Insights from Bayer: Wheat and Corn Innovations and the Future of Crop Management

The content of this blog is derived from my interviews with Carrie Roach- Marketing Manager for WestBred Wheat, and Safeer Hassan- Corn Technical Lead, both with Bayer.

Recently, we had the opportunity to speak with Carrie Roach and Safeer Hassan from Bayer about the latest news in wheat and corn varieties, and the implications for the agricultural industry. Their insights shed light on how farmers can optimize their crop performance and stay ahead of potential challenges.

Wheat Yield Success with WestBred

Carrie Roach shared exciting news about WestBred wheat varieties. Out of the 26 national wheat yield contest varieties, 12 were planted with WestBred seeds. This highlights the high performance of these varieties and the skill of the growers managing them across different yield environments. Such success is a testament to the effectiveness of WestBred’s approach to finding varieties that thrive in diverse conditions.

Looking ahead, Carrie advises farmers to examine the varieties planted by the contest winners as they select their seeds for the upcoming year. WestBred’s network of knowledgeable seed suppliers can provide valuable guidance tailored to specific regional challenges and management practices, ensuring farmers get the most out of their crops.

Proactive Corn Management with SmartStax and VT4 Pro

Safeer Hassan emphasized the importance of proactive insect management for corn farmers. Insects like earworms, rootworms, and western bean cutworms can cause significant damage if not addressed early. Safeer advises farmers to scout their fields and plan ahead, rather than waiting until harvest to make decisions for the next year.

For areas with persistent rootworm issues, especially in regions where crop rotation isn’t feasible, Bayer offers solutions like SmartStax Pro and VT4 Pro. These products cater to varying levels of pest pressure, providing effective protection based on specific field conditions. If farmers continue to see issues despite using traits, Safeer recommends thorough scouting and adult insect control measures.

Navigating EPA Regulations and Trade

While Safeer isn’t directly involved in regulatory discussions, he expressed confidence in Bayer’s proactive approach to working with agencies responsible for trait approvals. With over 20 years of experience, Bayer has established efficient processes to meet regulatory requirements, both in the US and globally. This ensures that they stay ahead of timelines and are prepared to work with any administration to support growers’ interests.

Listen to the Full Interview Here: https://youtu.be/itOsvsxznkU