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Harvest is here, and 2026 has given growers plenty to watch. In this episode of Kick'N Dirt, the team discusses harvest priorities for corn and soybeans following a challenging growing season marked by heat, drought, disease and excess moisture. In the field, the team is seeing tar spot, issues with stalk integrity in corn, and ear rot. Listen for conversation about grain quality and the importance of harvest timing, soybean maturity spreads, moisture management, and ways to reduce harvest losses. Plus, hear why spreading out soybean maturities could help keep harvest moving and about the team's favorite corn seed varieties heading into this year's harvest.  Favorite seed varieties heading into harvest 2026:  P12517: A "bread and butter" hybrid. It stays super consistent, very healthy, and is holding together extremely well late in the season.P13777: The healthiest hybrid for tar spot in late-season observations, with good standability and less concern about ear mold or rot.P08215: A new early-season hybrid. The team likes how it is holding on the finish side.P18512: A new 118-day Vorceed variety with a heavy ear and great late season agronomics.   Kick'N Dirt is a podcast about Agriculture in the U.S. This show hosts industry professionals to talk about corn and soybean production, including growers, agronomists and researchers. Kick'N Dirt is hosted by Pioneer Agronomists Mike Wardyn, Kevin Keller, and Kevin Kowalaski, who are based in Nebraska. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

As Pioneer celebrates its 100th anniversary, Mike Wardyn and field agronomist John Mick take a trip through the history of corn—and the innovations that transformed American agriculture. The conversation follows corn from its early roots and Native American cultivation practices through the development of landraces, hybrid vigor and Pioneer’s early hybrid corn. They explore how mechanization, fertilizer, herbicides, insect control and biotechnology each changed what farmers needed from a corn hybrid. Along the way, Mike and John discuss landmark hybrids including 307, 354, 3780 and 3394, the challenges of the Dust Bowl, and the rapid adoption of hybrid seed. They also look ahead at how changing challenges—from harvest capacity and wind resilience to new diseases and increasing plant populations—will continue to shape the next generation of corn hybrids. Listen for a better understanding of how the past can help agriculture identify the innovations needed for the future. Kick'N Dirt is a podcast about Agriculture in the U.S. This show hosts industry professionals to talk about corn and soybean production, including growers, agronomists and researchers. Kick'N Dirt is hosted by Pioneer Agronomists Mike Wardyn, Kevin Keller, and Kevin Kowalaski, who are based in Nebraska. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Tar spot is showing up across parts of the Corn Belt, raising an important question for growers: When is it still worth making a fungicide application? In this episode of Kick'N Dirt, Mike, the Kevins, and Pioneer Agronomist Carl Joern discuss tar spot management as the 2026 crop moves toward grain fill. As Carl explains, the goal isn’t simply to spray on a predetermined calendar date. It’s about understanding disease development, the environment and the crop in front of you — and making an application when it has the best chance of protecting yield and delivering a return.  Listen for a conversation about Pioneer’s Fungicide Timing Solution, disease thresholds, fungicide timing, hybrid selection, late-season plant health, and the role weather plays in disease development.  The group also discusses what growers can learn from this year’s tar spot pressure, including how to scout earlier, document disease development, and make management decisions based on the specific hybrid, environment, and crop stage. Kick'N Dirt is a podcast about Agriculture in the U.S. This show hosts industry professionals to talk about corn and soybean production, including growers, agronomists and researchers. Kick'N Dirt is hosted by Pioneer Agronomists Mike Wardyn, Kevin Keller, and Kevin Kowalaski, who are based in Nebraska. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

