Field Advisor

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.

Crop conditions remain highly variable across the state, and the IL Soy Envoys provide analysis into what's happening in their respective regions.

 
In this episode, they also cover topics including wheat harvest, monitoring root establishment, notable slug damage in fields, crops in the "ugly duckling" phase, herbicide misapplications, and their notes for the upcoming fungicide season.

The guests in today’s podcast include Drew Beckman, Beck’s Hybrids; Eric Beckett, Illini FS; Shelby Weckel, Ehler Bros Seed; 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.

On this episode of ILSoyAdvisor, the Soy Envoys give their updates on field and crop conditions across Illinois. In some areas of the state, persistent rain delays and recurring ponding and flooding have left many fields unplanted, prompting decisions about prevent planting.

They also address the challenges posed by the high variability in crop conditions. Some corn and soybeans are struggling, with significant yellowing in fields and ongoing waterhemp issues.

The Soy Envoys share their management recommendations, including sidedressing, assessing root and nodule development in soybeans, planning fungicide applications, weed management, and monitoring for tar spot. They emphasize caution with spraying and adhering to label instructions. Reports indicate corn rootworm emergence and early-planted soybeans beginning to bloom.

Finally, the Soy Envoys offer their “way too early” yield predictions for soybeans.

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; 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.

Corn and soybean planting is ongoing, with some areas finished and others delayed due to field location and rainfall. Storms have caused hail damage, leading to possible soybean replanting, and crusting may also require replanting. Flash floods and ponding are creating nitrogen concerns and yellowing.  Wind has also caused sandblasting in central Illinois.

Crop growth stages vary for both corn and soybeans. Post herbicide application is in progress, but strong weed emergence, particularly waterhemp, is alarming. There is concern for herbicide effectiveness and the need for responsible dicamba use to minimize off-target movement. There are reports of sidedressing in corn.

Overall, conditions across Illinois are highly variable, with progress and challenges differing by field and location.

The guests in today’s podcast include Karen Corrigan, McGillicuddy Corrigan Agronomics; Eric Beckett, Illini FS; Stephanie Porter, Illinois Soybean Association; Drew Beckman, Beck’s Hybrids; Craig Grafton, Bayer Crop Science; and Shelby Weckel, Ehler Bros Seed. 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 latest ILSoyAdvisor podcast, Abigail Peterson, CCA, and Stephanie Porter, CCA, from the Illinois Soybean Association discuss the current state of planting and crop conditions in Illinois. While some areas have finished planting or are working on their last fields, southern Illinois farmers face delays due to wet conditions. 

They share their mid-May to June soybean planting recommendations and discuss the rampant growth of weeds, particularly waterhemp. They also address cover crop management and termination as well as updates on pests such as bean leaf beetles and black cutworm feedings.

The guests in today’s podcast include Stephanie Porter, CCA, Illinois Soybean Association Outreach Agronomist, and Abigail Peterson, CCA, Illinois Soybean Association Director of Agronomy. 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 this episode, the Soy Envoys discuss recent field activity, highlighting variability in conditions with some regions dry and suitable for planting while others remain wet. They report cold injury in corn, significant weed pressure, and black cutworm feeding in both corn and soybeans.

The Soy Envoys also address concerns about how planting delays might affect yields, advising growers to remain patient and stay the course. If replanting is necessary, consult with your seed supplier and continue monitoring growth stages.

The guests in today’s podcast include Soy Envoys Karen Corrigan, McGillicuddy Corrigan Agronomics; Eric Beckett, Illini FS; Kelly Robertson, Precision Crop Services LLC; Drew Beckman, Beck’s Hybrids; and Craig Grafton, Bayer Crop Science. 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.

Amidst planting delays, farmers are questioning whether to prioritize planting soybeans or corn. As mid-May approaches, agronomists and university researchers are advising farmers to place their focus on planting corn before soybeans.

Dr. Connor Sible of the Crop Sciences Department at the University of Illinois advises patience, suggesting farmers can still plant full-maturity corn until the end of May – depending on the region. Post-planting, Sible urges assessment for uneven emergence and stand loss in wet spots, along with managing nitrogen applications and ongoing field scouting.