Fall 2015 Advantage Newsletter

LEGEND SEEDS ADVANTAGE PO Box 241 De Smet, SD 57231

HARVEST PREP

LEGEND SEEDS

"There are a few things you can do today to improve yields and minimize downtime"

CHECKLIST

ADVANTAGE

Dale Viktora, Legend Sales Agronomist

By Dale Viktora, Legend Sales Agronomist

T

he small window of time before combines begin to roll is an opportune time to reflect on the current season and use insights gained to help plan for the 2016 growing season.

22 to 23 percent moisture content: Don’t wait too long to harvest corn. If it’s too dry, yields can be lost due to shelling at the head and sometimes even dropped ears.

I hope you all are able to make time to check fields and take note of which input and management decisions worked for you and which ones you plan to change in 2016.

4. Don’t forget the grain tank: During harvest, take a few minutes to check the grain tank to ensure the combine is getting the grain as clean as possible. Adjust your wind speed and concave clearance as needed. Make sure you are also getting out of the combine to check that you aren’t throwing any kernels out the back of the combine. Do this each time you change hybrids to ensure you are harvesting to the fullest extent.

ADVANTAGE

Speaking of success, as I look at the 2016 product lineup I see great opportunity! Our research team has planted more test plots than ever this growing season.

Step into the know with Agronomy Alerts from Legend Seeds. Agronomy Alerts contain information about diseases and things to watch for during each stage of the plant.

Like and Follow Legend Seeds on Facebook to receive Agronomy Alerts from Legend Seeds agronomists in your area. You can also view previous Agronomy Alerts online at legendseeds.net.

Farmacology is one of many tools Legend Seeds provides to our growers to help them do just that. It’s your Legend Advantage!

Step Into The Know

Each year Legend Seeds works to be better so that we can help make our growers better.

By Glen Davis, President, Legend Seeds

REFLECT ON 2015

Glen Davis, Legend Seeds President

"As a regional seed company, we are focused on getting the right seed on the right acres"

LEGEND SEEDS ADVANTAGE

5

(CONTINUED FROM PG 1)

Watch for green stem: Sometimes the leaves and pods will die, but the stems will remain green causing issues for the combines. If you see a lot of green stems in the field and the soybeans aren’t too dry, consider waiting for ease of combining.

By Glen Davis, President, Legend Seeds

Conduct squeeze test: Another way to determine if lodging will be an issue is by squeezing the bottom of several stalks in each field. If the stalk is firm, then you won’t have any worries. If the stalks are soft/spongy, then harvest the field first.

ADVANTAGE

Scout for disease pressure: Once fields reach the optimum moisture content, then schedule based on field health. Take fields with disease pressure first as they tend to have the most issues with pod and stem integrity.

GROWING SEASON & HARVEST INSIGHT

Happy Harvesting!

2. Plan your soybean harvest schedule: Moisture content is the number one consideration with soybeans. I like to see growers harvest at 13 to 14 percent grain moisture. If we wait until moisture levels drop below 11 percent, the risk of sickle shattering increases.

REFLECT ON 2015

In case you were unable to attend a Knowledge Plot Academy, Farmacology is Legend’s season-long proactive cropping system that allows for the collection, dissemination and use of information via an online interface that can be accessed anytime, from anywhere.

You retain 100% ownership of all your field information.

1. Machinery check up: Minimize your down-time by giving your harvest machinery a good once-over. Don’t forget about your on-farm grain systems. Schedule a pre-season dryer check today.

3. Plan your corn harvest schedule: Conduct a push test: Determine if lodging will be an issue this harvest by visiting fields and conducting a lean test.

Basically, push on several stalks, if they are sturdy, then schedule those fields for later harvest. But if it’s easy to push over, schedule this field first.

Legend Advantage Club

hile we count down to harvest 2015, there are a few things you can do today to improve yields and minimize downtime.

As a regional seed company, we are focused on getting the right seed on the right acres. When your yield monitor makes you smile and a field exceeds your expectations this harvest, let us know about it. Legend Seeds recently launched a new program, Legend Yield Advantage Club.

It’s a way for us to recognize you and your field’s success.

W

HARVEST EDITION

None of us can change the past, but we can all move forward and make different decisions in the future.

Each growing season is unique. Reflect for a moment on the farming and agriculture environment today. It certainly has changed from where we were this time of year two to or three years ago – and it is much different than it was 15 to 20 years ago! We all know each year is a little different and it is impossible to know what next year will be.

This year we saw many growers reacting to input costs at the expense of output expectations. When commodity markets are down, it’s only natural to think about input costs, and consider buying seed that costs less and not use traits which protect yields – hoping you

won’t need them. This would be easy if we could see the future.

However, data consistently shows that output lowers price of production much more than input costs do.

As you look back on 2015, the decision to plant the best seed in the best ground is the right one to make 99% of the time – both from a yield and profitability standpoint.

This is where Legend being a regional company is to your advantage.

Your Legend Advantage Many Legend growers’ gleaned useful input and management advice when they attended their local Knowledge Plot™ Academies this growing season.

Our agronomy team demonstrated how Farmacology™ with Legend Edge software helps growers track the information they need to make the informed decisions on most management plans including what is the best hybrid for each field. The Legend Edge interfaces with planters for prescription planting, both in variable populations and/or hybrids.

