As Iowa crops enter one of the most critical months of the growing season, what should growers be watching?In this episode of the Acre Advantage Podcast, Landus Technical Agronomist Dan Bjorklund is joined by longtime agronomist Dave Lunke to discuss how spring planting conditions are still influencing fields today—and what July weather could mean for the rest of the season.They cover the lasting effects of cool soils and uneven emergence, why root development matters more than what's visible above the canopy, and what Landus agronomists are finding through field visits and SkyScout® imagery. The conversation also explores sulfur deficiencies, early disease observations including tar spot, anthracnose, and gray leaf spot, emerging insect pressure, and how weather during the next several weeks could shape yield potential.Whether you're evaluating fungicide timing, monitoring disease pressure, or simply wondering what to expect as crops approach tasseling, this episode offers practical, field-tested insights to help you make informed decisions throughout July.In this episode:How spring planting conditions continue to impact crop performanceWhy July weather often determines the rest of the growing seasonEarly observations of disease pressure across IowaNutrient deficiencies and what they're telling usWhat to watch as corn approaches tasseling and pollinationHow SkyScout® is helping identify issues before they become widespread

Tar spot has already been confirmed in multiple states, including Iowa, earlier than many agronomists expected. In this episode, Dan Bjorklund sits down with Kade Schmidt of Intelinair, the technology company behind SkyScout, to discuss what they're seeing across the Corn Belt and what it could mean for the rest of the growing season.The conversation covers early disease detection, how thermal imagery and field analytics are helping identify issues before they're visible from the road, and why current weather conditions have both agronomists and farmers paying close attention. Dan and Kade also discuss fungicide timing, nutrient loss concerns following heavy rainfall, and the value of targeted scouting throughout the season.Topics include:Early tar spot detections across Iowa and the MidwestHow SkyScout identifies disease pressure and crop stressFungicide timing and ROI considerationsNitrogen and sulfur loss after excessive rainfallThermal imagery, NDVI, and scouting strategiesWhat growers should be watching for over the next several weeksLearn more about SkyScout and how data-driven scouting can help protect yield potential throughout the growing season.#LandusCooperative #SkyScout #TarSpot #CornDisease #Agronomy #CropScouting #PrecisionAg #IowaAgriculture #CornFarming #AgTechnology #AcreAdvantagePodcast

In this episode of Acre Advantage, Technical Agronomist Dan Bjorklund is joined by Landus Sales Agronomist Jeff Aronson, a longtime weed management expert serving northern Iowa and southern Minnesota. Together, they discuss strategies for controlling tough weeds like waterhemp and giant ragweed, the importance of strong pre- and post-emergence herbicide programs, and how growers can stay ahead of weed resistance while protecting yield potential throughout the growing season.

In this episode of The Acre Advantage Podcast, Landus Cooperative’s Michael Weidner sits down with grain merchandiser Scott Stoller to break down what’s happening across the grain markets as planting season wraps up across the Corn Belt. From weather and crop progress to volatility driven by global trade news, the conversation dives into the challenges and opportunities growers are facing right now.Michael and Scott discuss the emotional swings in the marketplace, why old crop grain movement matters more than ever, and how growers can approach new crop marketing decisions in an uncertain environment. They also cover basis trends across the Western and Eastern Corn Belt, shifting farmer behavior, risk management strategies, and the importance of having a disciplined marketing plan in place before the market moves.Whether you’re focused on corn, soybeans, or wheat, this episode offers practical perspective on managing risk, protecting profitability, and positioning your operation for the months ahead.

In this episode of The Acre Advantage, Dan Bjorklund and Dave Lemke break down how early-season stress—cold soils, uneven emergence, and disease pressure—can quietly impact your crop all season long.From crown rot risk in corn to slow soybean emergence, this conversation focuses on what’s happening right now in the field—and what growers should be watching next.🌱 What You’ll LearnWhy early stress compounds throughout the seasonHow cold, wet soils increase risk for crown rot and root diseasesWhat to check at V5—including how to evaluate the crownHow uneven emergence impacts yield potentialWhy genetics and field conditions matter more in variable yearsWhen a V5 fungicide application may be worth consideringHow tools like SkyScout help you scout smarter and respond faster⚠️ Key TakeawaysEarly decisions set the tone for the entire seasonStress now doesn’t disappear—it compoundsScouting is critical between emergence and V5Protecting plant health early protects yield laterNever let the plant have a bad day🎧 Bottom LineThis isn’t about reacting later—it’s about paying attention now.The growers who protect yield aren’t guessing.They’re watching the field, reading the conditions, and making the right call at the right time.🎧 Listen to The Acre Advantage wherever you get your podcasts▶️ More episodes: https://theacreadvantage.riverside.com/

