Keeping It Independent

As smoke from the fireworks clears, we take a moment to see how the corn crop stands across the central Midwest. In July, corn growers are facing weather and crop management challenges. In this episode of Keeping It Independent, Eric Wilson and Ryan Gentle discuss the impact of recent heavy rains and their implications for corn growth and health. By staying informed about weather patterns, monitor...

As the calendar flips from June to July, things are looking mostly good across the Corn Belt. But that doesn't mean we can let our guard down. Tar spot is popping up across the region and it's time to consider how you're going to protect your yield potential during the heart of the growing season. On today's podcast, the Wyffels Agronomy team talks plant health, disease control, and protecting you...

Back in May, much of the Corn Belt was begging for rain. Now? Not so much. Frequent and heavy rain are causing challenges across the central Midwest. On today's podcast, the Wyffels Agronomy Team discusses nitrogen loss, fungicide decisions, hail damage, and disease watch-outs. Links discussed in this episode: Between The Rows® - Understanding Nitrogen Loss Iowa State University Mesonet Between Th...

June is giving us a bit of everything. Powerful early season storms. Hot and muggy days. Cool and rainy stretches... But, you know what? Overall, the corn is looking pretty good. On today's podcast, the Wyffels Agronomy Team discusses early season greensnap and root lodging concerns, weed management, and more! Key Takeaways - Recent weather events have created both challenges and opportunities for...

Corn suddenly hit the fast forward button! Recent heat and rains have supercharged plant growth. But that doesn't come without its challenges...and the need to act quickly. On today's episode, the Wyffels Agronomy Team covers rootless corn, tassel wrap, weed management, and other questions Corn Belt farmers have as we enter the heart of summer. So before things speed up any more, hit pause, give t...

As the weather warms up and the corn growing season gets rolling, farmers face critical decisions regarding post-application strategies. Have you ever wondered how to ensure your crops thrive during this crucial phase? On today's podcast, we’ll explore expert tips and insights from Agronomy Managers Eric Wilson and Ryan Gentle, who discuss effective practices for post-application, other common ear...

Planting season is wrapping up across the Central Corn Belt, and post applications are coming up fast. On today's podcast, the Wyffels agronomy team closes the book on planting season and takes a closer look at the early season environment in the western parts of Wyffels Country. As farmers move forward in this growing season, the insights shared during this conversation provides valuable guidance...

From extreme dryness to unexpected cold snaps, this spring has thrown us some curveballs. But by staying informed and proactive, growers can still optimize their planting outcomes despite the unpredictable weather. In this episode, the Wyffels agronomy team discusses the conclusion of planting season, and the challenges they're seeing in its wake - with a special focus on Illinois, Indiana, and Wi...

Now Entering: The Dog Days of Planting in the Central Corn Belt. On this week's episode, get to know our new Area Agronomy Manager, Andy Swanson. Andy will serve eastern Nebraska and southwestern Iowa for Wyffels Hybrids growers. He joins the show to discuss his background, the 2026 planting season in his area, and how to manage the slow emergence and other challenges presented by the cool start t...

Planting is rolling across the Central Corn Belt! Some regions got off to hot starts, while others are still fighting wet conditions. From excellent conditions in parts of Minnesota to challenges in northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin, the weather is playing a significant role this season. In this episode, the Wyffels agronomy team discusses planting progress across Wyffels Country, peeks at...

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 manage...

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 comp...

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...

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. Kernel...

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 manage...

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 - th...

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 individu...

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 enviro...

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: Be...

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....

Harvest is in full swing across the Corn Belt! And yield results are looking extremely variable. A wild season of heat, drought, excessive rainfall, and other environmental challenges have made for a unique corn harvest. On this week's podcast, the Wyffels agronomy team discusses harvest progress, yield component analysis, fall fertilizer, and more. Links discussed in this episode: Between the Row...

Harvest is coming in hot! Combines are rolling in parts of the Corn Belt and we're seeing a mixed bag of results. Southern Rust, drought, extreme heat, fungicide decisions, and more are impacting yields in significant ways.  On this week's podcast, the Wyffels agronomy team discusses disease management, early harvest returns, and what we should (and should not) take from 2025 as we look ahead to 2...

Yield is important, but so is ROI. When budgets get tight, what are the best management decisions for your corn acres? What tools and tips make those decisions easier? On this week's episode, the Wyffels agronomy team discuss what corn growers can do to finish 2025 strong, management suggestions as we look ahead to 2026, and they give a brief update on current crop conditions. Links discussed in t...

After a blazing hot summer, what's next for the corn crop as we head into September? How does this time of year impact yields and harvest timing? On this week's podcast, the Wyffels agronomy team discusses disease pressure, grain fill, and what to expect ahead of harvest. Links discussed in this episode: Wyffels Yield Calculator Wyffels Grain Drying Calculator Between the Rows® - Corn Pollination...

August is coming in hot! After an "extreme" start to pollination with high temps and lots of rain for much of the Corn Belt, we're entering an uncertain period. Will we see extra special yields come harvest? Or will the wild weather deny us? On this week's podcast, the Wyffels agronomy team discusses pollination, grain fill, and the late season fungicide decision. Links discussed in this episode:...