Pioneer Agronomy: Indiana

Planting season is go-time. But the biggest wins aren’t about speed, they’re about precision where it matters most. If you’re chasing yield this season, start here, and press play. In this episode of Outstanding in Your Field, the Pioneer agronomy team breaks down what really impacts yield before the crop ever emerges. From dialing in planting depth to understanding soil moisture vs. temperature, they unpack the decisions that separate a good stand from a great one. Listen for why shallow planting can cost you more than going too deep, how to confidently decide when conditions are “fit,” and why uniform emergence might be the most underrated yield driver on your farm. Plus: corn vs. soybeans. Which gets planted first when time is tight?EDITOR'S NOTE: We'e moved! The Illinois Agronomy Podcast has merged with the Indiana Agronomy Podcast to become Outstanding In Your Field.    Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of Outstanding in Your Field, hosts Bryan Schrader, Carl Joern, and Crystal Williams sit down with planter technology specialists from Indiana and Illinois about the must-check maintenance items growers should tackle before the first pass across the field. Guests Matt Risley of Petersen Ag Service and brothers Jake and Connor Finley of Finley Farms bring both shop wisdom and field reality—covering the wear parts growers tend to ignore until they’re a problem, how to dial in planting depth the right way, and why even the fanciest planter tech still needs a human to hop down and check what’s actually happening in the row. From disc openers and gauge wheels to firmware updates and closing wheel setups, the crew digs into the small tweaks that lead to better seed placement, more uniform emergence, and stronger yield potential. If you’re about to drag the planter out of winter hibernation, this episode is your friendly reminder: a few minutes in the shop now can save you a lot of colorful language in the field later. What to Listen For in This Episode: The most overlooked planter wear parts: Learn why disc openers, seed tube guards, gauge wheels, and parallel arms should be the first components inspected during planter maintenance. Why consistent planting depth matters more than perfect spacing: Hear why some agronomists argue that depth uniformity can have a greater yield impact than seed spacing in certain soils. How to properly calibrate planter depth: Jake and Connor explain a practical method using static seed blocks or simple shop tools to ensure every row unit is truly planting at the intended depth. Common maintenance issues technicians see in the shop: From bent row-unit shanks to severely worn parallel arms, the guests share real examples of how far planter components can drift out of spec. Choosing the right closing wheel system: A discussion on popular closing wheel options—including poly spike wheels and two-stage systems—and how soil type, speed, and budget influence the best choice. Technology checks before planting begins: Why updating monitor firmware, verifying GPS connections, and confirming farm/field data can prevent costly delays once the planter hits the field. The importance of “ground truthing”: Even with advanced sensors and automation, successful growers still get out of the cab early in the season to dig seeds and verify performance. Why soybean planters deserve the same attention as corn planters: As soybean seed costs rise and planting becomes more precise, proper planter setup for beans is becoming just as critical as for corn.   Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode, the team welcomes Pioneer Field Agronomist Scott Eversgerd. He's spent 23 years serving southern Illinois along the I-64 corridor—home to nearly half of Illinois’ soft red winter wheat acres. Scott shares deep expertise on high-management wheat systems, including: Setting up strong fall establishment and even emergence Target seeding rates for high-yield wheat Spring nitrogen strategies, split applications, and managing lodging risk Sulfur and micronutrient considerations Fungicide timing for stripe rust, flag leaf protection, and head scab Harvest timing strategies to protect quality and maximize double-crop soybean opportunities What hybrid wheat could mean for the future of wheat production From growth stage timing (timing, timing, timing!) to practical scouting checkpoints, this episode is packed with actionable recommendations for growers looking to elevate wheat from a rotation crop to a high-performing profit center. For more episodes and agronomic resources, visit pioneer.com/podcasts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Hosts Brian Schrader and Carl Joern take a moment to look back on five years of the Indiana Pioneer Agronomy Podcast — from its early days discussing dicamba regulations to today’s in-depth field updates and industry insights. Join them for gratitude, agronomic updates, and an open call to help define the evolution of this long-running, award-winning podcast.They also share news about co-host Ben Jacob’s next chapter and invite listeners to help shape the future of the podcast — from format to focus — as they consider new directions.Plus, Brian and Carl discuss current soybean and corn harvest conditions, trends in maturity groups, and why soil sampling remains a critical investment for the seasons ahead. 📬 Feedback Welcome:Email Brian at brian.schrader@pioneer.comEmail Carl at carl.joern@pioneer.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

