A Penney For Your Thoughts

Sean and Andrew are joined by the University of Kentucky’s Dr. Carl Bradley to discuss red crown rot— a disease that has made its mark in the Southeast U.S. and continues to encroach on Midwest soybean production.

The crew discusses:

✅ Red Crown Rot (RCR)

✅ How RCR moves through acres

✅ Signs and symptoms of RCR

✅ RCR’s impact on yields

🌱 Meet the Guest:

Dr. Carl Bradley is a Professor and Extension Plant Pathologist in the Department of Plant Pathology at the University of Kentucky. His research focuses on disease management for soybeans and small grains. In addition to his research program, Dr. Bradley educates stakeholders on identification and management of diseases through statewide extension and outreach.

A Penney for Your Thoughts is hosted by Sean Blomgren, agronomist and owner of Blomgren Seed from Boone, Iowa, and Andrew Penney, plant doctor and Preceon agronomy lead for Bayer Crop Science from Ames, Iowa. We cover all things agronomy and high-yield management, share what we're seeing in the field and bring in trusted voices from the industry to deliver timely, relevant insights that matter to your farm. It's ag talk that just makes cents.

⭐️ Like what you hear? Leave us a review to help our podcast reach more growers and agronomists like you!

📲 Follow us on social:

Facebook

Twitter/X

Instagram

YouTube

Sean and Andrew sit down with graduate students from Iowa State University and the University of Kentucky to hear what’s coming next for our industry.

The crew discusses:

✅ How management of wheat impacts tiller numbers

✅ Impacts on yield from continuous soybean systems

✅ Effectiveness of broadcasting phosphorus

✅ Balance of nitrogen and potassium on acres

✅ Cover crops in relation to the next crop's yield

🌱Meet the Guests:

Allie Mutter is a PhD student at the University of Kentucky studying under Dr. Chad Lee. Her research focuses on wheat and how head count, kernel weight and biomass correlate with yield.

Carolina Freitas is a PhD student at Iowa State University studying under Dr. Sotirios Archontoulis. Her research focuses on using experimental data and crop modeling systems to design continuous soybean cropping systems that support higher yields and preserve natural resources, all while remaining profitable in the current economic scenario.

Elizabeth Hiter is a master's student at the University of Kentucky studying under Dr. Chad Lee. Her research aims to address the effectiveness of broadcasting reduced rates of banded phosphorus fertilizer throughout Kentucky.

Lauren Godwin Schwarck is a PhD student at Iowa State University studying under Dr. Michael Castellano. She is researching the impact of applying nitrogen above the economic optimum rate on grain yield.

Emily Marsh is a PhD student at the University of Kentucky studying under Dr. Chad Lee. Her research experience has ranged from cover crops to the effects of strip-till on cropping systems.

A Penney for Your Thoughts is hosted by Sean Blomgren, agronomist and owner of Blomgren Seed from Boone, Iowa, and Andrew Penney, plant doctor and Preceon agronomy lead for Bayer Crop Science from Ames, Iowa. We cover all things agronomy and high-yield management, share what we're seeing in the field and bring in trusted voices from the industry to deliver timely, relevant insights that matter to your farm. It's ag talk that just makes cents.

⭐️ Like what you hear? Leave us a review to help our podcast reach more growers and agronomists like you!

📲 Follow us on social:

Facebook

Twitter/X

Instagram

YouTube

Sean and Andrew are back with the University of Kentucky’s Dr. Chad Lee to chat about all things cover crops and how you can best manage them to improve soil health, water quality and yield potential.

The crew discusses:

✅ How to get started using cover crops on your acres
✅ What ideal cover crop biomass looks like
✅ Implementing biologicals within cover cropping systems
✅ Managing erosion, water quality and soil health
✅ Wheat and its role in the cover crop conversation
✅ Why sticking with the process matters

Meet the Guests:

🌱Dr. Chad Lee grew up on his family's farm in Ohio and is now an extension professor and agronomist for corn and bourbon grains at the University of Kentucky. Dr. Lee provides statewide leadership in Extension activities related to agronomic management of corn and the small grains used in distilling. Dr. Lee leads applied research and investigates cover crops, crop rotations and other practices that help farmers produce excellent crops and improve their farms over time.

