Agronomy Moment

What are CarbonWorks products? | Use cases on how they improve the efficacy of applications.

George Sims joins me after a break to talk about the second part of our two part series on carbon. This time we dive into the products and their use on your corn & soybean crop. They are used in nitrogen and herbicide applications. CarbonWorks’ philosophy centers on delivering three essential elements—Carbon, Hydrogen, and Oxygen—to support the soil’s biological system, rather than relying solely on synthetic NPK inputs.
1. CarbonWorks CetaiN® (Nitrogen Efficacy) CetaiN is a nitrogen enhancement additive designed to stabilize nutrients and prevent loss through leaching or volatilization. How it works: It uses carbon as a "bridge" to hold nitrogen molecules to the soil. Unlike traditional stabilizers that may kill soil bacteria to slow conversion, CetaiN provides molecular oxygen to feed aerobic microbes (Nitrosomonas and Nitrobactor). Benefits: Stabilizes all three forms of nitrogen: Holds Ammonium, Nitrite, and Nitrate in the soil. Microbial Boost: Keeps microbes active even in saturated, oxygen-deprived soils, preventing corn from turning yellow after heavy rains. Versatility: Can be mixed with UAN (28% or 32%) or impregnated onto Urea. Reported Results: Studies have shown yield increases of approximately 10.4 bu/ac when added to urea and 7.0 bu/ac when added to UAN.
2. CarbonWorks Replenish (Herbicide & Spray Efficacy) Replenish is a salt-free water conditioner and spray adjuvant used to "torch" stubborn weeds and maximize the performance of tank mixes. How it works: Minerals in hard water (like calcium and magnesium) often bind to herbicides, making them 30–50% less effective. Replenish binds and neutralizes these "antagonizers." Benefits: Enhanced Absorption: Because it is salt-free, it keeps plant leaf pores open, allowing the spray to enter the plant more effectively than salt-based conditioners like AMS. Faster Mobility: Carbon molecules move through the plant faster than salts, leading to a quicker "kill" of target weeds. Residue Breakdown: It stimulates soil microbes to speed up the decomposition of weed carcasses and crop residue. Usage: Typically applied at 12–16 oz per 100 gallons of water.
3. CarbonWorks RSTC 17® (formerly Restore) This is a carbon-based starter technology applied in-furrow to improve germination and early plant vigor. How it works: It creates a "seed sphere" rich in carbon (food), hydrogen (energy), and oxygen. This environment helps seeds germinate faster in cool or wet soils. Benefits: Uniform Stands: Promotes "picket fence" stands where every plant emerges at the same time. Root Development: Significantly increases root mass and hair growth, allowing the plant to access more nutrients naturally. Reduced Salt Stress: Unlike traditional high-salt starters, RSTC 17 is safe to place directly on the seed. Reported Results: Has shown a 3-year average yield increase of 9.2 bu/ac in corn and consistently high ROI in soybeans and specialty crops like potatoes.
4. CarbonWorks Renew (Manure Management) Renew is designed for farmers using manure as a primary nutrient source. Purpose: It maximizes the nutrient content of manure while reducing environmental impacts. Benefits: It helps stabilize the nutrients within the manure and reduces the odors and harmful gasses associated with storage and application.
TOP Ag Services is a Beck's Hybrids seed dealer as well as a franchise partner for Sweetwater Technologies. We provide Hybrid Corn Seed, Soybean Seed, and Wheat Seed. Beck's has access to the best genetics and trait technologies from suppliers worldwide. Through Sweetwater Technologies we have access to industry standard name brand herbicides, insecticides, fungicides, and many others! We have access to biological stress mitigators, biological fertility foliar, and many other products in the category of crop protection and stress prevention. Through our business associates Dirks Bros, we offer fertilizer, soil sampling, and a whole suite of crop nutrition solutions. We are the first to market with the best products & provide the latest, most accurate agronomic information through proven research. If you need agronomic assistance or want to be added to these updates, feel free to reach out via the messaging feature or contact us at topagservices.com/contact or call us at 417-684-5301 to be connected with someone who can help you.
All information here is for informational purposes only. It is not a recommendation for your farm. You should not act or refrain from acting on the basis of any content included in this presentation without seeking other professional advice. The contents of this presentation contain general information and may not reflect current agronomic or developments or address your situation. We (Wendell Koehn and all of his affiliates, guests, or assistants) disclaim all liability for actions you take or fail to take based on any content in this presentation.

