DeKalb Brings New Seed Technology and Yield Potential to Producers

Advancements in seed technology continue to play a major role in helping farmers protect their crops and maximize yields. During a recent conversation, I spoke with Matt Strubhart of DeKalb about what sets the company’s corn hybrids apart and the innovations the brand is bringing to producers across the region.

DeKalb continues to focus on providing a strong genetic portfolio designed to perform across a wide range of environments. Strubhart explained that the brand’s goal is to offer solutions that work for farmers across every acre.

“DeKalb brings an exclusive genetic portfolio that focuses on an offering across all acres,” he said. “We’ve got our above- and below-ground protection, and some of the newest exciting technology includes our SmartStax Pro and VT4 Pro.”

These technologies bring RNAi technology into the equation, helping protect crops from pests such as corn rootworm while also providing coverage against additional threats.

Another new development this year is the introduction of DeKalb’s C-treatment platform with Acceleron Elite. Strubhart said the company has added N314 to more than 60 percent of the seed portfolio.

“That’s the first nematicide in the marketplace on the seed treatment side,” he explained. “From the early data we’ve seen, there’s about a five-bushel advantage versus the competition.”

For producers, those yield gains are only part of the story. Early feedback from growers has also highlighted benefits when it comes to crop establishment and protection early in the season.

“What I’ve heard so far from producers is that they believe it increases seed protection on the front side,” Strubhart said. “It may help with earlier emergence and a stronger start to the crop.”

For farmers in Kansas and surrounding states, DeKalb’s widespread presence and research investment also add to its appeal. While some producers may be familiar with DeKalb facilities in nearby Nebraska, Strubhart emphasized the brand’s ability to provide strong hybrids suited for different environments across the region.

“When you think about the number one seed brand in the market, it’s DeKalb,” he said. “We’ve got an offer for every acre in Kansas, Colorado, and Nebraska, and across the whole U.S.”

Ultimately, Strubhart says the focus remains simple: helping farmers put the best possible corn in their fields.

“When you look at our focus on yield first, stability, early emergence, and strong early vigor—coupled with our technical portfolio from the digital side and chemistry—it really makes DeKalb a no-brainer option,” he said. “You want to go out and put the best corn on your farm.”