A Penney for Your Thoughts is hosted by Sean Blomgren, agronomist and owner of Blomgren Seed from Boone, Iowa, and Andrew Penney, plant doctor and Preceon agronomy lead for Bayer Crop Science from Ames, Iowa. We cover all things agronomy and high-yield management, share what we're seeing in the field and bring in trusted voices from the industry to deliver timely, relevant insights that matter to your farm. It's ag talk that just makes cents.

⭐️ Like what you hear? Leave us a review to help our podcast reach more growers and agronomists like you!

📲 Follow us on social:

Facebook

Twitter/X

Instagram

YouTube

Sean and Andrew are joined by a long-awaited guest, the University of Kentucky’s Dr. Chad Lee, to talk about all nitrogen needs, the practicality of cover crops and high-quality corn demands across Kentucky.

The crew discusses:

✅ The intricacy of cropping systems in Kentucky

✅ The high-quality corn needed to meet Kentucky’s demands

✅ Ideal nitrogen applications when using cover crops

✅ Efforts to close the loop on the bourbon industry’s environmental impact

✅ The importance of no-till systems and reducing erosion

🌱Meet the Guests:

Dr. Chad Lee grew up on his family's farm in Ohio and is now an extension professor and agronomist for corn and bourbon grains at the University of Kentucky. Dr. Lee provides statewide leadership in Extension activities related to agronomic management of corn and the small grains used in distilling. Dr. Lee leads applied research and investigates cover crops, crop rotations and other practices that help farmers produce excellent crops and improve their farms over time.

A Penney for Your Thoughts is hosted by Sean Blomgren, agronomist and owner of Blomgren Seed from Boone, Iowa, and Andrew Penney, plant doctor and Preceon agronomy lead for Bayer Crop Science from Ames, Iowa. We cover all things agronomy and high-yield management, share what we're seeing in the field and bring in trusted voices from the industry to deliver timely, relevant insights that matter to your farm.. It's ag talk that just makes cents.

⭐️ Like what you hear? Leave us a review to help our podcast reach more growers and agronomists like you!

📲 Follow us on social:

Facebook

Twitter/X

Instagram

YouTube

Sean and Andrew are finishing up their conversation about nitrogen with Iowa State University’s Dr. Mike Castellano and the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign’s Dr. Andrew Margenot. This time, they’re focusing on how you can manage nitrogen on your acres to achieve high yields, reduce environmental impact and improve your bottom line.

The crew discusses:

✅ How to be stewards of the land while chasing high yields

✅ Understanding nitrogen availability throughout the growing season

✅ Trials you can do on your acres to expand your farm’s database

✅ Replenishing the nutrient pool in your soils

✅ Ideal nitrogen timing and application rates across the Midwest

🌱 Meet the Guests:

Originally from Rhode Island, Dr. Mike Castellano obtained his Ph.D from Penn State in soil science. He now is an agronomy professor at Iowa State University, where his research focuses on biogeochemical cycling and transport within the soil as it extends to the atmosphere and subsoil. His ultimate objective is to maximize sustainable productivity of agricultural systems, specifically looking at nitrogen. Connect with Dr. Andrew Castellano on LinkedIn.

Dr. Andrew Margenot is originally from Rhode Island and earned his Ph.D in in Soils and Biogeochemistry from the University of California Davis. He is now an associate professor at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, where his work addresses the literal foundation of all cropping systems: soils. Alongside his team, he evaluates how human activities can enhance or compromise soil services to human societies, with an emphasis on food security from urban and rural agroecosystems in the U.S. Midwest and East Africa. Connect with Dr. Andrew Margenot on LinkedIn.

A Penney for Your Thoughts is hosted by Sean Blomgren, agronomist and owner of Blomgren Seed from Boone, Iowa, and Andrew Penney, plant doctor and Preceon agronomy lead for Bayer Crop Science from Ames, Iowa. We cover all things agronomy and high-yield management, share what we're seeing in the field and bring in trusted voices from the industry to deliver timely, relevant insights that matter to your farm.. It's ag talk that just makes cents.

⭐️ Like what you hear? Leave us a review to help our podcast reach more growers and agronomists like you!

📲 Follow us on social:

Facebook

Twitter/X

Instagram

YouTube

Sean and Andrew are back with two of the leading nitrogen experts in the field, Iowa State University’s Dr. Mike Castellano and the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign’s Dr. Andrew Margenot, to dig into the science of nitrogen in row crop systems.

