Make your planting decisions based on soil conditions, not calendar dates! In this episode, host Crystal Williams talks with Pioneer Field Agronomist Andy Knepp about the 2025 planting season across Illinois. Andy shares updates on planting progress, discusses how early soybean planting has performed and addresses common grower questions about optimizing spring management.
💡 Clif Notes from the conversation 💡
- Planting depth: 2-2.5 inches for corn, 1.5 inches for soybeans
- Planting ahead of rain: Go for it—if conditions are good and the forecasted rain is not excessive
- Adjusting populations: No adjustments needed yet; consider increasing soybean populations if planting drags into late May
- Switching maturities: Stick with your original hybrids unless planting slips into June
- Early planting temperatures: 50°F soil temps are still important, but today's hybrids handle early planting risks better than ever.
Andy also offers advice on managing risk, staying patient during critical planting windows, and making smart decisions based on soil conditions rather than calendar dates.
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