Agronomy Answers Podcast

This episode of the Agronomy Answers podcast features Darren Hefty discussing how the Hefty brand of corn and soybeans got its start and the farming practices that shaped the business. The conversation traces the early days of raising seed crops and how careful field management, seed purity, and proper seed cleaning helped growers achieve better stands and more consistent results. They also explain how conditioning seed and removing damaged or contaminated seed can improve establishment and overall crop performance in the field.New episodes out weekly!Follow us on social media:Facebook: @heftyseedInstagram: @heftyseedTikTok: @heftyseedX: @heftyseedYouTube: @heftyseedTo learn more about Hefty Seed Company, visit www.heftyseed.com

In this episode of the Agronomy Answers podcast, the discussion focuses on plant growth regulators and how they influence where a plant directs its energy during the growing season. The hosts explain how using the wrong product or applying it at the wrong time can confuse the plant and reduce yield potential. They also discuss situations in which these products may increase silage yield by increasing leaf mass rather than improving grain yield.New episodes out weekly!Follow us on social media:Facebook: @heftyseedInstagram: @heftyseedTikTok: @heftyseedX: @heftyseedYouTube: @heftyseedTo learn more about Hefty Seed Company, visit www.heftyseed.com

In this episode of the Agronomy Answers Podcast, the discussion focuses on seed lab testing and how those results translate to real-world field performance. The hosts break down key tests like germination, purity, and stress testing, and explain how they ensure seed quality and consistency. They also highlight how factors like cold and warm germination impact emergence and stand establishment in the field. New episodes out weekly!Follow us on social media:Facebook: @heftyseedInstagram: @heftyseedTikTok: @heftyseedX: @heftyseedYouTube: @heftyseedTo learn more about Hefty Seed Company, visit www.heftyseed.com

This episode of the Agronomy Answers podcast continues the Lessons from Dad series with Brian sharing lessons he learned from his dad about work ethic, preparation, and staying consistent when you are not the smartest in the room. He talks about the idea of making money with your back and making money with your pencil, what hard work really means beyond just long hours, and why thick skin and effort still matter when things do not go your way.New episodes out weekly!Follow us on social media:Facebook: @heftyseedInstagram: @heftyseedTikTok: @heftyseedX: @heftyseedYouTube: @heftyseedTo learn more about Hefty Seed Company, visit www.heftyseed.com

This episode of the Agronomy Answers podcast features Glenn Herz, the head of research at Hefty Seed Company, sharing his path from growing up on a diversified farm in western North Dakota to leading research across multiple states. Glenn explains what Hefty research really involves, why testing changes over time, and how the team evaluates everything from seed genetics and traits to yield enhancement products. He also talks about the biggest challenges in research, including getting plots planted on time, handling variability, and separating what looks good in a lab from what actually works for farmers in the real world.New episodes out weekly!Follow us on social media:Facebook: @heftyseedInstagram: @heftyseedTikTok: @heftyseedX: @heftyseedYouTube: @heftyseedTo learn more about Hefty Seed Company, visit www.heftyseed.com

This episode of the Agronomy Answers podcast breaks down what is new in planter box Naturals and micronutrient delivery, and what growers need to watch out for to avoid poor results. The conversation covers how some biological technologies can help reduce corn rootworm pressure by masking plant signals and supporting root regrowth if feeding occurs. It also explains why mixing living biology with certain materials can cause problems, including how graphite and some micronutrients can quickly reduce biological viability. The episode closes with practical guidelines for handling and timing so planter box products have the best chance to perform in the field.New episodes out weekly!Follow us on social media:Facebook: @heftyseedInstagram: @heftyseedTikTok: @heftyseedX: @heftyseedYouTube: @heftyseedTo learn more about Hefty Seed Company, visit www.heftyseed.com

In this episode of the Agronomy Answers Podcast, Zach Hefty sits down with Heidi Arneson, Certified Seed Lab Technician, to talk all things seed testing. Raised in agriculture, Heidi carved her own path in the industry and built a career in the seed lab. Heidi shares her journey to becoming a registered technician, including how long the certification process took and what it required. She also breaks down the germination and purity testing process, offering insight into what happens behind the scenes to ensure seed quality. Plus, she tells the story of launching the Seed Lab onsite in Baltic, SD, and what it took to build it from the ground up.New episodes out weekly!Follow us on social media:Facebook: @heftyseedInstagram: @heftyseedTikTok: @heftyseedX: @heftyseedYouTube: @heftyseedTo learn more about Hefty Seed Company, visit www.heftyseed.com

