Field Advisor

Illinois Soybean Association
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Field Advisor, funded by the Illinois Soybean Association (ISA) Checkoff Program, provides the latest agronomic information and on-farm research from local experts to help Illinois soybean producers improve yield and profitability.

  1. In Conversation with Dr. Matthew Vann – Illinois Extension’s Newest Director

    11/11/2025

    In Conversation with Dr. Matthew Vann – Illinois Extension’s Newest Director

    Dr. Matthew Vann, associate dean and director of University of Illinois Extension, stopped by the Field Advisor Podcast booth at the Farm Progress Show to talk about the path that led him to Illinois. A native of rural Florida and graduate of NC State, Dr. Vann shares how his upbringing and academic journey shaped his career and what inspired his move to Illinois. Hear his perspective on leadership, outreach, and the opportunities ahead for Illinois Extension.

    35 min
  2. How ISAP Helps Illinois Farmers Find the Right Resources

    11/05/2025

    How ISAP Helps Illinois Farmers Find the Right Resources

    How can Illinois farmers more easily find clear, reliable information about conservation programs and practices? In this episode of the Field Advisor podcast, guests Jean Brokish and Kris Reynolds, CCA, discuss how the Illinois Sustainable Ag Partnership (ISAP) helps farmers connect to resources and peer-to-peer learning opportunities. The conversation also highlights the mission of American Farmland Trust and provides an update on Illinois’ Nutrient Loss Reduction Strategy.

    26 min
  3. Cover Crops – How Can I Make That Work on My Farm?

    10/30/2025

    Cover Crops – How Can I Make That Work on My Farm?

    John Pike joins this Field Advisor episode to share his recommendations for getting started with cover crops. He offers practical examples, discusses the early benefits farmers often see, and explains how to think about cover crops as part of the corn-soybean system.

    11 min
  4. Let’s Talk About 2025 (Briefly), Then Move On to 2026

    10/21/2025

    Let’s Talk About 2025 (Briefly), Then Move On to 2026

    In this episode, the IL Soy Envoys break down the current state of harvest across Illinois, sharing yield reports, regional trends, and how ongoing drought conditions are shaping results. They also provide updates on cover crop seeding (and no, not the “free kind” already growing in the field!) and discuss fall burndown along with the challenges of applying anhydrous ammonia in dry soils. The conversation wraps up with reflections on the 2025 growing season and advice for farmers planning ahead to 2026—highlighting the importance of efficiency, adaptability, and smart management decisions. Featured IL Soy Envoys in this episode include: Mike Wilson, CCA, Specialty Products Marketing Manager, Wabash Valley Service Company Haley Brokate, CCA, Key Account Manager, Sunrise FS Byron Hendrix, CCA, Senior Sales Agronomist, Stepan Company Torey Colburn, CCA, Midwest Conservation Agronomist, American Farmland Trust

    46 min
  5. Red Crown Rot: The Soybean Disease That Keeps Raising Questions

    10/14/2025

    Red Crown Rot: The Soybean Disease That Keeps Raising Questions

    Red crown rot is increasingly recognized as a serious issue in soybean production, but many questions remain. In this Field Advisor episode, Syngenta’s Dale Ireland, University of Illinois plant pathologist Boris Camiletti, and Illinois Soybean Association outreach agronomist Stephanie Porter discuss early detection, management strategies, environmental influences, varietal responses, and how soil movement contributes to the disease’s spread. The conversation underscores the need for continued research and collaboration to manage this challenging pest. This podcast was recorded at the 2025 Farm Progress Show in Decatur, IL. Red crown rot photo courtesy of Darby Danzl, Illinois Soybean Association

    36 min
  6. Soybean Cyst Nematode: How Much Yield Are You Leaving in the Field? (More Than You Think)

    10/06/2025

    Soybean Cyst Nematode: How Much Yield Are You Leaving in the Field? (More Than You Think)

    In this episode of the Field Advisor podcast, released in recognition of National Nematode Day, host Kelsey Litchfield sits down with three experts to tackle one of the biggest threats to soybean yields: soybean cyst nematode (SCN). Joining the conversation are Dr. Horacio Lopez-Nicora, assistant professor of soybean pathology and nematology at The Ohio State University; Dr. Dylan Mangel, extension/research plant pathologist at the University of Nebraska; and Illinois Soybean Association Outreach Agronomist Stephanie Porter, CCA. Together, they break down why SCN remains the “silent yield robber,” how to test and manage it, and the role of crop rotation, resistant varieties, and seed treatments. They also share updates from the SCN Coalition and practical research aimed at helping farmers stay ahead of this pest. The message is clear: farmers should get their fields tested (Illinois Soybean checkoff offers a free program – click here to learn more) and then use the SCN Profit Check tool at www.thescncoalition.com to see how much SCN could be costing them.

    37 min
  7. The Battle for Conservation Funding in Illinois

    10/01/2025

    The Battle for Conservation Funding in Illinois

    Eliot Clay, executive director of the Association of Illinois Soil and Water Conservation Districts, and Andrew Larson, director of government relations and strategy at the Illinois Soybean Association, join the Field Advisor podcast to talk about the critical role of Soil and Water Conservation Districts (SWCDs) in Illinois. Together, they explore the history and importance of local conservation efforts, the ongoing challenges of securing state funding, and the need for stronger education and advocacy with legislators. Hosted by Kelsey Litchfield, this conversation emphasizes how building connections with policymakers helps ensure conservation remains a priority in state funding and policy.

    24 min
  8. September Scouting Report – Harvest Begins!

    09/23/2025

    September Scouting Report – Harvest Begins!

    IL Soy Envoys Matt Montgomery, CCA, of Beck’s Hybrids, Seth Wiley of Babson Farms, and Byron Hendrix, CCA, of Agronomy 1st LLC join the podcast to share harvest updates from across Illinois. They dig into the biggest headlines from the field—including how 2025 shaped up as a strong fungicide response year, with some corn fields showing 20–30 bushel yield advantages where foliar fungicides were applied. The group also discusses southern rust in corn, red crown rot in soybeans, the surprising lack of four-bean pods this season, the impact of recent drought conditions, and more.

    45 min
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About

Field Advisor, funded by the Illinois Soybean Association (ISA) Checkoff Program, provides the latest agronomic information and on-farm research from local experts to help Illinois soybean producers improve yield and profitability.

Information

  • Creator
    Illinois Soybean Association
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2025
  • Episodes
    67
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Illinois Soybean Association