What does Carbon do for your crop? | Corn and Soybeans response to the right carbon | George Sims

Intro 0:00 Podcast 01:12
In this episode, we sit down with George to talk about his deep dive into soil fertility. George argues that if we want to master agriculture, we have to stop looking at soil as a chemistry set and start looking at it as a living, breathing carbon-based system.
Key Takeaways The Carbon-Water Complex: George breaks life down to its simplest form. Human bodies and plants alike are essentially carbon/water complexes. Atmospheric Perspective: We often think of "air" as oxygen, but George reminds us that nitrogen (78%) and oxygen (21%) dominate the sky. Carbon dioxide is a tiny fraction, yet plants pull that carbon down to build glucose (C6H12O6).
The Forest Blueprint: Why does a natural forest grow vibrantly without man-made inputs? Because it is a closed-loop carbon cycle.
Soil Respiration vs. Photosynthesis: Respiration is the silent partner. It is the process where biology breaks down sugars to create energy, releasing CO2 and water as byproducts.
Dynamic Organic Matter: George dispels the myth that soil carbon is like gold coins in a safe. It is a living, changing system that must be recycled by soil biology to remain healthy.
The Big Idea "Carbon isn't just a nutrient; it is the food for the biology that makes the whole farm function. If we interfere with the natural design for short-term gains, we are sacrificing the long-term health of the soil."
What's Next? George hints that while carbon products are flooding the market, they aren't all created equal. Next time, we will be peeling back the label on these supplements to see which ones actually help.
TOP Ag Services is a Beck's Hybrids seed dealer as well as a franchise partner for Sweetwater Technologies. We provide Hybrid Corn Seed, Soybean Seed, and Wheat Seed. Beck's has access to the best genetics and trait technologies from suppliers worldwide. Through Sweetwater Technologies we have access to industry standard name brand herbicides, insecticides, fungicides, and many others! We have access to biological stress mitigators, biological fertility foliar, and many other products in the category of crop protection and stress prevention. Through our business associates Dirks Bros, we offer fertilizer, soil sampling, and a whole suite of crop nutrition solutions. We are the first to market with the best products & provide the latest, most accurate agronomic information through proven research. If you need agronomic assistance or want to be added to these updates, feel free to reach out via the messaging feature or contact us at topagservices.com/contact or call us at 417-684-5301 to be connected with someone who can help you. All information here is for informational purposes only. It is not a recommendation for your farm. You should not act or refrain from acting on the basis of any content included in this presentation without seeking other professional advice. The contents of this presentation contain general information and may not reflect current agronomic or developments or address your situation. We (Wendell Koehn and all of his affiliates, guests, or assistants) disclaim all liability for actions you take or fail to take based on any content in this presentation.

R3 Soybean Insecticide Decisions: Control vs. Suppression Explained

Intro 0:00 Podcast 01:12 Join Scott Dickey, Regional Agronomy Manager at Beck's Hybrids, and Wendell Koehn, Beck’s Hybrids Seed Dealer, as they discuss one of the most important late-season soybean decisions: choosing the right insecticide at the R3 growth stage. In this conversation, Scott and Wendell break down:
🌱 What’s happening in soybeans at R3 (beginning pod)
🐛 How to properly identify pod-feeding pests like soybean podworms
🎯 Why product selection matters — control vs. suppression
📊 Understanding active ingredients and modes of action
💰 Protecting yield potential and ROI with the right chemistry Not all insecticides perform the same. Some products may only suppress podworms, allowing feeding to continue and reducing pod fill. Scott explains how to evaluate labels, residual activity, and efficacy data to ensure you're selecting a product that provides true control when it counts most. Whether you're scouting your own fields or advising growers, this discussion will help you make more confident late-season management decisions.
👉 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and follow for more agronomic insights from the field.
 
#Soybeans #R3Soybeans #Podworms #InsectControl #CropProtection #BecksHybrids
 
TOP Ag Services is a Beck's Hybrids seed dealer as well as a franchise partner for Sweetwater Technologies. We provide Hybrid Corn Seed, Soybean Seed, and Wheat Seed. Beck's has access to the best genetics and trait technologies from suppliers worldwide. Through Sweetwater Technologies we have access to industry standard name brand herbicides, insecticides, fungicides, and many others! We have access to biological stress mitigators, biological fertility foliar, and many other products in the category of crop protection and stress prevention. Through our business associates Dirks Bros, we offer fertilizer, soil sampling, and a whole suite of crop nutrition solutions. We are the first to market with the best products & provide the latest, most accurate agronomic information through proven research. If you need agronomic assistance or want to be added to these updates, feel free to reach out via the messaging feature or contact us at topagservices.com/contact or call us at 417-684-5301 to be connected with someone who can help you. All information here is for informational purposes only. It is not a recommendation for your farm. You should not act or refrain from acting on the basis of any content included in this presentation without seeking other professional advice. The contents of this presentation contain general information and may not reflect current agronomic or developments or address your situation. We (Wendell Koehn and all of his affiliates, guests, or assistants) disclaim all liability for actions you take or fail to take based on any content in this presentation.

