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Outstanding in Your Field: Daily Summaries Delivered
by Pioneer Seed
Outstanding in Your Field is the podcast created for farmers and powered by Pioneer Agronomy—bringing you trusted insights and proven solutions to fuel forward-thinking farming. Hosted by agronomists Brian Schrader (eastern Indiana), Carl (northwest Indiana/northeast Illinois), and Crystal Williams (northern Illinois), this show delivers timely, practical agronomic advice you can apply directly to your fields across the Eastern Corn Belt.
Latest Episodes
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- 2 days ago30 min
Early 2026 Agronomy Update: Herbicide Timing, Purple Corn & Dry June Concerns
What are agronomists seeing across the Corn Belt as June begins? In this episode of Outstanding in Your Field, hosts Bryan Schrader, Carl Jordan, and Crystal Williams discuss the wide range of field conditions shaping the 2026 growing season. From fields nearing layby to acres still being planted, the team covers key agronomic topics including: 🌱 Managing herbicides as corn reaches critical growth stages 🌱 Weed control challenges in dry conditions 🌱 Replant decisions and why starting over is rarely the answer in June 🌱 Asiatic garden beetle damage and what to look for in the field 🌱 Diagnosing uneven emergence and early-season stand issues 🌱 The science behind purple corn and why it’s usually a good sign 🌱 Agronomic considerations for a hot, dry June forecast 🌱 New approaches to managing crop stress and protecting yield potential Like, subscribe, and follow for more, and reach out to your local Pioneer rep with questions! Outstanding in Your Field is the podcast created for farmers and powered by Pioneer Agronomy—bringing you trusted insights and proven solutions to fuel forward-thinking farming.Hosted by agronomists Brian Schrader (eastern Indiana), Carl Joern (northwest Indiana/northeast Illinois), and Crystal Williams (northern Illinois), this show delivers timely, practical agronomic advice you can apply directly to your fields across the Eastern Corn Belt.
- 2 weeks ago47 min
From Frost to Fast Starts: Updates from Across the Eastern Corn Belt
In this episode of Outstanding in Your Field, Carl Joern, Brian Schrader, Crystal Williams, and Pioneer agronomists from across Illinois and Indiana share a boots-on-the-ground update on the 2026 growing season. From early planting windows and rapid heat unit accumulation to frost damage, variable emergence, herbicide injury, and weed management concerns, this regional roundtable covers the biggest agronomic trends shaping the season so far. Hear firsthand observations from northern Illinois to southern Indiana on stand establishment, replant decisions, nitrogen and sulfur considerations, and what growers should prioritize over the next 30 days. Despite a spring marked by weather extremes and uneven field conditions, one theme remains consistent: patience, adaptability, and confidence in the crop’s potential. Outstanding in Your Field is the podcast created for farmers and powered by Pioneer Agronomy—bringing you trusted insights and proven solutions to fuel forward-thinking farming.Hosted by agronomists Brian Schrader (eastern Indiana), Carl Joern (northwest Indiana/northeast Illinois), and Crystal Williams (northern Illinois), this show delivers timely, practical agronomic advice you can apply directly to your fields across the Eastern Corn Belt.
- May 6, 202639 min
How Plant Diagnostics Are Changing the Way We Fight Crop Disease
What really happens after you send a plant sample to the lab, and how does it impact what happens back in the field? In this episode of Outstanding in Your Field, the team sits down with Corteva Plant Pathology Technology Lead Krystel Navarro to pull back the curtain on the diagnostic lab and the critical role it plays in modern agriculture. From identifying crop diseases with molecular precision to supporting product development and protecting yields, this conversation explores how science, speed, and field expertise come together to solve real-world challenges. Krystal shares her journey from hydroponic farming roots in Puerto Rico to leading a cutting-edge pathology lab. She explains how advanced diagnostics help distinguish between lookalike diseases, guide management decisions, and even shape the future of seed development. The discussion also dives into real-world examples—like tracking emerging corn diseases—and highlights how collaboration between labs, agronomists, and farmers leads to better outcomes across the industry. Outstanding in Your Field is the podcast created for farmers and powered by Pioneer Agronomy—bringing you trusted insights and proven solutions to fuel forward-thinking farming.Hosted by agronomists Brian Schrader (eastern Indiana), Carl Joern (northwest Indiana/northeast Illinois), and Crystal Williams (northern Illinois), this show delivers timely, practical agronomic advice you can apply directly to your fields across the Eastern Corn Belt.
