Agronomy Moment

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  ow to Prioritize Corn Harvest: Stalk Push Tests & Nitrogen Loss Risk | Celena Hawkins | Ep. #118 27.08.2026 3min

  Header loss and down corn can quickly destroy your late-season profitability. On today's episode, we step out into the field to discuss how to evaluate stalk strength before the combines roll. Learn why nitrogen-deficient corn cannibalizes its own stalk to fill the ear, how crown rot disease impacts late-season intactness, and how to build a strategic field-by-field harvest plan that protects your grain quality and operational efficiency. Inside this episode: Moving past planting-date assumptions during fall planning Identifying cannibalized stalks in low, saturated field spots Managing hybrids with lower late-season intactness ratings
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  Corn & Soybean Harvest Timing, Late Insect Pressure, and AI in Seed Management | Celena Hawkins & Scott Dickey | Ep. #117 29.07.2026 9min

  Is your farm ready for an early harvest? On this episode of Agronomy Moment, host Wendell Koehn is joined by agronomists Scott Dickey and Celena to discuss why crops across the region are progressing roughly two weeks ahead of schedule this season. Together, they break down the fascinating agronomics behind rapid soybean development and nighttime-driven photo periods, highlighting why crops are moving so quickly through R5 and toward maturity. The team also shares critical late-season scouting advice—from tracking stink bugs and podworms on late-planted soybeans to knowing when it's safe to stop spraying for southern rust on dented corn. Finally, stick around for details on upcoming Becknology Days events, and learn how Beck’s new Seed IQ platform uses AI and field data to help you match the right hybrids to your specific farm management practices. 🌾 Event Announcement: Planning to attend Becknology Days? Our region is hosting bus transportation, meals, and accommodations for the Colfax event on August 10th. Reach out to our team to reserve your spot!
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  Southern Rust Warning, R3 Soybean Insect Thresholds & Wind Damage 🌽🌾 | Celena Hawkins | Ep. #116 07.07.2026 5min

  The mid-summer field season is moving fast, and the pressure is officially turning up. In this episode of the Agronomy Moment, Wendell and Celena step out into the heat to bring you a critical checklist for both your corn and soybean acres right now. We track the movement of Southern Rust out of Texas and break down why your later-planted corn is at the highest risk. Plus, we dive into the exact threshold numbers for Japanese Beetles and Stink Bugs in R3 soybeans, and discuss how to handle the emotional aftermath of recent high-wind storm and green snap damage before writing a check for your fungicide passes.
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  Will New Drone Laws & AI Change How You Farm? | Kala Jenkins | Ep. #115 23.06.2026 48min

  Ag tech is moving faster than the laws can keep up. In this episode, Wendell sits down with Kayla Jenkins from Beck’s Hybrids to discuss the critical intersection of modern farming, emerging technology, and government policy. We dive headfirst into the rise of AI in precision agriculture, state-level drone legislation threats, and the legal battles surrounding the H-2A program. Kayla shares an inside look from the state capital on how lawmakers view your operation, why public perception is shifting, and what farmers need to do to protect their right to spray, fly, and farm efficiently. Key Takeaways:  Why policymakers are targeting agricultural drones. Breaking down the H-2A farm labor program updates. Gene editing vs. GMOs: Educating the modern consumer. High-oleic soybean oil (SOYLEIC) and the future of domestic seed oils. 👇 Subscribe for weekly, research-backed agronomy advice to keep your farm profitable. 🎧 Listen to more episodes of the Agronomy Moment Podcast on Podbean, YouTube and wherever you listen to podcasts.
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  Don't Miss the R3 Window: Best Fungicide Timing for Soybeans 📉🌾 | Celena Hawkins | Ep. #114 19.06.2026 4min

