In this episode of Kick'N Dirt, the hosts welcome agricultural economist, speaker, and podcast host Damian Mason of the The Business of Agriculture Show to unpack the big forces shaping the future of farming.

From fertilizer prices and energy volatility to the role of government programs and the future of global trade, Damian offers an unfiltered perspective on the economic realities facing modern agriculture. Drawing from his background in ag economics and decades of observing the industry, he challenges some of the assumptions farmers often hear—about volatility, exports, and the “feed the world” narrative.

The conversation digs into long-term issues that could reshape production agriculture, including water scarcity, consolidation of farms, shifting population trends, and changing global markets. Whether you agree with his take or not, Damian brings a thought-provoking viewpoint that encourages growers to look at agriculture through the lens of economics, policy, and global competition.

What to Listen For in This Episode:

“Volatility” in agriculture isn’t new - Damian explains that market volatility is constant in ag and that markets actually require movement to create opportunity.

The role of fuel and energy prices in farm profitability - Energy costs could be one of the biggest wildcards for producers in the near term, influencing fertilizer, fuel, and overall input costs.

Crop insurance and government programs as risk tools - Agriculture is one of the few industries where producers can insure revenue with taxpayer-supported programs—something Damian argues fundamentally changes risk compared to other businesses.

Water could become agriculture’s biggest regulatory battle - Water access, especially irrigation tied to aquifers like the Ogallala, may become a major policy fight as cities, tech companies, and agriculture compete for limited resources.

The future structure of farming in the U.S. is in question - Damian predicts continued consolidation, with a smaller number of large commercial farms producing most commodities while niche and specialty farms fill other market segments.

There's am uncertain future of export-driven growth - He argues agriculture shouldn’t rely on massive export growth, especially from China, as global production capacity and geopolitical strategies shift.

Population trends could reshape food demand - Falling fertility rates in many developed countries could slow long-term demand growth, challenging the traditional “feed a growing world” narrative.

Kick'N Dirt is a podcast about Agriculture in the U.S.  This show hosts industry professionals to talk about corn and soybean production, including growers, agronomists and researchers. 

Kick'N Dirt is hosted by Pioneer Agronomists Mike Wardyn, Kevin Keller, and Kevin Kowalaski, who are based in Nebraska. 

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Pioneer agronomists sit down with meteorologist Don Day of DayWeather Inc., to break down the 2026 crop weather outlook, from winter snowpack and irrigation concerns to spring planting conditions, summer heat, and fall finish.

The conversation unpacks La Niña, El Niño, and neutral patterns in plain language, explores why recent seasons have felt anything but “normal,” and examines the lingering global impacts of the Hunga Tonga volcanic eruption on long-range forecasting. 

Don also explains how soil moisture, humidity, and nighttime temperatures influence crop development, disease pressure, and yield potential—plus what recent weather volatility could mean for precipitation timing this spring and summer.

Kick'N Dirt is a podcast about Agriculture in the U.S.  This show hosts industry professionals to talk about corn and soybean production, including growers, agronomists and researchers. 

Kick'N Dirt is hosted by Pioneer Agronomists Mike Wardyn, Kevin Keller, and Kevin Kowalaski, who are based in Nebraska. 

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Listen for: 

The 2025 Weather Whiplash

• One of the driest planting seasons on record, followed by heavy rains, humidity, and flooding.

Disease Pressure Across Nebraska

• Southern rust outbreaks and why 2025 was so severe
• Tar spot expansion, especially in eastern Nebraska
• Ear rots driven by late-season humidity and fog
• Why southern rust is more aggressive than tar spot

Fungicide Strategy

• R1 vs. R3 timing: what worked best
• When a second fungicide pass makes sense
• Why waiting too long costs yield
• Hybrid tolerance vs. chemical protection

Nitrogen & Fertility Decisions

• Early-season drought causing growers to pull back
• How lost N and sulfur hurt disease resistance
• Why “defense mode” can leave yield on the table

Kernel Weight & Late-Season Stress

• Why great ear counts didn’t turn into great yields
• The importance of sunlight during grain fill
• “Third and fourth quarter” of corn development

Herbicide Injury & Crop Stress

• Dicamba, growth regulators, and rapid weather swings
• Twisting, stunting, and plant metabolism overload
• Why pre-emerge weed control matters more than ever