With tighter margins and increasing disease pressure, every management decision matters. When is the best time to spray fungicide? In this episode of Kick'N Dirt, the team sits down with Corteva research scientist Layton Peddicord to discuss how fungicide timing models are helping growers make more informed, profitable decisions in corn production. Learn how Pioneer and Corteva are using agronomic data, disease tracking, weather patterns, and field-level management information to predict disease risk and optimize fungicide applications. In this episode, you'll hear about: 🌽 How fungicide timing models work 🌽 Managing tar spot, gray leaf spot, northern corn leaf blight, and southern rust 🌽 Disease tracker tools available through Granular Insights 🌽 The role of weather, hybrid susceptibility, irrigation, and field history 🌽 Six years of ROI trial results and performance data 🌽 How growers can improve fungicide application timing and return on investment 🌽 Future disease modeling tools for soybeans, including white mold Find more information about Granular Insights: https://www.corteva.com/us/products-and-solutions/digital-solutions/granular-insights.html Kick'N Dirt is a podcast about Agriculture in the U.S. This show hosts industry professionals to talk about corn and soybean production, including growers, agronomists and researchers. Kick'N Dirt is hosted by Pioneer Agronomists Mike Wardyn, Kevin Keller, and Kevin Kowalaski, who are based in Nebraska. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Is the much-hyped "Super El Niño" really going to shape the 2026 growing season? In this episode, Nebraska Pioneer agronomists sit down with meteorologist Don Day to discuss the weather patterns that could impact crops across the Corn Belt and beyond. Day forecasts a hotter, wetter-than-normal late summer, followed by a cooler October than farmers have experienced in recent years. He also explains why forecasting is especially challenging this year as a strong El Niño collides with unusual Arctic conditions and lingering atmospheric impacts from the 2022 Hunga Tonga volcanic eruption. "It's not making headlines, but the Arctic is having its coldest spring since 1958," Day says. The conversation explores what a developing El Niño could mean for crop production, disease pressure, rainfall patterns, hurricane activity, and the potential for an early fall cold snap. Tune in for a deeper look at the weather signals farmers should be watching as the season unfolds. LISTEN FOR: ✅ Why Don Day believes El Niño impacts are being overstated—for now ✅ Tar spot, southern rust, and disease pressure outlooks ✅ Why cool Canadian air continues to dominate the Corn Belt ✅ Drought concerns in western Nebraska, Wyoming, and Colorado ✅ What farmers should expect during July and August - hotter and wetter weather than normal ✅ The possibility of an earlier-than-normal fall frost ✅ How weather extremes could impact crop development and harvest timing   🌽 Have questions about weather, crop conditions, or disease pressure in your area? Leave a comment below, and follow DayWeather Podcast here: https://dayweatherpodcast.com/ 👍 Like this podcast if you found it helpful! 🔔 Subscribe for more agronomy insights, weather outlooks, and crop management discussions throughout the season. Kick'N Dirt is a podcast about Agriculture in the U.S. This show hosts industry professionals to talk about corn and soybean production, including growers, agronomists and researchers. Kick'N Dirt is hosted by Pioneer Agronomists Mike Wardyn, Kevin Keller, and Kevin Kowalaski, who are based in Nebraska. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

From drought-stressed dryland acres in Nebraska to flooded fields in Indiana and Illinois, this conversation covers the challenges, opportunities, and management decisions shaping this year's crop. Listen for discussion on: 🌽 Corn emergence and stand establishment under difficult planting conditions ☀️ Drought, irrigation management, and water availability in Nebraska 🌧️ Excessive rainfall and flooding challenges in the Eastern Corn Belt 🦠 Early-season disease concerns including Tar Spot, Goss's Wilt, and Bacterial Leaf Streak 🐛 Western bean cutworm monitoring and insect pressure updates 📈 Hybrid performance, stress tolerance, and yield potential heading into summer If you enjoyed this crossover episode of Outstanding in Your Field and Kick'n Dirt, be sure to subscribe, follow, and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts. Share this episode with a fellow farmer, agronomist, or crop consultant, and stay connected for more timely agronomy insights, crop updates, and management discussions from across the Corn Belt. Have a question you'd like us to cover on a future episode? Reach out to [email protected]! Kick'N Dirt is a podcast about Agriculture in the U.S. This show hosts industry professionals to talk about corn and soybean production, including growers, agronomists and researchers. Kick'N Dirt is hosted by Pioneer Agronomists Mike Wardyn, Kevin Keller, and Kevin Kowalaski, who are based in Nebraska. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

As post-emergence herbicide season ramps up across Nebraska, Mike and the Kevins sit down with Corteva Crop Protection Territory Manager Trevor Spath and Territory Manager Valerie Bohuslavsky to discuss the critical decisions facing growers right now. The team covers ideal corn growth stages for post applications, balancing weed control with crop safety, overlapping residuals, managing Palmer amaranth and waterhemp, and the advantages of newer tools like Enlist® corn and soybeans. The team also shares practical tips for tank mixing, volunteer corn control, navigating changing weather conditions, and maximizing herbicide performance in both corn and soybean systems. Kick'N Dirt is a podcast about Agriculture in the U.S. This show hosts industry professionals to talk about corn and soybean production, including growers, agronomists and researchers. Kick'N Dirt is hosted by Pioneer Agronomists Mike Wardyn, Kevin Keller, and Kevin Kowalaski, who are based in Nebraska. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