Product Characterization Research from Beck's Hybrids | Industry First in placing Corn & Soybeans

Intro 0:00 Podcast 01:12
Beck's Hybrids uses Product Characterization Research (PCR) to decide where each hybrid or variety will perform best before recommending it to farmers.
1️⃣ What “Product Characterization” Means It’s a structured, multi-location testing system that answers: What soil types does this hybrid like? How does it respond to high vs. low fertility? Does it handle drought or wet conditions better? What population (seeding rate) maximizes yield? Is it defensive (stable) or offensive (high top-end yield)? How does it react to stress (heat, disease, compaction)? Instead of just asking “Does it yield well?”, PCR asks: Under what conditions does it yield best — and where should we place it?
2️⃣ How They Do It Beck’s runs replicated field trials across many environments in the Midwest and beyond. They test hybrids under: Multiple planting populations Different fertility levels Various soil types Irrigated vs. dryland Tillage systems Stress scenarios (e.g., drought or disease pressure) This builds a performance profile for each hybrid or soybean variety.
3️⃣ Hybrid / Variety Placement Strategy After characterization, each product gets categorized by placement: 🌱 High-Management / High-Response Hybrids Respond strongly to higher populations and fertility Thrive in highly productive soils Highest yield potential, but require management Best for aggressive growers 🌾 Stable / Defensive Hybrids Maintain yield across stress environments Handle variable soils well Less sensitive to population changes Good for tougher ground 🌽 Soil-Specific Placement Some hybrids are identified as: Better on clay Better on sandy soils Better in poorly drained fields Strong under drought stress For soybeans, similar classification occurs around: Row width response Population sensitivity White mold tolerance Iron deficiency chlorosis tolerance
4️⃣ Why This Matters Many companies rely heavily on: Company trials University plots Strip plot comparisons Beck’s PCR attempts to go deeper by: Testing at many stress levels Collecting large datasets Matching genetics to micro-environments The goal is: Right product, right acre. Instead of planting one hybrid across the whole farm, PCR encourages placement by field characteristics.
5️⃣ Practical Example A hybrid might show: Top 5% yield in high fertility + 36,000 population Average performance at 28,000 population Weak performance under drought PCR would classify it as: High-yield, high-management, productive soils only. Another hybrid might: Yield 95% of the top hybrid But outperform in drought Show stable results across populations That one gets positioned for variable or stress-prone acres. Bottom Line Product Characterization Research = detailed agronomic profiling of hybrids to optimize placement, not just compare yield. It’s about: Maximizing ROI per acre Reducing risk Matching genetics to management
TOP Ag Services is a Beck's Hybrids seed dealer as well as a franchise partner for Sweetwater Technologies. We provide Hybrid Corn Seed, Soybean Seed, and Wheat Seed. Beck's has access to the best genetics and trait technologies from suppliers worldwide. Through Sweetwater Technologies we have access to industry standard name brand herbicides, insecticides, fungicides, and many others! We have access to biological stress mitigators, biological fertility foliar, and many other products in the category of crop protection and stress prevention. Through our business associates Dirks Bros, we offer fertilizer, soil sampling, and a whole suite of crop nutrition solutions. We are the first to market with the best products & provide the latest, most accurate agronomic information through proven research. If you need agronomic assistance or want to be added to these updates, feel free to reach out via the messaging feature or contact us at topagservices.com/contact or call us at 417-684-5301 to be connected with someone who can help you. All information here is for informational purposes only. It is not a recommendation for your farm. You should not act or refrain from acting on the basis of any content included in this presentation without seeking other professional advice. The contents of this presentation contain general information and may not reflect current agronomic or developments or address your situation. We (Wendell Koehn and all of his affiliates, guests, or assistants) disclaim all liability for actions you take or fail to take based on any content in this presentation.