  The rain is chasing us out of the field again, but not before we pulled the data you need for your mid-summer bean passes. In this episode of the Agronomy Moment, Wendell and Selena are checking out a March-planted 4.9 maturity soybean field right here in Southwest Missouri that is moving much faster than expected. Selena breaks down the exact physical markers of the R3 growth stage (measuring pods on the four uppermost nodes) and why this specific window delivers your absolute highest return on investment for a fungicide pass. Plus, we dive into a critical threat we spotted while scouting: heavy stink bug pressure, a direct yield-loss insect that will ruin your pods if left unchecked.
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  Is Wet Weather Forcing a Fungicide Pass on Your Corn? 🌧️🌽 | Celena Hawkins | Ep. #113 19.06.2026 6min

  The rain chased us out of the field this morning, but we’re bringing the scouting data straight to the studio. In this episode of the Agronomy Moment, Wendell and Selena dive headfirst into mid-summer corn diseases, focusing heavily on Gray Leaf Spot (GLS). With prevailing wet conditions keeping humidity high, GLS is actively creeping up the lower canopy. Selena breaks down the exact "Rule of a Quarter" to help you look at your ear leaves and determine if you have enough pressure to justify pulling the trigger on a fungicide pass right now. We also check the trackers on high-threat diseases like Tar Spot and Southern Rust, and discuss why the R1 to R3 window is your absolute sweet spot for maximum ROI.
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  Storm Damage in Corn: Green Snap vs. Lodging Yield Loss 🌽💨 | Celena Hawkins | Ep. #112 19.06.2026 6min

  Recent summer storms have left a lot of corn vulnerable across the region. If you’ve been out scouting wind damage over the last week and are trying to figure out what it means for your final stand, this episode is a must-watch. Today, Wendell sits down with Selena to break down how to accurately assess storm-damaged corn. We cover the cold, hard numbers behind green snap yield loss, how growth stages dictate recovery, and why certain common chemical passes might actually be making your stalks more brittle right now.
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  The Liberty Success Checklist | Celena Hawkins | Ep. #111 10.06.2026 6min

  As the soybean post-emergence window fast approaches, getting your Liberty® herbicide application right is critical. Because Liberty can be a bit finicky compared to other chemistry, relying on standard spraying habits just won’t cut it. In this episode of Agronomy Corner, Wendell Koehn and Celena dive into the ultimate management "recipe" to eliminate the vast majority of Liberty application failures. While we can’t control the weather curveballs Mother Nature throws our way, we can control our management strategy. From nozzle selection and water volume to hitting the sweet spot for weed size, learn how to maximize your coverage and get an effective kill on tough weeds like pigweed before they get angry and push back.
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  From V5 to V7: Practical Corn Staging on the Tailgate | Celena Hawkins | Ep. #110 02.06.2026 6min

  Learn how to accurately stage corn when lower leaves have dropped off, so you can stay on-label with herbicide applications and keep plants healthy through the season. In this Agronomy Moment episode, Wendell Koehn and agronomist Celena walk through a simple, field-ready method to confirm growth stage from V5 to V7 using a dug plant on the tailgate. In this episode: Why accurate corn staging matters for herbicide labels and management decisions How to dig, split, and read internodes to confirm V5, V6, and V7 What to look for at the crown and soil line when staging When dark or discolored crowns might signal fusarium or other issues A practical example of using stress mitigation + fungicide to reduce late-season problems If you’re walking fields and guessing between V6 and V7 from the row, this short episode shows you how to confirm the stage with confidence.
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  Advocating for Farmers: Inside Government Affairs at Beck’s Hybrids | Kala Jenkins | Ep. #109 25.05.2026 14min

  In this episode of Agronomy Moment, host Wendell Koehn sits down with Kala Jenkins, Government Affairs Advocate at Beck’s Hybrids, to unpack what it really looks like to fight for farmers in state and federal policy circles. Kayla shares her journey from a family farm and hydroponic operation to proactively creating her own advocacy role at Beck’s. She explains her three pillars—relationships, strategic alliances, and education—and how they shape her work with congressional staffers, agencies, and partners across 21 states. The conversation closes with practical ways everyday people in agriculture can engage in policy, from diverse dinner-table conversations to inviting elected officials to the farm.
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  Soybean Stand Counts Made Easy | Using a Hula Hoop to Find Your Population Factor 21.05.2026 5min

