Why this North Central Illinois Seed Dealer Makes Heads Up® Part Of His Standard Treatment Package 

Every unit of treated soybeans leaving Ryan Kodat’s shed includes Heads Up®. For the independent seed dealer in North Central Illinois, that decision grew out of local disease concerns, field trials, and feedback from his customers.

Ryan started his agricultural career selling Pioneer seed. In 2021, he went independent and began working with multiple seed brands, opening up new ways to bring value to the growers he serves. Soybean seed treatment became one area where he could offer something different.

White Mold Prompted A Closer Look

Ryan identifies sudden death syndrome (SDS) and white mold as two primary disease concerns in his area. He was particularly interested in finding another option to help suppress white mold.

After learning about Heads Up online and receiving a recommendation from a respected industry contact, he decided to try it. He approached that first season with some skepticism and set up several trials, primarily strip trials, to see how it performed.

Those early observations helped change his view. Ryan reports seeing a few bushels of yield gain in the strips he evaluated, along with positive feedback from customers who used the treatment.

“After seeing it in the field, I do think it brings tremendous value,” he says.

Value That Earned A Place In His Treatment Blend

Return on investment is a recurring theme in Ryan’s assessment of Heads Up. In the video, he discusses the importance of treatment cost and the yield response needed to make that investment worthwhile. Based on his experience, he sees Heads Up as a strong value for the growers he serves.

That confidence is reflected in how he uses it. Heads Up is now a staple in his soybean treatment blend and is applied to every unit of treated soybeans that leaves his shed.

“Heads Up is an absolute differentiator in my business,” Ryan says.

For Ryan, the product fits the goal that helped drive his move to an independent business: finding offerings that address his customers’ needs and bring value to their operations. White mold concerns brought Heads Up to his attention; his field observations and customer feedback helped it earn an ongoing place in his treatment program.

Hear Ryan Explain His Experience

Watch Ryan’s full testimonial to hear how he evaluated Heads Up and why it became part of his soybean treatment offering. Ask your seed dealer about including Heads Up in your soybean treatment program.