Keeping It Independent

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.Links discussed in this episode:Between the Rows® - Optimize PlantabilityEvaluating Seed Corn Planting Depth & Seed-to-Soil Contact - VideoWyffels Hybrids - Planting Progress ReportWyffels Hybrids - Our Corn ProductsWe 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.

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 discussed in this episode:Wyffels Hybrids - Planting Progress ReportWyffels Hybrids - Growing Degree Unit (GDU) calculatorNational Water Prediction ServiceBetween the Rows® - Choosing the Right Planting RateBetween the Rows® - Optimize PlantabilityWyffels Hybrids - Our Corn ProductsWe 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.

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 ProgramBetween the Rows® - Early Planting ConsiderationsBetween the Rows® - Choosing the Right Planting RateBetween the Rows® - Optimize PlantabilityWyffels Hybrids - Our Corn ProductsUniversity of Illinois - WARMISU Soil Moisture NetworkWe 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.

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 network and dive into updates on corn rootworm, Asian beetles, corn borer, and more. Links discussed in this episode:Wyffels Hybrids - Corn Rootworm Monitoring ProgramIllinois Cooperative Agricultural Pest Survey (CAPS) programCorn ipmPIPEIllinois Natural History SurveyThe Water and Atmospheric Resources Monitoring (WARM) NetworkWe 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.

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 ProgramBetween the Rows® - Agronomic LibraryWyffels Hybrids - Our Corn ProductsWe 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.

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 LibraryWyffels Hybrids - Independent Corn Breeding ProgramWyffels Hybrids - Our Corn ProductsWe 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.

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.Links discussed in this episode:Between the Rows® - Agronomic LibraryUnderstand Ear Flex - AgWebWe 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.

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 LossUniversity of Illinois - Water and Atmospheric Resources Monitoring Program (WARM) Soil DataUMN Extension Nutrient Management Podcast - Nitrification inhibitors in detail: Important information to help delay N loss 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.

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 CornBetween the Rows® - Spring AnhydrousBetween the Rows® - Understanding Nitrogen LossWe 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.

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 standability at harvest.Scouting for disease is the best way to determine which fields would show a positive response to a fungicide application. But considering other factors such as field history, weather, and hybrid disease tolerance is also important.Links discussed in this episode:Between the Rows - Making the Fungicide DecisionWe 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.

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 informed decisions.Nitrogen is one of the most expensive inputs in corn production. So, it is a decision that needs careful attention, because when we fall short on nitrogen it can be a very costly mistake. Links discussed in this episode:Between the Rows - Understanding Nitrogen LossBetween the Rows - Sidedress Nitrogen in Corn 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.

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 ConsiderationsWe 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.

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 ammoniaFertility 101 - P&K ManagementFertility 101 - Soil pHWe 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.

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 - VideoWyffels Yield CalculatorWe 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.

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 CalculatorHow to Test for Stalk Quality - VideoBetween the Rows® - Common Leaf DiseasesWyffels GDU CalculatorWe 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.

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 StoryOur Wyffels HybridsWe 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.

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 CalculatorWyffels Grain Drying CalculatorWyffels Corn Rootworm Monitoring ProgramOur Wyffels HybridsWe 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.

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 episode:Serving Those Who Serve - Farm Rescue Wyffels Yield CalculatorOur Wyffels HybridsPlantYourIndependence.comPro FarmerWe 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.

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 DiseasesBetween the Rows® - Tar SpotScouting for Tar Spot Video - Eric WilsonBetween the Rows® - Making the Fungicide DecisionWe 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.

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 DiseasesBetween the Rows® - Tar SpotScouting for Tar Spot Video - Eric WilsonBetween the Rows® - Making the Fungicide DecisionWe 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.

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 StormsBetween the Rows® - The Effects of Flooding and Saturated Soils on CornBetween the Rows® - Making the Fungicide DecisionWyffels Yield CalculatorWe 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.

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 AnnouncementThe Wyffels StoryWe 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.

Agronomy Manager Ryan Gentle and Technical Product Manager Dr. Brent Tharp discuss tar spot, corn rootworm management and monitoring, and how heavy rains/flooding are impacting the crop. But...there is some good news!Happy 4th of July from Wyffels Hybrids. Enjoy a hot dog and a cold one, and celebrate your independence!Between the Rows® - Damage from Summer StormsBetween the Rows® - The Effects of Flooding and Saturated Soils on CornWyffels Hybrids Corn Rootworm MonitoringWyffels Hybrids GDU CalculatorCorn ipmPIPEWe 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.

