Keeping It Independent

As harvest season progresses, staying informed and proactive about potential issues can make all the difference. For growers facing the challenges of vivipary and other quality concerns, having a clear plan and an understanding of insurance policies can help navigate this unpredictable season. On today's episode, Eric Wilson chats with Iowa State University - Extension and Outreach's Eric Weuve ab...

Ever wonder what harvest looks like behind-the-scenes at a seed corn company? While corn growers across the Midwest are getting rolling with harvest, the Wyffels research and production teams are managing their own harvest tasks. On this week's episode of "Keeping It Independent", we explore how these teams managed a challenging 2026 growing season to develop and deliver products for 2027 and beyo...

It might only be mid-September, but it's already looking like October across the central Midwest. The corn crop is ahead of schedule, and it's time to make sure your harvest plan is in place. On today's episode, the Wyffels Agronomy Team talks early yield results, crown rot concerns, and other harvest considerations. Links discussed in this episode: Between the Rows® - Stalk Rot Farm Rescue + Wyff...

Too much rain? Not enough rain? Too much heat? All of the above at certain times? It's been a stressful year for the corn crop across the Midwest, and we're starting to see the impact in September. On today's show, Wyffels Area Agronomy Managers Eric Wilson and Andy Swanson review crown and stalk rot concerns as we enter the dog days the growing season. In the second half of the show, we check in...

A tale of two seasons in the Corn Belt. To the west, dust. To the east, mud. What does it all mean for the corn crop in these areas? Well, the answer might surprise you. Crop development is ahead of normal in many parts of the Corn Belt, with some fields approaching full dent or even half milk line earlier than expected because of heat and stress. Wyffels Area Agronomy Managers Eric Wilson and Jar...

It's time for some Corn Disease 101. For our 101st episode, we're going back to school with Iowa State University Extension Field Crops Pathologist Alison Robertson to learn everything about 2026 disease pressure. She talks with Wyffels Area Agronomy Manager Eric Wilson about the Corn Belt's "yo-yo" weather that's kept disease mostly in check this year. Then they do deep dives on tar spot, souther...

Happy 100th episode! August is here and the corn is looking, by and large, pretty good. But we can't take our eye off the ball! Disease pressure is ticking up, and we all know how quickly a positive yield outlook can turn sour. On today's episode, the agronomy team shares crop updates from Illinois and Iowa, checks in on aphids, and covers the latest on tar spot & southern rust. Shoutout to ou...

Guess who's back? Back again. Our old nemesis Southern Rust is starting to pop up across the Corn Belt. And it's not the only disease creeping into local fields. As we approach August, there are several key management decisions to consider to help maximize yields this fall. On today's episode, the Wyffels Agronomy team dives into fungicide efficacy, drought watch-outs, and what makes 2026 differen...

On a special episode of Keeping It Independent , we sit down with agronomy intern Greta Hall.  A Paris, Illinois native and University of Illinois student, she spent the summer traveling across the Central Corn Belt, working alongside farmers, sales representatives, and agronomists to gain firsthand experience for a career in agriculture. Greta was eager to share insights from her Wyffels internsh...

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...