  Can you really check soybean stands with a hula hoop? In this video, Celena and I head to the field to show a simple and practical way to estimate soybean populations using a hoop method that makes stand counts easy to understand and repeat. We walk through: How the hula hoop stand count method works How to find your soybean stand factor Tips for checking emergence and spacing What healthy soybean stands look like in the field Early planted soybeans from late March that are already blooming These beans were planted at the end of March, and we were surprised to already find blooms showing this early in the season. If you enjoy real-world farming discussions, agronomy, soybean management, and simple tools that help make decisions in the field, this video is for you. Drop your soybean populations and planting dates in the comments — we’d love to compare how crops are progressing in your area. #Soybeans #Farming #Agriculture #StandCounts #SoybeanFarming #CropScouting #Agronomy #FarmLife #PlantingSeason #SoybeanFields TOP Ag Services is a Beck's Hybrids seed dealer as well as a franchise partner for Sweetwater Technologies. We provide Hybrid Corn Seed, Soybean Seed, and Wheat Seed. Beck's has access to the best genetics and trait technologies from suppliers worldwide. Through Sweetwater Technologies we have access to industry standard name brand herbicides, insecticides, fungicides, and many others! We have access to biological stress mitigators, biological fertility foliar, and many other products in the category of crop protection and stress prevention. Through our business associates Dirks Bros, we offer fertilizer, soil sampling, and a whole suite of crop nutrition solutions. We are the first to market with the best products & provide the latest, most accurate agronomic information through proven research. If you need agronomic assistance or want to be added to these updates, feel free to reach out via the messaging feature or contact us at topagservices.com/contact or call us at 417-684-5301 to be connected with someone who can help you. All information here is for informational purposes only. It is not a recommendation for your farm. You should not act or refrain from acting on the basis of any content included in this presentation without seeking other professional advice. The contents of this presentation contain general information and may not reflect current agronomic or developments or address your situation. We (Wendell Koehn and all of his affiliates, guests, or assistants) disclaim all liability for actions you take or fail to take based on any content in this presentation.
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  Managing Wet Soils and Early Season Diseases in Corn & Soybeans 06.05.2026 9min

  Welcome back to the Agronomy Moment podcast! In this quick 10-minute update, we are joined by Selena to discuss how the recent heavy rains are impacting young crops and what you should look out for as fields dry out and crops enter the rapid growth stage. In this episode, we cover essential agronomy tips, including stand evaluation, nitrogen planning, and how to identify and mitigate early-season seedling diseases in saturated soils. Key Topics Covered: Stand Evaluation & Nitrogen: Ensuring your young corn and soybeans have the nutrients they need going into the rapid growth stage. Herbicide Timing: Adjusting your passes and watching labels when wet weather delays spraying. Seedling Diseases: How to identify Fusarium, Pythium, and Phytophthora in cool, wet conditions. Solutions & Prevention: The role of seed treatments and how improving field drainage can protect your yields.
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  V3 Victory: Why Right Now is the Best Time for Side Dress Nitrogen 21.04.2026 10min