Working with your soil, its needs and potential is essential to achieving maximum yields – and is key to maximizing profits in today’s challenging environment. (continued on pg 6)

What’s Inside:

Upcoming Events:

PG 2: Get to know Legend Dealer: Kelly Boik

2015 Pumpkin Contest

PG 4: Multi-Hybrid Planter In Your Future?

Legend Has You Covered

If you’re into growing giant pumpkins, Glen invites you to participate in Legend Seeds’ annual contest.

Contact Kristyne at kristyne@LegendSeeds.net for more information.

LEGEND SEEDS ADVANTAGE

LEGEND SEEDS ADVANTAGE

LEGEND SEEDS ADVANTAGE

PARTNERSHIP BRINGS VALUE TO GROWERS

Legend Seeds partnered with two independent seed companies: Carhart’s Blue Top Seed in Galesville, Wis., and Lemke Seed in Mequon, Wis. The three companies have joined forces to provide an expanded line of products and services to Wisconsin farmers.

MULTI-HYBRID PLANTER IN YOUR FUTURE?

“We are aligning three strong regional companies to make an even stronger company for our dealers and customers,” said Legend Seeds’ President Glen Davis. “By joining forces, we can provide the best customer service, the best products for this area and still be cost competitive with other major brands in the region.”

egend Seeds recently partnered with three independent seed companies – Wisconsin’s Carhart’s Blue Top Seed and Lemke Seed and Canada’s Sevita International.

L

where they will be branded Legend Seeds.

“We’ve combined the strengths of these independent seed companies to create the strongest offerings for all our customers,” says Glen Davis, Legend Seeds President.

“We are pleased to be working with Sevita International.

They are a world-leading exporter of food-grade soybeans, and they have excellent marketing and distribution in Canada,” says Glen Davis, president of Legend Seeds.

“Partnering with Sevita International and PROSeeds gives us the opportunity to build our corn business in eastern Canada and bring new soybean products and market opportunities to our U.S. customers. Jointly, we will increase our investment in product testing and selection for both corn and soybeans, which will bring value to all of our customers.”

• In addition, Legend Seeds Canada will distribute PROSeeds’ Genuity® soybeans in western Canada.

Sharing a similar philosophy, vision and seed-focus, all companies will do business under the Legend Seeds’ banner.

“When family-owned, independent seed companies unite, the service growers enjoy remains the same. The product line-up is better than ever,” says Steve Nielsen, Legend Seeds’ Regional Manager in Wisconsin.

Legend Seeds Director of Product Development, Matt Raml echoes Nielsen’s comments.

Sevita International looked at a number of potential partners as it sought to add corn to its PROSeeds product line and expand its soybean footprint in the U.S. “Like us, Legend Seeds is a strong, independent regional seed company. Legend Seeds was the best fit culturally and product-wise. They have many excellent corn hybrids that are well-suited for the eastern Canadian corn market, and our soybeans are suited for the upper Midwest states they serve,” said Bob Hart, president of Sevita International.

“Additionally, Legend Seeds has strong connections to genetic and trait developers, which ensures they will bring competitive and superior hybrids to the marketplace.”

“Everyone wins here,” says Matt. “As independent seed companies, we all bring unique product offerings to the table – we’ll have one product guide featuring only the best products.”

Along with products, the partnership provides growers with access to more than a century of knowledge, research and experience. “This partnership is about adding value to growers and dealers,” says Tim Bratland, General Manager of Legend Seeds. “All growers will benefit from the agronomic and research expertise found within each independent seed company as well as Legend Seeds’ Farmacology™ total cropping system.”

PROSeeds will gain access to a wide array of conventional and traited hybrids including Genuity® and Agrisure® traits, according to Tim Bratland, general manager for Legend Seeds.

Read on to learn details of each partnership.

Legend Seeds and Sevita International Partner to Expand Seed Offerings in the U.S. and Canada

By partnering, the three companies can offer expanded product testing, agronomic support and customer service.

Growers will have an expanded line of hybrids and varieties to choose from.

“Legend Seeds makes a good partner for us because of their depth of products, people and services they can

provide,” said Tom Carhart, president of Carhart’s Blue Top Seed. “They already have a full team of account managers and agronomists in place to serve our customers, and they have an extensive testing program to select products specifically for our area. Our customers will now have access to a complete line of seed for all the crops that they grow.”

Rick Lemke, president of Lemke Seed, said the companies are a good fit. “Legend Seeds is a bigger company, but they have the same small-company values as Lemke Seed.

They are a northern seed company and understand our geography,” said Lemke. “Partnering with Legend Seeds allows us to round out our seed lineup with earlier- and later-maturing hybrids as well as a more robust soybean product line. It also enhances our ability to consistently produce high-quality seed in sufficient quantity.”

ADVANTAGE

GET TO KNOW

LEGEND DEALER KELLY BOIK

K

elly Boik was 6, when Legend Seeds’ president, Glen Davis, stopped by his family’s Grenville, S.D., farm and asked his dad, Ron, if he was interested in trying some seed.

Born and raised in the small farming community of Grenville, Kelly says because he trusts Legend Seeds, he enjoys selling the quality seed to his friends. “Legend Seeds has worked for us, so we know it will work on our friends’ farms as well.” ADVANTAGE

The products and service impressed Ron enough, that he became a dealer and 26 years later, the father/son team remain loyal customers. “We are loyal to Legend Seeds because of the products and the people,” Kelly, 32, explains. “The products consistently yield and Monte Robinson, our Legend Account Manager, is always there when we need him.”

