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Seed official says more soybean acres likely

Most analysts are predicting an increase in soybean plantings in 2018.

David Thompson, sales and marketing director for Stine Seed Company, says that’s the trend they’re seeing as well.

“Across most of our trade area, it seems like corn acres are going to retreat a little bit and soybean acres are probably going to win back some acres. That seems to be the trend.”

But Thompson says those plans could change, depending on spring planting conditions.

“In those corn-soybean rotation acres, growers definitely like to plant corn,” he says. “So if the weather is good and they’re able to plant, sometimes those corn acres creep up in the spring if they can get those acres in.”

Thompson says they’re seeing increased interest in conventional corn.

“A lot of growers are looking at options of going back to conventional corn, because they like the conventional chemistry and maybe they don’t need all of the traits that are available on the market,” Thompson says. “So they’re looking at that as an opportunity to get in at a little lower price point and just manage for the pests they have.”

Stine markets seed throughout the Midwest, and parts of the Southeast and Southwest as well.

Thompson made his comments in an interview with Brownfield.  He also discussed Stine’s collaboration with a Chinese seed company to introduce Stine corn genetics into China.

AUDIO: David Thompson