  Is your corn crop ready for the V3 milestone? In this episode, we sit down with Scott Dickey, Regional Agronomy Manager at Beck’s Hybrids, to break down the critical management decisions facing corn growers right now. If your budget includes a top-dress application, you can't afford to miss this discussion on timing and nutrient balance. In this episode, we cover: The V3 Sweet Spot: Why Beck’s PFR (Practical Farm Research) proves that V3 is the ultimate timing for side-dress Nitrogen applications. The Sulfur Ratio: Why 25–30 lbs of Sulfur is the "magic number" for your crop's health and nitrogen efficiency. Post-Freeze Checkup: Assessing the "cosmetic bruising" from the recent cold spell—should you be worried? (Hint: Scott has some reassuring news). Budgeting for Yield: Making your inputs work harder for you this season. Guest: Scott Dickey, Regional Agronomy Manager at Beck’s Hybrids YouTube Video Timestamps 0:00 – Introduction: Agronomy Moment with Wendell Koehn 0:52 – Corn Management & Early Season Field Reports 1:25 – Assessing Cold Weather Bruising: Is it Cosmetic? 1:55 – The V3 Milestone: PFR Proven Side-Dress Timing 3:20 – Nitrogen Efficiency: Units per Bushel Targets 4:40 – Managing Risk: Late-Season Top Dressing Options 6:22 – Sulfur Strategy: Pre-Plant vs. Top Dress Rates 6:55 – Final Advice: Pre-Planning and Product Availability 8:50 – "Tailgate Talk" Bloopers & Outtakes Topic: Corn Management & PFR Proven Side-Dress Strategies #CornFarming #Agronomy #BecksHybrids #NitrogenManagement #V3Corn #FarmTips #cropyieldpotential TOP Ag Services is a Beck's Hybrids seed dealer as well as a franchise partner for Sweetwater Technologies. We provide Hybrid Corn Seed, Soybean Seed, and Wheat Seed. Beck's has access to the best genetics and trait technologies from suppliers worldwide. Through Sweetwater Technologies we have access to industry standard name brand herbicides, insecticides, fungicides, and many others! We have access to biological stress mitigators, biological fertility foliar, and many other products in the category of crop protection and stress prevention. Through our business associates Dirks Bros, we offer fertilizer, soil sampling, and a whole suite of crop nutrition solutions. We are the first to market with the best products & provide the latest, most accurate agronomic information through proven research. If you need agronomic assistance or want to be added to these updates, feel free to reach out via the messaging feature or contact us at topagservices.com/contact or call us at 417-684-5301 to be connected with someone who can help you. All information here is for informational purposes only. It is not a recommendation for your farm. You should not act or refrain from acting on the basis of any content included in this presentation without seeking other professional advice. The contents of this presentation contain general information and may not reflect current agronomic or developments or address your situation. We (Wendell Koehn and all of his affiliates, guests, or assistants) disclaim all liability for actions you take or fail to take based on any content in this presentation.
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  Heavy Rain vs. New Crops: A Regional Agronomy Update on Corn and Soybeans Emerging 07.04.2026 8min

  Intro 0:00 Podcast 01:12 We hit the fields with Scott Dickey, Regional Agronomy Manager, to see how the early-season corn and soybeans are holding up after a stretch of heavy rain and cool temperatures. Despite the challenging weather, the fields are looking promising! In this update, we dive into the "boots on the ground" reality of early-season growth, covering: The Corn Coleoptile: Understanding how much pressure it can withstand in a crusting environment and what it means for your stand. The GDU Factor: How many Growing Degree Units it actually takes to get corn and soybean seeds out of the ground. The Power of Patience: Why waiting another week is crucial before making any final calls on emergence. The coleoptile acts as a protective spear for the first true leaves. In a "crusting environment," if the soil surface becomes too hard due to rain followed by quick drying, the coleoptile can buckle or grow horizontally (corkscrew) if it cannot break through. For soybeans, emergence is different because they have to "pull" the cotyledons through the soil, which often requires more energy and specific GDU accumulation compared to the "spearing" action of corn. A big thanks to Scott for sharing his expertise! #Agronomy #Corn2026 #Soybeans #Farming #CropUpdate To get a FARMserver account for yourself to use its agronomy AI feature go to: https://www.farmserver.com and sign up for your account.   TOP Ag Services is a Beck's Hybrids seed dealer as well as a franchise partner for Sweetwater Technologies. We provide Hybrid Corn Seed, Soybean Seed, and Wheat Seed. Beck's has access to the best genetics and trait technologies from suppliers worldwide. Through Sweetwater Technologies we have access to industry standard name brand herbicides, insecticides, fungicides, and many others! We have access to biological stress mitigators, biological fertility foliar, and many other products in the category of crop protection and stress prevention. Through our business associates Dirks Bros, we offer fertilizer, soil sampling, and a whole suite of crop nutrition solutions. We are the first to market with the best products & provide the latest, most accurate agronomic information through proven research. If you need agronomic assistance or want to be added to these updates, feel free to reach out via the messaging feature or contact us at topagservices.com/contact or call us at 417-684-5301 to be connected with someone who can help you. All information here is for informational purposes only. It is not a recommendation for your farm. You should not act or refrain from acting on the basis of any content included in this presentation without seeking other professional advice. The contents of this presentation contain general information and may not reflect current agronomic or developments or address your situation. We (Wendell Koehn and all of his affiliates, guests, or assistants) disclaim all liability for actions you take or fail to take based on any content in this presentation.
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  What are CarbonWorks products? | Use cases on how they improve the efficacy of applications. 25.03.2026 25min