Tillage Tools to manage Soil & Residue | Results of a Field Cultivator, Disk, & Vertical Till

Celena has a discussion on the pros and cons of different tillage tool types and what they offer and what they do not! Call us to get a customized plan for your farm this coming year!
TOP Ag Services is a Beck's Hybrids seed dealer as well as a franchise partner for Sweetwater Technologies. We provide Hybrid Corn Seed, Soybean Seed, and Wheat Seed. Beck's has access to the best genetics and trait technologies from suppliers worldwide. Through Sweetwater Technologies we have access to industry standard name brand herbicides, insecticides, fungicides, and many others! We have access to biological stress mitigators, biological fertility foliar, and many other products in the category of crop protection and stress prevention. Through our business associates Dirks Bros, we offer fertilizer, soil sampling, and a whole suite of crop nutrition solutions. We are the first to market with the best products & provide the latest, most accurate agronomic information through proven research. If you need agronomic assistance or want to be added to these updates, feel free to reach out via the messaging feature or contact us at topagservices.com/contact or call us at 417-684-5301 to be connected with someone who can help you.
All information here is for informational purposes only. It is not a recommendation for your farm. You should not act or refrain from acting on the basis of any content included in this presentation without seeking other professional advice. The contents of this presentation contain general information and may not reflect current agronomic or developments or address your situation. We (Wendell Koehn and all of his affiliates, guests, or assistants) disclaim all liability for actions you take or fail to take based on any content in this presentation.

Soil Compaction's impact on Crop Nutrition & Health | Roots don't move, yield doesn't move!

Celena Hawkins joins me to discuss soil compaction and its effects on crop yield. We talk about how to avoid it, manage it, and ultimately correct the layers of compacted soils that cause all sorts of problems to a person's field.
TOP Ag Services is a Beck's Hybrids seed dealer as well as a franchise partner for Sweetwater Technologies. We provide Hybrid Corn Seed, Soybean Seed, and Wheat Seed. Beck's has access to the best genetics and trait technologies from suppliers worldwide. Through Sweetwater Technologies we have access to industry standard name brand herbicides, insecticides, fungicides, and many others! We have access to biological stress mitigators, biological fertility foliar, and many other products in the category of crop protection and stress prevention. Through our business associates Dirks Bros, we offer fertilizer, soil sampling, and a whole suite of crop nutrition solutions. We are the first to market with the best products & provide the latest, most accurate agronomic information through proven research. If you need agronomic assistance or want to be added to these updates, feel free to reach out via the messaging feature or contact us at topagservices.com/contact or call us at 417-684-5301 to be connected with someone who can help you.
All information here is for informational purposes only. It is not a recommendation for your farm. You should not act or refrain from acting on the basis of any content included in this presentation without seeking other professional advice. The contents of this presentation contain general information and may not reflect current agronomic or developments or address your situation. We (Wendell Koehn and all of his affiliates, guests, or assistants) disclaim all liability for actions you take or fail to take based on any content in this presentation.

Pushing for Higher Yielding Soybeans | Can we create a cost effective plan even if it is a drought?

Celena Hawkins joins me to go over a program that uses Beck's Hybrids PFR to create a ROI program for yielding better soybeans while still keeping costs in check.
TOP Ag Services is a Beck's Hybrids seed dealer as well as a franchise partner for Sweetwater Technologies. We provide Hybrid Corn Seed, Soybean Seed, and Wheat Seed. Beck's has access to the best genetics and trait technologies from suppliers worldwide. Through Sweetwater Technologies we have access to industry standard name brand herbicides, insecticides, fungicides, and many others! We have access to biological stress mitigators, biological fertility foliar, and many other products in the category of crop protection and stress prevention. Through our business associates Dirks Bros, we offer fertilizer, soil sampling, and a whole suite of crop nutrition solutions. We are the first to market with the best products & provide the latest, most accurate agronomic information through proven research. If you need agronomic assistance or want to be added to these updates, feel free to reach out via the messaging feature or contact us at topagservices.com/contact or call us at 417-684-5301 to be connected with someone who can help you. All information here is for informational purposes only. It is not a recommendation for your farm. You should not act or refrain from acting on the basis of any content included in this presentation without seeking other professional advice. The contents of this presentation contain general information and may not reflect current agronomic or developments or address your situation. We (Wendell Koehn and all of his affiliates, guests, or assistants) disclaim all liability for actions you take or fail to take based on any content in this presentation.

Pre Harvest Check in Corn for Stalk Strength | Planning where your combine goes first!

