Outstanding in Your Field

From Frost to Fast Starts: Updates from Across the Eastern Corn Belt

In this episode of Outstanding in Your Field, Carl Joern, Brian Schrader, Crystal Williams, and Pioneer agronomists from across Illinois and Indiana share a boots-on-the-ground update on the 2026 growing season. From early planting windows and rapid heat unit accumulation to frost damage, variable emergence, herbicide injury, and weed management concerns, this regional roundtable covers the biggest agronomic trends shaping the season so far. Hear firsthand observations from northern Illinois to southern Indiana on stand establishment, replant decisions, nitrogen and sulfur considerations, and what growers should prioritize over the next 30 days. Despite a spring marked by weather extremes and uneven field conditions, one theme remains consistent: patience, adaptability, and confidence in the crop’s potential. Outstanding in Your Field is the podcast created for farmers and powered by Pioneer Agronomy—bringing you trusted insights and proven solutions to fuel forward-thinking farming. Hosted by agronomists Brian Schrader (eastern Indiana), Carl Joern (northwest Indiana/northeast Illinois), and Crystal Williams (northern Illinois), this show delivers timely, practical agronomic advice you can apply directly to your fields across the Eastern Corn Belt.

How Plant Diagnostics Are Changing the Way We Fight Crop Disease

What really happens after you send a plant sample to the lab, and how does it impact what happens back in the field? In this episode of Outstanding in Your Field, the team sits down with Corteva Plant Pathology Technology Lead Krystel Navarro to pull back the curtain on the diagnostic lab and the critical role it plays in modern agriculture. From identifying crop diseases with molecular precision to supporting product development and protecting yields, this conversation explores how science, speed, and field expertise come together to solve real-world challenges. Krystal shares her journey from hydroponic farming roots in Puerto Rico to leading a cutting-edge pathology lab. She explains how advanced diagnostics help distinguish between lookalike diseases, guide management decisions, and even shape the future of seed development. The discussion also dives into real-world examples—like tracking emerging corn diseases—and highlights how collaboration between labs, agronomists, and farmers leads to better outcomes across the industry. Outstanding in Your Field is the podcast created for farmers and powered by Pioneer Agronomy—bringing you trusted insights and proven solutions to fuel forward-thinking farming. Hosted by agronomists Brian Schrader (eastern Indiana), Carl Joern (northwest Indiana/northeast Illinois), and Crystal Williams (northern Illinois), this show delivers timely, practical agronomic advice you can apply directly to your fields across the Eastern Corn Belt.

Cold, Wet Soils? How Seed Treatments Buy You Time This Spring

Planting into less-than-ideal conditions is part of the game, but today’s seed treatments are changing how much risk farmers have to take. In this episode of Outstanding in Your Field, Brad Van Kooten talks about how modern seed treatments extend the “life” of seed in the soil, improve emergence, and protect against early-season stress. Listen for: * How seed treatments help seed survive longer before emergence * Why stand consistency starts below ground * What’s changed in seed protection over the last 20 years * How to avoid common plantability issues (like condensation + flowability) * Where seed treatment innovation is headed next Outstanding in Your Field is the podcast created for farmers and powered by Pioneer Agronomy—bringing you trusted insights and proven solutions to fuel forward-thinking farming. Hosted by agronomists Brian Schrader (eastern Indiana), Carl Joern (northwest Indiana/northeast Illinois), and Crystal Williams (northern Illinois), this show delivers timely, practical agronomic advice you can apply directly to your fields across the Eastern Corn Belt.

Seed Quality Science, Systems & Stories

In this episode of Outstanding in Your Field, the team sits down with Ryan White, Regional Production Director, to pull back the curtain on the full journey of seed from the field all the way to the bag. With nearly three decades in the industry, Ryan shares how seed production has evolved, the technologies that have truly changed the game (hello, rootworm traits and Pro Boxes), and why today’s quality standards are higher and more precise than ever. From multi-generational seed growers and mechanical detasseling to advanced traceability, optical sorting, and AI-driven insights, this conversation explores the intentional work happening behind the scenes to protect yield and performance before a seed ever hits the soil   Listen for: * How seed is handled differently than grain—and why it matters * The role of data, traceability, and “big data” in improving quality * What drought, dust, and real-world conditions teach production teams * Where seed technology is headed next (and why it’s just getting exciting) * A reminder from the field: safety and patience still matter most during planting   Outstanding in Your Field is the podcast created for farmers and powered by Pioneer Agronomy—bringing you trusted insights and proven solutions to fuel forward-thinking farming. Hosted by agronomists Brian Schrader (eastern Indiana), Carl Joern (northwest Indiana/northeast Illinois), and Crystal Williams (northern Illinois), this show delivers timely, practical agronomic advice you can apply directly to your fields across the Eastern Corn Belt.

Roots, Resilience, and the Next 100 Years

In this special anniversary episode of Outstanding in Your Field, the team celebrates 100 years of Pioneer reflecting on the people, progress, and purpose that shaped a century of agriculture. From early innovation in hybrid seed corn to today’s cutting-edge advancements, the conversation traces how far the industry has come and where it’s headed next. Bryan, Carl, and Crystal share personal stories, historical insights, and a deep appreciation for the farmers, families, and relationships that have carried the brand through decades of change — from the Great Depression to the biotech boom. Grounded in Pioneer’s “Long Look” philosophy, this episode explores what it means to build something that lasts—and how today’s decisions are shaping the next generation of agriculture.   Whether you’re in the cab this spring or just passionate about the future of farming, this episode is a reminder that every season is part of a much bigger story!   Outstanding in Your Field is the podcast created for farmers and powered by Pioneer Agronomy—bringing you trusted insights and proven solutions to fuel forward-thinking farming. Hosted by agronomists Brian Schrader (eastern Indiana), Carl Joern (northwest Indiana/northeast Illinois), and Crystal Williams (northern Illinois), this show delivers timely, practical agronomic advice you can apply directly to your fields across the Eastern Corn Belt.