Summer check-in: Crop conditions, agronomy research and cover crops

June 25, 2026

It's officially summer, and soybeans are growing fast across Iowa! In this episode, ISA Research Agronomist Shane Beck and Conservation Agronomist Brock Webb provide an in-season update on crop conditions and share what farmers should be scouting for as July approaches. They also discuss potential challenges that could emerge as the growing season progresses.

You'll hear the latest from research trials monitoring corn rootworm pressure and exploring sulfur's impact on soybean production. Plus, get an update on the Farmers for Soil Health program and how it is helping farmers implement in-field conservation practices through $35-per-acre incentives for both new and existing cover crop acres.

The Iowa Agribusiness Radio Network presents Pods of Potential with host Mark Magnuson. This episode is partially funded by the soybean checkoff and delivers data-driven research and results to help Iowa's soybean farmers maximize productivity, profitability and sustainability.

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