Agronomy Answers Podcast

What Goes Into Researching New Products - Episode 22

In this episode of the Agronomy Answers podcast, host Zach Hefty is joined by Matt Thompson to discuss how agronomy research is conducted and why large scale data matters for making better decisions. They explain how combining independent trials, internal testing, and real on farm strip trials helps validate results across different environments. They also highlight how collecting more data reduces variability and leads to more reliable recommendations that can improve yield outcomes. New episodes out weekly! Follow us on social media: Facebook: @heftyseed Instagram: @heftyseed TikTok: @heftyseed X: @heftyseed YouTube: @heftyseed To learn more about Hefty Seed Company, visit www.heftyseed.com

Building an Agronomy Career From the Ground Up: John Wiese’s Story - Episode 21

In this episode of the Agronomy Answers podcast, host Zach Hefty is joined by John Wiese, a research agronomist covering Minnesota and Iowa for Hefty Seed Company. They discuss John's unconventional path into agronomy — from diesel mechanics to the warehouse floor to the research team — and how years of hands-on experience shaped his expertise in seed and soil fertility. They also dig into evolving challenges like increasing disease pressure from tar spot and southern rust, the growing importance of seed treatments for early-planted soybeans, and how to evaluate new products that often combine older active ingredients in new formulations. John wraps up with advice for anyone entering agriculture: find your niche and dig into it hard. New episodes out weekly! Follow us on social media: Facebook: @heftyseed Instagram: @heftyseed TikTok: @heftyseed X: @heftyseed YouTube: @heftyseed To learn more about Hefty Seed Company, visit www.heftyseed.com

Lessons From Dad: If You’re Working, You Don’t Have Time To Spend Your Money - Episode 20

In this episode of the Agronomy Answers podcast, host Zach Hefty is joined by his dad Brian Hefty for another "Lessons from Dad" segment. They break down the idea that working more hours is a double win — you earn more while naturally spending less. Brian shares how he balanced long work hours with family priorities by making intentional trade-offs, cutting hobbies and social time rather than family time. They also discuss the importance of doing things in moderation, planning your time intentionally, and why staying busy tends to lead to greater contentment and financial success.New episodes out weekly!Follow us on social media:Facebook: @heftyseedInstagram: @heftyseedTikTok: @heftyseedX: @heftyseedYouTube: @heftyseedTo learn more about Hefty Seed Company, visit www.heftyseed.com

The Origin of Hefty Brand Corn and Soybeans - Episode 19

This episode of the Agronomy Answers podcast features Darren Hefty discussing how the Hefty brand of corn and soybeans got its start and the farming practices that shaped the business. The conversation traces the early days of raising seed crops and how careful field management, seed purity, and proper seed cleaning helped growers achieve better stands and more consistent results. They also explain how conditioning seed and removing damaged or contaminated seed can improve establishment and overall crop performance in the field. New episodes out weekly! Follow us on social media: Facebook: @heftyseed Instagram: @heftyseed TikTok: @heftyseed X: @heftyseed YouTube: @heftyseed To learn more about Hefty Seed Company, visit www.heftyseed.com

When Not to Use Plant Growth Hormones - Episode 18

In this episode of the Agronomy Answers podcast, the discussion focuses on plant growth regulators and how they influence where a plant directs its energy during the growing season. The hosts explain how using the wrong product or applying it at the wrong time can confuse the plant and reduce yield potential. They also discuss situations in which these products may increase silage yield by increasing leaf mass rather than improving grain yield. New episodes out weekly! Follow us on social media: Facebook: @heftyseed Instagram: @heftyseed TikTok: @heftyseed X: @heftyseed YouTube: @heftyseed To learn more about Hefty Seed Company, visit www.heftyseed.com