b'Soybeans for Every ScenarioMore trait options mean greater opportunity to meet 2020 demand.Barb Baylor Anderson anderagcom@sbcglobal.netWITH 2019Schallenging growing season in the rearview mirror, the soybean seed industry looks to 2020 with some optimism. Retailers have a wider selection of trait platforms at their disposal and expect ample seed supplies so customers have plenty of options. Farmers have never had more choices when it comes to trait technology in soybean, says Marc Hoobler, BASF U.S. soybean agronomy lead. New traits are important, so we dont repeat past management mistakes. Dependence on one platform can have significant consequences with weed resistance. All of the systems on the market today have ability to enable good weed control.Beyond Single Trait TechnologySoybean trait technology has evolved during the past several years, moving from single traits to multiple herbicide tolerances in one platform. Double- and triple-stack traits now available have several modes of action and can reduce weed compensa-tion versus a single trait. For 2020, seed breeders and companies are touting Roundup Ready 2 Yield, Roundup Ready 2 Xtend, LibertyLink and LibertyLink GT27 and Enlist E3 soybeans.All of these new technologies are great tools to fight weed resistance, says John Latham, president of Latham Hi-Tech Seeds, Alexander, Iowa. However, we must be good stewards of the technology for long-term effectiveness. As an independent seed company, we want Latham dealers and customers to purchase the technology they believe will provide them with the most value. There are enough choices to make any grower look at their options a little more in depth than in years past, adds Dan Hogstad, CEO for NorthStar Genetics, Wanamingo, Minn. Hogstad notes with an industry that now essentially has four major seed breeders, regional companies such as NorthStar Genetics must help growers manage technology access and user agreements. That demands greater communication for us with growers, he says. Fortunately, todays communication capabilities make it easier to target needs and opportunities. Independent seed companies are more local, adapt quicker and have a very close relationship with customers and dealers. This will help enable us to succeed in this era of consolidation and to meet them with the best seed possible.Retailers should be prepared to discuss both establishedGrowers need to stay on top of their game when it comes to and newer trait technologies with their customers, adds Ryansoybean technologies and traits. 96/ SEEDWORLD.COMDECEMBER 2019'