Kick'N Dirt with Mike and The Kevins

Hosted by Pioneer Seeds

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Episodes

100

Latest episode

Jun 2026

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EN-US

About the show

Podcast about Agriculture in the U.S. This show hosts industry professionals to talk about corn and soybean production, including growers, agronomists and researchers.

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60 recent

June 29, 202632 min

The Data Behind Better Fungicide ROI

With tighter margins and increasing disease pressure, every management decision matters. When is the best time to spray fungicide? In this episode of Kick'N Dirt, the team sits down with Corteva research scientist Layton Peddicord to discuss how fungicide timing models are helping growers make more informed, profitable decisions in corn production. Learn how Pioneer and Corteva are using agronomic data, disease tracking, weather patterns, and field-level management information to predict disease risk and optimize fungicide applications. In this episode, you'll hear about: 🌽 How fungicide timing models work 🌽 Managing tar spot, gray leaf spot, northern corn leaf blight, and southern rust 🌽 Disease tracker tools available through Granular Insights 🌽 The role of weather, hybrid susceptibility, irrigation, and field history 🌽 Six years of ROI trial results and performance data 🌽 How growers can improve fungicide application timing and return on investment 🌽 Future disease modeling tools for soybeans, including white mold Find more information about Granular Insights: https://www.corteva.com/us/products-and-solutions/digital-solutions/granular-insights.html Kick'N Dirt is a podcast about Agriculture in the U.S. This show hosts industry professionals to talk about corn and soybean production, including growers, agronomists and researchers. Kick'N Dirt is hosted by Pioneer Agronomists Mike Wardyn, Kevin Keller, and Kevin Kowalaski, who are based in Nebraska. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

June 23, 202635 min

Why You Should Expect Hotter and Wetter Weather in July and August

Is the much-hyped "Super El Niño" really going to shape the 2026 growing season? In this episode, Nebraska Pioneer agronomists sit down with meteorologist Don Day to discuss the weather patterns that could impact crops across the Corn Belt and beyond. Day forecasts a hotter, wetter-than-normal late summer, followed by a cooler October than farmers have experienced in recent years. He also explains why forecasting is especially challenging this year as a strong El Niño collides with unusual Arctic conditions and lingering atmospheric impacts from the 2022 Hunga Tonga volcanic eruption. "It's not making headlines, but the Arctic is having its coldest spring since 1958," Day says. The conversation explores what a developing El Niño could mean for crop production, disease pressure, rainfall patterns, hurricane activity, and the potential for an early fall cold snap. Tune in for a deeper look at the weather signals farmers should be watching as the season unfolds. LISTEN FOR: ✅ Why Don Day believes El Niño impacts are being overstated—for now ✅ Tar spot, southern rust, and disease pressure outlooks ✅ Why cool Canadian air continues to dominate the Corn Belt ✅ Drought concerns in western Nebraska, Wyoming, and Colorado ✅ What farmers should expect during July and August - hotter and wetter weather than normal ✅ The possibility of an earlier-than-normal fall frost ✅ How weather extremes could impact crop development and harvest timing 🌽 Have questions about weather, crop conditions, or disease pressure in your area? Leave a comment below, and follow DayWeather Podcast here: https://dayweatherpodcast.com/ 👍 Like this podcast if you found it helpful! 🔔 Subscribe for more agronomy insights, weather outlooks, and crop management discussions throughout the season. Kick'N Dirt is a podcast about Agriculture in the U.S. This show hosts industry professionals to talk about corn and soybean production, including growers, agronomists and researchers. Kick'N Dirt is hosted by Pioneer Agronomists Mike Wardyn, Kevin Keller, and Kevin Kowalaski, who are based in Nebraska. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

June 17, 202622 min

A Tale of Two Crops: Nebraska Drought and Eastern Corn Belt Flooding

From drought-stressed dryland acres in Nebraska to flooded fields in Indiana and Illinois, this conversation covers the challenges, opportunities, and management decisions shaping this year's crop. Listen for discussion on: 🌽 Corn emergence and stand establishment under difficult planting conditions ☀️ Drought, irrigation management, and water availability in Nebraska 🌧️ Excessive rainfall and flooding challenges in the Eastern Corn Belt 🦠 Early-season disease concerns including Tar Spot, Goss's Wilt, and Bacterial Leaf Streak 🐛 Western bean cutworm monitoring and insect pressure updates 📈 Hybrid performance, stress tolerance, and yield potential heading into summer If you enjoyed this crossover episode of Outstanding in Your Field and Kick'n Dirt , be sure to subscribe, follow, and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts. Share this episode with a fellow farmer, agronomist, or crop consultant, and stay connected for more timely agronomy insights, crop updates, and management discussions from across the Corn Belt. Have a question you'd like us to cover on a future episode? Reach out to content@pioneeragronomy.com ! Kick'N Dirt is a podcast about Agriculture in the U.S. This show hosts industry professionals to talk about corn and soybean production, including growers, agronomists and researchers. Kick'N Dirt is hosted by Pioneer Agronomists Mike Wardyn, Kevin Keller, and Kevin Kowalaski, who are based in Nebraska. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

