Planting season is here! Well, sort of.

While some growers in the central Midwest have dabbled in soybeans, corn planting remains largely on hold for now. With the start of the season, many farmers are faced with decisions that can impact their yields. With fluctuating weather patterns and varying soil conditions, timing becomes crucial.

In this podcast, we’ll explore insights from agronomy managers Eric Wilson and Robby Meeker on early planting strategies for corn and soybeans, including tips on managing expectations and maximizing yield potential.

Links discussed in this episode:
Wyffels Hybrids Planting Progress Report
Iowa State University - Iowa Environmental Mesonet
Between The Rows® - Optimize Plantability
Between The Rows® - Early Spring Planting Considerations
Between The Rows® - Choosing the Right Planting Rate

We want to hear from you. Have questions you want us to address on future episodes? Ideas for how we can make this better? Email us at [email protected]. 

Wyffels Hybrids. Fiercely independent, and proud of it.

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Wyffels Hybrids was proud to recently announce its expansion into Nebraska and Indiana for the 2027 growing season.

On this bonus "Keeping It Independent" episode, Wyffels sales leaders Bruce Howison and Brian Humphries discuss why now was the right time to expand coverage to these states. They cover what makes Wyffels unique in the seed corn business, and how different departments within the company are preparing to service these new territories.

Wyffels’ expansion is the result of a long term, disciplined strategy focused on high productivity corn acres with industry leading seed products and unmatched agronomic support. The company remains committed to being the independent, family-owned option for farmers—delivering choice in an industry where independent seed companies have become increasingly rare.

Links discussed in this episode:
Our Corn Products
Wyffels IN/NE Expansion News
Job Openings (Including new positions in IN & NE)

We want to hear from you. Have questions you want us to address on future episodes? Ideas for how we can make this better? Email us at [email protected]. 

Wyffels Hybrids. Fiercely independent, and proud of it.

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Spring is just around the corner, and for farmers, that means it's time to prepare your equipment for planting. But how do you ensure your planter is ready to deliver the best results?

On this week's episode, we’ll cover key maintenance tips to get your planter in top shape for the upcoming season, helping you maximize yields and efficiency. The right adjustments at planting can set the stage for root development that promotes healthier plants and ultimately, higher yields. So don’t rush. Invest the time to do it right.

Links discussed in this episode:
Planting and Tillage Tools: Leafblower (Video) - Iowa State University
Iowa State University Extension and Outreach - Planter University
Between The Rows® - Optimize Plantability
Between The Rows® - Early Spring Planting Considerations
Between The Rows® - Choosing the Right Planting Rate

We want to hear from you. Have questions you want us to address on future episodes? Ideas for how we can make this better? Email us at [email protected]. 

Wyffels Hybrids. Fiercely independent, and proud of it.

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Ever wonder how winter conditions impact pests in your fields? Let’s dive in!

On this week's podcast, Kelly Estes from the University of Illinois shares insights on how weather conditions influence pest survival and trapping methods. As we move into a new growing season, understanding pest behavior and utilizing effective management strategies will be crucial for successful corn production.

Kernels of Knowledge:
- Stay Informed: Regularly check trapping data and utilize pest prediction tools to stay ahead of pest threats in your fields.
- Monitor Weather Effects: Be aware of how weather conditions can impact pest survival and behavior, adjusting management practices accordingly.
- Participate in Trapping Programs: Engage with local pest trapping programs to contribute data and gain insights into pest populations in your area.

For more in-depth pest management tips and tools, check out the resources below.

Links discussed in this episode:
Corn ipmPIPE
Illinois Cooperative Agricultural Pest Survey (CAPS) program
Water and Atmospheric Resources Monitoring (WARM) Program
Wyffels Hybrids Corn Rootworm Monitoring
Between The Rows® - Monitoring CRW Populations

We want to hear from you. Have questions you want us to address on future episodes? Ideas for how we can make this better? Email us at [email protected]. 

Disclaimer: This podcast's discussion of one-year trial results is for educational purposes only and does not constitute a recommendation or endorsement of any product or management style mentioned. Results shared are based on specific study conditions and may not be applicable to your situation. Always consult with a qualified professional before making any decisions based on this information.

Wyffels Hybrids. Fiercely independent, and proud of it.

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Corn rootworm management is a pressing concern for many growers, but the best strategy isn't the same for everybody. In this week's podcast episode, we explore effective management strategies based on recent research findings. With expert insights from Brent Tharp and Eric Wilson, gain a deeper understanding of how to optimize your corn production while mitigating rootworm damage.

Effective management of corn rootworm requires a combination of proactive monitoring and research-backed treatment options. As we continue to explore and refine these strategies, growers can enhance their crop resilience and yield potential. For more insights, consider implementing the discussed practices and continuing to monitor your fields for rootworm activity.

Links discussed in this episode:
Wyffels Hybrids Corn Rootworm Monitoring
Our Corn Products - Wyffels Hybrids
Wyffels Hybrids Seed Corn Technology Options
Between The Rows® - Monitoring CRW Populations

We want to hear from you. Have questions you want us to address on future episodes? Ideas for how we can make this better? Email us at [email protected]. 

