Keeping It Independent

Latest Episodes:

Insect Forecast 2026 With Kelly Estes Mar 10, 2026

Show notes

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.

Kernels of Knowledge:
- Stay Informed: Regularly check trapping data and utilize pest prediction tools to stay ahead of pest threats in your fields.
- Monitor Weather Effects: Be aware of how weather conditions can impact pest survival and behavior, adjusting management practices accordingly.
- Participate in Trapping Programs: Engage with local pest trapping programs to contribute data and gain insights into pest populations in your area.

For more in-depth pest management tips and tools, check out the resources below.

Links discussed in this episode:
Corn ipmPIPE
Illinois Cooperative Agricultural Pest Survey (CAPS) program
Water and Atmospheric Resources Monitoring (WARM) Program
Wyffels Hybrids Corn Rootworm Monitoring
Between The Rows® - Monitoring CRW Populations

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.

Disclaimer: This podcast's discussion of one-year trial results is for educational purposes only and does not constitute a recommendation or endorsement of any product or management style mentioned. Results shared are based on specific study conditions and may not be applicable to your situation. Always consult with a qualified professional before making any decisions based on this information.

Wyffels Hybrids. Fiercely independent, and proud of it.

► Let’s Connect
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WyffelsHybrids
X: https://www.x.com/WyffelsHybrids
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wyffelshybrids/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/wyffelshybrids

CRW Management: Traits and Alternatives Feb 27, 2026

Show notes

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 management of corn rootworm requires a combination of proactive monitoring and research-backed treatment options. As we continue to explore and refine these strategies, growers can enhance their crop resilience and yield potential. For more insights, consider implementing the discussed practices and continuing to monitor your fields for rootworm activity.

Links discussed in this episode:
Wyffels Hybrids Corn Rootworm Monitoring
Our Corn Products - Wyffels Hybrids
Wyffels Hybrids Seed Corn Technology Options
Between The Rows® - Monitoring CRW Populations

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.

Meet Mike Witt: Western Iowa Agronomy Manager Feb 09, 2026

Show notes

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 - the newest member of the Wyffels Product and Agronomy team. With over two decades of experience in the agricultural industry, Mike brings a wealth of knowledge and enthusiasm to his new role. This episode dives into his background, his vision for agronomic service in western Iowa, and the exciting relationships he plans to forge.

Links discussed in this episode:
Our Corn Products - Wyffels Hybrids
Request our Product Guide
Wyffels Hybrids Trial Results

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.

New Year, New Yield Resolutions Jan 22, 2026

Show notes

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 individual hybrids express their yield components. Hybrids are planted at low and high populations to determine how hybrid yield components change, or "flex", in response to stress. Ears are collected to determine how the girth, length, and kernel weight are affected by stress. Differences are converted to a percentage to show how each yield component influences total ear flex by product.

You can fine-tune management to protect genetic yield potential by knowing how hybrids respond to stress.

Links discussed in this episode:
Our Corn Products - Wyffels Hybrids
Request our Product Guide with Yield Component Information.
Between the Rows® - Fungicide Use on Wyffels Hybrids
Wyffels Hybrids Trial Results

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.

Skip the Pencil. Ink-in Fungicide for 2026. Dec 11, 2025

Show notes

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 environments that favor the development of leaf disease.

On today's podcast, the Wyffels agronomy team reviews multiyear data, explores best practices for ROI, and offers thoughts on strategy for 2026.

Links discussed in this episode:
Between the Rows® - Fungicide Use on Wyffels Hybrids
Wyffels Hybrids Trial Results
Between the Rows® - Southern Rust

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.

Story of the Season: Part 2 Nov 21, 2025

Show notes

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:
Between the Rows® - Fungicide Use on Wyffels Hybrids
Wyffels Hybrids Trial Results
Iowa Environmental Mesonet

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.

Story of the Season: Part 1 Nov 18, 2025

Show notes

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. They take a look at the factors that influenced hybrid performance, and share what lessons can be applied going forward.

Part 2 of our mini-series will cover Wisconsin, Illinois, and eastern Iowa.

Links discussed in this episode:
Between the Rows® - Fungicide Use on Wyffels Hybrids
Wyffels Hybrids Trial Results
Iowa Environmental Mesonet

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.

What (And What Not) to Learn from 2025 Oct 10, 2025

Show notes

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 Rows® - Fungicide Use on Wyffels Hybrids
Between the Rows® - Ear Rots and Kernel Molds
Wyffels Harvest Progress Report Map

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.

Digging Deeper on Hybrid Evaluation Sep 17, 2025

Show notes

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 2026.

Links discussed in this episode:
Between the Rows® - Fungicide Use on Wyffels Hybrids
Between the Rows® - Ear Rots and Kernel Molds
Wyffels Grain Drying 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 at agronomy@wyffels.com.

Wyffels Hybrids. Fiercely independent, and proud of it.

Live from FPS: Best Bang for the Buck Sep 01, 2025

Show notes

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 this episode:
Wyffels Yield Calculator
Wyffels Grain Drying Calculator
Between the Rows® - Corn Pollination and Grain Fill
Between the Rows® - Southern Rust