Agronomic Insights from the Innovation Center

Every year, the WinField^® United Innovation Center transforms massive amounts of agronomic data into practical, ROI-driven strategies for farmers. From seed and traits to in-season tools and stress-mitigation technologies, our research is designed to answer one question: How can we help growers improve their operations to increase yields and on-farm profits?

The following statistics from 2025 illustrate the depth of our research efforts:
 

• +6 million data points collected
• +500 products tested
• 80 corn hybrids evaluated
• 55,000 sq. ft. of research space
• 83 experimental formulations
• 3,655 wind-tunnel measurements
• +5,500 greenhouse plants
• 112,000 phenotyping measurements
• 4.3 miles of field testing

Our testing at the Innovation Center is the first step in bringing new product innovation to market. Five labs provide key intel on product formulations, crop protection and plant nutrition inputs, spray application characteristics, nutrient management and stress mitigation practices. Understanding these key management decisions is critical in maximizing performance and capturing more yield potential.

Turning Data into Insights

Innovation Center research directly drives our product pipeline. Seed products advance only after they’re proven across controlled environments, replicated trials and field-scale testing, ensuring growers can trust every part of their seed decisions.

Below are the 2025 greatest hits – the newest, most impactful genetics, traits and planting insights guided by our Innovation Center and built to help growers get the most out of their acres.

Next-Generation Corn Hybrids

In 2025, our team evaluated 80 corn hybrids and found 20 that consistently delivered high responsiveness. In addition, the new 2025 CROPLAN^® hybrids stood out – averaging an 8.5 bu/A yield advantage compared to the previous hybrid classes tested over the past eight years,¹ demonstrating steady genetic progress within the lineup.

This key insight shows adopting newer genetics could offer a practical way to capture more yield potential without increasing inputs. And when these hybrids are paired with your local CROPLAN retailer’sagronomic insights, you can more confidently place each product where it performs best, helping you turn genetic potential into ROI.

Earlier Soybean Planting Leads to Higher Yields

Early planted soybeans consistently showed a clear advantage, increasing yield by 4.1 bu/A compared to planting just 14 days later.² Instead of waiting on the weather, taking advantage of the first suitable planting window proved to have significant improvements. By getting soybeans in the ground sooner, growers can capture a longer grain-filling period and open more yield opportunities. When planting early, pairing seed with the right seed treatments becomes even more important – helping protect emergence, reduce early-season stress and drive yield potential from day one.

Emerging Technologies

Emerging technologies in traits and application tools are opening the door to more flexible, efficient and effective ways for growers to manage both corn and soybean acres. New trait packages such as PowerCore^® Enlist^® offer expanded herbicide flexibility with tolerance to 2,4-D choline, glufosinate and glyphosate while also delivering broad insect protection against pests like black cutworm, fall armyworm and corn borers.

Looking ahead, trait innovations like Viconic™ soybeans will further expand herbicide options, giving growers even more choice and control in tough-to-manage environments.

Beyond genetics, application technology is evolving just as quickly. The Innovation Center is advancing more targeted weed-management approaches through drone applications. By testing drone performance in the same wind tunnels used for traditional crop protection research, we are validating coverage, product performance and consistency so growers can trust these tools to deliver effective weed and disease control.

What’s Next In 2026

Looking ahead, our efforts are not slowing down. With five new stress-mitigation products advancing in 2026 and more than 180,000 phenotyping measurements collected, we are continuing to push toward new innovations and opportunities for our growers. In the upcoming years, our trial efforts will expand even further through a larger footprint, increased on-farm testing and deeper collaboration with our retail partners.

With this data in hand, work with your CROPLAN local retail seed expert to build a tailored, field-by-field plan for the upcoming season. With new genetics, advanced agronomic insights and cutting-edge technology, we aim to continue building stronger, more profitable acres in 2026 and beyond.


^1. _{82 Answer Plot locations. 200 total comparisons.}
^2. _{23 Answer Plot locations. Multiple reps per location. Plantings at each location targeted a 14-day interval between early- and later-planted soybeans. Date 1: Earliest planting window. Date 2: 14 days after Date 1. LSD (0.10) = 3.72.
All photos are either the property of WinField United or used with permission.
© 2026 WinField United. Important: Before use always read and follow label instructions. Crop performance is dependent on several factors many of which are beyond the control of WinField United, including without limitation, soil type, pest pressures, agronomic practices and weather conditions. Growers are encouraged to consider data from multiple locations, over multiple years and to be mindful of how such agronomic conditions could impact results. CROPLAN and WinField are trademarks of WinField United. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.}