N

This growing season, Trav planted 2,500 acres of corn and soybeans using variable-rate populations and multi-variety planting prescriptions from Legend Seeds. “This lets me put offensive varieties in areas where the soil is really good and push populations. In the areas where soils are sandy and lower in organic matter, I can lower the seeding population and use a defensive flex ear hybrid,” he says. His corn seeding rates this year ranged from 15,000 to 40,000 seeds per acre with an average seeding rate of 30,000 to 32,000 seeds per acre.

ow that multi-hybrid planters are readily accessible, Legend Seeds wanted to ensure prescription rate technology was available to our growers. This growing season our development team tested the planting prescription software included with our Farmacology™ total cropping system.

“We talked with equipment manufacturers, and the issue was providing accurate prescription technology,” explains Tim Bratland, General Manager of Legend Seeds.

“As an industry leader, we need to be a step ahead of our most progressive growers so we can add value to their operations. In the case of multi-hybrid planters, we are confident that the Legend Edge software will provide growers with variable prescriptions to maximize their yields.”

In a few weeks the Legend Seeds Research Team will work with Trav to analyze the results.

“These are exciting times in agriculture – a time when the technology is available to work with all the variable soils within a field to help growers get the most out of their acres,” Tim says.

Legend Edge software is part of Legend’s Farmacology.

Farmacology™

Tim goes on to explain that all Legend products are tested in numerous soil types to understand the perfect pairing for optimal yields.

The Legend Seeds Farmacology program includes soil testing and mapping, tissue analysis, variable-rate fertility and seeding prescriptions, in-season field data, data interpretation, in-season agronomic recommendations and hybrid selection and placement. Farmers upload the data they have collected on their fields to a centralized, web-based location accessible anytime from anywhere.

The data is entirely owned by the farmer.

Grower Tested. Grower Approved.

Legend Seeds put their prescription planting technology to the test on grower, Trav Bratland’s Willow Lake, S.D., farm.

The chance to improve returns initially led Trav to participate in the Farmacology program. “We put our yield data, NRCS soil topography maps, soil test data and planting information into the system. The program is easy to use and brings me a lot of agronomic knowledge from a seed selection and management standpoint.”

Growing up on the farm, Kelly transitioned seamlessly into farming fulltime with his dad – even when he attended Lake Area Technical Institute pursuing a Building Trades degree, he would return home to farm. Kelly and Ron raise corn, soybeans, alfalfa and a cow/calf herd.

Legend Seeds, one of the largest independent seed companies in the upper Midwest and Sevita International, a leading conventional and food-grade soybean supplier, processor and exporter, have partnered to expand their respective seed offerings in the U.S. and eastern Canada.

LEGEND SEEDS’ HAS YOU COVERED

To learn more, visit your local Legend Seeds representative.

ADVANTAGE

“I like the lifestyle farming provides,” explains Kelly, who together with his wife, Lacey, have three young children, Caley, 6; Kellin, 4; and Kasen, 8 months.

Under the agreement: • Sevita International will distribute and market Legend Seeds branded corn hybrids with a full array of trait technologies through its PROSeeds business in the provinces of Ontario, Quebec and Atlantic Canada.

He adds that as Legend Seeds Dealers they are kept ‘in the know.’ “Legend Seeds keeps us informed on the new products, genetics and traits coming down the pipeline.

This not only helps on our farm, but allows us to keep our customers’ informed as well.”

• Legend Seeds will bring Sevita International conventionaland food-grade soybean varieties to its trade area in the U.S.

2

Legend Seeds Dealer, Kelly Boik and his wife, Lacey, raise three young children; Caley, 6; Kellin, 4; and Kasen, 8 months, on their family's Grenville, S.D. farm.

3

4

LEGEND SEEDS ADVANTAGE

LEGEND SEEDS ADVANTAGE

LEGEND SEEDS ADVANTAGE

PARTNERSHIP BRINGS VALUE TO GROWERS

Legend Seeds partnered with two independent seed companies: Carhart’s Blue Top Seed in Galesville, Wis., and Lemke Seed in Mequon, Wis. The three companies have joined forces to provide an expanded line of products and services to Wisconsin farmers.

MULTI-HYBRID PLANTER IN YOUR FUTURE?

“We are aligning three strong regional companies to make an even stronger company for our dealers and customers,” said Legend Seeds’ President Glen Davis. “By joining forces, we can provide the best customer service, the best products for this area and still be cost competitive with other major brands in the region.”

egend Seeds recently partnered with three independent seed companies – Wisconsin’s Carhart’s Blue Top Seed and Lemke Seed and Canada’s Sevita International.

L

where they will be branded Legend Seeds.

“We’ve combined the strengths of these independent seed companies to create the strongest offerings for all our customers,” says Glen Davis, Legend Seeds President.

“We are pleased to be working with Sevita International.

They are a world-leading exporter of food-grade soybeans, and they have excellent marketing and distribution in Canada,” says Glen Davis, president of Legend Seeds.

“Partnering with Sevita International and PROSeeds gives us the opportunity to build our corn business in eastern Canada and bring new soybean products and market opportunities to our U.S. customers. Jointly, we will increase our investment in product testing and selection for both corn and soybeans, which will bring value to all of our customers.”

• In addition, Legend Seeds Canada will distribute PROSeeds’ Genuity® soybeans in western Canada.

Sharing a similar philosophy, vision and seed-focus, all companies will do business under the Legend Seeds’ banner.