Soybean Diseases in 2025

• Why white mold didn’t explode despite perfect conditions
• Sudden death syndrome showing up
• Low levels of bacterial and foliar disease

Hybrid Selection & Placement

• Disease-tolerant vs. susceptible genetics
• Why seed choice is critical as diseases intensify

Application Methods

• Aerial, ground rig, drones, and pivot chemigation
• Why uniform coverage matters more than the tool

Planning for 2026

• Don’t farm “average” — every year is different
• Why flexibility beats rigid plans
• How to prepare if southern rust shows up again

Kick'N Dirt is a podcast about Agriculture in the U.S.  This show hosts industry professionals to talk about corn and soybean production, including growers, agronomists and researchers. 

Kick'N Dirt is hosted by Pioneer Agronomists Mike Wardyn, Kevin Keller, and Kevin Kowalaski, who are based in Nebraska. 

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode, Pioneer field agronomists discuss harvest conditions, ear mold trends and what growers should be watching for in both grain and silage.

Forage veterinarian Dr. Adam Kroll joins the conversation to unpack how different ear molds develop, when they become toxic, and what that means for feed quality, animal health, and storage management.

From field scouting tips to safe feed strategies, this episode dives deep into what growers can do right now to manage mold risks and protect their herds.

Listen for discussion about:

🌽 Ear mold identification and scouting tips

🐄 Mycotoxins and livestock health

🔥 Grain drying, temperature, and storage management

🥶 Why silage fermentation helps stop mold growth

🧪 Testing and feed management best practices

Kick'N Dirt is a podcast about Agriculture in the U.S.  This show hosts industry professionals to talk about corn and soybean production, including growers, agronomists and researchers. 

Kick'N Dirt is hosted by Pioneer Agronomists Mike Wardyn, Kevin Keller, and Kevin Kowalaski, who are based in Nebraska. 

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

From western fields facing water shutoffs and hail streaks, to central regions battling spider mites and southern rust, to the eastern counties seeing record-setting dryland yields, the group digs into the realities of this “fourth quarter” of the season.

Listen for: 

🌽 Kernel counts, tip back, and the push to maximize kernel weight

🌱 Soybean pod fill, sudden death syndrome pressure, and weed control successes

🍃 Fungicide timing, disease outbreaks (southern rust, tar spot, white mold), and ROI considerations

💧 Why finishing strong with irrigation and late-season management can mean 20% of your yield

Tune in for insights from across the state, practical management takeaways, and reminders that finishing the season right can make all the difference at harvest.

Kick'N Dirt is a podcast about Agriculture in the U.S.  This show hosts industry professionals to talk about corn and soybean production, including growers, agronomists and researchers. 

Kick'N Dirt is hosted by Pioneer Agronomists Mike Wardyn, Kevin Keller, and Kevin Kowalaski, who are based in Nebraska. 

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The team digs into disease dynamics in Nebraska cornfields during a year of high humidity and timely rains. Pioneer Field Agronomists Mike Wardyn and Kevin Keller are joined by Dr. Tamra Jackson-Ziems, Extension Plant Pathologist with the University of Nebraska, for a critical conversation on fungal and bacterial disease trends, with a focus on southern rust, tar spot, gray leaf spot, and bacterial leaf streak.

From fungicide timing and efficacy to scouting strategies and drone vs. aerial applications, the team shares boots-on-the-ground insights and long-term management tips. Tamra also discusses the emerging threat of tar spot in fringe counties, the importance of hybrid selection, and what new research is revealing about disease progression and control.

Topics include:

• Southern rust vs. tar spot: Which is more aggressive?
• How canopy humidity and crop stage affect disease development
• Fungicide timing myths vs. reality
• Field-level insights on application method and product choice
• The latest on fusarium kernel rot, corn stunt disease, and bacterial trends

Find more information about the University of Nebraska plan diagnostics lab here: https://plantpathology.unl.edu/ 

Kick'N Dirt is a podcast about Agriculture in the U.S.  This show hosts industry professionals to talk about corn and soybean production, including growers, agronomists and researchers. 

Kick'N Dirt is hosted by Pioneer Agronomists Mike Wardyn, Kevin Keller, and Kevin Kowalaski, who are based in Nebraska. 

