Podcasts

Field Notes

The Field Notes podcast series from Koch Agronomic Services (KAS) will break down the science and technology behind agronomy to help growers do more with less. Crop science experts and others in the agriculture industry will discuss topics ranging from nitrogen loss and soil health to ways growers can increase operational efficiencies.

Latest Episode

Proven Solution Improves Nitrogen Use Efficiency

The Field Notes podcast series from Koch Agronomic Services (KAS) breaks down the science and technology behind agronomy to help growers do more with less. In this episode, we’ll discuss the nitrogen use efficiency and optimal crop yields. With years of third-party research and independent field trials, CENTURO nitrogen stabilizer has become a valuable solution to growers. Two experts from Koch Agronomic Services, Technical Agronomist Lacie Thomas and Drew Bobeck, Director of Research and Development, will talk through what makes CENTURO a proven nitrification inhibitor specifically for anhydrous, ammonia and UAN.

December 10 • 21m 18s

Episodes

Proven Solution Improves Nitrogen Use Efficiency

December 10 • 21m 18s

Research Helping Growers Feed the World

The Field Notes podcast series from Koch Agronomic Services (KAS) breaks down the science and technology behind agronomy to help growers do more with less. In this episode, we’ll discuss the importance of research in agronomic inputs. Two scientists with KAS, Stacey Wertz and Harjot Dhaliwal will talk about the challenges and rewards of working behind the scenes to maximize yields. They’ll tell us what grower feedback has meant to two products, CENTURO and PROTIVATE, as they are out in the fields actively helping growers feed the world.

November 21 • 20m 49s

Reaping the benefits of cover crops

The Field Notes podcast series from Koch Agronomic Services (KAS) breaks down the science and technology behind agronomy to help growers do more with less. In this episode, we’ll learn more about the benefits of cover crops and how they can fit into your nutrient management plan. KAS technical agronomists, Lacie Thomas and Evan King, discuss how cover crops can become a cash crop, improve soil health and also act as nitrogen scavengers.

October 3 • 21m 1s

Vital Tools in Range and Pasture Management

The Field Notes podcast series from Koch Agronomic Services (KAS) breaks down the science and technology behind agronomy to help growers do more with less. In this episode, we’re discussing pasture and range management with our KAS experts, Technical Agronomist, Lacie Thomas, and Territory Business Manager, Ryan Walker. They’ll address pasture management and the inputs needed to maximize yield potential and protect soil health on grazing land.

August 8 • 12m 49s

Episode 29 - Micronutrient Deficiencies

The Field Notes podcast series from Koch Agronomic Services (KAS) breaks down the science and technology behind agronomy to help growers do more with less. In this episode, we’re talking about micronutrient deficiencies. We’ll learn what growers can do to optimize their crops’ yield potential and how growers in each region can utilize testing and solutions to overcome limiting factors. We’ll speak with KAS technical agronomist, TJ Bingham, and product manager, Brandon Peterson. They’ll discuss the need for micronutrients and what solutions growers need to reach maximum yield potential in their regions.

June 18 • 20m 4s

Episode 28 - The Dangers of Drought

The Field Notes podcast series from Koch Agronomic Services (KAS) breaks down the science and technology behind agronomy to help growers do more with less. In this episode, we’re talking about drought dangers growers face as it pertains to soil health and nutrients in the field. We’ll speak with KAS technical agronomist, Matt Fryer and Kansas grower, Tim Turek. They’ll discuss the impact drought has on soil fertility and the tools growers have available to help their crops overcome these limiting factors and increase to maximum yield potential.

April 26 • 34m 5s

Episode 27 - Input Costs and Protecting Your Investment

In this episode, we welcome two KAS experts to discuss input costs. Regional technical agronomist, Evan King, and product manager, Brandon Peterson, talk about how not protecting nitrogen inputs can have a negative impact on a grower’s profits. They also share ways growers can overcome limiting factors to ensure their crops are getting the vital nutrients they need to achieve maximum yield potential for the best return on investment.

March 23 • 21m 4s

Episode 26 - Nutrient Access is an Important Key to Maximizing Yield Potential

In this episode, we welcome our new Field Notes moderator, Ken Root, as he talks with KAS technical agronomist, Matt Fryer, about nutrient access and the many variables that can affect nutrient availability at critical times in a crop’s life. Matt also discusses the KAS solutions growers can utilize to ensure nutrient access and increase maximum yield potential.