“When family-owned, independent seed companies unite, the service growers enjoy remains the same. The product line-up is better than ever,” says Steve Nielsen, Legend Seeds’ Regional Manager in Wisconsin.

Legend Seeds Director of Product Development, Matt Raml echoes Nielsen’s comments.

Sevita International looked at a number of potential partners as it sought to add corn to its PROSeeds product line and expand its soybean footprint in the U.S. “Like us, Legend Seeds is a strong, independent regional seed company. Legend Seeds was the best fit culturally and product-wise. They have many excellent corn hybrids that are well-suited for the eastern Canadian corn market, and our soybeans are suited for the upper Midwest states they serve,” said Bob Hart, president of Sevita International.

“Additionally, Legend Seeds has strong connections to genetic and trait developers, which ensures they will bring competitive and superior hybrids to the marketplace.”

“Everyone wins here,” says Matt. “As independent seed companies, we all bring unique product offerings to the table – we’ll have one product guide featuring only the best products.”

Along with products, the partnership provides growers with access to more than a century of knowledge, research and experience. “This partnership is about adding value to growers and dealers,” says Tim Bratland, General Manager of Legend Seeds. “All growers will benefit from the agronomic and research expertise found within each independent seed company as well as Legend Seeds’ Farmacology™ total cropping system.”

PROSeeds will gain access to a wide array of conventional and traited hybrids including Genuity® and Agrisure® traits, according to Tim Bratland, general manager for Legend Seeds.

Read on to learn details of each partnership.

Legend Seeds and Sevita International Partner to Expand Seed Offerings in the U.S. and Canada

By partnering, the three companies can offer expanded product testing, agronomic support and customer service.

Growers will have an expanded line of hybrids and varieties to choose from.

“Legend Seeds makes a good partner for us because of their depth of products, people and services they can

provide,” said Tom Carhart, president of Carhart’s Blue Top Seed. “They already have a full team of account managers and agronomists in place to serve our customers, and they have an extensive testing program to select products specifically for our area. Our customers will now have access to a complete line of seed for all the crops that they grow.”

Rick Lemke, president of Lemke Seed, said the companies are a good fit. “Legend Seeds is a bigger company, but they have the same small-company values as Lemke Seed.

They are a northern seed company and understand our geography,” said Lemke. “Partnering with Legend Seeds allows us to round out our seed lineup with earlier- and later-maturing hybrids as well as a more robust soybean product line. It also enhances our ability to consistently produce high-quality seed in sufficient quantity.”

ADVANTAGE

GET TO KNOW

LEGEND DEALER KELLY BOIK

K

elly Boik was 6, when Legend Seeds’ president, Glen Davis, stopped by his family’s Grenville, S.D., farm and asked his dad, Ron, if he was interested in trying some seed.

Born and raised in the small farming community of Grenville, Kelly says because he trusts Legend Seeds, he enjoys selling the quality seed to his friends. “Legend Seeds has worked for us, so we know it will work on our friends’ farms as well.” ADVANTAGE

The products and service impressed Ron enough, that he became a dealer and 26 years later, the father/son team remain loyal customers. “We are loyal to Legend Seeds because of the products and the people,” Kelly, 32, explains. “The products consistently yield and Monte Robinson, our Legend Account Manager, is always there when we need him.”

N

This growing season, Trav planted 2,500 acres of corn and soybeans using variable-rate populations and multi-variety planting prescriptions from Legend Seeds. “This lets me put offensive varieties in areas where the soil is really good and push populations. In the areas where soils are sandy and lower in organic matter, I can lower the seeding population and use a defensive flex ear hybrid,” he says. His corn seeding rates this year ranged from 15,000 to 40,000 seeds per acre with an average seeding rate of 30,000 to 32,000 seeds per acre.

ow that multi-hybrid planters are readily accessible, Legend Seeds wanted to ensure prescription rate technology was available to our growers. This growing season our development team tested the planting prescription software included with our Farmacology™ total cropping system.

“We talked with equipment manufacturers, and the issue was providing accurate prescription technology,” explains Tim Bratland, General Manager of Legend Seeds.

“As an industry leader, we need to be a step ahead of our most progressive growers so we can add value to their operations. In the case of multi-hybrid planters, we are confident that the Legend Edge software will provide growers with variable prescriptions to maximize their yields.”

In a few weeks the Legend Seeds Research Team will work with Trav to analyze the results.

“These are exciting times in agriculture – a time when the technology is available to work with all the variable soils within a field to help growers get the most out of their acres,” Tim says.

Legend Edge software is part of Legend’s Farmacology.

Farmacology™

Tim goes on to explain that all Legend products are tested in numerous soil types to understand the perfect pairing for optimal yields.

The Legend Seeds Farmacology program includes soil testing and mapping, tissue analysis, variable-rate fertility and seeding prescriptions, in-season field data, data interpretation, in-season agronomic recommendations and hybrid selection and placement. Farmers upload the data they have collected on their fields to a centralized, web-based location accessible anytime from anywhere.

The data is entirely owned by the farmer.

Grower Tested. Grower Approved.

Legend Seeds put their prescription planting technology to the test on grower, Trav Bratland’s Willow Lake, S.D., farm.

The chance to improve returns initially led Trav to participate in the Farmacology program. “We put our yield data, NRCS soil topography maps, soil test data and planting information into the system. The program is easy to use and brings me a lot of agronomic knowledge from a seed selection and management standpoint.”