  George Sims joins me after a break to talk about the second part of our two part series on carbon. This time we dive into the products and their use on your corn & soybean crop. They are used in nitrogen and herbicide applications. CarbonWorks’ philosophy centers on delivering three essential elements—Carbon, Hydrogen, and Oxygen—to support the soil’s biological system, rather than relying solely on synthetic NPK inputs. 1. CarbonWorks CetaiN® (Nitrogen Efficacy) CetaiN is a nitrogen enhancement additive designed to stabilize nutrients and prevent loss through leaching or volatilization. How it works: It uses carbon as a "bridge" to hold nitrogen molecules to the soil. Unlike traditional stabilizers that may kill soil bacteria to slow conversion, CetaiN provides molecular oxygen to feed aerobic microbes (Nitrosomonas and Nitrobactor). Benefits: Stabilizes all three forms of nitrogen: Holds Ammonium, Nitrite, and Nitrate in the soil. Microbial Boost: Keeps microbes active even in saturated, oxygen-deprived soils, preventing corn from turning yellow after heavy rains. Versatility: Can be mixed with UAN (28% or 32%) or impregnated onto Urea. Reported Results: Studies have shown yield increases of approximately 10.4 bu/ac when added to urea and 7.0 bu/ac when added to UAN. 2. CarbonWorks Replenish (Herbicide & Spray Efficacy) Replenish is a salt-free water conditioner and spray adjuvant used to "torch" stubborn weeds and maximize the performance of tank mixes. How it works: Minerals in hard water (like calcium and magnesium) often bind to herbicides, making them 30–50% less effective. Replenish binds and neutralizes these "antagonizers." Benefits: Enhanced Absorption: Because it is salt-free, it keeps plant leaf pores open, allowing the spray to enter the plant more effectively than salt-based conditioners like AMS. Faster Mobility: Carbon molecules move through the plant faster than salts, leading to a quicker "kill" of target weeds. Residue Breakdown: It stimulates soil microbes to speed up the decomposition of weed carcasses and crop residue. Usage: Typically applied at 12–16 oz per 100 gallons of water. 3. CarbonWorks RSTC 17® (formerly Restore) This is a carbon-based starter technology applied in-furrow to improve germination and early plant vigor. How it works: It creates a "seed sphere" rich in carbon (food), hydrogen (energy), and oxygen. This environment helps seeds germinate faster in cool or wet soils. Benefits: Uniform Stands: Promotes "picket fence" stands where every plant emerges at the same time. Root Development: Significantly increases root mass and hair growth, allowing the plant to access more nutrients naturally. Reduced Salt Stress: Unlike traditional high-salt starters, RSTC 17 is safe to place directly on the seed. Reported Results: Has shown a 3-year average yield increase of 9.2 bu/ac in corn and consistently high ROI in soybeans and specialty crops like potatoes. 4. CarbonWorks Renew (Manure Management) Renew is designed for farmers using manure as a primary nutrient source. Purpose: It maximizes the nutrient content of manure while reducing environmental impacts. Benefits: It helps stabilize the nutrients within the manure and reduces the odors and harmful gasses associated with storage and application. TOP Ag Services is a Beck's Hybrids seed dealer as well as a franchise partner for Sweetwater Technologies. We provide Hybrid Corn Seed, Soybean Seed, and Wheat Seed. Beck's has access to the best genetics and trait technologies from suppliers worldwide. Through Sweetwater Technologies we have access to industry standard name brand herbicides, insecticides, fungicides, and many others! We have access to biological stress mitigators, biological fertility foliar, and many other products in the category of crop protection and stress prevention. Through our business associates Dirks Bros, we offer fertilizer, soil sampling, and a whole suite of crop nutrition solutions. We are the first t
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  What does Carbon do for your crop? | Corn and Soybeans response to the right carbon | George Sims 14.03.2026 30min

