Corn Belt Conversations

Devin Nichols, Corn Breeder with Wyffels Hybrids, joins us for a fascinating discussion about the history of corn breeding and the newest tools & technology being used in the industry.

With the corn rootworm hatch well underway in the Midwest, Dr. Nick Seiter, entomologist with the University of Illinois, joins us to provide his insight on not only the corn rootworm outlook and management recommendations for 2022, but we touch base on some other insects as well.

Don’t hit the panic button just yet… Lance Tarochione, Technical Agronomist with DEKALB and Asgrow joins us to talk about the cold, wet conditions that have held up planting in much of Illinois and how to manage around it.

Kevin Gale, Regional Sales Agronomist with AgriGold, joins us to talk about planting considerations as we get ready for the 2022 season. Topics include getting a good stand establishment, tips for maximizing soybean yield, nitrogen management, and more!

Eric Snodgrass, Science Fellow with Nutrien, joins us to give his insight on current weather patterns and the outlook for the next several weeks as we head into planting season.

James Mickley, owner and agent with Hanford Insurance Agency, joins us to give some background and an overview of crop insurance, as well as some basic information on the ARC and PLC government programs and how they relate to crop insurance.

Naomi Blohm, Senior Market Advisor with Total Farm Marketing shares her insight on the most recent USDA report and the current key factors in the commodities markets: where we are at today, and what to be looking for in the near term.

Lauren Lurkins, Director of Environmental Policy at the IL Farm Bureau, joins us for an in depth discussion about Carbon Markets… The background, how they work, and considerations for farmers and landowners.

Doug Hensley, President of Real Estate Services for Hertz Farm Management, joins us to talk about farmland values in the Midwest over the past 12 months and looking ahead into 2022 - as well as the services Hertz offers.

District Conservationist Erika Luft with the NRCS offices in Bureau/Marshall/Putnam/Stark counties in Illinois joins us to talk about the primary conservation programs available to farmers and landowners.