Merschman Seeds Cup of Joe
By: Merschman Seeds
Language: en-us
Categories: Science, Earth, Business, Management, Nature
Tune in every Saturday for a new episode of Merschman Seeds Cup of Joe! We share current events happening in the agricultural industry and educate you on our products to help you become profitable on your farm. You can also watch the video version of each episode on YouTube or visit our website at www.merschmanseeds.com for more information. Make sure you’re subscribed so you don't miss future episodes!
Episodes
Soil Temperatures, Harvest Trends, and Trials: What Fall Data Is Telling Us
Oct 25, 2025Watch the video version here: https://youtu.be/Nj5-65QWAW0
On this episode:
🌽Hear a discussion on 4” soil temperatures and how that correlates with fall herbicide and nitrogen applications.
🌽Ben and Dylan harvested the Fort Madison, Iowa test plot. Hear what they have to say about trends they saw in the trials they tested.
🌽FIRST trials published their summary data for northern Illinois. See how our Merschman Seeds PowerCore® Enlist® 2506C-30 ranked.
F.I.R.S.T. Trials:
https://www.firstseedtests.com/2025/B2025ILNOuabsummary.pdf?email=1&date=20251024&user=1097
https://mesone...
2026 Soybean Preview, Harvest Update, and Yield Insights
Oct 18, 2025Watch the video version here: https://youtu.be/5fhizrlW61E
On this episode:
🌽We preview soybean seed quality and size for 2026.
🌽Dylan has a harvest update on the West Point test plot.
🌽Hear about yield variation between weigh wagon scale and combine yield monitors.
🌽Ben questions he’s gotten this week regarding picking down beans.
Merschman Seeds 2026 Soybean Lineup:
https://merschmanseeds.com/products/soybeans
Merschman PowerCore® Enlist® Corn:
https://merschmanseeds.com/products/corn
Meristem Crop Performance:
https://meristemag.com
Flip through the Merschman Seeds...
Harvest Insights: Test Plot Results, Wheat and Disease Protection
Oct 11, 2025Watch the video version here: https://youtu.be/J8F3FpIhHP8
On this episode:
🌽We are getting test plot results. Hear from Ben about the top performing Merschman products.
🌽Now is the time to plant wheat! Merschman Seeds offers Hyper-Early & Ultra-Early wheat varieties. Hear the benefits of planting soft red winter wheat.
🌽Hear how our Starting Line soybean seed treatment options can help combat diseases such as red crown rot.
Merschman Seeds 2026 Soybean Lineup:
https://merschmanseeds.com/products/soybeans
Merschman PowerCore® Enlist® Corn:
https://merschmanseeds.com/products/corn
Mer...
Harvest Results, Soybean Seed Size & Green Stem Syndrome
Oct 04, 2025Watch the video version here: https://youtu.be/jN2KfhiJ-CM
On this episode:
🌽Hear a summary of our West Point, Iowa Show Plot harvest results and how our checks with Meristem went.
🌽Growers are bringing soybean seed to the plant. We have a discussion on seed size and quality.
🌽Ben talks about Green Stem Syndrome in soybeans.
🌽Hear a quick summary on how Merschman PowerCore® Enlist® corn is performing.
‘Green stem syndrome on soybean’ via University of Minnesota Extension:
https://extension.umn.edu/soybean-pest-management/green-stem-syndrome-soybean
Merschman Seeds 2026 Soybean Lineup:
https...
Harvest Insights: Soil Testing, Fungicide Results, and Corn Performance Updates
Sep 27, 2025Watch the video version here:
On this episode:
🌽Harvest has begun and it’s time to think about fertilizer. Have you tested the soil in your field? How can you maintain yield potential knowing what’s in your field?
🌽Dylan shares fungicide trial results from northern Iowa.
🌽Ben shares comments on how our Merschman PowerCore® Enlist® corn is performing, especially our 2512C-30 and 2411C-30.
🌽Ben also shares some Meristem Crop Performance trial work on screen.
Merschman PowerCore® Enlist® Corn:
https://merschmanseeds.com/products/corn
Meristem Crop Performance:
https://meristemag.c...
