Check Out the Many Seed Options

“All of our seed companies have awesome varieties,” said Craig Loen, Federated ag sales rep out of the Osceola location. But, the varieties are only awesome “when placed on the right acre,” he said. 
 
Federated offers seed from four national companies (Croplan®, Dekalb®, Northrup King®, and Brevant®) and from two local seed companies (Legend® and Renk®). 
 
Knowing what to seed to plant and where to plant it is the first step in effective crop management. As seed buying decisions get underway for the 2025 growing season, it’s important to weigh your options, review the plot results, and do your own research.
 
“You may have a favorite corn and/or soybean variety, [but] the technology is replacing older, proven varieties with newer genetics, new trait options for insect and herbicide options,” said Loen. New product releases are coming out faster and being rolled over more quickly than ever before. 

“Variety longevity is short,” he said.

However, these new products (from any of the six seed companies Federated works with) offer better disease tolerance through new genetic germplasms, and they offer higher yield potential:

• on varying soil types,
• with changeable soil fertility,
• and with variable management styles.

Loen said, “Do a side-by-side trial in your field with your favorite, field proven variety and a new release variety. Compare for yourself.” Then, evaluate differences in emergence, vigor, stalk and root strength, disease tolerance, dry down, test weight, and yield.

Your Federated Agronomist can help you find the “mix of new and proven varieties that will work best on your farm … with the right product for your soil type, weed and insect pressure, crop rotation, fertility, and management style,” said Loen.

If you prefer conventional corn and soybean options, Legend and Renk offer good traditional varieties in addition to their newer, traited options. Contact your Federated Agronomist.