Crop Talk by IAS

Innovative Ag Services

Crop Talk by IAS What You Need to Know from People You Know. Step into the field with the agronomists who are walking it every day. Hosted by Nicholas Giesseman and Nick Thompson, Crop Walk by Innovative Ag Services (IAS) delivers timely, boots-on-the-ground insights from across our four service regions. Each week, our agronomy team shares what they’re seeing, hearing, and recommending right now—from crop conditions and pest pressure to nutrient management and weather impacts. Featuring IAS agronomists from across our territory, this weekly update brings local perspective, real-world experience, and practical recommendations you can use immediately. Because when it comes to your operation, the best insights come from people who know your ground—and know you. Do you have questions you would like to ask our hosts? Email  CropTalk@InnovativeAg.com To learn more about Innovative Ag Services and our agronomy services, visit InnovativeAg.com/Agronomy. Produced by IAS Communications in partnership with My Four Creative.

Episodes

  1. 6D AGO

    Crop Talk by IAS – 05/06/2026

    Send us Fan Mail Crop Talk by IAS – Field Scouting Update | Week of May 5 Planting progress picked up quickly this week across much of Iowa, but conditions are still varying from field to field. In this week’s Crop Talk Field Scouting Update, the IAS agronomy team shares what they’re seeing as corn and soybean planters continue rolling, fertilizer applications move ahead, and weed pressure starts to ramp up across the territory.  While warmer weather and drying conditions have helped build momentum, agronomists are reminding growers not to rush into fields that still aren’t fit. The conversation this week also shifts toward stand evaluations, emergence checks and what to watch as planted acres begin progressing through germination.  This week’s highlights: Planting progress accelerated across most of IowaCorn planting estimated 60–75% complete in some areasSoybean planting is rapidly increasing as conditions improveWeed pressure continuing to build, including early waterhemp emergenceBurn-down timing is becoming more critical on delayed acresSoil fit and seed-to-soil contact remain top prioritiesCooler soil temperatures are slowing early emergenceEarly seedling evaluations beginning in planted fieldsStand counts and replant considerations discussed for the weeks aheadImportance of working closely with your agronomist as conditions vary from field to fieldAs always, these are real-time insights from local IAS agronomists, sharing what they’re seeing across Iowa fields right now. Featured this week:  Nicholas Giesseman (Host)  Nick Thompson  Owen Heetland  Melissa Schumann 🎧 Listen now  🎧 Listen now Have a question for the team? Send it to CropTalk@InnovativeAg.com To learn more about Innovative Ag Services and our agronomy services, visit InnovativeAg.com/Agronomy. Produced by IAS Communications in partnership with My Four Creative.

    8 min
  2. APR 29

    Crop Talk by IAS – 04/28/26

    Send us Fan Mail Crop Talk by IAS – Field Scouting Update | Week of April 28 Wet conditions are slowing progress—and putting pressure on every decision. In this week’s Crop Talk Field Scouting Update, the IAS agronomy team shares what they’re seeing across the territory as planting pauses and fields continue to dry out. While some acres are in, many growers are waiting for the right conditions to avoid compaction and protect yield potential. We’re also seeing increased weed pressure, especially grasses and early-emerging weeds, making burn-down strategy and timing more important than ever. You’ll hear practical, boots-on-the-ground insights from across Iowa, including what to watch next and how to adjust your approach as conditions change. This week’s highlights: Planting progress stalled by rain—many areas still waiting to resume Soil conditions matter more than the calendar—avoid sidewall compaction Weed pressure increasing, especially grasses and early growth Burn-down adjustments: tank mixes, AMS, and timing considerations Scouting reminders: walk fields, don’t just check from the road Border vs. full-field spray decisions depending on pressure Nozzle selection and coverage matter more as programs shift Nitrogen plans still holding—for now No need to rush maturity changes—plenty of season ahead As always, these are real-time insights from local agronomists—because the best decisions come from what your fields are telling you right now. Featured this week: Nicholas Giesseman (Host) Nick Thompson Owen Heetland Erin Ricker Adrianna Herlache 🎧 Listen now Have a question for the team? Send it to CropTalk@InnovativeAg.com To learn more about Innovative Ag Services and our agronomy services, visit InnovativeAg.com/Agronomy. Produced by IAS Communications in partnership with My Four Creative.

