Agronomy Answers Podcast

Епизоде

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  Learning How to Learn - Episode 29 20.07.2026 14мин

  In this episode of the Agronomy Answers podcast, host Zach Hefty is joined by Brian Hefty to talk about another lesson from dad: "School is just learning how to learn." They dive into how this lesson has shaped their approach to time management, prioritizing what's worth learning, and staying ahead in an industry that's constantly changing with new technology, hybrids, and practices. They also discuss why trial and error, lifelong learning, and celebrating small wins along the way matter just as much as the big goals. This lesson comes from Brian's book, $100 an Hour Jobs: Lessons from Dad.New episodes out weekly!Follow us on social media:Facebook: @heftyseedInstagram: @heftyseedTikTok: @heftyseedX: @heftyseedYouTube: @heftyseedTo learn more about Hefty Seed Company, visit www.heftyseed.com
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  When Water Isn’t JUST Water - Episode 26 26.06.2026 16мин

  In this episode of the Agronomy Answers podcast, host Zach Hefty sits down with Hefty Naturals brand manager Matt Thompson to dig into one of the most overlooked variables on any farming operation — water. They break down how your water source, whether it's a well or rural water supply, can directly impact the effectiveness of your herbicides, insecticides, fungicides, and biologicals. From hard water ion tie-up to pH half-life, this one will change the way you think about what's going into your spray tank. New episodes out weekly! Follow us on social media:Facebook: @heftyseedInstagram: @heftyseedTikTok: @heftyseedX: @heftyseedYouTube: @heftyseed To learn more about Hefty Seed Company, visit www.heftyseed.com
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  Lessons from Dad: Keep Pushing! - Episode 25 18.06.2026 12мин

  In this episode of the Agronomy Answers podcast, host Zach Hefty sits down with his dad to unpack one of the most powerful lessons from the book Lessons From Dad — keep pushing. They dive into why comparing yourself to others is a trap, how to focus on your own gifts, and why every minute of every day is an opportunity to get better. Whether you farm, run a business, or just want to level up, this one hits home.New episodes out weekly!Follow us on social media:Facebook: @heftyseedInstagram: @heftyseedTikTok: @heftyseedX: @heftyseedYouTube: @heftyseedTo learn more about Hefty Seed Company, visit www.heftyseed.com
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  Top 3 Field Scouting Tools - Episode 24 11.06.2026 10мин

  In this episode of the Agronomy Answers podcast, host Zach Hefty debates his uncle Darren about the Top 3 tools that are must-haves when you're heading to the field to scouting your crops. What do you always take with you to your back 40?New episodes out weekly!Follow us on social media:Facebook: @heftyseedInstagram: @heftyseedTikTok: @heftyseedX: @heftyseedYouTube: @heftyseedTo learn more about Hefty Seed Company, visit www.heftyseed.com
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  What Goes Into Agronomy Training at Hefty Seed Company - Episode 23 28.05.2026 16мин

  In this episode of the Agronomy Answers podcast, host Zach Hefty is joined by Darren Hefty for a behind-the-scenes look at how Hefty Seed Company trains its agronomists. They discuss the balance between book knowledge and real-world field experience, why even veteran agronomists need ongoing training every season, and how unexpected challenges like southern rust or new insect pressure keep everyone learning. They also cover what it really means to be a sales agronomist — prioritizing the farmer's best interests — and why building strong relationships and listening well are just as important as knowing your products.New episodes out weekly!Follow us on social media:Facebook: @heftyseedInstagram: @heftyseedTikTok: @heftyseedX: @heftyseedYouTube: @heftyseedTo learn more about Hefty Seed Company, visit www.heftyseed.com
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  What Goes Into Researching New Products - Episode 22 22.05.2026 16мин