Week Travels & Insights and an Initial Harvest Update
Sep 20, 2025Watch the video version here: https://youtu.be/LOUn8RS0zY4
On this episode:
🌽Ben has an update on his Merschman PowerCore® Enlist® 2512C-30 corn field that we were in last week.
🌽We have an initial harvest update.
🌽Dylan talks about planting wheat & Hessian fly free dates in Iowa.
🌽Ken Ferrie raised the topic of field fires; we talk about having a field fire action plan.
'Fly Free' Date for Hessian Fly by Erin Hodgson, via ISU Extension and Outreach
https://crops.extension.iastate.edu/cropnews/2012/08/fly-free-date-hessian-fly
Ken Ferrie’s Boots...
On Location with Merschman PowerCore® Enlist® Corn
Sep 13, 2025Watch the video version here: https://youtu.be/JShrLKglGfE
On this episode:
🌽We are on location in Ben’s Merschman PowerCore® Enlist® 2512C-30 corn field near Wever, Iowa; Ben shares his experience managing this field.
🌽Hear how Meristem Hopper Throttle corn was utilized in this field.
🌽Joe explains our seed production process & Starting Line Corn Seed Treatment.
Flip through the Merschman Seeds 2026 Product Guide: https://merschmanseeds.com/product-guide
Check out all of our social media links, website and more:
https://linktr.ee/merschmanseeds
Field Flyovers, Disease Management, and Product Highlights
Sep 06, 2025Watch the video version here to see all of the agronomy information we show on screen in this episode: https://youtu.be/o5H26VFh1so
On this episode:
🌽This week we did flyovers over local Merschman Seeds fields. We chat about what we saw from above.
🌽Hear about identifying southern rust, tar spot & knowing what you’ve got in your field so you can have a management plan.
🌽Dylan highlights a few Merschman Enlist E3® Soybean varieties that he is most excited about.
🌽Hear Joe’s perspective on our Hyper-Early wheat brands Millie 8 & Peyton...
Field Days, Red Crown Rot Insights & Peking Soybean Lines
Aug 30, 2025Watch the video version here: https://youtu.be/-6l3V5VIg7Y
On this episode:
🌽Hear a continued discussion about our travels and field days this week, especially stalk quality & managing diseases as the season continues.
🌽Ben shares information on red crown rot and learning the potential causes and correlations on how it’s spreading.
🌽We highlight our peking lines in our 2026 Enlist E3® soybean lineup as well as Starting Line Plus with Saltro and Trunemco seed treatment.
🌽Hear a brief overview of how our Merschman PowerCore® Enlist® corn hybrids are developing.
Flip thro...
Corn Advancements, Field Scouting Insights & Wheat Highlights
Aug 23, 2025Watch the video version here: https://youtu.be/hoB_dT_tC3s
On this episode:
🌽Hear about our travels and meetings this week, especially about changes and advancements in the corn industry coming up.
🌽Ben shares some field scouting results & how trials are going as of now. See our PowerCore® Enlist® 2512C-30 hybrid and how it is growing.
🌽See photos of Ben’s fungicide trials.
🌽Dylan highlights our soft red winter wheat brands.
Flip through the Merschman Seeds 2026 Product Guide: https://merschmanseeds.com/product-guide
Check out all of our s...
How Our Starting Line Seed Treatment Options Can Add Up to Your Yield Potential
Aug 16, 2025Watch the video version here: https://youtu.be/OanaMZ2zg-w
On this episode:
🌽Hear a weekly update on what we are seeing in the fields and what is showing up this time of year.
🌽We talk about the components that add up to your yield potential in our Starting Line and Starting Line Plus with Saltro and Trunemco seed treatment options and how they help combat diseases such as sudden death syndrome.
🌽Find out what the ‘push test’ is on corn.
🌽Corn sweat is showing up; we address the question; does it truly raise the humidit...
On Location at the Merschman Seeds Show Plot
Aug 09, 2025Watch the video version here: https://youtu.be/HTVqUI5xoOw
On this episode:
🌽We are on location at our Show Plot in West Point, Iowa.
🌽Dylan has a corn update on the diseases & insect pests he is seeing this time of year.
🌽We talk about nitrogen & sulfur deficiency, identifying it in your fields & managing these deficiencies.