This episode of the Agronomy Answers podcast continues the Lessons from Dad series with Brian sharing lessons he learned from his dad about leadership, delegation, and building up the next generation. Brian explains why giving people real responsibility matters, how mistakes are part of growth, and why great team members get frustrated when they have no authority to make decisions. The conversation also connects back to a core philosophy at Hefty Seed Company, helping farmers do more themselves, including why timely spraying is becoming a bigger challenge as yields rise and disease and insect pressure increase.New episodes out weekly!Follow us on social media:Facebook: @heftyseedInstagram: @heftyseedTikTok: @heftyseedX: @heftyseedYouTube: @heftyseedTo learn more about Hefty Seed Company, visit www.heftyseed.comCheck out Brian's Book: https://www.agphdstore.com/product/brian-s-book/9?cp=true&sa=false&sbp=false&q=false&category_id=MBW7XNBDVXYV6QZUGF6ZSFKO

This episode of the Agronomy Answers podcast features Matt Thompson as he blind ranks a group of Hefty Naturals products based on real research plot results. Matt breaks down how research has reshaped his thinking, what separates versatile tools from niche fits, and why understanding soil conditions matters before choosing any natural product. He also explains why one product consistently stands out in trials for protecting yield and reducing in-season stress. This conversation focuses on how research turns into better on-farm decisions and smarter product use.New episodes out weekly!Follow us on social media:Facebook: @heftyseedInstagram: @heftyseedTikTok: @heftyseedX: @heftyseedYouTube: @heftyseedTo learn more about Hefty Seed Company, visit www.heftyseed.com

This episode of the Agronomy Answers podcast features Seth Hansen from the Hefty Seed research team as he talks about what long-term agronomy research really looks like. Seth explains why improvements in soil drainage, soil sampling, and fertility take time, but often lead to the biggest payoffs in the field. He also shares what excites him most about upcoming research, including new soybean traits and plot work that will help guide future decisions. The conversation wraps up with Seth’s advice for young people entering agriculture and why there has never been a better time to get involved.New episodes out weekly!Follow us on social media:Facebook: @heftyseedInstagram: @heftyseedTikTok: @heftyseedX: @heftyseedYouTube: @heftyseedTo learn more about Hefty Seed Company, visit www.heftyseed.com

In this episode of the Agronomy Answers podcast, Zach introduces a new segment called Blind Rankings and puts Brian Hefty to the test. The challenge is simple but not easy. Brian has to rank tough to control weeds without knowing what is coming next.They work through five common problem weeds and discuss why some rise to the top based on resistance, seed production, geography, and real-world control challenges. Brian explains how weed pressure varies by region, why certain weeds are more damaging long term, and which ones farmers can realistically manage with today’s tools.New episodes out weekly!Follow us on social media:Facebook: @heftyseedInstagram: @heftyseedTikTok: @heftyseedX: @heftyseedYouTube: @heftyseedTo learn more about Hefty Seed Company, visit www.heftyseed.com

In this episode of the Agronomy Answers podcast, Zach is joined by Matt Thompson, Hefty Naturals brand manager, to explain what the herbicide tax is and why every foliar herbicide application comes with an energy cost to the crop.They break down what happens inside the plant after applications of products like glyphosate and dicamba, why early season timing matters, and how herbicide stress can quietly reduce yield potential. The conversation also covers real field data and how certain tools can help crops recover faster without sacrificing weed control.If you enjoy practical agronomy, research driven insights, and honest conversations about what actually impacts yield and profitability, this episode is for you.New episodes out weekly!Follow us on social media:Facebook: @heftyseedInstagram: @heftyseedTikTok: @heftyseedX: @heftyseedYouTube: @heftyseedTo learn more about Hefty Seed Company, visit www.heftyseed.com

In this episode, Zach and his dad, Brian Hefty, launch a new segment called Lessons From Dad. The series is built around Brian’s book, Lessons From Dad, and the real-life principles he learned from his own father and later passed on to his family.They kick things off with the first lesson in the book, “$100 an Hour Jobs,” a mindset focused on time management, priorities, and understanding the true value of your work. Brian shares the story behind writing the book, how these lessons were formed on the farm, and why they extend far beyond money into family, faith, work ethic, and long-term decision making.This conversation explores how small daily choices compound over time, why success rarely happens overnight, and how being intentional with your time can shape both your career and your life. Whether you’re early in your career or simply looking for practical perspective, this episode offers lessons that apply well beyond agriculture.New episodes out weekly!Follow us on social media:Facebook: @heftyseedInstagram: @heftyseedTikTok: @heftyseedX: @heftyseedYouTube: @heftyseedTo learn more about Hefty Seed Company, visit www.heftyseed.com