  Intro 0:00 Podcast 01:12 In this episode, we sit down with George to talk about his deep dive into soil fertility. George argues that if we want to master agriculture, we have to stop looking at soil as a chemistry set and start looking at it as a living, breathing carbon-based system. Key Takeaways The Carbon-Water Complex: George breaks life down to its simplest form. Human bodies and plants alike are essentially carbon/water complexes. Atmospheric Perspective: We often think of "air" as oxygen, but George reminds us that nitrogen (78%) and oxygen (21%) dominate the sky. Carbon dioxide is a tiny fraction, yet plants pull that carbon down to build glucose (C6H12O6). The Forest Blueprint: Why does a natural forest grow vibrantly without man-made inputs? Because it is a closed-loop carbon cycle. Soil Respiration vs. Photosynthesis: Respiration is the silent partner. It is the process where biology breaks down sugars to create energy, releasing CO2 and water as byproducts. Dynamic Organic Matter: George dispels the myth that soil carbon is like gold coins in a safe. It is a living, changing system that must be recycled by soil biology to remain healthy. The Big Idea "Carbon isn't just a nutrient; it is the food for the biology that makes the whole farm function. If we interfere with the natural design for short-term gains, we are sacrificing the long-term health of the soil." What's Next? George hints that while carbon products are flooding the market, they aren't all created equal. Next time, we will be peeling back the label on these supplements to see which ones actually help. TOP Ag Services is a Beck's Hybrids seed dealer as well as a franchise partner for Sweetwater Technologies. We provide Hybrid Corn Seed, Soybean Seed, and Wheat Seed. Beck's has access to the best genetics and trait technologies from suppliers worldwide. Through Sweetwater Technologies we have access to industry standard name brand herbicides, insecticides, fungicides, and many others! We have access to biological stress mitigators, biological fertility foliar, and many other products in the category of crop protection and stress prevention. Through our business associates Dirks Bros, we offer fertilizer, soil sampling, and a whole suite of crop nutrition solutions. We are the first to market with the best products & provide the latest, most accurate agronomic information through proven research. If you need agronomic assistance or want to be added to these updates, feel free to reach out via the messaging feature or contact us at topagservices.com/contact or call us at 417-684-5301 to be connected with someone who can help you. All information here is for informational purposes only. It is not a recommendation for your farm. You should not act or refrain from acting on the basis of any content included in this presentation without seeking other professional advice. The contents of this presentation contain general information and may not reflect current agronomic or developments or address your situation. We (Wendell Koehn and all of his affiliates, guests, or assistants) disclaim all liability for actions you take or fail to take based on any content in this presentation.
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  R3 Soybean Insecticide Decisions: Control vs. Suppression Explained 14.03.2026 14min