The crew discusses:

✅ The relationship between nitrogen and phosphorus

✅ Trials used to evaluate nitrogen use and loss

✅ How nutrients are lost from the soil and how soil is lost from the field

✅ Responsibly managing inputs in a tight economy

✅ What happens to nitrogen in the soil after application

🌱 Meet the Guests:

Originally from Rhode Island, Dr. Mike Castellano obtained his Ph.D from Penn State in soil science. He now is an agronomy professor at Iowa State University, where his research focuses on biogeochemical cycling and transport within the soil as it extends to the atmosphere and subsoil. His ultimate objective is to maximize sustainable productivity of agricultural systems, specifically looking at nitrogen.

Dr. Andrew Margenot is originally from Rhode Island and earned his Ph.D in in Soils and Biogeochemistry from the University of California Davis. He is now an associate professor at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, where his work addresses the literal foundation of all cropping systems: soils. Alongside his team, he evaluates how human activities can enhance or compromise soil services to human societies, with an emphasis on food security from urban and rural agroecosystems in the U.S. Midwest and East Africa.

A Penney for Your Thoughts is hosted by Sean Blomgren, agronomist and owner of Blomgren Seed from Boone, Iowa, and Andrew Penney, plant doctor and Preceon agronomy lead for Bayer Crop Science from Ames, Iowa. We cover all things agronomy and high-yield management, share what we're seeing in the field and bring in trusted voices from the industry to deliver timely, relevant insights that matter to your farm. It's ag talk that just makes cents.

⭐️ Like what you hear? Leave us a review to help our podcast reach more growers and agronomists like you!

📲 Follow us on social:

Facebook

Twitter/X

Instagram

YouTube

Sean and Andrew are back with Iowa State University’s Dr. Sotirios Archontoulis to continue their conversation about nitrogen. The conversation digs into how breeders, agronomists and growers can work together to optimize nitrogen use.

The crew discusses:

✅ Achieving high harvest indexes

✅ Whole system nitrogen management

✅ Nontraditional high yield indicators

✅ The relationship between breeders, agronomists and growers

Meet the Guests:

🌱Dr. Sotirios Archontoulis is a professor of integrated cropping systems in the Iowa State University Department of Agronomy. His research aims to predict impacts, explain causes, and design future strategies to improve crop productivity and environmental sustainability. His approach combines field experimentation and use of agricultural systems process-based models to explain Genotype x Environment x Management interactions and enable prediction and design at scale.

A Penney for Your Thoughts is hosted by Sean Blomgren, agronomist and owner of Blomgren Seed from Boone, Iowa, and Andrew Penney, plant doctor and Preceon agronomy lead for Bayer Crop Science from Ames, Iowa. We cover all things agronomy and high-yield management, share what we're seeing in the field and bring in trusted voices from the industry to deliver timely, relevant insights that matter to your farm.. It's ag talk that just makes cents.

⭐️ Like what you hear? Leave us a review to help our podcast reach more growers and agronomists like you!

📲 Follow us on social:

Facebook

Twitter/X

Instagram

YouTube

Sean and Andrew are joined by Iowa State University’s Dr. Sotirios Archontoulis to discuss his research on the relationship between different generations of corn hybrids and nitrogen variability.

The crew discusses:

✅ Managing the impacts of weather during the growing season

✅ Old era vs. new era hybrid research and data collection

✅ Yield efficiency compared to physiological efficiency

✅ Nitrogen supply in relation to post-harvest management practices

✅ GGD and SDD effects on yields

🌱 Meet the Guests:

Dr. Sotirios Archontoulis is a professor of integrated cropping systems in the Iowa State University Department of Agronomy. His research aims to predict impacts, explain causes, and design future strategies to improve crop productivity and environmental sustainability. His approach combines field experimentation and use of agricultural systems process-based models to explain Genotype x Environment x Management interactions and enable prediction and design at scale.

A Penney for Your Thoughts is hosted by Sean Blomgren, agronomist and owner of Blomgren Seed from Boone, Iowa, and Andrew Penney, plant doctor and Preceon agronomy lead for Bayer Crop Science from Ames, Iowa. We cover all things agronomy and high-yield management, share what we're seeing in the field and bring in trusted voices from the industry to deliver timely, relevant insights that matter to your farm. It's ag talk that just makes cents.

