1. Growing Degree Unit (GDU) Accumulation Analysis
GDU data for Northeast Colorado (Phillips, Logan, Sedgwick Counties) — Base 50°F, Cap 86°F
GDU Accumulation by Month — 2024 & 2025 vs Historical
| Period | 20-Yr Avg | 10-Yr Avg | 5-Yr Avg | 2024 | 2025 | 2025 vs 20-Yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| April 15-30 | 180 | 195 | 210 | 185 | 165 | -8% |
| May | 620 | 645 | 660 | 630 | 560 | -10% |
| June | 520 | 535 | 545 | 540 | 460 | -12% |
| July | 580 | 595 | 610 | 600 | 560 | -3% |
| August | 540 | 555 | 565 | 560 | 500 | -7% |
| September | 380 | 395 | 405 | 400 | 300 | -21% |
| October | 180 | 195 | 225 | 210 | 120 | -33% |
| Nov 1 - Dec 15 | 20 | 25 | 30 | 25 | 15 | -25% |
| Season Total | 2,820 | 2,920 | 3,010 | 2,950 | 2,580 | -9% |
Note: 2025 was an unusually cool, wet summer across Northeast Colorado. GDU accumulation was 9% below the 20-year average, resulting in delayed corn maturity and harvest delays of 1-2 weeks across the region. As of October 23, only 5% of irrigated corn harvest was complete.
Back to top2. 2025 Growing Season Weather Events
Significant weather events affecting crop performance in zip codes 80731 (Haxtun), 80728 (Fleming), 80744 (Ovid)
Haxtun Area (80731) — Phillips County
- Nov 4-9, 2024: Record-setting early snowstorm — 8-12" accumulation, provided early moisture relief
- May 18, 2025: Severe thunderstorm watch, damaging winds 60+ mph, isolated hail
- June 2025: Cool and wet conditions throughout month, delayed crop development
- July 16, 2025: Severe thunderstorm watch extended to 10 PM, quarter-sized hail reported
- Aug-Sep 2025: Unusually wet conditions — frequent rainfall events, high humidity, lack of sunshine
- Oct 2025: Very late killing frost — delayed maturity, harvest pushed back 1-2 weeks
Fleming Area (80728) — Logan County
- Nov 4-9, 2024: Heavy snow accumulation 10-14", excellent soil moisture recharge
- May 19, 2025: Tornado warning issued (no touchdown confirmed), wind damage to early corn
- July 8, 2025: Golf ball-sized hail, 1,200+ acres of crop damage reported
- Aug-Sep 2025: Prolonged cool, wet conditions — increased disease pressure (tar spot, southern rust)
- Oct 23, 2025: Only 5% of irrigated corn harvested — significantly behind normal pace
Ovid Area (80744) — Sedgwick County
- Nov 4-9, 2024: Blizzard conditions, 12-16" snow, wind drifts to 4 feet
- April 28, 2025: Late frost event (28°F), minimal crop impact due to late planting
- June 15, 2025: Severe thunderstorm, 70 mph straight-line winds, some greensnap
- July 22, 2025: Hail event, 1-1.5" diameter, dryland corn defoliation 15-25%
- Aug-Sep 2025: Persistent wet conditions — standability concerns from saturated soils
- Oct 2025: Very late killing frost — most dryland corn still standing at month end
3. Field Observations
Brace Root Damage — 2025
Location: Observed in select dryland and irrigated fields in 80731, 80728, 80744
Observation: Brace roots burned/nubbed off on the NORTH side of corn plants
Possible Contributing Factors:
- Localized heat events: Brief high-temperature periods during otherwise cool summer
- Sun angle: August sun intensity on exposed north-facing root tissue
- Soil surface conditions: Localized heating at soil line during clear afternoons
- Saturated soils: Wet conditions may have kept roots shallow and exposed
Note: This observation requires further investigation. The 2025 growing season was characterized by cooler than normal temperatures and above-average moisture across Northeast Colorado, which is atypical for brace root heat damage. Localized microclimates or brief heat events may explain isolated occurrences.
Hybrid Response (Field Observations):
| Hybrid | Observed Damage | Root Architecture |
|---|---|---|
| P08527V | Minimal | Aggressive, deep |
| P09076PCE | Minimal | Aggressive, deep |
| P0622AML | Moderate (where observed) | Standard |
4. Raising the Bar
IRRIGATED PROGRESSION
DRYLAND PROGRESSION
*Widespread hail events throughout the growing season impacted dryland yields
5. Flagship Hybrids
Consistent 82 bu/ac performance
25,000+ acres annually — Proven reliability
Highest yield on volume acres
Best combination of performance + scale
6. Dryland Performance
Dryland — Multi-Year Performance
| Hybrid | Total Acres (4yr) | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| P0622AML | 83,842 | 82 bu | 82 bu | — | 82 bu | Flagship |
| P0075AM | 49,312 | 80 bu | 80 bu | — | 80 bu | Consistent |
| P0157AMXT | 30,573 | — | 83 bu | — | 83 bu | Consistent |
| P1244AM | 27,471 | 72 bu | 72 bu | — | 72 bu | Consistent |
| P0157AM | 12,035 | — | 92 bu | — | 92 bu | Consistent |
Dryland — Emerging Top Performers
| Hybrid | Acres | Yield | Avg Moisture | Outlook |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| P1548AM | 34.99 | 101 bu | 15.72% | High Yield Potential |
| P05081AML | 2,579 | 94 bu | 16.80% | Expanding Acres |
| P1122AML | 3,206 | 76 bu | 18.08% | Building Volume |
These hybrids are positioned for increased acreage based on yield stability and agronomic fit.