  In this episode of the Agronomy Answers podcast, host Zach Hefty is joined by Matt Thompson to discuss how agronomy research is conducted and why large scale data matters for making better decisions. They explain how combining independent trials, internal testing, and real on farm strip trials helps validate results across different environments. They also highlight how collecting more data reduces variability and leads to more reliable recommendations that can improve yield outcomes.New episodes out weekly!Follow us on social media:Facebook: @heftyseedInstagram: @heftyseedTikTok: @heftyseedX: @heftyseedYouTube: @heftyseedTo learn more about Hefty Seed Company, visit www.heftyseed.com
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  Building an Agronomy Career From the Ground Up: John Wiese’s Story - Episode 21 16.05.2026 21мин

  In this episode of the Agronomy Answers podcast, host Zach Hefty is joined by John Wiese, a research agronomist covering Minnesota and Iowa for Hefty Seed Company. They discuss John's unconventional path into agronomy — from diesel mechanics to the warehouse floor to the research team — and how years of hands-on experience shaped his expertise in seed and soil fertility. They also dig into evolving challenges like increasing disease pressure from tar spot and southern rust, the growing importance of seed treatments for early-planted soybeans, and how to evaluate new products that often combine older active ingredients in new formulations. John wraps up with advice for anyone entering agriculture: find your niche and dig into it hard. New episodes out weekly!Follow us on social media:Facebook: @heftyseedInstagram: @heftyseedTikTok: @heftyseedX: @heftyseedYouTube: @heftyseedTo learn more about Hefty Seed Company, visit www.heftyseed.com
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  Lessons From Dad: If You’re Working, You Don’t Have Time To Spend Your Money - Episode 20 08.05.2026 11мин

  In this episode of the Agronomy Answers podcast, host Zach Hefty is joined by his dad Brian Hefty for another "Lessons from Dad" segment. They break down the idea that working more hours is a double win — you earn more while naturally spending less. Brian shares how he balanced long work hours with family priorities by making intentional trade-offs, cutting hobbies and social time rather than family time. They also discuss the importance of doing things in moderation, planning your time intentionally, and why staying busy tends to lead to greater contentment and financial success.New episodes out weekly!Follow us on social media:Facebook: @heftyseedInstagram: @heftyseedTikTok: @heftyseedX: @heftyseedYouTube: @heftyseedTo learn more about Hefty Seed Company, visit www.heftyseed.com
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  The Origin of Hefty Brand Corn and Soybeans - Episode 19 09.04.2026 24мин

  This episode of the Agronomy Answers podcast features Darren Hefty discussing how the Hefty brand of corn and soybeans got its start and the farming practices that shaped the business. The conversation traces the early days of raising seed crops and how careful field management, seed purity, and proper seed cleaning helped growers achieve better stands and more consistent results. They also explain how conditioning seed and removing damaged or contaminated seed can improve establishment and overall crop performance in the field.New episodes out weekly!Follow us on social media:Facebook: @heftyseedInstagram: @heftyseedTikTok: @heftyseedX: @heftyseedYouTube: @heftyseedTo learn more about Hefty Seed Company, visit www.heftyseed.com
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  When Not to Use Plant Growth Hormones - Episode 18 02.04.2026 13мин

  In this episode of the Agronomy Answers podcast, the discussion focuses on plant growth regulators and how they influence where a plant directs its energy during the growing season. The hosts explain how using the wrong product or applying it at the wrong time can confuse the plant and reduce yield potential. They also discuss situations in which these products may increase silage yield by increasing leaf mass rather than improving grain yield.New episodes out weekly!Follow us on social media:Facebook: @heftyseedInstagram: @heftyseedTikTok: @heftyseedX: @heftyseedYouTube: @heftyseedTo learn more about Hefty Seed Company, visit www.heftyseed.com
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  An Inside Look at the Testing We Do in Our Seed Lab - Episode 17 24.03.2026 18мин

