Sean and Andrew are joined by Jim Ippolito from The Ohio State University to dig into the science of soil health and fertility.

The crew discusses:

✅ How to define soil health

✅ What factors determine soil health

✅ The importance of soil respiration rates

✅ The effects of anaerobic soils and pH

✅ Fungal/bacterial ratios

✅ pH’s role in soil fertility and nutrient availability

Meet the Guest:

🌱 Dr. Jim Ippolito is a professor of environmental soil health at The Ohio State University. His 30+ year career has focused on improving environmental soil fertility, chemistry, microbiology and soil health in ecosystems. His research program connects the intimate linkages between soil macro- and micro-nutrients, trace and heavy metals, microbiological activity and soil physical attributes, and how these factors combine to influence ecosystem sustainability, resiliency, food, climate and environmental security.

A Penney for Your Thoughts is hosted by Sean Blomgren, agronomist and owner of Blomgren Seed from Boone, Iowa, and Andrew Penney,  plant doctor and Preceon agronomy lead for Bayer Crop Science from Ames, Iowa. We cover all things agronomy and high-yield management, share what we're seeing in the field and bring in trusted voices from the industry to deliver timely, relevant insights that matter to your farm. By combining real-time updates from the field with expert insights from industry professionals, we help you achieve your highest yields yet. It's ag talk that just makes cents.

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Sean and Andrew are back at Purdue University with resident tar spot expert Darcy Telenko. 

The crew discusses:

✅ Efficacy of fungicide application for tar spot and southern rust

✅ Taking the emotion out of management decisions

✅ Most effective fungicide application timing for a one-pass program

✅ How drones are changing fungicide applications

✅ The yield impact of tar spot disease

✅ How to predict onset of tar spot disease

✅ What research is happening now to better understand tar spot disease

Meet the Guest:

🌱 Dr. Darcy Telenko is an associate professor of botany and plant pathology at Purdue University. Her research program focuses on promoting sustainable and economically sound disease management practices in Indiana field crops. Her interdisciplinary plant pathology research and extension program is involved in studying the biology and management of soilborne and foliar pathogens of agronomic crops. Follow Darcy on X.

A Penney for Your Thoughts is hosted by Sean Blomgren, agronomist and owner of Blomgren Seed from Boone, Iowa, and Andrew Penney,  plant doctor and Preceon agronomy lead for Bayer Crop Science from Ames, Iowa. We cover all things agronomy and high-yield management, share what we're seeing in the field and bring in trusted voices from the industry to deliver timely, relevant insights that matter to your farm. By combining real-time updates from the field with expert insights from industry professionals, we help you achieve your highest yields yet. It's ag talk that just makes cents.

⭐️ Like what you hear? Leave us a review to help our podcast reach more growers and agronomists like you!

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Sean and Andrew are back at Purdue University with resident tar spot expert Darcy Telenko. 

The crew discusses:

✅ The changes we’ve seen in tar spot since our last conversation with Darcy

✅ Optimal temperature and moisture conditions for tar spot disease

✅ The latency period between tar spot infection and visible signs of disease

✅ How tar spot disease correlates with southern rust

✅ A preview of management strategies being tested for tar spot disease

Meet the Guest:

🌱 Dr. Darcy Telenko is an associate professor of botany and plant pathology at Purdue University. Her research program focuses on promoting sustainable and economically sound disease management practices in Indiana field crops. Her interdisciplinary plant pathology research and extension program is involved in studying the biology and management of soilborne and foliar pathogens of agronomic crops. Follow Darcy on X.

A Penney for Your Thoughts is hosted by Sean Blomgren, agronomist and owner of Blomgren Seed from Boone, Iowa, and Andrew Penney,  plant doctor and Preceon agronomy lead for Bayer Crop Science from Ames, Iowa. We cover all things agronomy and high-yield management, share what we're seeing in the field and bring in trusted voices from the industry to deliver timely, relevant insights that matter to your farm. By combining real-time updates from the field with expert insights from industry professionals, we help you achieve your highest yields yet. It's ag talk that just makes cents.

