Kick'N Dirt with Mike and Adam

Pioneer Agronomy publishes a research book each year, and the 2025 version is available now! During this episode of Kick'N Dirt, listen in for a conversation about key insights provided by the 2025 edition, which has 21 people with PhD's who contributed to the articles.Mike Jeschke, agronomy manager for Pioneer, says the book has been published in some form since the 1950's. It showcases the findings of the investment in farm research by Pioneer. "There are so many management tools available, and you're constantly needing to refresh that knowledge to stay ahead of emerging issues," he says. "The studies in the book cover a lot of different growing conditions and issues that are happening on real people's farms." Find the 2025 book here: https://www.pioneer.com/us/agronomy-science.html#anchor_1   

Mike and the Kevins are Kick' N It this episode with Adam Banks, Pioneer Field Agronomist in Kearney, Nebraska, and talking about finishing strong late in the season. With modern hybrids grain filling later and later, that late component of water appears more important than it was even a decade ago. The group talks about what can be done this late in the game to influence yield and what that might cost in relation to what it will produce. ResourcesCrop Water Use in Corn: https://www.pioneer.com/us/agronomy/crop_water_use.htmlSoybean Water Use: https://www.pioneer.com/us/agronomy/soybean-water-use.htmlConsiderations for Estimating the Last Irrigation: https://www.pioneer.com/us/agronomy/last-irrigation-mid-south.htmlDectes Stem Borer in Soybeans: https://www.pioneer.com/us/agronomy/stem-borer-dectes.html

Mike and the Kevins are Kick' N It this episode, providing a Nebraska August history session, including touching on Midwest football. Dan Uppena, Corteva Area Leader for Biologicals, joins the team to talk about Corteva Agriscience biologicals, including biostimulants and biocontrol.Dan and the group discuss ways Corteva is always working to bring farmers the latest options for achieving higher yields. ResourcesCorteva Biological Business: https://www.corteva.com/products-and-services/biologicals.html Corteva Biological Products: https://www.corteva.us/products-and-solutions/biologicals.html

Mike and the Kevins are Kick' N It this episode, talking about what they are seeing in corn and soybean fields. Diseases have been pretty minor so far, but insects have been prevalent with lots of adult beetles to keep an eye on. As tassel approaches, it's time to start thinking about fungicide applications. Leaves may be clean now, but with the humid mornings, those plants may not be healthy as they progress. The group also talks about the hail damage to crops in Nebraska and water usage.ResourcesMaximizing the Value of Foliar Fungicides in Corn - https://www.pioneer.com/us/agronomy/maximizing_foliar_fungicides_corn.htmlGray Leaf Spot of Corn - https://www.pioneer.com/us/agronomy/gray_leaf_spot_cropfocus.htmlNovel Corn Rootworm Beetle Control Options - https://www.pioneer.com/us/agronomy/Novel-Corn-Rootworm-Beetle-Control-Options.htmlHail Damage to Corn and Soybeans - https://www.pioneer.com/us/agronomy/hail-damage-corn.htmlMicronutrients for Crop Production: https://www.pioneer.com/us/agronomy/micronutrients_crop_production.htmlWhite Mold Management in Soybeans: https://www.pioneer.com/us/agronomy/white_mold.html

Mike and the Kevins are Kick' N It with Jason Gibson, Market Development Specialist, Corteva Agriscience. The group discuss white mold and how to scout white mold in your fields and what to do if and when you spot it. White mold is a disease of high yield potential soybeans – the better the establishment and growth of the crop, the greater the risk of white mold. White mold is favored by cool and wet weather and dense soybean canopies that help retain these conditions under the crop canopy.ResourcesArticle: White Mold Management in Soybeans - https://www.pioneer.com/us/agronomy/white_mold.html 