⭐️ Like what you hear? Leave us a review to help our podcast reach more growers and agronomists like you!

📲 Follow us on social:

Facebook

Twitter/X

Instagram

YouTube

Sean and Andrew round out their conversations at Purdue University with five of the best and brightest agronomy graduate students. This episode is a look into the future of agronomy, as we hear about research currently being conducted at one of the top ag universities.

The crew discusses:

✅ Target site vs. non-target site weed resistance

✅ How adjuvants can make or break the success of an application

✅ International crop production challenges

✅ New research on fungicide and herbicide resistance

✅ Nutrient needs, row spacing and plant populations in short-stature corn

✅How collaboration with industry partners and other universities is moving research forward faster

🌱Meet the Guests:

Grant Isaacs, originally from Illinois, is an M.S. student under Dr. Bryan Young. His research is mainly focused on weed science, specifically, the herbicide interaction between pyridate and HPPD-inhibiting herbicides.

Jessie Lewis, originally from Illinois, is an M.S student under Dr. Bryan Young. Lewis's internship during her B.S. sparked her interest in weed science and inspired her to pursue research in Dr. Young's lab surrounding target sites and metabolic resistance.

Anelise Brun, originally from Brazil, is an M.S student under Dr. Shaun Casteel. Her graduate research is within the soybean extension, focusing on inoculation and sulfur treatments.

Morgan Goodnight, originally from Oklahoma, is a Ph.D. student under Dr. Darcy Telenko. Her studies started in tar spot disease but have been expanded to white mold and red crown rot in soybeans.

Erick Oliva Fuentes, originally from Honduras, is a Ph.D. student under Dr. Dan Quinn. His research is based mainly on short-stature corn hybrid nutrient needs, population and row spacing.

A Penney for Your Thoughts is hosted by Sean Blomgren, agronomist and owner of Blomgren Seed from Boone, Iowa, and Andrew Penney, plant doctor and Preceon agronomy lead for Bayer Crop Science from Ames, Iowa. We cover all things agronomy and high-yield management, share what we're seeing in the field and bring in trusted voices from the industry to deliver timely, relevant insights that matter to your farm. It's ag talk that just makes cents.

⭐️ Like what you hear? Leave us a review to help our podcast reach more growers and agronomists like you!

📲 Follow us on social:

Facebook

Twitter/X

Instagram

Sean and Andrew are back with Purdue's Dr. Ignacio Ciampitti to learn how nitrogen management and digital innovations research can be translated into practical solutions for growers.

The crew discusses:

✅ The reality of nitrogen management

✅ What most growers are doing wrong when it comes to nitrogen

✅ How growers can make more informed decisions

✅ Turning formal research into practical management decisions

✅ How digital innovations are changing the way we farm

Meet the Guests:

🌱 Dr. Ignacio Ciampitti,a digital ag-focused quantitative agronomist, is an agronomy professor and co-director of the Institute for Digital and Advanced Agricultural Systems at Purdue University. Ignacio’s research explores the integration of crop eco-physiology and plant nutrition with data science, remote sensing and crop modeling tools. His career is focused on developing both the science and scholars who will push the agriculture industry forward. Follow Ignacio on X and Instagram.

More episodes you might like:

Science of Nitrogen with Dr. Ignacio Ciampitti from Kansas State University

Apple | Spotify

Management of Nitrogen with Dr. Ignacio Ciampitti from Kansas State University

Apple | Spotify

Residue Management and Crop Physiology with Dr. Connor Sible - University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign

Apple | Spotify

A Penney for Your Thoughts is hosted by Sean Blomgren, agronomist and owner of Blomgren Seed from Boone, Iowa, and Andrew Penney, plant doctor and Preceon agronomy lead for Bayer Crop Science from Ames, Iowa. We cover all things agronomy and high-yield management, share what we're seeing in the field and bring in trusted voices from the industry to deliver timely, relevant insights that matter to your farm. It's ag talk that just makes cents.

⭐️ Like what you hear? Leave us a review to help our podcast reach more growers and agronomists like you!

📲 Follow us on social:

Facebook

Twitter/X

YouTube

You know ‘em, you love ‘em, and you’ve listened to ‘em for 99 episodes and counting. Sean and Andrew are sitting down for their 100th episode to reflect on the podcast they have built, the valuable insights they have gained, the professionals they have met along the way and to ask each other a few heartfelt questions.

