Almost all of the new varieties on this list come with the glyphosate tolerant Roundup Ready 2 gene. Many have the Roundup Ready 2 Xtend gene, which brings tolerance to dicamba as well as glyphosate. Quarry Seed is taking a different path, offering two new non-GMO varieties.

Because Western Canada is (relatively) on the edges of the soybean-growing world, the first step to choosing your soybean variety is looking at your climate. The soybean maturity zones range from 0 in North Dakota (a shorter season) to IX in Florida (with a longer season). These zones are rated using Roman numerals, but we don’t have to worry about that, as all of Western Canada is so far north into the “0” zone that our zones are called “0”, “00” and “000” (with “000” being the shortest growing season). In some areas of Manitoba, “0” varieties are suitable. Saskatchewan growers will need to add one or two more zeros.

Each of these zones covers 200 to 300 kilometres from north to south. For a little more detail, there is a decimal point. For example, 00.2, or 00.9. In this case, the variety with the smaller decimal (00.2) will mature sooner than the variety with the higher decimal point (00.9).

Another way to gauge suitability for your regions is by looking at accumulated heat units. These are sometimes abbreviated as CHU, or “corn heat units.” Weather conditions will vary from year to year.

And now, on with the show. Here are the 36 soybean varieties coming to your favourite western Canadian retailers for the first time in 2019.

(Abbreviation cheat sheet)

Below is a guide to the abbreviations found in this list of new soybean varieties.

• CHU: corn heat units
• IDC: iron deficiency chlorosis
• IP: identity preserved
• PRR: phytophthora root rot
• RM: relative maturity
• SCN: soybean cyst nematode

BrettYoung Seeds

Karpo R2* is a new, high-yielding RR2 soybean for the early-mid soybean zone with 00.2 relative maturity. Karpo R2* has excellent tolerance to white mould, and is a tall plant with a great look. With solid roots, good IDC scores and very good PRR field resistance this variety has very good yield potential for an early soybean. Limited quantities will be available in 2019. *Pending registration.

Lassa R2X is a new Roundup Ready 2 Xtend soybean with excellent yield, white mould rating and soybean cyst nematode resistance. Lassa R2X is a 000.9 relative maturity bean making it a great fit in the very early soybean zones. It is a medium-height plant adapted to all soil types and row spacings. Lassa R2X has very good field resistance to phytophthora root rot (PRR), with the Rps1C gene. Limited quantities will be available in 2019.

Sunna R2X is a new Roundup Ready 2 Xtend soybean with excellent yield and soybean cyst nematode resistance. Sunna R2X is a 00.3 relative maturity bean making it a great fit in the early soybean zones. It is a tall, bushy plant adapted to all soil types and row spacings. Sunna R2X is rated semi-tolerant to IDC and has very good field resistance to phytophthora root rot (PRR), with the Rps1C gene. Limited quantities will be available in 2019.

Vidar R2X is a new full season Roundup Ready 2 Xtend soybean with excellent yield, white mould rating and soybean cyst nematode resistance. Vidar R2X is a 00.8 relative maturity soybean making it a great fit in the long maturity soybean zone. It is rated tolerant to IDC. It is a medium height, bushy plant adapted to all soil types and well suited to wider row spacings. Vidar R2X has very good field resistance to phytophthora root rot (PRR), with the Rps1C gene. Limited quantities will be available in 2019.

Corteva Agriscience, Agriculture Division of DowDupont

B0040L1* has the GENNRR2Y gene, and reaches maturity at 2350 heat units. Brevant has found a 4.2 bushels/acre increase over competitors at 11 locations. The variety has very good IDC and phytophthora root rot tolerance. B0040L1 has excellent yield potential, excellent field appearance with tawny pubescence. It is a narrow-leaf soybean with medium to bushy canopy. *Pending registration.

B0064S1 has the GENNRR2Y gene, and reaches maturity at 2450 heat units. The variety has excellent yield potential, cyst nematode resistance, the Rps 1k gene for phytophthora root rot and a very good IDC rating. B0064S1 has good plant standability, good growth on heavier soils to the Rps 1k gene and excellent field emergence with medium-tall plant height.

B0067Z1 has the GENNRR2Y gene, and reaches maturity at 2450 heat units. The variety has excellent yield potential, very good phytophthora root rot tolerance and excellent IDC tolerance. B0067Z1has excellent yield potential for maturity, strong emergence and medium to short plant height.

P0007A65R reaches maturity at 2200 heat units. This new ultra-early soybean has excellent yield potential for an early maturing product. It has outstanding harvest standability scores and very good shatter score and field emergence.

P006A37X has the GENNRR2X (Xtend) gene, and reaches maturity at 2425 heat units. Pioneer Hi-Bred found a 2.1 bushel/acre increase over P006T46R in 13 large-scale trials. It has very good IDC tolerance, outstanding yield potential and harvest standability, average plant height for maturity. The Xtend gene provides an additional option for weed control (dicamba, as well as glyphosate).

P00A49X has the GENNRR2X (Xtend) gene, and reaches maturity at 2525 heat units. Pioneer Hi-Bred found a 1.4 bushel/acre increase over P006T46R in 10 large-scale trials. This variety has cyst nematode resistance and very good IDC tolerance. It has outstanding yield potential for a later maturity soybean, good harvest standability, and the Xtend gene provides an additional option for weed control.

Croplan

RX000918 in the 000.9 maturity group and reaches maturity at 2275 heat units. It is a taller variety that stands well. It prefers light fertile soils and narrow rows. It has PRR Resistance Rps1c, good PRR field tolerance, SCN tolerance, very good white mould tolerance and a very good IDC rating.

RX00218 is part of the 00.2 maturity group and reaches maturity at 2350 heat units. This taller variety stands well and has strong yield potential. It has very good white mould tolerance and good IDC rating.

DEKALB

DKB0005-44 (000.5RM or 2175 CHU), is an ultra-early soybean variety. This variety is a branchy, medium height plant with excellent standability. It provides excellent white mould tolerance and very good tolerance to phytophthora root rot (Rps 1c) and brown stem rot.

DKB0009-89 (000.9RM or 2275 CHU), is an excellent Roundup Ready 2 Xtend variety in early maturity zones. This medium height variety is bushy, branches well and has excellent standability. It has a good defensive disease package with resistance to soybean cyst nematode (R3), very good field tolerance to phytophthora root rot (Rps 1c&k) and excellence tolerance to white mould.