Mike and the Kevins are Kick' N It with Dan Smydra, Enlist Field Specialist with Corteva Agriscience. The group discuss corn conditions, post-emergence herbicides and taking care of the corn crop early in the season. They also discuss tank mix best practices, controlling weeds this season and future growing seasons and more. ResourcesTank-Mix Sequence Procedure: https://www.enlist.com/content/dam/dpagco/enlist/na/us/en/files/fact-sheets/DOC-Enlist-Tank-Mix-Sequence-Procedures-2023-NA-US.pdfVideo - Enlist Best Management Practices: https://youtu.be/WMfFzgQ3fa4?si=o68sGSUX8FUOU6xFGuide - Enlist BMPs: https://www.enlist.com/content/dam/dpagco/enlist/na/us/en/files/fact-sheets/DOC-Enlist-Application-Guide-2023-NA-US.pdf2024 Corn Hybrid-Herbicide Management Guide & Ratings: https://www.pioneer.com/content/dam/dpagco/pioneer/na/us/en/files/products/corn/DOC-Corn-Hybrid-Herbicide-Mgmt-Guide-Pioneer-NA_US-V1.pdf2024 Soybean Herbicides x Variety Guide: https://www.pioneer.com/content/dam/dpagco/pioneer/na/us/en/files/products/soybeans/DOC-Soybean-Variety-Herbicide-Tolerance-Guide-Pioneer-NA_US-V1.pdf2024 Enlist Weed Control System Product Use Guide: https://www.enlist.com/content/dam/dpagco/enlist/na/us/en/files/fact-sheets/DOC-Enlist-PUG-NA-US.pdf

Mike and the Kevins are Kick' N It with Emma Irwin and Trevor Spath, Corteva Agriscience Crop Protection experts. The group discuss all things post-emergence herbicides. With growers dealing with a number of early season diseases due to less-than-ideal planting conditions, post-emergence herbicides will be very important to protect fields and protect yield. 4:50  - Crop Protection Products for Corn11:00 - Troublesome weeds for corn fields 14:00 - Products for tackling weeds in corn19:41 - Nasty residual and annual weeds22:12 - Crop Protection for Emerged Soybeans25:45 - Best Management Practices for Soybean Herbicide Applications31:08 - Timing Soybean Herbicide Applications36:37 - Tank Cleanout43:12 - More Tips on Proper Herbicide ApplicationResourcesTank-Mix Sequence Procedure: https://www.enlist.com/content/dam/dpagco/enlist/na/us/en/files/fact-sheets/DOC-Enlist-Tank-Mix-Sequence-Procedures-2023-NA-US.pdfVideo - Enlist Best Management Practices: https://youtu.be/WMfFzgQ3fa4?si=o68sGSUX8FUOU6xFGuide - Enlist BMPs: https://www.enlist.com/content/dam/dpagco/enlist/na/us/en/files/fact-sheets/DOC-Enlist-Application-Guide-2023-NA-US.pdf2024 Corn Hybrid-Herbicide Management Guide & Ratings: https://www.pioneer.com/content/dam/dpagco/pioneer/na/us/en/files/products/corn/DOC-Corn-Hybrid-Herbicide-Mgmt-Guide-Pioneer-NA_US-V1.pdf2024 Soybean Herbicides x Variety Guide: https://www.pioneer.com/content/dam/dpagco/pioneer/na/us/en/files/products/soybeans/DOC-Soybean-Variety-Herbicide-Tolerance-Guide-Pioneer-NA_US-V1.pdf2024 Enlist Weed Control System Product Use Guide: https://www.enlist.com/content/dam/dpagco/enlist/na/us/en/files/fact-sheets/DOC-Enlist-PUG-NA-US.pdf

Mike and the Kevins are Kick' N It with some local agronomists, discussing field and planting conditions and more. Joining this episode are Jake Hoxmeier, Gabe Bathen and the Tri-State Agronomist himself, Chase Sauder. All Pioneer Agronomists throughout Nebraska, talk current corn and soybean planting and growing conditions, wet field challenges, gall midge in soybeans and delayed planting considerations. ResourcesArticle - Delayed Planting Considerations: https://www.pioneer.com/us/agronomy/planting-delays-main.htmlCentral Corn Belt: https://www.pioneer.com/us/agronomy/delayed-planting-central.html North-Central Corn Belt: https://www.pioneer.com/us/agronomy/delayed-planting-northcentral.htmlNorthern Corn Belt: https://www.pioneer.com/us/agronomy/delayed-planting-northern.htmlArticle - Gall Midge in Soybeans: https://www.pioneer.com/us/agronomy/Gall-Midge-New-Pest-In-Soybeans.htmlVideo - Delayed Planting and Risks to Corn: https://youtu.be/q5764Tx2sWY?si=qIvU3XwsB5YT1pySVideo - Planting Delays Create Weed Challenges: https://youtu.be/NPz9d22OXV8?si=DHarvhGYJniEWLGc

