Latham® Hi-Tech Soybeans are producing record yields this fall. One of our new Genuity™ Roundup Ready 2 Yield™ Soybeans recently topped a plot in Dallas County, Iowa, with record 80.2 bushels per acre (b/A).

“This is the first time that we’ve raised 80-bushel beans,” says Dale Meyers, whose family farms near Redfield. He and his son, Michael, also have a Latham dealership. “I believe the early planting date and good seed bed were key. Fortunately we had good planting conditions and received timely rains throughout the growing season.”

Meyers planted his soybean test plot on May 9 in a field that had previously been planted to corn with minimum tillage. He and Michael chiseled the ground last fall and then field cultivated in the spring after applying Trifluralin. Their plot averaged 71.36 bu/A, which is well above his farm’s average of 66.7 bu/A.

Variety selection is one of the most important factors to producing 80-bushel yields, according to Iowa State University (ISU) Extension agronomist Palle Pedersen. Pedersen says that raising a bumper crop begins with preseason planning including:

1. Planting the right genetics
2. Planting early
3. Planting in narrow rows
4. Protecting the plant from early weed competition

Meyers agrees that seed selection is key.

**Latham® is a registered trademark of Latham Hi-Tech Hybrids, Inc.
Genuity™ Roundup Ready 2 Yield™ soybeans are trademarks of Monsanto Technology Group LLC

Iowa State University raises some good points about the delayed crop development that we’ve experienced this season. The 2009 season, in some areas, is mirroring the 2008 growing season. Many crops experienced several stress factors including wet, cool growing conditions, hail and strong winds.

Last season top corn hybrids throughout the industry experienced stalk lodging, so we’ll want to keep that in mind as harvest approaches. Continue to monitor your fields and note areas where there are hybrids with stalks that have been bruised by bad weather or where there are weaker stalks due to the growing conditions. Plan to harvest those areas first for a more successful harvest season.

Rich Pope of the Department of Plant Pathology and Elwynn Taylor from the Department of Agronomy at Iowa State University released this article recently that could be of help to farmers in evaluating performance this harvest season.

2009 Season in Degree Days through Late August

Degree days are a critical driver of crop development, and 2009 certainly illustrates that point. Wet soils and cool early season temperatures delayed some plantings and also delayed the development of crops that were planted on time. The early vegetative stages were slowed by cooler-than-normal temperatures, then July arrived with a remarkably un-summerlike chill that lasted the whole month.

Crop stages remained stagnant for three weeks, with corn silking and soybean pod set both delayed by ten days to two weeks in most areas. Because the weather is one major variable that we cannot change, but only observe and take action based on those observations, comparing 2009 with previous years is at least interesting, if not instructive for harvest-season planning.

The graph below illustrates the march of departures from long-term average degree day accumulations for 2009 and selected other years. The graph depicts the three most recent seasons; includes 1992, 2003 and 2004- three years that have compared with 2009, and 1994- a year that generated remarkably good yields.

Here’s the latest planting update excerpted from the Aug. 11 USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service bulletin (for week ending Aug. 8):

Corn: Acreage at or beyond the silking stage reached 89 percent by week’s end, 2 points behind last year and 7 points slower than the 5-year average. Crop development was at or behind in all States except Colorado, where 27 percent of the crop began silking during the week, leaving progress 9 points ahead of the average. Meanwhile, 24 percent of the Nation’s crop was at or beyond the dough stage, 4 points behind last year and 22 points, or over 1 week, behind normal. The biggest delays were evident in Illinois and Indiana, where progress was more than 2 weeks behind the 5-year average. Acreage in the dent stage, at 5 percent, was 1 point behind last year and 9 points behind normal. Denting had not yet begun in most of the Corn Belt, but was ahead of the 5-year average in Texas. Overall, 68 percent of the corn crop was rated in good to excellent condition, unchanged from a week ago, but 1 point better than last year.

Soybeans: Nationally, 86 percent of this year’s soybean crop was at or beyond the blooming stage, 1 point behind last year and 7 points behind the average. Blooming was active across much of the growing region; however, progress remained at or behind the 5-year average in all estimating States. Pod set was evident in 55 percent of the crop by August 9, two points behind last year and 17 points behind normal. The crop in Illinois, Michigan, and North Dakota experienced lags of 34 points or more, leaving progress over 1 week behind normal. Overall, 66 percent of the soybean crop was rated in good to excellent condition, down 1 point from last week, but 3 points better than a year ago.

Hardin County, Iowa was struck hard Sunday morning with a round of storms that took a heavy toll on area crops.  The storm’s path was between 5 and 7 miles wide and 20 to 25 miles long.  Winds upwards of 70 miles an hour brought baseball sized hail that proved devastating to corn and soybean fields and buildings in the Hardin county area.  Below are some photos taken of a customer’s field and farmstead just north of Pine Lake Golf Course near Steamboat Rock, Iowa.