DKB006-99 (00.6RM or 2450 CHU), is a shorter, bushy soybean variety that branches well and is best suited to wide rows and lower populations. This variety is also well-suited to tougher growing conditions. It provides resistance to soybean cyst nematode (R3) and very good field tolerance to phytophthora root rot (Rps 3a).

DKB007-67 (00.7RM or 2475 CHU), is a Roundup Ready 2 Xtend variety with excellent standability and very good early season vigour that performs well on all soil types. This variety has very good tolerance to white mould, good field tolerance to phytophthora root rot (Rps 3a) and iron deficiency chlorosis and has resistance to soybean cyst nematode (R3).

Maisex

RX Cedo is an Xtend variety (00.3 RM or 2375 CHU). It is a tall, aggressive variety with impressive standability and white mould tolerance.

RX Acron is an Xtend variety (00.7RM or 2450CHU). This variety excels under tough conditions in heavier soil types. Taller plant height promotes easy harvest. This is a SCN-resistant variety.

NorthStar Genetics

NSC Newton RR2X is a new line with the Xtend trait. This variety requires approximately 2375 CHUs to reach maturity or a relative maturity rating of 00.3. NSC Newton RR2X is a tall, erect variety with excellent pod height and standability. It exhibits cold tolerance which imparts exceptional spring vigor, and is a perfect fit in reduced or zero-till environments.

NSC Sperling RR2Y is broadly adapted across mid- to long-season zones, with a relative maturity of 00.6 (2450 CHU), with yields comparable to varieties in much longer maturity ranges. As a medium bush and medium height plant structure, along with excellent white mould tolerance, it works well in medium to wide row spacing. It has aggressive early season growth, with very good IDC and stress tolerance.

Proven Seed

PV 17s0007 R2X is an ultra-early Roundup Ready Xtend variety from Proven Seed. This variety is well suited to new soybean growing areas in Saskatchewan and Alberta. PV 17s007 R2X stands well, is suited for narrow row production in lighter soils and has excellent white mould tolerance. Available exclusively at Nutrien Ag Solutions.

PV 15s0009 R2X is an ultra-early, tall variety with excellent standability making it easy to harvest. With excellent yield for maturity and phytophthora and SCN resistance, this Roundup Ready Xtend Proven Seed soybean allows production west of traditional soybean growing areas. Available exclusively at Nutrien Ag Solutions.

PV 16s004 R2X, a tall bushy Roundup Ready Xtend variety, is a great choice for heavier soils in wide row production. With phytophthora and SCN resistance, this Proven Seed soybean is a strong defensive option for reliable results under tough conditions. Available exclusively at Nutrien Ag Solutions.

PV 14s008 RR2 is a full season variety with excellent yield potential. With a bushy growth habit, it is well suited to wide row production. This Proven Seed soybean has strong performance in high pH and high organic matter fields making it a great fit for the Red River Valley of Manitoba. Available exclusively at Nutrien Ag Solutions.

Quarry Seed

Dayo R2X is a RR2Y Xtend soybean with 000.5 RM/2225 CHU. This variety has excellent sclerotinia and IDC tolerance. It is one of the earliest varieties on the market and is best suited to conventional soil management.

Devo R2X is a RR2Y Xtend soybean with 00.2 RM/2350 CHU. This variety has excellent sclerotinia tolerance and great IDC tolerance. It is extremely vigorous with early flowering and pod set, and stands out in minimum tillage.

Dinero R2X is a RR2Y Xtend soybean with 00.3 RM/2400 CHU. This variety has excellent sclerotinia tolerance and great IDC tolerance. It is a healthy, robust plant that will impress from Day 1. It has great bushing capacity and excellent vigour.

Alaska, 00.2 RM/2350 CHU, has excellent sclerotinia tolerance. It has excellent standability, excellent yield potential and is well adapted to all soil types. This is an IP, non-GMO variety.

Maxus, 00.3 RM/2400 CHU, has excellent sclerotinia tolerance. It has very aggressive vigour out of the ground with excellent standability, excellent yield potential and is well adapted to all soil types. This is an IP, non-GMO variety.

SeCan

Fisher R2X is a medium-height plant with a great disease package. On top of that it is early maturing (2275 CHU) making it a great fit for western Manitoba and Saskatchewan, it is rated as semi-tolerant to iron deficiency chlorosis.

Prince R2X is a bushy, medium height, high yielding, early maturing soybean (2325 CHU). It has a great disease resistance package for Western Canada. Prince R2X is rated as semi-tolerant to iron deficiency chlorosis.

Bourke R2X is a tall, slim high yielding 2400 CHU plant. Straw strength is great with pods high off the ground. The Manitoba Pulse Growers Association rating for iron chlorosis is semi-tolerant however it looks to be a poor semi-tolerant or a really good susceptible rating.

Syngenta

S0007-B7X is the earliest Syngenta soybean variety, with strong emergence that allows for early planting. This Roundup Ready 2 Xtend variety offers strong tolerance to sclerotinia white mould, and the Rps1c gene for outstanding tolerance to phytophthora root rot.

S006-M4X delivers reliable genetics in a Roundup Ready 2 Xtend trait platform for consistent performance across yield environments. It has excellent standability with strong tolerance to sclerotinia white mould, and above average tolerance to phytophthora root rot from the Rps1c gene.

Thunder Seed Canada

TH89000.5 R2XN is an ultra-early Xtend soybean with 000.5 RM (2175CHU). It has excellent yield potential coupled with cyst nematode resistance and double stacked PRR (phytophthora) genes. It’s a slender plant that stands well and prefers narrow rows.

TH 87003 R2X is an Xtend soybean with 00.3 RM (2375 CHU). It’s a tall, aggressive and impressive variety. It has excellent yields and performs consistently across all zones and soil types. This soybean has a great overall agronomics, including vigour, IDC of 1.7 and SCN tolerance.

The post New soybean varieties for 2019 appeared first on Grainews.

Corteva is the name of the company that came from the Dow/DuPont merger. Corteva is selling seed under two different brand names: the Pioneer Hi-Bred label you’re used to seeing on field signs, and Corteva’s new Brevant brand.

• Read more: Four reasons to try new canola genetics

Nutrien Ag Solutions is down at the end of the list. This is the business formerly known as CPS (Crop Production Services). You will remember that Nutrien Ag Solutions’s parent company, Nutrien, came from the merger of Agrium and PotashCorp. Agrium was the previous owner of CPS.

There are no new Monsanto canola varieties on the list this year, but if there were, they would be (now) owned by Bayer, and marketed under the DEKALB name. There are some new DEKALB varieties on the new soybean variety list for 2019.

