Dr. Matthew Vann, associate dean and director of University of Illinois Extension, stopped by the Field Advisor Podcast booth at the Farm Progress Show to talk about the path that led him to Illinois. A native of rural Florida and graduate of NC State, Dr. Vann shares how his upbringing and academic journey shaped his career and what inspired his move to Illinois. Hear his perspective on leadership, outreach, and the opportunities ahead for Illinois Extension.

How can Illinois farmers more easily find clear, reliable information about conservation programs and practices? In this episode of the Field Advisor podcast, guests Jean Brokish and Kris Reynolds, CCA, discuss how the Illinois Sustainable Ag Partnership (ISAP) helps farmers connect to resources and peer-to-peer learning opportunities. The conversation also highlights the mission of American Farmland Trust and provides an update on Illinois’ Nutrient Loss Reduction Strategy.

John Pike joins this Field Advisor episode to share his recommendations for getting started with cover crops. He offers practical examples, discusses the early benefits farmers often see, and explains how to think about cover crops as part of the corn-soybean system.

In this episode, the IL Soy Envoys break down the current state of harvest across Illinois, sharing yield reports, regional trends, and how ongoing drought conditions are shaping results. They also provide updates on cover crop seeding (and no, not the “free kind” already growing in the field!) and discuss fall burndown along with the challenges of applying anhydrous ammonia in dry soils.

The conversation wraps up with reflections on the 2025 growing season and advice for farmers planning ahead to 2026—highlighting the importance of efficiency, adaptability, and smart management decisions.

Featured IL Soy Envoys in this episode include:

Mike Wilson, CCA, Specialty Products Marketing Manager, Wabash Valley Service Company

Haley Brokate, CCA, Key Account Manager, Sunrise FS

Byron Hendrix, CCA, Senior Sales Agronomist, Stepan Company

Torey Colburn, CCA, Midwest Conservation Agronomist, American Farmland Trust

Red crown rot is increasingly recognized as a serious issue in soybean production, but many questions remain. In this Field Advisor episode, Syngenta’s Dale Ireland, University of Illinois plant pathologist Boris Camiletti, and Illinois Soybean Association outreach agronomist Stephanie Porter discuss early detection, management strategies, environmental influences, varietal responses, and how soil movement contributes to the disease’s spread. The conversation underscores the need for continued research and collaboration to manage this challenging pest.

This podcast was recorded at the 2025 Farm Progress Show in Decatur, IL. Red crown rot photo courtesy of Darby Danzl, Illinois Soybean Association

In this episode of the Field Advisor podcast, released in recognition of National Nematode Day, host Kelsey Litchfield sits down with three experts to tackle one of the biggest threats to soybean yields: soybean cyst nematode (SCN). Joining the conversation are Dr. Horacio Lopez-Nicora, assistant professor of soybean pathology and nematology at The Ohio State University; Dr. Dylan Mangel, extension/research plant pathologist at the University of Nebraska; and Illinois Soybean Association Outreach Agronomist Stephanie Porter, CCA.

Together, they break down why SCN remains the “silent yield robber,” how to test and manage it, and the role of crop rotation, resistant varieties, and seed treatments. They also share updates from the SCN Coalition and practical research aimed at helping farmers stay ahead of this pest.

The message is clear: farmers should get their fields tested (Illinois Soybean checkoff offers a free program – click here to learn more) and then use the SCN Profit Check tool at www.thescncoalition.com to see how much SCN could be costing them.

Eliot Clay, executive director of the Association of Illinois Soil and Water Conservation Districts, and Andrew Larson, director of government relations and strategy at the Illinois Soybean Association, join the Field Advisor podcast to talk about the critical role of Soil and Water Conservation Districts (SWCDs) in Illinois. Together, they explore the history and importance of local conservation efforts, the ongoing challenges of securing state funding, and the need for stronger education and advocacy with legislators. Hosted by Kelsey Litchfield, this conversation emphasizes how building connections with policymakers helps ensure conservation remains a priority in state funding and policy.

IL Soy Envoys Matt Montgomery, CCA, of Beck’s Hybrids, Seth Wiley of Babson Farms, and Byron Hendrix, CCA, of Agronomy 1st LLC join the podcast to share harvest updates from across Illinois. They dig into the biggest headlines from the field—including how 2025 shaped up as a strong fungicide response year, with some corn fields showing 20–30 bushel yield advantages where foliar fungicides were applied. The group also discusses southern rust in corn, red crown rot in soybeans, the surprising lack of four-bean pods this season, the impact of recent drought conditions, and more.