Spilling the Beans | A Grow Smart® Live Podcast

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We’re back in the field with Nate Quam, BASF Technical Service Representative for Western Iowa and Eastern Nebraska, to talk all things crop protection. From slow-starting soybeans to early tar spot pressure in corn, this episode dives into the threats growers are seeing—and the tools and timing to manage them. 

Key Takeaways:

• Start with strong seed selection: Disease-tolerant corn hybrids and soybean varieties are foundational to managing in-season threats.
• Fungicide ROI is strong: Even in low-pressure years, fungicide applications tend to break even if not deliver a yield boost.
• White mold and tar spot are here to stay: These persistent diseases require consistent, key management practices once you have it.
• Soybean gall midge and SCN need close attention: Gall midge showing to be a growing concern while SCN remains a focus for BASF; research and monitoring are critical.
• Mother Nature’s curveballs never stop: Stay adaptable, be diligent, understand what's going on in your fields and use what you learn to guide protection strategies in real time.

Disclaimer: 

Liberty, Outlook , Zidua,  Zidua PRO , Poncho Votivo Precise, Endura , Revytek, Fastac CS, ILEVO , Vault IP Plus , Relenya , Priaxor , Liberty ULTRA , are registered trademarks of BASF.   Nemasphere, Zorina and Voraxor are trademarks of BASF.  Enlist, Enlist One, Enlist Duo, and Enlist E3 are registered trademarks of Corteva Agriscience LLC.  The transgenic event in Enlist E3 soybeans is jointly developed and owned by Corteva Agriscience LLC and M.S. Technologies, L.L.C.    

Xitavo is a registered trademark of MS Technologies and exclusively distributed by BASF.   All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners and use of any such trademark does not imply any affiliation with or endorsement by its owner.    

Always read and follow label directions. Before mixing components, always conduct a compatibility jar test. Always consult respective product labels for specific mixing instructions. The most restrictive label applies.  Fastac CS is a restricted use pesticide.   Nemasphere, Zorina, and Voraxor are not registered and not available for sale. This information is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended to promote the sale of this product. Any sale of this product after registration is obtained shall be based solely on the EPA approved product label, and any claims regarding product safety and efficacy shall be addressed solely by the label. The views expressed by BASF employees and Guest are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of BASF. Grow Smart is a registered trademark of BASF. Copyright 2025 BASF Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

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After a short break, we're back in the field—and back on the mic—for our first monthly update of the season. In this episode, hosts Bill Backus and Jeff Mueller reflect on what they’ve seen across the region throughout May and share insights to help growers stay ahead as June kicks off. From early stand evaluations to fast-growing soybeans and prepping for post-emerge applications, this is your boots-on-the-ground briefing for the month ahead.

Key Takeaways:

• Now is the time to get out and do stand counts—know what emerged vs. what you planted.
• Evaluate planter performance to spot issues with row cleaners, closing wheels, or residue.
• Assess how your weed control program is working—especially if a retailer is spraying for you. Timeliness is key!
• The best weeds to kill are the ones that aren't there.

Disclaimer: 

Liberty, Outlook , Zidua,  Zidua PRO , Poncho Votivo Precise, Endura , Revytek, Fastac CS, ILEVO , Vault IP Plus , Relenya , Priaxor , Liberty ULTRA , are registered trademarks of BASF.   Nemasphere, Zorina and Voraxor are trademarks of BASF.  Enlist, Enlist One, Enlist Duo, and Enlist E3 are registered trademarks of Corteva Agriscience LLC.  The transgenic event in Enlist E3 soybeans is jointly developed and owned by Corteva Agriscience LLC and M.S. Technologies, L.L.C.    

Xitavo is a registered trademark of MS Technologies and exclusively distributed by BASF.   All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners and use of any such trademark does not imply any affiliation with or endorsement by its owner.    

Always read and follow label directions. Before mixing components, always conduct a compatibility jar test. Always consult respective product labels for specific mixing instructions. The most restrictive label applies.  Fastac CS is a restricted use pesticide.   Nemasphere, Zorina, and Voraxor are not registered and not available for sale. This information is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended to promote the sale of this product. Any sale of this product after registration is obtained shall be based solely on the EPA approved product label, and any claims regarding product safety and efficacy shall be addressed solely by the label. The views expressed by BASF employees and Guest are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of BASF. Grow Smart is a registered trademark of BASF. Copyright 2025 BASF Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

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Frogeye Leaf Spot (FLS) may sound harmless, but it can quietly take a serious toll on your soybean yields. In this episode, we welcome back Daren Mueller to dive into this increasingly common and often misdiagnosed disease. Learn why FLS is gaining ground in regions once thought safe, how resistance is developing, and the most effective strategies to identify, manage, and stay ahead of the threat.

