Agronomy

Weather extremes are creating challenges, but growers can still make agronomic decisions between R4 and R6 to help protect yield potential.
Illinois Soybean Association on-farm research found that sulfur can boost yields under certain soil and management conditions—but it’s far from a blanket recommendation.
From fragile Wisconsin ground to deep Illinois prairie, Andy Benson and Ryan Frieders are adapting their soil-management practices to keep inputs working effectively, yields improving and their respective farms on course for a brighter future.
Over the next several weeks, growers will be determining how much yield potential remains in their corn and soybean crops impacted by damaging rains and wind storms.


After a $100,000 loss and rising weed resistance, Matt Griggs says he knew he had to make some big changes. His tough decisions helped the 144-year-old farm survive and prosper.
With varying degrees of severity being reported, agronomists and growers are evaluating whether to spray this late in the season. Check out the Crop Protection Network interactive map to see if the disease is in or near your county.
Some simple field checks this summer can reveal whether you’re planting a specific hybrid too thick, too thin, or just right — good insight to have before you order seed for next season.
Agronomists detail how your variety selections and planting strategy might need to adapt to better manage risk during the growing season and protect yield at harvest.
The latest product in Corteva’s lineup can go on fields as a pre or post, targets more than 36 broadleaf weeds and grasses, and provides up to four weeks of residual control.
Agronomists urge farmers to scout, treat and communicate any significant losses to landlords and bankers prior to harvest.
USDA ratings show that the nation’s crops lag behind Iowa’s current strong performance, while drowned-out areas and weather stress in Illinois could deliver harvest disappointments.
From inaccurate dry measurements to unseen water issues, simple mistakes and overlooked details could be neutralizing your crop protection investments.
Mike Jenks shares how he reconfigures nozzles, boosts carrier volume and evaluates application timing to protect the leaves that drive grain fill.
With tar spot at fairly low levels, Midwest agronomists encourage farmers to focus on protecting the upper canopy, keying into the best application timing and keeping an eye out for southern rust.
FMC’s new active ingredient targets broadleaf weeds with two modes of action – an industry first. But researchers say good stewardship of existing technologies remains critical.
With Midwest farmers reporting disease lesions on leaves in storm-hit cornfields, an Iowa State pathologist says the right management step hinges on correct identification.
Ken Ferrie leads the unsponsored, two-day event focused on crop fertility ROI, weed management and making the 4Rs pay in tight markets.
Industry executives say AI-driven design and field data are reshaping how new products are being researched and developed, and will ultimately shorten the time from initial concept to commercial launch.
From sulfur and nitrogen deficiencies to silk-clipping beetles, Ken Ferrie breaks down what farmers need to address now in ponded, replanted and unevenly developing fields.
Two Midwest farmers report they are ready to treat corn acres, but uneven stands and tight margins cause hesitation for soybean applications.
Six technologies advance toward commercialization, with the first product expected in late 2026, despite criticism from environmental advocacy groups.
As crops accelerate through key growth stages, Mark Herz, agronomy technical specialist at CHS, shares three priorities for midseason crop scouting.
Persistent rain is shifting nitrogen from a fine-tuning tactic to a rescue tool. Ken Ferrie shares how to manage N-deficient corn, the “last best” window for ROI and how to protect grain fill.
With summer patterns running up to four weeks behind schedule, meteorologist Don Day urges growers to plan in short windows for the second half of the growing season.
Heavy rains and hail have triggered widespread nutrient deficiencies, disease pressure and weed threats in parts of Illinois, Iowa and other states. Field Agronomist Ken Ferrie outlines some strategies for farmers looking to salvage their corn and soybeans.
Advisors managing hundreds of accounts now have a way to deliver answers in seconds, not hours
As the crop enters rapid growth stages, Agronomist Missy Bauer tells farmers to confirm nitrogen and sulfur availability or risk leaving bushels in the field.
After waiting months for much-needed moisture, heavy rainfall is turning early-summer fieldwork into a high-stakes scramble for some Midwest farmers.
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