We’re excited to share our 2025 plot data from two locations across Northeast Iowa, highlighting hybrid and variety performance, planting timing impacts, and trials of emerging crop performance products. These plots were designed to provide real-world insight into how genetics, management decisions, and new technologies perform under local growing conditions.
From soybeans to corn, the results reinforce an important message: early planning, timely planting, and strategic input decisions can significantly influence yield and return on investment. We encourage growers to review the data closely and visit with their Five Star agronomist to determine what makes the most sense for their acres.
New Hampton, IA – SOYBEANS
Overall, we saw strong soybean yields at our New Hampton location. The plot was planted April 14, and while we experienced some early stand loss, crop scouts conducted population counts in May showing most varieties were still running 80,000–90,000 plants per acre. Based on those counts, we made the decision to keep the stand rather than replant—an example of how data-driven decisions can help avoid unnecessary replant costs.
There were some Xtend beans in the plot, that unfortunately got some Enlist on them, and we had to replant. We replanted those with Alloy 21E34 and you can see from the same variety planted in April (#2), compared to the replants on June 6th, (#3,4,5,7), there was almost 20 bushels yield difference.
These results align with Iowa State University research, which suggests planting soybeans before April 20 when possible, then shifting planting priority to corn afterward. In many seasons, soybeans planted early have more time to establish roots, flower earlier, and better capitalize on sunlight and late-season moisture.
Emerging Product Trials: Emergence-Z and New Seed Treatments
This year’s plots also evaluated performance of new crop enhancement products.
A trial of Emergence-Z, a talc/graphite-based planter box additive containing nutrients, showed a 3.2 bushel per acre yield increase on Brevant 214EE (#12,13). This suggests improved early vigor and stand consistency may play a meaningful role in final yield outcomes.
We also tested a new Syngenta SDS and SCN seed treatment, Victrato (#28) that is newly registered and expected to be commercially available in 2026. Compared to the standard fungicide/insecticide treatment (#27), the product delivered a 3-bushel advantage, and still added 1.6 bushels per acre over Saltro (#26) on the same soybean variety. As Sudden Death Syndrome and Soybean Cyst Nematode pressure continue to impact profitability, this new treatment shows promising potential for risk management and yield protection.
New Hampton, IA – CORN
Corn plots in New Hampton provided an unexpected but valuable learning opportunity. During fungicide application, a portion of the field was unintentionally missed. While not planned, this created a side-by-side visual comparison of corn with and without fungicide protection.
The difference in disease pressure and plant health became increasingly visible as the season progressed, reinforcing the role fungicide can play in protecting yield potential, improving plant stay-green, and supporting grain fill, especially in higher-yield environments or years with elevated disease risk.
Thompson, IA – CORN
At our Thompson location, corn plot performance offered another layer of insight into hybrid response and field-level management differences. Evaluating results across multiple locations helps paint a more accurate picture of which hybrids and input strategies perform consistently, and which may be better suited for specific soil types, fertility programs, or management styles.
Putting Plot Data to Work on Your Acres
Plot data is most valuable when it translates into actionable decisions on your farm. Whether you’re selecting seed, evaluating planting timing, or deciding on crop protection and performance products, your Five Star agronomist can help interpret results and build a strategy tailored to your acres, goals, and budget.
Looking to discuss which hybrids, varieties, and treatments could deliver the best ROI on your operation from the plot data? Connect with your local agronomist today.
Wondering about the full lineup of seed brands and genetics available through Five Star Cooperative? Visit our Ag Seeds page for more details. And remember, no seed plan is complete without a strong treatment, fertility, and crop performance program. Take time to evaluate your options, manage risk, and make confident, data-backed decisions for the season ahead.