⭐️ Like what you hear? Leave us a review to help our podcast reach more growers and agronomists like you!

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Sean and Andrew are back at Purdue University with soybean expert Shaun Casteel, talking about what makes the difference between traditional and high-yield soybean management, and how you can take your crop to the next level.

The crew discusses:

✅ Planting soybeans before corn

✅ The maturity-moisture connection

✅ The importance of fungicide seed treatment in timely planting

✅ Soybean planting depths and populations

✅ When variable rate planting makes sense for soybeans

✅ The role of sulfur in soybean production

✅ The impact of narrow rows on yield

✅ Limiting factors in high-yield soybean management

Meet the Guest:

🌱 Dr. Shaun Casteel was born and raised on the family farm in east-central Illinois. He earned his B.S. in Crop Sciences at the University of Illinois in 2001 while interning with many ag companies. In 2004, Shaun earned his M.S. in Crop Science at NC State University, working in cotton physiology, management, and Extension. Then, he was the agronomist for NC Department of Agriculture for the following two years. Shaun earned his Ph.D. in Soil Science (Nutrient Management) in 2009 at NC State University to round out his education as an agronomist. Shaun joined the Purdue Agronomy Department in May 2009 as the Extension Soybean and Small Grains Specialist. He addresses today's agronomic challenges of soybean and small grains through various Extension programs and applied research. Follow Shaun on X.

A Penney for Your Thoughts is hosted by Sean Blomgren, agronomist and owner of Blomgren Seed from Boone, Iowa, and Andrew Penney,  plant doctor and Preceon agronomy lead for Bayer Crop Science from Ames, Iowa. We cover all things agronomy and high-yield management, share what we're seeing in the field and bring in trusted voices from the industry to deliver timely, relevant insights that matter to your farm. By combining real-time updates from the field with expert insights from industry professionals, we help you achieve your highest yields yet. It's ag talk that just makes cents.

⭐️ Like what you hear? Leave us a review to help our podcast reach more growers and agronomists like you!

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Sean and Andrew are at Purdue University to talk to soybean expert Shaun Casteel about the science of soybean production from seed to harvest. 

The crew discusses:

✅ The research being conducted by Purdue’s applied soybean research team

✅ The viability of early planting dates

✅ Optimal soybean plant height and population

✅ Drills vs. planters, and why it might be time to invest

✅ What “going rank” really means

✅ Why soybean yields vary so much

✅ Insights to help fill grain and retain pods

Meet the Guest:

🌱 Dr. Shaun Casteel was born and raised on the family farm in east-central Illinois. He earned his B.S. in Crop Sciences at the University of Illinois in 2001 while interning with many ag companies. In 2004, Shaun earned his M.S. in Crop Science at NC State University, working in cotton physiology, management, and Extension. Then, he was the agronomist for NC Department of Agriculture for the following two years. Shaun earned his Ph.D. in Soil Science (Nutrient Management) in 2009 at NC State University to round out his education as an agronomist. Shaun joined the Purdue Agronomy Department in May 2009 as the Extension Soybean and Small Grains Specialist. He addresses today's agronomic challenges of soybean and small grains through various Extension programs and applied research. Follow Shaun on X.

A Penney for Your Thoughts is hosted by Sean Blomgren, agronomist and owner of Blomgren Seed from Boone, Iowa, and Andrew Penney,  plant doctor and Preceon agronomy lead for Bayer Crop Science from Ames, Iowa. We cover all things agronomy and high-yield management, share what we're seeing in the field and bring in trusted voices from the industry to deliver timely, relevant insights that matter to your farm. By combining real-time updates from the field with expert insights from industry professionals, we help you achieve your highest yields yet. It's ag talk that just makes cents.

⭐️ Like what you hear? Leave us a review to help our podcast reach more growers and agronomists like you!

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Sean and Andrew are back with Daren “Dr. Know-It-All” Mueller and Alison Robertson at Iowa State University to hear their two cents on the intense disease pressure we saw in corn and soybean fields this season. 