A Penney for Your Thoughts is hosted by Sean Blomgren, agronomist and owner of Blomgren Seed from Boone, Iowa, and Andrew Penney, plant doctor and Preceon agronomy lead for Bayer Crop Science from Ames, Iowa. We cover all things agronomy and high-yield management, share what we're seeing in the field and bring in trusted voices from the industry to deliver timely, relevant insights that matter to your farm. By combining real-time updates from the field with expert insights from industry professionals, we help you achieve your highest yields yet. It's ag talk that just makes cents.

⭐️ Like what you hear? Leave us a review to help our podcast reach more growers and agronomists like you!

📲 Follow us on social:

Facebook

Twitter/X

YouTube

Sean and Andrew are sitting down with Purdue’s Dr. Ignacio Ciampitti for a conversation about revolutions happening in the people, plants and processes involved in row crop systems.

The crew discusses:

✅ The changing dynamic of agronomy professionals

✅ The ins and outs of nitrogen mineralization in corn and soybeans

✅ What makes successful ag innovations

✅ The transition from traditional agronomy to quantitative agronomy

✅ How NASA is advancing agronomic research

✅ The connections between technology, agronomy and physiology

🌱Meet the Guests:

Dr. Ignacio Ciampitti,a digital ag-focused quantitative agronomist, is an agronomy professor and co-director of Institute for Digital and Advanced Agricultural Systems at Purdue University. Ignacio’s research explores the integration of crop eco-physiology and plant nutrition with data science, remote sensing and crop modeling tools. His career is focused on developing both the science and scholars who will push the agriculture industry forward. Follow Ignacio on X and Instagram.

A Penney for Your Thoughts is hosted by Sean Blomgren, agronomist and owner of Blomgren Seed from Boone, Iowa, and Andrew Penney, plant doctor and Preceon agronomy lead for Bayer Crop Science from Ames, Iowa. We cover all things agronomy and high-yield management, share what we're seeing in the field and bring in trusted voices from the industry to deliver timely, relevant insights that matter to your farm. By combining real-time updates from the field with expert insights from industry professionals, we help you achieve your highest yields yet. It's ag talk that just makes cents.

⭐️ Like what you hear? Leave us a review to help our podcast reach more growers and agronomists like you!

📲 Follow us on social:

Facebook

Twitter/X

YouTube

Sean and Andrew sit down with Purdue’s Dr. Tommy Butts to dig into the nitty-gritty of weed control in corn and soybeans.

The crew discusses:

✅ The top weed control issues across the Corn Belt

✅ The evolution of weed resistance

✅ Optimal herbicide formulations, application timing and method

✅ Recommendations for spray drone applications and adoption

✅ The impact of speed on herbicide and fungicide application effectiveness

✅ Additional tools for weed management

🌱 Meet the Guest:

Dr. Tommy Butts is a Clinical Assistant Professor, Extension Weed Scientist in Site-Specific Weed Management. Tommy originally hails from southern Wisconsin, where he grew up around dairy farms. He completed his Bachelor of Science in Agri-Business at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville, Master of Science in Agronomy-Weed Science at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and Ph.D. in Agronomy-Weed Science from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Tommy’s research and extension efforts focus on identifying novel weed management strategies through diversified methods, including the use of precision agriculture and application technologies in a targeted, site-specific approach. His overall goal is to generate research-supported and effective weed management educational materials to be used by farmers and in the classroom to aid in battling complex weed problems. Connect with Tommy on LinkedInor X.

A Penney for Your Thoughts is hosted by Sean Blomgren, agronomist and owner of Blomgren Seed from Boone, Iowa, and Andrew Penney, plant doctor and Preceon agronomy lead for Bayer Crop Science from Ames, Iowa. We cover all things agronomy and high-yield management, share what we're seeing in the field and bring in trusted voices from the industry to deliver timely, relevant insights that matter to your farm. By combining real-time updates from the field with expert insights from industry professionals, we help you achieve your highest yields yet. It's ag talk that just makes cents.

⭐️ Like what you hear? Leave us a review to help our podcast reach more growers and agronomists like you!

📲 Follow us on social:

Facebook

Twitter/X

YouTube

Sean and Andrew sit down with Purdue’s Dr. Tommy Butts to dig into the nitty-gritty of weed control in corn and soybeans.