  In this episode of the Agronomy Answers Podcast, the discussion focuses on seed lab testing and how those results translate to real-world field performance. The hosts break down key tests like germination, purity, and stress testing, and explain how they ensure seed quality and consistency. They also highlight how factors like cold and warm germination impact emergence and stand establishment in the field. New episodes out weekly!Follow us on social media:Facebook: @heftyseedInstagram: @heftyseedTikTok: @heftyseedX: @heftyseedYouTube: @heftyseedTo learn more about Hefty Seed Company, visit www.heftyseed.com
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  Are Planter Box Products Viable? - Episode 14 19.02.2026 12мин

  This episode of the Agronomy Answers podcast breaks down what is new in planter box Naturals and micronutrient delivery, and what growers need to watch out for to avoid poor results. The conversation covers how some biological technologies can help reduce corn rootworm pressure by masking plant signals and supporting root regrowth if feeding occurs. It also explains why mixing living biology with certain materials can cause problems, including how graphite and some micronutrients can quickly reduce biological viability. The episode closes with practical guidelines for handling and timing so planter box products have the best chance to perform in the field.New episodes out weekly!Follow us on social media:Facebook: @heftyseedInstagram: @heftyseedTikTok: @heftyseedX: @heftyseedYouTube: @heftyseedTo learn more about Hefty Seed Company, visit www.heftyseed.com
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  Blind Ranking: 5 Naturals Products - Episode 11 29.01.2026 10мин

  This episode of the Agronomy Answers podcast features Matt Thompson as he blind ranks a group of Hefty Naturals products based on real research plot results. Matt breaks down how research has reshaped his thinking, what separates versatile tools from niche fits, and why understanding soil conditions matters before choosing any natural product. He also explains why one product consistently stands out in trials for protecting yield and reducing in-season stress. This conversation focuses on how research turns into better on-farm decisions and smarter product use.New episodes out weekly!Follow us on social media:Facebook: @heftyseedInstagram: @heftyseedTikTok: @heftyseedX: @heftyseedYouTube: @heftyseedTo learn more about Hefty Seed Company, visit www.heftyseed.com
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  From a Family Farm to Northern Research Lead: Seth Hanson’s Story - Episode 10 22.01.2026 19мин

  This episode of the Agronomy Answers podcast features Seth Hansen from the Hefty Seed research team as he talks about what long-term agronomy research really looks like. Seth explains why improvements in soil drainage, soil sampling, and fertility take time, but often lead to the biggest payoffs in the field. He also shares what excites him most about upcoming research, including new soybean traits and plot work that will help guide future decisions. The conversation wraps up with Seth’s advice for young people entering agriculture and why there has never been a better time to get involved.New episodes out weekly!Follow us on social media:Facebook: @heftyseedInstagram: @heftyseedTikTok: @heftyseedX: @heftyseedYouTube: @heftyseedTo learn more about Hefty Seed Company, visit www.heftyseed.com
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  Blind Ranking: Tough To Control Weeds - Episode 9 15.01.2026 5мин

  In this episode of the Agronomy Answers podcast, Zach introduces a new segment called Blind Rankings and puts Brian Hefty to the test. The challenge is simple but not easy. Brian has to rank tough to control weeds without knowing what is coming next.They work through five common problem weeds and discuss why some rise to the top based on resistance, seed production, geography, and real-world control challenges. Brian explains how weed pressure varies by region, why certain weeds are more damaging long term, and which ones farmers can realistically manage with today’s tools.New episodes out weekly!Follow us on social media:Facebook: @heftyseedInstagram: @heftyseedTikTok: @heftyseedX: @heftyseedYouTube: @heftyseedTo learn more about Hefty Seed Company, visit www.heftyseed.com
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  What Is the Herbicide Tax? - Episode 8 08.01.2026 12мин