June 2, 202647 min

Post-Emergence Herbicide, Crop Safety & Weed Control Strategies for 2026

As post-emergence herbicide season ramps up across Nebraska, Mike and the Kevins sit down with Corteva Crop Protection Territory Manager Trevor Spath and Territory Manager Valerie Bohuslavsky to discuss the critical decisions facing growers right now. The team covers ideal corn growth stages for post applications, balancing weed control with crop safety, overlapping residuals, managing Palmer amaranth and waterhemp, and the advantages of newer tools like Enlist® corn and soybeans. The team also shares practical tips for tank mixing, volunteer corn control, navigating changing weather conditions, and maximizing herbicide performance in both corn and soybean systems. Kick'N Dirt is a podcast about Agriculture in the U.S. This show hosts industry professionals to talk about corn and soybean production, including growers, agronomists and researchers. Kick'N Dirt is hosted by Pioneer Agronomists Mike Wardyn, Kevin Keller, and Kevin Kowalaski, who are based in Nebraska. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

March 31, 202650 min

Spend $7 to Protect $100: Why Moisture Wins This Spring

What if your best input for ROI this season is as simple as turning on the pivot? One of the driest starts in decades has growers facing tough calls before the planter even rolls. In this episode, the Kick'N Dirt team breaks down how to manage through it. From better emergence and stronger herbicide performance to more uniform stands, they explore how a small investment in moisture could deliver big returns. The conversation covers real numbers, real scenarios, and real decisions growers are making right now to protect yield potential. Listen for practical strategies for both irrigated and dryland acres, and for the key lessons from 2025 that matter most this spring. Kick'N Dirt is a podcast about Agriculture in the U.S. This show hosts industry professionals to talk about corn and soybean production, including growers, agronomists and researchers. Kick'N Dirt is hosted by Pioneer Agronomists Mike Wardyn, Kevin Keller, and Kevin Kowalaski, who are based in Nebraska. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

March 10, 20261 hr 6 min

Ag’s Next Big Battles Will Be Water, Trade, and Farm Consolidation

In this episode of Kick'N Dirt , the hosts welcome agricultural economist, speaker, and podcast host Damian Mason of the The Business of Agriculture Show to unpack the big forces shaping the future of farming. From fertilizer prices and energy volatility to the role of government programs and the future of global trade, Damian offers an unfiltered perspective on the economic realities facing modern agriculture. Drawing from his background in ag economics and decades of observing the industry, he challenges some of the assumptions farmers often hear—about volatility, exports, and the “feed the world” narrative. The conversation digs into long-term issues that could reshape production agriculture, including water scarcity, consolidation of farms, shifting population trends, and changing global markets. Whether you agree with his take or not, Damian brings a thought-provoking viewpoint that encourages growers to look at agriculture through the lens of economics, policy, and global competition. What to Listen For in This Episode: “Volatility” in agriculture isn’t new - Damian explains that market volatility is constant in ag and that markets actually require movement to create opportunity. The role of fuel and energy prices in farm profitability - Energy costs could be one of the biggest wildcards for producers in the near term, influencing fertilizer, fuel, and overall input costs. Crop insurance and government programs as risk tools - Agriculture is one of the few industries where producers can insure revenue with taxpayer-supported programs—something Damian argues fundamentally changes risk compared to other businesses. Water could become agriculture’s biggest regulatory battle - Water access, especially irrigation tied to aquifers like the Ogallala, may become a major policy fight as cities, tech companies, and agriculture compete for limited resources. The future structure of farming in the U.S. is in question - Damian predicts continued consolidation, with a smaller number of large commercial farms producing most commodities while niche and specialty farms fill other market segments. There's am uncertain future of export-driven growth - He argues agriculture shouldn’t rely on massive export growth, especially from China, as global production capacity and geopolitical strategies shift. Population trends could reshape food demand - Falling fertility rates in many developed countries could slow long-term demand growth, challenging the traditional “feed a growing world” narrative. Kick'N Dirt is a podcast about Agriculture in the U.S. This show hosts industry professionals to talk about corn and soybean production, including growers, agronomists and researchers. Kick'N Dirt is hosted by Pioneer Agronomists Mike Wardyn, Kevin Keller, and Kevin Kowalaski, who are based in Nebraska. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

