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 guests to talk about corn and soybean production, including growers, agronomists and other industry professionals.

Hosted by Mike Wardyn, Kevin Keller, and Kevin Kowalaski.

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 guests to talk about corn and soybean production, including growers, agronomists and other industry professionals.

Hosted by Mike Wardyn, Kevin Keller, and Kevin Kowalaski.

 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 guests to talk about corn and soybean production, including growers, agronomists and other industry professionals.

Hosted by Mike Wardyn, Kevin Keller, and Kevin Kowalaski.

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 guests to talk about corn and soybean production, including growers, agronomists and other industry professionals.

Hosted by Mike Wardyn, Kevin Keller, and Kevin Kowalaski.

🌾 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 guests to talk about corn and soybean production, including growers, agronomists and other industry professionals.

Hosted by Mike Wardyn, Kevin Keller, and Kevin Kowalaski.

From adjusting populations based on soil type and planting date, to the latest research on planting green and navigating white mold pressure, Shawn shares insights that are both practical and backed by data. The crew also discusses nitrogen management, allelopathy concerns, herbicide strategies, and how to make economical decisions in a tight margin year. Plus, they wrap things up with a light-hearted chat about Wisconsin beers and future fieldwork wish lists.

Topics include:

- Current recommendations for soybean planting populations based on soil conditions, planting timing, and field variability

- Strategies for managing cover crops, especially cereal rye, in both corn and soybean systems

- Research findings on how rye biomass and termination timing impact weed control and white mold development

- Considerations for variable rate seeding in soybeans

- Nitrogen management in high-yield soybean systems, including early-season and R-stage applications

- The influence of planting timing and maturity group selection on yield and harvest logistics

- Economic considerations for seed treatments, herbicide programs, and input prioritization in a tight-margin year

- The conversation also touches on emerging challenges like seed maggot pressure and slug damage in cover crop systems, as well as the importance of matching agronomic practices with changing production environments.

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

Hosted by Mike Wardyn, Kevin Keller, and Kevin Kowalaski.

Tubbs and Schaa talk about new technology that is helping farmers plan, including water reporter, and some of the new corn and soybean traits debuting in 2025. 

More about water reporter: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a5jiKHuxgrk

Sign up for Water Reporter (Granular Insights): https://sso.granular.ag/login

Meet Alex Harrell, a world record holder for soybean yield: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gbqAI1Chgik

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

Hosted by Mike Wardyn, Kevin Keller, and Kevin Kowalaski.

“This is a huge trade deal for the corn industry… we can’t let this thing fall apart,” says Andy Jobman, who is President of the Nebraska Corn Growers Association.“We’re hopeful that cooler heads prevail.” 

We also hear an update on demand around E-15, how DOGE Is affecting corn growers and what we mean when we talk about biologicals. 

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

Hosted by Mike Wardyn, Kevin Keller, and Kevin Kowalaski.

"There's less water in the air coming off the ocean, and that causes storm systems to be less productive with rain, especially along that 40 degree latitude line," says Wyoming based meteorologist Don Day.  

Although La Nina might mean a drier year, La Nina weather cycles are known for bringing more extreme weather events including droughts and tornadoes, and there's a high chance of tornadoes across the Midwest this spring. Upon publication of this episode, the United States is in a La Nina weather cycle with a more neutral weather pattern coming soon. 

Further reading: 

https://oceanservice.noaa.gov/facts/ninonina.html 

https://www.pioneer.com/us/agronomy/impacts-el-nino-southern-oscillation.html 

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

Hosted by Mike Wardyn, Kevin Keller, and Kevin Kowalaski.

The biggest takeaway from this episode according to Kevin Kowalaski -- try to use stabilizers. If you aren't using them, think twice, and do some trials. It's got an upfront cost, but it will pay dividends in yield.  He also urges farmers using dry nitrogen products like urea to make sure those treatments actually get incorporated into the soil, and don't just sit on top of it. 

A special thank you to all our loyal listeners this week! Kick'n Dirt won an award; we got Best Of for 2024 Pioneer podcasts! 

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

Hosted by Mike Wardyn, Kevin Keller, and Kevin Kowalaski.