Mike and the Kevins are Kick' N It with Laura Thompson, former University of Nebraska Extension Educator and current Farm Experimentation Lead for Corteva Agriscience. The group discuss farm management, planting and decision-making growers are going through during and shortly after planting. They also touch on seed treatment and weed/pest management after planting as well as digital tools from Corteva that are available to farmers. 

Mike and the Kevins are Kick' N It with Dan Ilten, Agronomy Innovation Manager for Pioneer. The group take a deep dive into digital tools available to growers from Pioneer and Corteva Agriscience. Granular Insights, once a standalone service is part of Corteva Digital Solutions. With Granular tools, growers and advisors can make informed decisions for planting, weed and pest management and more. The group also discuss biologicals and the benefits to growers and crops. ResourcesCorteva Agriscience Digital Solutions: https://www.corteva.us/products-and-solutions/digital-solutions.htmlGranular Insights: https://www.corteva.us/products-and-solutions/digital-solutions/granular-insights.htmlCorteva Biological Solutions: https://www.corteva.us/products-and-solutions/biologicals.html

Mike and the Kevins are joined by Calvin Rupe, Pioneer Field Agronomist, to discuss pre-plant and pre-emergence herbicide decisions as growers get ready to plant 2024's crop. While all fields vary, early weed control can help protect yield potential. Getting to weeds before the grow or takeover a field is critical, especially as smaller weeds are easier to control and kill. It's important to note that herbicides can be less effective during times of heat and drought stress, which often occur at later application times.ResourcesArticle: Early Season Weed Control: https://www.pioneer.com/us/agronomy/early-season-weed-control-cropfocus.htmlArticle: Critical Period of Weed Control in Corn: https://www.pioneer.com/us/agronomy/weed-control-corn.htmlArticle: Corn Hybrid Herbicide Management Guide: https://www.pioneer.com/us/agronomy/corn-herb-guide.html

Mike and the Kevins are joined by Jonathan Propheter, Pioneer Sales Representative in South-Central Nebraska joins the podcast to dig into strip-till recommendations and decisions as growers gear up for planting. The group also discuss planting decisions as planting is where building yield starts. ResourcesArticle: 10 Tips for Making the Switch to Strip-Till Farming: https://www.pioneer.com/us/agronomy/10-tips-for-switching-to-strip-till.htmlArticle: Can Potassium Fertilizer Rates Be Reduced in Strip-Till?: https://www.pioneer.com/us/agronomy/k-fertilizer-rates-strip-till.html

Mike and the Kevins are LIVE from the University of Nebraska Lincoln campus with the UNL Agronomy Club. The trio field questions and dull out career and agronomic advice, molding the minds of the next generation of agronomists and farmers. For more information on the UNL Agronomy Club, visit: https://agronomy.unl.edu/student-clubs-teams#agronomyclub

Mike and the Kevins talk with Don Day of DayWeather. DayWeather provides weather forecasting and meteorology to farmers. The group discuss the unseasonably warm weather in Nebraska as farmers in the area start inputting pre-plant nutrients into soils. Don talks extensively on El Niño and its impact on planting.  ResourcesFactors Contributing to Rising Global Temperatures: https://www.pioneer.com/us/agronomy/global-temperatures.htmlDayWeather podcast: https://dayweatherpodcast.com/DayWeather.com: https://www.dayweather.com/

