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.

  1. 2d ago

    Crop Talk by IAS – 06/25/26

    Send us Fan Mail Crop Talk by IAS – Field Scouting Update | June 25 Post applications are pushing ahead as fields begin to dry, but variability is still the common theme across Iowa. What we’re seeing in the field right now is a mix of progress and pressure—wet soils, uneven crop color, and fast-moving weeds are driving a lot of decisions. In this week’s Crop Talk, the agronomy team shares boots-on-the-ground insights on post timing, weed control challenges, and how crop conditions are responding as weather patterns shift. In this episode, the team discusses: Post herbicide progress in corn and soybeans across regionsCrop recovery following recent wind events and saturated soilsYellowing corn and soybeans tied to moisture and compactionWaterhemp pressure and decisions around second and third passesSpray timing challenges with cool, cloudy conditionsCoverage considerations and how canopy closure affects application decisionsResidual herbicide strategy vs. “cleanup” applicationsField-by-field decision-making based on weed pressure and crop stageEarly disease considerations and what to watch as humidity persistsFungicide timing in soybeans and corn, including R1 vs. R3 considerationsConditions still vary field-by-field. Staying timely, adjusting to what each field needs, and continuing to scout will be critical in the weeks ahead. Featured this week: Owen Heetland - Northwest Region Agronomist (Cleves)  Melissa Schumann - Northeast Region Agronomist  Nicholas Giesseman - Host and Eastern Region Agronomist  🎧 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.

    14 min
  2. Jun 17

    Crop Talk by IAS – 06/17/26

    Send us Fan Mail Crop Talk by IAS – Field Scouting Update | June 17 Post applications are moving quickly as weather windows open, but field conditions continue to vary across Iowa and southwest Wisconsin. What we’re seeing in the field right now is a mix of progress and pressure—recent storms, saturated soils, and rapid weed growth are all shaping how this season is unfolding. In this week’s Crop Talk, the agronomy team shares boots-on-the-ground insights on spray timing, weed control challenges, early crop stress, and what growers should be watching next. In this episode, the team discusses: Post herbicide progress in corn and soybeans across regionsWet conditions, storm damage, and crop recovery (leaning, yellowing, compaction)Waterhemp and grass pressure increasing with delayed applicationsSpray considerations including gallons per acre, adjuvants, and coverageThe “150 rule” and how heat + humidity impact herbicide performanceAdjusting tank mixes and AMS rates based on conditionsEarly-season stress showing up from excess moisture and sidewall compactionAlfalfa insects and disease, including aphids and leaf spot managementEarly disease risk in corn following wind damage and leaf injuryFungicide planning and why preventative timing mattersPlanning ahead for resistance management and future herbicide programsConditions still vary field-by-field. Staying timely, adjusting to weather, and continuing to scout will be critical as we move deeper into the growing season. Featured this week: Nick Thompson - Southwest Region Agronomist (Ellsworth)  Owen Heetland - Northwest Region Agronomist (Cleves)  Melissa Schumann - Northeast Region Agronomist  Nicholas Giesseman - Host and Eastern Region Agronomist  🎧 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.

    22 min
  3. Jun 10

    Crop Talk by IAS – 06/10/26

    Send us Fan Mail Crop Talk by IAS – Field Scouting Update | June 10 Field activity is picking back up across Iowa and Southwest Wisconsin as weather windows open and crops move into more rapid growth stages. What we’re seeing in the field right now is a mix of opportunity and pressure—post applications are rolling, but moisture, heat, and timing are all influencing performance. In this episode, the team discusses: Post herbicide progress in corn and timing considerations for soybeansField conditions and why checking wet spots still matters before sprayingPre herbicide performance and where residuals are starting to wear offWaterhemp pressure and the importance of controlling weeds earlyThe “150 rule” and how heat + humidity affects spray applicationsAdjusting adjuvants and tank mixes to avoid crop injury in hot conditionsEarly nutrient deficiencies as crops enter rapid uptake stagesManaging mid-season stress with fertility and micronutrient strategiesEarly conversations around fungicide timing and disease preventionSigns of heat and moisture stress, including leaf rolling and crop responseConditions still vary field-by-field. Staying timely with scouting, adjusting to weather conditions, and making informed application decisions will be key as we move deeper into the season. Featured this week: Nick Thompson – Host, Southwest Region Agronomist Erin Ricker – Eastern Region Agronomist Adrianna Herlache – Southeast Region Agronomist  🎧 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.