- Apr 27, 202633 min
Cold, Wet Soils? How Seed Treatments Buy You Time This Spring
Planting into less-than-ideal conditions is part of the game, but today’s seed treatments are changing how much risk farmers have to take. In this episode of Outstanding in Your Field, Brad Van Kooten talks about how modern seed treatments extend the “life” of seed in the soil, improve emergence, and protect against early-season stress. Listen for: How seed treatments help seed survive longer before emergence Why stand consistency starts below ground What’s changed in seed protection over the last 20 years How to avoid common plantability issues (like condensation + flowability) Where seed treatment innovation is headed next Outstanding in Your Field is the podcast created for farmers and powered by Pioneer Agronomy—bringing you trusted insights and proven solutions to fuel forward-thinking farming.Hosted by agronomists Brian Schrader (eastern Indiana), Carl Joern (northwest Indiana/northeast Illinois), and Crystal Williams (northern Illinois), this show delivers timely, practical agronomic advice you can apply directly to your fields across the Eastern Corn Belt.
- Apr 22, 202637 min
Seed Quality Science, Systems & Stories
In this episode of Outstanding in Your Field, the team sits down with Ryan White, Regional Production Director, to pull back the curtain on the full journey of seed from the field all the way to the bag. With nearly three decades in the industry, Ryan shares how seed production has evolved, the technologies that have truly changed the game (hello, rootworm traits and Pro Boxes), and why today’s quality standards are higher and more precise than ever. From multi-generational seed growers and mechanical detasseling to advanced traceability, optical sorting, and AI-driven insights, this conversation explores the intentional work happening behind the scenes to protect yield and performance before a seed ever hits the soil Listen for: How seed is handled differently than grain—and why it matters The role of data, traceability, and “big data” in improving quality What drought, dust, and real-world conditions teach production teams Where seed technology is headed next (and why it’s just getting exciting) A reminder from the field: safety and patience still matter most during planting Outstanding in Your Field is the podcast created for farmers and powered by Pioneer Agronomy—bringing you trusted insights and proven solutions to fuel forward-thinking farming.Hosted by agronomists Brian Schrader (eastern Indiana), Carl Joern (northwest Indiana/northeast Illinois), and Crystal Williams (northern Illinois), this show delivers timely, practical agronomic advice you can apply directly to your fields across the Eastern Corn Belt.
- Apr 21, 202617 min
Roots, Resilience, and the Next 100 Years
In this special anniversary episode of Outstanding in Your Field, the team celebrates 100 years of Pioneer reflecting on the people, progress, and purpose that shaped a century of agriculture. From early innovation in hybrid seed corn to today’s cutting-edge advancements, the conversation traces how far the industry has come and where it’s headed next. Bryan, Carl, and Crystal share personal stories, historical insights, and a deep appreciation for the farmers, families, and relationships that have carried the brand through decades of change — from the Great Depression to the biotech boom. Grounded in Pioneer’s “Long Look” philosophy, this episode explores what it means to build something that lasts—and how today’s decisions are shaping the next generation of agriculture. Whether you’re in the cab this spring or just passionate about the future of farming, this episode is a reminder that every season is part of a much bigger story! Outstanding in Your Field is the podcast created for farmers and powered by Pioneer Agronomy—bringing you trusted insights and proven solutions to fuel forward-thinking farming.Hosted by agronomists Brian Schrader (eastern Indiana), Carl Joern (northwest Indiana/northeast Illinois), and Crystal Williams (northern Illinois), this show delivers timely, practical agronomic advice you can apply directly to your fields across the Eastern Corn Belt.
