Field Advisor

Planting progress in Illinois is sporadic, with some areas experiencing delays with wet spots and ponding in fields, while other areas have already planted their corn and soybean crops. Concerns arise regarding prevent planting in some areas if wet weather persists, alongside reports of emerging pests like bean leaf beetles and slugs in soybeans. Additionally, issues with cover crop termination and herbicide mixtures are highlighted, emphasizing the importance of careful field management practices and thorough scouting efforts.

The guests in today’s podcast include Craig Grafton, Bayer Crop Science; Drew Beckman, Beck’s Hybrids; Kelly Robertson, Precision Crop Services LLC; Karen Corrigan, McGillicuddy Corrigan Agronomics; Eric Beckett, Illini FS; and Shelby Weckel, Ehler Brothers 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 this episode, the Soy Envoys provide an overview of recent rainfall across various regions of Illinois with reports ranging from ½ inch to 5 inches. They discuss emerging concerns such as replant considerations for soybeans, disease in wheat fields, and seedling diseases. Looking ahead, they advise on replanting decisions and caution against making major switches in crop too soon. Throughout the discussion, they emphasize the importance of recalibration in planters and proper tillage practices. 

The guests in today’s podcast include Craig Grafton, Bayer Crop Science; Drew Beckman, Beck’s Hybrids; Kelly Robertson, Precision Crop Services LLC; Karen Corrigan, McGillicuddy Corrigan Agronomics; Eric Beckett, Illini FS; Shelby Weckel, Ehler Brothers Seed; and Stephanie Porter, Illinois Soybean Association. Today’s podcast was hosted by Kelsey Litchfield, Agronomic Outreach Specialist for Illinois Soybean Association.

The latest episode from the Soy Envoys brings a brief update on planting and field conditions across Illinois, with both corn and soybeans planting progress at 11 percent as of April 21st. 

While some areas have finished planting and others haven't even begun, some farmers are halfway done! The Envoys note a slowdown in planting in some regions due to recent rains, in contrast with full speed ahead in other areas. They highlight increasing weed pressure and urge farmers to uphold good stewardship practices for herbicide applications and adhere strictly to the herbicide label. Additionally, sightings of black cutworm moths and armyworms are on the rise. There are also concerns around herbicide cover crop termination. For last-minute cover crop termination tips, refer to this article from Jim Isermann. Despite challenges, the Envoys reassure farmers that there's still plenty of time for planting and not to panic….yet. 

The guests in today’s podcast include Karen Corrigan, McGillicuddy Corrigan Agronomics; Eric Beckett, Illini FS; Drew Beckman, Beck’s Hybrids; Shelby Weckel, Ehler Brothers Seed; Craig Grafton, Bayer Crop Science; 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.

The Soy Envoys provide a short update on planting progress and field conditions across different regions of Illinois. They discuss weed control strategies and herbicide applications as well as the connection of winter annual weeds being a host for soybean cyst nematode. Click here for more information from Purdue University. With planting season underway, they emphasize the importance of accurate data collection throughout the growing season and advise patience, as planting is a marathon, not a sprint!

The group also answers the question of the week: “What unique challenge should farmers keep top of mind as planting season gets fully underway?”

The guests in today’s podcast include Eric Beckett, Illini FS; Drew Beckman, Beck’s Hybrids; Shelby Weckel, Ehler Brothers Seed; Craig Grafton, Bayer Crop Science; 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. 

In this episode, the ILSoyAdvisor Soy Envoys launch a new series, offering updates on statewide field conditions. They focus on concerns such as henbit control, cover crop termination, and reports of black cutworms and armyworms. Additionally, they discuss planting progress, currently at 2% for corn and soybeans (as of 4/7), attributing the delay to precipitation and cooler nighttime temperatures.

They all re-assure farmers to not panic about getting the crop in the ground and there’s still plenty of time for the planting season to commence. 

The guests in today’s podcast include Eric Beckett, Illini FS; Drew Beckman, Beck’s Hybrids; Shelby Weckel, Ehler Brothers Seed; Craig Grafton, Bayer Crop Science; 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. 

Herbicide resistance among weeds has become a significant challenge, so farmers must explore diverse strategies for weed management.

GROW (Getting Rid of Weeds) is a scientist-led network coordinating research to help farmers across the U.S. fight herbicide resistance. Their focus extends beyond chemical solutions to encompass non-chemical techniques, emphasizing three key areas: harvest weed seed control, cover crops, and precision weed management.

In this episode, Michael Flessner, Virginia Tech Associate Professor and Extension Weed Science Specialist, along with Karen Corrigan, CCA and Independent Agronomist at McGillicuddy Corrigan Agronomics, join Kelsey Litchfield to discuss GROW’s comprehensive approach to weed management, emphasizing collaboration, research, and outreach for greater diversity of weed control strategies to complement chemical use. 

They discuss the rising challenge of herbicide resistance and how GROW’s website offers a multitude of resources for farmers including a weed management planner, identification of weeds, webinars, news, and more. Visit https://growiwm.org/ to learn more about their efforts. 

Join Kelsey Litchfield and Kelly Robertson, ILSoyAdvisor Soy Envoy and soil fertility agronomist, as they talk with Eli Sloneker from Precision Planting about Radicle Agronomics and their mission to transform soil nutrient management in farming.

In this episode, Eli offers an overview into Radicle Agronomics, and how it got started seven years ago and explaining the significance behind its name. Kelly asks some technical questions about the functionality of GeoPress and its role in expediting soil sampling procedures in the field.

While Radicle Agronomics remains in the beta testing phase with limited commercial availability, Precision Planting will have it running in fields this growing season. What lies ahead for this product? Eli provides insights into the future trajectory and upcoming plans for Radicle Agronomics.

As February brought warmer temperatures, Illinois soybean producers are gearing up for spring. From field preparations to reports of planters in action, signs of early soybean planting are emerging across the state. 

During a recent visit to Commodity Classic in Houston, Illinois Soybean Association (ISA) Outreach Agronomist and CCA, Stephanie Porter, and ISA Agronomic Outreach Specialist, Kelsey Litchfield, had the opportunity to connect with industry experts, farmers, and an agronomist to discuss planter prep. 

In this latest podcast episode, Stephanie and Kelsey are joined by David Brennan from CASE IH, Nate Prater from Golden Harvest, and Troy McKown from Precision Planting. They share their insights on planter preparation and highlighted key considerations farmers might overlook before hitting the fields.

For more content on planting soybeans, check out the Field Notes section on ILSoyAdvisor.com. 

In this podcast, Dr. Connor Sible shares the 2024 update of Dr. Fred Below's Six Secrets to Soybean Success. He talks about weather and planting date and how the earliest planting date may not always win in terms of yield, but explains the potential it can bring with little relative risk and why planting soybeans before corn is worth a try.  

The podcast discussion also extends to trial data on soybean molybdenum seed treatment, planting fuller maturity groups, foliar protection, fertility, and other key factors. 

And what could be the newly developed seventh secret to soybean success? Tune in to find out!

In today's installment, host Kelsey Litchfield continues a deep dive into the 2023 growing season with part 2 of the recap, featuring insights from Stephanie Porter, Outreach Agronomist and Certified Crop Adviser with the Illinois Soybean Association.

They discuss "root rot mania" plus the big topic of red crown crown. Stephanie also shares observations of foliar diseases and more insect pressure while some areas of the state continue not to see rain. At the end, Stephanie shares her biggest challenge of 2023 and recommendations going forward in 2024. Don't miss this comprehensive recap of the 2023 growing season on the ILSoyAdvisor podcast.