Agronomy Manager Eric Wilson discusses how recent storms and flooding have impacted the central Midwest corn crop. Then, the agronomy team talks with the 2024 Wyffels interns - Tyler Barrington, Agronomy; Maddi Klemme, Marketing; Kade Wassman, Sales.Between the Rows® - Damage from Summer StormsBetween the Rows® - The Effects of Flooding and Saturated Soils on CornWyffels Hybrids Corn Rootworm MonitoringWe 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.

Agronomy Managers Jared Goplen and Eric Wilson discuss the emergence of tar spot, corn rootworm management and monitoring, and how June heatwaves are impacting the crop. Plus...there is some good news!Between the Rows® - Managing Corn Rootworm PopulationsWyffels Hybrids Corn Rootworm MonitoringCrop Protection Network - Fungicide Efficacy for Control of Corn Foliar DiseasesWe 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.

Join us as we cover a grab bag of topics impacting corn's "ugly duckling" phase. On this week's episode, Agronomy Manager Jared Goplen and Technical Product Manager Brent Tharp discuss seedling blight, nitrogen, and, yes, even tar spot. Links discussed in this episode:Wyffels Hybrids Replant CalculatorBetween the Rows® - Sidedress Nitrogen in CornWe 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.

Follow the Label, But Why?  Find out on this week's episode of Keeping It Independent. Agronomy Manager Eric Wilson sits down with BASF's Kurt Maertens to discus post-emergence applications. The two dive into the top field calls received during spraying season. Links discussed in this episode:Between the Rows® - Weed ManagementBASF - Farming and Crop ProtectionWe 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.

Need a break from all the planting talk? We do, too. On this week's episode, Agronomy Managers Ryan Gentle and Eric Wilson discuss cutworms, nitrogen loss, and emergence flagging.Links discussed in this episode:Wyffels Hybrids Replant CalculatorBetween the Rows® - Black Cutworm and True ArmywormBetween the Rows® - Effects of Flooding and Saturated Soils on CornIowa State University - Iowa Environmental MesonetCorn ipm PIPE - Black cutworm websiteIowa State University - Nitrogen CalculatorWe 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.

Well, at least we busted that drought. On this week's episode, Agronomy Manager Eric Wilson and Technical Product Manager Brent Tharp discuss managing a wet spring. When do delays start impacting yield potential? Should you switch out hybrids? Give a listen & find out more!Links discussed in this episode:Wyffels Hybrids Replant CalculatorWyffels Hybrids Growing Degree Unit CalculatorBetween the Rows® - Delayed Planting ConditionsBetween the Rows® - Effects of Flooding and Saturated Soils on CornWe 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.

As the calendar flips to May, we're in the heart of planting season. The only problem? Much of the Corn Belt is getting soaked & progress is slowing. On this week's episode, Agronomy Managers Eric Wilson and Ryan Gentle discuss planting progress, managing wet conditions, seedling blight concerns, and replant considerations.Links discussed in this episode:Wyffels Hybrids Replant CalculatorWyffels Hybrids Growing Degree Unit CalculatorBetween the Rows® - Delayed Planting ConditionsBetween the Rows® - Effects of Flooding and Saturated Soils on CornWe 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.

It's planting season in the Central Corn Belt! On this week's episode, the full Wyffels Agronomy Team joined the show to discuss planting progress, growing degree units, and how to navigate a cool and rainy end to April.Links discussed in this episode:Wyffels Hybrids Growing Degree Unit CalculatorBetween the Rows® - Optimize PlantabilityWe 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.

It's almost go-time in the Central Corn Belt! Agronomy Managers Eric Wilson and Ryan Gentle discuss April corn planting and how to determine fit soil conditions.Links discussed in this episode:Wyffels Hybrids Growing Degree Unit CalculatorBetween the Rows® - Early Spring Planting ConsiderationsWe 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.

On this week's show, Technical Product Manager Brent Tharp and Agronomy Manager Eric Wilson cover planting rates and optimizing plantability. They explore Wyffels' testing procedures and how the resulting information can benefit you this season.Links discussed in this episode:Between the Rows® - Optimizing PlantabilityBetween the Rows® - Choosing the Right Planting Rate 2024 Follow the podcast on Apple, Spotify, Amazon and more!We want to hear from you. Have questions you want us to address on future episodes? Email us at agronomy@wyffels.com.

