Editor’s note: The Farm Progress Show is Aug. 27-29 in Boone, Iowa. Visit FarmProgressShow.com.

Wyffels Hybrids is again sponsoring the opening ceremonies each day of the Farm Progress Show. Since 2017, the family-owned seed company has greeted attendees just before the gates open with entertainment and information.

This year, the company is bringing back Iowa State University’s marching band. The band will play Cyclone favorites, as well as the national anthem, before the show opens each day. Opening ceremonies start at 7:30 a.m., and gates open at 8 a.m.

As part of the opening ceremonies, farmers will hear more about the new Wyffels Iowa site that’s just outside Ames. Wyffels officially opened the doors on the facility in early July and will share details at its open house event the evening of Aug. 28.

Wyffels also will provide an update on Serving Those Who Serve, an initiative started in 2019. The goal of STWS is to support like-minded organizations whose mission is to serve others, such as Farm Rescue.

At the show, visitors can support the cause by stopping by the Wyffels booth to buy a T-shirt or a raffle ticket, with all proceeds going to Farm Rescue.

Go online to wyffels.com/STWS to read the stories of the people this program has helped. The Wyffels booth is at the corner of Eighth Street and Central Avenue.

Supporting Farm Rescue

In 2022, Wyffels began partnering with Farm Rescue, a nonprofit that helps families dealing with crises due to illness, injury or natural disasters such as tornadoes and flooding. Farm Rescue provides support to these individual farmers who need to get work done, such as planting, harvesting or feeding livestock. Founded in 2005, Farm Rescue has served more than 1,000 families.

“We’re a U.S. farm family-owned business based in Illinois, and now Iowa, and we serve farming communities throughout the central Corn Belt,” says Jill Carlson, communications manager at Wyffels Hybrids. “Through Wyffels employees, seed representatives and customers, we hear about farmers in need in local communities, and we’re connecting those families with Farm Rescue.”

As part of STWS, Wyffels contributes financially to help fund Farm Rescue volunteers.

“From helping with livestock chores to running a combine or a planter, Farm Rescue volunteers are there to get the work done,” Carlson says. “We are making sure the volunteers have the financial support they need to be where they need to be to provide assistance. We ensure volunteers have financial support to share their farming skills and experience with farmers in need.”

As a family-owned seed company, Wyffels has long supported independent farmers. In recent years, the company has ramped up that effort.

“We’re challenging corn growers across the central Corn Belt to make a statement with their seed brand choice,” Carlson says. “When you plant Wyffels, you are making a choice. You’re choosing family-owned. You’re choosing American. You’re choosing to plant your independence.”