Genetically, the news in canola this year is coming from the TruFlex gene developed by Monsanto (see at bottom). This gene lets growers spray higher rates of glyphosate over a longer window.

If you have a clubroot problem, when you’re buying seed this year, remember to ask your retailer about the specific clubroot pathotypes your seed has resistance to. Now that companies are labelling seed with specific clubroot races, “clubroot resistance” is no longer a one-size-fits-all label.

And now, on with the list.

BASF

InVigor L234PC provides pod shatter reduction technology and clubroot resistance. InVigor L234PC is a canola hybrid with InVigor’s patented Pod Shatter Reduction technology with new second-generation multi-genetic clubroot resistance. This hybrid offers yield protection, early maturity similar to InVigor L233P and harvest flexibility for growers in all growing zones.

InVigor Health L258HPC is the latest addition to the InVigor Health hybrid lineup. It features both the patented Pod Shatter Reduction technology and clubroot resistant traits, along with the security of a contract premium. This new hybrid is already sold out – exclusively sold through Cargill and select independent retails.

Canterra Seeds

CS2600 CR-T is a new TruFlex canola hybrid. In addition to its new herbicide tolerance trait that provides growers with more flexibility in terms of application window and rates, CS2600 CR-T also has a unique source of clubroot resistance, higher tolerance to pod shatter and excellent yield potential, coming in at 105 per cent of the checks 45H29 and 5440. CS2600 CR-T will be commercially available pending export market approval.

Cargill

V33-1CL is a new high-yielding hybrid and the first Clearfield canola variety in Cargill’s VICTORY lineup. V33-1CL gives growers polygenic blackleg resistance and has excellent standability. This hybrid is suited to the mid- to long growing zones. Available through Cargill and select independent dealers.

V24-1 is a new clubroot-resistant, high-yielding Genuity Roundup Ready hybrid that is exclusively part of the Cargill Specialty Canola Program. Its polygenic resistance package also provides strong protection against blackleg. V24-1 has excellent standability and is suited to all growing zones. Available through Cargill and select independent dealers.

Corteva Agriscience, Agriculture Division of DowDupont

Corteva: Brevant

1028 RR is a Genuity Roundup Ready seed with mid-to late maturity, yielding 110 per cent of 1020 RR. This seed is rated R for clubroot, blackleg and fusarium wilt. It has high yield potential, medium height and multi-genic blackleg resistance. Find more information at brevant.ca.

2028 CL is a Clearfield canola with mid-to late maturity, yielding 102 per cent of 2020 CL. This seed is rated R for clubroot, blackleg and fusarium wilt. It has high yield potential, medium height, and multigenic blackleg resistance. Find more information at brevant.ca.

Corteva: Pioneer Hi-Bred

45CM39 is a Genuity Roundup Ready canola with mid-maturity yielding 103 per cent of 45H33. This seed is rated R for clubroot, blackleg and fusarium wilt. It is high yielding with excellent standability, and suitable for straight cutting. 45CM39 is bred with a new source of clubroot resistance, and is resistant to current clubroot pathotypes 2, 3, 5, 6 and emerging pathotypes 2B, 3A and 5X.

Nutrien

PV 585 GC is a multigenic clubroot-resistant Genuity Roundup Ready canola hybrid from Proven Seed. PV 585 GC has improved agronomics with excellent blackleg resistance and standability. Available exclusively at Nutrien Ag Solutions.

PV 591 GCS is a high-yielding Genuity Roundup Ready canola hybrid with increased tolerance to sclerotinia and clubroot resistance. PV 591 GCS from Proven Seed matures early and has excellent standability. Available exclusively at Nutrien Ag Solutions.

Use the seed guide

The eight varieties on this list are only the new releases for 2019. Not- so-recently-released varieties may be a better fit for your farm, or, some of the varieties on this list may be hard to find in your area. To find out, turn to your provincial Seed Guide.

These guides are printed and distributed in January, and can be found online:

• Alberta: Alberta Seed Guide
• Saskatchewan: Saskseed
• Manitoba: Seed Manitoba

The Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba governments also produce guidebooks listing seed variety yield data and trait information. Search them out on provincial websites.

• Alberta: Varieties of Cereal and Oilseed Crops for Alberta
• Saskatchewan: Varieties of Grain Crops
• Manitoba: Yield Manitoba

TruFlex canola

TruFlex is a second-generation Roundup Ready gene developed by Monsanto (now owned by Bayer), released for commercial use for the first time in 2019.

TruFlex allows growers to apply higher rates of glyphosate (Monsanto says growers can apply RoundUp WeatherMAX at 1.33 litres/acre in a single application, or 0.67 litre per acre in two applications). And, growers planting this seed will have 10 to 14 more spray days, with the glyphosate application window extending past the six-leaf stage to the first flower. Higher rates with a longer window will make it easier to kill weeds like cleavers, foxtail barley and wild buckwheat with glyphosate.

This new gene will be the base for Bayer’s new “stacked” genes — varieties that include more than one trademarked gene.

The public release of TruFlex has been delayed while seed companies wait for China to approve imports. Growers will not be able to purchase the seed until that approval is in place.

The post New canola varieties for 2019 appeared first on Grainews.

As per the terms of the merger-of-equals deal they first announced in late 2015, the two companies’ separate shares ceased trading in New York Thursday as their merger officially closed — and the new merged company, dubbed DowDuPont, began trading Friday.

The combined company said Friday it’s now working on the “future state operating models and organizational designs” for its three merged spinoff companies: agriculture, materials science and specialty products.

“Once each division has its own processes, people, assets, systems and licenses in place to operate independently from the parent company, DowDuPont intends to separate the divisions to stand within their own legal entities” — all of which are expected “within 18 months,” DowDuPont said in a release.

It added that it expects to reach “100 per cent run rate” on the cost synergies within 24 months of the merger’s closing.

DowDuPont overall will operate under DuPont chief executive Ed Breen as its CEO, while James Collins, Jr., DuPont’s executive vice-president for agriculture, will be chief operating officer for the merged firm’s ag division.

DowDuPont said Friday its plan calls for a merged, spun-off agriculture company to be headquartered in DuPont’s home town of Wilmington, Delaware, with “global business centres” at Johnston, Iowa, and Indianapolis, Indiana — the home bases for DuPont Pioneer and Dow AgroSciences respectively.

The overall merger, DowDuPont said, is expected to result in “run-rate cost synergies” of about $3 billion (all figures US$), with the potential for about $1 billion in “growth synergies.”

