Field Advisor

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

In the USDA’s latest report of Illinois crop conditions, both soybeans and corn showed a decline in the excellent and good categories, with an increase in the poor and very poor ratings over the week. The Soy Envoys provide their crop updates, discussing emergence issues and "floppy corn," along with continued scouting for weeds after post-application and soybean flowering. They also discuss pest concerns, including slugs, Japanese beetles, and stinkbugs. 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; 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.

Crop conditions remain highly variable across the state, and the IL Soy Envoys provide analysis into what's happening in their respective regions. In this episode, they also cover topics including wheat harvest, monitoring root establishment, notable slug damage in fields, crops in the "ugly duckling" phase, herbicide misapplications, and their notes for the upcoming fungicide season. The guests in today’s podcast include Drew Beckman, Beck’s Hybrids; Eric Beckett, Illini FS; Shelby Weckel, Ehler Bros Seed; 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.

On this episode of ILSoyAdvisor, the Soy Envoys give their updates on field and crop conditions across Illinois. In some areas of the state, persistent rain delays and recurring ponding and flooding have left many fields unplanted, prompting decisions about prevent planting. They also address the challenges posed by the high variability in crop conditions. Some corn and soybeans are struggling, with significant yellowing in fields and ongoing waterhemp issues. The Soy Envoys share their management recommendations, including sidedressing, assessing root and nodule development in soybeans, planning fungicide applications, weed management, and monitoring for tar spot. They emphasize caution with spraying and adhering to label instructions. Reports indicate corn rootworm emergence and early-planted soybeans beginning to bloom. Finally, the Soy Envoys offer their “way too early” yield predictions for soybeans. 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; 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.

Corn and soybean planting is ongoing, with some areas finished and others delayed due to field location and rainfall. Storms have caused hail damage, leading to possible soybean replanting, and crusting may also require replanting. Flash floods and ponding are creating nitrogen concerns and yellowing. Wind has also caused sandblasting in central Illinois.Crop growth stages vary for both corn and soybeans. Post herbicide application is in progress, but strong weed emergence, particularly waterhemp, is alarming. There is concern for herbicide effectiveness and the need for responsible dicamba use to minimize off-target movement. There are reports of sidedressing in corn.Overall, conditions across Illinois are highly variable, with progress and challenges differing by field and location.The guests in today’s podcast include Karen Corrigan, McGillicuddy Corrigan Agronomics; Eric Beckett, Illini FS; Stephanie Porter, Illinois Soybean Association; Drew Beckman, Beck’s Hybrids; Craig Grafton, Bayer Crop Science; and Shelby Weckel, Ehler Bros Seed. 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

In the latest ILSoyAdvisor podcast, Abigail Peterson, CCA, and Stephanie Porter, CCA, from the Illinois Soybean Association discuss the current state of planting and crop conditions in Illinois. While some areas have finished planting or are working on their last fields, southern Illinois farmers face delays due to wet conditions. They share their mid-May to June soybean planting recommendations and discuss the rampant growth of weeds, particularly waterhemp. They also address cover crop management and termination as well as updates on pests such as bean leaf beetles and black cutworm feedings. The guests in today’s podcast include Stephanie Porter, CCA, Illinois Soybean Association Outreach Agronomist, and Abigail Peterson, CCA, Illinois Soybean Association Director of Agronomy. 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.

In this episode, the Soy Envoys discuss recent field activity, highlighting variability in conditions with some regions dry and suitable for planting while others remain wet. They report cold injury in corn, significant weed pressure, and black cutworm feeding in both corn and soybeans. The Soy Envoys also address concerns about how planting delays might affect yields, advising growers to remain patient and stay the course. If replanting is necessary, consult with your seed supplier and continue monitoring growth stages. The guests in today’s podcast include Soy Envoys Karen Corrigan, McGillicuddy Corrigan Agronomics; Eric Beckett, Illini FS; Kelly Robertson, Precision Crop Services LLC; Drew Beckman, Beck’s Hybrids; and Craig Grafton, Bayer Crop Science. 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.

Amidst planting delays, farmers are questioning whether to prioritize planting soybeans or corn. As mid-May approaches, agronomists and university researchers are advising farmers to place their focus on planting corn before soybeans. Dr. Connor Sible of the Crop Sciences Department at the University of Illinois advises patience, suggesting farmers can still plant full-maturity corn until the end of May – depending on the region. Post-planting, Sible urges assessment for uneven emergence and stand loss in wet spots, along with managing nitrogen applications and ongoing field scouting.

Planting progress in Illinois is sporadic, with some areas experiencing delays with wet spots and ponding in fields, while other areas have already planted their corn and soybean crops. Concerns arise regarding prevent planting in some areas if wet weather persists, alongside reports of emerging pests like bean leaf beetles and slugs in soybeans. Additionally, issues with cover crop termination and herbicide mixtures are highlighted, emphasizing the importance of careful field management practices and thorough scouting efforts. The guests in today’s podcast include Craig Grafton, Bayer Crop Science; Drew Beckman, Beck’s Hybrids; Kelly Robertson, Precision Crop Services LLC; Karen Corrigan, McGillicuddy Corrigan Agronomics; Eric Beckett, Illini FS; and Shelby Weckel, Ehler Brothers Seed. 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.

