Field Advisor

In this episode, the IL Soy Envoys break down the current state of harvest across Illinois, sharing yield reports, regional trends, and how ongoing drought conditions are shaping results. They also provide updates on cover crop seeding (and no, not the “free kind” already growing in the field!) and discuss fall burndown along with the challenges of applying anhydrous ammonia in dry soils.

The conversation wraps up with reflections on the 2025 growing season and advice for farmers planning ahead to 2026—highlighting the importance of efficiency, adaptability, and smart management decisions.

Featured IL Soy Envoys in this episode include:

Mike Wilson, CCA, Specialty Products Marketing Manager, Wabash Valley Service Company

Haley Brokate, CCA, Key Account Manager, Sunrise FS

Byron Hendrix, CCA, Senior Sales Agronomist, Stepan Company

Torey Colburn, CCA, Midwest Conservation Agronomist, American Farmland Trust

Red crown rot is increasingly recognized as a serious issue in soybean production, but many questions remain. In this Field Advisor episode, Syngenta’s Dale Ireland, University of Illinois plant pathologist Boris Camiletti, and Illinois Soybean Association outreach agronomist Stephanie Porter discuss early detection, management strategies, environmental influences, varietal responses, and how soil movement contributes to the disease’s spread. The conversation underscores the need for continued research and collaboration to manage this challenging pest.

This podcast was recorded at the 2025 Farm Progress Show in Decatur, IL. Red crown rot photo courtesy of Darby Danzl, Illinois Soybean Association

In this episode of the Field Advisor podcast, released in recognition of National Nematode Day, host Kelsey Litchfield sits down with three experts to tackle one of the biggest threats to soybean yields: soybean cyst nematode (SCN). Joining the conversation are Dr. Horacio Lopez-Nicora, assistant professor of soybean pathology and nematology at The Ohio State University; Dr. Dylan Mangel, extension/research plant pathologist at the University of Nebraska; and Illinois Soybean Association Outreach Agronomist Stephanie Porter, CCA.

Together, they break down why SCN remains the “silent yield robber,” how to test and manage it, and the role of crop rotation, resistant varieties, and seed treatments. They also share updates from the SCN Coalition and practical research aimed at helping farmers stay ahead of this pest.

The message is clear: farmers should get their fields tested (Illinois Soybean checkoff offers a free program – click here to learn more) and then use the SCN Profit Check tool at www.thescncoalition.com to see how much SCN could be costing them.

Eliot Clay, executive director of the Association of Illinois Soil and Water Conservation Districts, and Andrew Larson, director of government relations and strategy at the Illinois Soybean Association, join the Field Advisor podcast to talk about the critical role of Soil and Water Conservation Districts (SWCDs) in Illinois. Together, they explore the history and importance of local conservation efforts, the ongoing challenges of securing state funding, and the need for stronger education and advocacy with legislators. Hosted by Kelsey Litchfield, this conversation emphasizes how building connections with policymakers helps ensure conservation remains a priority in state funding and policy.

IL Soy Envoys Matt Montgomery, CCA, of Beck’s Hybrids, Seth Wiley of Babson Farms, and Byron Hendrix, CCA, of Agronomy 1st LLC join the podcast to share harvest updates from across Illinois. They dig into the biggest headlines from the field—including how 2025 shaped up as a strong fungicide response year, with some corn fields showing 20–30 bushel yield advantages where foliar fungicides were applied. The group also discusses southern rust in corn, red crown rot in soybeans, the surprising lack of four-bean pods this season, the impact of recent drought conditions, and more. 

In this episode of the Field Advisor Podcast, Dr. Connor Sible, research assistant professor in the crop physiology lab at the University of Illinois, discusses his team’s recent work on sulfur trials in soybeans, tissue testing and their impact on crop yield and management. The conversation covers phantom yield loss in corn, harvest challenges and biologicals. Sible also outlines future research priorities and emphasizes the role of farmer involvement in shaping research initiatives.

Dr. Aaron Hager from the University of Illinois, Kevin “KJ” Johnson of the Illinois Fertilizer & Chemical Association, and Dr. Corey Lacey with the Illinois Soybean Association discuss the latest surrounding pesticide regulation. They break down the current status of dicamba and glyphosate, what the new rules may mean for farmers, and the role of applicator training in ensuring compliance. The discussion also highlights the impact of the MAHA report on pesticide use and underscores why clear communication within the agricultural community is essential for navigating today’s regulatory environment. The discussion also turns to harvest preparations and the challenges of navigating fertilizer markets.

This episode was recorded on August 27, 2025 at the Farm Progress Show in Decatur, IL. 

In this episode of the Field Advisor Podcast, Matt Reardon, Senior Atmospheric Scientist at Nutrien Ag Solutions, breaks down the weather trends shaping agriculture right now. He discusses whether harvest conditions could mirror last year’s dry fall, the impact of current weather on crop health, updates on the ongoing hurricane season, and soil moisture deficits. Reardon also shares his forecast for the rest of September and an update on Mississippi River levels.

At the Farm Progress Show, IL Soy Envoy Byron Hendrix, CCA, and ISA Outreach Agronomist Stephanie Porter, CCA, shared crop updates and observations as harvest approaches. Corn is in good shape thanks to cooler weather, but standability and grain fill remain key concerns. Soybeans are healthy overall, though SDS is showing up in spots, and many fields could use one more rain. Disease pressure is mixed—southern rust is hitting later-planted corn, while tar spot continues to be a major threat.

Looking ahead, both stressed the importance of taking notes from the combine to guide future seed and management decisions. Cover crops are proving valuable for weed suppression, and conversations continue about potential dicamba use in 2026 and fall 2025 burndown programs. 

In this episode of the Field Advisor Podcast, IL Soy Envoy Torey Colburn, Midwest Conservation Agronomist with American Farmland Trust, shares an update on crop conditions in Northern Illinois. He discusses soil moisture, disease management, and the approaching window for cover crop seeding. Torey also explores the challenges and advantages of aerial seeding and highlights how cover crops can play a key role in weed suppression.