Growing up on the farm, Kelly transitioned seamlessly into farming fulltime with his dad – even when he attended Lake Area Technical Institute pursuing a Building Trades degree, he would return home to farm. Kelly and Ron raise corn, soybeans, alfalfa and a cow/calf herd.

Legend Seeds, one of the largest independent seed companies in the upper Midwest and Sevita International, a leading conventional and food-grade soybean supplier, processor and exporter, have partnered to expand their respective seed offerings in the U.S. and eastern Canada.

LEGEND SEEDS’ HAS YOU COVERED

To learn more, visit your local Legend Seeds representative.

ADVANTAGE

“I like the lifestyle farming provides,” explains Kelly, who together with his wife, Lacey, have three young children, Caley, 6; Kellin, 4; and Kasen, 8 months.

Under the agreement: • Sevita International will distribute and market Legend Seeds branded corn hybrids with a full array of trait technologies through its PROSeeds business in the provinces of Ontario, Quebec and Atlantic Canada.

He adds that as Legend Seeds Dealers they are kept ‘in the know.’ “Legend Seeds keeps us informed on the new products, genetics and traits coming down the pipeline.

This not only helps on our farm, but allows us to keep our customers’ informed as well.”

• Legend Seeds will bring Sevita International conventionaland food-grade soybean varieties to its trade area in the U.S.

2

Legend Seeds Dealer, Kelly Boik and his wife, Lacey, raise three young children; Caley, 6; Kellin, 4; and Kasen, 8 months, on their family's Grenville, S.D. farm.

3

4

LEGEND SEEDS ADVANTAGE

LEGEND SEEDS ADVANTAGE

LEGEND SEEDS ADVANTAGE

PARTNERSHIP BRINGS VALUE TO GROWERS

Legend Seeds partnered with two independent seed companies: Carhart’s Blue Top Seed in Galesville, Wis., and Lemke Seed in Mequon, Wis. The three companies have joined forces to provide an expanded line of products and services to Wisconsin farmers.

MULTI-HYBRID PLANTER IN YOUR FUTURE?

“We are aligning three strong regional companies to make an even stronger company for our dealers and customers,” said Legend Seeds’ President Glen Davis. “By joining forces, we can provide the best customer service, the best products for this area and still be cost competitive with other major brands in the region.”

egend Seeds recently partnered with three independent seed companies – Wisconsin’s Carhart’s Blue Top Seed and Lemke Seed and Canada’s Sevita International.

L

where they will be branded Legend Seeds.

“We’ve combined the strengths of these independent seed companies to create the strongest offerings for all our customers,” says Glen Davis, Legend Seeds President.

“We are pleased to be working with Sevita International.

They are a world-leading exporter of food-grade soybeans, and they have excellent marketing and distribution in Canada,” says Glen Davis, president of Legend Seeds.

“Partnering with Sevita International and PROSeeds gives us the opportunity to build our corn business in eastern Canada and bring new soybean products and market opportunities to our U.S. customers. Jointly, we will increase our investment in product testing and selection for both corn and soybeans, which will bring value to all of our customers.”

• In addition, Legend Seeds Canada will distribute PROSeeds’ Genuity® soybeans in western Canada.

Sharing a similar philosophy, vision and seed-focus, all companies will do business under the Legend Seeds’ banner.

“When family-owned, independent seed companies unite, the service growers enjoy remains the same. The product line-up is better than ever,” says Steve Nielsen, Legend Seeds’ Regional Manager in Wisconsin.

Legend Seeds Director of Product Development, Matt Raml echoes Nielsen’s comments.

Sevita International looked at a number of potential partners as it sought to add corn to its PROSeeds product line and expand its soybean footprint in the U.S. “Like us, Legend Seeds is a strong, independent regional seed company. Legend Seeds was the best fit culturally and product-wise. They have many excellent corn hybrids that are well-suited for the eastern Canadian corn market, and our soybeans are suited for the upper Midwest states they serve,” said Bob Hart, president of Sevita International.

“Additionally, Legend Seeds has strong connections to genetic and trait developers, which ensures they will bring competitive and superior hybrids to the marketplace.”

“Everyone wins here,” says Matt. “As independent seed companies, we all bring unique product offerings to the table – we’ll have one product guide featuring only the best products.”

Along with products, the partnership provides growers with access to more than a century of knowledge, research and experience. “This partnership is about adding value to growers and dealers,” says Tim Bratland, General Manager of Legend Seeds. “All growers will benefit from the agronomic and research expertise found within each independent seed company as well as Legend Seeds’ Farmacology™ total cropping system.”

PROSeeds will gain access to a wide array of conventional and traited hybrids including Genuity® and Agrisure® traits, according to Tim Bratland, general manager for Legend Seeds.

Read on to learn details of each partnership.

Legend Seeds and Sevita International Partner to Expand Seed Offerings in the U.S. and Canada

By partnering, the three companies can offer expanded product testing, agronomic support and customer service.

Growers will have an expanded line of hybrids and varieties to choose from.

“Legend Seeds makes a good partner for us because of their depth of products, people and services they can

provide,” said Tom Carhart, president of Carhart’s Blue Top Seed. “They already have a full team of account managers and agronomists in place to serve our customers, and they have an extensive testing program to select products specifically for our area. Our customers will now have access to a complete line of seed for all the crops that they grow.”

Rick Lemke, president of Lemke Seed, said the companies are a good fit. “Legend Seeds is a bigger company, but they have the same small-company values as Lemke Seed.

