Keeping It Independent

26:16

Sprout of Control? Vivipary, Grain Quality, & Insurance

Keeping It Independent ·

2026/10/07

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 about vivipary, managing the impact of recent weather on corn quality, and navigating crop

en

43:17

Research & Production Harvest

Keeping It Independent ·

2026/10/02

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 beyond.Join Eric Wilson, Dr. Shane Meis, and Matt Carton as they share their experiences and

en

19:00

Corn Crop: Ahead of Schedule

Keeping It Independent ·

2026/09/17

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 RotFarm Rescue + Wyffels HybridsHarvest Progress ReportWyffels Hybrids 2026 Product Spotlight VideosCorn Belt Award

en

28:41

The Crown Rot Complex

Keeping It Independent ·

2026/09/09

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 with Iowa State's Dr. Erin Hodgson about corn rootworm pressure (or the lack thereof) in 2026.

en

27:04

Mud or Dust? Making the Right Late-Season Calls

Keeping It Independent ·

2026/08/21

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 Jared Goplen break down what they're seeing in corn right now across very different environments

en

34:08

Corn Disease 101 with Alison Robertson

Keeping It Independent ·

2026/08/14

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, southern rust, gray leaf spot, and more.While this season may feel fairly uneventful for those

en

29:37

Celebrating 100 Episodes

Keeping It Independent ·

2026/08/03

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 our "junior agronomist", Gracie, for joining us to celebrate the milestone episode!Links discussed

en

24:49

Look Who's Back - Southern Rust

Keeping It Independent ·

2026/07/27

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 different from 2025.Links discussed in this episode:Crop Protection Network - Fungicide Efficacy for

en

23:45

Get to Know Our Agronomy Intern w/ Greta Hall

Keeping It Independent ·

2026/07/23

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 internship.We want to hear from you. Have questions you want us to address on future episodes? Ideas for

en

15:54

Post-Fourth Crop Conditions

Keeping It Independent ·

2026/07/07

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, monitoring crop health, and implementing effective management strategies, farmers can mitigate risks and

en

30:35

Protecting Yield Potential & Our First Listener Question

Keeping It Independent ·

2026/07/02

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 your corn's yield.Links discussed in this episode:Crop Protection Network - Tar Spot MapIowa State

en

27:44

Severe Weather, Spreading Disease, & Looking Ahead

Keeping It Independent ·

2026/06/23

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 LossIowa State University MesonetBetween The Rows® - Tar SpotBetween The Rows® - Damage from Summer StormsWe want to hear from you. Have

en

18:20

Weathering It All: Snap, Flooding, & Recovery

Keeping It Independent ·

2026/06/17

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 farmers.- Early season greensnap injuries may have less impact on overall yield than

en

20:54

Wrap, Flash, Fops and Dims

Keeping It Independent ·

2026/06/09

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 this show a listen, and tackle June with confidence.Links discussed in this episode:Wyffels

en

17:57

Warm Temps, Post Applications, and Sidedressing Tips

Keeping It Independent ·

2026/05/29

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 early season challenges, and innovative solutions to keep your corn healthy and productive.Links

en

22:06

Planting Wrap Up & Post Apps

Keeping It Independent ·

2026/05/27

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.Links discussed in this episode:Wyffels Hybrids Herbicide Tolerance ChartWyffels Hybrids GDU

en

23:10

IL, IN, WI Early Season Update

Keeping It Independent ·

2026/05/21

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 Wisconsin. They offer effective tips and strategies for managing your acres this May.Links

en

20:31

Seed Chilling & Slow Emergence with new Area Agronomy...

Keeping It Independent ·

2026/05/13

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 to May.Links discussed in this episode:Wyffels Hybrids Planting Progress ReportWyffels Hybrids

en

16:58

Mixed Bag on Planting Progress

Keeping It Independent ·

2026/04/27

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 the extended forecast, and highlights the Wyffels GDU calculator.Remember, it’s still early, and

en

20:08

When in Doubt, Plant Beans

Keeping It Independent ·

2026/04/09

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

en

All Episodes

Similar Podcasts

Rabbit Hole of Research

Jotham Austin, II PhD, Nick Elizalde,...

Show Me the Science with Luke O"Neill

Newstalk

Planetterrian Daily

Patrick · Nerra Network

Sleep Science

Sleep Science

BioSpace

BioSpace