🌽Ben shows 3 different Merschman PowerCore® Enlist® corn hybrids and explains how your corn plant builds yield.
Flip through the Brand New Merschman Seeds 2026 Product Guide: https://merschmanseeds.com/product-guide
Check out all of our social medi...
Downpour & Data: Insights & Trials
Aug 02, 2025Watch the video version here: Ben shares lots of information on screen that you don't want to miss! https://youtu.be/VqCgmdomfCI
On this episode:
🌽Locally in Southeast Iowa it rained a lot this week; how does weather like that affect crops long-term?
🌽Avery Bennett joins us and shares information on his Meristem Crop Performance trials and what his hopes are.
🌽Ben shares lots of information on rain charts, Growing Degree Unit & Temperature Maps & photos of growth comparison on corn.
https://glam1.gsfc.nasa.gov/
https://www.ag-wx.com/meteograms/sites/52658.html
...
Managing Nitrogen Deficiency and Disease Pressure in Corn Fields
Jul 26, 2025Watch the video version here: https://youtu.be/DdbJhgt3woA
On this episode:
🌽We chat about the current state of fields and what to consider from here on out to protect your yield potential.
🌽 Diseases are setting in; hear about things to consider & expectations to set, knowing the fight you’re potentially up against.
🌽 Dylan is seeing nitrogen deficiency in fields. He shares what farmers are doing to manage it now & prepare for next year.
Red Crown Rot Symptoms Emerging in Illinois Soybeans via Department of Crop Sciences, University of Illinois...
Duration: 00:24:02Disease Pressures & Pollination Issues in Corn
Jul 19, 2025Watch the video version here to see photos on screen: https://youtu.be/MpMd2Vk_JYA
On this episode:
🌽We have a discussion on the distinction between southern rust and common rust on corn as well as other disease pressures in the field.
🌽Check out Ken Ferrie’s latest Boots In The Field Report on pollination issues & tassel-wrapping. We talk about how our corn crop is looking.
Ken Ferrie’s Boots In The Field Report:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-693iSedbDA
Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...
Fungicide Application, Early Harvest Conditions & Wheat Yield Update
Jul 12, 2025Watch the video version here: https://youtu.be/aQ8bb8chxaY
On this episode:
🌽We discuss the question - When should a fungicide application be done based on field conditions, pests, or other considerations?
🌽What conditions will allow you to harvest early this year?
🌽Dylan has a post-harvest wheat update with some yield results.
Flip through the Merschman Seeds 2025 Product Guide: https://merschmanseeds.com/product-guide
Check out all of our social media links, website and more:
https://linktr.ee/merschmanseeds
More Wheat Updates & Yield Results, PowerCore Enlist Corn & Climate Maps
Jul 05, 2025Watch the video version here: https://youtu.be/G6NeKGSDpJo
On this episode:
🌽Hear another soft red winter wheat update from Ben and Lynn. We’ve got some Millie 8 & brand new Peyton 2 yield results.
🌽Ben shows a few climate field view maps.
🌽Lynn shares a local PowerCore® Enlist® corn update and how nutrients affect the plant.
Read The Butterfly Story:
https://merschmanseeds.com/uploads/images/The_Butterfly_Story.pdf
Flip through the Merschman Seeds 2025 Product Guide: https://merschmanseeds.com/product-guide
Check out all of our social media...
June Crop Update, Wheat Yields, Brandt Research Farm Visit
Jun 28, 2025Watch the video version here: https://youtu.be/gVDqFde67S0
On this episode:
🌽Hear a soft red winter wheat update from Dylan on how wheat production is going this year, as well as some yield results.
🌽Our Area Sales Managers met in Illinois for the June sales meeting. We share our experience touring the Brandt Research Farm in Pleasant Plains, Illinois.
🌽How can advancing planting dates affect crops and yield potential?
🌽It’s time to spray - Ask us about our Meristem Crop Performance products for corn and soybeans.
https://brandt.co/pleasant-pl...
The Weather is Heating Up
Jun 21, 2025Watch the video version here: https://youtu.be/HymljyNNFTY
On this episode:
🌽We show some weather maps and metrics on what is coming in the next couple of days.