It’s draft day on the Indiana Pioneer Agronomy Podcast! Carl Joern and Brian Schrader are joined by fellow agronomists Kyle Quick, Brian Early, Chelsea Whitcomb, and innovation manager Sean O’Malley for their annual product draft.From powerhouse corn hybrids 🌽 to promising new soybean varieties 🌱, the team makes their picks, debates strategy, and shares insights from plots across Indiana and Illinois. They also discuss early harvest results, crop performance under drought, and key safety reminders for the season. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

From choosing a tractor over a Mustang in 1965, to the evolution of soybeans, ridge till, and iconic Pioneer hybrids like 3780 and 3394, Keith shares stories that trace the arc of modern agriculture. Together, Brian and Keith explore lessons from the farm crisis of the 1980s, the impact of changing weather, and the excitement (and challenges) of today’s big machinery and technology.This is a heartfelt conversation about where farming has been—and where it’s headed. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

What began as a curious anomaly spotted across Indiana and beyond has sparked national interest among farmers and agronomists alike.Dr. Quinn shares insights from his research and field observations, including possible environmental triggers, hybrid variability, and pollination impacts. The conversation explores how sudden weather swings, from cool, moist conditions to extreme heat, may be behind this rare occurrence—and why it’s so important to stay patient before drawing conclusions about crop health and yield.For more info:Dr. Quinn’s website: thekernel.infoWrapped Tassels In Corn: Now What? https://extension.entm.purdue.edu/newsletters/pestandcrop/article/wrapped-tassels-in-corn-now-what/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

"If you have corn that you’re counting on for bushels, you need to be pretty proactive about managing southern rust," says Jacob. "The thing that keeps sticking in my mind is just how early it was here and how much heat there has been to build up an inoculum load across it. You don’t see the rust pustules the day it lands on the plant. What you’re seeing is at the tail end of the life cycle. I would assume that everything you’re looking at has more infection than what you can see visually… it can be quite severe."If you're looking to do another fungicide application to control Southern Rust, Jacob and Joern recommend finding a product with an SDHI fungicide.The conversation also covers late-season corn and soybean scouting priorities, from tar spot and northern corn leaf blight to SDS, white mold, and insect pressure.About Southern Rust - https://www.corteva.us/Resources/crop-protection/disease-mgmt/watch-for-southern-rust-in-corn.htmlSouthern Rust in Corn - https://www.pioneer.com/us/agronomy/southern_rust_cropfocus.html Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