February 26 • 24m 3s

Episode 25 - Success is in the Science – How CENTURO Protects your Nitrogen

The Field Notes podcast series from Koch Agronomic Services (KAS) breaks down the science and technology behind agronomy to help growers do more with less. In this episode, our experts go through the science behind the KAS nitrification inhibitor, CENTURO. They explain the truth of how the field-proven, EPA-registered formula works with anhydrous ammonia and UAN to help protect growers’ nitrogen investments. Lacie Thomas, technical agronomist for KAS, and Stacey Wertz, KAS senior research chemist, also discuss how Pronitridine, the active ingredient in CENTURO, offers highly effective below-ground protection against leaching and denitrification for fall- and spring-applied nitrogen.

January 6 • 14m 32s

Episode 24 - Protect Your Profit by Protecting your Nutrient Inputs

The Field Notes podcast series from Koch Agronomic Services (KAS) breaks down the science and technology behind agronomy to help growers do more with less. In this episode, we talk with KAS experts about transient deficiency—what it is, how it can affect a crop’s maximum yield potential, and most importantly, how to overcome it. Evan King, technical agronomist for KAS, and Brandon Peterson, KAS product manager, also discuss the KAS solutions growers can utilize to protect their nutrient inputs and their profits.

December 19 • 9m 41s

Episode 23 - Fall Nutrient Planning Brings Spring Success

Field Notes podcast series from Koch Agronomic Services breaks down the science and technology behind agronomy to help growers do more with less. In this episode, we discuss the importance of incorporating a fall nutrient program into a comprehensive, year-round nutrient plan and how KAS can help growers set up for a successful spring planting season. Lacie Thomas, technical agronomist for KAS, and Zach Havens, KAS territory business manager, also discuss a common cold weather myth, and how protecting fall-applied nitrogen can lead to higher yield potential.

October 19 • 10m 56s

Episode 22 - Plant Smarter with a Dual-Purpose Seed Enhancer

The Field Notes podcast series from Koch Agronomic Services (KAS) breaks down the science and technology behind agronomy to help growers do more with less. In this episode, we’ll sit down with two members of the KAS team to discuss the importance of using a nutritional seed enhancer to give young crops the nutrients needed for optimal crop establishment. Eric Vogel, PROTIVATE™ product marketing manager, and Tim Laatsch, director of agronomy for North America, share their knowledge on the PROTIVATE nutritional seed enhancer. A dual-purpose solution for growers, PROTIVATE provides critical early season nutrition and offers the advantage of a talc replacement – encouraging better seed singulation and helping to avoid costly skips and doubles during planting.

August 30 • 9m 30s

Episode 21 - Brand Expansion: Finding the Right Solutions to Grower Challenges

The Field Notes podcast series from Koch Agronomic Services (KAS) breaks down the science and technology behind agronomy to help growers do more with less. In this episode, we’ll sit down with two members of the brand expansion team to discuss how they find the right solutions to handle the nutrient challenges growers face in the field. Michael Berry, director of brand expansion, and Doug DeGroot, brand expansion manager, also discuss their latest acquisitions and how products are integrated once they are added to the KAS solutions lineup.

July 21 • 10m 10s

Episode 20 - Hidden Hunger: Addressing Your Crop’s Unseen Nutrient Deficiencies

The Field Notes podcast series from Koch Agronomic Services (KAS) breaks down the science and technology behind agronomy to help growers do more with less. In this episode, we sit down with KAS agronomists, Edwin Suarez and Lacie Thomas, to discuss how the ‘hidden hunger’ phenomenon could be limiting your crops maximum yield potential. The KAS experts explain the importance of addressing hidden hunger before it’s too late and how KAS can provide the solution.

