Field Trials Unleashed

Derailed by Covid-19 in 2021, we took a long leave of absence to make changes, improve, and get back on track for 2022. We are excited to have a new studio, change up the podcast format, and to bring even better information for the season ahead. Reflecting back on 2021, it was certainly a year to remember, but the silver lining is that we did learn a lot in the fields. Follow us as we discuss what we learned, begin to build back an even better podcast, and start implementing new ideas and concepts into our social media platforms! It's going to be an exciting year!

In the latest episode of Field Trials Unleashed, Craig & Eric discuss the importance of knowing your budget number for fall inputs as we navigate increasing input cost for fall 2021. They provide some ideas on how to possibly reduce fertilizer usage or at least better utilize the purchased fertilizer that fits into your budget. Additionally, as growers are moving into fungicide applications, it's their last chance to clean up any volunteer corn that may be still hanging around; Craig & Eric discuss the labels of both Fusilade and products like Select Max or Clethodim that can best be utilized in a Fungicide pass.

Sit down and buckle in for a real 45+ min. conversation with Dr. Kleczweski on a host of topics ranging from disease to Soybean Cyst Nematode. Staying true to our theme of using good agronomy, we also discuss Best Management Practices, not jumping to quick conclusions, and plenty of scouting to truly understand what's going on in the fields. We think everyone can learn something from this episode!

After a 1 month hiatus focusing on their primary careers, Craig & Eric are back in the studio to discuss the possibility of a 3 pass Crop Protection plan for weed management in soybeans. They also discuss the abundant examples of crop response from chemicals both intended applications and from drift. Before ending this segment both take turns in catching everyone up with the field trials they have been working on for the last few weeks.

Buckle in for a little longer of an episode because it's worth listening to Craig & Eric discuss everything Climate Fieldview with Andy Folta. From the latest updates to map anything kits on plow pulling donkeys. Andy is very consistent with the theme of compatibility and the ability of Climate Fieldview to fit every operation, every age of equipment, and every color. Craig & Eric tried to view into the crystal ball for future plans and it sounds like a lot of things in the developmental stage, but growers will have to wait to see what makes it to final production.

Not all data is created equal; Craig & Eric express concerns with listening to broad level recommendations from National Consultants, even if they are well intended. Agriculture is great at marketing "stuff", but to remain profitable a grower needs to understand why they are using that particular product and ask themselves what problem it's addressing on their operation. Cheaper isn't always better, so having an understanding of what is in your product will also have a profound impact on your operation; sometimes generic manufactures eliminate key ingredients such as safeners to preserve their margins and market low cost goods to the consumer. Craig & Eric finish wrap up this segment with local events such as cutworm moth counts, a bean leaf beetle sighting, and wheat fungicide timings.

With a rain delay, Craig & Eric had a chance to get back in the studio and put together a season update of what they have been up to. In addition to the daily job requirements, they are also pushing field trials out the door and have accumulated over 20 trials placed already this season. Listen to them discuss the addition of time lapse cameras and scripted trial applications as they attempt to squeeze trials onto each field of custom spraying they do. 

We get to know Randy Niver Technical Agronomist with Dekalb/Asgrow and then discuss the risk factors and symptoms of frost injury from April freezing temperatures & snow. Randy addresses replant supply before giving us an idea of what kind of products are coming down the pipeline from Bayer Crop Sciences.

As Craig & Eric are snowed out in April, they take a minute to discuss On Farm Discovery, M.O.M, and the environment with the one and only Dr. Howard Brown. Cold Water Imbibition is at the forefront with the precipitation and temperatures in East Central Illinois, so Craig & Eric dive into talking about what it is and why it's impactful in the first 24-48 hours. They conclude the Episode with a broad view on Carbon Credits and how they are impacting the agriculture industry.

Craig and Eric discuss cold weather planting & burndown considerations, best label practices for use of Dicamba and 2,4-D ahead of soybeans, and finish by talking to guest Tom Hogan with Precision Laboratories about best management practices utilizing Liberty or Dicamba in your 2021 crop protection program.  Follow us on Twitter @TrialsUnleashed, @bloemkercraig, or @EricB_IlliniFS to receive future episodes and referenced agronomy articles.