They are a northern seed company and understand our geography,” said Lemke. “Partnering with Legend Seeds allows us to round out our seed lineup with earlier- and later-maturing hybrids as well as a more robust soybean product line. It also enhances our ability to consistently produce high-quality seed in sufficient quantity.”

ADVANTAGE

GET TO KNOW

LEGEND DEALER KELLY BOIK

K

elly Boik was 6, when Legend Seeds’ president, Glen Davis, stopped by his family’s Grenville, S.D., farm and asked his dad, Ron, if he was interested in trying some seed.

Born and raised in the small farming community of Grenville, Kelly says because he trusts Legend Seeds, he enjoys selling the quality seed to his friends. “Legend Seeds has worked for us, so we know it will work on our friends’ farms as well.” ADVANTAGE

The products and service impressed Ron enough, that he became a dealer and 26 years later, the father/son team remain loyal customers. “We are loyal to Legend Seeds because of the products and the people,” Kelly, 32, explains. “The products consistently yield and Monte Robinson, our Legend Account Manager, is always there when we need him.”

N

This growing season, Trav planted 2,500 acres of corn and soybeans using variable-rate populations and multi-variety planting prescriptions from Legend Seeds. “This lets me put offensive varieties in areas where the soil is really good and push populations. In the areas where soils are sandy and lower in organic matter, I can lower the seeding population and use a defensive flex ear hybrid,” he says. His corn seeding rates this year ranged from 15,000 to 40,000 seeds per acre with an average seeding rate of 30,000 to 32,000 seeds per acre.

ow that multi-hybrid planters are readily accessible, Legend Seeds wanted to ensure prescription rate technology was available to our growers. This growing season our development team tested the planting prescription software included with our Farmacology™ total cropping system.

“We talked with equipment manufacturers, and the issue was providing accurate prescription technology,” explains Tim Bratland, General Manager of Legend Seeds.

“As an industry leader, we need to be a step ahead of our most progressive growers so we can add value to their operations. In the case of multi-hybrid planters, we are confident that the Legend Edge software will provide growers with variable prescriptions to maximize their yields.”

In a few weeks the Legend Seeds Research Team will work with Trav to analyze the results.

“These are exciting times in agriculture – a time when the technology is available to work with all the variable soils within a field to help growers get the most out of their acres,” Tim says.

Legend Edge software is part of Legend’s Farmacology.

Farmacology™

Tim goes on to explain that all Legend products are tested in numerous soil types to understand the perfect pairing for optimal yields.

The Legend Seeds Farmacology program includes soil testing and mapping, tissue analysis, variable-rate fertility and seeding prescriptions, in-season field data, data interpretation, in-season agronomic recommendations and hybrid selection and placement. Farmers upload the data they have collected on their fields to a centralized, web-based location accessible anytime from anywhere.

The data is entirely owned by the farmer.

Grower Tested. Grower Approved.

Legend Seeds put their prescription planting technology to the test on grower, Trav Bratland’s Willow Lake, S.D., farm.

The chance to improve returns initially led Trav to participate in the Farmacology program. “We put our yield data, NRCS soil topography maps, soil test data and planting information into the system. The program is easy to use and brings me a lot of agronomic knowledge from a seed selection and management standpoint.”

Growing up on the farm, Kelly transitioned seamlessly into farming fulltime with his dad – even when he attended Lake Area Technical Institute pursuing a Building Trades degree, he would return home to farm. Kelly and Ron raise corn, soybeans, alfalfa and a cow/calf herd.

Legend Seeds, one of the largest independent seed companies in the upper Midwest and Sevita International, a leading conventional and food-grade soybean supplier, processor and exporter, have partnered to expand their respective seed offerings in the U.S. and eastern Canada.

LEGEND SEEDS’ HAS YOU COVERED

To learn more, visit your local Legend Seeds representative.

ADVANTAGE

“I like the lifestyle farming provides,” explains Kelly, who together with his wife, Lacey, have three young children, Caley, 6; Kellin, 4; and Kasen, 8 months.

Under the agreement: • Sevita International will distribute and market Legend Seeds branded corn hybrids with a full array of trait technologies through its PROSeeds business in the provinces of Ontario, Quebec and Atlantic Canada.

He adds that as Legend Seeds Dealers they are kept ‘in the know.’ “Legend Seeds keeps us informed on the new products, genetics and traits coming down the pipeline.

This not only helps on our farm, but allows us to keep our customers’ informed as well.”

• Legend Seeds will bring Sevita International conventionaland food-grade soybean varieties to its trade area in the U.S.

2

Legend Seeds Dealer, Kelly Boik and his wife, Lacey, raise three young children; Caley, 6; Kellin, 4; and Kasen, 8 months, on their family's Grenville, S.D. farm.

3

4

LEGEND SEEDS ADVANTAGE PO Box 241 De Smet, SD 57231

HARVEST PREP

LEGEND SEEDS

"There are a few things you can do today to improve yields and minimize downtime"

CHECKLIST

ADVANTAGE

Dale Viktora, Legend Sales Agronomist

By Dale Viktora, Legend Sales Agronomist

T

he small window of time before combines begin to roll is an opportune time to reflect on the current season and use insights gained to help plan for the 2016 growing season.

22 to 23 percent moisture content: Don’t wait too long to harvest corn. If it’s too dry, yields can be lost due to shelling at the head and sometimes even dropped ears.

I hope you all are able to make time to check fields and take note of which input and management decisions worked for you and which ones you plan to change in 2016.