Agriculture assets set to be shed, to get antitrust regulators’ approvals for the merger, include DuPont’s Canadian cereal crop broadleaf and pre-seed burnoff herbicide portfolio; its PrecisionPac herbicide dispensing system; its experimental farm at Hanley, Sask.; and its packaging plant in Calgary.

As per a side deal reached in March this year, those assets, among others, are being sold to Philadelphia-based FMC Corp.

“We are extremely excited to complete this transformational merger and move forward to create three intended industry-leading, independent, publicly traded companies,” DowDuPont executive chairman and former Dow CEO Andrew Liveris said Friday.

The merger’s “true value,” he said, “lies in the intended creation of three industry powerhouses that will define their markets and drive growth for the benefit of all stakeholders,” referring to the expected agriculture, materials science and specialty products companies now under development.

“Our teams have been working for more than a year on integration planning, and — as of today — we will hit the ground running on executing those plans with an intention to complete the separations as quickly as possible.”

Farmers, among other customers, are expected to benefit from “superior solutions and expanded product offerings” by a combined firm that “will be able to respond faster and more effectively to rapidly changing conditions with innovative products and greater choice,” DowDuPont said.

DowDuPont said it envisions the merged agriculture business as “bring(ing) together the strengths of DuPont Pioneer, DuPont Crop Protection and Dow AgroSciences to better serve growers around the world with a superior portfolio of solutions, greater choice and competitive price for value.”

Their combined capabilities and “innovation engine” are expected to allow the ag business to bring a broader suite of products to the market faster, “so it can be an even better partner to growers, delivering innovation and helping them to increase their productivity and profitability.” — AGCanada.com Network

The post Dow, DuPont wrap up merger appeared first on Grainews.

However, changing management practices have altered the prevalence of many diseases, leading to an increase in frequency and affected areas due to over-reliance on genetics rather than good management practices.

Growers should be on the lookout for both new and reoccurring diseases for all crops. These include:

• Sclerotinia in all broadleaf crops due to high levels of sclerotia (the resting bodies for the disease) produced over the past several years, as well as projected high acres of susceptible crops.
• Fusarium in cereals, especially durum (highly dependent upon humidity and temperatures during flowering).
• Stripe rust in wheat, especially southern Alberta and southern Saskatchewan.
• Root rots in pulses where soil moisture levels that are currently high, remain high into June.
• Clubroot and blackleg in areas where the pathogen has been observed and/or good genetics are not utilized or are over-utilized.
• Goss’s Wilt in corn in selected areas of Western Canada, or with favourable weather conditions.
• Seedling diseases, as well as late-season phytophthora root rot in soybeans, caused by wet fall and spring conditions.

To avoid increasing fungicide costs, decreased yield and disease spread, take steps to minimize the damage these diseases can cause in the current growing season and future seasons:

1. Employ good crop genetics where available; set realistic target populations on the upper end; practice good rotation and tillage and plant into the best seedbed possible.
2. In terms of disease, understand the disease life cycle (specific to disease of concern) and disease triangle to help identify the “weak spots” in the pathogen.
3. Scout for disease thoroughly and use the appropriate fungicide at the right time, with the correct water volume, application rate and at the correct crop stage to optimize disease control.
4. Understand specific fungicide product advantages and limitations and rotate fungicide products where appropriate to avoid the development of fungicide resistance.

For more information regarding diseases that could be a concern in your area, speak to your local crop protection sales representatives and crop advisors.

This ‘Tip of the Issue,’ provided by DuPont Pioneer, appeared in the July 18, 2017 issue of Grainews.

The post Four tips to help prevent crop diseases appeared first on Grainews.

The approvals of new GMO imports follow an agreement on protocols for shipments of U.S. beef to China that was also promised under the broader trade deal last month.

The new GMO varieties are Dow AgroSciences’ Enlist corn and Monsanto’s Vistive Gold soybean, the Ministry of Agriculture said in a statement on Wednesday.

China does not permit the planting of genetically modified food crops but does allow GMO imports, such as soybeans, for use in its animal feed industry.

But getting a new GMO crop variety approved for import by China takes around six years, compared with under three in other major markets, forcing leading ag chemical players to restrict sales during China’s review process.

In May, Beijing promised to speed up the evaluations of eight U.S. varieties of GMO crops by the end of the month under a trade deal with the United States.

Industry comments suggest Beijing could issue additional product approvals in coming months.

“We are aware of the latest updates of the approval process and are encouraged by the fast progress that the Chinese government has made,” said a DuPont Pioneer spokeswoman.

“We look forward to more products getting approval.”

DuPont Pioneer is awaiting approval for an insect-tolerant corn while Dow AgroSciences’ Enlist soybean is also pending approval.

The agriculture ministry said it has also renewed import approvals for 14 other GMO varieties including Syngenta’s MIR162 Agrisure Viptera corn, a Monsanto sugar beet and three Bayer rapeseed products.

The approvals are for a three-year period lasting to 2020, the statement said.

— Reporting for Reuters by Dominique Patton and Hallie Gu.

The post China approves two new GMO varieties for import, renews 14 appeared first on Grainews.

BrettYoung

BrettYoung E50P52 R: E50P52 R is a new VT Double PRO RIB Complete corn blend technology from Elite that delivers corn borer protection without the hassle of planting a separate refuge. E50P52 R has excellent spring vigour and high-yielding genetics. E50P52 R has a solid agronomic profile that adapts to varying growth conditions. It is rated at 2300 CHU and has a dent-type kernel with excellent dry down and bushel weight characteristics. E50P52 R has good resistance to Goss’s wilt.

CPS/Proven Seed

PV 60075 RIB: PV 60075 RIB is an early-maturing VT Double Pro RIB Complete grain and silage corn hybrid with exceptional yield potential of 104.6 per cent of check. At 2150 CHU, it offers good tolerance to Goss’ wilt, strong roots and stalks plus fast dry down. Added convenience of European corn borer protection with Refuge in the Bag while also available with straight Roundup Ready 2 technology trait package as PV 60075 RR. PV 60075 is the first corn hybrid family from Proven Seed and is available exclusively at Crop Production Services retails.

Cropplan

1756VT2P/RIB: 1756VT2P/RIB is new with a 77-day maturity rating and 2350 CHU. It is a fixed-ear hybrid requiring medium to high populations and is a medium-stature plant with a medium flowering date for its maturity rating. Strong roots and test weight combine with good standability and staygreen.

