What really happens after you send a plant sample to the lab, and how does it impact what happens back in the field?

In this episode of Outstanding in Your Field, the team sits down with Corteva Plant Pathology Technology Lead Krystel Navarro to pull back the curtain on the diagnostic lab and the critical role it plays in modern agriculture. From identifying crop diseases with molecular precision to supporting product development and protecting yields, this conversation explores how science, speed, and field expertise come together to solve real-world challenges.

Krystal shares her journey from hydroponic farming roots in Puerto Rico to leading a cutting-edge pathology lab. She explains how advanced diagnostics help distinguish between lookalike diseases, guide management decisions, and even shape the future of seed development. The discussion also dives into real-world examples—like tracking emerging corn diseases—and highlights how collaboration between labs, agronomists, and farmers leads to better outcomes across the industry.

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Planting season is go-time! But the biggest wins aren’t about speed, they’re about precision where it matters most. If you’re chasing yield this season, start here, and press play.

In this episode of Outstanding in Your Field, the Pioneer agronomy team breaks down what really impacts yield before the crop ever emerges. From dialing in planting depth to understanding soil moisture vs. temperature, they unpack the decisions that separate a good stand from a great one.

Listen for why shallow planting can cost you more than going too deep, how to confidently decide when conditions are “fit,” and why uniform emergence might be the most underrated yield driver on your farm.

Plus: corn vs. soybean. Which gets planted first when time is tight?

EDITOR'S NOTE: We'e moved! The Illinois Agronomy Podcast has merged with the Indiana Agronomy Podcast to become Outstanding In Your Field.

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As planting season approaches, the details behind planter setup can make or break your crop before the first seed even emerges. In this episode of Outstanding in Your Field, hosts Bryan Schrader, Carl Joern, and Crystal Williams bring together planter technology specialists and from Indiana and Illinois to walk through the most critical planter maintenance checks growers should make before heading to the field.

Guests Matt Risley of Petersen Ag Service and brothers Jake and Connor Finley of Finley Farms share real-world insights from the shop and the field—covering the wear parts that most often get overlooked, how to properly calibrate planting depth, and why even the most advanced planter technology still requires boots on the ground to verify performance.

From disc openers and gauge wheels to firmware updates and closing wheel setups, this episode highlights the small adjustments that can lead to more consistent seed placement, better emergence, and stronger yield potential. If you’re pulling the planter out of the shed soon, this conversation will help ensure it’s ready to perform when it matters most.

What to Listen For in This Episode:

The most overlooked planter wear parts: Learn why disc openers, seed tube guards, gauge wheels, and parallel arms should be the first components inspected during planter maintenance.

Why consistent planting depth matters more than perfect spacing: Hear why some agronomists argue that depth uniformity can have a greater yield impact than seed spacing in certain soils.

How to properly calibrate planter depth: Jake and Connor explain a practical method using static seed blocks or simple shop tools to ensure every row unit is truly planting at the intended depth.

Common maintenance issues technicians see in the shop: From bent row-unit shanks to severely worn parallel arms, the guests share real examples of how far planter components can drift out of spec.

Choosing the right closing wheel system: A discussion on popular closing wheel options—including poly spike wheels and two-stage systems—and how soil type, speed, and budget influence the best choice.

Technology checks before planting begins: Why updating monitor firmware, verifying GPS connections, and confirming farm/field data can prevent costly delays once the planter hits the field.

The importance of “ground truthing”: Even with advanced sensors and automation, successful growers still get out of the cab early in the season to dig seeds and verify performance.

Why soybean planters deserve the same attention as corn planters: As soybean seed costs rise and planting becomes more precise, proper planter setup for beans is becoming just as critical as for corn.

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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!

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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.

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🎯 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

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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.

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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.

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