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. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See <a href="https://pcm.adswizz.com">pcm.adswizz.com</a> for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

<description>&lt;p&gt;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 &lt;i&gt;Outstanding in Your Field&lt;/i&gt;, 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.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;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.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;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.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;What to Listen For in This Episode:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;The most overlooked planter wear parts: &lt;/strong&gt;Learn why disc openers, seed tube guards, gauge wheels, and parallel arms should be the first components inspected during planter maintenance.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Why consistent planting depth matters more than perfect spacing: &lt;/strong&gt;Hear why some agronomists argue that depth uniformity can have a greater yield impact than seed spacing in certain soils.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;How to properly calibrate planter depth: &lt;/strong&gt;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.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Common maintenance issues technicians see in the shop: &lt;/strong&gt;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.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Choosing the right closing wheel system: &lt;/strong&gt;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.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Technology checks before planting begins: &lt;/strong&gt;Why updating monitor firmware, verifying GPS connections, and confirming farm/field data can prevent costly delays once the planter hits the field.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;The importance of “ground truthing”: &lt;/strong&gt;Even with advanced sensors and automation, successful growers still get out of the cab early in the season to dig seeds and verify performance.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Why soybean planters deserve the same attention as corn planters: &lt;/strong&gt;As soybean seed costs rise and planting becomes more precise, proper planter setup for beans is becoming just as critical as for corn.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;br/&gt; &lt;p&gt;Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See &lt;a href="https://pcm.adswizz.com"&gt;pcm.adswizz.com&lt;/a&gt; for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.&lt;/p&gt;</description>

The Illinois Agronomy Podcast has joined forces with the Indiana Agronomy Podcast to create Outstanding In Your Field!  

You Can Only Plant It Once (So Check Your Planter)

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! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See <a href="https://pcm.adswizz.com">pcm.adswizz.com</a> for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

<description>&lt;p&gt;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.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Hear practical agronomic advice for managing standability, harvest timing, and crop protection, plus key takeaways to carry into future growing seasons!&lt;/p&gt;&lt;br/&gt; &lt;p&gt;Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See &lt;a href="https://pcm.adswizz.com"&gt;pcm.adswizz.com&lt;/a&gt; for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.&lt;/p&gt;</description>

In this episode of the Illinois Pioneer Agronomy Podcast, host Crystal Williams brings together Pioneer field agronomists from across Illinois and Indiana for an early harvest check-in.

Early Harvest Update

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 beyondFun 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. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See <a href="https://pcm.adswizz.com">pcm.adswizz.com</a> for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

<description>&lt;p&gt;Listen for:&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;✅ Why canola is gaining attention as a renewable diesel feedstock&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;✅ How equipment, fertility, and herbicide management compare to corn, soybeans, and wheat&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;✅ Key lessons learned from Illinois’ first canola acres&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;✅ Where the crop fits in local rotations and markets&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;✅ What farmers can expect for 2025 and beyond&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;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.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;br/&gt; &lt;p&gt;Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See &lt;a href="https://pcm.adswizz.com"&gt;pcm.adswizz.com&lt;/a&gt; for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.&lt;/p&gt;</description>

In this episode of the Illinois Pioneer Agronomy Podcast, host Crystal Williams sits down with Scott Eversgerd, Pioneer Field Agronomist, to explore growing winter canola in southern Illinois.

Fueling Forward with Canola in Southern Illinois 🌱

🎯 Topics covered:<ul><li>Tar spot, gray leaf spot, and northern corn leaf blight updates</li><li>Fungicide timing: spray early, wait, or plan for two passes?</li><li>Insect pressure: rootworm, Japanese beetles, and more</li><li>Fertility tips: sulfur on soybeans, residue management at harvest</li><li>What to watch in late July and August  </li></ul>🎧 Listen to more episodes at: <a href="https://www.pioneer.com/podcasts">pioneer.com/podcasts</a> Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See <a href="https://pcm.adswizz.com">pcm.adswizz.com</a> for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

<description>&lt;p&gt;🎯 Topics covered:&lt;/p&gt;&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;Tar spot, gray leaf spot, and northern corn leaf blight updates&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Fungicide timing: spray early, wait, or plan for two passes?&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Insect pressure: rootworm, Japanese beetles, and more&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Fertility tips: sulfur on soybeans, residue management at harvest&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;What to watch in late July and August&lt;br /&gt; &lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;&lt;p&gt;🎧 Listen to more episodes at: &lt;a href="https://www.pioneer.com/podcasts"&gt;pioneer.com/podcasts&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;br/&gt; &lt;p&gt;Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See &lt;a href="https://pcm.adswizz.com"&gt;pcm.adswizz.com&lt;/a&gt; for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.&lt;/p&gt;</description>

In this episode, Pioneer Field Agronomist Crystal Williams sits down with fellow agronomists Brad Mason and Pat Reeg for a real-world crop update from across the state of Illinois. From early planted beans and corn to the rising disease pressure this season, they break down what they’re seeing in fields right now—and what that means for your next pass.

Fungicide, Disease and Pest Pressure Across Illinois

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. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See <a href="https://pcm.adswizz.com">pcm.adswizz.com</a> for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

<description>&lt;p&gt;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.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;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.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;br/&gt; &lt;p&gt;Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See &lt;a href="https://pcm.adswizz.com"&gt;pcm.adswizz.com&lt;/a&gt; for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.&lt;/p&gt;</description>

In this episode, Crystal Williams sits down with Matt Essex, Agronomy Innovation Lead for Pioneer’s Western Commercial Unit, to explore the powerful impact of kernel size on corn yield. 

Unlocking Yield Through Kernel Size with Matt Essex

Tune in for the most up-to-date agronomy from local Illinois Pioneer agronomists and experts as they discuss the most important topics in your area.

Pioneer Agronomy: Illinois

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