    17 min
  4. Jun 3

    Crop Talk by IAS – 06/03/26

    Send us Fan Mail Crop Talk by IAS – Field Scouting Update | June 6  As post-emerge season gets underway across Iowa and southwest Wisconsin, the focus is shifting from what was applied earlier to what’s coming next. With warm, dry conditions and scattered rain chances, weed pressure is starting to creep in and timely applications are becoming critical. At the same time, agronomists are keeping a close eye on alfalfa pests, crop recovery, and overall field progress.  In this episode, the team discusses:  Post herbicide timing and why earlier is often better for weed control Pre-emerge products starting to wear off and what that means for scouting Environmental conditions to watch before making spray decisions Weed size considerations and avoiding late control challenges Insect pressure building in alfalfa, including grasshoppers and armyworms How dry conditions are influencing pest activity Wheat fungicide applications and seasonal timing Early-season crop variability and how stands are evening out Using foliar nutrition to help support crop recovery and growth Reflecting on early-season challenges and what’s improved over the last few weeks As always, these are real-time, boots-on-the-ground insights from IAS agronomists working directly in the field.  Featured this week:  Nicholas Giesseman, Host and Eastern Region Agronomist  Nick Thompson, Southwest Region Agronomist (Ellsworth)  Melissa Schuman, Northeast Region Agronomist  🎧 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.

    13 min
  5. May 27

    Crop Talk by IAS – 05/27/2026

    Send us Fan Mail Crop Talk by IAS – Field Scouting Update | May 26  Crops are starting to respond as warmer temperatures return, and field activity is shifting quickly across Iowa. What we’re seeing in the field right now is a transition window—early growth is picking up, but weed pressure, uneven emergence, and timing decisions are becoming more important by the day.  In this week’s episode, the team shares boots-on-the-ground insights on what growers should watch as post herbicide and sidedress season begins.  In this episode, the team discusses:  Warm-up trends and how crops are responding after recent cool conditions Increasing weed pressure and why timing matters for post applications Targeting weeds before they exceed 3 inches for best control Stand counts, emergence variability, and lingering crusting effects Pre herbicide breakdown and what that means for current weed flushes Scouting strategies—checking multiple areas across every field Post application timing, tank mixes, and adjuvant considerations Why mixing fertilizer with post herbicides can reduce effectiveness Best conditions for Liberty applications and why “banker’s hours” matter Crop response considerations with dicamba products in warmer weather The Crop Talk team emphasizes that conditions still matter field-by-field. As crops start to grow and weeds accelerate, timely scouting and properly timed applications will make the biggest difference heading into June.  Featured this week:  Nick Thompson, Host and Southwest Region Agronomist (Ellsworth)  Owen Heetland, Northwest Region Agronomist (Cleves)  Erin Ricker, Eastern Region Agronomist (Masonville)  Adrianna Herlache — Southeast Region Agronomist (Monticello)  🎧 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.

    14 min
  6. May 20

    Crop Talk by IAS – 05/20/2026

    Send us Fan Mail Crop Talk by IAS – Field Scouting Update | May 20 This week on Crop Talk by IAS, the agronomy team shares updates from across Iowa as recent rains begin changing field conditions fast. In this episode, the team discusses:  • Emergence concerns following heavy rainfall and crusting conditions  • Hail and wind impacts in parts of Iowa  • Stand counts and early replant evaluations  • Weed flushes and delayed herbicide activation  • Transitioning into post herbicide and sidedress season  • Why low spots, ponding, and uneven emergence need close attention right now Special guest Zach Fagan, IAS Seed Specialist, also joins the conversation to break down current replant discussions across eastern Iowa. He shares what planting windows are showing the most concern, realistic yield expectations for thinner stands, and why weed control may be the bigger issue in many replanted fields. The Crop Talk team emphasizes the importance of timely scouting and making practical, informed decisions as crops continue to emerge and conditions shift quickly across the region. Featured this week: Nicholas Giesseman, Host and Eastern Region Agronomist  Nick Thompson, Southwest Region Agronomist (Ellsworth)  Owen Heetland, Northwest Region Agronomist (Cleves)  Melissa Schumann, Northeast Region Agronomist  Special Guest: Zach Fagan, IAS Seed Specialist  🎧 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.

    10 min
  7. May 6

    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

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 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.