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: Wyffels Yield Calculator Between the Rows® - Corn Pollination and Grain Fill Between the Rows® - Fun...
Aug 07, 2025•16 min•Ep. 73
August is shaping up to be a game of disease whack-a-mole. Recent heat and rain in the Central Corn Belt have fueled Southern Rust development, but the upcoming cool-down looks ideal for tar spot. Are you prepared to manage it all? On this week's podcast, Wyffels Agronomy Managers Eric Wilson and Jared Goplen talk about late summer disease threats, and touch on the impact of recent storms. Now’s the perfect time to scout for disease and assess fungicide needs. Links discussed in this episode: Cr...
Jul 30, 2025•20 min•Ep. 72
It's the story of July. There’s been a lot of chatter in the field this week about corn pollination. While no Wyffels products are currently experiencing this issue, it remains something to monitor amid the Corn Belt's high temperatures. On this week's podcast, Wyffels Agronomy Managers Robby Meeker, Ryan Gentle, and Eric Wilson talk us through what's happening, what it looks like, and what you can expect as a result. Now’s the perfect time to get out and see how your crop is progressing. Links ...
Jul 22, 2025•25 min•Ep. 71
July weather in the Corn Belt? Let’s just say…temperamental. Storms here. Dry there. Lots of heat. Foggy mornings. Mother Nature is throwing everything at us, and it could lead to a tricky end to the growing season. On this week's show, the Wyffels agronomy team covers disease management, wind damage from recent storms, and closes out the episode with a corn rootworm pressure check-in. Links discussed in this episode: Between the Rows® - Damage from Summer Storms Between the Rows® - Tar Spot Bet...
Jul 15, 2025•27 min•Ep. 70
Things are heating up as we enter the heart of the growing season. Corn is growing rapidly and disease is popping up in fields across the Central Corn Belt. On this week's episode, the Wyffels agronomy team is digging into everything you need to know when it comes to making that fungicide decision. They also take a closer look at tar spot and gray leaf spot - how common it is, what kind of damage it can do, and what you can do about it. Links discussed in this episode: Between the Rows® - Tar Sp...
Jun 24, 2025•15 min•Ep. 69
As summer heats up, the corn is growing fast and corn rootworm hatching has reached its peak. In today's episode, the Wyffels agronomy team tackles best practices for monitoring and managing corn rootworm pressure. Plus, they take a look at hail damage's impact on yield, and give a quick update on tar spot popping up on the fringes of the central Midwest. Links discussed in this episode: Between the Rows ® - Monitoring CRW Populations Iowa State - Rootworm Eggs Reaching Peak Hatch Wyffels Hybrid...
Jun 18, 2025•19 min•Ep. 68
With planting season all but wrapped up across the Corn Belt, our attention shifts to post apps. On this week's episode, the Wyffels agronomy team discusses best practices for managing early-stage corn, stress concerns, and seeing the crop through its "ugly duckling" phase. Links discussed in this episode: Between the Rows ® - Herbicide Injury in Corn Is It Herbicide Injury or Environmental Leaf Wrap? - Video Keeping It Independent - "All Things Post Applications with Kurt Maertens, BASF" Why is...
May 28, 2025•17 min•Ep. 67
As planting season winds down for much of the Central Corn Belt, new challenges arise. Wyffels Hybrids agronomy managers Ryan Gentle and Eric Wilson dive into crusting issues, rotary hoeing, replant considerations, and more. They also do a quick check in on southern Illinois where persistent rains have made for a slow and tricky planting season. Links discussed in this episode: Between the Rows ® - Replant Considerations Wyffels Hybrids - Corn Replant Calculator Using Stand Counts to Assess Corn...
May 15, 2025•15 min•Ep. 66
We get it. No one wants to read all the planter user manuals. That's why at Wyffels, we've done some of the work for you. This week on "Keeping It Independent," the Wyffels agronomy team covers planter optimization and provides a Midwest corn planting update. Accurate singulation and seed placement are critical to maximizing corn yield. A planter that is properly maintained and set up will help optimize accuracy, but changing field conditions and seed sizes will require in-field adjustments. Lin...
Apr 30, 2025•19 min•Ep. 65
Just when you think it's time to plant, Mother Nature has other ideas. Corn planting got off to a strong start across much of the Corn Belt in mid-April, but recent rains have slowed down progress. This week's weather was expected to be favorable, but spotty showers could delay planting into next week. The Wyffels agronomy team discusses the 2025 Planting Progress Report, weather trends, the Growing Degree Unit (GDU) calculator, and the state of Midwest corn planting as we approach May. Links di...
Apr 22, 2025•12 min•Ep. 64
Planting season is here! Well, almost. The planters might not be rolling for most of the Corn Belt yet, but it's the perfect time to make sure everything's ready for go-time. On this week's episode, Wyffels agronomy managers Eric Wilson, Ryan Gentle, and Robby Meeker discuss current conditions, early corn planting considerations, and Wyffels' tools and resources for the spring. Links discussed in this episode: Wyffels Hybrids - Corn Rootworm Monitoring Program Between the Rows ® - Early Planting...
