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.

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.

Crop Talk by IAS – Field Scouting Update | May 13

This week on Crop Talk, IAS agronomists across Iowa are shifting from planting progress to emergence checks, crusting concerns, and early replant conversations. While most growers are nearing the finish line on planting, changing soil conditions and uneven emergence are creating a new round of scouting priorities.

In this episode, the team discusses:
 • Crusting concerns showing up in both corn and soybeans
 • Why April 23 planting dates are getting extra attention
 • Rotary hoe considerations and when it can help
 • Uneven soybean emergence and patchy stands
 • What “leafing out underground” means in corn
 • How moisture, soil type, and temperature swings are impacting emergence
 • Herbicide activation concerns in dry conditions
 • Why targeted scouting matters field by field
 • Stand count and replant conversations starting across Iowa

As always, these are real-time insights from local IAS agronomists sharing what they’re seeing right now across Iowa fields.

Featured this week:
Nicholas Giesseman (Host)
Nick Thompson
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.

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 Iowa
• Corn planting estimated 60–75% complete in some areas
• Soybean planting is rapidly increasing as conditions improve
• Weed pressure continuing to build, including early waterhemp emergence
• Burn-down timing is becoming more critical on delayed acres
• Soil fit and seed-to-soil contact remain top priorities
• Cooler soil temperatures are slowing early emergence
• Early seedling evaluations beginning in planted fields
• Stand counts and replant considerations discussed for the weeks ahead
• Importance of working closely with your agronomist as conditions vary from field to field

As 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.

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.

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.

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 readiness
• Continued wet conditions are delaying fieldwork and planting progress
• Early weed emergence (ragweed, grasses) and increasing pressure
• Importance of proper burndown timing, rates, and coverage
• Adjusting herbicide programs based on weed size and field conditions
• Adjuvant selection, water volume, and tank mix considerations
• Preventive maintenance and planning during weather delays
• Safety reminders: PPE, SDS sheets, and proper chemical handling

As 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.

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.

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.

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.