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What does #1 Look Like in the Central U.S.? It Looks Like This.

Every acre is unique. That’s why Pioneer® — the nation’s #1 brand for corn and soybeans¹ — delivers proven genetics, advanced traits, and local support. Our insights and recommendations are tailored for the Central U.S., helping growers get the most out of every bag of seed.

Central corn belt highlighted - NE, IA, IL, IN, eastern KS, southern MN
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Central corn belt highlighted - NE, IA, IL, IN, eastern KS, southern MN

Harvest Resources

Timing Corn Harvest

Timing Corn Harvest

Corn harvest timing is a critical crop management decision. Early harvest can reduce field losses. It increases drying costs. Early harvest may reduce grain quality and storability if kernels are damaged in handling.

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Reducing Harvest Losses in Soybeans

Reducing Soybean Harvest Losses

When harvest is delayed soybeans may show an increased tendency to shatter. At harvest stage soybeans lose and reabsorb moisture readily. They are predisposed to shatter.

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Measuring and Reducing Corn Field Losses

Reducing Corn Field Losses

Corn yield is effectively set at the R6 stage of kernel development, or  physiological maturity. After this milestone, crop yield cannot be gained, only lost.

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Pre-Harvest Tar Spot Observations

Pre-Harvest Tar Spot Observations

As we assess fields right before harvest, Pioneer Field Agronomist Matthew Vandehaar encourages farmers to take note of the late season plant health and Tar Spot infections within fields. Keep track of hybrids or fields with moderate or heavy Tar Spot pressure to watch stalk quality and to make sure you plant a more Tar Spot-tolerant hybrid there the next time you plant corn.

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Pre-Harvest Tar Spot Observations

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As we assess fields right before harvest, Pioneer Field Agronomist Matthew Vandehaar encourages farmers to take note of the late season plant health and Tar Spot infections within fields. Keep track of hybrids or fields with moderate or heavy Tar Spot pressure to watch stalk quality and to make sure you plant a more Tar Spot-tolerant hybrid there the next time you plant corn.

Agronomy Articles

Drought-Stressed Grain Harvest

Drought-Stressed Grain Harvest

Stressed crops may deteriorate rapidly due to standability or grain quality issues. Assess crop conditions early and prioritize field harvest order accordingly. Dry down will be rapid. Moistures below 15% represent loss of saleable product.

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Working with Yield Monitors

Working with Yield Monitors

If significant changes are made to the elevator chain, paddles or flow sensor during harvest, you will need to recalibrate. Tightening the elevator chain, replacing old paddles or changing the gap of the flow sensor to the paddles changes the previous calibration.

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Harvesting Wind-Damaged Corn

Harvesting Wind-Damaged Corn

Lodged corn often harvests best going the opposite direction of the wind damage. Use of GPS guidance systems such as light bars and RTK can reduce operator strain but they should be set to operate opposite the wind direction..

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Increasing Soybean Yields

Increasing Soybean Yields

Soybean yield is determined by the number of seeds per acre and the final seed weight. Seed number has the greatest impact on final soybean yield. Seed number is a function of the plants per acre, pods per plant and seeds per pod.

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Combine Setting Recommendations

Combine Setting Recommendations

Safety first. With extremely dry conditions the risk of combine fires is very real. Keep an eye on the combine engine compartment and be sure all fire extinguishers are charged and accessible every time you harvest.

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Tassel Wrap in Corn

Tassel Wrap in Corn

The widespread occurrence of tassel wrap in 2025 was primarily driven by environmental conditions, with abundant moisture and heat unit accumulation in the growth stages leading up to pollination likely playing a key role.

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Products for the Central Region

Our corn and soybean products are grown by more farmers than any other brand. Pioneer products are supported by local agronomy experts, ensuring farmers can maximize profitability and protect their yield with confidence.

Vorceed Enlist

Vorceed Enlist

A full corn protection solution with our most advanced trait technology. Get more above-ground protection as well as three modes of action that protect against CRW.

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PowerCore Enlist

PowerCore Enlist

Pioneer® brand PowerCore® Enlist® corn is a comprehensive trait package for above-ground insect control, herbicide tolerance and genetics, resulting in clean fields and higher yield potential.

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Z-Series Soybeans

Z-series soybeans

Experience next-level weed control and yield potential with Z-series soybeans. Discover how you can maximize your acres with advanced herbicide tolerance and proven Pioneer genetics.

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More Options to Grow Your Farm

More Options to Grow Your Farm

Complementary Crop Resources

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My Local Pioneer Team

Our unmatched team of local professionals live and work in your community. They’re ready to help you select products with superior yield potential and provide year-round service and expertise. Have questions? Ask your local Pioneer sales representative today.

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¹According to Kynetic USA, Inc. agricultural sales data for 2024 corn and soybean sales. Copyright 2025 Kynetec USA, Inc.

The foregoing is provided for informational use only. Please contact your Pioneer sales representative for information and suggestions specific to your operation. Product performance is variable and depends on many factors, such as moisture and heat stress, soil type, management practices and environmental stress, as well as disease and pest pressures. Individual results may vary. Multi-year and multi-location data are a better predictor of performance. DO NOT USE THIS OR ANY OTHER DATA FROM A LIMITED NUMBER OF TRIALS AS A SIGNIFICANT FACTOR IN PRODUCT SELECTION.