June 22 • 17m 47s

Episode 19 - Protecting Your Nitrogen Investment: Spring Weather and Other Limiting Factors

The Field Notes podcast series from Koch Agronomic Services (KAS) breaks down the science and technology behind agronomy to help growers do more with less. In this episode, we sit down with agronomist Jake Heitshusen from Ag Partners Co-op in LeSeuer, Minn., and Chris Buckentin, KAS territory business manager. They’ll discuss how important it is to have a spring nitrogen protection plan as part of your overall crop nutrition plan. The duo share real-life examples of when a stabilizer saved nitrogen applications that would have been lost to the limiting factors of spring weather

May 10 • 13m 10s

Episode 18 - 4R Advocate Award Winners

The Field Notes podcast series from Koch Agronomic Services (Koch) breaks down the science and technology behind agronomy to help growers do more with less. In this episode, we’ll hear from two winners of the 2022 Fertilizer Institute’s 4R Advocate award, Shannon McClintock, a staff agronomist with MFA, and Wyatt Harris, a grower he works with in Hepler, Kansas. They’ll discuss how integrating the 4R Nutrient Stewardship framework on Wyatt’s operation worked to control input costs and helped them become better stewards of the land.

April 4 • 19m 37s

Episode 17 - Role of Micronutrients

The Field Notes podcast series from Koch Agronomic Services (Koch) breaks down the science and technology behind agronomy to help growers do more with less. In this episode, we’re focusing on the essential role micronutrients play in boosting a crop’s performance by helping manage deficiencies and optimizing yield potential. You’ll hear from two experts at Koch: senior agronomist Edwin Suarez and product manager Kassidy Frederick. They will discuss why micronutrients play a critical role in a crop’s balanced nutrition plan and how growers can get the most out of their input investment by improving nutrient use efficiency.

March 14 • 13m 57s

Episode 16 - Research and Innovation

In this episode, we’ll focus on research and innovation. You’ll hear from Tim Laatsch, director of agronomy for North America for Koch Agronomic Services, and Jeremiah Roeth, chief executive officer of aerialPLOT. The two discuss how growers can know when research is credible, why peer-reviewed studies are considered the gold standard and what new research tools are in the fields right now.

January 26 • 18m 35s

Episode 15 - Fall Nutrient Management Plans and Soil Sampling

Fall Nutrient Management Plans and Soil Sampling In this episode, our experts will focus on the key components in developing a fall nutrient management plan, including the role played by soil sample results. Koch’s technical agronomist Derek Rapp and senior agronomist Edwin Suarez talk through the important steps growers need to make after harvest to prepare for the next planting season and the difference in taking soil samples in fall compared to collecting them in the spring.

November 2 • 14m 27s

Episode 14 - Development of ANVOL

The Field Notes podcast series from Koch Agronomic Services (Koch) breaks down the science and technology behind agronomy to help growers do more with less. The experts we’ve heard from on our previous episodes have covered topics ranging from how different crops use nitrogen to the 4R’s of Nutrient Stewardship and how growers and retailers work together to choose the best input for an operation. If you haven’t checked out the previous prior ten episodes, you can find them on your favorite podcast platform. Development of ANVOL In this episode, we’ll discuss how and why Koch Agronomic Services developed their ANVOL nitrogen stabilizer. Even with the well-accepted AGROTAIN nitrogen stabilizer already trusted by growers, Koch was listening to their customers on what improvements could be made. Hear from two Koch representatives, product marketing manager Eric Vogel and research and development manager Drew Bobeck, as they discuss how the company used the concept of creative destruction to bring a better stabilizer to market in ANVOL.

September 8 • 12m 7s

Episode 13 - Soil Cation Exchange Capacity

The Field Notes podcast series from Koch Agronomic Services (Koch) breaks down the science and technology behind agronomy to help growers do more with less. The experts we’ve heard from on our previous episodes have covered topics ranging from how different crops use nitrogen to the 4R’s of Nutrient Stewardship and how growers and retailers work together to choose the best input for an operation. If you haven’t checked out the previous prior ten episodes, you can find them on your favorite podcast platform. In this episode, we’ll debunk another myth with the help of Koch Agronomic Services. Listen and learn about soil cation exchange capacity, or CEC, and its impact on nitrogen management. Koch’s technical agronomist Derek Rapp and senior agronomist Edwin Suarez discuss what you need to know about soil CEC, the common misconceptions growers have and why knowing your CEC number is a critical component for growers as they develop their nitrogen management plan.

