FREEMAN, SD (Sept. 8, 2026) — Nearly 80 farmers from across southern South Dakota gathered in Freeman Sept. 2 for Hoegemeyer’s annual Field Day, where they got a firsthand look at the latest corn and soybean technologies and discussed current and future solutions for challenges facing growers in the region.
The event, hosted by Hoegemeyer farmer-dealer Kevin Holzwarth of Freeman, was part of the company’s Hometown Celebrations leading up to its 90th anniversary in April 2027. The yearlong celebration recognizes the farmers, dealers and communities that have helped shape Hoegemeyer since its founding in 1937.
As part of the celebration, attendees received limited-edition Hoegemeyer Hometown hats featuring a South Dakota state patch. Farmers could customize their hats by placing a star pin on the patch to mark their farming location.
“One of the best things about an event like this is getting farmers together in the field to look at what’s new and talk about what they’re seeing on their own farms,” Holzwarth said. “Hoegemeyer has been built around those kinds of local relationships for nearly 90 years, and it’s exciting to help carry that forward.”
Field demonstrations led by Regional Agronomist Stu Carlson and Product Manager Ryan Siefken gave farmers an opportunity to see established and new products under local growing conditions and talk directly with Hoegemeyer representatives about technologies available now and those being developed for the future.
Among the corn products featured were hybrids incorporating Vorceed® Enlist® technology from Corteva™ Agriscience. The technology combines multiple modes of action, including RNAi, to provide protection against corn rootworm, a persistent challenge for South Dakota corn growers.
Attendees also learned about Enlimited™ Grade Soybeans by Hoegemeyer, a select class of Enlist E3® soybeans introduced in 2025. The varieties are designed to offer agronomic, soil health and yield benefits while providing growers with additional options for managing production challenges.
Carlson and Siefken also discussed future technologies being developed through Hoegemeyer’s parent company, Corteva Agriscience. The focus is on developing solutions that address multiple agronomic challenges while helping farmers simplify management and improve yield potential.
Since its founding in 1937, Hoegemeyer has focused on developing seed solutions for farmers across the Western Corn Belt. Early Hoegemeyer family researchers and plant breeders developed hybrids to address challenges ranging from drought to Goss’s wilt, a focus on solving grower challenges that continues today.
Additional Field Days are being held across the Western Corn Belt as part of the Hometown Celebrations, along with other activities recognizing the people and communities that have been part of Hoegemeyer’s history.