Field Advisor

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.