Pioneer Agronomy: Illinois

In this episode of the Illinois Pioneer Agronomy Podcast, Rachel Fulton, Agronomy Innovation Manager, Jason McVicker, Field Agronomist, Pat Reeg, Field Agronomist, Brad Mason, Field Agronomist, Matt Montgomery, Field Agronomist and Scott Eversgerd, Field Agronomist provide crop updates from each of their areas and provide scouting tips for issues they are seeing.

Resources

Article: Corn and Soybean Disease ID Guide https://www.corteva.us/content/dam/dpagco/corteva/na/us/en/files/resources/DOC-Corn-and-Soybean-Disease-ID-Guide.pdf

Article: Red Crown Rot in Soybeans https://www.pioneer.com/us/agronomy/red-crown-rot-soybeans.html

In this episode of the Illinois Pioneer Agronomy podcast, Don Kyle, Pioneer Illinois Soybean Breeder, joins hosts Crystal Williams, Pat Reeg, Jason McVicker, Brad Mason and Andy Knepp. This episode covers white mold in soybeans, Pioneer® brand Z-Series Soybeans, management tips for maximizing yield and more.

This update features a few new and familiar faces: Rachel Fulton, Agronomy Innovation Manager Scott Eversgerd, Field Agronomist Reed Morris, Strategic Account Manager Brad Mason, Field Agronomist Pat Reeg, Field Agronomist Jason McVicker, Field Agronomist

Illinois Pioneer Agronomists Crystal Williams, Pat Reeg, Andy Knepp and Matt Montgomery provide field updates and discuss planning fungicide applications. The most important factor determining the value of a foliar fungicide application is disease pressure. When weather conditions are conducive for foliar diseases, a fungicide application can be beneficial. Hybrids that have lower levels of genetic resistance to a given foliar disease are more likely to benefit from a fungicide application if that disease becomes prevalent. A special guest this episode Rachel Fulton, Agronomy Innovation Manager, joins and will be temporarily hosting podcast episodes. Also joining are Jeff Bode and Brad Allen, Corteva Agriscience Market Development Specialists.

0:00 - 4:55 - Guest Introductions
4:56 - 15:51 - Timing Corn Fungicide Applications
15:52 - 23:41 - Which Fungicides Should I Use?
23:42 - 32:17 - Managing Disease with the Right Tools
32:18 - 44:02 - Late-Season Fungicide Applications

Resources

Article: Maximizing the Value of Foliar Fungicide in Corn - https://www.pioneer.com/us/agronomy/maximizing_foliar_fungicides_corn.html

Video: When to Spray Fungicides - https://youtu.be/tFp2fh4ESB0?si=ThQmBy03pyQloLtG

Video: Maximizing Plant Health and Yield with Fungicides - https://youtu.be/njC3kSbVnp4?si=QvoTWpum4_bLSGfL

Video: Determining the Proper Time to Spray Fungicides - https://youtu.be/x6e0BkkxuWI?si=dqPlm7O0G-9ENCX2

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.