In this episode, the Soy Envoys provide an overview of recent rainfall across various regions of Illinois with reports ranging from ½ inch to 5 inches. They discuss emerging concerns such as replant considerations for soybeans, disease in wheat fields, and seedling diseases. Looking ahead, they advise on replanting decisions and caution against making major switches in crop too soon. Throughout the discussion, they emphasize the importance of recalibration in planters and proper tillage practices. The guests in today’s podcast include Craig Grafton, Bayer Crop Science; Drew Beckman, Beck’s Hybrids; Kelly Robertson, Precision Crop Services LLC; Karen Corrigan, McGillicuddy Corrigan Agronomics; Eric Beckett, Illini FS; Shelby Weckel, Ehler Brothers Seed; and Stephanie Porter, Illinois Soybean Association. Today’s podcast was hosted by Kelsey Litchfield, Agronomic Outreach Specialist for Illinois Soybean Association.

The latest episode from the Soy Envoys brings a brief update on planting and field conditions across Illinois, with both corn and soybeans planting progress at 11 percent as of April 21st. While some areas have finished planting and others haven't even begun, some farmers are halfway done! The Envoys note a slowdown in planting in some regions due to recent rains, in contrast with full speed ahead in other areas. They highlight increasing weed pressure and urge farmers to uphold good stewardship practices for herbicide applications and adhere strictly to the herbicide label. Additionally, sightings of black cutworm moths and armyworms are on the rise. There are also concerns around herbicide cover crop termination. For last-minute cover crop termination tips, refer to this article from Jim Isermann. Despite challenges, the Envoys reassure farmers that there's still plenty of time for planting and not to panic….yet. The guests in today’s podcast include Karen Corrigan, McGillicuddy Corrigan Agronomics; Eric Beckett, Illini FS; Drew Beckman, Beck’s Hybrids; Shelby Weckel, Ehler Brothers Seed; Craig Grafton, Bayer Crop Science; 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.

The Soy Envoys provide a short update on planting progress and field conditions across different regions of Illinois. They discuss weed control strategies and herbicide applications as well as the connection of winter annual weeds being a host for soybean cyst nematode. Click here for more information from Purdue University. With planting season underway, they emphasize the importance of accurate data collection throughout the growing season and advise patience, as planting is a marathon, not a sprint!The group also answers the question of the week: “What unique challenge should farmers keep top of mind as planting season gets fully underway?” The guests in today’s podcast include Eric Beckett, Illini FS; Drew Beckman, Beck’s Hybrids; Shelby Weckel, Ehler Brothers Seed; Craig Grafton, Bayer Crop Science; 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.

In this episode, the ILSoyAdvisor Soy Envoys launch a new series, offering updates on statewide field conditions. They focus on concerns such as henbit control, cover crop termination, and reports of black cutworms and armyworms. Additionally, they discuss planting progress, currently at 2% for corn and soybeans (as of 4/7), attributing the delay to precipitation and cooler nighttime temperatures. They all re-assure farmers to not panic about getting the crop in the ground and there’s still plenty of time for the planting season to commence. The guests in today’s podcast include Eric Beckett, Illini FS; Drew Beckman, Beck’s Hybrids; Shelby Weckel, Ehler Brothers Seed; Craig Grafton, Bayer Crop Science; 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.

Herbicide resistance among weeds has become a significant challenge, so farmers must explore diverse strategies for weed management. GROW (Getting Rid of Weeds) is a scientist-led network coordinating research to help farmers across the U.S. fight herbicide resistance. Their focus extends beyond chemical solutions to encompass non-chemical techniques, emphasizing three key areas: harvest weed seed control, cover crops, and precision weed management. In this episode, Michael Flessner, Virginia Tech Associate Professor and Extension Weed Science Specialist, along with Karen Corrigan, CCA and Independent Agronomist at McGillicuddy Corrigan Agronomics, join Kelsey Litchfield to discuss GROW’s comprehensive approach to weed management, emphasizing collaboration, research, and outreach for greater diversity of weed control strategies to complement chemical use. They discuss the rising challenge of herbicide resistance and how GROW’s website offers a multitude of resources for farmers including a weed management planner, identification of weeds, webinars, news, and more. Visit https://growiwm.org/ to learn more about their efforts.

Join Kelsey Litchfield and Kelly Robertson, ILSoyAdvisor Soy Envoy and soil fertility agronomist, as they talk with Eli Sloneker from Precision Planting about Radicle Agronomics and their mission to transform soil nutrient management in farming. In this episode, Eli offers an overview into Radicle Agronomics, and how it got started seven years ago and explaining the significance behind its name. Kelly asks some technical questions about the functionality of GeoPress and its role in expediting soil sampling procedures in the field. While Radicle Agronomics remains in the beta testing phase with limited commercial availability, Precision Planting will have it running in fields this growing season. What lies ahead for this product? Eli provides insights into the future trajectory and upcoming plans for Radicle Agronomics.

