Pioneer Made to Grow Podcast

When it comes to producing the best yields possible, having the top hybrids can only go so far. Soil fertility is a key metric to producing and maintaining the high yields that today's corn and canola hybrids are able to reach. What's the best way to manage that fertility? Pioneer Sales Rep and former Area Agronomist Lindsay Alberts of Yorkton, Saskatchewan joins Ontario Ministry of Agriculture Soil Specialist Colin Elgie to discuss the best approach for managing fertility levels, particularly as market prices drop and weather conditions remain unpredictable. Then, Bob Gunzenhauser from Corteva's Digital Solutions Team joins Andrew for a discussion on what they are finding from fertility levels across North America, and what it will take to ensure growers continue to see yield gains year after year.

With spring of 2024 approaching quickly, one of the challenges that every grain grower is looking at facing is commodity prices that are lower than the last several years. Then the question to answer is 'What do you do about it?'. With the help of Pioneer Area Agronomist Jenna Gregoire and Pioneer Sales Rep Scott Fife, Andrew asks whether seeding intentions should change, whether fertility should be cut back or what other mechanisms do some of Canada's top growers do in order to make sure they will still be profitable heading into the growing season.

When it comes to growing soybeans, growers are looking for every advantage they can find. That may come in the form of disease tolerance, flexibility in spray timing and of course in yield potential. But when all of those options become available in one bean, it's worth taking a close look. That's what the new Z-Series soybeans offer from Pioneer® brand seed. In this episode, Andrew talks with Corteva Agriscience soybean breeder Evelyn Valera-Rojas, Pioneer's Portfolio Marketing Manager Chad Garrod, and he even pulled Pioneer Agronomist Dave Harwood out of retirement to learn what the possibilities are and learn how growers can see the soybeans for themselves in 2024.

With drought conditions on the top of many minds in Western Canada, how to handle conditions is what this episode is all about. Joining Andrew is Independent Agronomist Jenny Seward from Cronkite Ag Consulting in Foremost Alberta and Manitoba Area Agronomist for Pioneer Derwyn Hammond. From seed selection to fertility plans and setting the drill to spray programs, Andrew finds out where a grower might be able to cut costs and where trying to cut too much could cost you.

Tis the season to be - optimistic! In our annual Year in Review episode that's exactly what Andrew is thinking as he checks with Pioneer Area Agronomists Paul Hermans and Greg Stopps. After all, farmers know there are always ways to improve in order to have a more successful year in the next growing season, and heading into 2024 is no different. In this episode the three talk about what growers in Ontario took away from planting conditions in the spring, wet conditions that brought significant disease pressure in the summer, and how surprised some growers were with yields in the fall. It's all about learning from past experiences to be even better moving forward.

Seven years ago, Alberta Pioneer Sales Rep Greg Reesor was told he'd need to sell corn with his new dealership. He wondered how, but seven years later there's 10,000 acres in his area with many more on the way. Growing more corn and soybean acres in Western Canada is something that's been discussed for years - but with new hybrids, better equipment and real profit on the table, Greg along with Manitoba Pioneer Sales Rep Jake Ayre discuss with Andrew Campbell why growers are choosing corn and soybeans today and how to get even more acres planted in the coming years.

What drives Corteva Canada's leadership? In this episode of the Pioneer Made to Grow Podcast, Andrew finds out it's the growers! In a conversation with Corteva Canada's new leader Jeremy Dirks and Seed Marketing Leader April Nichol, the two talk about what they see as driving growers' decision making, what drives the R&D pipeline and how to keep up with the speed of innovation.

With Pioneer moving their soybean lineup to be Enlist exclusive in 2025, our host Andrew Campbell is asking the question: is this the year to make the move? With the help of Pioneer agronomist John Seliga, Pioneer Territory Manager Phil Emmott and Corteva Territory Manager Chris Robson, Andrew asks questions like how to pick the best yielding variety as well as what all growers need to keep in mind when planning out their spray program.

When it comes to clubroot, those with it, know the toll it can take on canola yield. It's why stacking genes to build the strongest resistance against the impact is key to the long term profitability of canola. But that's only one piece of the puzzle. In this episode, Andrew talks with Corteva Research Scientist Dan Stanton about the history and impact clubroot has had in Western Canada as well as what his team is working on to breed clubroot resistant hybrids. Then growers Garan Rewers and John Larre talk about how they think about and manage the threat of clubroot. Corteva's Portfolio Marketing Manager for Western Canada Mark Kuchuran also joins the show to talk about long term strategies growers can use to reduce the threat long term.

