Field Advisor

In this episode of Field Advisor, host Kelsey Litchfield discusses the upcoming 2025 growing season with agronomists Eric Beckett and Karen Corrigan. They explore the critical role of agronomists in providing unbiased information to farmers, the biases that exist within agricultural recommendations, and the importance of data-driven decisions in crop consulting. As they prepare for the upcoming sp...

In this final growing season update, the IL Soy Envoys recap the top agronomic challenges of 2024 and share primary concerns for farmers heading into 2025. They discuss how early-season stressors influenced harvest yields, weed control issues, the yield hit of late spot spraying, and the challenges of fall soil testing. The Envoys also address rising fertilizer costs, the effects of corn aphids on...

In this episode, the IL Soy Envoys share yield reports from their regions, highlighting a wide range of results in both soybeans and corn, with many areas seeing strong yields overall.   They also cover important fall topics, including soybean header loss, soil pH and lime application, the impact of planting dates on yield, soil moisture and dryness concerns, a disease update, and more.   Links Me...

In this episode, the IL Soy Envoys examine the current conditions of soybean and corn crops, highlighting how recent rains have enhanced moisture levels in soybeans. They review yield reports, noting variability in both corn and soybeans, with some areas experiencing lower yields due to seasonal stresses, along with reports of cercospora leaf blight and ear rot disease. The conversation also cover...

In this episode, Kelsey Litchfield is joined by John Howell, a farmer from Monroe and Randolph counties in Illinois and president of the Illinois Wheat Association. They start by examining the 2024 winter wheat crop and the challenges it presented this year. Despite strong yields, they were slightly lower than those in 2023. John also shares his perspective of why Illinois wheat growers are seeing...

In this episode, the IL Soy Envoys discuss early harvest reports and plans for the next growing season. Soybeans are maturing quickly, and while some harvests have started with strong early yields, concerns about dry beans and a long season persist. There are reports of white mold, stalk rot, and anthracnose, but tar spot isn’t a major issue. The IL Soy Envoys seeing a wide range of yields, and de...

They say a picture is worth a thousand words—so let’s dive in! The IL Soy Envoys share their most intriguing photos from the 2024 growing season, discussing what’s happening in each shot and the lessons learned. Plus, they bring you the latest weekly crop report straight from the field. If you'd like to see the photos from today's episode, click here to watch here on YouTube.   The guests in today...

USDA-NASS forecasts yields of 225 for corn and 66 for soybeans in Illinois, but are the IL Soy Envoys seeing this potential in their fields? Listen as they share crop conditions, discussing the possible need for a second fungicide pass, and addressing reports of tar spot, SDS, white mold, and more.   The guests in today’s podcast include Craig Grafton, Bayer Crop Science; Karen Corrigan, McGillicu...

Rainfall continues across Illinois, with some areas welcoming the moisture while others face potential excess. The IL Soy Envoys discuss this issue, along with disease pressure and the looming threat of tar spot. They urge farmers to continue scouting their fields and to assess corn pollination progress to avoid surprises during harvest. Additionally, they report sightings of stinkbugs in soybean...

Corn leaf aphids are invading corn fields, and wet conditions are leading to an increase in disease. The IL Soy Envoys discuss these challenges, sharing insights on disease and insect pressure, along with other field reports.   The guests in today’s podcast include Shelby Weckel, Ehler Bros Seed; Eric Beckett, Illini FS; Craig Grafton, Bayer Crop Science; Karen Corrigan, McGillicuddy Corrigan Agro...

Illinois experienced significant rainfall this week, including a derecho that brought substantial precipitation to several areas. How will this impact the crops? Our Soy Envoys share their insights on the situation, along with updates on fungicide applications, pollination challenges, corn leaf aphids, soybean diseases, and more.   *Editor’s note – We experienced some technological difficulties du...

We're halfway through the growing season, and many farmers are considering whether to apply fungicide despite low commodity prices. What do our IL Soy Envoys and Certified Crop Advisers have to say on the matter? Tune in to this episode as they share their latest crop updates, rainfall reports from Hurricane Beryl, predictions for a record crop in Illinois, and more!   The guests in today’s podcas...

