Listen in for the sweet sounds of country music as you roll into the Farm Progress Show in Decatur, Ill., this year, thanks to Wyffels Hybrids. Wyffels is again sponsoring opening ceremonies each day of the show, featuring a live performance on stage by local native Eric Burgett.

The celebration starts at 7:30 a.m., and gates open at 8 a.m. each day of the show, Aug. 31 to Sept. 2. Burgett will sing a variety of country cover songs, and he’ll perform the national anthem just before 8 a.m. — amid plenty of flying flags.

Burgett grew up on his family’s farm near Latham, Ill., and has opened for musical artists such as Chris Stapleton, Rodney Atkins, Lee Brice and Phil Vassar.

The Wyffels team always comes up with something creative to share with Farm Progress Show visitors as they arrive, and this year the celebration has even more purpose: During 2021, the company is celebrating 75 years of business as an independent, family-owned seed company.

“We wouldn’t be where we are today without the support from our customers,” says John Wyffels, Wyffels Hybrids president. “We’re thankful for their continued loyalty, and we look forward to celebrating this milestone with them and all corn growers in the central Corn Belt.”

After the opening ceremonies, head back to the Wyffels exhibit on the corner of Central Avenue and Fourth Street, where team members will continue the celebration with fun activities throughout the day.

Aid to service members

Wyffels is continuing its commitment to “Serving Those Who Served,” the initiative the company kicked off two years ago to help provide homes for veterans.

Wyffels has designated two hybrids as special STWS hybrids, and $1 from every bag sold goes to Homes for Our Troops, an organization that builds and donates custom homes for severely injured post-9/11 veterans.

Last year, the organization built homes for Sgt. Nathan Shumaker in Missouri, and for Marine Staff Sgt. Dominic Fernandez in Minnesota. A third home is scheduled for completion this year for Marine Lance Cpl. Robby McCardle in Wisconsin.

Read their stories at wyffels.com/STWS, and look for the STWS trailer at the Wyffels booth.

“As a U.S. farm-family-owned company, we understand the value of independence,” Wyffels says. “These homes help to restore some of the independence our veterans lost so they can focus on their families, communities and future.”

For more information about the 2021 Farm Progress Show, see FarmProgressShow.com.