    12 min
  3. APR 22

    Crop Talk by IAS – 04/21/26

    Send us Fan Mail Crop Talk by IAS – Field Scouting Update | Week of April 21 The window is opening—and decisions made now will shape the entire season. In this week’s Crop Talk Field Scouting Update, our IAS agronomy team shares what they’re seeing as planters begin to roll and field conditions continue to shift across the region. From emerging weed pressure to soil moisture concerns, timing is everything right now. Plus, special guest Sam Farrington, IAS Precision Ag Manager, joins the conversation to break down how variable rate planting, nitrogen strategies, and soil sampling can help you fine-tune your operation and maximize return on every acre. You’ll hear updates from across Iowa, along with practical insights to help you balance opportunity with risk as planting begins. This week’s highlights: • Planters starting to roll across multiple regions as conditions improve • Increasing weed pressure—especially in headlands and early fields • Soil moisture still present below the surface—watch for compaction risks • Importance of pre-emerge timing and proper field conditions • Cover crop termination considerations and adjusting chemistry rates • Precision ag insights: variable rate planting using yield data and field zones • Nitrogen strategies aligned with seeding rates and yield potential • Grid sampling basics: where to start and how to build a plan • Sampling timing considerations—spring vs. fall vs. post-plant As always, these are local, boots-on-the-ground insights you can use right away—because the best decisions start before the planter hits full stride. Featured this week: Nicholas Giesseman (Host) Nick Thompson Owen Heetland Melissa Schumann Adrianna Herlache Sam Farrington (Precision Ag Manager) 🎧 Listen now Have a question for the team? Send it to CropTalk@InnovativeAg.com To learn more about Innovative Ag Services and our agronomy services, visit InnovativeAg.com/Agronomy. Produced by IAS Communications in partnership with My Four Creative.

    16 min
  4. APR 15

    Crop Talk by IAS – 04/14/26

    Send us Fan Mail Crop Talk by IAS – Field Scouting Update | Week of April 14 Spring is warming up—but timing and precision are everything. In this week’s Crop Talk Field Scouting Update, our IAS agronomy team shares what they’re seeing across the territory as soil temperatures rise and field conditions remain wet. While planters may be waiting, this window is critical for dialing in burndown strategies, pre-emerge applications, and making the right agronomic decisions before the season accelerates. You’ll hear updates from across Iowa, including where soil temps stand, early weed emergence, and how to fine-tune your herbicide program based on field conditions and timing. This week’s highlights: Soil temperatures reaching 50–53°F across many areas—approaching planting readinessContinued wet conditions are delaying fieldwork and planting progressEarly weed emergence (ragweed, grasses) and increasing pressureImportance of proper burndown timing, rates, and coverageAdjusting herbicide programs based on weed size and field conditionsAdjuvant selection, water volume, and tank mix considerationsPreventive maintenance and planning during weather delaysSafety reminders: PPE, SDS sheets, and proper chemical handlingAs always, these are local, boots-on-the-ground insights to help you make confident decisions—because starting clean is the first step to staying clean.    Featured Agronomists this week include: Nicholas Giessman (Host) Nick Thompson (Host) Owen Heetland Erin Recker Adrianna Herlache 🎧 Listen now Have a question for the team? Send it to CropTalk@InnovativeAg.com To learn more about Innovative Ag Services and our agronomy services, visit InnovativeAg.com/Agronomy. Produced by IAS Communications in partnership with My Four Creative.

    12 min
  5. APR 8

    Crop Talk by IAS – 04/07/26

    Send us Fan Mail Crop Talk by IAS – Field Scouting Update | Week of April 7 Spring is testing patience—and timing could make all the difference. In this week’s Crop Talk Field Scouting Update, our IAS agronomy team shares what they’re seeing across the territory after widespread rainfall slows fieldwork. While conditions may have put a pause on progress, this is a critical window for planning, preparation, and making the right calls before wheels hit the field. You’ll hear updates from across Iowa, including where fieldwork stands today, what to watch as soils begin to dry, and how to set yourself up for success when the next window opens. This week’s highlights: • Field conditions remain saturated with 2–4+ inches of recent rainfall across regions  • Ammonia and dry fertilizer applications nearing completion in some areas • Importance of avoiding compaction and not rushing into wet fields • Seed planning, inventory checks, and hybrid placement decisions • Watching soil temperatures—targeting 50°F and rising before planting • Understanding risks like sidewall compaction and uneven emergence • Safety reminders when handling insecticides and smart boxes As always, these are local, boots-on-the-ground insights to help you make confident decisions—because sometimes the best move right now…is patience.   Featured agronomists this week include: Nicholas Giessman (Host), Nick Thompson, Melissa Schumann and Owen Heetland 🎧 Listen now Have a question for the team? Send it to CropTalk@InnovativeAg.com To learn more about Innovative Ag Services and our agronomy services, visit InnovativeAg.com/Agronomy. Produced by IAS Communications in partnership with My Four Creative.

