Pods of Potential

Determine your optimal nitrogen rate using the N-FACT | Pods of Potential Episode 19

Your ideal nitrogen rate varies from year to year based on weather trends and field-specific conditions. Before applying in-season nitrogen, explore how utilizing the Nitrogen Fertilizer Application Consultation Tool (N-FACT) can improve the nitrogen efficiency of your fields. Iowa Soybean Association Senior Research Agronomist Alex Schaffer and Premier Crop Systems Agronomic Information Advisor Molly Haub join Andy Petersen to discuss how farmers are using the N-FACT tool to determine nitrogen application rates using field-specific scenarios. Discover how this free tool can improve crop performance and boost return on investment by determining a field’s optimal nitrogen rate using data from the Iowa Nitrogen Initiative.

Exploring 2024 research trial results with the RCFI Insights Report | Pods of Potential Episode 18

Looking to maximize ROI and increase yields for the 2025 growing season? Examine the effectiveness of your inputs and management practices based on research results presented in the 2024 RCFI Insights Report. Join Carlisle farmer and ISA Director Corey Goodhue, along with ISA Technical Insights Manager Rosie Roberts, as they discuss research trial results for seeding rate comparisons, fungicides, and Group 14 herbicides as shared in the Insights Report. Explore trial results from farmers across the state and ISA’s recommendations for maximizing your investment through the 2024 ISA Insights Report.

Successful partnerships reduce nitrate leaching near the Cedar River | Pods of Potential Episode 17

As the top agriculture processor and second largest city in Iowa, Cedar Rapids is investing resources in ensuring the Cedar River remains a quality water source for residents, local farmers and industry. Learn how farmers utilize bioreactors and saturated buffers in partnership with the city to reduce nitrate leaching and maintain water quality. Generational farmer Alan Horak joins Iowa Soybean Association Conservation Agronomist Evan Brehm and City of Cedar Rapids Watersheds & Source Water Program Manager Mary Beth Stevenson to discuss how public-private partnerships are helping simplify the process and removing the financial burden of these practices through batch and build projects. 

Long-term cover crops alleviate soil compaction and impact nutrient stratification | Pods of Potential Episode 16

Soil compaction and nutrient stratification can impact root growth, limit water infiltration, and affect nutrient placement within the soil profile. ISA Research Agronomist Mikaela Connelly and Southwest Iowa Farmer Chris Gaesser discuss how nine years of continuous cover crops reduce soil compaction and influence nutrient distribution. Learn how Chris is partnering with ISA to find solutions to his on-farm challenges and what the research insights show on this episode of Pods of Potential. 

Maximizing the economic benefits of drainage water | Pods of Potential Episode 15

Struggling with fluctuating water levels on your farm? In this episode of Pods of Potential, we discuss a practical solution to managing water challenges: drainage water recycling. Discover how repurposing drainage water from your fields can help address water quantity issues while offering economic and soil health benefits. ISA Conservation Program Lead Todd Sutphin, Hay Water Solutions LLC Owner Chris Hay, and Calhoun County Farmer Mark Schleisman share insights on retaining and irrigating drainage water. Learn how farmers can capture excess water and redistribute it during extended dry spells for a more sustainable approach.

Improving water quality with woodchip bioreactors | Pods of Potential Episode 14

Learn how woodchip bioreactors serve as an on-farm solution to improving water quality challenges here in Iowa. This edge-of-field conservation practice can easily be incorporated into existing tile lines, requires minimal maintenance, and reduces nitrate losses. Explore the benefits and longevity of bioreactors with Hamilton County farmer Ryan Davison and Conservation Services Manager Alex Buseman on this episode of Pods of Potential. Tune in to learn more about ISA’s research, implementation and cost-share opportunities for denitrifying bioreactors.

Improving soil health with a no-till system | Pods of Potential Episode 13

Could no-till improve the profitability of your cropping system? Walk through both the benefits and common reservations for implementing a no-till system with O’Brien County farmer Cory Vander Ploeg and Iowa Soybean Association Conservation Agronomist Ryan Johnson. They discuss how a reduced tillage or no-till system can save on equipment costs and improve soil health through erosion control and increased water infiltration. Explore solutions to mitigate common no-till concerns, including compaction and nutrient management. Determine if the benefits of a no-till system match the needs of your farm in this episode of Pods of Potential.

Can group 14 herbicides control weeds without impacting yield? | Pods of Potential Episode 12

With herbicide resistance on the rise, farmers are investigating the effectiveness and possible yield impacts of group 14 soil-applied herbicides. Join Clayton County farmer Josh Schoulte and ISA Research Agronomist Shane Beck as they discuss the results of an on-farm research trial that evaluated if group 14 herbicides impacted soybean yields. Learn more about the use of group 14 herbicides and other management methods to combat the evolution of herbicide-resistant weeds in this episode of Pods of Potential.

Establishing pollinator habitats on unprofitable land | Pods of Potential Episode 11

How can establishing a pollinator habitat benefit your farm? Explore how farmers are turning unprofitable land into pollinator habitats with the help of the Iowa Soybean Association in this episode of Pods of Potential. ISA President Suzanne Shirbroun and Conservation Services Manager Brandon Iddings discuss the establishment process and on-farm benefits of pollinator habitats from a farmer’s perspective. Learn how pollinator habitats can benefit landowners and operators by controlling erosion, improving water infiltration, and providing a safe habitat for pollinators and wildlife.

Offset risk with conservation cost-share opportunities | Pods of Potential Episode 10

Episode 10 of Pods of Potential - Offsetting Risk with Conservation Cost-Share Opportunities - Features an in-depth conversation about Cost Share Opportunities available from the perspective of Adams County Producer Chris Gaesser and ISA Conservation Agronomist Ben Porepp.  Chris is an experienced conservationist with Ben's great support, and they have a lot of real world experiences to share which will benefit your operation.  Buckle up for a fast moving ride into the many conservation practice options and learn about their adaptability for each unique set of circumstances.

Maximizing profitability through improved cropping system trials | Pods of Potential Episode 9

Episode #9 of Pods of Potential is Driven to Deliver the latest insights regarding ISA’s Improved Cropping System Trials, with a heavy focus on why you should participate and the value that participation will bring to your operation. ISA Research Agronomist Drew Clemmensen returns for his second POP episode and is joined by NW IA farmer Jason Diekevers and ISA Research Agronomy Lead Alex Litvin as we stay on the cutting edge of Iowa Soybean Production!

Determining the value of foliar fungicide | Pods of Potential Episode 8

In the latest Pods of Potential Episode IARN Host Andy Petersen focuses on the value your operation will find from a Foliar Fungicide application on both corn and soybeans. This according, of course, to the latest replicated trials conducted by our friends at RCFI with your check-off dollars on dozens of farms across Iowa, including location host Michael Fosdick. Hear his first-hand recommendations and learn how the Iowa Soybean Association is Driven to Deliver results to your farm through the personal assistance of Research Agronomist Lucas DeBruin as ISA and IARN are proud to provide Episode 8 of Pods of Potential!