We get an update on drought stress, southern rust, tar spot and red crown rot. Each agronomist also shares boots-on-the-ground updates from their region—covering yield expectations, crop variability, and disease pressures farmers are facing this season.

Hear practical agronomic advice for managing standability, harvest timing, and crop protection, plus key takeaways to carry into future growing seasons!

Listen for:

✅ Why canola is gaining attention as a renewable diesel feedstock

✅ How equipment, fertility, and herbicide management compare to corn, soybeans, and wheat

✅ Key lessons learned from Illinois’ first canola acres

✅ Where the crop fits in local rotations and markets

✅ What farmers can expect for 2025 and beyond

Fun fact: At publication of this episode, the global leader growing canola by far (especially in Saskatchewan, Alberta, and Manitoba) is Canada. Canada grows about 20 million acres of canola each year.

🎯 Topics covered:

• Tar spot, gray leaf spot, and northern corn leaf blight updates
• Fungicide timing: spray early, wait, or plan for two passes?
• Insect pressure: rootworm, Japanese beetles, and more
• Fertility tips: sulfur on soybeans, residue management at harvest
• What to watch in late July and August
  

🎧 Listen to more episodes at: pioneer.com/podcasts

With over 26 years at Pioneer, Matt shares insights from recent research across 30+ field locations that reveal how kernel size—not just population or ear count—is a major driver of yield potential.

Listen for how management practices influence kernel development, how nutrient timing plays a role, and what you can do to maximize grain fill from pollination through black layer.

They dig into decision-making factors when selecting fungicides, discuss the value of Corteva’s product lineup—including Approach(®) and Approach(®) Prima —and highlight the importance of timing, from V5 to R3. Brad also offers candid thoughts on the economics of early applications and how growers can prioritize acres when budget or logistics make it tough to treat every field.

This episode offers a well-rounded look at how fungicides can help protect yield—and when it makes the most sense to spray.

In this special “coffee with the agronomists” edition, we get a diner-table style discussion about the ups and downs of the 2025 planting season. From early-start excitement to rain-soaked setbacks and crusting concerns, Pioneer agronomists share candid updates, key learnings and field-level wisdom from every corner of the state.

We begin the episode hearing heartfelt stories about blending motherhood with a passion for agronomy, from toddlers marveling at tractors to teaching kids about corn. "I remember when [my daughter] was first learning to talk, and the first time she said corn, which was more like kern, it was so cute," says Crystal. "When she was 11 months old, barefoot out in the field and holding a seedling and was just curiously looking at the roots, and it just melted my heart."

Then, a conversation about managing white mold. Chelsea interviews Crystal on the disease’s overwintering process, early-season strategies, variety selection and timely fungicide applications. Packed with practical tips and personal insights, this episode is a must-listen for farmers preparing for the 2025 growing season.

Visit pioneer.com/podcasts for more episodes and innovative farming tools.

💡 Clif Notes from the conversation 💡

- Planting depth: 2-2.5 inches for corn, 1.5 inches for soybeans

- Planting ahead of rain: Go for it—if conditions are good and the forecasted rain is not excessive

- Adjusting populations: No adjustments needed yet; consider increasing soybean populations if planting drags into late May

- Switching maturities: Stick with your original hybrids unless planting slips into June

- Early planting temperatures: 50°F soil temps are still important, but today's hybrids handle early planting risks better than ever.

Andy also offers advice on managing risk, staying patient during critical planting windows, and making smart decisions based on soil conditions rather than calendar dates.

👉 Like and subscribe for more from this pod. Visit pioneer.com/podcasts for more episodes and resources.