Here’s the latest planting update excerpted from the July 28 USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service bulletin (for week ending July 25):

Corn: Silking advanced 24 points during the week, leaving progress, at 55 percent complete, on par with last year, but 21 points behind the 5-year average. Under ideal growing conditions, development was most rapid in the Corn Belt. Thirty-four percent of the crop began silking in Iowa and Minnesota during the week, while 27 percent of the crop in Illinois reached the silking stage. Meanwhile, 7 percent of the Nation’s corn acreage was at or beyond the dough stage, equaling the maturity pace from a year ago, but 10 points slower than normal. At 80 percent complete, doughing was most advanced in North Carolina, while the crop had yet to reach the dough stage in Iowa and Minnesota, as well as in the northern Great Plains and Great Lakes regions. Overall, 70 percent of the corn crop was rated in good to excellent condition, down slightly from a week ago, but up 4 points from a year ago.

Soybeans: Nationally, 63 percent of this year’s soybean crop was at or beyond the blooming stage, 3 points ahead of last year, but 13 points behind the average. Following a sluggish start to spring planting, crop development advanced rapidly across much of the growing region, but remained at or behind the average pace in all States except South Dakota. Pod set was evident in 20 percent of the 2009 soybean crop by July 26, one point ahead of last year, but 16 points behind the 5-year average. Pod set had begun in all estimating States, but was most advanced in the Delta, with Mississippi leading all States at 86 percent complete. Overall, 67 percent of the crop was rated in good to excellent condition, unchanged from last week, but 5 points better than last year.

Here’s the latest planting update excerpted from the July 21 USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service bulletin (for week ending July 18):

Corn: By week’s end, 31 percent of the Nation’s corn crop was at or beyond the silking stage, on par with last year, but 23 points, or slightly over a week, behind the 5-year average. Despite significant jumps in development during the week, large phenological delays remained in Illinois and Indiana where the corn crop struggled to overcome setbacks caused by a slow start to planting earlier in the season. Overall, 71 percent of this year’s crop was rated in good to excellent condition, unchanged from a week ago, but up 6 percent from last year.

Soybeans: Blooming advanced 20 points during the week, leaving progress, at 44 percent complete, slightly ahead of last year, but 18 points behind the 5-year average. The crop was most developed in the Delta States of Louisiana and Mississippi; however progress was at or behind normal in all estimating States. In Wisconsin, continued cool, dry weather hampered crop development and caused a significant decline in crop conditions, as well. Overall, 67 percent of the soybean crop was rated in good to excellent condition, compared with 66 percent last week and 61 percent last year.

Here’s the latest planting update excerpted from the July 14 USDA National Agricultural Service bulletin (for week ending July 11)

Corn: Nationally, 16 percent of this year’s corn crop was at or beyond the
silking stage, 4 points ahead of last year, but 16 points behind the 5-year
average. Progress remained at or behind the average in all States except
North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Texas where 92, 22, and 79 percent of the crop was silking, respectively. Progress was 2 weeks and just over 1 week behind the average pace in Illinois and Indiana, the second and fifth largest corn-producing States, respectively, while silking had not yet begun in South Dakota. With 71 percent of the crop rated good to excellent, conditions were unchanged from a week ago and 7 points above last year.

Soybeans: By week’s end, soybeans blooming advanced to 24 percent complete, 1 point slower than the pace a year ago and 19 points slower than normal. The most rapid development was evident in the western Corn Belt where 18 and 16 percent of the crop began blooming in Nebraska and Iowa, respectively. However, all estimating States lagged the 5-year average. Overall, 66 percent of the crop was rated in good to excellent condition, unchanged from a week ago and 7 points better than last year.

Here are a few pics from some fields along the route of the Freedom of Independence Ride coming up next month. As you can see, the crops are looking sweet.  The view from the road will be great Aug. 29.

Remember, visit lathamseeds.com to register for the event.  The ride starts at 1:00 p.m., leaving from Arnolds Park. We get back to the park around 6:00 and will enjoy a great hog roast and band. All free. And all farmers are welcome.

Northwest Iowa

Bruce Anderson reports 70+ mph winds this past week, which laid down a lot of the corn but didn’t snap any of it. Other than places suffering wind damage, it looks to be the best crop he has seen in a long time. He also wants farmers to be careful when spraying because he did see one instance of Roundup® drift on Liberty Link® corn.

North Central and Northeast Iowa

Tom Larson has received a few reports of uneven stands in soybean fields in North Central Iowa. In one case, seed maggots caused more than 110 acres to be replanted. A seed-applied insecticide such as Soy Shield Plus, would have prevented such an outbreak. In another instance, planter speed was the problem. Increased speed in a reduced tillage field resulted in very uneven emergence because many beans were left on the soil surface. Much of the corn has started to canopy over the rows. The fields that were planted in high residue are still showing the effects from it with uneven stands and yellow plants. The Latham Hi-Tech Hybrids™ Super Strip Plots look fantastic, and he urges everyone to keep an eye on these plots all season long to get the first look at products that will be in our lineup next year.