  Intro 0:00 Podcast 01:12 Join Scott Dickey, Regional Agronomy Manager at Beck's Hybrids, and Wendell Koehn, Beck’s Hybrids Seed Dealer, as they discuss one of the most important late-season soybean decisions: choosing the right insecticide at the R3 growth stage. In this conversation, Scott and Wendell break down: 🌱 What’s happening in soybeans at R3 (beginning pod) 🐛 How to properly identify pod-feeding pests like soybean podworms 🎯 Why product selection matters — control vs. suppression 📊 Understanding active ingredients and modes of action 💰 Protecting yield potential and ROI with the right chemistry Not all insecticides perform the same. Some products may only suppress podworms, allowing feeding to continue and reducing pod fill. Scott explains how to evaluate labels, residual activity, and efficacy data to ensure you're selecting a product that provides true control when it counts most. Whether you're scouting your own fields or advising growers, this discussion will help you make more confident late-season management decisions. 👉 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and follow for more agronomic insights from the field.   #Soybeans #R3Soybeans #Podworms #InsectControl #CropProtection #BecksHybrids   TOP Ag Services is a Beck's Hybrids seed dealer as well as a franchise partner for Sweetwater Technologies. We provide Hybrid Corn Seed, Soybean Seed, and Wheat Seed. Beck's has access to the best genetics and trait technologies from suppliers worldwide. Through Sweetwater Technologies we have access to industry standard name brand herbicides, insecticides, fungicides, and many others! We have access to biological stress mitigators, biological fertility foliar, and many other products in the category of crop protection and stress prevention. Through our business associates Dirks Bros, we offer fertilizer, soil sampling, and a whole suite of crop nutrition solutions. We are the first to market with the best products & provide the latest, most accurate agronomic information through proven research. If you need agronomic assistance or want to be added to these updates, feel free to reach out via the messaging feature or contact us at topagservices.com/contact or call us at 417-684-5301 to be connected with someone who can help you. All information here is for informational purposes only. It is not a recommendation for your farm. You should not act or refrain from acting on the basis of any content included in this presentation without seeking other professional advice. The contents of this presentation contain general information and may not reflect current agronomic or developments or address your situation. We (Wendell Koehn and all of his affiliates, guests, or assistants) disclaim all liability for actions you take or fail to take based on any content in this presentation.
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  Product Characterization Research from Beck's Hybrids | Industry First in placing Corn & Soybeans 14.03.2026 15min

  Intro 0:00 Podcast 01:12 Beck's Hybrids uses Product Characterization Research (PCR) to decide where each hybrid or variety will perform best before recommending it to farmers. 1️⃣ What “Product Characterization” Means It’s a structured, multi-location testing system that answers: What soil types does this hybrid like? How does it respond to high vs. low fertility? Does it handle drought or wet conditions better? What population (seeding rate) maximizes yield? Is it defensive (stable) or offensive (high top-end yield)? How does it react to stress (heat, disease, compaction)? Instead of just asking “Does it yield well?”, PCR asks: Under what conditions does it yield best — and where should we place it? 2️⃣ How They Do It Beck’s runs replicated field trials across many environments in the Midwest and beyond. They test hybrids under: Multiple planting populations Different fertility levels Various soil types Irrigated vs. dryland Tillage systems Stress scenarios (e.g., drought or disease pressure) This builds a performance profile for each hybrid or soybean variety. 3️⃣ Hybrid / Variety Placement Strategy After characterization, each product gets categorized by placement: 🌱 High-Management / High-Response Hybrids Respond strongly to higher populations and fertility Thrive in highly productive soils Highest yield potential, but require management Best for aggressive growers 🌾 Stable / Defensive Hybrids Maintain yield across stress environments Handle variable soils well Less sensitive to population changes Good for tougher ground 🌽 Soil-Specific Placement Some hybrids are identified as: Better on clay Better on sandy soils Better in poorly drained fields Strong under drought stress For soybeans, similar classification occurs around: Row width response Population sensitivity White mold tolerance Iron deficiency chlorosis tolerance 4️⃣ Why This Matters Many companies rely heavily on: Company trials University plots Strip plot comparisons Beck’s PCR attempts to go deeper by: Testing at many stress levels Collecting large datasets Matching genetics to micro-environments The goal is: Right product, right acre. Instead of planting one hybrid across the whole farm, PCR encourages placement by field characteristics. 5️⃣ Practical Example A hybrid might show: Top 5% yield in high fertility + 36,000 population Average performance at 28,000 population Weak performance under drought PCR would classify it as: High-yield, high-management, productive soils only. Another hybrid might: Yield 95% of the top hybrid But outperform in drought Show stable results across populations That one gets positioned for variable or stress-prone acres. Bottom Line Product Characterization Research = detailed agronomic profiling of hybrids to optimize placement, not just compare yield. It’s about: Maximizing ROI per acre Reducing risk Matching genetics to management TOP Ag Services is a Beck's Hybrids seed dealer as well as a franchise partner for Sweetwater Technologies. We provide Hybrid Corn Seed, Soybean Seed, and Wheat Seed. Beck's has access to the best genetics and trait technologies from suppliers worldwide. Through Sweetwater Technologies we have access to industry standard name brand herbicides, insecticides, fungicides, and many others! We have access to biological stress mitigators, biological fertility foliar, and many other products in the category of crop protection and stress prevention. Through our business associates Dirks Bros, we offer fertilizer, soil sampling, and a whole suite of crop nutrition solutions. We are the first to market with the best products & provide the latest, most accurate agronomic information through proven research. If you need agronomic assistance or want to be added to these updates, feel free to reach out via the messaging feature or contact us at topagservices.com/contact or call us at 417-684-5301 to be connected with someone who can help you. All information here is for informational purposes only. I
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  Tillage Tools to manage Soil & Residue | Results of a Field Cultivator, Disk, & Vertical Till 12.01.2026 23min

