In this episode of The Acre Advantage, Dan Bjorklund and Dave Lemke break down how early-season stress—cold soils, uneven emergence, and disease pressure—can quietly impact your crop all season long.

From crown rot risk in corn to slow soybean emergence, this conversation focuses on what’s happening right now in the field—and what growers should be watching next.

• Why early stress compounds throughout the season
• How cold, wet soils increase risk for crown rot and root diseases
• What to check at V5—including how to evaluate the crown
• How uneven emergence impacts yield potential
• Why genetics and field conditions matter more in variable years
• When a V5 fungicide application may be worth considering
• How tools like SkyScout help you scout smarter and respond faster

• Early decisions set the tone for the entire season
• Stress now doesn’t disappear—it compounds
• Scouting is critical between emergence and V5
• Protecting plant health early protects yield later
• Never let the plant have a bad day

This isn’t about reacting later—it’s about paying attention now.

The growers who protect yield aren’t guessing.
They’re watching the field, reading the conditions, and making the right call at the right time.

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Too wet to plant? This episode breaks down what persistent rain and cool soils mean for planting decisions, early-season disease risk, and crop stress in corn and soybeans—and how to stay ahead when conditions aren’t ideal.

Key Takeaways:

• Wet, cool soils increase risk. Expect higher disease pressure, compaction issues, and uneven emergence.
• Conditions matter more than the calendar. Waiting for fit fields can protect yield more than planting early.
• Scouting early changes outcomes. Identifying issues before they spread allows for timely, more effective decisions.
• Think ahead, not just today. Early-season conditions set up in-season stress, disease, and nutrient needs.

Chapters:
00:00 Introduction & spring outlook
05:31 Corn planting & disease concerns
12:02 Soybean disease & variety decisions
17:39 Scouting & field monitoring
25:25 Stress mitigation & nutrition
30:49 Soybean disease management

Bottom Line:
This spring is testing patience. The right decisions now will show up at harvest.

Nearly two years after announcing our GROW Solutions Center, Jamie Orr, GROW Agronomy Lead, and Janette Smith, GROW Grain Lead, join Ashley on the podcast this week to share the GROW Solution Center’s accomplishments thus far and discuss how they are putting farmers’ needs at the forefront of Landus.

With a growing virtual team made up of agronomists, grain marketers, and data analysts, the Landus GROW Solutions Center is making it easier than ever to connect with growers and answer any questions they may have.

“[Farmers] aren’t working 9-5. They start their mornings early and they finish their nights late. They work weekends. So, the virtual team helps them be better. We’re here to answer their questions...It’s just about being there when the farmer needs you most.” - Janette Smith, GROW Grain Lead

While the GROW Solutions Center continues to serve as a form of constant communication, it has also been used as a tool to establish meaningful relationships between Landus and our farmer-owners. Making it known that we are there to support growers every step of the way has been a major goal. With over 3,700 grain accounts and 95% of agronomy customers contacted, it is safe to say their team is doing just that.

Jamie explains that by reaching out, Landus is better able to understand and serve the farmer of tomorrow; one that has a succession plan, operates sustainably, and is self-sufficient. Whether it be on the phone, in person, or through the Landus portal online, pairing the work of the virtual GROW team with our field teams helps to provide service to the farmer in any way they need us.

If you have any questions regarding your operation, please contact the GROW Solutions Center at 515-800-GROW(4769).

Follow us on our social media channels: https://linktr.ee/landusag