Apr 09, 2025•19 min•Ep. 63
Today, we're talking pests with University of Illinois' Kelly Estes. Kelly coordinates the Illinois Cooperative Agricultural Pest Survey (CAPS) program which focuses on the early detection and surveillance of harmful or economically significant exotic plant pests, diseases, and weeds that have eluded first-line of defense inspections or have been identified as threats to U.S. agriculture and/or the environment. Kelly and Wyffels Agronomy Manager Ryan Gentle discuss the Illinois insect trapping n...
Mar 20, 2025•20 min•Ep. 62
Is that spring we see out there? The planters might not be rolling yet, but recent warm weather has us thinking about spring management decisions. On this week's episode, Wyffels agronomy managers Eric Wilson and Robby Meeker discuss continuous corn considerations, and tips for managing nitrogen and tillage. Links discussed in this episode: Wyffels Hybrids - Corn Rootworm Monitoring Program Between the Rows ® - Agronomic Library Wyffels Hybrids - Our Corn Products We want to hear from you. Have ...
Mar 11, 2025•20 min•Ep. 61
When you're thumbing through a seed corn product guide, do you ever wonder where the "product ratings" come from? Or what those numbers actually mean? On this week's episode, we answer those burning questions. Agronomy experts Eric Wilson and Brent Tharp are joined by Wyffels corn breeder Devin Nichols to discuss. They explain how the Wyffels team uses multiple years of data and in-field observation to develop these product ratings. Links discussed in this episode: Between the Rows ® - Agronomic...
Feb 26, 2025•30 min•Ep. 60
Ear flex is a key factor in a corn plant's ability to adapt to environmental conditions and maximize yield potential. On this week's episode, we explore all things ear flex. Agronomy Managers Eric Wilson and Robby Meeker dive into our internal yield component trials, look at how different hybrids flex, and remind listeners that RM isn't the only factor in building a diverse package. You can find yield component analysis details for our corn products in the Wyffels Hybrids product guide (2025 - P...
Feb 12, 2025•31 min•Ep. 59
Agronomy Managers Eric Wilson and Ryan Gentle explore the world of stabilizers/inhibitors. They talk about best practices for using the different products that slow down nitrification. These are valuable tools, but not magic cure-alls for poor nitrogen management. A lot of variables can impact effectiveness, so making sure farmers understand each product's capabilities is vital. Links discussed in this episode: Between the Rows ® - Understanding Nitrogen Loss University of Illinois - Water and A...
Jan 21, 2025•19 min•Ep. 58
Nitrogen isn't a simple topic. With multiple forms, and multiple variables impacting effectiveness, it can feel overwhelming. On this week's episode, the we dive into the pros and cons of nitrogen forms. Agronomy Managers Eric Wilson and Jared Goplen dive into manure, anhydrous ammonia, urea, urea-ammonium nitrate (UAN), and discuss the when/where/why for each approach. Links discussed in this episode: Between the Rows ® - Sidedress Nitrogen in Corn Between the Rows ® - Spring Anhydrous Between ...
Jan 16, 2025•26 min•Ep. 57
It's time to hit the rewind button and unpack what happened in 2024, and discover what we can learn from it. On today's episode, Agronomy Managers Eric Wilson and Ryan Gentle discuss fungicide. The duo dives into Wyffels' homegrown research/timing studies to offer advice on fungicide decisions. Fungicide applications are tools corn growers can use to achieve maximum corn yields. Fungicide treatments are proven to protect yield potential when leaf diseases are present and improve plant health and...
Dec 17, 2024•22 min•Ep. 56
It's time to hit the rewind button and unpack what happened in 2024, and discover what we can learn from it. On today's episode, Agronomy Managers Eric Wilson and Jared Goplen discuss denitrification. Any time the Corn Belt experiences large amounts of rain (like some areas did this spring) it raises questions about possible N loss and the need for supplemental N applications. Understanding the factors which influence nitrogen loss can help you determine your specific situation and aid in making...
Dec 10, 2024•22 min•Ep. 55
It's time to hit the rewind button and unpack what happened in 2024, and discover what we can learn from it. On today's episode, we're talking corn planting dates! Agronomy Manager Eric Wilson and Technical Product Manager Brent Tharp cover how planting dates impacted greensnap/lodging susceptibility, yields, and more. Links discussed in this episode: Between the Rows - Early Spring Planting Considerations We want to hear from you. Have questions you want us to address on future episodes? Ideas ...