January 26, 202651 min

Climate Signals for the 2026 Growing Season with Meteorologist Don Day

Pioneer agronomists sit down with meteorologist Don Day of DayWeather Inc., to break down the 2026 crop weather outlook, from winter snowpack and irrigation concerns to spring planting conditions, summer heat, and fall finish. The conversation unpacks La Niña, El Niño, and neutral patterns in plain language, explores why recent seasons have felt anything but “normal,” and examines the lingering global impacts of the Hunga Tonga volcanic eruption on long-range forecasting. Don also explains how soil moisture, humidity, and nighttime temperatures influence crop development, disease pressure, and yield potential—plus what recent weather volatility could mean for precipitation timing this spring and summer. Kick'N Dirt is a podcast about Agriculture in the U.S. This show hosts industry professionals to talk about corn and soybean production, including growers, agronomists and researchers. Kick'N Dirt is hosted by Pioneer Agronomists Mike Wardyn, Kevin Keller, and Kevin Kowalaski, who are based in Nebraska. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

January 14, 20261 hr 0 min

Should 2025 Change the Way We Plan for 2026?

Listen for: The 2025 Weather Whiplash One of the driest planting seasons on record, followed by heavy rains, humidity, and flooding. Disease Pressure Across Nebraska Southern rust outbreaks and why 2025 was so severe Tar spot expansion, especially in eastern Nebraska Ear rots driven by late-season humidity and fog Why southern rust is more aggressive than tar spot Fungicide Strategy R1 vs. R3 timing: what worked best When a second fungicide pass makes sense Why waiting too long costs yield Hybrid tolerance vs. chemical protection Nitrogen & Fertility Decisions Early-season drought causing growers to pull back How lost N and sulfur hurt disease resistance Why “defense mode” can leave yield on the table Kernel Weight & Late-Season Stress Why great ear counts didn’t turn into great yields The importance of sunlight during grain fill “Third and fourth quarter” of corn development Herbicide Injury & Crop Stress Dicamba, growth regulators, and rapid weather swings Twisting, stunting, and plant metabolism overload Why pre-emerge weed control matters more than ever Soybean Diseases in 2025 Why white mold didn’t explode despite perfect conditions Sudden death syndrome showing up Low levels of bacterial and foliar disease Hybrid Selection & Placement Disease-tolerant vs. susceptible genetics Why seed choice is critical as diseases intensify Application Methods Aerial, ground rig, drones, and pivot chemigation Why uniform coverage matters more than the tool Planning for 2026 Don’t farm “average” — every year is different Why flexibility beats rigid plans How to prepare if southern rust shows up again Kick'N Dirt is a podcast about Agriculture in the U.S. This show hosts industry professionals to talk about corn and soybean production, including growers, agronomists and researchers. Kick'N Dirt is hosted by Pioneer Agronomists Mike Wardyn, Kevin Keller, and Kevin Kowalaski, who are based in Nebraska. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

October 28, 202548 min

Scouting Ear Molds and Managing Mycotoxins in Nebraska Corn

In this episode, Pioneer field agronomists discuss harvest conditions, ear mold trends and what growers should be watching for in both grain and silage. Forage veterinarian Dr. Adam Kroll joins the conversation to unpack how different ear molds develop, when they become toxic, and what that means for feed quality, animal health, and storage management. From field scouting tips to safe feed strategies, this episode dives deep into what growers can do right now to manage mold risks and protect their herds. Listen for discussion about: 🌽 Ear mold identification and scouting tips 🐄 Mycotoxins and livestock health 🔥 Grain drying, temperature, and storage management 🥶 Why silage fermentation helps stop mold growth 🧪 Testing and feed management best practices Kick'N Dirt is a podcast about Agriculture in the U.S. This show hosts industry professionals to talk about corn and soybean production, including growers, agronomists and researchers. Kick'N Dirt is hosted by Pioneer Agronomists Mike Wardyn, Kevin Keller, and Kevin Kowalaski, who are based in Nebraska. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

August 25, 202544 min

Fourth Quarter Crops

From western fields facing water shutoffs and hail streaks, to central regions battling spider mites and southern rust, to the eastern counties seeing record-setting dryland yields, the group digs into the realities of this “fourth quarter” of the season. Listen for: 🌽 Kernel counts, tip back, and the push to maximize kernel weight 🌱 Soybean pod fill, sudden death syndrome pressure, and weed control successes 🍃 Fungicide timing, disease outbreaks (southern rust, tar spot, white mold), and ROI considerations 💧 Why finishing strong with irrigation and late-season management can mean 20% of your yield Tune in for insights from across the state, practical management takeaways, and reminders that finishing the season right can make all the difference at harvest. Kick'N Dirt is a podcast about Agriculture in the U.S. This show hosts industry professionals to talk about corn and soybean production, including growers, agronomists and researchers. Kick'N Dirt is hosted by Pioneer Agronomists Mike Wardyn, Kevin Keller, and Kevin Kowalaski, who are based in Nebraska. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.