Celena Hawkins and I walk a corn field to look for compromised stalk strength, stalk diseases, crown rot, and a variety of problems affecting corn stalks stand ability. Diseases like Fusarium, Anthracnose, and even ear molds can give clues to fungus origins and fungicide applications that could have yielded a ROI.
TOP Ag Services is a Beck's Hybrids seed dealer as well as a franchise partner for Sweetwater Technologies. We provide Hybrid Corn Seed, Soybean Seed, and Wheat Seed. Beck's has access to the best genetics and trait technologies from suppliers worldwide. Through Sweetwater Technologies we have access to industry standard name brand herbicides, insecticides, fungicides, and many others! We have access to biological stress mitigators, biological fertility foliar, and many other products in the category of crop protection and stress prevention. Through our business associates Dirks Bros, we offer fertilizer, soil sampling, and a whole suite of crop nutrition solutions. We are the first to market with the best products & provide the latest, most accurate agronomic information through proven research. If you need agronomic assistance or want to be added to these updates, feel free to reach out via the messaging feature or contact us at topagservices.com/contact or call us at 417-684-5301 to be connected with someone who can help you.
All information here is for informational purposes only. It is not a recommendation for your farm. You should not act or refrain from acting on the basis of any content included in this presentation without seeking other professional advice. The contents of this presentation contain general information and may not reflect current agronomic or developments or address your situation. We (Wendell Koehn and all of his affiliates, guests, or assistants) disclaim all liability for actions you take or fail to take based on any content in this presentation.

Managing Late or Early Planted Soybeans this time of year | Herbicide and Insecticide

Managing late or early planted soybeans in July is a different approach for each timing of planting. The early planted soybeans are needing the application of insecticide/fungicide. The late planted soybeans are needing us to time the herbicide application before they quickly shift into flowering.
TOP Ag Services is a Beck's Hybrids seed dealer as well as a franchise partner for Sweetwater Technologies. We provide Hybrid Corn Seed, Soybean Seed, and Wheat Seed. Beck's has access to the best genetics and trait technologies from suppliers worldwide. Through Sweetwater Technologies we have access to industry standard name brand herbicides, insecticides, fungicides, and many others! We have access to biological stress mitigators, biological fertility foliar, and many other products in the category of crop protection and stress prevention. Through our business associates Dirks Bros, we offer fertilizer, soil sampling, and a whole suite of crop nutrition solutions. We are the first to market with the best products & provide the latest, most accurate agronomic information through proven research. If you need agronomic assistance or want to be added to these updates, feel free to reach out via the messaging feature or contact us at topagservices.com/contact or call us at 417-684-5301 to be connected with someone who can help you.
All information here is for informational purposes only. It is not a recommendation for your farm. You should not act or refrain from acting on the basis of any content included in this presentation without seeking other professional advice. The contents of this presentation contain general information and may not reflect current agronomic or developments or address your situation. We (Wendell Koehn and all of his affiliates, guests, or assistants) disclaim all liability for actions you take or fail to take based on any content in this presentation.

Corn Pollinating, Disease checks, & Yield Potential | Late June check of the field level view

Today's topic is on corn and pollination, ear sizes, color, health, etc and what we are seeing so far in corn. Corn hybrids are looking well at this time.
TOP Ag Services is a Beck's Hybrids seed dealer as well as a franchise partner for Sweetwater Technologies. We provide Hybrid Corn Seed, Soybean Seed, and Wheat Seed. Beck's has access to the best genetics and trait technologies from suppliers worldwide. Through Sweetwater Technologies we have access to industry standard name brand herbicides, insecticides, fungicides, and many others! We have access to biological stress mitigators, biological fertility foliar, and many other products in the category of crop protection and stress prevention. Through our business associates Dirks Bros, we offer fertilizer, soil sampling, and a whole suite of crop nutrition solutions. We are the first to market with the best products & provide the latest, most accurate agronomic information through proven research. If you need agronomic assistance or want to be added to these updates, feel free to reach out via the messaging feature or contact us at topagservices.com/contact or call us at 417-684-5301 to be connected with someone who can help you.
All information here is for informational purposes only. It is not a recommendation for your farm. You should not act or refrain from acting on the basis of any content included in this presentation without seeking other professional advice. The contents of this presentation contain general information and may not reflect current agronomic or developments or address your situation. We (Wendell Koehn and all of his affiliates, guests, or assistants) disclaim all liability for actions you take or fail to take based on any content in this presentation.