Mike and the Kevins talk with John Mick, Pioneer Field Agronomist. This episode wraps up the three-part series on maximizing soybean yield. The crew discuss management practices for higher yielding soybeans, from field preparation to nutrient decisions all the way to harvest. These are baseline recommendations and thoughts to get the most from your soybeans and get the most yield by fall. ResourcesSix Secrets to Soybean Success: https://cropphysiology.cropsci.illinois.edu/six-secrets-to-success/Purdue soybean trials show sulfur payback: https://www.farmprogress.com/soybean/purdue-soybean-trials-show-sulfur-paybackArticle: Achieving 100 bu/acre Yields in Soybeans: https://www.pioneer.com/us/agronomy/100-bu-yield-soybeans.htmlArticle: Understanding and Increasing Soybean Yields: https://www.pioneer.com/us/agronomy/understanding-increasing-soybean-yields.html

Mike and the Kevins talk with Brad Van Kooten, Seed Applied Technology Leader for Pioneer Seeds and Corteva Agriscience. This is part two of a three-part series on maximizing soybean yield. This episode, Brad and the hosts discuss testing soybean genetics and seed treatments in order to maximize yield for soybean farmers. ResourcesVideo: Why Local Breeding is ImportantVideo: A Look into Pioneer's Breeding ProgramArticle: Achieving 100 bu/acre Yields in Soybeans: https://www.pioneer.com/us/agronomy/100-bu-yield-soybeans.htmlArticle: Understanding and Increasing Soybean Yields: https://www.pioneer.com/us/agronomy/understanding-increasing-soybean-yields.html

Mike and the Kevins talk with Don Kyle, Soybean Breeding Evaluation Zone Lead with Pioneer, about soybean breeding, testing and bringing products to market. This episode is the first of a three-part series on optimizing yield. This episode focuses on plant breeding, plant physiology and building soybean yield. 

Mike is back and so is Kick' N Dirt! Joining the podcast are new co-hosts Kevin Kowalski, Pioneer Field Agronomist, and Kevin Keller, also a Pioneer Field Agronomist. We are introduced to the Kevins and the trio dive into the 2024 Pioneer Agronomy Research Book. Highlighted topics from the book are short stature corn and tackling white mold and tar spot. Resources2024 Pioneer Agronomy Research Summary: https://www.pioneer.com/content/dam/dpagco/pioneer/na/us/en/files/agronomy/DOC-Agronomy-Book-Pioneer-NA-US-V1.pdf

Mike and Adam talk with UNL Soybean Plant Pathologist Dylan Mangel. We discuss issues affecting soybeans and what to watch out for as mid August hits. Can white mold still be treated and how important is late august when it comes to fighting diseases in soybeans.

Mike and Adam talk with Pioneer Western Corn Marketing Manger Scott Walker around the future of Pioneer Corn.

Mike and Adam follow up with Chris Barron from Ag View Solutions. We discuss more about Peer Groups, Markets and how to find more successes in your farming operation. This was recorded on June 26th so many changes have happened in the weather and markets from the time this was recorded to the time it was published.

Mike and Adam talk with Pioneer Agronomists across the state of Nebraska to get an update of crop condition, challenges and what's working well. We also discuss the next 30 day outlook for needs of these crops and some best management practices.

Who is Chris Barron and what is Ag View Solutions. Find out at Mike and Adam talk with Chris about his farming operation, family and his role in Ag View Solutions. Listen to the wealth of knowledge Chris shares around making farms more successful from an overall business standpoint and what producers should be keeping an eye on.

Mike and Adam discuss the upcoming seasonal weather trends with private climatologist Don Day with DayWeather. Don does a great job recapping what we have seen this spring and helps us understand what to expect with this upcoming growing season.

Mike and Adam talk with Corteva Market Development Specialist, Jason Gibson around herbicide challenges and best practices. When it comes to soybean pre-emerge herbicides, what can we do for better control. What windows of opportunity are best for corn and soybeans and are they different? Good open discussion about todays challenges but solutions for season long control also.

Mike and Adam talk with Amanda Nigg aka (Farm Fit Momma) about creating a healthier Agricultural environment. How can members of the Ag community keep mental and physical health at the forefront during busy times of the year. Amanda has a great mindset of building sustainable and healthy activities for creating generational health.

Mike and Adam talk with Pioneer Field Agronomist Gabe Bathen around best practices and watch outs as planting time is here. Field Conditions, timeframe, seed placement, what actions are most important to set yourself up for success come harvest.