August 23 • 13m 26s

Episode 12 - Micronutrient Assets

The Field Notes podcast series from Koch Agronomic Services breaks down the science and technology behind agronomy to help growers do more with less. The experts we’ve heard from on our previous episodes have covered topics ranging from how different crops use nitrogen to the 4R’s of Nutrient Stewardship and how growers and retailers work together to choose the best input for an operation. If you haven’t checked out the previous prior ten episodes, you can find them on your favorite podcast platform. In this episode, we learn more about Koch’s micronutrient assets from two of the leaders who worked on their acquisition. Koch’s Steve Coulter, senior vice president, and Michael Berry, director of Ag Market Portfolio, discuss how these new products will further the organization’s commitment to help growers around the world improve nutrient efficiency, utilization and uptake.

June 21 • 20m 51s

Episode 11 - Spring Planting

The Field Notes podcast series from Koch Agronomic Services breaks down the science and technology behind agronomy to help growers do more with less. The experts we’ve heard from on our previous episodes have covered topics ranging from how different crops use nitrogen to the 4R’s of Nutrient Stewardship and how growers and retailers work together to choose the best input for an operation. If you haven’t checked out the previous prior ten episodes, you can find them on your favorite podcast platform. In this episode, we look at preparing for spring planting. You’ll hear from two experts: Jared Miller, master agronomy advisor for MKC and Garrett Buschjost, territory business manager for Koch Agronomic Services. They’ll discuss the impact unpredictable spring weather has on nitrogen and the solutions available to growers to address nitrogen loss.

March 25 • 11m 27s

Episode 10 - Nitrogen Loss and Nitrogen Stabilizers

The Field Notes podcast series from Koch Agronomic Services breaks down the science and technology behind agronomy to help growers do more with less. The experts we’ve heard from on our previous episodes have covered topics ranging from how different crops use nitrogen to the 4R’s of Nutrient Stewardship and how growers and retailers work together to choose the best input for an operation. If you haven’t checked out the previous prior nine episodes, you can find them on your favorite podcast platform. In this episode, we look at nitrogen loss and weigh the cost of nitrogen stabilizers with the value they bring to your operation. You’ll hear from two representatives from Koch Agronomic Services: Derek Rapp, technical agronomist, and Kate Koehler, director of product management and communications. They’ll provide an overview of nitrogen loss solutions and the many tools available to growers through their online Knowledge Center.

February 11 • 9m 51s

Episode 9 - Koch Agronomic Services & Koch Fertilizer

Field Notes podcast series from Koch Agronomic Services breaks down the science and technology behind agronomy to help growers do more with less. The experts we’ve heard from on our previous episodes have covered topics ranging from how different crops use nitrogen to the 4R’s of Nutrient Stewardship and how growers and retailers work together to choose the best input for an operation. If you haven’t checked out the previous prior eight episodes, you can find them on your favorite podcast platform. In this episode, we discuss the relationship between Koch Agronomic Services and Koch Fertilizer. You’ll hear from Tim Laatsch, director of agronomy for North America for Koch Agronomic Services, and Scott Boyd, director of sales for Koch Fertilizer in the western U.S. They’ll explain how the two businesses work together to bring innovative products to market to help growers protect their nitrogen investment and touch on what the fertilizer industry anticipates for spring.

December 17 • 21m 38s

Episode 8 - Nitrogen Protection and Urea Ammonium Nitrate

Field Notes podcast series from Koch Agronomic Services (Koch) breaks down the science and technology behind agronomy to help growers do more with less. The experts we’ve heard from on our previous episodes have covered topics ranging from how different crops use nitrogen to the 4R’s of Nutrient Stewardship and how growers and retailers work together to choose the best input for an operation. If you haven’t checked out the previous prior six episodes, you can find them on your favorite podcast platform. This episode addresses nitrogen protection and Urea Ammonium Nitrate – better known as UAN. You’ll hear Tim Laatsch, director of agronomy for North America, and Sara Beasley, territory sales manager, both with Koch Agronomic Services. They’ll discuss this versatile source of plant nutrition, how and where it’s used in North America and what growers can do to protect their nutrient investment while improving plant health and productivity.

