s so important to plan the right seed on the right soil.”

Click here to read the full article.

Bill Latham was honored with the Industry Service Award yesterday at the annual Independent Professional Seed Association (IPSA) Convention in Indianapolis, Indiana. The award was presented by Skype. (How’s that for our industry embracing innovation and technological advancement?)

The IPSA also presented Bill – a die-hard Iowa State fan – with an ISU Cyclones ball signed by Iowa State University’s football coach, Paul Rhoads; men’s basketball coach, Greg McDermott; athletic director, Jamie Pollard; and women’s basketball coach, Bill Fennelly.

Bill, we’re so proud of your accomplishments and your dedication to our industry. Congratulations on IPSA’s recognition! John Latham, Bill’s oldest son, is shown below accepting the award on Bill’s behalf. Also shown in the photo is Lou Schweigert, IPSA President from Grow Alliance Seed (left) and Greg Ruehle, CEO of IPSA (right).

About IPSA

The IPSA is dedicated to independent seed companies worldwide. Created in 1989, IPSA represents approximately 135 seed companies from more than 25 states and Canada, who produce approximately 30 percent of the corn, soybeans, and small grain and forage seeds marketed annually.

To learn more about the Independent Professional Seed Association, click here.