Key Takeaways:

• Frogeye Leaf Spot can cause up to 30% yield loss if left unmanaged.
• Fungicide resistance is on the rise—relying on one mode of action may no longer be enough.
• Proactive scouting and accurate diagnosis are critical to prevent mismanagement.
• A layered approach—including variety selection, rotation, and multi-mode fungicides—offers the best line of defense.
• New tools and data are helping growers get ahead of resistance trends and protect plant health season after season.

Disclaimer: 

Liberty, Outlook , Zidua,  Zidua PRO , Poncho Votivo Precise, Endura , Revytek, Fastac CS, ILEVO , Vault IP Plus , Relenya , Priaxor , Liberty ULTRA , are registered trademarks of BASF.   Nemasphere, Zorina and Voraxor are trademarks of BASF.  Enlist, Enlist One, Enlist Duo, and Enlist E3 are registered trademarks of Corteva Agriscience LLC.  The transgenic event in Enlist E3 soybeans is jointly developed and owned by Corteva Agriscience LLC and M.S. Technologies, L.L.C.    

Xitavo is a registered trademark of MS Technologies and exclusively distributed by BASF.   All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners and use of any such trademark does not imply any affiliation with or endorsement by its owner.    

Always read and follow label directions. Before mixing components, always conduct a compatibility jar test. Always consult respective product labels for specific mixing instructions. The most restrictive label applies.  Fastac CS is a restricted use pesticide.   Nemasphere, Zorina, and Voraxor are not registered and not available for sale. This information is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended to promote the sale of this product. Any sale of this product after registration is obtained shall be based solely on the EPA approved product label, and any claims regarding product safety and efficacy shall be addressed solely by the label. The views expressed by BASF employees and Guest are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of BASF. Grow Smart is a registered trademark of BASF. Copyright 2025 BASF Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

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Charcoal rot may not be the flashiest disease in soybeans, but it’s a sneaky yield-robber that thrives in hot, dry conditions—exactly what many growers could face in 2025. In this episode, we welcome back Mark Storr, BASF Senior Technical Service Representative, to spotlight this often-overlooked threat. From identifying charcoal rot in the field to exploring management strategies like fertility, residue, and variety selection, Mark shares practical tools to help growers defend against mid-to-late season yield loss.

Key Takeaways:

• How to identify charcoal rot symptoms and distinguish them from lookalikes
•  Why foliar fungicides don’t work—and what management tactics do
•  The value of fertility, especially phosphorus, in supporting healthy roots
•  How residue, RM selection, and tillage can help reduce plant stress
•  The importance of sending in plant samples for proper diagnosis
•  Trusted resources like the Crop Protection Network for field identification

Disclaimer: 

Liberty, Outlook , Zidua,  Zidua PRO , Poncho Votivo Precise, Endura , Revytek, Fastac CS, ILEVO , Vault IP Plus , Relenya , Priaxor , Liberty ULTRA , are registered trademarks of BASF.   Nemasphere, Zorina and Voraxor are trademarks of BASF.  Enlist, Enlist One, Enlist Duo, and Enlist E3 are registered trademarks of Corteva Agriscience LLC.  The transgenic event in Enlist E3 soybeans is jointly developed and owned by Corteva Agriscience LLC and M.S. Technologies, L.L.C.    

Xitavo is a registered trademark of MS Technologies and exclusively distributed by BASF.   All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners and use of any such trademark does not imply any affiliation with or endorsement by its owner.    