In this episode, Zach sits down with Hefty Naturals Brand Manager Matt Thompson to answer a simple but important question: what are Hefty Naturals?Matt breaks down the Hefty Naturals portfolio, how these products work, and how growers should think about using biologicals, biostimulants, and related technologies on their farms. They cover the five core categories within Hefty Naturals, why education and placement matter, and what separates proven products from the noise in a crowded marketplace.New episodes out weekly!Follow us on social media:Facebook: @heftyseedInstagram: @heftyseedTikTok: @heftyseedX: @heftyseedYouTube: @heftyseedTo learn more about Hefty Seed Company, visit www.heftyseed.com

In this episode, we unveil a brand-new segment on the Agronomy Answers podcast called Convince Me. This is where Zach sits down with his dad, Brian Hefty, or other guests and challenges them to convince him of a topic they feel strongly about.The topic up for debate is whether corn should be planted as early as possible. Brian lays out the case for early planting, covering yield potential, genetics, cold soil performance, seed treatments, and the benefits of gaining time in the spring.Using real-world experience and research-backed insights, the conversation explores the risks and rewards of planting earlier and lets listeners decide if they’re convinced.If you enjoy thoughtful debate, practical farming decisions, and honest conversations about what actually drives yield and profitability, this episode is for you.New episodes out weekly!Follow us on social media:Facebook: @heftyseedInstagram: @heftyseedTikTok: @heftyseedX: @heftyseedYouTube: @heftyseedTo learn more about Hefty Seed Company, visit www.heftyseed.com

In this episode, we dive into the story behind Hefty Naturals Brand Manager Matt Thompson. Matt grew up in a small Illinois farm town, started in grain trading, moved to Philadelphia for a corporate ag role, and eventually found his way to South Dakota and Hefty Seed.Matt shares how he got into agriculture, the twists and turns of his early career, what pulled him toward the Naturals side of the business, and the lessons he’s learned along the way. If you’re interested in agronomy, career paths in agriculture, or the people shaping Hefty Seed from the inside, this conversation is a great place to start.New episodes out weekly!Follow us on social media:Facebook: @heftyseedInstagram: @heftyseedTikTok: @heftyseedX: @heftyseedYouTube: @heftyseedTo learn more about Hefty Seed Company, visit www.heftyseed.com

In this episode of the Agronomy Answers Podcast, Zach Hefty and his dad, Brian Hefty, launch a brand new segment called Top 3, where each of them ranks their top three choices on a specific topic and the list almost never matches.Today’s topic is: Biggest Yield Robbers in Corn and SoybeansWhat should we discuss in the next Top 3 segment?New episodes out weekly!Follow us on social media:Facebook: @heftyseedInstagram: @heftyseedTikTok: @heftyseedX: @heftyseedYouTube: @heftyseedTo learn more about Hefty Seed Company, visit www.heftyseed.com

Zach sits down with his uncle, Darren Hefty, to talk about the early days of the Hefty family farm, the beginnings of Hefty Seed Company, and the moments that shaped its growth. From walking beans to opening new locations, Darren shares the work ethic, lessons, and stories behind building a multi-location agronomy business. A great listen for anyone who enjoys agriculture and family business roots.New episodes out weekly!Follow us on social media:Facebook: @heftyseedInstagram: @heftyseedTikTok: @heftyseedX: @heftyseedYouTube: @heftyseedTo learn more about Hefty Seed Company, visit www.heftyseed.com

In this first episode of the Agronomy Answers Podcast, Zach sits down with his dad, Brian Hefty, to share the real story behind how Hefty Seed Company began, how it survived the toughest decade in agriculture, and how it evolved into a national family business rooted in helping farmers first.New episodes out weekly!Follow us on social media:Facebook: @heftyseedInstagram: @heftyseedLinkedIn:@heftyseedTikTok: @heftyseedX: @heftyseedYouTube: @heftyseedTo learn more about Hefty Seed Company, visit www.heftyseed.com