    8 min
  6. APR 1

    Crop Talk by IAS – 03/31/26

    Send us Fan Mail Crop Talk by IAS – Field Scouting Update | Week of March 31 Spring is waking up—and the window to get ahead is opening fast. In this week’s Crop Talk Field Scouting Update, our IAS agronomy team shares real-time insights from across the territory as field activity ramps up. From anhydrous application and early planting progress to emerging weeds and burndown strategy, this episode is all about helping you stay one step ahead. You’ll hear updates from our entire Iowa region—covering what’s happening right now and what to plan for next. This week’s highlights: Anhydrous safety reminders for road transport and application Field activity picking up across regions (tillage, fertilizer, early planting) Soil conditions drying out and spring work accelerating Early weed emergence and burndown timing considerations Equipment readiness and input planning ahead of rain delays Best practices for effective burndown applications As always, these are practical, local insights you can use right away—because the best decisions start in your fields. Featured Agronomists this week include: Nicholas Giessman (Host) Nick Thompson (Host) Owen Heetland Erin Recker Adrianna Herlache 🎧 Listen now Have a question for the team? Send it to CropTalk@InnovativeAg.com To learn more about Innovative Ag Services and our agronomy services, visit InnovativeAg.com/Agronomy. Produced by IAS Communications in partnership with My Four Creative.

    6 min
  7. MAR 25

    First Field Scouting Update of the Season

    Send us Fan Mail The season is starting to shift—and so are the decisions that matter. In this first episode of Crop Talk by IAS, our agronomy team shares real-time updates from across the region as fields begin to warm up and early spring activity gets underway. From anhydrous safety reminders to soil conditions, fertilizer timing, and early weed pressure, this episode is all about helping you start the season strong. You’ll hear boots-on-the-ground insights from our agronomists across northwest, southwest, northeast, and eastern Iowa, including what they’re seeing in the field today—and what to watch in the days ahead. This week’s highlights: Early-season field conditions and soil temperature trends Why patience matters when it comes to spring application timing Anhydrous safety reminders as application begins Early signs of weed germination and what to plan for now Alfalfa checks and spring readiness considerations As always, these are practical, local insights you can use right away—because the best decisions start with what’s happening in your fields right now.    Listen Now: 👉 https://www.innovativeag.com/agronomy#crop-talk-podcast   Hosted by IAS agronomists Nicholas Giesseman and Nick Thompson, with updates from Owen Heetland, Melissa Schumann, and agronomists across the IAS service area.   Do you have questions you would like to ask our hosts? Email them to CropTalk@InnovativeAg.com, and our team might address them on an upcoming podcast. To learn more about Innovative Ag Services and our agronomy services, visit InnovativeAg.com/Agronomy. 🎧 Listen now Have a question for the team? Send it to CropTalk@InnovativeAg.com To learn more about Innovative Ag Services and our agronomy services, visit InnovativeAg.com/Agronomy. Produced by IAS Communications in partnership with My Four Creative.

    7 min

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Crop Talk by IAS What You Need to Know from People You Know. Step into the field with the agronomists who are walking it every day. Hosted by Nicholas Giesseman and Nick Thompson, Crop Walk by Innovative Ag Services (IAS) delivers timely, boots-on-the-ground insights from across our four service regions. Each week, our agronomy team shares what they’re seeing, hearing, and recommending right now—from crop conditions and pest pressure to nutrient management and weather impacts. Featuring IAS agronomists from across our territory, this weekly update brings local perspective, real-world experience, and practical recommendations you can use immediately. Because when it comes to your operation, the best insights come from people who know your ground—and know you. Do you have questions you would like to ask our hosts? Email  CropTalk@InnovativeAg.com To learn more about Innovative Ag Services and our agronomy services, visit InnovativeAg.com/Agronomy. Produced by IAS Communications in partnership with My Four Creative.