The Pioneer Made to Grow Podcast’s road trip continues, this time landing in Southwestern Ontario to talk grain markets. From a Pioneer Rep’s Grower Agronomy and Appreciation Day, Andrew Campbell took the stage with Cargill Grain Trader Justin Merner to talk where grain markets might be headed this fall. After all, there’s been a bearish adjustment to the grain markets since the 2022 harvest, so what should grain growers have in mind when they are marketing their 2023 crop? Andrew and Justin talk about that and long term implications of geo-political issues to grain prices.

Live from Saskatchewan! When it comes to weed control in canola, ideal timing for herbicide application is one thing but the reality of weather is another. It’s why flexibility for canola growers is key to make sure that those weeds stay under control. In this first episode of our fifth season, Andrew talks with Corteva’s Canola Breeder Greg Gingera about how new traits like Optimum GLY can help, as well as Trevor Herzog, Corteva’s Western Canadian Agronomy Lead, about how that flexibility in spray timing can improve yield. And then hear from grower and Pioneer Sale Rep Mike Partyka about why it all matters.

Our 2022 Year in Review is here! In this episode, Andrew is joined by Ontario Area Agronomists, Paul Hermans and Greg Stopps, to take a look back at the 2022 season and learnings to take into 2023. Follow along as we go through the wins and challenges of the past year including fertility, growing conditions, compaction, drought, and disease and insect pressure for corn, soybeans and wheat. Plus, get our recommendations on how to set yourself up for success in the new year.

Your farm deserves the highest quality seed. So, how does Pioneer ensure that? In this episode, Andrew takes us through the seed production and rigorous testing processes that get your seed from the lab to the bag. Hear from guests Aaron Schwarte, Seed Production Research Scientist at Corteva Agriscience, and Monica Garcia, Seed Quality Testing Lab Manager at the Corteva lab site in Chatham, ON about the hard work that goes into meeting the highest quality standards, legal requirements and planning for future hybrids and varieties.

This episode tackles the ever-important topic of mental health in agriculture. With about 85% of producers living with high stress levels, Andrew welcomes Megz Reynolds, Executive Director of The Do More Agriculture Foundation, to discuss how you can identify and help yourself or a loved one who might be struggling with their mental wellbeing. Corteva Canada President Bryce Eger then shares how the company is helping farmers improve their mental health, providing practical tips you can employ to ensure you and those around you are staying healthy.

Go West, young man! In our first-ever episode focused on Western Canadian farming, Andrew learns all about the ups and the downs of Saskatchewan’s 2022 growing season. Joined by Jenna Gregoire, a Pioneer Area Agronomist based in the northwest of the province, and Pioneer Sales Representative and farmer Kyle Laturnus, the three discuss the weather and disease challenges like clubroot, as well as the work being done to continually improve canola hybrids and yields for the Prairies.

Soybean and corn yields are increasing by 1% or more annually. How’s this possible? Who’s responsible? Corteva Crop Scientist, Dr. Lucas Borras, and Dave Harwood, Technical Services Manager in Eastern Canada for Corteva, join Andrew to discuss just how far agronomy and genetics have come in the past 40 years and where they’re headed. The guests chat about the many factors contributing to the yearly yield increases, as well as new challenges that could limit yield gains in the future.

In this premiere episode of Season 4, host Andrew Campbell welcomes OMAFRA’s Soil Management Specialist, Anne Verhallen, and Pioneer Reps Dan Petker and Andy Van Niekerk for a conversation on growing cover crops - the benefits, watch-outs, and expert tips for success. They discuss how cover crops are a great means to preserve soil health, reduce erosion, suppress unwanted weeds, become a feed source and build organic matter. If you’re thinking about getting into cover crops, this is the episode for you!

Beans are in the ground, weed management is done, what's next? In the final episode of Season 3, Andrew welcomes OMAFRA Soybean Specialist Horst Bohner and Greg Stopps, Pioneer Area Agronomist, to discuss how to deal with key diseases such as white mould, insect pests like bean leaf beetle or spider mites, and nutrient deficiency. Tune in for tips and advice on scouting, spraying and more.

Since spreading from the US to Ontario (where it was first found in 2020), Tar Spot is becoming more prevalent. In this episode, we’re taking a closer look at the corn disease – what to look out for, management tips, and what breeders are doing to combat it. First, Scott Heuchelin joins Andrew from Iowa. As the North American Pathology and Phytosanitary Lead for Corteva Agriscience, he shares learnings from south of the border that can be applied here. Next, John Seliga, Pioneer Area Agronomist for Southwestern Ontario gives us a local perspective on what you can do to ensure your corn stays protected from the new disease.

Looking to improve your nitrogen use in corn and boost yields? This is the episode for you. Andrew welcomes OMAFRA corn specialist Ben Rosser, Pioneer Area Agronomist Paul Hermans and Brett McArtor, a Field Trial Specialist with Corteva’s Granular business. Together, they discuss the latest research and data from their trials across Ontario that can help you make decisions for your crop.