2026 Planting Season Update: On-the-Ground Reports from Iowa & Wisconsin

Host Juan checks in with three Cornelius Seed District Sales Managers who also farm in their own territories — Brad Grandgeorge (Central Iowa), Joe Braudt (Southwest Wisconsin), and Mike Lund (Southwest Iowa) — for a real-time planting season update. The conversation covers planting progress, field conditions, and the challenges of a cool, wet spring. Topics include soil fitness, crusting concerns, emergence watch-outs, the value of seed treatments in cold conditions, cover crop strategies, biological inputs, and the importance of patience over rushing to beat the neighbors. Each guest shares what good operators are doing right this spring and what agronomic lessons 2026 is already teaching.0:00 – Intro & Welcome0:33 – Brad Grandgeorge | Central Iowa (Wright County)1:35 – Planting progress & field conditions in Central Iowa2:58 – Early emergence & crusting concerns4:21 – What good operators are doing this spring5:16 – Planter prep tips & precision equipment checks8:23 – Joe Braudt | Southwest Wisconsin (Grant County)9:10 – Cold, wet conditions & delayed planting progress10:37 – Cover crops, rye planting, and soil moisture15:58 – Seed treatments & seedling disease watch-outs17:44 – Agronomy lessons from a tough spring start19:52 – Biologicals & non-GMO corn strategy22:01 – Mike Lund | Southwest Iowa (Pottawattamie & Shelby Counties)22:24 – Strong conditions in Southwest Iowa & planting progress26:07 – Final advice: don't rush, stick to the plan