🌽 From tar spot and southern rust in corn to white mold and red crown rot in soybeans, Dr. Telenko shares critical scouting tips, fungicide timing strategies, and insights on using the Crop Protection Network’s tools to make smart in-season decisions. As July heats up, she breaks down what to monitor in the field—and when to act.🔍 Topics include:Current tar spot activity and risk across IndianaSouthern rust tracking and sample submissionFungicide ROI and application timing at tassel and R1Managing gray leaf spot, frog eye leaf spot, and white moldHow to identify and respond to red crown rot in soybeansUsing digital tools like the Crop Protection Network to plan ahead 👉 Learn more at https://pioneer.com/podcasts🔗 Crop Protection Network tools: https://cropprotectionnetwork.org/tools🔗 CPN Fungicide ROI Calculators: https://cropprotectionnetwork.org/tools 🔗  CPN Resources (maps and images): https://cropprotectionnetwork.org/education-and-resources🔗  Telenko Lab: https://indianafieldcroppathology.com/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Listen for:🌱 Insights on corn and soybean growth stages, including variability in field conditions and the effects of early-season challenges like cool springs and excessive rainfall.🌿 Tips for managing post-emergence herbicide applications in hot conditions, addressing crop response and weed control challenges.🌽 Tips and info from Dr. Darcy Telenko on the early detection of tar spot in Indiana, including its implications and management considerations.💧 From sprayer issues to growth regulator-like symptoms, Brian and Carl share experiences and solutions for unexpected field problems.--- Follow Brian Schrader on Instagram (@b_k_schrader) or email him at brian.schrader@pioneer.com.Connect with Carl Joern on Facebook (@CJordanAgronomy) for more agronomic insights.Visit pioneer.com/podcasts additional episodes and innovative tools to fuel forward-thinking farming. Have a safe and happy 4th of July! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

He discusses the early detection of tar spot in Porter County, its implications for disease pressure across the state, and smart, cost-effective management approaches.Ben also covers the rise in soybean seedling diseases like Phytophthora, what farmers can expect as seed treatments wear off, and the importance of genetic resistance and field tolerance.Finally, he tackles the critical question: how much yield have we lost already? Spoiler alert—there’s still time to turn things around. Listen in for field-tested tips on nutrient management, side-dressing strategies (including sulfur), and how to make the most of your next 90 days.🌽 Stay informed. Stay ahead. Stay safe. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Join agronomists Brian Schrader, Carl Joern, and Ben Jacob as they break down the latest updates from across Indiana. From soggy fields in the south to progress in the north, the team discusses:Delayed planting progress and the looming deadlineTough decisions around crop insurance and field managementThe consequences of leaving ground fallow (weed pressure, fallow syndrome, and soil health)Replant concerns and variable crop stages across the stateCorn turning purple: what it means, and why it's not a cause for panicHerbicide application tips: reading labels, staging corn correctly, and protecting your neighbors’ fields📱 Follow the team:Carl Joern: Facebook @CJoernAgronomyBrian Schrader: Instagram @b_k_schraderBen Jacob: Facebook @BenJacobAgronomy 🎧 Listen to more: pioneer.com/podcasts Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

From evaluating hail and wind damage to understanding soybean replant thresholds and the resilience of V4-V5 corn, this episode delivers timely, boots-on-the-ground agronomic advice. The conversation also covers maturity switching decisions for delayed corn planting, the role of fungicides post-storm and why patience is a grower’s greatest tool right now.Listen for:• Planting progress updates across Indiana• Tornado and dust storm crop impact reports• Replant decision guidelines for corn and soybeans• Maturity change considerations for late-planted corn• Practical takeaways for recovering resilient fields   Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

We hear insights from the field as the 2025 planting season gets underway, and then Carl dives into the rapid planting progress across northern Indiana, sharing key agronomic updates and what early stand evaluations are revealing.With planting windows tightening and early-season decisions looming, hear actionable advice to help you maximize yield potential from the start from Joern, Quinn and Indiana Field Agronomists Brian Shrader and Ben Jacob.🔍 In This Episode:- 2025 planting progress and field conditions- What to expect from early stand evaluations- Managing variability in corn emergence- Key reminders for early-season crop care📩 Have questions or want to connect with Carl, Brian or Ben? Reach out to your local Pioneer agronomist or visit pioneer.com.🌽 For more research and news from Quinn, check out thekernel.info!  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Listen for a boots-on-the-ground update as they break down field conditions, rain totals and emerging weed and insect pressures. They also dive into critical agronomic topics like proper field fit for planting, nitrogen applications, weed control timing and the importance of patience during narrow planting windows. Plus, get insights into planting dates, soybean maturity strategies, and why sticking to your hybrid plan pays off.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The conversation spans a range of timely topics, including:Current spring challenges: Wet and cool weather, delayed fieldwork, and management of early-season weeds like purple dead nettle and henbit dead nettle.Pigweed pressure: Insights on Palmer amaranth and waterhemp control, stressing the importance of residual herbicides and overlapping applications.Technology and weed control: Evaluation of drone and robotics use for herbicide applications, from current capabilities to regulatory considerations and five-to-ten-year outlooks.Site-specific approaches: Variable-rate herbicide management, precision sprayers, and the foundational work needed to make those systems viable in the future.Alternative application opportunities: Use of drones in non-traditional ag settings such as power lines, solar farms, and rights-of-way.Dr. Butts also shares his background in weed science across multiple states and cropping systems, and offers resources for growers to stay up to date with Purdue’s weed science research and recommendations.Resources:https://ipm.missouri.edu/croppest/2024/6/drones_and_herbicides-kb/ https://ag.purdue.edu/btny/purdueweedscience/  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