2587VT2P/RIB: 2587VT2P/RIB is new with an 85-day maturity rating and 2625 CHU. This variety is a great product for multiple soil types, boasts excellent staygreen and stalk integrity. Its open husk makes for quick dry down and the plant has good Goss’s wilt tolerance.

3314VT2P/RIB: 3314VT2P/RIB is new with a 93-day maturity rating and 2750 CHU. Its excellent stalks and roots make it a top choice for early vigor and seed growth. This workhorse hybrid is ideal for low-yielding environments and has great ear flex for variable populations.

3705SS/RIB: 3705SS/RIB (VT2P/RIB) is new with a 97-day maturity rating and 2875 CHU. The variety has high yield potential on more variable soils with adequate fertility. It also has excellent stalks and test weight, good Goss’s wilt tolerance for continuous corn and an early flowering for its maturity rating.

4350SS/RIB: 4350SS/RIB is new with a 103-day maturity rating and 3100 CHU. It is ideal for variable geographies and populations. It is a versatile hybrid with a girthy, semi-flex ear; excellent roots on medium plant height; and good Goss’s wilt and stress tolerance.

4791AS3111 (ASGT): 4791AS3111 (ASGT) is new with a 107-day maturity rating and 3200 CHU. The variety produces a medium-tall plant with outstanding late-season intactness. It boasts strong ear flex under density management and has excellent disease tolerance, including for Goss’s wilt.

DEKALB

DKC34-57RIB: DKC34-57RIB is a new Genuity VT Double Pro hybrid with 2550 CHU. It has high yield potential and offers a strong performance in all yield environments. This hybrid performs best on loamy soils.

DKC35-88RIB: DKC35-88RIB is a new Genuity VT Double Pro hybrid with 2600 CHU. It offers excellent yield potential in all soil types and yield environments, and it flowers and dries down true to relative maturity. This hybrid also has excellent stalks and roots.

DKC38-55RIB: DKC38-55RIB is a new Genuity VT Double Pro hybrid with 2675 CHU. This is a medium statured hybrid that flowers early for its relative maturity. It performs best on loamy soils, and growers should plant at medium to high populations for best results.

Dow Seeds

BMR90B94: BMR90B94 is a 2600 CHU Herculex Xtra and Roundup Ready, brown mid rib (BMR) silage corn. This BMR hybrid provides producers with above average NDFd for improved feed performance. BMR90B94 has excellent standability and good stress tolerance this hybrid moves north well. In addition, BMR90B94 also features solid plant agronomics that will support high plant densities and narrow row widths. It is available through your local Dow Seeds representative.

TMF8106RA: TMF8106RA is a 2425 CHU corn silage hybrid which features the SmartStax Refuge Advanced (RA) trait. TMF8106RA is a tall healthy hybrid with a very dense canopy and large ear. This provides very impressive tonnage, which allows growers to make the most of every acre planted. Above and below ground insect protection, combined with the single bag refuge solution makes SmartStax RA a solid choice to optimize harvestability and protect the abundant yield provided by TMF8106RA. It is available through your local Dow Seeds representative.

DuPont Pioneer

P7005AM: P7005AM features ultra-early maturity, excellent yield potential, with good test weight scores, good plant height, and good husk cover.

P7202AM: P7202AM is a new ultra-early maturity variety that produces large kernels with good test weight.

P7958AM: P7958AM is a high yielding Optimum AcreMax product, delivering integrated refuge for above-ground insect control. It has very good drought tolerance and root strength with moderate Goss’s wilt resistance.

P7632AM: P7632AM features Optimum AcreMax, which delivers integrated refuge for above-ground insect control. It also features good drought tolerance, excellent root strength, husk cover and high yields.

Maisex Corn

MZ 1340DBR: MZ 1340DBR, grain hybrid, (2150CHU/73RM) VT Double Pro. Ultra early flowering hybrid with exceptional grain quality and test weight. Industry leading early season vigour adapted for short seasons. Open husks at maturity aid rapid grain drydown. Responds to increased population. Adapted in and north of its maturity zone.

MZ 1482R: MZ 1482R, silage hybrid, (2050CHU/71RM) Roundup Ready corn 2. Solid agronomics. Rapid spring vigour transforms into early flowering plants with exceptional stalk strength. Ears are 16-20 rows around with deep kernels. Position in zone at moderate to higher populations. As a silage option, MZ 1482R provides large robust plants with exceptional starch content and availability.

Pride Corn

A4199G2 RIB and A4099RR: 2150 CHU/2125 CHU. Featuring early pollination and finish. Very nice grain quality and consistency. Rapid emergence and aggressive seedling vigour for a fast, early season start. Good Goss’s wilt rating. Available at your nearest PRIDE Seed Dealer 1-800-265-5280.

A5432G2 RIB: 2425 to 2575 CHU. Impressive benchmark product family for silage and high moisture corn use. Now available as PRIDE G2 VT Double PRO RIB Complete delivering above ground insect control. Very high starch content with very good tonnage potential. Great drought and stress tolerance. Early flowering with excellent health, digestibility and milk and beef/acre scores. Very good Goss’s wilt rating. Available at your nearest PRIDE Seed Dealer 1-800-265-5280.

The post New corn varieties for 2017 appeared first on Grainews.

Companies have been investing breeding research dollars into soybean varieties that can be grown in areas with a shorter season. For growers in traditional soybean-growing areas, retailers are offering stronger disease packages and higher yield potential.

Evaluating all of these varieties and choosing the best option for your farm is going to take some time. Start early.

This list is alphabetical, and includes only varieties that will be new to the market in 2017.

Bayer

NSC Mollard LL: For 2017, one LibertyLink soybean variety will be available for Western Canada. NSC Mollard LL from NorthStar Genetics is a 2450 CHU (00.6 relative maturity) variety with a branchy plant architecture, very high iron-deficiency chlorosis (IDC) score, and mid-tall height with high pods for an easy harvest. For weed control, Liberty 200+ AMS tank-mix is registered on LL soybeans in Western Canada. Bayer does recommend a Group 1 herbicide tank-mix with Liberty on soybeans; speak to your Bayer representative for further information.

BrettYoung

BrettYoung Lono R2: Lono R2 is a new medium maturity (2450 CHU 00.5 Relative Maturity) soybean from Elite that offers excellent pod height with a semi-bushy to bushy medium tall plant. Lono R2 is suitable for planting in all row spacings and is semi-tolerant to IDC. Lono R2 has excellent tolerance to white mould and phytophthora root rot (Rps 1K gene). It has been a consistent performer in the MCVET trials over the past two years.

