The Acre Advantage

Hosted by Landus Cooperative

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Sep 2026

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Join experts from Landus Cooperative as well as other special guests as we dive into the latest factors impacting farming operations in grain, agronomy, and more.

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60 recent

September 15, 202626 min

What Stalk Health Is Telling You Before Harvest

Stalk integrity could become one of the biggest challenges of this harvest. In this episode of The Acre Advantage , Dan Bjorklund is joined by Landus agronomist Jaci Winkelpleck and grower Mick Johnston to talk about what they’re seeing across Iowa as crown rot, stalk rot, anthracnose and bacterial leaf streak begin showing up in corn fields. They break down how cool, wet planting conditions earlier this spring are showing up now, what growers should be looking for before harvest, and how early-season plant health can impact standability and yield later in the year. The conversation covers: Why stalk and crown issues are showing up field by field What SkyScout imagery is revealing that can be difficult to see from the road Managing crop stress from emergence through VT The role of starter fertilizer, micronutrients, fungicides and products like Halcyon Why cost per unit of production can matter more than cost per acre How in-season management decisions compound over the course of a growing season How to perform a simple push test before harvest Why compromised fields may need to come out earlier rather than waiting for ideal grain moisture Dan also references a recent agronomy video showing drone footage and SkyScout imagery from fields where scattered areas of premature plant death are becoming visible. Watch the agronomy video Dan references: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sRyTl90gJLI Dan, Jaci and Mick also discuss how whole-field scouting technology can help growers identify problem areas, evaluate management decisions and use this year’s information to make better decisions for the next crop.

July 28, 202632 min

Disease Pressure Is Building. Are Your Fields Ready?

Disease pressure is building across Iowa, but it's not the same story everywhere. In this episode of Acre Advantage , Dan Bjorklund is joined by Jaci Winkelpleck and Kade Schmidt to break down what they're seeing in fields across the state. From bacterial leaf streak and gray leaf spot to southern rust, tar spot, and the emerging Curvularia leaf spot, the team discusses what is developing, where it's showing up, and what growers should be watching over the coming weeks. The conversation also explores how SkyScout is helping agronomists identify high-risk areas faster, along with new POMA technology that may detect tar spot infections before visible lesions appear. The team shares yield data from fungicide trials, discusses when a second fungicide application may be warranted, and reviews how nutritional products performed under high-stress conditions last season. In this episode: Current disease pressure across Iowa corn and soybeans Southern rust, tar spot, bacterial leaf streak, and Curvularia updates How SkyScout is prioritizing scouting locations Early disease detection with POMA technology Fungicide timing and ROI from 2025 field trials Nutrient and biostimulant performance under weather stress What growers should monitor over the next several weeks If you have questions about disease pressure in your fields or want to learn more about SkyScout, contact your local Landus agronomist. #SkyScout #Corn #Soybeans #Agronomy #Fungicide #TarSpot #SouthernRust #CropScouting #Landus #AcreAdvantage

June 27, 202627 min

Spring Set the Stage. July Will Tell the Story.

As Iowa crops enter one of the most critical months of the growing season, what should growers be watching? In this episode of the Acre Advantage Podcast, Landus Technical Agronomist Dan Bjorklund is joined by longtime agronomist Dave Lunke to discuss how spring planting conditions are still influencing fields today—and what July weather could mean for the rest of the season. They cover the lasting effects of cool soils and uneven emergence, why root development matters more than what's visible above the canopy, and what Landus agronomists are finding through field visits and SkyScout® imagery. The conversation also explores sulfur deficiencies, early disease observations including tar spot, anthracnose, and gray leaf spot, emerging insect pressure, and how weather during the next several weeks could shape yield potential. Whether you're evaluating fungicide timing, monitoring disease pressure, or simply wondering what to expect as crops approach tasseling, this episode offers practical, field-tested insights to help you make informed decisions throughout July. In this episode: How spring planting conditions continue to impact crop performance Why July weather often determines the rest of the growing season Early observations of disease pressure across Iowa Nutrient deficiencies and what they're telling us What to watch as corn approaches tasseling and pollination How SkyScout® is helping identify issues before they become widespread

June 18, 202625 min

What the Data Is Telling Us About Disease Pressure

Tar spot has already been confirmed in multiple states, including Iowa, earlier than many agronomists expected. In this episode, Dan Bjorklund sits down with Kade Schmidt of Intelinair, the technology company behind SkyScout, to discuss what they're seeing across the Corn Belt and what it could mean for the rest of the growing season. The conversation covers early disease detection, how thermal imagery and field analytics are helping identify issues before they're visible from the road, and why current weather conditions have both agronomists and farmers paying close attention. Dan and Kade also discuss fungicide timing, nutrient loss concerns following heavy rainfall, and the value of targeted scouting throughout the season. Topics include: Early tar spot detections across Iowa and the Midwest How SkyScout identifies disease pressure and crop stress Fungicide timing and ROI considerations Nitrogen and sulfur loss after excessive rainfall Thermal imagery, NDVI, and scouting strategies What growers should be watching for over the next several weeks Learn more about SkyScout and how data-driven scouting can help protect yield potential throughout the growing season. #LandusCooperative #SkyScout #TarSpot #CornDisease #Agronomy #CropScouting #PrecisionAg #IowaAgriculture #CornFarming #AgTechnology #AcreAdvantagePodcast

June 1, 202626 min

Staying Ahead of Waterhemp and Ragweed

In this episode of Acre Advantage, Technical Agronomist Dan Bjorklund is joined by Landus Sales Agronomist Jeff Aronson, a longtime weed management expert serving northern Iowa and southern Minnesota. Together, they discuss strategies for controlling tough weeds like waterhemp and giant ragweed, the importance of strong pre- and post-emergence herbicide programs, and how growers can stay ahead of weed resistance while protecting yield potential throughout the growing season.