What if your best input for ROI this season is as simple as turning on the pivot? One of the driest starts in decades has growers facing tough calls before the planter even rolls. In this episode, the Kick'N Dirt team breaks down how to manage through it. From better emergence and stronger herbicide performance to more uniform stands, they explore how a small investment in moisture could deliver big returns. The conversation covers real numbers, real scenarios, and real decisions growers are making right now to protect yield potential. Listen for practical strategies for both irrigated and dryland acres, and for the key lessons from 2025 that matter most this spring. Kick'N Dirt is a podcast about Agriculture in the U.S. This show hosts industry professionals to talk about corn and soybean production, including growers, agronomists and researchers. Kick'N Dirt is hosted by Pioneer Agronomists Mike Wardyn, Kevin Keller, and Kevin Kowalaski, who are based in Nebraska. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of Kick'N Dirt, the hosts welcome agricultural economist, speaker, and podcast host Damian Mason of the The Business of Agriculture Show to unpack the big forces shaping the future of farming. From fertilizer prices and energy volatility to the role of government programs and the future of global trade, Damian offers an unfiltered perspective on the economic realities facing modern agriculture. Drawing from his background in ag economics and decades of observing the industry, he challenges some of the assumptions farmers often hear—about volatility, exports, and the “feed the world” narrative. The conversation digs into long-term issues that could reshape production agriculture, including water scarcity, consolidation of farms, shifting population trends, and changing global markets. Whether you agree with his take or not, Damian brings a thought-provoking viewpoint that encourages growers to look at agriculture through the lens of economics, policy, and global competition.What to Listen For in This Episode: “Volatility” in agriculture isn’t new - Damian explains that market volatility is constant in ag and that markets actually require movement to create opportunity. The role of fuel and energy prices in farm profitability - Energy costs could be one of the biggest wildcards for producers in the near term, influencing fertilizer, fuel, and overall input costs. Crop insurance and government programs as risk tools - Agriculture is one of the few industries where producers can insure revenue with taxpayer-supported programs—something Damian argues fundamentally changes risk compared to other businesses. Water could become agriculture’s biggest regulatory battle - Water access, especially irrigation tied to aquifers like the Ogallala, may become a major policy fight as cities, tech companies, and agriculture compete for limited resources. The future structure of farming in the U.S. is in question - Damian predicts continued consolidation, with a smaller number of large commercial farms producing most commodities while niche and specialty farms fill other market segments. There's am uncertain future of export-driven growth - He argues agriculture shouldn’t rely on massive export growth, especially from China, as global production capacity and geopolitical strategies shift. Population trends could reshape food demand - Falling fertility rates in many developed countries could slow long-term demand growth, challenging the traditional “feed a growing world” narrative.   Kick'N Dirt is a podcast about Agriculture in the U.S. This show hosts industry professionals to talk about corn and soybean production, including growers, agronomists and researchers. Kick'N Dirt is hosted by Pioneer Agronomists Mike Wardyn, Kevin Keller, and Kevin Kowalaski, who are based in Nebraska. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Pioneer agronomists sit down with meteorologist Don Day of DayWeather Inc., to break down the 2026 crop weather outlook, from winter snowpack and irrigation concerns to spring planting conditions, summer heat, and fall finish. The conversation unpacks La Niña, El Niño, and neutral patterns in plain language, explores why recent seasons have felt anything but “normal,” and examines the lingering global impacts of the Hunga Tonga volcanic eruption on long-range forecasting.  Don also explains how soil moisture, humidity, and nighttime temperatures influence crop development, disease pressure, and yield potential—plus what recent weather volatility could mean for precipitation timing this spring and summer.   Kick'N Dirt is a podcast about Agriculture in the U.S. This show hosts industry professionals to talk about corn and soybean production, including growers, agronomists and researchers. Kick'N Dirt is hosted by Pioneer Agronomists Mike Wardyn, Kevin Keller, and Kevin Kowalaski, who are based in Nebraska. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Listen for:  The 2025 Weather Whiplash One of the driest planting seasons on record, followed by heavy rains, humidity, and flooding.Disease Pressure Across Nebraska Southern rust outbreaks and why 2025 was so severeTar spot expansion, especially in eastern NebraskaEar rots driven by late-season humidity and fogWhy southern rust is more aggressive than tar spotFungicide Strategy R1 vs. R3 timing: what worked bestWhen a second fungicide pass makes senseWhy waiting too long costs yieldHybrid tolerance vs. chemical protectionNitrogen & Fertility Decisions Early-season drought causing growers to pull backHow lost N and sulfur hurt disease resistanceWhy “defense mode” can leave yield on the tableKernel Weight & Late-Season Stress Why great ear counts didn’t turn into great yieldsThe importance of sunlight during grain fill“Third and fourth quarter” of corn developmentHerbicide Injury & Crop Stress Dicamba, growth regulators, and rapid weather swingsTwisting, stunting, and plant metabolism overloadWhy pre-emerge weed control matters more than everSoybean Diseases in 2025 Why white mold didn’t explode despite perfect conditionsSudden death syndrome showing upLow levels of bacterial and foliar diseaseHybrid Selection & Placement Disease-tolerant vs. susceptible geneticsWhy seed choice is critical as diseases intensifyApplication Methods Aerial, ground rig, drones, and pivot chemigationWhy uniform coverage matters more than the toolPlanning for 2026 Don’t farm “average” — every year is differentWhy flexibility beats rigid plansHow to prepare if southern rust shows up again Kick'N Dirt is a podcast about Agriculture in the U.S. This show hosts industry professionals to talk about corn and soybean production, including growers, agronomists and researchers. Kick'N Dirt is hosted by Pioneer Agronomists Mike Wardyn, Kevin Keller, and Kevin Kowalaski, who are based in Nebraska. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode, Pioneer field agronomists discuss harvest conditions, ear mold trends and what growers should be watching for in both grain and silage. Forage veterinarian Dr. Adam Kroll joins the conversation to unpack how different ear molds develop, when they become toxic, and what that means for feed quality, animal health, and storage management. From field scouting tips to safe feed strategies, this episode dives deep into what growers can do right now to manage mold risks and protect their herds. Listen for discussion about: 🌽 Ear mold identification and scouting tips 🐄 Mycotoxins and livestock health 🔥 Grain drying, temperature, and storage management 🥶 Why silage fermentation helps stop mold growth 🧪 Testing and feed management best practices Kick'N Dirt is a podcast about Agriculture in the U.S. This show hosts industry professionals to talk about corn and soybean production, including growers, agronomists and researchers. Kick'N Dirt is hosted by Pioneer Agronomists Mike Wardyn, Kevin Keller, and Kevin Kowalaski, who are based in Nebraska. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