The crew discusses:

✅ Application timing for disease management

✅ A new mindset on ROI and yield 

✅ The realities of active ingredients in fungicides

✅ The rain/disease connection

✅ The geographic shift in southern rust

✅ Inside seed disease ratings

✅ The evolution of disease management

Meet the Guests:

🌱 Daren Mueller is a professor and extension plant pathologist at Iowa State University. He is also the coordinator of the Iowa State Integrated Pest Management program. Daren’s main research interests involve understanding the biology and management of field crop diseases. Daren is also a co-director of the North Central IPM Center and the Crop Protection Network. Learn more about Daren and follow him on X.

🌱 Alison Robertson is a professor at Iowa State University with a statewide responsibility for the management of diseases of field crops. She coordinates and provides leadership for corn and soybean disease diagnosis and management information and education programs for corn and soybean farmers and agribusiness professionals throughout Iowa. Learn more about Alison and follow her on X.

A Penney for Your Thoughts is hosted by Sean Blomgren, agronomist and owner of Blomgren Seed from Boone, Iowa, and Andrew Penney,  plant doctor and Preceon agronomy lead for Bayer Crop Science from Ames, Iowa. We cover all things agronomy and high-yield management, share what we're seeing in the field and bring in trusted voices from the industry to deliver timely, relevant insights that matter to your farm. By combining real-time updates from the field with expert insights from industry professionals, we help you achieve your highest yields yet. It's ag talk that just makes cents.

⭐️ Like what you hear? Leave us a review to help our podcast reach more growers and agronomists like you!

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Sean and Andrew sit down with Daren “Dr. Know-It-All” Mueller and Alison Robertson at Iowa State University to hear their two cents on disease pressure facing corn and soybean fields. 

The crew discusses:

✅ The research happening in ISU extension agronomy labs 

✅ The expanding potential of technology in agriculture

✅ A deep dive into southern rust and why it was so prevalent this season

✅ New thought processes behind tar spot

✅ Reminders about corn stunt disease

✅ Understanding crown rot and root rot

Meet the Guests:

🌱 Daren Mueller is a professor and extension plant pathologist at Iowa State University. He is also the coordinator of the Iowa State Integrated Pest Management program. Daren’s main research interests involve understanding the biology and management of field crop diseases. Daren is also a co-director of the North Central IPM Center and the Crop Protection Network. Learn more about Daren and follow him on X.

🌱 Alison Robertson is a professor at Iowa State University with a statewide responsibility for the management of diseases of field crops. She coordinates and provides leadership for corn and soybean disease diagnosis and management information and education programs for corn and soybean farmers and agribusiness professionals throughout Iowa. Learn more about Alison and follow her on X.

A Penney for Your Thoughts is hosted by Sean Blomgren, agronomist and owner of Blomgren Seed from Boone, Iowa, and Andrew Penney,  plant doctor and Preceon agronomy lead for Bayer Crop Science from Ames, Iowa. We cover all things agronomy and high-yield management, share what we're seeing in the field and bring in trusted voices from the industry to deliver timely, relevant insights that matter to your farm. By combining real-time updates from the field with expert insights from industry professionals, we help you achieve your highest yields yet. It's ag talk that just makes cents.

⭐️ Like what you hear? Leave us a review to help our podcast reach more growers and agronomists like you!

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Sean and Andrew are back with another episode from the University of Illinois' Crop Physiology Field Day. We've got the home team advantage with insights straight from the source. 

The crew discusses:

✅ Multi-season fertilizer application planning

✅ SAAM rating for root architecture

✅ The difference in corn and soybeans' response to fertilizer

✅ A year-round approach to strip tillage

✅ The purpose behind the Crop Physiology Field Day

✅ A deep dive into sulfur

Meet the Guests:

🌱 Sam Leskanich is a doctoral agronomy student at the University of Illinois, focused on root architecture research using the SAAM rating.

🌱 Jared Fender is a senior research specialist and master's student at the University of Illinois, focused on building equipment to facilitate agronomy research trials. 

🌱 Connor Sible is an assistant professor at the University of Illinois and the host of the Crop Physiology Field Day.

