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We’re back in the field with Nate Quam, BASF Technical Service Representative for Western Iowa and Eastern Nebraska, to talk all things crop protection. From slow-starting soybeans to early tar spot pressure in corn, this episode dives into the threats growers are seeing—and the tools and timing to manage them.

Key Takeaways:

• Start with strong seed selection: Disease-tolerant corn hybrids and soybean varieties are foundational to managing in-season threats.
• Fungicide ROI is strong: Even in low-pressure years, fungicide applications tend to break even if not deliver a yield boost.
• White mold and tar spot are here to stay: These persistent diseases require consistent, key management practices once you have it.
• Soybean gall midge and SCN need close attention: Gall midge showing to be a growing concern while SCN remains a focus for BASF; research and monitoring are critical.
• Mother Nature’s curveballs never stop: Stay adaptable, be diligent, understand what's going on in your fields and use what you learn to guide protection strategies in real time.

Disclaimer:

Liberty, Outlook , Zidua, Zidua PRO , Poncho Votivo Precise, Endura , Revytek, Fastac CS, ILEVO , Vault IP Plus , Relenya , Priaxor , Liberty ULTRA , are registered trademarks of BASF. Nemasphere, Zorina and Voraxor are trademarks of BASF. Enlist, Enlist One, Enlist Duo, and Enlist E3 are registered trademarks of Corteva Agriscience LLC. The transgenic event in Enlist E3 soybeans is jointly developed and owned by Corteva Agriscience LLC and M.S. Technologies, L.L.C.

Xitavo is a registered trademark of MS Technologies and exclusively distributed by BASF. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners and use of any such trademark does not imply any affiliation with or endorsement by its owner.

Always read and follow label directions. Before mixing components, always conduct a compatibility jar test. Always consult respective product labels for specific mixing instructions. The most restrictive label applies. Fastac CS is a restricted use pesticide. Nemasphere, Zorina, and Voraxor are not registered and not available for sale. This information is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended to promote the sale of this product. Any sale of this product after registration is obtained shall be based solely on the EPA approved product label, and any claims regarding product safety and efficacy shall be addressed solely by the label. The views expressed by BASF employees and Guest are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of BASF. Grow Smart is a registered trademark of BASF. Copyright 2025 BASF Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

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After a short break, we're back in the field—and back on the mic—for our first monthly update of the season. In this episode, hosts Bill Backus and Jeff Mueller reflect on what they’ve seen across the region throughout May and share insights to help growers stay ahead as June kicks off. From early stand evaluations to fast-growing soybeans and prepping for post-emerge applications, this is your boots-on-the-ground briefing for the month ahead.

Key Takeaways:

• Now is the time to get out and do stand counts—know what emerged vs. what you planted.
• Evaluate planter performance to spot issues with row cleaners, closing wheels, or residue.
• Assess how your weed control program is working—especially if a retailer is spraying for you. Timeliness is key!
• The best weeds to kill are the ones that aren't there.

Disclaimer:

Liberty, Outlook , Zidua, Zidua PRO , Poncho Votivo Precise, Endura , Revytek, Fastac CS, ILEVO , Vault IP Plus , Relenya , Priaxor , Liberty ULTRA , are registered trademarks of BASF. Nemasphere, Zorina and Voraxor are trademarks of BASF. Enlist, Enlist One, Enlist Duo, and Enlist E3 are registered trademarks of Corteva Agriscience LLC. The transgenic event in Enlist E3 soybeans is jointly developed and owned by Corteva Agriscience LLC and M.S. Technologies, L.L.C.

Xitavo is a registered trademark of MS Technologies and exclusively distributed by BASF. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners and use of any such trademark does not imply any affiliation with or endorsement by its owner.

Always read and follow label directions. Before mixing components, always conduct a compatibility jar test. Always consult respective product labels for specific mixing instructions. The most restrictive label applies. Fastac CS is a restricted use pesticide. Nemasphere, Zorina, and Voraxor are not registered and not available for sale. This information is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended to promote the sale of this product. Any sale of this product after registration is obtained shall be based solely on the EPA approved product label, and any claims regarding product safety and efficacy shall be addressed solely by the label. The views expressed by BASF employees and Guest are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of BASF. Grow Smart is a registered trademark of BASF. Copyright 2025 BASF Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

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Frogeye Leaf Spot (FLS) may sound harmless, but it can quietly take a serious toll on your soybean yields. In this episode, we welcome back Daren Mueller to dive into this increasingly common and often misdiagnosed disease. Learn why FLS is gaining ground in regions once thought safe, how resistance is developing, and the most effective strategies to identify, manage, and stay ahead of the threat.

Key Takeaways:

• Frogeye Leaf Spot can cause up to 30% yield loss if left unmanaged.
• Fungicide resistance is on the rise—relying on one mode of action may no longer be enough.
• Proactive scouting and accurate diagnosis are critical to prevent mismanagement.
• A layered approach—including variety selection, rotation, and multi-mode fungicides—offers the best line of defense.
• New tools and data are helping growers get ahead of resistance trends and protect plant health season after season.

Disclaimer:

Liberty, Outlook , Zidua, Zidua PRO , Poncho Votivo Precise, Endura , Revytek, Fastac CS, ILEVO , Vault IP Plus , Relenya , Priaxor , Liberty ULTRA , are registered trademarks of BASF. Nemasphere, Zorina and Voraxor are trademarks of BASF. Enlist, Enlist One, Enlist Duo, and Enlist E3 are registered trademarks of Corteva Agriscience LLC. The transgenic event in Enlist E3 soybeans is jointly developed and owned by Corteva Agriscience LLC and M.S. Technologies, L.L.C.

Xitavo is a registered trademark of MS Technologies and exclusively distributed by BASF. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners and use of any such trademark does not imply any affiliation with or endorsement by its owner.

Always read and follow label directions. Before mixing components, always conduct a compatibility jar test. Always consult respective product labels for specific mixing instructions. The most restrictive label applies. Fastac CS is a restricted use pesticide. Nemasphere, Zorina, and Voraxor are not registered and not available for sale. This information is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended to promote the sale of this product. Any sale of this product after registration is obtained shall be based solely on the EPA approved product label, and any claims regarding product safety and efficacy shall be addressed solely by the label. The views expressed by BASF employees and Guest are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of BASF. Grow Smart is a registered trademark of BASF. Copyright 2025 BASF Corporation. All Rights Reserved.