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

With Nebraska fields entering the R1 stage and weather conditions aligning for risk, the team covers everything from identifying the early signs of white mold to spraying strategies, drone applications, and the right timing for fungicides.

Dylan also shares updates on emerging threats like gall midge and Dectes stem borer, talks about sudden death syndrome and how spring weather may have already set the stage for infections, and offers practical tips for accurate diagnosis and long-term management.

They wrap up the show with a little summer fun—discussing go-to backyard drinks for the 4th of July weekend. 

🛠 Resources mentioned:

👉 Crop Protection Network (efficacy tables + risk tools) - https://cropprotectionnetwork.org/news/new-crop-risk-tool-enhances-disease-management-decisions

👉 UNL Plant & Pest Diagnostic Clinic - https://plantpathology.unl.edu/extension-outreach/plant-pest-diagnostic-clinic/

Kick'N Dirt is a podcast about Agriculture in the U.S.  This show hosts industry professionals to talk about corn and soybean production, including growers, agronomists and researchers. 

Kick'N Dirt is hosted by Pioneer Agronomists Mike Wardyn, Kevin Keller, and Kevin Kowalaski, who are based in Nebraska. 

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

 The panel, featuring Patrick Howard, Kevin Keller, Chase Sauder and Kevin Kowalski, shares insights on regional growth stages, challenges with residue management, nutrient deficiencies, and herbicide application timing.

LISTEN FOR: 

Corn Growth Stages: The agronomists report corn at V3 to V8 across Nebraska, with variability due to diverse planting dates and weather conditions.

Residue Management: Strategies for handling heavy residue in no-till and strip-till systems, emphasizing the importance of uniformity and equipment adjustments to avoid issues like hairpinning and sidewall compaction.

Nutrient Management: Discussions on managing nitrogen, sulfur, and other nutrients in corn-on-corn systems, including optimal application timing and ratios to address deficiencies like manganese, magnesium, and potassium.

Herbicide Application: The critical need for timely post-emergence herbicide applications to avoid yield loss, with a focus on crop safety and the benefits of Enlist corn for flexible weed control.

Soybean Considerations: Early nodulation challenges in soybeans, particularly in high-pH or stressed environments, and the role of sulfur applications to boost growth.

Proactive Management: Emphasis on timeliness, adjusting plans based on tissue samples, satellite imagery, and weather conditions, and setting calendar reminders to optimize future seasons.

Kick'N Dirt is a podcast about Agriculture in the U.S.  This show hosts industry professionals to talk about corn and soybean production, including growers, agronomists and researchers. 

Kick'N Dirt is hosted by Pioneer Agronomists Mike Wardyn, Kevin Keller, and Kevin Kowalaski, who are based in Nebraska. 

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Brad Arens from GroVantage (@GroVantageLLC) in Ainsworth, NE and Ryan Overleese (@AgTechRyan) from Acre Insights in Minden, NE, join the conversation covering everything from soil moisture probe strategy and pivot maintenance tips to late-season water management and cover crop impacts.

With insights on barometers (aka soil probes), evaporation efficiency, and irrigation tech advancements, this episode is packed with practical takeaways for maximizing yield when every drop counts.

We also hear about Corteva's Water Reporter: https://sso.granular.ag/login 

Kick'N Dirt is a podcast about Agriculture in the U.S.  This show hosts industry professionals to talk about corn and soybean production, including growers, agronomists and researchers. 

Kick'N Dirt is hosted by Pioneer Agronomists Mike Wardyn, Kevin Keller, and Kevin Kowalaski, who are based in Nebraska. 

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

🌾 Topics Covered:

✅ Pre- vs. post-plant irrigation strategies

✅ How to avoid ammonia burn and manage strip-till fertilizer risks

✅ Best practices for in-furrow applications and planter adjustments

✅ Sulfur applications ahead of soybeans—what the research says

✅ Cup tests & pivot uniformity: Is your irrigation doing what you think it is?

✅ Data-driven decision-making: Testing products, practices, and biologicals

✅ Why seed placement and field conditions matter more than the calendar

Kick'N Dirt is a podcast about Agriculture in the U.S.  This show hosts industry professionals to talk about corn and soybean production, including growers, agronomists and researchers. 

Kick'N Dirt is hosted by Pioneer Agronomists Mike Wardyn, Kevin Keller, and Kevin Kowalaski, who are based in Nebraska. 

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.