  In this episode of the Agronomy Answers podcast, Zach is joined by Matt Thompson, Hefty Naturals brand manager, to explain what the herbicide tax is and why every foliar herbicide application comes with an energy cost to the crop.They break down what happens inside the plant after applications of products like glyphosate and dicamba, why early season timing matters, and how herbicide stress can quietly reduce yield potential. The conversation also covers real field data and how certain tools can help crops recover faster without sacrificing weed control.If you enjoy practical agronomy, research driven insights, and honest conversations about what actually impacts yield and profitability, this episode is for you.New episodes out weekly!Follow us on social media:Facebook: @heftyseedInstagram: @heftyseedTikTok: @heftyseedX: @heftyseedYouTube: @heftyseedTo learn more about Hefty Seed Company, visit www.heftyseed.com
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  Lessons From Dad: $100 an Hour Jobs - Episode 7 01.01.2026 11мин

  In this episode, Zach and his dad, Brian Hefty, launch a new segment called Lessons From Dad. The series is built around Brian’s book, Lessons From Dad, and the real-life principles he learned from his own father and later passed on to his family.They kick things off with the first lesson in the book, “$100 an Hour Jobs,” a mindset focused on time management, priorities, and understanding the true value of your work. Brian shares the story behind writing the book, how these lessons were formed on the farm, and why they extend far beyond money into family, faith, work ethic, and long-term decision making.This conversation explores how small daily choices compound over time, why success rarely happens overnight, and how being intentional with your time can shape both your career and your life. Whether you’re early in your career or simply looking for practical perspective, this episode offers lessons that apply well beyond agriculture.New episodes out weekly!Follow us on social media:Facebook: @heftyseedInstagram: @heftyseedTikTok: @heftyseedX: @heftyseedYouTube: @heftyseedTo learn more about Hefty Seed Company, visit www.heftyseed.com
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  What Are Hefty Naturals? - Episode 6 25.12.2025 14мин

  In this episode, Zach sits down with Hefty Naturals Brand Manager Matt Thompson to answer a simple but important question: what are Hefty Naturals?Matt breaks down the Hefty Naturals portfolio, how these products work, and how growers should think about using biologicals, biostimulants, and related technologies on their farms. They cover the five core categories within Hefty Naturals, why education and placement matter, and what separates proven products from the noise in a crowded marketplace.New episodes out weekly!Follow us on social media:Facebook: @heftyseedInstagram: @heftyseedTikTok: @heftyseedX: @heftyseedYouTube: @heftyseedTo learn more about Hefty Seed Company, visit www.heftyseed.com
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  Convince Me to Plant Corn Early - Episode 5 18.12.2025 13мин

  In this episode, we unveil a brand-new segment on the Agronomy Answers podcast called Convince Me. This is where Zach sits down with his dad, Brian Hefty, or other guests and challenges them to convince him of a topic they feel strongly about.The topic up for debate is whether corn should be planted as early as possible. Brian lays out the case for early planting, covering yield potential, genetics, cold soil performance, seed treatments, and the benefits of gaining time in the spring.Using real-world experience and research-backed insights, the conversation explores the risks and rewards of planting earlier and lets listeners decide if they’re convinced.If you enjoy thoughtful debate, practical farming decisions, and honest conversations about what actually drives yield and profitability, this episode is for you.New episodes out weekly!Follow us on social media:Facebook: @heftyseedInstagram: @heftyseedTikTok: @heftyseedX: @heftyseedYouTube: @heftyseedTo learn more about Hefty Seed Company, visit www.heftyseed.com
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  How Matt Thompson Found His Calling in Agriculture - Episode 4 11.12.2025 16мин

  In this episode, we dive into the story behind Hefty Naturals Brand Manager Matt Thompson. Matt grew up in a small Illinois farm town, started in grain trading, moved to Philadelphia for a corporate ag role, and eventually found his way to South Dakota and Hefty Seed.Matt shares how he got into agriculture, the twists and turns of his early career, what pulled him toward the Naturals side of the business, and the lessons he’s learned along the way. If you’re interested in agronomy, career paths in agriculture, or the people shaping Hefty Seed from the inside, this conversation is a great place to start.New episodes out weekly!Follow us on social media:Facebook: @heftyseedInstagram: @heftyseedTikTok: @heftyseedX: @heftyseedYouTube: @heftyseedTo learn more about Hefty Seed Company, visit www.heftyseed.com