The crew discusses:

✅ Weather variability’s impact on weed management

✅ Overlapping residuals

✅ Planting soybeans before corn

✅ Weed resistance

✅ Ground vs. drone herbicide applications

🌱Meet the Guests:

Dr. Tommy Butts is a Clinical Assistant Professor, Extension Weed Scientist in Site-Specific Weed Management. Tommy originally hails from southern Wisconsin, where he grew up around dairy farms. He completed his Bachelor of Science in Agri-Business at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville, Master of Science in Agronomy-Weed Science at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and Ph.D. in Agronomy-Weed Science from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Tommy’s research and extension efforts focus on identifying novel weed management strategies through diversified methods, including the use of precision agriculture and application technologies in a targeted, site-specific approach. His overall goal is to generate research-supported and effective weed management educational materials to be used by farmers and in the classroom to aid in battling complex weed problems. Connect with Tommy on LinkedInor X.

A Penney for Your Thoughts is hosted by Sean Blomgren, agronomist and owner of Blomgren Seed from Boone, Iowa, and Andrew Penney, plant doctor and Preceon agronomy lead for Bayer Crop Science from Ames, Iowa. We cover all things agronomy and high-yield management, share what we're seeing in the field and bring in trusted voices from the industry to deliver timely, relevant insights that matter to your farm. By combining real-time updates from the field with expert insights from industry professionals, we help you achieve your highest yields yet. It's ag talk that just makes cents.

⭐️ Like what you hear? Leave us a review to help our podcast reach more growers and agronomists like you!

📲 Follow us on social:

Facebook

Twitter/X

YouTube

Sean and Andrew are back with Purdue University’s Dr. Daniel Quinn to discuss the importance of keeping the fundamentals as the foundation when growing high-yield corn.

The crew discusses:

✅ The importance of the fundamentals of growing corn

✅ Interactions between genetics, inputs and management practices

✅ Trends in nutrients and fertilizers

✅ How to keep plants healthy late into the season

✅ The impact that cover crops can have on weed control

✅ Common stressors that need to be taken more seriously

Meet the Guests:

🌱 Dr. Dan Quinn is the Extension Corn Specialist at Purdue University. He is originally from Michigan and earned his B.S and M.S in Crop and Soil Science at Michigan State. He then went on to earn his Ph.D. at the University of Kentucky in Plant and Soil Science, where he focused on soil fertility. Dan’s Purdue research and extension program works to improve the overall production, profitability and environmental performance of corn production. Follow Dan on X and Instagram and connect with him on LinkedIn.

A Penney for Your Thoughts is hosted by Sean Blomgren, agronomist and owner of Blomgren Seed from Boone, Iowa, and Andrew Penney, plant doctor and Preceon agronomy lead for Bayer Crop Science from Ames, Iowa. We cover all things agronomy and high-yield management, share what we're seeing in the field and bring in trusted voices from the industry to deliver timely, relevant insights that matter to your farm. By combining real-time updates from the field with expert insights from industry professionals, we help you achieve your highest yields yet. It's ag talk that just makes cents.

⭐️ Like what you hear? Leave us a review to help our podcast reach more growers and agronomists like you!

📲 Follow us on social:

Facebook

Twitter/X

YouTube

Sean and Andrew sit down with Purdue University’s Dr. Daniel Quinn to talk about what takes corn from average to high-yielding.

The crew discusses:

✅ The diversity of Purdue’s corn research efforts

✅ Using variable rate technology for optimal corn planting depth

✅ How weather conditions impact young corn plants

✅ Pros and cons of cover crops

✅ The biggest factors for corn success

✅ The importance of grain fill

Meet the Guests:

🌱 Dr. Dan Quinn is the Extension Corn Specialist at Purdue University. He is originally from Michigan and earned his B.S and M.S in Crop and Soil Science at Michigan State. He then went on to earn his Ph.D. at the University of Kentucky in Plant and Soil Science, where he focused on soil fertility. Dan’s Purdue research and extension program works to improve the overall production, profitability and environmental performance of corn production. Follow Dan on X and Instagram and connect with him on LinkedIn.

A Penney for Your Thoughts is hosted by Sean Blomgren, agronomist and owner of Blomgren Seed from Boone, Iowa, and Andrew Penney, plant doctor and Preceon agronomy lead for Bayer Crop Science from Ames, Iowa. We cover all things agronomy and high-yield management, share what we're seeing in the field and bring in trusted voices from the industry to deliver timely, relevant insights that matter to your farm. By combining real-time updates from the field with expert insights from industry professionals, we help you achieve your highest yields yet. It's ag talk that just makes cents.

