{
  "source": "latham",
  "source_key": "latham-lh-4909-ss-rib",
  "vendor": "Latham Hi-Tech Seeds",
  "brand": "Latham Hi-Tech Seeds",
  "product_name": "LH 4909 SS RIB",
  "product_id": "LH 4909 SS RIB",
  "crop": "corn",
  "release_year": "2025",
  "relative_maturity": 99,
  "maturity_group": null,
  "wheat_class": null,
  "trait_stack": [
    "Smart Stax"
  ],
  "trait_descriptions": [],
  "positioning_statement": "At the 98-day RM, this hybrid brings a flex ear that prefers low to medium population levels, exceptional test weight, very good dry down, stalk health, and resistance to common rust. LH 4909 SS RIB should be planted throughout central Minnesota, southern Wisconsin and the northern tier of counties in Iowa with confidence. LH 4909 SS RIB is a great choice for early planting and brings strong drought tolerance to the farm.",
  "strengths": [],
  "characteristics_groups": [
    {
      "label": "AGRONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS",
      "items": [
        {
          "characteristic": "Early Vigor",
          "value": "2.0"
        },
        {
          "characteristic": "Stalk Strength",
          "value": "2.0"
        },
        {
          "characteristic": "Root Strength",
          "value": "2.0"
        },
        {
          "characteristic": "Stay Green",
          "value": "3.0"
        },
        {
          "characteristic": "Drydown",
          "value": "3.0"
        },
        {
          "characteristic": "Test Weight",
          "value": "2.0"
        },
        {
          "characteristic": "Drought Tolerance",
          "value": "2.0"
        },
        {
          "characteristic": "Corn-on-Corn",
          "value": "1.0"
        },
        {
          "characteristic": "Ear Height",
          "value": "Medium"
        },
        {
          "characteristic": "Ear Type",
          "value": "Flex"
        }
      ]
    },
    {
      "label": "DISEASE RATINGS",
      "items": [
        {
          "characteristic": "Goss’s Wilt",
          "value": "3.0"
        },
        {
          "characteristic": "Northern Leaf Blight",
          "value": "2.0"
        },
        {
          "characteristic": "Anthracnose Stalk Rot",
          "value": "ASR"
        },
        {
          "characteristic": "Gray Leaf Spot",
          "value": "3.0"
        }
      ]
    }
  ],
  "_scale_direction": "numeric ratings ~1-9 where LOWER = BETTER (1 = best / most tolerant / most resistant); confirmed by cross-referencing Product Overview prose vs values (top-rated stalks/roots cluster 1.0-1.5, weak traits 3.0-3.5, none approach 9). Categorical values pass through verbatim (SCN source 'PI 88788', Phytophthora 'Rps 1k', Anthracnose 'ASR', 'Medium Tall', 'Flex'). NA/blank = not rated.",
  "regional_recommendations": [
    {
      "product_list_name": "Latham dealer network (Upper Midwest — IA/MN/WI/IL/ND/SD/NE)",
      "agronomist": null,
      "agronomist_email": null,
      "variant_id": null
    }
  ],
  "image_url": null,
  "source_urls": [
    "https://www.lathamseeds.com/products/lh-4909-ss-rib/"
  ],
  "sitemap_last_modified": null,
  "fetched_at": "2026-06-05T01:45:01.073555+00:00",
  "scraper_version": "0.1.0"
}