4. Don’t forget the grain tank: During harvest, take a few minutes to check the grain tank to ensure the combine is getting the grain as clean as possible. Adjust your wind speed and concave clearance as needed. Make sure you are also getting out of the combine to check that you aren’t throwing any kernels out the back of the combine. Do this each time you change hybrids to ensure you are harvesting to the fullest extent.

ADVANTAGE

Speaking of success, as I look at the 2016 product lineup I see great opportunity! Our research team has planted more test plots than ever this growing season.

Step into the know with Agronomy Alerts from Legend Seeds. Agronomy Alerts contain information about diseases and things to watch for during each stage of the plant.

Like and Follow Legend Seeds on Facebook to receive Agronomy Alerts from Legend Seeds agronomists in your area. You can also view previous Agronomy Alerts online at legendseeds.net.

Farmacology is one of many tools Legend Seeds provides to our growers to help them do just that. It’s your Legend Advantage!

Step Into The Know

Each year Legend Seeds works to be better so that we can help make our growers better.

By Glen Davis, President, Legend Seeds

REFLECT ON 2015

Glen Davis, Legend Seeds President

"As a regional seed company, we are focused on getting the right seed on the right acres"

LEGEND SEEDS ADVANTAGE

5

(CONTINUED FROM PG 1)

Watch for green stem: Sometimes the leaves and pods will die, but the stems will remain green causing issues for the combines. If you see a lot of green stems in the field and the soybeans aren’t too dry, consider waiting for ease of combining.

By Glen Davis, President, Legend Seeds

Conduct squeeze test: Another way to determine if lodging will be an issue is by squeezing the bottom of several stalks in each field. If the stalk is firm, then you won’t have any worries. If the stalks are soft/spongy, then harvest the field first.

ADVANTAGE

Scout for disease pressure: Once fields reach the optimum moisture content, then schedule based on field health. Take fields with disease pressure first as they tend to have the most issues with pod and stem integrity.

GROWING SEASON & HARVEST INSIGHT

Happy Harvesting!

2. Plan your soybean harvest schedule: Moisture content is the number one consideration with soybeans. I like to see growers harvest at 13 to 14 percent grain moisture. If we wait until moisture levels drop below 11 percent, the risk of sickle shattering increases.

REFLECT ON 2015

In case you were unable to attend a Knowledge Plot Academy, Farmacology is Legend’s season-long proactive cropping system that allows for the collection, dissemination and use of information via an online interface that can be accessed anytime, from anywhere.

You retain 100% ownership of all your field information.

1. Machinery check up: Minimize your down-time by giving your harvest machinery a good once-over. Don’t forget about your on-farm grain systems. Schedule a pre-season dryer check today.

3. Plan your corn harvest schedule: Conduct a push test: Determine if lodging will be an issue this harvest by visiting fields and conducting a lean test.

Basically, push on several stalks, if they are sturdy, then schedule those fields for later harvest. But if it’s easy to push over, schedule this field first.

Legend Advantage Club

hile we count down to harvest 2015, there are a few things you can do today to improve yields and minimize downtime.

As a regional seed company, we are focused on getting the right seed on the right acres. When your yield monitor makes you smile and a field exceeds your expectations this harvest, let us know about it. Legend Seeds recently launched a new program, Legend Yield Advantage Club.

It’s a way for us to recognize you and your field’s success.

W

HARVEST EDITION

None of us can change the past, but we can all move forward and make different decisions in the future.

Each growing season is unique. Reflect for a moment on the farming and agriculture environment today. It certainly has changed from where we were this time of year two to or three years ago – and it is much different than it was 15 to 20 years ago! We all know each year is a little different and it is impossible to know what next year will be.

This year we saw many growers reacting to input costs at the expense of output expectations. When commodity markets are down, it’s only natural to think about input costs, and consider buying seed that costs less and not use traits which protect yields – hoping you

won’t need them. This would be easy if we could see the future.

However, data consistently shows that output lowers price of production much more than input costs do.

As you look back on 2015, the decision to plant the best seed in the best ground is the right one to make 99% of the time – both from a yield and profitability standpoint.

This is where Legend being a regional company is to your advantage.

Your Legend Advantage Many Legend growers’ gleaned useful input and management advice when they attended their local Knowledge Plot™ Academies this growing season.

Our agronomy team demonstrated how Farmacology™ with Legend Edge software helps growers track the information they need to make the informed decisions on most management plans including what is the best hybrid for each field. The Legend Edge interfaces with planters for prescription planting, both in variable populations and/or hybrids.

Working with your soil, its needs and potential is essential to achieving maximum yields – and is key to maximizing profits in today’s challenging environment. (continued on pg 6)

What’s Inside:

Upcoming Events:

PG 2: Get to know Legend Dealer: Kelly Boik

2015 Pumpkin Contest

PG 4: Multi-Hybrid Planter In Your Future?

Legend Has You Covered

If you’re into growing giant pumpkins, Glen invites you to participate in Legend Seeds’ annual contest.

Contact Kristyne at kristyne@LegendSeeds.net for more information.

LEGEND SEEDS ADVANTAGE PO Box 241 De Smet, SD 57231

HARVEST PREP

CHECKLIST

LEGEND SEEDS

"There are a few things you can do today to improve yields and minimize downtime"

ADVANTAGE

Dale Viktora, Legend Sales Agronomist

By Dale Viktora, Legend Sales Agronomist

W

hile we count down to harvest 2015, there are a few things you can do today to improve yields and minimize downtime.