From western fields facing water shutoffs and hail streaks, to central regions battling spider mites and southern rust, to the eastern counties seeing record-setting dryland yields, the group digs into the realities of this “fourth quarter” of the season. Listen for:  🌽 Kernel counts, tip back, and the push to maximize kernel weight 🌱 Soybean pod fill, sudden death syndrome pressure, and weed control successes 🍃 Fungicide timing, disease outbreaks (southern rust, tar spot, white mold), and ROI considerations 💧 Why finishing strong with irrigation and late-season management can mean 20% of your yield Tune in for insights from across the state, practical management takeaways, and reminders that finishing the season right can make all the difference at harvest. Kick'N Dirt is a podcast about Agriculture in the U.S. This show hosts industry professionals to talk about corn and soybean production, including growers, agronomists and researchers. Kick'N Dirt is hosted by Pioneer Agronomists Mike Wardyn, Kevin Keller, and Kevin Kowalaski, who are based in Nebraska. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The team digs into disease dynamics in Nebraska cornfields during a year of high humidity and timely rains. Pioneer Field Agronomists Mike Wardyn and Kevin Keller are joined by Dr. Tamra Jackson-Ziems, Extension Plant Pathologist with the University of Nebraska, for a critical conversation on fungal and bacterial disease trends, with a focus on southern rust, tar spot, gray leaf spot, and bacterial leaf streak. From fungicide timing and efficacy to scouting strategies and drone vs. aerial applications, the team shares boots-on-the-ground insights and long-term management tips. Tamra also discusses the emerging threat of tar spot in fringe counties, the importance of hybrid selection, and what new research is revealing about disease progression and control. Topics include: Southern rust vs. tar spot: Which is more aggressive?How canopy humidity and crop stage affect disease developmentFungicide timing myths vs. realityField-level insights on application method and product choiceThe latest on fusarium kernel rot, corn stunt disease, and bacterial trendsFind more information about the University of Nebraska plan diagnostics lab here: https://plantpathology.unl.edu/  Kick'N Dirt is a podcast about Agriculture in the U.S. This show hosts industry professionals to talk about corn and soybean production, including growers, agronomists and researchers. Kick'N Dirt is hosted by Pioneer Agronomists Mike Wardyn, Kevin Keller, and Kevin Kowalaski, who are based in Nebraska. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

With Nebraska fields entering the R1 stage and weather conditions aligning for risk, the team covers everything from identifying the early signs of white mold to spraying strategies, drone applications, and the right timing for fungicides. Dylan also shares updates on emerging threats like gall midge and Dectes stem borer, talks about sudden death syndrome and how spring weather may have already set the stage for infections, and offers practical tips for accurate diagnosis and long-term management. They wrap up the show with a little summer fun—discussing go-to backyard drinks for the 4th of July weekend.  🛠 Resources mentioned: 👉 Crop Protection Network (efficacy tables + risk tools) - https://cropprotectionnetwork.org/news/new-crop-risk-tool-enhances-disease-management-decisions 👉 UNL Plant & Pest Diagnostic Clinic - https://plantpathology.unl.edu/extension-outreach/plant-pest-diagnostic-clinic/ Kick'N Dirt is a podcast about Agriculture in the U.S. This show hosts industry professionals to talk about corn and soybean production, including growers, agronomists and researchers. Kick'N Dirt is hosted by Pioneer Agronomists Mike Wardyn, Kevin Keller, and Kevin Kowalaski, who are based in Nebraska. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.