Agronomy Articles
Best Management Practices
By Chris Rutledge, Agronomist, Irene
What a year 2025 has been, going from dry to really wet. Corn fungicide is winding down and soybean fungicide is in full motion. If you haven’t tried fungicide, I challenge you to try some and don’t just take it to yield. What is plant health, moisture, and standability? It all has a value! I am currently not seeing much for disease and insect pressure but if that changes you will need to discuss best management practices with your sales agronomist. A failure to plan is a plan for failure! As we near fall, let’s work on some preplanning with your sales agronomist and build off that plan for a successful fall and 2026 season! I hope everyone has a safe and bountiful harvest!
8/1/2025
Finish Strong
By Cody Plamp, Agronomy Department Sales & Marketing Manager
As we move further into the growing season, there are a few key topics worth keeping top of mind. Fungicide applications are something I believe will pay dividends this year. Crop potential across much of our trade territory is as strong as I’ve seen in recent years, and even with lower commodity prices, it’s still vital to push for top-end yields to maximize ROI. A timely fungicide pass can help protect plant health during critical growth stages and finish strong.
Looking ahead to fall fertilizer needs, the phosphate market is showing signs of firming up and may continue to climb as we approach fall and spring. If you’re planning your fertilizer strategy, I’d strongly recommend locking in your typical phosphate needs now. It’s a great time to secure product at today’s prices before potential increases hit.
Insects are also starting to make themselves known. We’re seeing grasshopper pressure in various areas, and soybean aphids are beginning to pop up as well. Keep a close eye on your fields as we progress through July and early August, and let’s stay ahead of any pest issues before they cause damage and potential yield loss.
As always, if you have any agronomy-related questions, concerns, or just want to talk through your plans, feel free to reach out. We’re here to help you finish this season strong.
7/25/2025
Weather Stations
By Andy Stapleton, Precision Ag Manager
South Dakota State University, through a grant from the US Army Corps of Engineers, is seeking land for weather stations across the state. They have 95 stations that are currently live with the end goal being a station available within 20 miles no matter where you are located. This map shows the areas they still need coverage for.
While not always possible, the ideal site has the following characteristics:
- Relatively flat, open acre with no pavement or crops within 100 feet
- No obstructions within a distance of ten times their height and no structures within 300 feet
- Soil common to the area, not in a high/low spot
- Not too close to irrigation, lakes, etc.
- Accessible year round with a truck and at least one bar of Verizon signal
If you have land or know of someone that might be interested here is a link to the application process.
https://climate.sdstate.edu/host/application/
The information on their site is free to everyone and can be accessed here https://climate.sdstate.edu/
7/18/2025
Agronomy Staff
 Jeff Schmiesing
Agronomy Dept. Manager
Cell: 605-940-7665
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 Allen Johansen
Agronomy Dept.
Purchasing Manager
Cell: 605-661-4882
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