As Iowa farmers wrap up another harvest season, many are already shifting their attention to what they want from their seed choices in 2026. After a year that produced solid yields but also revealed pockets of disease pressure in several parts of the state, growers are taking a closer look at how new genetics and better trait packages can help strengthen their soybean acres moving forward.
DEKALB ASGROW technical agronomist Lance Goettsch says the 2026 Asgrow lineup brings several new varieties designed to help protect yield potential while also improving performance in fields that have struggled with disease pressure in recent years.
Goettsch says the addition of the Peking resistance source is particularly important for growers who have seen nematode pressure increase in recent years. While PI 88788 has been the primary resistance source for many years, nematode populations have begun to adapt. Peking offers farmers another option to rotate resistance sources and protect yield stability in problem fields.
He adds that next season will also be a good time for farmers to reevaluate their corn plans, especially in areas where corn rootworm pressure has become more noticeable. Fields that rotate back into corn after soybeans may be at greater risk than farmers expect, which makes early trait selection even more important.
Goettsch encourages farmers to start those conversations now while plot results, field notes, and yield maps are still fresh. He says early discussions make it easier to match each field’s history and challenges with seed genetics that are likely to perform best in that environment.
For growers who want to take the next step, Goettsch suggests reaching out to their local DEKALB ASGROW retailer to look at available data, on-farm results, and the new 2026 product guides. Dealers can help match traits and disease packages to specific field needs and help farmers build a season-long plan that supports both yield and consistency.
