Field Advisor

In this episode of Field Advisor, host Kelsey Litchfield discusses the upcoming 2025 growing season with agronomists Eric Beckett and Karen Corrigan. They explore the critical role of agronomists in providing unbiased information to farmers, the biases that exist within agricultural recommendations, and the importance of data-driven decisions in crop consulting. As they prepare for the upcoming spring planting season, they emphasize the need for good agronomy practices and the importance of safety in the field.

In this final growing season update, the IL Soy Envoys recap the top agronomic challenges of 2024 and share primary concerns for farmers heading into 2025. They discuss how early-season stressors influenced harvest yields, weed control issues, the yield hit of late spot spraying, and the challenges of fall soil testing. The Envoys also address rising fertilizer costs, the effects of corn aphids on yields, and concerns about dry conditions and warm temperatures for fall anhydrous applications. 

The guests in today’s podcast include Drew Beckman, Beck’s Hybrids; Shelby Weckel, Ehler Bros; Eric Beckett, Illini FS; Craig Grafton, Bayer Crop Science; Karen Corrigan, McGillicuddy Corrigan Agronomics; 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 Field Advisor podcast on YouTube or subscribe on all major podcasting platforms.

In this episode, the IL Soy Envoys share yield reports from their regions, highlighting a wide range of results in both soybeans and corn, with many areas seeing strong yields overall.

They also cover important fall topics, including soybean header loss, soil pH and lime application, the impact of planting dates on yield, soil moisture and dryness concerns, a disease update, and more.

Links Mentioned in This Episode:

 “The Hidden Power of Lime: Why pH Matters to Production” by Kelly Robertson, CCA, Precision Crop Services, LLC 

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; Shelby Weckel, Ehler Bros; 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 Field Advisor podcast on YouTube or subscribe on all major podcasting platforms.

In this episode, the IL Soy Envoys examine the current conditions of soybean and corn crops, highlighting how recent rains have enhanced moisture levels in soybeans. They review yield reports, noting variability in both corn and soybeans, with some areas experiencing lower yields due to seasonal stresses, along with reports of cercospora leaf blight and ear rot disease. The conversation also covers 2025 input planning for fertilizer and weed control.

Links Mentioned in This Episode:

·      “The Bronzing Effect of Cercospora Leaf Blight” by Shelby Weckel

·      Free SCN Egg Count Sampling funded by Illinois Soybean Checkoff program

·      “2025 Input Planning: Phosphorus and Potassium Applications” by Eric Beckett

·      “2025 Input Planning: Weed Control” by Eric Beckett

·      On-Farm Trialing Network with Illinois Soybean Association

The guests in today’s podcast include Shelby Weckel, Ehler Brothers Seed; Drew Beckman, Beck’s Hybrids; and Eric Beckett, Illini FS. Today’s podcast was hosted by Kelsey Litchfield, Agronomic Outreach Specialist for Illinois Soybean Association.

Watch the video version of the Field Advisor podcast on YouTube or subscribe on all major podcasting platforms.

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.