BrettYoung Podaga R2: Podaga R2 is a new RR2 soybean from Elite suited to the long season soybean areas of Manitoba. It is rated at 2525 CHU and 00.8 relative maturity. Podaga R2 has a tall plant that is suited to all row spacings and has performed consistently in trials in the past two years. It has good tolerance white mould, phytophthora root rot (Rps 1K gene) and is tolerant to IDC. Podaga R2 is a full season performer.

BrettYoung Marduk R2X: Marduk R2X is the latest in soybean genetics from Elite. Marduk R2X combines Roundup Ready 2 Xtend trait for glyphosate and dicamba tolerance in a great agronomic package suited to the key soybean production areas of southern Manitoba. It is a medium to tall semi-bushy plant that has provided consistent yields across all zones in trials. It is semi-tolerant to IDC and has good resistance to phytophthora (Rps1c gene) and is resistant to soybean cyst nematode and performs well against white mould. It is rated at 2425 CHU.

CPS/Proven Seed

PV 10s005 RR2: PV 10s005 RR2 is a Genuity Roundup Ready 2 Yield mid-maturity soybean with an ultra-high yield of 114 per cent of mean. It has a relative maturity of 00.5 (2425 HUs), top class white mould resistance, leading emergence, excellent standability and is well-suited to highly productive soil in wide and narrow row production. PV 10s005 RR2 is the first soybean variety from Proven Seed and is available exclusively at Crop Production Services retails.

Cropplan

RX0636 0.6 Xtend: RX0636 0.6 Xtend is new with 2675 CHU. It is high yielding, tall aggressive and branchy, a better fit on heavier soil and minimum tillage. This variety prefers wide rows.

RX2436 2.4 Xtend: RX2436 2.4 Xtend is new with 3150 CHU. It is medium height, bushy, and stands well; fits all soils and tillage systems. It has shown consistent yields across environments and comes with a good disease package.

RX3015 3.0 Xtend: RX3015 3.0 Xtend is new with 3225 CHU. It is robust, tall and branchy, and stands well. It comes with a great disease package and nice phenotype.

DEKALB

22-61RY: 22-61RY is a new Genuity Roundup Ready 2 Yield variety with 2275 CHU. It is a medium-to-tall plant with very good emergence, and is well suited to all soil types and row widths. This variety also has very good phytopthora root rot tolerance and aggressive growth that will make it a great fit for tougher growing conditions.

DKB005-52: DKB005-52 is a new Genuity Roundup Ready 2 Xtend variety with 2425 CHU. It can be described as having medium height and very good standability. This variety features an excellent agronomic package such as very good white mould tolerance, soybean cyst nematode resistance, and excellent tolerance to phytopthora root rot. It is well suited to all soil types and row widths

Dow Seeds

DS0067Z1: DS0067Z1 is a Roundup Ready 2 variety with 2450 HUs and excellent yields. DS0067Z1 provides strong emergence combined with good PRR giving you good stand establishment. Available through your local Dow Seeds representative.

Dupont Pioneer

P005T13R: P005T13R is a glyphosate tolerant soybean variety with very good early emergence and stability. In 2015 and 2016, it provided an average yield increase of 1.1 bu./acre over Pioneer variety P006T78R with 59 per cent wins in 22 large scale field comparisons across Western Canada. P003T13R also comes with built-in 1C phytophthora resistance.

P006T46R: P006T46R is a very consistent and high yielding Glyphosate tolerant soybean variety, with above average early emergence with very good lodging resistance and has the built-in phytophthora 1C gene. In 2015 and 2016, it provided an average yield increase of 2.2 bu./acre over Pioneer variety P006T78R with 70 per cent wins in 23 large scale field comparisons across Western Canada.

DuPont Pioneer will be releasing new soybean varieties in 2017 in small volumes.

North Star Genetics

NSC Leroy RR2Y: NSC Leroy RR2Y is a Genuity Roundup Ready 2 line that is super ultra early maturing (2225 CHU or 000.6 Relative Maturity) that will be the earliest maturing soybean variety in Western Canada. This is definitely the variety of choice for new soybean growers in Saskatchewan in the black soil zone. This variety has a plant growth structure that’s fairly tall and upright.

NSC StarCity RR2X: NSC StarCity RR2X is the first early maturing soybean variety with the new Xtend trait, allowing grower to use glyphosate and dicamba for extended in-season weed control. It is rated at 2250/2275 CHUs or 000.8 relative maturity. Tall growth habit with good yield potential. A must for growers who need to manage their use of glyphosate to prevent resistance. Does well in reduced tillage.

NSC Austin RR2Y: NSC Austin RR2Y boasts very strong yields with superior white mold resistance and strong disease package. It is rated at 2375 CHUs or 00.3 relative maturity. This variety is well-suited to highly productive soils.

NSC Starbuck RR2X: NSC Starbuck RR2X is one of our first Roundup Ready 2 Xtend varieties offering high yields and fits all soils. It is rated at 2425 CHUs or 00.5 relative maturity. It has good IDC resistance, an excellent disease package, and tolerance to white mold. This variety also stands well at a medium height with great appearance.

PRIDE Seeds

PS 00095 R2: PS 00095 RS is a new introduction for the late 000 maturity group with the Roundup Ready 2 Yield trait. This variety presents an opportunity into the very short season growing areas. Best performance on narrow row widths. Above average IDC rating. Ideally suited for 2275 CHU. Excellent white mould resistance and good field tolerance to phytophthora root rot. Available at your nearest PRIDE Seed Dealer 1-800-265-5280. Pending registration. Maturity Group: 000.9.

PS 0055 R2: PS 0055 R2 is a new introductory 2425 CHU Roundup Ready 2 Yield trait variety ideally suited for short season zones. Above average IDC tolerance. Excellent phytopthora Rps 1k tolerance, standability and disease resistance. Adapted to all soils, handles stress extremely well, and can be planted in no-till, minimum till practices. Excellent white mould resistance. Best yields will be experienced in seven to 15″ row widths. Available at your nearest PRIDE Seed Dealer 1-800-265-5280. Maturity Group: 00.4.

0066 XR: 0066 XR is a new, exciting introductory 2450 CHU PRIDE Seeds Roundup Ready 2 Xtend variety ideally suited for the mid to long season zones. Provides tolerance to dicamba and glyphosate herbicides. Exceptional standability for ease of harvest. Good field tolerance to phytophthora root rot. Excellent white mould resistance. Good plant height in marginal and heavier soils. Available at your nearest PRIDE Seed Dealer 1-800-265-5280. Maturity Group: 00.6.

