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Wyffels Hybrids: plot data shows farmers likely didn’t harvest a record corn crop

The agronomy manager for Wyffels Hybrids says he doesn’t believe there was a record U.S. corn crop this year.

Robby Meeker tells Brownfield, “Our data would not suggest that.”  He says, “In Wyffels geography of Illinois, Iowa, and Minnesota, and a little bit of South Dakota, we were down 11 bushels year over year. Looking at our plot average compared to 2024, it’s a little bit over 2000 plots.”

He says several factors led to lower plot yields.

“Disease was definitely at the forefront.”  He says, “We just had extremes, right? We had extreme heat, very hot night temperatures, and prolonged lack of rainfall in August and September. We were very dry.”

Meeker says many farmers planning for 2026 are focusing on disease resistance and genetic diversity within their hybrid portfolio to help mitigate similar risks next season.

In Illinois, the USDA’s final weekly crop progress and conditions report of 2025 says 99% of corn is harvested, just ahead of the five-year average.  Ninety-nine percent of winter wheat is planted, with 92% emerged and 56% in good to excellent condition. Dry conditions remain, with 55% of the state’s topsoil moisture rate short or very short.

Brownfield spoke with Meeker at NAFB’s Trade Talk last week in Kansas City.

AUDIO: Robby Meeker – Wyffels Hybrids