What’s Next for Your Yield Happens Here.

We know that continually raising the bar on yield is important and that no two acres are alike. That's why we breed, test and deliver local support with you in mind. Get insights and recommendations focused right here in the South — so that you can be at your best.

Your Highest Yields in the Southern US Start Here

Set yourself up for a successful 2025 growing season with the latest agronomy insights, crop management tips, and more.

Planting Tips

Todd Rowe

Pioneer Agronomy Leader

Todd Rowe - Pioneer Agronomy Leader

Tip #1: Manage GDUs for optimal growth

Growing Degree Unit (GDU) is an important calculation that can assist in determining critical growth stages for crops but more specifically corn. GDUs are calculated with the following formula: (Daily high temp + daily low temp) divided by 2, subtract 50. We use a max high temp of 86 and minimum low temp of 50 as the parameters for the equation.  Why? Because crop growth is minimal above and below those temperatures. Knowing that corn requires approximately 100 GDUs and soybeans require approximately 90 – 130 GDUs to emerge after planting is critical to ensure we get the best emergence from each seed. Planting during cool temperatures can delay emergence and cause the seed to expend energy that typically would be used for emergence and cause sporadic stands that can significantly affect yield.

Tip #2: Soybean planting dates: How early is too early to plant soybeans?

There are many factors to consider when planting soybeans: rainfall, soil temperature, air temperature, soil moisture, etc. Any one of these can reek havoc on stand establishment and soybean germination. Soybean seed are inherently more adaptable to changing conditions than corn, but still cold conditions can prevent seed from germinating and more specifically cold wet conditions can turn your seed to mush. It is important to take into consideration those factors that affect seed germination and pay close attention to weather patterns after planting to set up a successful start to the season. Those factors are more important to understand and consider when planting soybeans than to worry about a specific date on the calendar to start planting

Tip #3: Consider your options

Farmers across the South must consider all options when it comes to planting season. Changing weather patterns, volatile markets and other factors mean you have to stay in close touch with your local retailer as you prepare to head to the field. Remember, the team at Corteva Agriscience has you covered. We are ready for the real-time decisions you have to make. Whether it involves a hybrid or variety consideration, or if you are looking at switching crops, we have you covered for all of your corn, soybean and cottonseed needs.

Corn Planting Depth & Spacing

Which planting depth is best for different soil textures? We went to the field to find out.

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Stop Bacterial Blight in Cotton

Bacterial blight is a plant disease that causes lesions and dark spots on the cotton plant, especially on the leaves, stems or bolls.

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Weed Management in Cotton

No two fields are the same, so it’s important to evaluate weed pressure across fields to determine the best path forward to manage tough-to-control weeds.

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Planting Date Effect on Soybeans

Compare days to Growing Degree Unit (GDU) accumulation at reproductive stages of soybean growth among different planting dates.

Learn More

Southern Corn Planting Delayed

Recommended planting dates for corn in the Southern U.S. can range from late-February to April depending on location.

Learn More

In Demand. In the South.

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Southern Region Yield Performance Data

The best genetics, top trait packages, and extensive local field knowledge combine to deliver proven performance consistency across regions. See Pioneer yield results from your backyard and discover how you can be at your best.

Pioneer corn and soybean yield advantage - Southern region

Get local yield data across all major row crops to find the right high-yielding products for your acres.

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Agronomy Support

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Save with TruChoice®

With the TruChoice® offer, you can secure our most competitive financing rates on Pioneer® brand seed and Corteva Agriscience™ crop protection purchases all season long. We know every acre is unique. Visit with your local retailer on how TruChoice financing and this program approach will help protect your bottom line on your Enlist acres in the Southern U.S.:



Keystone NXT, Realm® Q, Aproach® Prima, Intrepid Edge®, and Transform® WG are not registered for sale or use in all states. Keystone® NXT is a Restricted Use Pesticide and is not available for sale, distribution or use in Nassau and Suffolk counties in the state of New York. Contact your state pesticide regulatory agency to determine if a product is registered for sale or use in your state. Enlist One® herbicide is not registered for sale or use in all states or counties. Contact your state pesticide regulatory agency to determine if a product is registered for sale or use in your area. Enlist One herbicide is the only 2,4-D product authorized for use in Enlist crops. Kyber® Pro has not yet received regulatory approvals; approvals are pending. The information presented here is not an offer for sale. Always read and follow label directions.

Pioneer corn performance data is an average of comparisons from calendar year made across North America through November 5, 2024. Comparisons are against all comparisons and competitor brands, unless otherwise stated, and within +/- 3 CRM of the competitive brand.

Alabama-specific corn performance data: Pioneer corn data is based on an average of 16 comparisons made in 2024 across the state through September 25, 2024. Comparisons are against two competitor brands and within +/- 3 CRM of the competitive brand.

Georgia-specific corn performance data: Pioneer corn data is based on an average of 24 comparisons made in 2024 across the state through September 25, 2024. Comparisons are against all competitor brands, unless otherwise stated, and within +/- 3 CRM of the competitive brand.

North Carolina-specific corn performance data: Pioneer corn data is based on an average of 19 comparisons made in 2024 across the state through September 25, 2024. Comparisons are against all competitor brands, unless otherwise stated, and within +/- 3 CRM of the competitive brand.

The foregoing is provided for informational use only. Please contact your  Pioneer sales representative for information and suggestions specific to your operation. Product performance is variable and depends on many factors, such as moisture and heat stress, soil type, management practices and environmental stress, as well as disease and pest pressures. Individual results may vary. Multi-year and multi-location data are a better predictor of performance. DO NOT USE THIS OR ANY OTHER DATA FROM A LIMITED NUMBER OF TRIALS AS A SIGNIFICANT FACTOR IN PRODUCT SELECTION.