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| I saw the post here on 11/5 talking about avoiding Big Ag and there is a good amount of discourse on that subject. While what was said throughout that thread wasn't always the truth, it wasn't completely false either. Regional seed companies are typically sourcing their hybrids from Big Ag, however, many of those companies have their own R&D departments that are creating new inbreds that are not tied to Big Ag. A few companies are completely independent from Big Ag. UnBrandedseed.com, Basshybrids.com are two that I know have their own proprietary genetics with zero tie to Big Ag. If wanting to break free of Big Ag's stranglehold, these are two companies attempting to offer choices. Currently, non-GMO is the only pathway to bring competitive, unique unencumbered corn hybrids to the farmer. Glyphosate ready corn will soon be available in the market through UnBranded but trait introgression takes time. The best way I know of testing the hybrids to see if they're a good option for your farm is to try the non-GMO version and prepare for the traited varieties once they're available. There are other trait providers coming into the marketplace, as well. They aren't well known by the general public but they are well known in the genetics world, which is a regrettably small world. For those who are thinking about going non-GMO to break free of the outrageous prices of traited seed, some things that growers have reported working well for them:
1 pass pre, chasing the planter using Acuron or Kyro
1 pass pre, chasing the planter using Glyphosate, Atrazine, Simazine, Metolachlor
In-furrow capture, sniper, permethrin, bifen (which capture and sniper are just name brand bifen)
Foliar fungicide applied insecticide (those reporting this were already doing this with stacked corn)
TS201 + NutriTap (TS201 is a biological insecticide that deters CRW larvae feeding and promotes root regrowth, NutriTap is a planter box treatment biological that promotes early vigor and supplies micro's for quick canopy)
The most expensive options above are Acuron and Kyro but on a 1 pass, they're probably worth it. Insecticide is cheap and fungicide is optional. NutriTap is $7/acre and I'm not sure on the price of TS201 but it will pale in comparison to the trait fee of Duracade, RNAi, or Vorceed.
Their isn't much difference between management of traited corn and non-GMO these days, for most. A majority of farmers are already employing alot of these practices but the fear of loss and fear-based marketing is hard to overcome.
Edited by JayThomps 11/7/2025 07:43
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Avoiding Big Ag
