During this episode of the Pioneer Agronomy Podcast from Illinois,  how planting dates and weather affected yield in 2024. Some places went a full 60 days without rain in parts of the state, which is why early planted soybeans did much better than late planted ones. 

"May corn might have looked a little better in parts of Illinois, but it was the April plants that did the best in terms of yield and plant health," says Jason McVicker, who is a field agronomist for Pioneer. "As we take a look at yield trends, we have a lot of great yields. It was definitely one that guys will remember for the years to come, and that's a testament to the genetics and the management strategy growers have used." 

"I would be planting the last week of April or the first week of May in the spring," Brad Mason adds. The moisture we've just gotten make him feel better about tilling and applying nitrogen, but adds that nitrogen stabilizers and good plans are going to be very important going into next season.

During this episode, we also welcome back Crystal Williams. "Adding to what Brad and Jason said -- we saw 8.6 bushel per acre per month drop in yield by month for crops in Illinois this year," she said. 

Voices on this episode: 
Rachel Fulton, Agronomy Innovation Manager 
Jason McVicker, Field Agronomist 
Brad Mason, Field Agronomist 
Crystal Williams, Field Agronomist 
Scott Eversgerd, Field Agronomist