Field Advisor
Your Agronomy Questions, Answered
The Illinois Soybean Association Agronomy Team hosted a live Q&A session to discuss the 2025 growing season. Abigail Peterson, CCA, Stacy Zuber, PhD, and Stephanie Porter, CCA, discussed what to watch for this season in terms of nutrient management, weed control, cover crops, and much more.
7 Rainy Sundays? A Look at the Spring Forecast and Summer Outlook
In this episode of the Field Advisor podcast, Kelsey Litchfield gets a weather update from Matt Reardon, senior atmospheric scientist at Nutrien Ag Solutions. They discuss how this year’s weather patterns are impacting planting season, along with the latest spring forecast, including rainfall, severe weather, and drought risks for the upcoming summer. Plus, Reardon explains the unusual wind patterns we’re seeing in 2025.
IL Soy Envoy Spotlight: Byron Hendrix
In this episode of the Field Advisor Podcast, host Kelsey Litchfield talks with Byron Hendrix, CCA, owner of Agronomy 1st LLC and 2025 Illinois Soy Envoy. Byron brings his boots-on-the-ground perspective on weed control, herbicide resistance, and soybean management. He also shares why working with a Certified Crop Adviser could be helpful on your farm.
Tissue Testing: Is It Worth the Effort?
On this episode of the Field Advisor podcast, Kelsey Litchfield chats with Connor Sible, PhD, research assistant professor at the University of Illinois, about what tissue testing in soybeans can tell us—and whether it's worth the time and money, especially with today’s tighter margins.Connor shares what he’s learned so far from the first year of Illinois soybean checkoff-funded research looking at the best time to tissue test soybeans to get a clearer picture of nutrient needs and increase yields. He talks about some of the challenges with tissue testing, how soybeans move nutrients through the plant, and how farmers and researchers working together can turn data into practice on their fields. If you’ve ever questioned the value of tissue testing, this episode offers practical information to help you decide what works best for your farm.
This Week on Field Advisor: Spring Storms, Soybean Planting, Cover Crop Termination and More
This week on Field Advisor, Kelsey Litchfield shares the latest blog updates, including the spring weather outlook, soybean planting recommendations, 2024 soybean disease loss data from the Crop Protection Network, and timely cover crop termination tips.
Soybean Planting Playbook
In this episode of Field Advisor, Kelsey Litchfield and Stephanie Porter, CCA, discuss soybean planting season. They cover the risks associated with early planting, the considerations for no-till planting, adjustments in seeding rates, weed control challenges, seed quality concerns, and crop scouting.
Midwest Weather Trends: What’s in Store for Spring?
In this episode of the Field Advisor podcast, Kelsey Litchfield speaks with Matt Reardon, a Senior Atmospheric Scientist at Nutrient Ag Solutions, about the current weather patterns affecting the Midwest, particularly Illinois. They discuss the recent severe storms, the implications for the upcoming growing season and the importance of being prepared for severe weather events. Matt explains the trends in severe weather, including derechos and tornadoes, and provides analysis into the upcoming spring weather forecasts and seasonal outlooks. The conversation also touches on soil moisture concerns, the impact of snow and freeze-thaw cycles, and the role of AI in weather forecasting.
Weeding Out The Bias in Ag Retail & Crop Consulting
In this episode of Field Advisor, host Kelsey Litchfield discusses the upcoming 2025 growing season with agronomists Eric Beckett and Karen Corrigan. They explore the critical role of agronomists in providing unbiased information to farmers, the biases that exist within agricultural recommendations, and the importance of data-driven decisions in crop consulting. As they prepare for the upcoming spring planting season, they emphasize the need for good agronomy practices and the importance of safety in the field.
Did Spring's Mistakes Come Back to Haunt Yields?
In this final growing season update, the IL Soy Envoys recap the top agronomic challenges of 2024 and share primary concerns for farmers heading into 2025. They discuss how early-season stressors influenced harvest yields, weed control issues, the yield hit of late spot spraying, and the challenges of fall soil testing. The Envoys also address rising fertilizer costs, the effects of corn aphids on yields, and concerns about dry conditions and warm temperatures for fall anhydrous applications. The guests in today’s podcast include Drew Beckman, Beck’s Hybrids; Shelby Weckel, Ehler Bros; Eric Beckett, Illini FS; Craig Grafton, Bayer Crop Science; Karen Corrigan, McGillicuddy Corrigan Agronomics; Kelly Robertson, Precision Crop Services, LLC; and Stephanie Porter, Illinois Soybean Association. Today’s podcast was hosted by Kelsey Litchfield, Agronomic Outreach Specialist for Illinois Soybean Association. Watch the video version of the Field Advisor podcast on YouTube or subscribe on all major podcasting platforms.