- Mar 27, 202658 min
Chasing Moisture, Not the Calendar: Planting Decisions That Drive Yield
In this episode of Outstanding in Your Field, the Pioneer agronomy team breaks down what really impacts yield before the crop ever emerges. From dialing in planting depth to understanding soil moisture vs. temperature, they unpack the decisions that separate a good stand from a great one. Listen for why shallow planting can cost you more than going too deep, how to confidently decide when conditions are “fit,” and why uniform emergence might be the most underrated yield driver on your farm. Plus: corn vs. soybeans. Which gets planted first when time is tight? Outstanding in Your Field is the podcast created for farmers and powered by Pioneer Agronomy—bringing you trusted insights and proven solutions to fuel forward-thinking farming.Hosted by agronomists Brian Schrader (eastern Indiana), Carl Joern (northwest Indiana/northeast Illinois), and Crystal Williams (northern Illinois), this show delivers timely, practical agronomic advice you can apply directly to your fields across the Eastern Corn Belt.
- Mar 11, 202636 min
You Can Only Plant It Once (So Prep Your Planter)
In this episode of Outstanding in Your Field, hosts Bryan Schrader, Carl Joern, and Crystal Williams sit down with planter technology specialists from Indiana and Illinois about the must-check maintenance items growers should tackle before the first pass across the field. Guests Matt Risley of Petersen Ag Service and brothers Jake and Connor Finley of Finley Farms bring both shop wisdom and field reality—covering the wear parts growers tend to ignore until they’re a problem, how to dial in planting depth the right way, and why even the fanciest planter tech still needs a human to hop down and check what’s actually happening in the row. From disc openers and gauge wheels to firmware updates and closing wheel setups, the crew digs into the small tweaks that lead to better seed placement, more uniform emergence, and stronger yield potential. If you’re about to drag the planter out of winter hibernation, this episode is your friendly reminder: a few minutes in the shop now can save you a lot of colorful language in the field later. What to Listen For in This Episode: The most overlooked planter wear parts: Learn why disc openers, seed tube guards, gauge wheels, and parallel arms should be the first components inspected during planter maintenance. Why consistent planting depth matters more than perfect spacing: Hear why some agronomists argue that depth uniformity can have a greater yield impact than seed spacing in certain soils. How to properly calibrate planter depth: Jake and Connor explain a practical method using static seed blocks or simple shop tools to ensure every row unit is truly planting at the intended depth. Common maintenance issues technicians see in the shop: From bent row-unit shanks to severely worn parallel arms, the guests share real examples of how far planter components can drift out of spec. Choosing the right closing wheel system: A discussion on popular closing wheel options—including poly spike wheels and two-stage systems—and how soil type, speed, and budget influence the best choice. Technology checks before planting begins: Why updating monitor firmware, verifying GPS connections, and confirming farm/field data can prevent costly delays once the planter hits the field. The importance of “ground truthing”: Even with advanced sensors and automation, successful growers still get out of the cab early in the season to dig seeds and verify performance. Why soybean planters deserve the same attention as corn planters: As soybean seed costs rise and planting becomes more precise, proper planter setup for beans is becoming just as critical as for corn. Outstanding in Your Field is the podcast created for farmers and powered by Pioneer Agronomy—bringing you trusted insights and proven solutions to fuel forward-thinking farming.Hosted by agronomists Brian Schrader (eastern Indiana), Carl Joern (northwest Indiana/northeast Illinois), and Crystal Williams (northern Illinois), this show delivers timely, practical agronomic advice you can apply directly to your fields across the Eastern Corn Belt.
About Outstanding in Your Field
Outstanding in Your Field is the podcast created for farmers and powered by Pioneer Agronomy—bringing you trusted insights and proven solutions to fuel forward-thinking farming. Hosted by agronomists Brian Schrader (eastern Indiana), Carl (northwest Indiana/northeast Illinois), and Crystal Williams (northern Illinois), this show delivers timely, practical agronomic advice you can apply directly to your fields across the Eastern Corn Belt.
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