Pioneer Agronomy: Illinois

And that's a wrap on the 2023 growing season! In this episode of the Illinois Agronomy Podcast, hosts Crystal Williams, Brad Mason, Matt Montgomery and Scott Eversgerd put a bow on the 2023 season. The group recap the first season of the podcast, highlighting working across the state and across state lines throughout each episode. Also discussed are agronomic highlights and what has been learned from another growing season. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from the Illinois Pioneer Agronomy team!

Illinois Pioneer Agronomists Crystal Williams, Matt Montgomery and Scott Eversgerd discuss setting your operation up for success in 2024. The trio also provide harvest updates for the state as harvest gets closer to wrapping up for the 2023 season. For setting growers up for a successful 2024, the agronomists discuss optimal conditions for tillage, whether cover crops are right for your operation, fall burndown priorities and fertility planning. Growers are making decisions on whether to apply fertilizer yet this year or wait until spring 2024.

Illinois Pioneer Agronomists Crystal Williams, Cody Pettit, Matt Montgomery and Scott Eversgerd delve into harvest updates across the state of Illinois. The group discusses soybean variability, surprising corn yields and how rainfall, timing and genetics contributed. 1:25 - 3:28 Southern Illinois Agronomy Update 3:29 - 5:24 West-Central Agronomy Update 5:25 - 8:09 Eastern Illinois Agronomy Update 8:10 - 12:50 Northern Illinois Agronomy Update 12:51 - 20:20 Soybean Variability 20:21 - 39:02 Corn Yield Resources: Red Crown Rot in Soybeans: https://www.pioneer.com/us/agronomy/red-crown-rot-soybeans.html Corn Yield Gains Due to Genetic and Management Improvements: https://www.pioneer.com/us/agronomy/corn-yield-gains.html

Illinois Pioneer Agronomists Crystal Williams, Cody Pettit, Brad Mason, Matt Montgomery and Scott Eversgerd dive into fall nitrogen management and considerations for growers. Joining this episode are Heather Vosburgh, Corteva Agriscience Territory Manager and member of the Nutrient Maximizer Team, and Mike Koenigs, Pioneer Sales Representative and member of the Nutrient Maximizer Team. The group fall nitrogen and how growers can better protect their investment, overall nitrogen management for this fall and 2024 growing season, and they dip into nutrient stabilizers.

Illinois Pioneer Agronomists Crystal Williams, Matt Montgomery and Scott Eversgerd discuss fall wheat planting and preparation for growers. Wheat variety selection and seed treatment are important considerations, especially to control diseases like head scab. Fall fertility plans are also important to make before planting. As for planting dates, northern fields a traditionally planted first. Observe the “fly-free” date for your area. Optimum planting date will be on or within 10 days after that date. According to University of Illinois research, little yield loss occurs if wheat is planted within 10 days after the fly-free date. Planting too early encourages lush fall growth which puts the wheat at increased risk of Hessian fly, aphids, viruses, and fall infection of foliar diseases.

Illinois Pioneer Agronomists discuss ear and stalk rots as growers begin prioritizing fields for harvest. Ear and stalk rots cause damage and yield loss in many corn fields across North America each year. Scouting fields and harvesting those with more severe rot can reduce harvest losses. Agronomists Crystal Williams, Matt Montgomery and Scott Eversgerd also discuss the importance of proper timing and conducting stalk push/pull tests as well as other field checks.

Illinois Pioneer Agronomists discuss mid-August scouting tips as growers get into their fields and look to determine yield come harvest. Scouting this time of year can provide an indicator of yield in the fall. While the combine will be the final yield decider, walking through fields can provide an idea of final yield. Agronomists also go around the state of Illinois and provide agronomic updates.

Illinois Pioneer Agronomists discuss soybean yield and how it's built throughout a growing season. Agronomists Crystal Williams, Scott Eversgerd, Pat Reeg and Matt Montgomery lead this episode, talking about planting, weather and agronomic factors that impact soybean yield. Soybean yields have increased over time. In order to make sound management decisions that will continue to increase soybean yields, it is crucial to first understand the factors involved with grain yield determination in soybean.

Illinois Pioneer Agronomists discuss the future of fungicide decision-making as growers combat new pests and resistance. Agronomists Crystal Williams, Brad Mason and Matt Montgomery lead a roundtable discussion talking about new fungicide products coming from Corteva Agriscience and the importance to proper timing for in-season fungicide applications. Joining the episode is Layton Peddicord, Digital Disease Management Lead for Corteva Agriscience.

On this episode of the Illinois Agronomy podcast, host Crystal Williams leads a roundtable discussion covering wheat harvest in Southern Illinois, drought observations and overall crop conditions throughout the state and more. Joining this episode are Matt Montgomery, Pat Reeg and Scott Eversgerd.