November 30 • 13m 7s

Episode 7 - Nitrogen Protection and Cold Weather Myths

Hello and welcome to Field Notes from Koch Agronomic Services, a podcast series breaking down the science and technology behind agronomy to help growers do more with less. The experts we’ve heard from on our previous episodes have covered topics ranging from how different crops use nitrogen to the 4R’s of Nutrient Stewardship and how growers and retailers work together to choose the best input for an operation. If you haven’t checked out the previous prior six episodes, you can find them on your favorite podcast platform. This episode addresses nitrogen protection and cold weather myths. Technical agronomist Derek Rapp and product marketing manager Eric Vogel with Koch Agronomic Services discuss the misconceptions that cold temperatures stop nitrogen loss and ammonia volatilization is the only cause of fall-applied nitrogen losses. The two also talk about what growers in the wheat belt should know this winter.

October 21 • 21m 2s

Episode 6 - Fall and Next Season Information

The Field Notes podcast series from Koch Agronomic Services (Koch) will break down the science and technology behind agronomy to help growers do more with less. Crop science experts and others in the agriculture industry will discuss topics ranging from nitrogen loss and soil health to ways growers can increase operational efficiencies. This episode features Kate Koehler, the director of product management and communications for Koch Agronomic Services, and Edwin Suarez, technical agronomist with Koch Agronomic Services. They discuss the information growers need to make their input plan for next season, the benefits of fall applications and how the decision to use a stabilizer can help growers achieve a higher return on their nitrogen investment.

August 18 • 18m 48s

Episode 5 - 4R Nutrient Stewardship

The Field Notes podcast series from Koch Agronomic Services (Koch) will break down the science and technology behind agronomy to help growers do more with less. Crop science experts and others in the agriculture industry will discuss topics ranging from nitrogen loss and soil health to ways growers can increase operational efficiencies. This episode features Tim Laatsch, technical agronomy manager for Koch Agronomic Services, and Sally Flis, Ph.D., senior director of agronomy for The Fertilizer Institute. The two cover the 4R Nutrient Stewardship initiative and how it can empower growers to meet and exceed their yield goals. You’ll also learn more about the role that nitrogen stabilizers play in increasing production and profitability, enhancing environmental protection and improving sustainability.

July 1 • 30m 31s

Episode 4 -The Decision-Making Process

The Field Notes podcast series from Koch Agronomic Services (Koch) will break down the science and technology behind agronomy to help growers do more with less. Crop science experts and others in the agriculture industry will discuss topics ranging from nitrogen loss and soil health to ways growers can increase operational efficiencies. In this podcast, two retailers discuss the decision-making process that agronomists walk growers through each year. Donnell DeLosh, agronomy production supervisor for Country Partners Cooperative, and Thad Russell, field sales agronomist with Central Valley Ag, talk about the information most important to growers when deciding how to protect their nitrogen investments. Discover how and when they start those conversations and what products are working for their growers.

June 17 • 21m 26s

Episode 3 - Retailer Perspectives on Nitrogen Loss

Welcome to Episode 3 of the Field Notes podcast series from Koch Agronomic Services, where we break down the science and technology behind agronomy to help growers do more with less. Crop science experts and others in the agriculture industry will discuss topics ranging from nitrogen loss and soil health to ways growers can increase operational efficiencies. In this podcast, Corey Cables, key account manager for Koch, and Troy Walker, agronomy field sales manager for MKC, discuss nitrogen loss from the perspective of the retailer. How are they working with growers to develop nitrogen management plans to help them get the highest yields? And in this unprecedented time when face-to-face meetings aren’t possible, they also share what user-friendly tools they’re using to communicate with growers.

April 28 • 28m 59s

Episode 2 - Spring Weather Impact on Nitrogen

In the program you'll hear from Tim Laatsch and Greg Schwab, Koch Agronomic Services, as they discuss this important issue and other input issues growers could face this spring. Some of them include the timing for your spring application, compressed spring planting decisions and managing nitrogen after a cover crop. If the weather is like last year you'll want to hear their thoughts on saturated soil as it pertains to nitrogen management.

April 8 • 12m 37s

Episode 1 - Understanding Nitrogen

In the inaugural podcast, two Koch experts – Tim Laatsch, technical agronomy manager, and Michael Berry, director of brand expansion – kick things off with the foundation of nitrogen. They explain how the nitrogen cycle works, why minimizing nitrogen loss is so important and what can be gained by following the 4Rs of Nutrient Stewardship.

March 24 • 15m 14s