HPJ Talk host Kylie Reiss spoke with Mustang Seeds agronomy manager Al Bass about what growers learned from the 2026 corn and soybean season and how those lessons can guide harvest decisions and 2027 planning. 

How would you describe the 2026 corn and soybean growing season across Mustang Seeds’ territory? 

Variable. Our footprint includes Wisconsin, Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota, and we’ve seen wide differences in weather, soils and growing conditions. Some areas of North Dakota were so dry that yields were zeroed out, while parts of southern Minnesota have seen record-setting yields. There is a lot in between, but overall there is plenty to feel positive about. 

What stood out in the fields this year? 

Overall yields were encouraging in many areas, particularly where growers adjusted their management. The challenges were just as important: late-season stalk deterioration in corn, leaf diseases that showed up at different times across the region, and ongoing weed-control difficulties in soybeans. Those issues varied by location and product. 

What should growers scout before starting harvest? 

Look at stalk integrity in corn fields, particularly where heat and other stress occurred during pollination. A push test can help reveal weak stalks, and it is important to check ear shanks and the possibility of ears dropping. In soybeans, moisture declined quickly in many areas, and there were concerns about anthracnose and standability. The key is to inspect fields before bringing the combine in. 

Which fields should be harvested first? 

Fields with weak stalks deserve priority. If corn is at risk of lodging, it may be worth harvesting at slightly higher moisture rather than waiting and losing grain from plants on the ground. After harvest, evaluate whether any disappointing outcome came from the hybrid, late-season disease or stalk-quality problems. 

How should farmers interpret hybrid and soybean variety results on the yield monitor? 

Look beyond the highest and lowest numbers. Consistency across a field, a farm and many acres tells an important story. Where yields are exceptional, determine what management or conditions contributed. Where yields are lower, investigate stress, pests and diseases so the result informs next year’s choices. 

Which management practices had the greatest effect on crop performance? 

Fertility stood out. It helped support strong performance in some fields, including drier areas, while excessive soybean growth and lodging were concerns elsewhere. Late-season plant health also mattered. Growers should consider how genetics, fungicide decisions and other practices help keep plants healthy through grain fill. 

What records should growers keep for 2027 seed decisions? 

Document each field’s history, including fertility programs, weed management, pest and disease control and the results those choices produced. Compare farm-level observations with historical local and regional information. Mustang Seeds representatives and agronomists can help interpret portfolio testing and regional results. 

What are the top priorities after harvest? 

Finish harvest safely, then evaluate the season thoroughly. Compare results not only with previous years on your farm but also with what happened across your region. Weather cannot be predicted, but field-by-field evaluation can help identify manageable risks for next year. 

How should growers think about rising input costs and weed control? 

Be careful with broad cuts to fertility or plant-health spending. Evaluate return on investment rather than cutting inputs indiscriminately. In soybeans, weed management remains a challenge, and Al pointed to new developments associated with Mustang Seeds and GDM Seeds that deserve testing and evaluation for 2027. 

How can growers reach the Mustang Seeds agronomy team? 

Growers can start at mustangseeds.com or contact their local Mustang Seeds representative. The company can direct inquiries to the appropriate regional contact. 

Editor’s notes 

This Q&A is edited for clarity and length; answers are not represented as exact verbatim quotes. The transcript’s uncertain product name was intentionally omitted from the Q&A pending verification. Confirm guest approval and video approval before publishing under the usual interview workflow.