Too wet to plant? This episode breaks down what persistent rain and cool soils mean for planting decisions, early-season disease risk, and crop stress in corn and soybeans—and how to stay ahead when conditions aren’t ideal.Key Takeaways:Wet, cool soils increase risk. Expect higher disease pressure, compaction issues, and uneven emergence.Conditions matter more than the calendar. Waiting for fit fields can protect yield more than planting early.Scouting early changes outcomes. Identifying issues before they spread allows for timely, more effective decisions.Think ahead, not just today. Early-season conditions set up in-season stress, disease, and nutrient needs.Chapters:00:00 Introduction & spring outlook05:31 Corn planting & disease concerns12:02 Soybean disease & variety decisions17:39 Scouting & field monitoring25:25 Stress mitigation & nutrition30:49 Soybean disease managementBottom Line:This spring is testing patience. The right decisions now will show up at harvest.

Imagine that a farmer poured months into growing their crop. They spent the entire growing season running their numbers, conducting soil tests, scouting fields, and produced the best crop they’ve ever had. Out of nowhere, they have a heart attack and can’t harvest this season. Farming is one of the most physically demanding jobs in America. Unfortunately, illness and accidents can occur at unideal times. Farm Rescue is an organization with over 600 volunteers on call to help a farm in the case of an accident like the one above. Landus ‪GROW Grain Marketing Advisor, Ashley Kaldenberg hosts Farm Rescue’s Development Officer, Terry Johnston to talk about how Farm Rescue has been a literal life saver to farming operations across the United States. Highlights: •Farm Rescue is active in: Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, and South Dakota •They can dispatch volunteers to help plant, hay, or harvest their crop, and feed livestock. •Their services are provided to any farmer who’s experienced a major illness, injury, or natural disaster. •They come with their own equipment if necessary •Services are free to the farmer If you, or someone you know, needs Farm Rescue Services, send in your information to their website https://farmrescue.org/

One crop symptom can lead to another. And with all this rainfall, fungicide application will be critical for keeping your crop healthy through harvest. Join in on this circus of a spring with Landus Technical Agronomy and Precision Lead and your Virtual Agronomist, Dan Bjornklund; and Landus Regional Sales Manager and Agronomy Minute host, Scott Ahrenholtz. Highlights: •75% of nitrogen is used after V10 •3-4% of nitrogen is lost daily to denitrification •Nitrogen stabilizers are crucial right now in these wet conditions •UAN and Urea conversations should be had now with your Account Lead or the GROW Solutions Center •A second fungicide application may be necessary •AcreEdge CropPWR Technology is available and ready to be combined with your fungicides. Visit AcreEdge.com for more information. Tar spot tracking app: https://ipcm.wisc.edu/apps/tarspotter/

Landus ‪Product and Services Leader, Jon Setterdahl and Strategic Dispatch Savannah Jenkins join ‪GROW Grain Marketing Advisor Ashley Kaldenberg for this grain edition of the GROW Podcast. Highlights: AcreDirect Grain Solutions Get a marketing plan Risk management plan Information sharing Grain markets repeat in waves We’re in a transition year Demand will be driving market prices Farmers will need trusted advice and partners this season June 15 booking gets guaranteed truck for harvest GROW Solutions Center: (515) 800-GROW (4769) https://www.landus.ag/solutions-center

Whether you follow politics or not, regardless of which side of the aisle you fall in—this GROW Podcast will cover everything you need to know about public policy and how it relates to our rural communities. The Iowa legislative session concluded a few weeks ago, and the GROW Podcast crew is seizing this moment to fill you in on state bills that were approved into law, federal bills that you’ll want to look out for, and upcoming steps for Landus in representing your voices at the public policy table.     In this special edition of the GROW Podcast, Landus ‪GROW Grain Marketing Advisor, Ashley Kaldenberg hosts a returning guest, Landus ‪Vice President of External Affairs, Elizabeth Burns Thompson to breakdown how the state’s legislative reception will impact farmers. Furthermore, these two will be covering federal bills and what to look out for this election year!    Highlights:  Read the Rural Matters of the legislative recap (with linked bills!)  How does a bill become a law? (School House Rock)  Rural Matters: Issue Deep Dive – Soy Oil Market Pressures  Rural Matters: Issue Deep Dive – Land Use and Infrastructure Development  Rural Matters Survey