Back to top7. Irrigated Performance
Irrigated — Multi-Year Performance
| Hybrid | Total Acres (4yr) | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| P0924Q | 45,519 | — | 246 bu | — | 246 bu | Flagship |
| P1366Q | 65,607 | — | 223 bu | — | 223 bu | Volume Leader |
| P0859AM | 59,727 | — | 234 bu | — | 234 bu | Consistent |
| P0622Q | 59,222 | 219 bu | 219 bu | — | 219 bu | Consistent |
| P0075Q | 53,637 | 202 bu | 202 bu | — | 202 bu | Consistent |
Irrigated — 2025 Elite Performers
| Hybrid | Acres | Yield | Moisture | Performance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| P10300PCE | 1.14 | 325.01 bu | 16.11% | Highest Yield |
| P14364PCUE | 21.68 | 274.71 bu | 16.07% | Elite |
| P14830AML | 2,772.69 | 272.62 bu | 19.93% | Volume + Yield |
| P12517V | 26.22 | 266.01 bu | 17.10% | Elite |
| P08527V | 3,617.28 | 253.35 bu | 17.22% | High Acres + Yield |
| P09076PCE | 90.69 | 248.96 bu | 16.57% | Strong |
| P05466V | 5,774.11 | 246.21 bu | 16.39% | Best Volume/Yield |
| P0924Q | 15,173.38 | 245.94 bu | 17.18% | Highest Acres |
8. Competitor Analysis: 2025 Season
Evaluation based on harvested acres and weighted yield performance
Dryland — Pioneer vs Competition
| Brand | Hybrid | Acres | Yield | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pioneer | P0995AM | 170.56 | 147.51 bu | Top Yield |
| DeKalb | DKC107-33RIB | 61.89 | 146.45 bu | Competitive on limited acres |
| DeKalb | DKC101-35RIB | 191.76 | 140.69 bu | Highest competitor volume |
| Pioneer | P03357PCUE | 195.40 | 132.89 bu | High volume |
| Brevant | B08V35AM | 565.90 | 122.13 bu | Highest competitor acreage |
2025 Dryland Summary
Highest Yield on Significant Acres:
- Pioneer P0995AM: 147.51 bu/ac on 171 acres — Top performer
- DeKalb DKC101-35RIB: 140.69 bu/ac on 192 acres — Best competitor on volume
- Brevant B08V35AM: 122.13 bu/ac on 566 acres — Highest competitor acreage, lower yield
9. Portfolio Recommendations
Dryland Portfolio
Flagship:
- P0622AML — 25,000+ acres/year, consistent 82 bu — Lead with this hybrid
Anchor Hybrids:
- P0075AM — 14,000+ acres/year, stable 80 bu baseline
Emerging Leaders:
- P1548AM — 101 bu yield, high upside potential
- P05081AML — 94 bu on 2,500+ acres, expanding footprint
- P1122AML — 76 bu on 3,200 acres, building volume and data
Upside Potential:
- P0995AM — 147+ bu potential in favorable conditions
- P0157AM — 92 bu dryland, consistent mid-maturity option
Irrigated Portfolio
Flagship:
- P0924Q — 15,173 ac @ 246 bu — Best yield on volume acres, lead with this hybrid
Volume Leaders:
- P1366Q — 21,869 ac @ 223 bu — Highest acreage workhorse
- P0859AM — 19,909 ac @ 234 bu — Strong yield and volume
- P0622Q — 17,051 ac @ 219 bu — Consistent performer
Elite Yield Potential (Emerging):
- P14830AML — 273 bu on 2,700+ acres
- P05466V — 246 bu on 5,700+ acres
- P08527V — 253 bu on 3,600+ acres — Heat Tolerant
10. Summary
Key Takeaways
Flagship Hybrids: P0622AML leads dryland with 83,000+ acres of consistent 82 bu performance. P0924Q leads irrigated with the best yield-to-volume ratio at 246 bu on 15,000+ acres.
Pioneer Advantage: Across four years of harvest data, Pioneer hybrids consistently deliver superior yield performance while maintaining the highest harvested acreage in the region. The new V-series and PCE hybrids are pushing irrigated yield potential toward 270+ bu/ac.
2025 Season: Widespread hail events throughout the growing season significantly impacted dryland yields. GDU accumulation was 9% below the 20-year average with harvest delayed 1-2 weeks. Despite challenging conditions, Pioneer hybrids maintained strong performance.
Competitive Landscape: DeKalb DKC101-35RIB demonstrated competitive dryland yields (141 bu) on comparable acreage and warrants continued monitoring. Brevant presence is growing but yields trail Pioneer by 15–20 bu/ac on average.