A Penney for Your Thoughts is hosted by Sean Blomgren, agronomist and owner of Blomgren Seed from Boone, Iowa, and Andrew Penney,  plant doctor and Preceon agronomy lead for Bayer Crop Science from Ames, Iowa. We cover all things agronomy and high-yield management, share what we're seeing in the field and bring in trusted voices from the industry to deliver timely, relevant insights that matter to your farm. By combining real-time updates from the field with expert insights from industry professionals, we help you achieve your highest yields yet. It's ag talk that just makes cents.

⭐️ Like what you hear? Leave us a review to help our podcast reach more growers and agronomists like you!

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Sean and Andrew are on-site in Champaign, Illinois at the annual Crop Physiology Field Day with Dr. Fred Below, Dr. Connor Sible and more agronomy experts! 🌱

Meet Our Guests

Lance Tarochione, host of Ask an agronomist, gives us insight into the Crop Physiology Field Day and the history of this amazing event!

Dr. Fred Below tells us how the 7 wonders of corn yield have led to the 6 secrets of soybean success.

Dr. Marcos Loman gives us insight on some of our biggest questions: Can we still add yield late in the reproductive soybean stages? How do soybeans respond to nutrient concentration and planting dates?

Ava Isaacs shares that biologicals are the “future of agriculture,” and helps us understand the challenging categories and how to think about incorporating them into our farms!

Sean Evans gives his insight into what’s happening in the western geography, the theme, and key takeaways from the field day, and encourages the audience to attend a future field day!

A Penney for Your Thoughts is hosted by Sean Blomgren, agronomist and owner of Blomgren Seed from Boone, Iowa, and Andrew Penney,  plant doctor and Preceon agronomy lead for Bayer Crop Science from Ames, Iowa. We cover all things agronomy and high-yield management, share what we're seeing in the field and bring in trusted voices from the industry to deliver timely, relevant insights that matter to your farm. By combining real-time updates from the field with expert insights from industry professionals, we help you achieve your highest yields yet. It's ag talk that just makes cents.

⭐️ Like what you hear? Leave us a review to help our podcast reach more growers and agronomists like you!

📲 Follow us on social: 

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Sean and Andrew are back with Maira Duffeck to discuss how to manage corn stunt disease and protect your yields.

The crew discusses:

✅ Where corn stunt disease has been confirmed in the U.S.

✅ How corn stunt disease is transmitted to fields, and how to manage transmission

✅ The effectiveness of treatments for corn leafhoppers and corn stunt disease

✅ Limitations and questions surrounding corn stunt disease and its treatment

Learn more about managing corn stunt disease: https://extension.okstate.edu/e-pest-alerts/2024/corn-leafhopper-leads-to-corn-stunt-outbreak-across-oklahoma-aug-12-2024.html

Meet the Guest:

🌱 Maira Rodrigues Duffeck is originally from Brazil, where she earned her bachelor’s degree and Ph.D. in plant pathology. Her doctoral studies led her to Penn State University, where she spent two years as a visiting scholar studying Fusarium head blight of wheat. She then worked at The Ohio State University as a postdoctoral researcher studying serial pathogens and diseases in corn and wheat before starting her current position as an assistant professor at Oklahoma State University, where she balances her time between extension and research.

Learn more about Maira: https://experts.okstate.edu/mairodr

A Penney for Your Thoughts is hosted by Sean Blomgren, agronomist and owner of Blomgren Seed from Boone, Iowa, and Andrew Penney,  plant doctor and Preceon agronomy lead for Bayer Crop Science from Ames, Iowa. We cover all things agronomy and high-yield management, share what we're seeing in the field and bring in trusted voices from the industry to deliver timely, relevant insights that matter to your farm. By combining real-time updates from the field with expert insights from industry professionals, we help you achieve your highest yields yet. It's ag talk that just makes cents.

⭐️ Like what you hear? Leave us a review to help our podcast reach more growers and agronomists like you!

📲 Follow us on social: 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/penneypodcast

Twitter/X: https://x.com/PenneyPodcast

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/PenneyPodcast

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PenneyPodcast