1. Machinery check up: Minimize your down-time by giving your harvest machinery a good once-over. Don’t forget about your on-farm grain systems. Schedule a pre-season dryer check today.

3. Plan your corn harvest schedule: Conduct a push test: Determine if lodging will be an issue this harvest by visiting fields and conducting a lean test.

Basically, push on several stalks, if they are sturdy, then schedule those fields for later harvest. But if it’s easy to push over, schedule this field first.

HARVEST EDITION

REFLECT ON 2015

GROWING SEASON & HARVEST INSIGHT

By Glen Davis, President, Legend Seeds

Conduct squeeze test: Another way to determine if lodging will be an issue is by squeezing the bottom of several stalks in each field. If the stalk is firm, then you won’t have any worries. If the stalks are soft/spongy, then harvest the field first.

T

he small window of time before combines begin to roll is an opportune time to reflect on the current season and use insights gained to help plan for the 2016 growing season.

22 to 23 percent moisture content: Don’t wait too long to harvest corn. If it’s too dry, yields can be lost due to shelling at the head and sometimes even dropped ears.

ADVANTAGE

Step into the know with Agronomy Alerts from Legend Seeds. Agronomy Alerts contain information about diseases and things to watch for during each stage of the plant.

Like and Follow Legend Seeds on Facebook to receive Agronomy Alerts from Legend Seeds agronomists in your area. You can also view previous Agronomy Alerts online at legendseeds.net.

Happy Harvesting!

2. Plan your soybean harvest schedule: Moisture content is the number one consideration with soybeans. I like to see growers harvest at 13 to 14 percent grain moisture. If we wait until moisture levels drop below 11 percent, the risk of sickle shattering increases.

I hope you all are able to make time to check fields and take note of which input and management decisions worked for you and which ones you plan to change in 2016.

Each year Legend Seeds works to be better so that we can help make our growers better.

Scout for disease pressure: Once fields reach the optimum moisture content, then schedule based on field health. Take fields with disease pressure first as they tend to have the most issues with pod and stem integrity.

4. Don’t forget the grain tank: During harvest, take a few minutes to check the grain tank to ensure the combine is getting the grain as clean as possible. Adjust your wind speed and concave clearance as needed. Make sure you are also getting out of the combine to check that you aren’t throwing any kernels out the back of the combine. Do this each time you change hybrids to ensure you are harvesting to the fullest extent.

ADVANTAGE

In case you were unable to attend a Knowledge Plot Academy, Farmacology is Legend’s season-long proactive cropping system that allows for the collection, dissemination and use of information via an online interface that can be accessed anytime, from anywhere.

You retain 100% ownership of all your field information.

Step Into The Know

Speaking of success, as I look at the 2016 product lineup I see great opportunity! Our research team has planted more test plots than ever this growing season.

Watch for green stem: Sometimes the leaves and pods will die, but the stems will remain green causing issues for the combines. If you see a lot of green stems in the field and the soybeans aren’t too dry, consider waiting for ease of combining.

As a regional seed company, we are focused on getting the right seed on the right acres. When your yield monitor makes you smile and a field exceeds your expectations this harvest, let us know about it. Legend Seeds recently launched a new program, Legend Yield Advantage Club.

It’s a way for us to recognize you and your field’s success.

Legend Advantage Club Farmacology is one of many tools Legend Seeds provides to our growers to help them do just that. It’s your Legend Advantage!

By Glen Davis, President, Legend Seeds

(CONTINUED FROM PG 1)

REFLECT ON 2015

Glen Davis, Legend Seeds President

"As a regional seed company, we are focused on getting the right seed on the right acres"

None of us can change the past, but we can all move forward and make different decisions in the future.

Each growing season is unique. Reflect for a moment on the farming and agriculture environment today. It certainly has changed from where we were this time of year two to or three years ago – and it is much different than it was 15 to 20 years ago! We all know each year is a little different and it is impossible to know what next year will be.

This year we saw many growers reacting to input costs at the expense of output expectations. When commodity markets are down, it’s only natural to think about input costs, and consider buying seed that costs less and not use traits which protect yields – hoping you

won’t need them. This would be easy if we could see the future.

However, data consistently shows that output lowers price of production much more than input costs do.

As you look back on 2015, the decision to plant the best seed in the best ground is the right one to make 99% of the time – both from a yield and profitability standpoint.

This is where Legend being a regional company is to your advantage.

Your Legend Advantage Many Legend growers’ gleaned useful input and management advice when they attended their local Knowledge Plot™ Academies this growing season.

Our agronomy team demonstrated how Farmacology™ with Legend Edge software helps growers track the information they need to make the informed decisions on most management plans including what is the best hybrid for each field. The Legend Edge interfaces with planters for prescription planting, both in variable populations and/or hybrids.

Working with your soil, its needs and potential is essential to achieving maximum yields – and is key to maximizing profits in today’s challenging environment. (continued on pg 6)

2015 Pumpkin Contest

PG 2: Get to know Legend Dealer: Kelly Boik

Upcoming Events:

What’s Inside: PG 4: Multi-Hybrid Planter In Your Future?

Legend Has You Covered

If you’re into growing giant pumpkins, Glen invites you to participate in Legend Seeds’ annual contest.

Contact Kristyne at kristyne@LegendSeeds.net for more information.

LEGEND SEEDS ADVANTAGE

5