Southwest Iowa farmer Ray Gaesser described the 2025 harvest as a tale of two crops. Soybeans performed exceptionally well, benefiting from favorable growing conditions, while corn results were mixed due to disease pressures.
Gaesser, who farms near Corning in Adams County, told Brownfield that southern rust posed a significant challenge for his corn this season. “We’ve had southern rust here before, but it was particularly vicious this year. If you put fungicide on too early or didn’t treat, corn was not good. If you got the fungicide on at the right time it was pretty good,” he said.
In contrast, soybeans thrived under generally good weather conditions, despite heat and dryness in August. Gaesser noted that overall conditions helped ensure a strong soybean yield.
Beyond traditional crops, Gaesser also integrates cover crops into his operation to improve soil health, reflecting a broader commitment to sustainable farming practices. The mixed results highlight how timely management decisions and weather patterns continue to shape outcomes across Iowa farms.