May 21, 202626 min

The Next Move: Farmers, Fear & Fast Markets

In this episode of The Acre Advantage Podcast, Landus Cooperative’s Michael Weidner sits down with grain merchandiser Scott Stoller to break down what’s happening across the grain markets as planting season wraps up across the Corn Belt. From weather and crop progress to volatility driven by global trade news, the conversation dives into the challenges and opportunities growers are facing right now. Michael and Scott discuss the emotional swings in the marketplace, why old crop grain movement matters more than ever, and how growers can approach new crop marketing decisions in an uncertain environment. They also cover basis trends across the Western and Eastern Corn Belt, shifting farmer behavior, risk management strategies, and the importance of having a disciplined marketing plan in place before the market moves. Whether you’re focused on corn, soybeans, or wheat, this episode offers practical perspective on managing risk, protecting profitability, and positioning your operation for the months ahead.

April 30, 202634 min

Why Early Season Stress Doesn’t Stay in the Spring

In this episode of The Acre Advantage , Dan Bjorklund and Dave Lemke break down how early-season stress—cold soils, uneven emergence, and disease pressure—can quietly impact your crop all season long. From crown rot risk in corn to slow soybean emergence, this conversation focuses on what’s happening right now in the field—and what growers should be watching next. 🌱 What You’ll Learn Why early stress compounds throughout the season How cold, wet soils increase risk for crown rot and root diseases What to check at V5—including how to evaluate the crown How uneven emergence impacts yield potential Why genetics and field conditions matter more in variable years When a V5 fungicide application may be worth considering How tools like SkyScout help you scout smarter and respond faster ⚠️ Key Takeaways Early decisions set the tone for the entire season Stress now doesn’t disappear—it compounds Scouting is critical between emergence and V5 Protecting plant health early protects yield later Never let the plant have a bad day 🎧 Bottom Line This isn’t about reacting later—it’s about paying attention now. The growers who protect yield aren’t guessing. They’re watching the field, reading the conditions, and making the right call at the right time. 🎧 Listen to The Acre Advantage wherever you get your podcasts ▶️ More episodes: https://theacreadvantage.riverside.com/

April 17, 202628 min

Too Wet to Plant? What This Spring Means for Your Crop

Too wet to plant? This episode breaks down what persistent rain and cool soils mean for planting decisions, early-season disease risk, and crop stress in corn and soybeans—and how to stay ahead when conditions aren’t ideal. Key Takeaways: Wet, cool soils increase risk. Expect higher disease pressure, compaction issues, and uneven emergence. Conditions matter more than the calendar. Waiting for fit fields can protect yield more than planting early. Scouting early changes outcomes. Identifying issues before they spread allows for timely, more effective decisions. Think ahead, not just today. Early-season conditions set up in-season stress, disease, and nutrient needs. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction & spring outlook 05:31 Corn planting & disease concerns 12:02 Soybean disease & variety decisions 17:39 Scouting & field monitoring 25:25 Stress mitigation & nutrition 30:49 Soybean disease management Bottom Line: This spring is testing patience. The right decisions now will show up at harvest.

May 9, 2023Episode 2835 min

Your Risk Management Toolbox - Grain Episode

Join GROW Podcast host, Ashley Kaldenberg, Landus grain merchandiser, and her guest Scott Stoller, grain merchandiser from Stoller Grain Solutions , as they cover using market fluctuations, grain marketing for the future, and how crop insurance can help you manage risk in your operation. Ashley and Scott tackle the questions surrounding the risk taken with selling grain. Follow us on our social media channels: https://linktr.ee/landusag

December 9, 2022Episode 1838 min

SPECIAL EDITION: A Year in Review and Future Look with Matt Carstens

On this special episode of the Landus GROW Podcast, hosts John King and Ashley Kaldenberg welcome special guest, Landus President and CEO, Matt Carstens. If you missed the Landus annual meeting, this is a perfect opportunity to hear the highlights with additional candor and commentary direct from Matt. This brief session includes a recap of the board of directors election results and perspective on the importance of the election process. John and Ashley then jump right into the past fiscal year’s success and opportunities. Matt shares in depth the key areas of success and what he felt drove last year’s numbers. From top-line growth to strategic spending to improved supply position, all areas of Landus contributed to the overall company’s success and therefore the $8 million total payout to farmer-owners. Take a listen for the key drivers for achieving these results. Full of authentic perspective and fun moments, we hear Matt’s most memorable moment from 2022 and how it takes him back to his childhood recollections of the cooperative system he now leads. As is the Landus Way, the podcast shifts quickly to looking to the future and how we continue to build on success. Matt offers insights into the areas of focus for the upcoming year and what Landus will be concentrating on to most positively impact our farmer-owners for the future! If you’d like to view the full virtual meeting and access additional annual resources, visit the Landus website here . If you have questions, please reach out to the GROW Solutions Center at (515) 800-GROW (4769).

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