1. Planting is the most important pass we make with any of our equipment. Position the right seed, on the right acre, at the right rate, at the right depth, at the right time.2. Consider applying non-limiting nitrogen reference strips in every corn field.3. Scout for pests, and apply timely treatments.4. Monitor for misapplications and costly mistakes. (A tank contamination or mistake mix can cause bleaching, striping and other issues.)5. Trust but verify new products. There are so many products from biologicals to stabilizers, but it's really important to run tests and verify that the products work. Leave check strips, and verify ROI.During the conversation with hosts Carl Joern and Brian Shrader, Regg mentions a couple of Pioneer resources including a scouting calendar and a corn disease tracker: Corteva Corn Disease Tracker: https://www.corteva.us/press-releases/Pioneer-Launches-New-Mobile-Tool-to-Identify-Pests-Diseases-and-Deficiencies-in-Crops.htmlPioneer Scouting Calendar: https://www.pioneer.com/us/agronomy/scouting-calendar.html Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The first year Nick Hedden started helping growers manage water hemp was 2016. It hasn’t taken long for a variety of products to lose their effectiveness.“It’s definitely been a challenge,” says Hedden, who is an agronomist with Pioneer in Western Indiana. “Water hemp has between 6-8 chemical class resistances. We’ve got to be thorough, and have a good action plan for 20205 water hemp management.” During this episode of the Pioneer Indiana Agronomy Podcast, Hedden talks with hosts Carl Joern and Brian Shrader. Hededen’s advice is to have multiple, very strong modes of action. There is no silver bullet, but there are some new options.  He recommends starting with an excellent pre-emergence product to control water hemp before it breaks through the ground.“After emergence, we are seeing effectiveness with Enlist and Liberty mixed,” Hedden says. “This is what I’d recommend if you’ve got some really heavy water hemp pressure.”Corteva also has a new product called Kyber® Pro that could be effective.More about Kyber® Pro: https://www.corteva.us/products-and-solutions/crop-protection/kyber-pro.html   Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

During this episode of the Pioneer Agronomy Podcast Ben Jacob talks with Brian Shrader about the rabbit hole he's gone down this winter. He's been reading a lot about the relationship between sulfur and nitrogen. We know we need to apply some, but when and how much?"There's not a lot of research on sulfur in corn. But I did find some in Europe to do with small grains," Jacob says. "There's probably a lot of nutrient interaction that we don't give it [sulfur] credit for."Listen to the full podcast for more takeaways from all they've learned and what research is in the works to give farmers better answers on questions to do with sulfur and soil fertility programs.-----Follow Brian Shrader on Instagram at @B_K_Shrader.Follow Ben Jacob on X at @thebenjacob and on Facebook at Ben Jacob Agronomy.Don't forget to like and subscribe for more real time updates from the Pioneer Agronomy team!----- Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Draft includes data from 11 participants across Illinois and Indiana with more than 300 plots represented. The highest performing corn seed hybrids in 2024 were: 1472, 10811, 14830, 13777 and P1222  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.