Pods of Potential

Protecting soil health and water quality is a priority for Iowa farmers. But what role do public policy and checkoff-funded research play in conservation adoption? In this episode of Pods of Potential, ISA Chief Officer of Demand and Advocacy Matt Herman, Story County farmer Dave Struthers and Iowa State University Professor Michael Castellano discuss the impacts of corn stover removal and conservation practices on Iowa's farming landscape and policy arena. Explore conservation from multiple perspectives: the research behind it, a farmer’s why behind implementing it and the policies that shape it. Learn how in-field agronomic benefits, policy incentives and research findings influence how farmers adopt conservation practices. This episode of Pods of Potential is partially funded by the soybean checkoff.

Farmers across Iowa use tile systems to drain excess water from their farm fields. But did you know tile drainage can be paired with a buffer strip to enhance water quality? Iowa Soybean Association Conservation Agronomist Alex Logan joins Jake Luft and John Alhers of Luft & Sons Farm Drainage Solutions to explain how conservation practices can work alongside pattern tiling. They walk through simple, cost-effective water quality practices and how they help remove nitrates from the water leaving your field tile.

When every bushel counts, inputs need to generate a return on investment. Explore ways to reduce input costs for greater margins as Clay County farmer Paul Kassel and ISA Technical Insights Manager Rosie Koch share findings from checkoff-funded fungicide, sulfur and seeding rate research trials. Learn how unbiased, farmer-led research can guide your 2026 growing season decisions in this episode of Pods of Potential and the latest edition of the RCFI Insights Report.

When conservation and agronomy work together, they can deliver real, on-farm benefits. Explore how you can make your underperforming acres benefit your farm and your bottom line as Greene County farmer David Ausberger shares his conservation story. Hear how David uses conservation to improve soil quality and reduce operating costs. Iowa Soybean Association Conservation Services and Programs Lead Todd Sutphin also shares how ISA leverages partnerships to help farmers implement in-field and edge-of-field conservation practices at little to no cost.

Soybean cyst nematodes (SCN) are one of Iowa’s most damaging pests, silently cutting yields and reducing profits for farmers. In this episode of Pods of Potential, Matt Carroll from the Iowa Soybean Association (ISA), Greg Tylka from the Iowa Soybean Research Center at Iowa State University and northwest Iowa farmer Austin Behrendsen dive into the prevalence of SCN and the latest research-backed strategies to manage it. Learn why ISA partners with organizations and universities to fund critical research, including work on SCN, and how proactive management can protect both your crop and your bottom line.

What factors influenced soybean and corn yields this season? The Iowa Soybean Association’s Research Agronomy Team breaks down the key trends they saw across Iowa fields this year — from weather impacts and the spread of southern rust to the value of well-timed fungicide applications. This episode of Pods of Potential also highlights the results of sulfur and cover crop trials, offering practical insights for the next growing season.

Scott County farmer Mike Paustian says yes - and he has the results to prove it. In this episode, learn how farmers are maximizing their acres by growing small grains and soybeans within the same season. Paustian shares his experience with relay intercropping and how it’s driving profitability on his farm. ISA Research Agronomist Lucas De Bruin explains the agronomics behind why intercropping soybeans works and highlights trial results from across Iowa.

Explore the pros and cons of different seeding methods for cover crops and how they cater to your farm's unique needs. Linn County farmer Jim O’Connell, ISA Senior Research Agronomist Alex Schaffer and Conservation Agronomist Evan Brehm weigh benefits like seed-to-soil contact and convenience for airplane, drone, high clearance machine, broadcast, drilled, and harvest air seeded methods. Whether you're new or experienced with cover crops, this episode provides clear, research-backed insights to help you make informed decisions for your farm.

Explore how on-farm research trials, funded in part by the soybean checkoff, are helping Spencer farmer and Iowa Soybean Association President Brent Swart boost efficiency and increase return on investment. ISA CEO Kirk Leeds explains how the association leverages checkoff dollars to improve the productivity, profitability and sustainability of Iowa’s soybean farmers. Learn how your investment in the soybean checkoff is advancing the industry in this episode of Pods of Potential.