Always read and follow label directions. Before mixing components, always conduct a compatibility jar test. Always consult respective product labels for specific mixing instructions. The most restrictive label applies.  Fastac CS is a restricted use pesticide.   Nemasphere, Zorina, and Voraxor are not registered and not available for sale. This information is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended to promote the sale of this product. Any sale of this product after registration is obtained shall be based solely on the EPA approved product label, and any claims regarding product safety and efficacy shall be addressed solely by the label. The views expressed by BASF employees and Guest are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of BASF. Grow Smart is a registered trademark of BASF. Copyright 2025 BASF Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

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Sudden Death Syndrome (SDS) may sound like a horror story for soybean growers—and in many ways, it is. In this episode, we unpack the science and the strategy behind beating SDS before it takes hold. Joining us is Daren Mueller, Professor and Extension Plant Pathologist at Iowa State University, who shares expert insights on how this disease operates and what you can do to stay ahead of it.

Key Takeaways:

• Understanding what causes SDS and how it spreads
•  The link between soybean cyst nematode (SCN) and SDS severity
•  Why SDS symptoms often appear late but start early
•  The critical role of seed treatments and resistant varieties
•  Why crop rotation with corn might not help as much as you think
•  Why foliar fungicides don’t work for SDS—and what does

Tune in for practical insights to protect your soybean yields from one of the most devastating diseases in production agriculture.

Disclaimer: 

Liberty, Outlook , Zidua,  Zidua PRO , Poncho Votivo Precise, Endura , Revytek, Fastac CS, ILEVO , Vault IP Plus , Relenya , Priaxor , Liberty ULTRA , are registered trademarks of BASF.   Nemasphere, Zorina and Voraxor are trademarks of BASF.  Enlist, Enlist One, Enlist Duo, and Enlist E3 are registered trademarks of Corteva Agriscience LLC.  The transgenic event in Enlist E3 soybeans is jointly developed and owned by Corteva Agriscience LLC and M.S. Technologies, L.L.C.    

Xitavo is a registered trademark of MS Technologies and exclusively distributed by BASF.   All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners and use of any such trademark does not imply any affiliation with or endorsement by its owner.    

Always read and follow label directions. Before mixing components, always conduct a compatibility jar test. Always consult respective product labels for specific mixing instructions. The most restrictive label applies.  Fastac CS is a restricted use pesticide.   Nemasphere, Zorina, and Voraxor are not registered and not available for sale. This information is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended to promote the sale of this product. Any sale of this product after registration is obtained shall be based solely on the EPA approved product label, and any claims regarding product safety and efficacy shall be addressed solely by the label. The views expressed by BASF employees and Guest are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of BASF. Grow Smart is a registered trademark of BASF. Copyright 2025 BASF Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

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In this episode, BASF Senior Technical Service Representative Mark Storr joins us to dive into the crucial topic of managing herbicide resistance, focusing on the proper use of PPO and MTZ herbicides to ensure effective weed control and protect crop yields.

Key takeaways:

• Understanding the role of PPO and MTZ herbicides in weed control
• Discussing the resistance challenges faced with PPO and MTZ herbicides
• Best practices for herbicide application to avoid crop damage
• The impact of tillage practices and residue on PPO herbicide performance
• Why PPOs and MTZ herbicides are still a valuable tool despite weed resistance issues

Disclaimer: 

Liberty, Outlook , Zidua,  Zidua PRO , Poncho Votivo Precise, Endura , Revytek, Fastac CS, ILEVO , Vault IP Plus , Relenya , Priaxor , Liberty ULTRA , are registered trademarks of BASF.   Nemasphere, Zorina and Voraxor are trademarks of BASF.  Enlist, Enlist One, Enlist Duo, and Enlist E3 are registered trademarks of Corteva Agriscience LLC.  The transgenic event in Enlist E3 soybeans is jointly developed and owned by Corteva Agriscience LLC and M.S. Technologies, L.L.C.    

Xitavo is a registered trademark of MS Technologies and exclusively distributed by BASF.   All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners and use of any such trademark does not imply any affiliation with or endorsement by its owner.    

Always read and follow label directions. Before mixing components, always conduct a compatibility jar test. Always consult respective product labels for specific mixing instructions. The most restrictive label applies.  Fastac CS is a restricted use pesticide.   Nemasphere, Zorina, and Voraxor are not registered and not available for sale. This information is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended to promote the sale of this product. Any sale of this product after registration is obtained shall be based solely on the EPA approved product label, and any claims regarding product safety and efficacy shall be addressed solely by the label. The views expressed by BASF employees and Guest are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of BASF. Grow Smart is a registered trademark of BASF. Copyright 2025 BASF Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

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Continuing our coverage from Commodity Classic 2025 in Denver, this episode brings you another engaging discussion straight from America’s premier agricultural event. As growers focus on maximizing yields in 2025, effective disease management is essential for protecting crop potential. In this episode, we sit down with BASF Technical Marketing Manager Dr. Albre Brown to dive into the critical role of fungicides in high-yield soybean and corn production. From understanding disease pressure to selecting the right fungicide strategy, Dr. Brown shares expert recommendations for keeping crops healthier and more productive.