Disclaimer: This podcast's discussion of one-year trial results is for educational purposes only and does not constitute a recommendation or endorsement of any product or management style mentioned. Results shared are based on specific study conditions and may not be applicable to your situation. Always consult with a qualified professional before making any decisions based on this information.

Wyffels Hybrids. Fiercely independent, and proud of it.

►  Let’s Connect
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New Wyffels Hybrids Agronomy Manager Mike Witt is a self-described "talker". While he enjoys getting behind the podcast microphone, he insists it isn't his natural habitat. With the planting season quickly approaching, he's excited to get out in the field and meet Wyffels growers all across western Iowa. 

In the latest episode of "Keeping It Independent", host Eric Wilson introduces Mike Witt - the newest member of the Wyffels Product and Agronomy team. With over two decades of experience in the agricultural industry, Mike brings a wealth of knowledge and enthusiasm to his new role. This episode dives into his background, his vision for agronomic service in western Iowa, and the exciting relationships he plans to forge. 

Links discussed in this episode:
Our Corn Products - Wyffels Hybrids
Request our Product Guide
Wyffels Hybrids Trial Results

We want to hear from you. Have questions you want us to address on future episodes? Ideas for how we can make this better? Email us at [email protected]. 

Wyffels Hybrids. Fiercely independent, and proud of it.

►  Let’s Connect
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Seed corn package diversity is more than relative maturity. Hybrids build yield in a variety a ways - ear length, ear girth, kernel weight. It's important to know how each product gets to the finish line and what package can work best on your acres.

On today's podcast, the Wyffels agronomy managers discuss our yield component trials. Wyffels has conducted research to better understand how individual hybrids express their yield components. Hybrids are planted at low and high populations to determine how hybrid yield components change, or "flex", in response to stress. Ears are collected to determine how the girth, length, and kernel weight are affected by stress. Differences are converted to a percentage to show how each yield component influences total ear flex by product.

You can fine-tune management to protect genetic yield potential by knowing how hybrids respond to stress.

Links discussed in this episode:
Our Corn Products - Wyffels Hybrids
Request our Product Guide with Yield Component Information.
Between the Rows® - Fungicide Use on Wyffels Hybrids
Wyffels Hybrids Trial Results

We want to hear from you. Have questions you want us to address on future episodes? Ideas for how we can make this better? Email us at [email protected]. 

Wyffels Hybrids. Fiercely independent, and proud of it.

►  Let’s Connect
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It's mid-December and we're still talking fungicide. Why? After what we saw in 2025, it requires a deeper dive before 2026 decisions are made.

Fungicides are a valuable tool for raising high yielding corn. The benefits include increased yield, improved plant health and better standability at harvest. All hybrids can respond positively to a properly timed fungicide application, especially in environments that favor the development of leaf disease.

On today's podcast, the Wyffels agronomy team reviews multiyear data, explores best practices for ROI, and offers thoughts on strategy for 2026.

Links discussed in this episode:
Between the Rows® - Fungicide Use on Wyffels Hybrids
Wyffels Hybrids Trial Results
Between the Rows® - Southern Rust

We want to hear from you. Have questions you want us to address on future episodes? Ideas for how we can make this better? Email us at [email protected]. 

Wyffels Hybrids. Fiercely independent, and proud of it.

►  Let’s Connect
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So, what just happened? With corn harvest in the rearview, the Wyffels Agronomy team is ready to break it all down.

Today's podcast reviews the 2025 growing season in Wisconsin, Illinois, and eastern Iowa. What went right? What impacted performance? What lessons can we take from it going forward?

Listen to Part 1 - South Dakota, Minnesota, and western Iowa HERE.

Links discussed in this episode:
Between the Rows® - Fungicide Use on Wyffels Hybrids
Wyffels Hybrids Trial Results
Iowa Environmental Mesonet

We want to hear from you. Have questions you want us to address on future episodes? Ideas for how we can make this better? Email us at [email protected]. 

Wyffels Hybrids. Fiercely independent, and proud of it.

►  Let’s Connect
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WyffelsHybrids
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LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/wyffelshybrids

So, what just happened?

Today's podcast focuses on the 2025 growing season in eastern South Dakota, southern Minnesota, and into Iowa. To the north, corn growers saw favorable conditions and spots with record yields, but Iowa fields struggled with Southern Rust and other challenges amid hot, wet conditions.

With corn harvest in the rearview, the Wyffels Agronomy team is ready to break it all down. They take a look at the factors that influenced hybrid performance, and share what lessons can be applied going forward.

Part 2 of our mini-series will cover Wisconsin, Illinois, and eastern Iowa.

Links discussed in this episode:
Between the Rows® - Fungicide Use on Wyffels Hybrids
Wyffels Hybrids Trial Results
Iowa Environmental Mesonet

We want to hear from you. Have questions you want us to address on future episodes? Ideas for how we can make this better? Email us at [email protected]. 

Wyffels Hybrids. Fiercely independent, and proud of it.

►  Let’s Connect
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WyffelsHybrids
X: https://www.x.com/WyffelsHybrids
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