On-farm water monitoring improves nutrient efficiency and minimizes agriculture’s impact on water quality. In this episode of Pods of Potential, Iowa Soybean Association Water Lab Services Manager Tony Seeman and Iowa Agriculture Water Alliance Director of Communications Rebekah Jones discuss how voluntary conservation improves water quality and nutrient retention. Learn how implementing conservation practices and water monitoring can help you keep your valuable nutrients out of downstream water sources.

Turn your cover crops into a successful business. Discover how the Cover Crop Business Accelerator (CCBA) program can provide financial assistance, agronomic support and networking opportunities to help establish a profitable cover crop business. On this episode of Pods of Potential, Marengo-area farmer Ross McCaw joins ISA Senior Conservation Program Manager Mike Gilman and Ann Krause from Practical Farmers of Iowa to share his experience with the CCBA. Hear how the program helped Ross increase the profitability of his cover crop business—and how it might help you do the same.

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.

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.

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. 

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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!

Episode 7 of the Pods of Potential Podcast is Driven to Deliver Water Monitoring Opportunities for producers as well as long term nutrient load reduction results shown as a result of improved farming practices.  Longtime progressive Benton County Producer Wayne Siela and ISA Water Lab Service Manager Tony Seeman join host Andy Petersen for this comprehensive conservation diving into ISA’s efforts to improve water quality.  

Just in time for your cover crop termination decisions, expert advice, analysis and experience combine for great conversation not only about key termination factors to maximize herbicide efficacy yet also a tailored seeding mix which could improve efficiency in the fall. If you are looking to get started in the fall, Fourth Generation Iowa Producer Ryan Tiefenthaler and Iowa Soybean Conservation Agronomist Joe Weubker also provide various cover crop implementation strategies for your operation including alternative termination approaches to avoid herbicide use. When it comes to conservation innovation we’ve got you covered in episode 6 of Pods of Potential!

In their continuing quest to drive Iowa Soybean production efficiency, the Iowa Soybean Association is Driven to Deliver proven research solutions for Iowa’s 40,000 Soybean Farmers.  Andy Petersen visits with Research Agronomist Drew Clemensen and Iowa Soybean producer Brian Fager about their seeding rate trials to bring you key insights on what works, what doesn’t, and how you can utilize either the trials or the knowledge in your operation.

The latest Pods of Potential Podcast from the Iowa Agribusiness Radio Network and the Iowa Soybean Association’s Research Center for Farming Innovation is driven to deliver productive, profitable, and sustainable practices to Iowa’s farmers. Host Andy Petersen focuses this conversation with ISA Environmental Leader Award Winner Jim O’Connell and Affiliated Faculty at Iowa State University Dr. Chris Hay on implementing Edge of Field practices, the dramatic soil and nitrogen protection they provide, and why the need for expansion of these projects is a key part of the Iowa Systems Approach to Conservation.

Join Iowa Agribusiness Radio Network’s Andy Petersen to help you learn more about the Iowa Nitrogen Initiative from ISU’s Melissa Miller, Iowa Soybean Conservation Agronomist Alex Schaffer and farmer Brent Friest, including how this groundbreaking work could benefit your operation.

The Iowa Agribusiness Radio Network presents Pods of Potential with host Andy Petersen. Powered by the Iowa Soybean Association and the soybean checkoff, Pods of Potential delivers data-driven research and results to help Iowa’s soybean farmers maximize productivity, profitability, and sustainability. This month’s episode features a discussion with ISA Conservation Agronomist Evan Brehm and Iowa’s Conservation Farmer of the Year Dan Voss.

The Iowa Agribusiness Radio Network presents Pods of Potential with host Andy Petersen. Powered by the Iowa Soybean Association and the soybean checkoff, Pods of Potential delivers data-driven research and results to help Iowa’s soybean farmers maximize productivity, profitability, and sustainability. In this first episode, Webster County Multi-Generational Farmer Kellie Blair joins Iowa Soybean Association Director of Research Joe McClure to discuss achieving bottom-line results by implementing a cropping strategy involving tillage reduction, precision nutrient placement, and key product placement to achieve maximum ROI on every acre of your farm.