As planting season unfolds, Illinois farmers face an unpredictable weather outlook following a record-setting March of severe storms. With soil moisture deficits in some areas and the potential for more severe weather in April and May, farmers should prepare for narrow planting windows if the stormy pattern persists.

This episode covers soybean planting in both conventional and no-till systems, seeding rate adjustments, weed control strategies, and how last fall’s dry harvest may impact seed quality.

The latest report from Crop Protection Network estimates 2024 soybean yield losses from diseases across major U.S. soybean states and Ontario, Canada, including losses from foliar diseases, stem diseases, nematodes, seedling blights and grain diseases.

Ashley Haddon explores the origins of carbon markets in agriculture and examines how shifting political dynamics are influencing their future.

Jim Isermann of the Illinois Sustainable Ag Partnership provides last-minute tips on cover crop termination, specifically focusing on herbicide-based termination methods. He shares more on herbicide application, termination timing, and cover crop growth stage.

Fine-tuning soybean seeding rates can maximize yield potential while balancing costs—Stephanie Porter, CCA, shares what factors to consider before making your final decision.