Illinois Agronomy Roundup

Kelly Estes, State Survey Coordinator with the University of IL, joins us to talk about invasive insect species currently being monitored in the Midwest. She also gives an update on the current status of field crop insects, including Corn Earworm, Corn Rootworm, European Corn Borer, Spider Mites, and Soybean Gall Midge.

Kevin Gale, Sales Agronomist with AgriGold, joins us to talk about the impacts of the drought we’ve been experiencing so far this season, as well as several other current issues that we are seeing on Midwest corn and soybean farms.

We are joined by four different Hertz Farm Management offices from across the Midwest to get an update on planting progress. Scott Arens from the Norfolk, NE location, Clint Kaller from Nevada , IA, Carrie Seidel at Mason City, IA, and Steve Hiniker from our Mankato, MN office all join me for the discussion.

Nick Seiter, Research Assistant Professor and Entomologist with the University of IL, joins us to give an update on corn rootworm populations, black cutworm moth flights, soybean gall midge, and other insect issues to be looking out for as we move into the planting season.

For our inaugural episode of Hertz Ag Talk, we are excited to be joined by Lance Tarochione - Technical Agronomist with DEKALB/Asgrow. In this episode, Lance shares a huge amount of valuable insight into planting decisions with regard to soil conditions, early vs. late planting, planting depth & population, weed control, and more!

Our goal has always been to provide agricultural information that is timely and relevant across the corn belt. In keeping with that mission, we are debuting a name change for this podcast… Starting next week, this program will be renamed “Hertz Ag Talk“. We are looking forward to the new season!

Eric Snodgrass, Senior Research Fellow with Nutrien, joins us to talk about what we can expect for weather patterns over the next several weeks as we head into the 2023 planting season.

Lance Tarochione, Technical Agronomist with DEKALB/Asgrow, Joins us to provide an update on what he’s seeing out in the field. Increasing levels of disease, as well as some insect issues are popping up around the region. Lance shares his insight on what to expect as we progress towards harvest.

Jason McVicker, Field Agronomist with Pioneer, joins us to provide a crop status update for the area. The current disease outlook & fungicide applications are covered, as well as current insect and weather issues.

Gary Schnitkey, Professor of Farm Management at the University of IL, joins us to provide his insight on the increasing costs of crop inputs and 2023 profitability.

Devin Nichols, Corn Breeder with Wyffels Hybrids, joins us for a fascinating discussion about the history of corn breeding and the newest tools & technology being used in the industry.

With the corn rootworm hatch well underway in the Midwest, Dr. Nick Seiter, entomologist with the University of Illinois, joins us to provide his insight on not only the corn rootworm outlook and management recommendations for 2022, but we touch base on some other insects as well.

Don’t hit the panic button just yet… Lance Tarochione, Technical Agronomist with DEKALB and Asgrow joins us to talk about the cold, wet conditions that have held up planting in much of Illinois and how to manage around it.

Kevin Gale, Regional Sales Agronomist with AgriGold, joins us to talk about planting considerations as we get ready for the 2022 season. Topics include getting a good stand establishment, tips for maximizing soybean yield, nitrogen management, and more!

Eric Snodgrass, Science Fellow with Nutrien, joins us to give his insight on current weather patterns and the outlook for the next several weeks as we head into planting season.

James Mickley, owner and agent with Hanford Insurance Agency, joins us to give some background and an overview of crop insurance, as well as some basic information on the ARC and PLC government programs and how they relate to crop insurance.

Naomi Blohm, Senior Market Advisor with Total Farm Marketing shares her insight on the most recent USDA report and the current key factors in the commodities markets: where we are at today, and what to be looking for in the near term.

Lauren Lurkins, Director of Environmental Policy at the IL Farm Bureau, joins us for an in depth discussion about Carbon Markets… The background, how they work, and considerations for farmers and landowners.

Doug Hensley, President of Real Estate Services for Hertz Farm Management, joins us to talk about farmland values in the Midwest over the past 12 months and looking ahead into 2022 - as well as the services Hertz offers.

District Conservationist Erika Luft with the NRCS offices in Bureau/Marshall/Putnam/Stark counties in Illinois joins us to talk about the primary conservation programs available to farmers and landowners.