As February brought warmer temperatures, Illinois soybean producers are gearing up for spring. From field preparations to reports of planters in action, signs of early soybean planting are emerging across the state. During a recent visit to Commodity Classic in Houston, Illinois Soybean Association (ISA) Outreach Agronomist and CCA, Stephanie Porter, and ISA Agronomic Outreach Specialist, Kelsey Litchfield, had the opportunity to connect with industry experts, farmers, and an agronomist to discuss planter prep. In this latest podcast episode, Stephanie and Kelsey are joined by David Brennan from CASE IH, Nate Prater from Golden Harvest, and Troy McKown from Precision Planting. They share their insights on planter preparation and highlighted key considerations farmers might overlook before hitting the fields.For more content on planting soybeans, check out the Field Notes section on ILSoyAdvisor.com.

In this podcast, Dr. Connor Sible shares the 2024 update of Dr. Fred Below's Six Secrets to Soybean Success. He talks about weather and planting date and how the earliest planting date may not always win in terms of yield, but explains the potential it can bring with little relative risk and why planting soybeans before corn is worth a try. The podcast discussion also extends to trial data on soybean molybdenum seed treatment, planting fuller maturity groups, foliar protection, fertility, and other key factors. And what could be the newly developed seventh secret to soybean success? Tune in to find out!

In today's installment, host Kelsey Litchfield continues a deep dive into the 2023 growing season with part 2 of the recap, featuring insights from Stephanie Porter, Outreach Agronomist and Certified Crop Adviser with the Illinois Soybean Association.They discuss "root rot mania" plus the big topic of red crown crown. Stephanie also shares observations of foliar diseases and more insect pressure while some areas of the state continue not to see rain. At the end, Stephanie shares her biggest challenge of 2023 and recommendations going forward in 2024. Don't miss this comprehensive recap of the 2023 growing season on the ILSoyAdvisor podcast.

Join us for the latest episode of the ILSoyAdvisor podcast with your host Kelsey Litchfield, from the Illinois Soybean Association. In this episode, we sit down with Stephanie Porter, an outreach agronomist and certified crop adviser, to dive into the challenges and highlights of the 2023 growing season. From the drought to the unexpected derecho in June, we explore the weather conditions that impacted various regions in Illinois. Tune in to hear about the challenges growers faced in weed management, disease and insect pressure, environmental conditions, and more. Don't miss this comprehensive recap of the 2023 growing season on the ILSoyAdvisor podcast.

In this podcast episode, we hear from three agronomists with updates on soybean and corn harvest and their concerns for the upcoming season. Bayer Agronomist, Jim Donnelly, shares recent rains have delayed harvest, but soybean yields are generally in the 70s with some reports in the 60s and 80s. Crystal Williams, Illinois Soy Envoy and Pioneer Agronomist, notes that while rainfall has caused some delays, early soybean planting has been beneficial for yields. Steve Wilkens with Golden Harvest emphasizes the importance of learning from this year's experiences and reports that yields have exceeded expectations. Their main concerns from the past growing season include issues with white mold. Looking ahead to spring, Jim highlights the need for soil testing and addressing low potassium levels observed from the dry growing season. Steve is concerned about herbicides and weed control, emphasizing the importance of managing the seed bank and using cover crops effectively. Crystal shares concerns about weed management and corn rootworm control, echoing Steve's recommendations for sticky traps in both corn and soybean fields. Additionally, all three agronomists stress the importance of not discounting the use of residual herbicides despite their performance in this unusual growing season. They encourage farmers to continue using residuals and prevent weed emergence. Tune in to gain valuable agronomic insight!

Kelsey Litchfield discusses the agronomy headlines of the week from ILSoyAdvisor.com. In this episode, she shares a harvest update from the Illinois Soy Envoys, explore the weather outlook for the remainder of harvest, examine the impact of cover crops on soybean growth during the 2023 season, discuss the effort to oppose the EPA Herbicide Strategy, and much more. All of these articles are available on ILSoyAdvisor.com underneath the “In the Field” tab in the Field Notes blog. You can also subscribe to our e-newsletter and get these posts straight to your inbox on Monday morning. Go to ILSoyAdvisor.com and scroll all the way to the bottom of the homepage under newsletter sign-up.

This year's harvest has brought a wide range of yields so far, from disappointing to outstanding, in both soybeans and corn. The Illinois Soy Envoys offer a wide-ranging harvest report, covering yield assessments from various regions across the state. In addition, they provide insights into the growing season, addressing challenges such as insects, disease, and weed problems in both corn and soybean crops. The Envoys also share their concerns and thoughts for the upcoming spring.