Mike and Adam talk with Corn Physiologist and retired Corteva Researcher Steve Strachan about nutrient uptake in corn. The interactions in the soil, when and what nutrients are most important and how what we thought we knew may not be what we should know. If you want your mind thinking about what you could do better on your farm for raising a corn crop. Listen to this episode.

Mike and Adam talk with Pioneer Soybean Breeder, Don Kyle. Don does a great job explaining the soybean potential and what the future looks like from his 25 years of soybean breeding experience. It is an exciting time for soybeans as many of us are continuing to learn more about this relatively young crop. Listen to hear Don's top 5 for growing Top Yielding soybeans.

Mike and Adam talk with Pioneer Corn Portfolio lead Adam Theis around some new traits coming down the shoot in Corn. What Vorceed and Powercore can do for the American Farmer along with a new numbering system Pioneer is using starting in 2023 to identify their corn hybrids.

Mike and Adam talk with Pioneer Agronomy Manager Matt Essick around the why behind Pioneer Agronomy. What's valuable to our customers and when is information just that, information.

Mike and Adam talk with Nebraska Corn Growers Chairman Andy Jobman about tariffs on fertilizer, Mexico's Decree on non-GMO corn and how the Corn board and other lobbyist groups are helping the American Farmer.

Mike and Adam have a conversation with the University of Nebraska Agronomy Club about the future of Agriculture. In this episode Mike and Adam are speaking to a classroom full of Agronomy Students about employment and the purpose of the Agronomy Club. The youth of American Agriculture, what to expect, the challenges and where their opinions of the biggest need is for employment.

This episode is the Kick off for the 2023 season.  Mike and Adam reflect on many of the past episodes of the show and talk about the direction moving forward for the 2023 season.   The Kick' N Dirt podcast started in late 2020 with episodes covering all the 2021 and 2022 seasons with many different topics and guests covering many aspects of Agronomy. 

Mike and Adam talk with Private Meteorologist Don Day about current weather patterns and future trends that could affect the decisions you are making for the 2023 cropping season. His way of using weather history and predictive models is very useful for us in Agriculture to help make better decisions and see the bigger picture to weather. Listen to is short term and long term predictions and why we see what we are today.

Mike and Adam talk with Anthony Lackore, the Western US Digital Agronomy Lead for Corteva. Anthony discusses how we can transform traditional agronomy into agronomy of the future with accurate data collection and analysis. What data do we need, how much and how to get what we need.

Mike and Adam talk with Pioneer Field Agronomists Dalton Kampsen and Troy Deutmeyer about what you see at harvest can help you make better decisions for the 2023 cropping season. Dalton is from NE Colorado while Troy works in NE Iowa and both have similar ideas to taking notes and using that information. Identifying what issues are yearly issues and which ones are long term issues is important in making the right decisions and how hybrids will interact.

Mike and Adam talk with Akrs Equipment Group's Precision Ag Director, Kyle Afrank around multiple aspects of collecting good and useable field data. Akrs is a full line John Deere dealer in Nebraska and Kyle's experience in Precision Ag gives us a good check list of best practices and ideas of how to use collected data and a brief look into the future.

Mike and Adam talk with Pioneer Agronomist Paul Hermans from Canada. Great conversations around agriculture differences and similarities between the central U.S. and south eastern Canada.

Mike and Adam talk with Dr. Jeff Schussler corn physiologist and researcher around many topics, but mostly about what is happening in our corn plants now and what we can do about it. We also bust common myths and sayings around growing corn, the affects and possibly where the sayings have come from and why they aren't valid in todays growing environments.

Mike and Adam talk with Pioneer Senior Research Scientist for Seed Research and Development for Pioneer Hi-Breds about what it takes to be an AquaMax hybrid. We also discuss what to look for when it comes to drought stress in corn and when is the most critical times to avoid moisture stress.

Mike and Adam talk with Corteva Retail Strategic Account Manager, Rebekah Bankson about how utilizing nitrogen in both corn and soybeans is a season long task. What products are on the market to create nitrogen and what products can protect your nitrogen investment.

Mike and Adam talk with the Western Nebraska Agronomy team on the challenges and opportunities this spring has presented.