West Central Iowa

Travis Slusher reports heavy storms passing through last Tuesday afternoon brought 1.5 inches of rain along with high winds and spotty hail. He spent Wednesday driving through the western part of his area and, for the most part, crops faired extremely well compared to other areas. Jim Heckman and Travis were in fields on Tuesday morning and found corn head high and beans beginning to flower. No signs of any insect pressure, but many beans need to be sprayed when the ground dries enough. The haying season has been a challenge to say the least with many areas having hay on the ground for 10-14 days due to the rain. Some alfalfa has black mold due to all of the moisture.

South Central Iowa

Bart Peterson reports that corn in his area is looking excellent with it being anywhere from waist to chest high. One issue he noticed is some corn-on-corn doesn’t look healthy from too much moisture. He also noticed a little wind damage from recent storms. The beans in his area are perking up and looking good. Plus, there hasn’t been any insect pressure to report.

Eastern Iowa

Brad Beatty’s area also suffered some storm damage the past week. Winds were clocked at 80+ miles per hour (mph). As a result, several varieties took a beating. Dry weather is needed to spray soybeans. The wet weather and strong winds are making it a challenge to make hay, spray pastures and mow oats. Leaf hoppers are heavy in the alfalfa and must be sprayed! Many bean fields are weedy and need to be sprayed ASAP.

South Dakota

Eastern South Dakota has received rain on a daily basis this past week, according to Bill Eichacker. The wet weather is making putting up alfalfa a nightmare. Forage harvestors are blowing the hay back on the field. Second crop alfalfa is growing through the window. The corn crop has grown quickly and has canopied. As a result, the corn plants are holding back some of the weed pressure. The added heat and humidity has really pushed the corn crop growth, but too much rainwater sitting in the fields for days is cutting off oxygen to the plant making it yellow. Soybeans have finally seen the sun. The past week’s cool and cloudy days are not beneficial for soybeans. Spraying of row crops is a challenge due to wet field conditions and taller corn.

Minnesota

Jason Obermeyer reports that corn is really pushing hard to make up for lost time in May. Within the past week, corn has doubled in size and will continue to do so with daytime temps in the 80’s and nights in the upper 60’s. He’s seeing rat-tailed leaves on corn as well as really brittle stalks. Both are due to the speed at which the plant is growing. Leaves are coming out so quickly that some of them aren’t unrolling completely before the nexst one is out, giving it the appearance of herbicidal injury when, in fact, it’s a case of too fast too soon. Stalk brittleness is a major concern, in most fields, regardless of hybrid number or brand, you can push on stalks and they will snap right off. This will be a challenge for standability in the event of heavy rain and high winds. Beans are really growing. Bean fields that were planted early, had seed treatment and were plowed really look good. All three of these factors have played into making strides in the pursuit of higher yield, especially in a May that was mostly cold and wet early, then dry.

Wisconsin

Steve Bailie reports that the corn in the area is growing very rapidly due to the amount of heat his area received in the past four to five days. Corn is 95% canopied in the area, only the late-planted fields have not made it to canopy yet. The majority of the corn has been sprayed except for the fungicides that must be sprayed with airplanes. Beans have started to grow faster and are turning the deep green that they should be instead of the pale yellow that they have been the last two weeks due to cold weather. Steve found the first aphids of the season on Wednesday afternoon, but there weren’t enough to worry about spraying for them yet. Most of the first crop hay is getting wrapped up this week, and a few farmers are getting started on the second crop. Parts of the area received much needed rainfall late last week. Steve says rainfall this year has been the spottiest he’s ever seen, and it’s making many famers nervous. All in all, the crops have had what they need to get a great yield started.

Here’s the latest planting update excerpted from the June 23 USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service bulletin (for week ending June 20):

Corn: The 2009 corn crop continued to develop at a slower-than-normal pace in many locations across the Corn Belt because of delayed spring planting. In Iowa, the largest corn-producing State, emergence was nearly complete, buEditt the average height of this year’s crop was shorter than normal. Overall, 70 percent of the crop was rated in good to excellent condition, unchanged from a week ago, but 11 points better than a year ago.

Soybeans: Soybean producers had planted 91 percent of this year’s soybean crop by June 21, one point ahead of last year, but 4 points behind the 5-year average. Planting was complete or nearly complete across the Great Plains and most of the Delta and Corn Belt. However, with just 79 percent of the intended acreage in the ground, planting in Illinois, the second largest soybean-producing state, remained over 3 weeks behind normal. Emergence reached 84 percent complete by week’s end, 4 points ahead of 2009, but 6 points behind the average. Following several weeks of intense planting, favorable growing conditions allowed for rapid crop development in North Dakota where 25 percent of the crop emerged during the week. Overall, 67 percent of the soybean crop was rated in good to excellent condition, a slight improvement from a week ago and 10 points better than last year.