Nov 19, 2024•18 min•Ep. 54
Well, that harvest escalated quickly! As farmers wrap up the harvest season, the question turns to what's next. On today's episode, we're talking fertility. Agronomy Managers Jared Goplen and Eric Wilson discuss fall tillage, anhydrous, soil testing, dry fertilizer application, and more. Links discussed in this episode: University of Illinois - Considerations for fall application of anhydrous ammonia Fertility 101 - P&K Management Fertility 101 - Soil pH We want to hear from you. Have questi...
Oct 22, 2024•20 min•Ep. 53
Gasp! We're talking...soybeans. And corn, too, of course. On today's episode, Agronomy Managers Ryan Gentle and Eric Wilson discuss early corn & soybeans harvest updates from across the Corn Belt, stalk integrity, and corn ear rots/kernel molds. Links discussed in this episode: Between the Rows - Ear Rots and Kernel Molds How to Test for Stalk Quality - Video Wyffels Yield Calculator We want to hear from you. Have questions you want us to address on future episodes? Ideas for how we can make...
Oct 02, 2024•15 min•Ep. 52
Pinch it. Push it. However you do it, it's time to check your stalk quality as you start determining harvest order. On today's episode, Agronomy Managers Ryan Gentle and Eric Wilson discuss corn crop updates from across the Corn Belt, the Wyffels Grain Drying Calculator, and black layer determination. Links discussed in this episode: Wyffels Grain Drying Calculator How to Test for Stalk Quality - Video Between the Rows® - Common Leaf Diseases Wyffels GDU Calculator We want to hear from you. Have...
Sep 17, 2024•17 min•Ep. 51
It's a special episode of "Keeping it Independent". Wyffels President John Wyffels and VP of Production Jacob Wyffels join the pod! We talk company history, what's fueled our growth, the new Iowa site, and much more! Links discussed in the episode: The Wyffels Story Our Wyffels Hybrids 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 agronomy@wyffels.com . Wyffels Hybrids. Fiercely independent, and proud of it....
Sep 09, 2024•19 min•Ep. 50
It's a special edition of Keeping It Independent , live from the Farm Progress Show in Boone, Iowa! First, Product and Agronomy Manager Mitch Heisler , Agronomy Manager Eric Wilson , and Sales Manager Ethan Earlywine discuss crop progress, disease, and corn rootworm pressure in Iowa and Illinois. Then, Mitch and Agronomy Manager Jared Goplen give us an update on the Minnesota/South Dakota corn crop and look ahead to harvest. Links discussed in the episode: Wyffels Yield Calculator Wyffels Grain ...
Sep 04, 2024•22 min•Ep. 49
It's a special edition of Keeping It Independent , live from the Farm Progress Show in Boone, Iowa. First, Technical Product Manager Brent Tharp joins us to talk new hybrids and Pro Farmer's yield estimates. Then, Wyffels Hybrids Director of Marketing, Tim Birkel stops by to discuss the Plant Your Independence campaign. We round out the show with a visit from Farm Rescue volunteer Matt Blaylock who talks about the organization's mission and how listeners can get involved. Links discussed in the ...
Sep 03, 2024•26 min•Ep. 48
Southern rust in the central Midwest? What's the deal with that?? On today's episode, Agronomy Managers Jared Goplen and Eric Wilson discuss the late season diseases impacting this year's corn crop. They explore tips for scouting and managing southern rust, tar spot, and Goss's wilt. Between the Rows® - Common Leaf Diseases Between the Rows® - Tar Spot Scouting for Tar Spot Video - Eric Wilson Between the Rows® - Making the Fungicide Decision We want to hear from you. Have questions you want us ...
Aug 15, 2024•19 min•Ep. 47
Technical Product Manager Brent Tharp and Agronomy Managers Ryan Gentle and Eric Wilson come to you LIVE from Kickoff 2025 to discuss all things aphids, late summer disease reports, and an audience question on planting populations. Between the Rows® - Common Leaf Diseases Between the Rows® - Tar Spot Scouting for Tar Spot Video - Eric Wilson Between the Rows® - Making the Fungicide Decision We want to hear from you. Have questions you want us to address on future episodes? Ideas for how we can m...
Aug 01, 2024•20 min•Ep. 46
Agronomy Managers Ryan Gentle and Jared Goplen discuss how heavy rains and winds are impacting the crop, and whether fungicide is worth it considering the late July situation. Between the Rows® - Damage from Summer Storms Between the Rows® - The Effects of Flooding and Saturated Soils on Corn Between the Rows® - Making the Fungicide Decision Wyffels Yield Calculator 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...
Jul 17, 2024•16 min•Ep. 45
It's an exciting time at Wyffels Hybrids! This week, we're officially opening our Ames, Iowa site. To help celebrate, VP of Production Jacob Wyffels joined the podcast to discuss this generational investment and other goings-on in production. Links discussed in this episode: Iowa Site Announcement The Wyffels Story 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 agronomy@wyffels.com . Wyffels Hybrids. Fiercely...
Jul 09, 2024•29 min•Ep. 44
