2020 Fall Farm Outlook

2020 Logan County Farm Outlook LINCOLN DAILY NEWS October 28, 2020 PAGE 17 may, eventually, have control of the seed market and a reduced variety of seeds will be available. Heirloom stock piles Variety trials can highlight crop traits suited to the farmers unique environment, market trends, and management necessities and can help farmers identify alternative varieties with similar or superior qualities to a standard seed. Some seed traits are developed and improved through traditional plant breeding, while others are accomplished with technology. The genetic characteristics of a seed include maturity, emergence, and stability. It is the genetics of the plant and how these genetics react to the environment that the farmer needs to study. Traits are added to protect the yield potential that is already there genetically. Seeds can be purchased with pesticide and herbicide protection packages; however, those traits are not cheap. It takes years of research and regulatory approvals to develop and get on the market. Adding traits does not produce the same result in all seed varieties, so it makes sense for the farmer to know exactly what he or she is purchasing. That’s when consulting a seed salesmen (they want return business), or sitting for a cup of coffee at the elevator, co-op or chat at the implement store, where ever farmers hang out is beneficial. In the long winter days ahead, seed catalogs are a great place to look for variety recommendations. Also, area agronomists offer current insights. They use research tools and techniques to develop new hybrids and varieties that grow more efficiently. These agriculturalists research ways to produce crops and manage soils in the most environmentally friendly way. Agronomists are employed as teachers, weather forecasters, and environmentalists around the world working for USDA, State Departments of Agriculture, and the Natural Resources Conservation Service. They can be found working for banks, farm co-ops, seed and Ag supply. Selection of seed is a serious decision for the farmer. Before the harvest is complete, a farmer starts researching and meeting with representatives from seed companies to learn about seed selection for the next growing season. With so many options, farmers can select seeds that are tailored for their area, soil profile, and expected moisture availability. Ultimately, the goal is to grow more grain more efficiently while protecting the environment. Seed selection is a task to ensure the best harvest possible. [Lisa Ramlow] Articles of side interest: First tribe in U.S. sends heirloom seeds to global seed vault https://www. morningagclips.com/first-tribe-in-u-s- sends-heirloom-seeds-to-global-seed- vault/ Svalbard Global Seed Vaulthttps://www. croptrust.org/our-work/svalbard-global- seed-vault/