This week on Keeping It Independent, we're shining a light on Wyffels' partnership with Farm Rescue. Agronomy Manager Eric Wilson sits down Farm Rescue's Ben Smith (00:00) to discuss the nonprofit's impact. Chris and Kari Berg (17:37) also join to discuss their experience with Farm Rescue.Communications Manager Jill Carlson highlights how Wyffels is working with Farm Rescue to cultivate awareness, donations, volunteers and more!Wyffels Hybrids is proud to partner with Farm Rescue. Farm Rescue is a nonprofit organization that helps families dealing with crisis due to illness, injury or natural disasters by providing the support they need to get work done, such as planting, harvesting or feeding livestock.As a U.S. Farm Family-owned business based in the Central Corn Belt, Wyffels is in touch with farming communities in areas where Farm Rescue is currently not well known. Wyffels employees, seed representatives and customers are often the first to hear about a neighbor in need in local communities. Partnering with Farm Rescue to raise awareness could prove invaluable to farmers facing unforeseen disruptions to their farming operation.Since our partnership began in 2022, Wyffels Hybrids has supported 17 farm cases, Farm Rescue has added more than 350 new volunteers, and donations have increased by 20%.We want to hear from you. Have questions you want us to address on future episodes? Email us at agronomy@wyffels.com.

The weather is warming up, but there's still work to be done - and conditions to consider - before the planting season gets under way. On this episode, Agronomy Managers Eric Wilson and Jared Goplen discuss what you need to keep in mind as you make final preparations for the upcoming planting season.Links discussed in this episode:Wyffels Hybrids Between the Rows® - Spring Anhydrous 2024Wyffels Hybrids Between the Rows® - Early Spring Planting ConsiderationsWe 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.

Has the mild winter had an impact on pests? On this episode of Keeping It Independent, Agronomy Manager Ryan Gentle sits down with University of Illinois entomologist Kelly Estes to discuss her role as the State Agricultural Pest Survey Coordinator, and to pick her brain on all things bugs!Links discussed in this episode:Corn ipmPIPEUniversity of Illinois - Water and Atmospheric Resources Monitoring ProgramIllinois Pest Survey ProgramKelly Estes - Bio - University of IllinoisWe 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.

Where is our yield coming from?? On this episode of Keeping It Independent, we're exploring the balancing act that is corn breeding. Wyffels Hybrids Corn Breeders Bob Jackson and Chris Eichhorn stop by to discuss the evolution of modern hybrids, and the factors that go into developing hybrids for your acres.Links discussed in this episode:Wyffels' Independent Corn Breeding ProgramWe 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.

We're going back in time on the latest episode of Keeping It Independent! Wyffels Hybrids Corn Breeder Devin Nichols joins the show to talk the long history of corn and how modern hybrids came to be.  We dive into teosinte, open-pollinated varieties, and the advent of hybrid corn.Links discussed in this episode:Wyffels' Independent Corn Breeding ProgramWe 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.

Agronomy Manager Jared Goplen sits down with University of Minnesota Associate Professor Dr. Daniel Kaiser to discuss zinc and boron. Links discussed in this episode:University of Minnesota College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences: https://cfans.umn.edu/Follow CFANS on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/umncfans/Dr. Daniel Kaiser Profile - University of Minnesota: https://swac.umn.edu/people/daniel-kaiserWe 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.

Agronomy Manager Jared Goplen sits down with University of Minnesota Associate Professor Dr. Daniel Kaiser to discuss sulfur. Links discussed in this episode:University of Minnesota College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences: https://cfans.umn.edu/Follow CFANS on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/umncfans/Dr. Daniel Kaiser Profile - University of Minnesota: https://swac.umn.edu/people/daniel-kaiserWe 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.

Agronomy Manager Ryan Gentle sits down with University of Illinois Postdoctoral Research Associate Connor Sible to discuss biologicals. Links discussed in this episode:University of Illinois Crop Physiology: https://cropphysiology.cropsci.illinois.edu/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.

Agronomy Managers Eric Wilson and Ryan Gentle discuss their New Year's Resolutions for farmers. They dive into hybrid placement plans, fertilizer status checks, herbicide components, and more! Pop the champagne (or crack a cold one if you prefer) and enjoy this special episode of "Keeping It Independent".Links discussed in this episode:Wyffels - Between The Rows: Weed ManagementAgWeb Newsletter: https://preferences.farmjournal.com/Newsletter-Page.htmlFarm Progress - "Cover crop incentives available in Illinois"Successful Farming: https://agriculture.com/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.

