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 – 08/12/26

    Send us Fan Mail As corn and soybean crops move through grain fill, agronomists across Iowa are keeping a close eye on late-season disease development, insect pressure, nutrient deficiencies, and decisions around potential second-pass fungicide applications. While overall crop conditions remain favorable in many areas, conditions still matter field-by-field as disease risk and pest activity continue to evolve. In this week's Crop Talk by IAS, the team shares boots-on-the-ground insights from across the region, including what we're seeing in the field right now and what growers should watch next as we move deeper into August. In this episode, the team discusses: Current disease pressure across Iowa corn fieldsTar spot outlook as fungicide residuals begin to taper offGray leaf spot, northern corn leaf blight, common rust, and bacterial leaf blight observationsJapanese beetles, corn rootworm beetles, aphids, and other insect activityHow growers are evaluating second-pass fungicide decisionsCrop stage considerations when assessing fungicide return on investmentLate-season nutrient deficiencies showing up after a wet growing seasonBenefits observed from nitrogen stabilizer programs in 2026Why tissue sampling and field scouting remain valuable late in the seasonFertility planning opportunities heading into fallUsing this year's observations to prepare for the 2027 crop seasonAs harvest planning approaches, now is a good time to be in the field identifying deficiencies, documenting problem areas, and discussing fertility strategies with your agronomist. The information gathered today can help guide decisions for next season. Featured this week: Nicholas Giesseman - Host and Eastern Region Agronomist Nick Thompson - Southwest Region Agronomist (Ellsworth) Owen Heetland - Northwest Region Agronomist (Cleves)Erin Ricker - Eastern Region Agronomist (Masonville) 🎧 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.

  2. Jul 28

    Crop Talk by IAS – 07/28/26

    Send us Fan Mail As growers begin looking ahead to post-harvest planning and conservation decisions, there are several opportunities available to support cover crops, water quality practices, and carbon market participation. In this week's episode of Crop Talk, Sustainability Lead Kayla shares an overview of current programs, funding opportunities, and resources available to help growers understand what's available and where to start. Whether you're considering cover crops for the first time or looking to better understand carbon intensity scoring and emerging market opportunities, this episode provides timely information and practical next steps. In this episode, the team discusses: Conservation That Pays event coming up July 29 in Epworth, IowaConservation economics and available funding opportunitiesFarmers for Soil Health cover crop cost-share programIowa Department of Agriculture cover crop cost-share opportunitiesPrograms available for first-time and long-term cover crop usersWater quality conservation practices, including bioreactors and saturated buffersWatershed-based conservation programs across the regionCarbon market opportunities and the IAS Elevate programUnderstanding carbon intensity (CI) scoresInformation growers may need to participate in sustainability programsHow local agronomists can help growers evaluate conservation opportunitiesAs always, the best approach is to start the conversation early. Whether you're exploring cover crops, conservation funding, or carbon market opportunities, your local IAS team can help identify programs that fit your operation and goals. Featured this week: Nicholas Thompson - Host and Eastern Region AgronomistOwen Heetland - Northwest Region Agronomist (Cleves)Kayla Bergman - Sustainability Lead 🎧 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.

  3. Jul 15

    Crop Talk by IAS – 07/15/26

    Send us Fan Mail Corn and soybeans continue to grow rapidly across Iowa as heat and humidity push development forward. Across much of the region, corn is tasseling or nearing tassel, while soybeans are reaching key reproductive stages. This week, our agronomy team shares boots-on-the-ground insights on fungicide timing, disease pressure, insect activity, and what growers should watch as application season ramps up. In this episode, the team discusses: Corn tasseling progress across IowaSoybean growth stages and identifying the R3 fungicide timing windowGray leaf spot, common rust, eyespot, bacterial leaf streak, and early tar spot concernsWestern corn rootworm beetle emergence and scouting remindersFungicide timing recommendations for corn and soybeansOne-pass versus two-pass fungicide strategiesDisease pressure and how weather conditions influence developmentGround rig, drone, and aerial application considerationsHeat, humidity, and plant uptake during fungicide applicationsThe importance of field-by-field evaluation before making application decisionsFeatured this week: Nicholas Giesseman - Host and Eastern Region Agronomist Owen Heetland – Northwest Region Agronomist (Cleves) Melissa Schumann - Northeast 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.

  4. Jul 1

    Crop Talk by IAS – 07/01/26

    Send us Fan Mail As corn and soybean development accelerates across Iowa, fungicide season is quickly moving from planning to action. Recent rains, warm temperatures, and persistent humidity have created conditions that make disease scouting more important than ever. In this week's Crop Talk by IAS, our agronomy team shares boots-on-the-ground insights on crop staging, disease pressure, and what growers should watch as tasseling approaches. In this episode, the team discusses: Corn growth staging and estimating days to tasselDisease pressure observations, including common rust and reports of tar spotWhy scouting ahead of fungicide applications mattersFungicide timing considerations for corn and soybeansHow weather and canopy moisture influence disease developmentOne-pass vs two-pass fungicide strategiesWeed control follow-up and post application evaluations in soybeansUsing crop staging to improve application planningSoybean reproductive growth stages and fungicide timing at R3Practical reminders for staying proactive as crops rapidly advanceConditions still matter field-by-field. As corn moves closer to tassel and soybeans enter reproductive stages, timely scouting and understanding crop stage will be key to making informed fungicide decisions in the weeks ahead. Featured this week: Nicholas Giesseman - Host and Eastern Region Agronomist  Nick Thompson - Southwest Region Agronomist (Ellsworth)  Owen Heetland – Northwest Region Agronomist (Cleves) Erin Ricker- Eastern Region Agronomist (Masonville)  🎧 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.

  5. Jun 25

    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.

  6. 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.

  7. 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.

  8. 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.

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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.

Information

  • Creator
    Innovative Ag Services
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    18
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Crop Talk by IAS
  • Show Website
    Crop Talk by IAS