🌽Ben and Dylan share some information and maps on southern corn rust and tar spot of corn and managing your yield.
🌽Lynn covers the importance of sulfur and nitrogen and best practices when it comes to protecting yield.
The Importance of Sulfur for Corn and Soybeans via Bayer Crop Science:
https://www.cropscience.bayer.us/articles/bayer/the-importance-of-sulfur-for-corn-and-soybeans
Flip through the Mersch...
Wheat Diseases, Rootworm Pressure & Carryover Herbicide Issues
Jun 14, 2025Watch the video version here: https://youtu.be/xdJ-Q6_ILek
On this episode:
🌽Dylan has been inspecting wheat; hear about diseases he’s seen show up this time of year before it’s harvested.
🌽Hear about our Hyper-Early Millie 8 Wheat Brand.
🌽Ben shares an article from Iowa State on Rootworm eggs hatching.
🌽We are seeing carryover herbicide issues start to show up in soybean fields from last year’s corn crop.
Rootworm Eggs Reaching Peak Hatch in Iowa via Iowa State Extension and Outreach:
https://crops.extension.iastate.edu/cropnews/2025/06/rootworm-eggs-reac...
Rapid Growth Syndrome, Carbon Penalty & Weather Effects on Corn
Jun 13, 2025Watch the video version here: https://youtu.be/-Axw_fv37fc
On this episode:
🌽We revisit the conversation on environmental leaf wrap & rapid growth syndrome in corn.
🌽Hear about carbon penalty & the lack of growing degree units.
🌽Dylan highlights the recent storm in the southeast Iowa area and the effect it had on corn.
Rapid Growth Syndrome in Corn via Bayer Crop Science:
https://www.cropscience.bayer.us/articles/bayer/rapid-growth-syndrome-corn
Ferrie: Unravel The Mystery Of Ugly Corn Syndrome To Reduce Yield Losses via AgWeb:
https://www.agweb.com/news/c...
Late Planting Considerations
May 31, 2025Watch the video version here to see on-screen visuals: https://youtu.be/xMvuxzf-H6U
On this episode:
🌽 Ben summarizes some phone calls he’s gotten this week from replant to wireworm to deciding which varieties to plant based on location and more. He shows a GDU graph tool you can use.
🌽Hear about rapid growth syndrome in corn and why it happens.
🌽 Check out Earth Optics’ 2025 Predictive Ag Report, linked in the description.
U2U Decision Support Tools - Corn GDD:
https://mrcc.purdue.edu/tools/corngdd
Hybrid Maturity Decisions for...
Maximizing Yield Potential with Peter Rousonelos of Meristem Crop Performance
May 24, 2025Watch the video version here to see the Power Point that Peter Rousonelos talks through: https://youtu.be/3K4V1G67n8A
On this episode:
🌽 Peter Rousonelos of Meristem Crop Performance joins us to discuss how we can influence yield during the early vegetative period of the crop. We take an in-depth dive into the products you should be looking at during the post herbicide application period.
See More from Meristem Crop Performance:
https://meristemag.com
Flip through the Merschman Seeds 2025 Product Guide: https://merschmanseeds.com/product-guide
Check out...
In the Field, Planting Plots & More
May 17, 2025Watch the video version here: https://youtu.be/pBKWpqefGts
On this episode:
🌽 Hear an update on what we're seeing in the field.
🌽We planted our Show Plot and test plot this week. Ben and Dylan talk about the trials we’re doing this year to better serve you.
🌽If you’ve got a photo or video to share, send it our way and we might share it on Cup of Joe.
Flip through the Merschman Seeds 2025 Product Guide: https://merschmanseeds.com/product-guide
Check out all of our social media links, website, Blue...
Wheat Growth Stages, Replant & Nitrogen Levels
May 10, 2025Watch the video version here: https://youtu.be/Ayne6zeVCZY
On this episode:
🌽 Hear about the different growth stages in wheat and what to look for regarding freeze injury.
🌽What are some of the things we look at when it comes to replant and determining stand?
🌽Are you checking nitrogen levels in your soil? How can nitrogen levels affect yield?