It's a special holiday mailbag episode of Keeping It Independent!  Our own 3 wise men - Agronomy Managers Jared Goplen, Eric Wilson, and Ryan Gentle - wrap up 2023 and answer your rapid-fire questions.Topics include lessons from 2023, New Year's resolutions for corn growers, the best gifts for an agronomist, favorite Christmas movies, and more!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.

Agronomy Managers Eric Wilson and Jared Goplen discuss your burning questions about the state of corn rootworm (the pretty ones and the ugly ones) management.Links discussed in this episode:Wyffels Between the Rows – Monitoring Corn Rootworm Populations: https://www.wyffels.com/agronomy/monitoring-corn-rootworm-populationsLearn more about the Wyffels Hybrids CRW monitoring program: wyffels.com/agronomy/corn-rootworm-monitoringWe 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.

All things considered, yields were better than expected for most of the Corn Belt this year. With long drought periods throughout the summer, how was this possible? On this week's episode, the Wyffels Agronomy Team highlight the six factors that made the difference.Links discussed in this episode:Wyffels Hybrids Trial Results: https://www.wyffels.com/wyffels-hybrids/trial-resultsOur Hybrids: https://www.wyffels.com/wyffels-hybridsWe 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.

As harvest season winds down, we take a look back and a look forward. On this week's episode, Agronomy Managers Eric Wilson and Jared Goplen discuss crown rot, 2023 heat units, fall nitrogen, and more!Links discussed in this episode:P & K Management: https://www.wyffels.com/agronomy/fertility-101-p-and-k-managementIowa State University - Soil Temperature Maps: https://mesonet.agron.iastate.edu/agclimate/soilt.phpWyffels Hybrids Trial Results: https://www.wyffels.com/wyffels-hybrids/trial-resultsOur Hybrids: https://www.wyffels.com/wyffels-hybridsWe 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.

Variability and "better than expected". Those are the key phases we're hearing across the Central Corn Belt. On this week's episode, Agronomy Manager Eric Wilson and Technical Product Manager Brent Tharp discuss early yield reports, fall anhydrous, and more!Links discussed in this episode:Wyffels Hybrids Trial Results: https://www.wyffels.com/wyffels-hybrids/trial-resultsWyffels Between the Rows - Harvest Timing: https://www.wyffels.com/agronomy/harvest-timingOur Hybrids: https://www.wyffels.com/wyffels-hybridsWe 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.

Harvest season is here, and that means plenty of questions to answer. Agronomy Managers Ryan Gentle and Jared Goplen discuss harvest updates, injury/disease challenges, and that "black stuff" you might be seeing.Links discussed in this episode:Wyffels Hybrids Trial Results: https://www.wyffels.com/wyffels-hybrids/trial-resultsWyffels Between the Rows - Harvest Timing: https://www.wyffels.com/agronomy/harvest-timingOur Hybrids: https://www.wyffels.com/wyffels-hybridsWe 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.

Variability. That's the word of the year. Agronomy Managers Eric Wilson and Jared Goplen dive into stalk integrity, drydown, and all things harvest.Links discussed in this episode:Wyffels Grain Drying Calculator: https://www.wyffels.com/agronomy/grain-drying-calculatorWyffels Between the Rows - Harvest Timing: https://www.wyffels.com/agronomy/harvest-timingIowa State University - Corn Drydown CalculatorOur Hybrids: https://www.wyffels.com/wyffels-hybridsWe 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.

It's been a wild season in the field. After another dry stretch, harvest is approaching quicker than anticipated. Agronomy Manager Ryan Gentle and Technical Product Manager Brent Tharp dive into crop updates, interpreting yield results, and the importance of planting a hybrid package.Links discussed in this episode:Wyffels Between the Rows - Heat and Drought Stress: https://www.wyffels.com/agronomy/heat-and-drought-stressWyffels Grain Drying Calculator: https://www.wyffels.com/agronomy/grain-drying-calculatorOur Hybrids: https://www.wyffels.com/wyffels-hybridsWe 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.

Harvest is coming...and maybe sooner than we thought. Agronomy Managers Jared Goplen and Ryan Gentle discuss a slate of late summer questions.Links discussed in this episode:Wyffels Between the Rows - Heat and Drought Stress: https://www.wyffels.com/agronomy/heat-and-drought-stressWyffels GDU Calculator: https://www.wyffels.com/agronomy/growing-daysWyffels Yield Calculator: wyffels.com/agronomy/yield-calculatorWe 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.