SeCan

Barron R2X: Barron R2X is a 2250 CHU Roundup Ready 2 Xtend variety (tolerance to Roundup and Dicamba for broader weed control). Barron R2X is a tall, branchy, aggressive plant type with great yield potential for its maturity range. Available from member retailers.

Barker R2X: Barker R2X is a 2425 CHU Roundup Ready 2 Xtend variety (tolerance to Roundup and Dicamba for broader weed control) with average maturity suitable for all eastern Prairie growing areas and great upside yield potential. IDC rating is semi-tolerant and the variety has the rps1K resistance gene for Phytopthora and the resistance gene for cyst nematode. Available from member retailers.

Syngenta

S001-B1: S001-B1 is a high-yielding soybean in early group 00. A medium-tall plant with dependable standability, S001-B1 features excellent iron deficiency chlorosis tolerance, and contains the Rps1c gene for phytophthora root rot with very good field tolerance. For local yield results and additional information, check out http://www.syngenta.ca/ProductsSeed/S001-B1/soybean.

S003-L3: S003-L3 soybean seed features distinguishing pod clusters and a unique plant type. It is broadly adapted across yield environments and features very strong iron deficiency chlorosis tolerance. It demonstrates strong emergence, combined with very good phytophthora field tolerance, for planting into cool soils. For local yield results and additional information, visit http://www.syngenta.ca/ProductsSeed/S003-L3/soybean.

S006-W5: S006-W5 soybean seed has demonstrated exciting, top-end yields. It features a unique Rps stack (Rps1a, Rps3a) for superior phytophthora protection, and is well-suited for highly productive soils. For local yield results and additional information, visit http://www.syngenta.ca/ProductsSeed/S006-W5/soybean.

Thunder Seed

TH 87000R2X: TH 87000R2X is an ultra early soybean for Western Canada, 2250 CHU. It has excellent yield potential and good spring vigour. It’s a tall, aggressive branchy type. Does well in reduced tillage.

TH 87003R2YX: TH 87003R2YX has excellent IDC tolerance, 2375 CHU. It has excellent yield and an exceptional disease package. It works well in wide rows. It’s a tall, aggressive variety.

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Insect populations depend on weather, climate, management, wind patterns and previous season environmental conditions. Consequences of improperly managing insects include crop and yield loss and decreasing crop quality, which can result in both economical and biological impacts. For example, root maggot damage can make plants more vulnerable to pathogens such as blackleg.

For insect pests that feed on crops early in the growing season, seed treatments can be an effective management technique by protecting crop seedlings when they are most vulnerable to attack from both, insects and pathogens. Farmers can control insects through both management and chemical techniques, including seed treatments, which place the protection at the right place, at the right time in the correct dose.

Here are three important factors to consider when selecting a control method:

1. Adhere to economic thresholds. Not all insect damage is of economic importance and using action or economic thresholds can assist growers in deciding if chemical controls need to be applied.
2. Understand the pest affecting the crop and to scout fields often. Using a seed treatment will help get the crop off to the best start, but insects can attack crops throughout the season so managing and scouting for these various pests is important.
3. Foliar treatments can be utilized as well. This depends on the pest and the timing of the pest. For example, a seed treatment will often not protect crops against later-season pest infestations. For example, in canola, a seed treatment is unlikely to prevent an outbreak of bertha armyworm later in the growing season. If thresholds are reached, then foliar sprays may need to be applied to assist in protection.

For more information on seed treatments and purchasing seed, speak to your seed company, crop protection representative, extension personnel, or retail or crop advisor.

Kristin Hacault is seed treatment sales and marketing leader for DuPont Pioneer and DuPont Crop Protection Canada.

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This roundup of new varieties includes seed with pod shatter reduction for farmers who want to straight cut, and new clubroot-resistance packages for growers in infected areas. New varieties also come with higher yields. The future of canola crops is looking bright (yellow).

This list is organized alphabetically. Remember, we’ve only included those varieties that are new for 2017.

Bayer

InVigor L230:
Early-maturing InVigor L230 displays outstanding yield potential with exceptional lodging resistance. This NEW Evolution hybrid is ideal for growers who prefer an early-maturing hybrid. InVigor L230 yielded 103.9 per cent of checks (InVigor 5440 and Pioneer 45H29) in 2014-15 WCC/RCC trials. Standability is Strong to Very Strong; rated R for blackleg; LibertyLink.

InVigor L233P:
Bayer is pleased to announce a NEW Evolution hybrid with the pod shatter reduction trait, InVigor L233P. This early-maturing high-yielding hybrid provides greater harvest flexibility for growers who want help managing their day-to-day workload during the busy harvest season. InVigor L233P yielded 108.8 per cent of the checks (InVigor 5440 and Pioneer 45H29) in 2014-15 WCC/RCC trials. Standability is Srong; rated R for blackleg; LibertyLink and pod shatter reduction.

BrettYoung

BrettYoung 5545 CL:
5545 CL is the newest addition to the BrettYoung Clearfield portfolio with a new level of yield and performance for any Clearfield canola. It is rated R for blackleg with mid-maturity. 5545 CL maintains 5525 CL’s agronomic profile with excellent standability and ease of harvest while making a significant step forward in yield. Initial results obtained from 2016 yield trials indicate performance of 5545 CL is exceeding that of registration trial data.

BrettYoung 6086 CR:
6086 CR is clubroot resistant with intermediate tolerance to 5X along with excellent tolerance to blackleg in a hybrid that yields well with mid-maturity, and is more compact and slightly earlier than 6076 CR. 6086 CR has excellent standability.

Cargill

VICTORY V14-1:
V14-1 (Roundup Ready) is a breakthrough hybrid. Part of the Cargill Specialty Canola Program, V14-1 delivers high-performance, reaching yields of 110 per cent of 74-44 BL and 107 per cent of VICTORY 12-1. VICTORY V14-1 is clubroot resistant and has a unique multi-genic blackleg resistance package. It has exceptional standability and simplifies harvest management offering bigger yields and higher returns. Contact your Cargill representative or independent dealer, or visit victorycanola.com.

CPS

PV 560 GM:
PV 560 has built-in resistance to pod shatter plus even maturity. It is a Genuity Roundup Ready hybrid powered by the Pioneer Protector HarvestMax trait and provides harvest flexibility for swathing or straight cut situations. Yield potential is 110 per cent of PV 530 G, excellent standability and a strong MR for blackleg. Available exclusively at Crop Production Services retails.