Harvest Highlights & Concerns
In this episode, the IL Soy Envoys share yield reports from their regions, highlighting a wide range of results in both soybeans and corn, with many areas seeing strong yields overall. They also cover important fall topics, including soybean header loss, soil pH and lime application, the impact of planting dates on yield, soil moisture and dryness concerns, a disease update, and more. Links Mentioned in This Episode: “The Hidden Power of Lime: Why pH Matters to Production” by Kelly Robertson, CCA, Precision Crop Services, LLC The guests in today’s podcast include Eric Beckett, Illini FS; Craig Grafton, Bayer Crop Science; Karen Corrigan, McGillicuddy Corrigan Agronomics; Drew Beckman, Beck’s Hybrids; Shelby Weckel, Ehler Bros; Kelly Robertson, Precision Crop Services, LLC; and Stephanie Porter, Illinois Soybean Association. Today’s podcast was hosted by Kelsey Litchfield, Agronomic Outreach Specialist for Illinois Soybean Association. Watch the video version of the Field Advisor podcast on YouTube or subscribe on all major podcasting platforms.
How are Yields Shaping Up?
In this episode, the IL Soy Envoys examine the current conditions of soybean and corn crops, highlighting how recent rains have enhanced moisture levels in soybeans. They review yield reports, noting variability in both corn and soybeans, with some areas experiencing lower yields due to seasonal stresses, along with reports of cercospora leaf blight and ear rot disease. The conversation also covers 2025 input planning for fertilizer and weed control.Links Mentioned in This Episode: · “The Bronzing Effect of Cercospora Leaf Blight” by Shelby Weckel· Free SCN Egg Count Sampling funded by Illinois Soybean Checkoff program· “2025 Input Planning: Phosphorus and Potassium Applications” by Eric Beckett· “2025 Input Planning: Weed Control” by Eric Beckett· On-Farm Trialing Network with Illinois Soybean AssociationThe guests in today’s podcast include Shelby Weckel, Ehler Brothers Seed; Drew Beckman, Beck’s Hybrids; and Eric Beckett, Illini FS. Today’s podcast was hosted by Kelsey Litchfield, Agronomic Outreach Specialist for Illinois Soybean Association. Watch the video version of the Field Advisor podcast on YouTube or subscribe on all major podcasting platforms.
Winning with Wheat and Double-Crop Soybeans
In this episode, Kelsey Litchfield is joined by John Howell, a farmer from Monroe and Randolph counties in Illinois and president of the Illinois Wheat Association. They start by examining the 2024 winter wheat crop and the challenges it presented this year. Despite strong yields, they were slightly lower than those in 2023. John also shares his perspective of why Illinois wheat growers are seeing steady improvements in winter wheat yields. The discussion shifts to double-crop soybeans, highlighting John’s experiences growing them after winter wheat and current crop conditions. He also explains his systems approach to growing corn, wheat, and double-crop soybeans, detailing how this method integrates different crops for optimal results. To wrap up, John highlights a major new initiative from the Illinois Wheat Association, urging all Illinois wheat growers to get involved.
Will It Be a Long Harvest?
In this episode, the IL Soy Envoys discuss early harvest reports and plans for the next growing season. Soybeans are maturing quickly, and while some harvests have started with strong early yields, concerns about dry beans and a long season persist. There are reports of white mold, stalk rot, and anthracnose, but tar spot isn’t a major issue. The IL Soy Envoys seeing a wide range of yields, and despite some wet areas, a big crop is expected. Questions around lime, fertility, and soil tests are increasing, and they emphasize the importance of using and calibrating yield monitors to diagnose problems this season. The guests in today’s podcast include Shelby Weckel, Ehler Brothers Seed; Eric Beckett, Illini FS; Craig Grafton, Bayer Crop Science; Karen Corrigan, McGillicuddy Corrigan Agronomics; and Drew Beckman, Beck’s Hybrids. Today’s podcast was hosted by Kelsey Litchfield, Agronomic Outreach Specialist for Illinois Soybean Association. Watch the video version of the ILSoyAdvisor podcast on YouTube or subscribe on all major podcasting platforms.
Must-See Crop Moments from the 2024 Growing Season
They say a picture is worth a thousand words—so let’s dive in! The IL Soy Envoys share their most intriguing photos from the 2024 growing season, discussing what’s happening in each shot and the lessons learned. Plus, they bring you the latest weekly crop report straight from the field. If you'd like to see the photos from today's episode, click here to watch here on YouTube. The guests in today’s podcast include Eric Beckett, Illini FS; Craig Grafton, Bayer Crop Science; Karen Corrigan, McGillicuddy Corrigan Agronomics; Drew Beckman, Beck’s Hybrids; Kelly Robertson, Precision Crop Services, LLC; and Stephanie Porter, Illinois Soybean Association. Today’s podcast was hosted by Kelsey Litchfield, Agronomic Outreach Specialist for Illinois Soybean Association. Watch the video version of the ILSoyAdvisor podcast on YouTube or subscribe on all major podcasting platforms.