⭐️ Like what you hear? Leave us a review to help our podcast reach more growers and agronomists like you!

📲 Follow us on social:

Facebook

Twitter/X

YouTube

Sean and Andrew are back with another episode LIVE from Commodity Classic 2026, and this time, we’re talking with NCGA’s high-yield growers. In this edition of Our Two Cents, we’re exploring how these growers are pushing the limits of modern agriculture and advancing their yields.

The crew discusses:

✅ Reasons behind getting involved in yield contests

✅ The risk of over-fertilizing

✅ The balance between seed variety and management practices for influencing yields

✅ How to maximize sunlight capture

✅ Navigating farm management under government regulations

✅ The importance of root zone management

Meet the Guests:

🌱 Heath Cutrell farms in southeastern Virginia and northeastern North Carolina. He is a national and state NCGA yield contest winner, taking home 1st and 2nd place in Virginia and 1st, 2nd and 3rd place in North Carolina this year. Follow Heath on X.

🌱 Kevin Kalb is a long-time high-yield grower in southern Indiana. This year, Kevin and his family took home 5 NCGA contest titles and achieved their highest-ever farm yield average of 314 bushels per acre. Follow Kevin on X.

🌱 Josiah Garber is a farmer owner of an ag retail business in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Josiah has been planting Preceon short corn since its start and brings one-of-a-kind perspectives to the podcast.

🌱 Temple Rhodes is a Maryland farmer and 2023 NCGA first-place state and national winner in conventional irrigated corn. Follow Temple on X

🌱 Chad Henderson farms in Madison, Alabama, where he brought home two first place and two second place state NCGA titles, along with 2nd place conventional irrigated corn in the national NCGA contest with a 404.3 BPA yield. Follow Chad on Instagram.

A Penney for Your Thoughts is hosted by Sean Blomgren, agronomist and owner of Blomgren Seed from Boone, Iowa, and Andrew Penney, plant doctor and Preceon agronomy lead for Bayer Crop Science from Ames, Iowa. We cover all things agronomy and high-yield management, share what we're seeing in the field and bring in trusted voices from the industry to deliver timely, relevant insights that matter to your farm. By combining real-time updates from the field with expert insights from industry professionals, we help you achieve your highest yields yet. It's ag talk that just makes cents.

⭐️ Like what you hear? Leave us a review to help our podcast reach more growers and agronomists like you!

📲 Follow us on social:

Facebook

Twitter/X

YouTube

Sean and Andrew are back with another episode LIVE from Commodity Classic 2026, and this time, we’re talking with NCGA’s high-yield growers. In this edition of Our Two Cents, we’re exploring how these growers are pushing the limits of modern agriculture and advancing their yields.

The crew discusses:

✅ The value of soil sampling and pH management

✅ Top-performing seed varieties

✅ A high-yield approach to nutrient management

✅ Irrigation’s role in corn production

✅ The reason behind participating in yield contests

✅ An update on corn policy

✅ Differences in management practices for Preceon corn

Meet the Guests:

🌱Corder and Curtis Hobbs farm in Elkmont, Alabama, where they took home first place in NCGA’s 2025 Yield Contest in the No-Till Irrigated division with a yield of 402.3 bushels per acre.

🌱 Josh and Jabe Watson farm corn and soybeans in Sweetwater, Tennessee. Josh won first place in the Conventional Non-Irrigated division of NCGA’s Yield Contest with a 387.6 bushels-per-acre yield, and Jabe won the Strip, Min, Mulch, Ridge-Till Non-Irrigated division with 349.1 bushels per acre.

🌱 Kelly Nieuwenhuis is a northwest Iowa farmer and industry leader, serving on the National Corn board and Iowa RFIP board. Connect with Kelly on LinkedIn.

🌱 Matt Daniels is a farmer from Colbert, Georgia, and 2024 Asgrow soybean yield winner. Matt shares his experiences with Preceon corn this year.

🌱 Jerry Seuntjens is a Kingsley, Iowa, farmer growing Preceon corn. Follow Jerry on X.