A Visual Guide to Soybean Growth Stages:
https://badgercropnetwork.com/resources/Soybean-Growth-Guide.pdf
Mirror, Mirror On The Wall, Will My Wheat And Soybean Crop Freeze And Fall? Via Badger Crop Netwo...
Field Scouting Essentials: Tools, Tips & Crop Progress Pics
May 03, 2025Watch the video version here to see photos we show on this episode: https://youtu.be/8y4Uy8RPLIw
On this episode:
🌽We chat about what we’re looking for this time of year when it comes to scouting fields and the tools to bring with you.
🌽 See photos of growth progress of soybeans, corn & wheat.
🌽Do you have a photo or video to share with us of your crops? Send it our way and it might end up on Cup of Joe in a future episode!
Flip through the Merschman Seeds 2025 Product Guid...
Wheat Growth Stages & Local Crop Emergence
Apr 26, 2025Watch the video version here to see all of the photos we show on screen in this episode: https://youtu.be/jKlKVznng_s
On this episode:
🌽Hear a discussion on wheat stands & feekes stages.
🌽See photos of local crop emergence & roots.
🌽We share a Black Cutworm report from Iowa State. How does this pest affect crops?
2025 Moth Trapping Network Update via ISU:
https://crops.extension.iastate.edu/post/2025-moth-trapping-network-update-1
Black Cutworm Information via ISU:
https://crops.extension.iastate.edu/encyclopedia/black-cutworm
Winter Wheat Development and Growth Staging P...
We're Full Speed Ahead!
Apr 19, 2025Watch the video version here:
On this episode:
🌽Ben shares a planting progress report sboth locally and nationally.
🌽Check out the fungicide efficacy chart from Crop Protection Network. We talk about the elements in Starting Line seed treatment.
🌽We share some advice from Ken Ferrie.
Soybean Efficacy Chart via Crop Protection Network:
https://cropprotectionnetwork.s3.amazonaws.com/soybean-seedling-efficacy-2025.pdf
ISU Climate Outlook:
https://naturalresources.extension.iastate.edu/blog/madelynn-j-wuestenberg/april-17-2025-climate-outlook
Flip through the Merschman Seeds 2025 Product Guide: https://merschmanseeds.com/product-guide
Check out all o...
PowerCore® Enlist® Corn, Starting Line Seed Treatment & Meristem Products
Apr 12, 2025Watch the video version here: https://youtu.be/NI6IALmufAs
On this episode:
🌱Iowa State is monitoring corn rootworm - was this past winter weather enough to manage this pest?
🌱Ben addresses the hard-hitting question: Should I plant corn or soybeans first?
🌱We talk about the benefits of Merschman PowerCore® Enlist® corn paired with our Starting Line corn seed treatment and Meristem Revline Hopper Throttle Corn.
Was this a harsh winter for corn rootworm? Via ISU Extension and Outreach:
https://crops.extension.iastate.edu/cropnews/2025/04/was-harsh-winter-corn-rootworm
Five Years of Research Eva...
Counting Down the Days to Plant
Apr 05, 2025Watch the video version here: https://youtu.be/wQ9lBY4trH0
On this episode:
🌽The countdown to planting is on! We share an updated weather outlook by Eric Snodgrass. Tune in to find out how to plan your next steps for maximum yield potential.
See more at https://ag-wx.com
Flip through the Merschman Seeds 2025 Product Guide: https://merschmanseeds.com/product-guide
Check out all of our social media links, website, Blue Water Outlook and more:
https://linktr.ee/merschmanseeds
Protecting Your Yield with Meristem
Mar 29, 2025Watch the video version here: https://youtu.be/fWX0Bu7QZiA
On this episode:
🌱Dylan summarizes a corn disease outlook from Corteva and how our Starting Line seed treatment can help combat & overcome challenges in the growing season.
🌱See slides of a presentation from Shane Brockhoff of Meristem about protecting the genetic yield potential in corn and soybeans.
https://www.corteva.us/Resources/crop-protection/corn/2025-disease-outlook-corn.html
Meristem Presentation Slides via Shane Brockhoff:
https://merschmanseeds.com/uploads/images/COJ_3.28.25_Meristem_shareable_.pdf
Flip through the Merschman Seeds 2025 Product Guide:<...