After a week's break, the IL Soy Envoys have returned to provide their latest field reports. They cover precipitation levels—or the lack thereof in some regions—and discuss the emergence of tar spot and other potential diseases. Additionally, they provide updates on corn rootworm, Japanese beetles, and other significant field developments.   The guests in today’s podcast include Kelly Robertson, P...

In the USDA’s latest report of Illinois crop conditions, both soybeans and corn showed a decline in the excellent and good categories, with an increase in the poor and very poor ratings over the week.   The Soy Envoys provide their crop updates, discussing emergence issues and "floppy corn," along with continued scouting for weeds after post-application and soybean flowering.   They also discuss p...

Crop conditions remain highly variable across the state, and the IL Soy Envoys provide analysis into what's happening in their respective regions.   In this episode, they also cover topics including wheat harvest, monitoring root establishment, notable slug damage in fields, crops in the "ugly duckling" phase, herbicide misapplications, and their notes for the upcoming fungicide season.   The gues...

On this episode of ILSoyAdvisor, the Soy Envoys give their updates on field and crop conditions across Illinois. In some areas of the state, persistent rain delays and recurring ponding and flooding have left many fields unplanted, prompting decisions about prevent planting.   They also address the challenges posed by the high variability in crop conditions. Some corn and soybeans are struggling,...

Corn and soybean planting is ongoing, with some areas finished and others delayed due to field location and rainfall. Storms have caused hail damage, leading to possible soybean replanting, and crusting may also require replanting. Flash floods and ponding are creating nitrogen concerns and yellowing.  Wind has also caused sandblasting in central Illinois. Crop growth stages vary for both corn and...

In the latest ILSoyAdvisor podcast, Abigail Peterson , CCA, and Stephanie Porter , CCA, from the Illinois Soybean Association discuss the current state of planting and crop conditions in Illinois. While some areas have finished planting or are working on their last fields, southern Illinois farmers face delays due to wet conditions.    They share their mid-May to June soybean planting recommendati...

In this episode, the Soy Envoys discuss recent field activity, highlighting variability in conditions with some regions dry and suitable for planting while others remain wet. They report cold injury in corn, significant weed pressure, and black cutworm feeding in both corn and soybeans.   The Soy Envoys also address concerns about how planting delays might affect yields, advising growers to remain...

Amidst planting delays, farmers are questioning whether to prioritize planting soybeans or corn. As mid-May approaches, agronomists and university researchers are advising farmers to place their focus on planting corn before soybeans.   Dr. Connor Sible of the Crop Sciences Department at the University of Illinois advises patience, suggesting farmers can still plant full-maturity corn until the en...

Planting progress in Illinois is sporadic, with some areas experiencing delays with wet spots and ponding in fields, while other areas have already planted their corn and soybean crops. Concerns arise regarding prevent planting in some areas if wet weather persists, alongside reports of emerging pests like bean leaf beetles and slugs in soybeans. Additionally, issues with cover crop termination an...

In this episode, the Soy Envoys provide an overview of recent rainfall across various regions of Illinois with reports ranging from ½ inch to 5 inches. They discuss emerging concerns such as replant considerations for soybeans, disease in wheat fields, and seedling diseases. Looking ahead, they advise on replanting decisions and caution against making major switches in crop too soon. Throughout th...

The latest episode from the Soy Envoys brings a brief update on planting and field conditions across Illinois, with both corn and soybeans planting progress at 11 percent as of April 21st.    While some areas have finished planting and others haven't even begun, some farmers are halfway done! The Envoys note a slowdown in planting in some regions due to recent rains, in contrast with full speed ah...

The Soy Envoys provide a short update on planting progress and field conditions across different regions of Illinois. They discuss weed control strategies and herbicide applications as well as the connection of winter annual weeds being a host for soybean cyst nematode. Click here for more information from Purdue University. With planting season underway, they emphasize the importance of accurate...

In this episode, the ILSoyAdvisor Soy Envoys launch a new series, offering updates on statewide field conditions. They focus on concerns such as henbit control, cover crop termination, and reports of black cutworms and armyworms. Additionally, they discuss planting progress, currently at 2% for corn and soybeans (as of 4/7), attributing the delay to precipitation and cooler nighttime temperatures....