b"PARTNER CONTENTThe 3Rs of Seed-Applied Technologies:ROI, Resilience, ResponsibilityA s pressures to increase productiv- during their most vulnerable stages,Simple, clear messages about best ity and yields continue, productreducing the need for extensive chemicalpracticeswhether its herbicide toler-stewardship has taken on a newapplications later in the season. SATs helpance, rotations, or refuge managementlevel of importance. But it's not just aboutenhance crop resilience, improve yields,are critical, Belzer says. Its all designed following the instructions on the packag- and minimize environmental impact,to help farmers succeed while ensuring ing label; it's about ensuring that farmingmaking them a critical part of sustainablelong-term productivity.practices and products are more sustain- farming practices.able for the long haul. For example, Cortevas SAT solutions,Celebrating Progress and Looking AheadAt its core, sustainability is about goodsuch as the C-3023FI soybean seed treat- Seed-applied technologies showcase how stewardship and long-term thinking.ment blend, comprehensively tackle seedsinnovation and sustainability can work Stewardship is about doing whats rightbiggest early-season threats, includinghand in hand. By helping protect crops, with the resources youve been given, BillPhytophthora and Pythium. By combiningenhance yields, and reduce environmental Belzer, Global Head of Product Steward- multiple modes of action, these treatmentsimpact, SATs are key to a more responsible ship at Corteva Agriscience, says. Itsdeliver robust protection while mitigat- future for agriculture. about managing products responsibly,ing resistance risks, ensuring long-termFor Belzer, this progress is deeply from development to their launch and useeffectiveness in the field. And, becausepersonal. Hes seen innovation transform in the field, to ensure they remain effec- seed treatment delivers such targetedagriculture on his own family farm over tive well into the future. protection, a little goes a long way towardsthe decades. My grandfather farmed and While practicing good stewardshipprotecting seeds full yield potential.had corn yields of 30 bushels per acre in the delivers good for all societal benefits, it1940s. Today, were pushing 250 bushels also drives tangible and economic benefitsA Partnership Approach from the same farms. Thats the power of for farmers today and the broader agricul- Stewardship and sustainability requireproduct stewardship and innovation.tural community tomorrow. a collective effort across the agriculturalThe progress made towards making There are two parts to the benefitsvalue chain. Stewardship and sustain- agriculture more sustainable, particularly of stewardship, Belzer explains. Today,ability require partnership to be suc- through the adoption of SATs, is critical farmers can maximize yield by leverag- cessful, Belzer says. From productmovement forward. However, it is farmers ing research-backed product innovations.development to input planning to ulti- themselves who deserve much of the credit. Tomorrow, by using products responsibly,mate planting or application in a field,Farmers are the original stewards of they contribute to a regulatory environ- everyoneinput suppliers, licensees, andthe land, Belzer says. Their commitment ment that supports the future develop- farmersmust pull on the same rope,to responsible practices has driven ad-ment and accessibility ofinnovationscommitting ourselves to use products invancements that benefit both productivity that growers will need to stay ahead of thethe right way. and sustainability.challenges they face in the field. Clear communication and educationFor Belzer and Corteva, the mission issuch as programs like Enlist Aheadclear: Its about doing whats right and The Role of Seed-Applied Technologies trainingplay a vital role in this process.helping farmers succeed today while pav-A key example of good product steward- By providing farmers with actionableing the way for tomorrow. Stewardship ship in modern agriculture are seed- information on best practices, companiesisnt just about complianceits about applied technologies (SATs). These toolslike Corteva empower them to adopt sus- setting a legacy for the future.provide targeted protection to seedstainable methods more effectively. Content supplied by CortevaFEBRUARY 2025SEEDWORLD.COM /43"