Key Takeaways:
✔️ If you want to optimize your yield performance you have to have an integrated pest management approach
✔️ Choosing the right fungicide for soybeans and corn
✔️ How BASF’s innovative solutions set growers up for success
✔️ Practical application tips to get the most out of fungicide treatments

Don’t miss this deep dive into one of the most effective tools for yield protection. Tune in now for actionable insights to help you spray to win this season!

Disclaimer: 

Liberty, Outlook , Zidua,  Zidua PRO , Poncho Votivo Precise, Endura , Revytek, Fastac CS, ILEVO , Vault IP Plus , Relenya , Priaxor , Liberty ULTRA , are registered trademarks of BASF.   Nemasphere, Zorina and Voraxor are trademarks of BASF.  Enlist, Enlist One, Enlist Duo, and Enlist E3 are registered trademarks of Corteva Agriscience LLC.  The transgenic event in Enlist E3 soybeans is jointly developed and owned by Corteva Agriscience LLC and M.S. Technologies, L.L.C.    

Xitavo is a registered trademark of MS Technologies and exclusively distributed by BASF.   All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners and use of any such trademark does not imply any affiliation with or endorsement by its owner.    

Always read and follow label directions. Before mixing components, always conduct a compatibility jar test. Always consult respective product labels for specific mixing instructions. The most restrictive label applies.  Fastac CS is a restricted use pesticide.   Nemasphere, Zorina, and Voraxor are not registered and not available for sale. This information is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended to promote the sale of this product. Any sale of this product after registration is obtained shall be based solely on the EPA approved product label, and any claims regarding product safety and efficacy shall be addressed solely by the label. The views expressed by BASF employees and Guest are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of BASF. Grow Smart is a registered trademark of BASF. Copyright 2025 BASF Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

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Kicking off Part 1 of our special coverage from Commodity Classic 2025 in Denver (March 2-4, 2025), this episode takes you straight to the heart of America’s premier agricultural event. Recorded live, we dive into insightful conversations with industry experts, thought leaders, and innovators shaping the future of farming.

As growers look ahead to 2025, maximizing soybean yields while navigating economic and environmental challenges remains a top priority. In this episode, we sit down with Chad Eitmann, an experienced Iowa grower, to discuss proven strategies for high-yield soybean production. From early planting dates to maturity group selection, Chad shares insights on optimizing yield potential while managing harvest timing and avoiding costly moisture losses.

Key Takeaways:

✔️ The role of early planting in maximizing soybean yields
✔️ Selecting the right maturity group for your region and goals
✔️ Managing harvest timing to prevent 'ghost bushels' and maximize returns
✔️ Strategies to balance early harvest advantages with market demands
✔️ Lessons learned from real-world on-farm experiences

Stay tuned for Part 2, featuring another in-depth discussion with a special guest! Tune in now to gain actionable insights and practical tips for soybean success in the upcoming season!

Disclaimer: 

Liberty, Outlook , Zidua,  Zidua PRO , Poncho Votivo Precise, Endura , Revytek, Fastac CS, ILEVO , Vault IP Plus , Relenya , Priaxor , Liberty ULTRA , are registered trademarks of BASF.   Nemasphere, Zorina and Voraxor are trademarks of BASF.  Enlist, Enlist One, Enlist Duo, and Enlist E3 are registered trademarks of Corteva Agriscience LLC.  The transgenic event in Enlist E3 soybeans is jointly developed and owned by Corteva Agriscience LLC and M.S. Technologies, L.L.C.    

Xitavo is a registered trademark of MS Technologies and exclusively distributed by BASF.   All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners and use of any such trademark does not imply any affiliation with or endorsement by its owner.    