PV 581 GC:
PV 581 GC is a new high-yielding clubroot resistant Genuity Roundup Ready hybrid with Pioneer Protector clubroot resistance traits. With a yield potential of 112 per cent of PV 530 G plus excellent standability, PV 581 GC is an exceptional tool for use within a responsible clubroot management rotation. Available exclusively at Crop Production Services retails.

PV 590 GCS:
PV 590 GCS is a yield leading canola hybrid developed with resistance to both clubroot and sclerotinia. A Genuity Roundup Ready hybrid with Pioneer Protector Plus traits, it has a yield potential of 105 per cent of PV 530 G, an R rating for clubroot and blackleg and an MR for sclerotinia. Available exclusively at Crop Production Services retails.

CPS/Proven Seed

PV 540 G:
PV 540 G is a high yielding and yield stable Genuity Roundup Ready hybrid from Proven Seed with a yield potential of 110 per cent of PV 530 G. It has world-class blackleg protection with a very strong R rating. PV 540 G has excellent standability and will perform across all geographies of Western Canada. Available exclusively at Crop Production Services retails.

PV 580 GC:
PV 580 GC is the first true multi-genic clubroot-resistant canola hybrid and offers the best clubroot protection package available. A Genuity Roundup Ready hybrid from Proven Seed, PV 580 GC has a yield potential of 100 per cent of PV 530 G and an R rating for clubroot and blackleg. Available in limited quantities exclusively at Crop Production Services retails.

XCEED X122 CL
XCEED X122 CL is bred specifically for the brown and dark brown soil zones to better tolerate heat and drought. A Clearfield canola from Proven Seed, it is canola-quality brassica juncea with excellent standability and blackleg resistance plus improved pod shatter resistance for better straight-cut performance. Available exclusively at Crop Production Services retails.

DEKALB

75-65 RR:
76-65 RR is a new broad-acre hybrid with solid agronomics, excellent dry-down and improved pod integrity that offers the option for straight cutting. It has an R-rating for blackleg and competitive yield performance (101.7 per cent of 45H33 in 2011-15 DEKALB Field Scale Trials).

75-45 RR:
75-45 RR is a new hybrid with a broad-acre fit, offering the unique combination of high yield potential with early maturity. It has an R-rating for blackleg and was the highest yielding DEKALB canola hybrid in the 2015 DEKALB Market Development Trials.

Dow Seeds

Nexera 1024 RR:
A new generation of Nexera canola, the 1024 Roundup Ready hybrid offers improved profitability for 2017. 1024 RR offers improved yield potential, clubroot resistance as well as excellent standability and harvestability. This hybrid is well suited to the mid- and long-season growing zones in Western Canada.

Nexera 2024 CL:
The 2024 Clearfield hybrid offers improved profitability for 2017. 2024 CL offers improved yield potential, multi-genic blackleg resistance as well as excellent standability and pod-shatter resistance, and can be considered for straight cutting. This hybrid is well suited to the mid- and long-season growing zones in Western Canada.

DuPont Pioneer

45M35:
45M35 is a Genuity Roundup Ready canola hybrid that contains the built-in Pioneer Protector HarvestMax traits. It is very high yielding with moderate resistance to blackleg and resistant to fusarium wilt. This hybrid offers the benefit of reduced pod shatter because it contains the Pioneer Protector HarvestMax traits. Pioneer hybrid 45M35 gives the grower the benefit of harvest flexibility as you can straight cut or swath this hybrid with excellent results.

45CS40:
45CS40 is a Genuity Roundup Ready canola hybrid that contains built-in Pioneer Protector Plus traits with resistance to both clubroot and sclerotinia, providing protection from clubroot and more than 60 per cent reduction in sclerotinia.

Both of these canola hybrids have excellent early growth with very good standability and exceptional yield potential and are available at all local Pioneer Hi-bred sales representatives across Western Canada.

Syngenta

SY4187:
SY4187 is the second clubroot-resistant hybrid from Syngenta. It delivers an exceptional agronomic package, which includes clubroot resistance, multi-genic blackleg resistance and tremendous yield potential giving growers a hybrid that will deliver a promising return on their seed investment. For local yield results and additional information, visit syngenta.ca.

The post New canola varieties for 2017 appeared first on Grainews.

The question of “What if?” no longer applies to Marc-Andre Pilon, who farms near Saint-Polycarpe, Que., after winning the “Seed for Life” contest, sponsored by DuPont Pioneer. The announcement came at Canada’s Outdoor Farm Show, near Woodstock, Ont.

As the 2016 winner, Pilon will receive $50,000 in Pioneer seed each year for the next 25 years — a value of up to $1.25 million. Asked what this prize means to him, his wife Natalie and their daughter Magalie, Pilon replied it takes some of the burden off of a young farmer.

He’s a third-generation grower and incorporated the operation, Ferme Pilon Inc., with his father in 2008. Together they farm about 1,000 acres, with 500 acres in corn and the rest in soybeans, including some land close to the nearby town of Ste-Justine de Newton.

Among his many challenges, Pilon has to deal with the threat of compaction thanks to his clay-loam soil. To say he’ll work the soil when it’s dry isn’t always feasible, as much as he tries.

“We’ve improved conditions with drainage in the past 10 years, but it’s a perpetual battle to be doing it,” said Pilon, through an interpreter. “It’s fairly flat land and a high clay content, so any mistake you make at working the soil a little bit early, you’ll pay for it for many years.”

Five other growers won secondary prizes of up to $10,000 worth of seed from Pioneer: Denis Moreau of Saint-Flavien, Que., Royalair Farms Ltd. of Dublin, Ont., Geoff Buckrell of Burgessville, Ont., Harcan Farms Inc. of Petrolia, Ont. and Shar View Farms of Sharon, Ont. were also announced at Outdoor Farm Show.

For Collin Phillip, the “Seed for Life” contest is as important an opportunity for growers as it is for DuPont Pioneer.

As business director for Eastern Canada, he agreed the contest has generated considerable excitement, especially in Ontario, where growers were distracted earlier this year with the guidelines surrounding the use of neonicotinoid-based seed treatments. But he said he’s heard some people comment that the chances to win the grand prize were rather slim.

In response, DuPont Pioneer has launched a “Seed for a Season” contest for 2017, featuring 20 prizes of $25,000, with 12 winners in Ontario and eight in Quebec. Draws will take place throughout the season based on early offer and early pay deadlines.

— Ralph Pearce is a field editor for Country Guide at St. Marys, Ont. Follow him at @arpee_AG on Twitter.

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