AI Is Transforming Corn Breeding: Inside the Future of Pioneer Genetics

AI Is Transforming Corn Breeding: Inside the Future of Pioneer Genetics

Hosts Bryan Schrader and Carl Joern sit down with Dr. Lance Merrick and ask everything you ever wanted to know about corn breeding.  From predictive modeling and genomic selection to artificial intelligence and machine learning, Lance explains how today's breeding programs are accelerating genetic gain while helping researchers identify stronger, healthier, and higher-yielding hybrids years before they're ever planted in a field. The conversation also explores how AI is changing the way breeders tackle emerging challenges like tar spot, why Pioneer continues to invest heavily in research and development, and what these technological advances mean for the future of corn production. Listen for: * How a corn hybrid goes from concept to a Pioneer seed bag * The role of genomic selection and predictive modeling in modern breeding * How AI and machine learning are helping breeders make faster, smarter decisions * Why tar spot remains a major focus for future genetic improvements * What the next decade of corn breeding could look like Like and subscribe for more from the Outstanding in Your Field team! 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.

Flooded Fields? What Growers Need to Know About Nitrogen, Disease & Heat Stress

In this episode of Outstanding in Your Field, Pioneer agronomists Crystal Williams and Carl Joern break down the agronomic challenges many growers are facing as the 2026 growing season reaches its midpoint. As warmer, more humid conditions settle across the Corn Belt, Crystal and Carl discuss increasing disease pressure, including tar spot, white mold, crown rot, Phytophthora, and other moisture-related diseases. They also share how Pioneer’s new fungicide timing tool helps growers optimize application timing based on weather, crop development, and disease risk. The discussion covers how saturated soils impact corn and soybean growth, nitrogen availability, sulfur deficiencies, and when rescue fertilizer applications may make economic sense. They also explain why crop stage matters when evaluating flood damage and how planting date has influenced crop resilience this season. Listen for tips on: * Managing nitrogen and sulfur after heavy rainfall * Recognizing flood stress in corn and soybeans * Tar spot identification and scouting tips * White mold management strategies * The importance of nighttime temperatures during heat waves * Corn rootworm scouting recommendations * Field-by-field decision making during a challenging season Subscribe for more Pioneer Agronomy videos and practical, in-season crop management advice from the field! 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.

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

In this special crossover episode, Outstanding in Your Field host Carl Joern welcomes Kick'n Dirt co-host and Nebraska Product Agronomist Mike Wardyn for a boots-on-the-ground discussion about what farmers are seeing across corn country. 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 [content@pioneeragronomy.com]! 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.

Early 2026 Agronomy Update: Herbicide Timing, Purple Corn & Dry June Concerns

What are agronomists seeing across the Corn Belt as June begins? In this episode of Outstanding in Your Field, hosts Bryan Schrader, Carl Jordan, and Crystal Williams discuss the wide range of field conditions shaping the 2026 growing season.  From fields nearing layby to acres still being planted, the team covers key agronomic topics including:  🌱 Managing herbicides as corn reaches critical growth stages  🌱 Weed control challenges in dry conditions  🌱 Replant decisions and why starting over is rarely the answer in June  🌱 Asiatic garden beetle damage and what to look for in the field  🌱 Diagnosing uneven emergence and early-season stand issues  🌱 The science behind purple corn and why it’s usually a good sign  🌱 Agronomic considerations for a hot, dry June forecast  🌱 New approaches to managing crop stress and protecting yield potential  Like, subscribe, and follow for more, and reach out to your local Pioneer rep with questions! 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.

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.