A Penney for Your Thoughts is hosted by Sean Blomgren, agronomist and owner of Blomgren Seed from Boone, Iowa, and Andrew Penney, plant doctor and Preceon agronomy lead for Bayer Crop Science from Ames, Iowa. We cover all things agronomy and high-yield management, share what we're seeing in the field and bring in trusted voices from the industry to deliver timely, relevant insights that matter to your farm. By combining real-time updates from the field with expert insights from industry professionals, we help you achieve your highest yields yet. It's ag talk that just makes cents.

⭐️ Like what you hear? Leave us a review to help our podcast reach more growers and agronomists like you!

📲 Follow us on social:

Facebook

Twitter/X

YouTube

Sean and Andrew are kicking off our 2026 LIVE from Commodity Classic series with the Bayer team. In this edition of Our Two Cents, we’re exploring products, concepts and science that are driving the agriculture industry forward.

The crew discusses:

✅ Expected corn rootworm pressure in 2026 and the impact of extended diapause

✅ The state of technology and traits to protect against rootworm

✅ What’s coming next for Dekalb and Asgrow seeds

✅ Leveraging different modes of action for weed control

✅ Setting realistic expectations for new product releases

✅ The evolution of Fiedview and new improvements coming

✅ The value of Fieldview’s Seed Advisor Tool

✅ The inside scoop on Fieldview’s new partnership with John Deere

Meet the Guests:

🌱 Safeer Hassan is the Technical Product Lead for corn traits at Bayer. Safeer’s work focuses on protecting against corn rootworm. Connect with Safeer on LinkedIn.

🌱 Tony White is the U.S. Technical Strategy Lead for Bayer’s soybean product team. Tony’s role focuses on identifying top products for the soybean market. Connect with Tony on LinkedIn.

🌱 Josh Tooley is the Technical Product Lead for the Dekalb brand. Josh connects needs from customers and field staff to potential solutions from the Dekalb product line.

🌱 Tom Verseman is the Digital Enablement Marketing Lead at Bayer and co-host of Around the Farm Podast. Tom leads the development of Bayer’s Fieldview platform. Connect with Tom on LinkedIn.

A Penney for Your Thoughts is hosted by Sean Blomgren, agronomist and owner of Blomgren Seed from Boone, Iowa, and Andrew Penney, plant doctor and Preceon agronomy lead for Bayer Crop Science from Ames, Iowa. We cover all things agronomy and high-yield management, share what we're seeing in the field and bring in trusted voices from the industry to deliver timely, relevant insights that matter to your farm. By combining real-time updates from the field with expert insights from industry professionals, we help you achieve your highest yields yet. It's ag talk that just makes cents.

⭐️ Like what you hear? Leave us a review to help our podcast reach more growers and agronomists like you!

📲 Follow us on social:

Facebook

Twitter/X

YouTube

Sean and Andrew are back with Jim Ippolito from The Ohio State University to cover all things soil health management.

The crew discusses:

✅ Impact of cover crops on soil health

✅ Balancing short-term economics with long-term farm impacts

✅ What biochar is, and how it affects soil health

✅ What to do with the increased residue from increased corn yields

✅ How much pH impacts nutrient availability

✅ The truth about manure applications

✅ Why phosphorus is hard to access

✅ How soil mineralization works, and how to optimize it

Meet the Guest:

🌱 Dr. Jim Ippolito is a professor of environmental soil health at The Ohio State University. His 30+ year career has focused on improving environmental soil fertility, chemistry, microbiology and soil health in ecosystems. His research program connects the intimate linkages between soil macro- and micro-nutrients, trace and heavy metals, microbiological activity and soil physical attributes, and how these factors combine to influence ecosystem sustainability, resiliency, food, climate and environmental security.

A Penney for Your Thoughts is hosted by Sean Blomgren, agronomist and owner of Blomgren Seed from Boone, Iowa, and Andrew Penney, plant doctor and Preceon agronomy lead for Bayer Crop Science from Ames, Iowa. We cover all things agronomy and high-yield management, share what we're seeing in the field and bring in trusted voices from the industry to deliver timely, relevant insights that matter to your farm. By combining real-time updates from the field with expert insights from industry professionals, we help you achieve your highest yields yet. It's ag talk that just makes cents.

⭐️ Like what you hear? Leave us a review to help our podcast reach more growers and agronomists like you!

📲 Follow us on social:

Facebook

Twitter/X

YouTube