Always read and follow label directions. Before mixing components, always conduct a compatibility jar test. Always consult respective product labels for specific mixing instructions. The most restrictive label applies.  Fastac CS is a restricted use pesticide.   Nemasphere, Zorina, and Voraxor are not registered and not available for sale. This information is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended to promote the sale of this product. Any sale of this product after registration is obtained shall be based solely on the EPA approved product label, and any claims regarding product safety and efficacy shall be addressed solely by the label. The views expressed by BASF employees and Guest are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of BASF. Grow Smart is a registered trademark of BASF. Copyright 2025 BASF Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

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We tackle the critical battle against early-season weeds and their impact on maximizing yield, emphasizing the importance of weed management. This episode features Brent Wiersma, BASF Business Representative, as we discuss winter annuals and other early-season weeds, sharing effective strategies for control in no-till and minimum-tillage systems. Learn how the right tactics, tools, and timing can keep fields clean and crops thriving.

• Identifying the most challenging early-season weeds
 • Discussing the importance of weed management in no-till and minimum-till systems
 • Exploring effective control tactics for winter annuals and other problem weeds
 • Understanding the role of timing in successful weed suppression
 • Addressing herbicide resistance and integrated weed management
 • Encouragement for proactive weed control to protect max yield potential

Disclaimer: 

Liberty, Outlook , Zidua,  Zidua PRO , Poncho Votivo Precise, Endura , Revytek, Fastac CS, ILEVO , Vault IP Plus , Relenya , Priaxor , Liberty ULTRA , are registered trademarks of BASF.   Nemasphere, Zorina and Voraxor are trademarks of BASF.  Enlist, Enlist One, Enlist Duo, and Enlist E3 are registered trademarks of Corteva Agriscience LLC.  The transgenic event in Enlist E3 soybeans is jointly developed and owned by Corteva Agriscience LLC and M.S. Technologies, L.L.C.    

Xitavo is a registered trademark of MS Technologies and exclusively distributed by BASF.   All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners and use of any such trademark does not imply any affiliation with or endorsement by its owner.    

Always read and follow label directions. Before mixing components, always conduct a compatibility jar test. Always consult respective product labels for specific mixing instructions. The most restrictive label applies.  Fastac CS is a restricted use pesticide.   Nemasphere, Zorina, and Voraxor are not registered and not available for sale. This information is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended to promote the sale of this product. Any sale of this product after registration is obtained shall be based solely on the EPA approved product label, and any claims regarding product safety and efficacy shall be addressed solely by the label. The views expressed by BASF employees and Guest are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of BASF. Grow Smart is a registered trademark of BASF. Copyright 2025 BASF Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

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We discuss the pivotal discussion between optimal seed placement and maximum yield, emphasizing the importance of maintaining and adjusting planters for effective planting. The episode focuses on critical factors that enhance crop success, such as planting depth, spacing, and soil conditions, aimed at helping listeners achieve their farming goals. 

• Starting the conversation on planter setup and seed depth 
• Understanding the implications of planting techniques on yield 
• Addressing common planter maintenance mistakes 
• Importance of controlled seed placement for maximizing yield 
• Assessing environmental challenges during planting 
• Encouragement for proactive engagement in the planting process 

Disclaimer: 

Liberty, Outlook , Zidua,  Zidua PRO , Poncho Votivo Precise, Endura , Revytek, Fastac CS, ILEVO , Vault IP Plus , Relenya , Priaxor , Liberty ULTRA , are registered trademarks of BASF.   Nemasphere, Zorina and Voraxor are trademarks of BASF.  Enlist, Enlist One, Enlist Duo, and Enlist E3 are registered trademarks of Corteva Agriscience LLC.  The transgenic event in Enlist E3 soybeans is jointly developed and owned by Corteva Agriscience LLC and M.S. Technologies, L.L.C.    

Xitavo is a registered trademark of MS Technologies and exclusively distributed by BASF.   All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners and use of any such trademark does not imply any affiliation with or endorsement by its owner.    

Always read and follow label directions. Before mixing components, always conduct a compatibility jar test. Always consult respective product labels for specific mixing instructions. The most restrictive label applies.  Fastac CS is a restricted use pesticide.   Nemasphere, Zorina, and Voraxor are not registered and not available for sale. This information is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended to promote the sale of this product. Any sale of this product after registration is obtained shall be based solely on the EPA approved product label, and any claims regarding product safety and efficacy shall be addressed solely by the label. The views expressed by BASF employees and Guest are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of BASF. Grow Smart is a registered trademark of BASF. Copyright 2025 BASF Corporation. All Rights Reserved.