A Record Crop During a Wet Year?
USDA-NASS forecasts yields of 225 for corn and 66 for soybeans in Illinois, but are the IL Soy Envoys seeing this potential in their fields? Listen as they share crop conditions, discussing the possible need for a second fungicide pass, and addressing reports of tar spot, SDS, white mold, and more. The guests in today’s podcast include Craig Grafton, Bayer Crop Science; Karen Corrigan, McGillicuddy Corrigan Agronomics; and Drew Beckman, Beck’s Hybrids. Today’s podcast was hosted by Kelsey Litchfield, Agronomic Outreach Specialist for Illinois Soybean Association.
Are We Getting Too Much Rain?
Rainfall continues across Illinois, with some areas welcoming the moisture while others face potential excess. The IL Soy Envoys discuss this issue, along with disease pressure and the looming threat of tar spot. They urge farmers to continue scouting their fields and to assess corn pollination progress to avoid surprises during harvest. Additionally, they report sightings of stinkbugs in soybean fields and potential pod feeding. Tune in to today’s podcast for more details. The guests in today’s podcast include Shelby Weckel, Ehler Bros Seed; Eric Beckett, Illini FS; Craig Grafton, Bayer Crop Science; and Karen Corrigan, McGillicuddy Corrigan Agronomics. Today’s podcast was hosted by Kelsey Litchfield, Agronomic Outreach Specialist for Illinois Soybean Association. Watch the video version of the ILSoyAdvisor podcast on YouTube or subscribe on all major podcasting platforms.
Corn Leaf Aphids Attack!
Corn leaf aphids are invading corn fields, and wet conditions are leading to an increase in disease. The IL Soy Envoys discuss these challenges, sharing insights on disease and insect pressure, along with other field reports. The guests in today’s podcast include Shelby Weckel, Ehler Bros Seed; Eric Beckett, Illini FS; Craig Grafton, Bayer Crop Science; Karen Corrigan, McGillicuddy Corrigan Agronomics; and Drew Beckman, Beck’s Hybrids. Today’s podcast was hosted by Kelsey Litchfield, Agronomic Outreach Specialist for Illinois Soybean Association. Watch the video version of the ILSoyAdvisor podcast on YouTube or subscribe on all major podcasting platforms.
More Rain…Now What?
Illinois experienced significant rainfall this week, including a derecho that brought substantial precipitation to several areas. How will this impact the crops? Our Soy Envoys share their insights on the situation, along with updates on fungicide applications, pollination challenges, corn leaf aphids, soybean diseases, and more. *Editor’s note – We experienced some technological difficulties during this episode. We apologize for the choppy audio.* The guests in today’s podcast include Kelly Robertson, Precision Crop Services, LLC; Eric Beckett, Illini FS; Craig Grafton, Bayer Crop Science; Karen Corrigan, McGillicuddy Corrigan Agronomics; Drew Beckman, Beck’s Hybrids; and Stephanie Porter, Illinois Soybean Association. Today’s podcast was hosted by Kelsey Litchfield, Agronomic Outreach Specialist for Illinois Soybean Association. Watch the video version of the ILSoyAdvisor podcast on YouTube or subscribe on all major podcasting platforms.
Should You Apply a Fungicide?
We're halfway through the growing season, and many farmers are considering whether to apply fungicide despite low commodity prices. What do our IL Soy Envoys and Certified Crop Advisers have to say on the matter? Tune in to this episode as they share their latest crop updates, rainfall reports from Hurricane Beryl, predictions for a record crop in Illinois, and more! The guests in today’s podcast include Drew Beckman, Beck’s Hybrids; Eric Beckett, Illini FS; and Kelly Robertson, Precision Crop Services, LLC. Today’s podcast was hosted by Kelsey Litchfield, Agronomic Outreach Specialist for Illinois Soybean Association. Watch the video version of the ILSoyAdvisor podcast on YouTube or subscribe on all major podcasting platforms.
And the Bad News Is?
After a week's break, the IL Soy Envoys have returned to provide their latest field reports. They cover precipitation levels—or the lack thereof in some regions—and discuss the emergence of tar spot and other potential diseases. Additionally, they provide updates on corn rootworm, Japanese beetles, and other significant field developments. The guests in today’s podcast include Kelly Robertson, Precision Crop Services, LLC; Shelby Weckel, Ehler Bros Seed; Eric Beckett, Illini FS; Craig Grafton, Bayer Crop Science; Karen Corrigan, McGillicuddy Corrigan Agronomics; Drew Beckman, Beck’s Hybrids; and Stephanie Porter, Illinois Soybean Association. Today’s podcast was hosted by Kelsey Litchfield, Agronomic Outreach Specialist for Illinois Soybean Association. Watch the video version of the ILSoyAdvisor podcast on YouTube or subscribe on all major podcasting platforms.
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