ARCADIA — Approximately 200 farmers from across west-central Iowa gathered at Hoegemeyer’s Carroll-area Master Plot near Arcadia on Aug. 25 for Hoegemeyer’s annual Field Day.

There, they got a firsthand look at the latest corn and soybean technologies and discussed the challenges and opportunities shaping the region’s growing season.

The event, hosted by Hoegemeyer farmer-dealer Jesse Irlbeck, featured field demonstrations led by the company’s regional agronomists Mike Carr and Eric Solberg. The longtime Master Plot gives farmers an opportunity to see established and new products at work under local growing conditions.

“This field day gives farmers a chance to get out in the plot, see these products firsthand and talk about what we’re seeing in our fields here in western Iowa,” Irlbeck said. “It’s also a great opportunity to bring people together and learn from each other as we start looking ahead to harvest and next season.”

Among the corn hybrids featured were Hoegemeyer 8669V, 8332V and 8329V brands, which include Vorceed Enlist technology from Corteva Agriscience. The technology combines multiple modes of action, including RNAi, to provide protection against corn rootworm, a persistent challenge for western Iowa corn growers.

Attendees also learned about Enlimited Grade Soybeans by Hoegemeyer, a select class of Enlist E3 soybeans introduced in 2025. The varieties are designed to offer agronomic, soil health and yield benefits and provide another option for farmers managing corn-on-corn acres or looking for alternatives to dicamba-based weed management programs.

Agronomists Carr and Solberg discussed technologies in development through parent company Corteva Agriscience and the continuing effort to develop products capable of addressing multiple agronomic challenges while helping farmers simplify management, increase confidence and improve yield potential.

That focus on innovation has been part of Hoegemeyer since its founding in 1937. Early members of the Hoegemeyer family worked as researchers and plant breeders, developing hybrids suited to the varied conditions of the Western Corn Belt, including drought-tolerant hybrids and products developed to address diseases such as Goss’ wilt.

The Carroll-area field day was part of Hoegemeyer’s Hometown Celebrations, a series of events and activities recognizing the farmers, dealers and communities that have helped shape the company throughout its history. The yearlong celebration leads up to Hoegemeyer’s 90th anniversary in April 2027.