  Celena has a discussion on the pros and cons of different tillage tool types and what they offer and what they do not! Call us to get a customized plan for your farm this coming year! TOP Ag Services is a Beck's Hybrids seed dealer as well as a franchise partner for Sweetwater Technologies. We provide Hybrid Corn Seed, Soybean Seed, and Wheat Seed. Beck's has access to the best genetics and trait technologies from suppliers worldwide. Through Sweetwater Technologies we have access to industry standard name brand herbicides, insecticides, fungicides, and many others! We have access to biological stress mitigators, biological fertility foliar, and many other products in the category of crop protection and stress prevention. Through our business associates Dirks Bros, we offer fertilizer, soil sampling, and a whole suite of crop nutrition solutions. We are the first to market with the best products & provide the latest, most accurate agronomic information through proven research. If you need agronomic assistance or want to be added to these updates, feel free to reach out via the messaging feature or contact us at topagservices.com/contact or call us at 417-684-5301 to be connected with someone who can help you. All information here is for informational purposes only. It is not a recommendation for your farm. You should not act or refrain from acting on the basis of any content included in this presentation without seeking other professional advice. The contents of this presentation contain general information and may not reflect current agronomic or developments or address your situation. We (Wendell Koehn and all of his affiliates, guests, or assistants) disclaim all liability for actions you take or fail to take based on any content in this presentation.
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  Soil Compaction's impact on Crop Nutrition & Health | Roots don't move, yield doesn't move! 12.01.2026 13min

  Celena Hawkins joins me to discuss soil compaction and its effects on crop yield. We talk about how to avoid it, manage it, and ultimately correct the layers of compacted soils that cause all sorts of problems to a person's field. TOP Ag Services is a Beck's Hybrids seed dealer as well as a franchise partner for Sweetwater Technologies. We provide Hybrid Corn Seed, Soybean Seed, and Wheat Seed. Beck's has access to the best genetics and trait technologies from suppliers worldwide. Through Sweetwater Technologies we have access to industry standard name brand herbicides, insecticides, fungicides, and many others! We have access to biological stress mitigators, biological fertility foliar, and many other products in the category of crop protection and stress prevention. Through our business associates Dirks Bros, we offer fertilizer, soil sampling, and a whole suite of crop nutrition solutions. We are the first to market with the best products & provide the latest, most accurate agronomic information through proven research. If you need agronomic assistance or want to be added to these updates, feel free to reach out via the messaging feature or contact us at topagservices.com/contact or call us at 417-684-5301 to be connected with someone who can help you. All information here is for informational purposes only. It is not a recommendation for your farm. You should not act or refrain from acting on the basis of any content included in this presentation without seeking other professional advice. The contents of this presentation contain general information and may not reflect current agronomic or developments or address your situation. We (Wendell Koehn and all of his affiliates, guests, or assistants) disclaim all liability for actions you take or fail to take based on any content in this presentation.