Spilling the Beans | A Grow Smart® Live Podcast
Welcome to Spilling the Beans a Grow Smart® Live Podcast hosted by a Team of BASF Experts and designed to boost your soybean profitability! Each episode breaks down the genetics, traits, and agronomic strategies that drive higher yields and better returns. Whether you're battling pests, managing fertility, or exploring new soybean traits, we’ve got you covered. Tune in weekly for expert insights that will help you grow smarter and maximize your profits.
- Average duration
- 47 minutes
- Episodes
- 45
- Years Active
- 2025
Ep 32: Unraveling the Mysteries of Slow-Growing Soybeans
We’re back in the field with Nate Quam, BASF Technical Service Representative for Western Iowa and Eastern Nebraska, to talk all things crop protection. From slow-starting soybeans to e…
Ep. 31: Soybean Field Check-In – What May Taught Us and What June Could Bring
After a short break, we're back in the field—and back on the mic—for our first monthly update of the season. In this episode, hosts Bill Backus and Jeff Mueller reflect on what they’ve …
Ep 30: Stopping Frogeye Leaf Spot in Its Tracks for Healthier Soybeans
Frogeye Leaf Spot (FLS) may sound harmless, but it can quietly take a serious toll on your soybean yields. In this episode, we welcome back Daren Mueller to dive into this increasingly …
Ep 29: Crushing Charcoal Rot to Protect Soybean Yields
Charcoal rot may not be the flashiest disease in soybeans, but it’s a sneaky yield-robber that thrives in hot, dry conditions—exactly what many growers could face in 2025. In this episo…
Ep 28: Soybean SOS - The Sudden Death Syndrome Survival Guide
Sudden Death Syndrome (SDS) may sound like a horror story for soybean growers—and in many ways, it is. In this episode, we unpack the science and the strategy behind beating SDS before …
Ep 27: Rooting Out Resistance with Best Practices for PPO & MTZ Herbicides
In this episode, BASF Senior Technical Service Representative Mark Storr joins us to dive into the crucial topic of managing herbicide resistance, focusing on the proper use of PPO and …
CC LIVE: Spray to Win - Boosting Soybean Yields with Fungicides
Continuing our coverage from Commodity Classic 2025 in Denver, this episode brings you another engaging discussion straight from America’s premier agricultural event. As growers focus o…
CC LIVE: Soybean Survival - Grower Concerns for 2025 & Beyond
Kicking off Part 1 of our special coverage from Commodity Classic 2025 in Denver (March 2-4, 2025), this episode takes you straight to the heart of America’s premier agricultural event.…
Ep 24: Weed Wars- Winning the Battle Early for Maximum Yield
We tackle the critical battle against early-season weeds and their impact on maximizing yield, emphasizing the importance of weed management. This episode features Brent Wiersma, BASF B…
Ep 23: Planting for Maximum Yield- How Your Planter Impacts ROI
We discuss the pivotal discussion between optimal seed placement and maximum yield, emphasizing the importance of maintaining and adjusting planters for effective planting. The episode …
Ep 22: Full-Court Defense- How Seed Treatment Keeps Your Crop Safe from the Start
Protecting soybean yields through effective seed treatments is our main focus as we discuss critical strategies for maximizing profits. Seed treatments are a pivotal part of achieving h…
Ep 21: Mind the Gap- The Truth About Row Spacing and Yield
We dive into the intricacies of row spacing and its profound impacts on soybean yields, management, and weed control. Discussing different row configurations, we uncover the benefits an…
Ep 20: Timing Is Everything- The Impact of Planting Dates on Soybeans
Early planting can significantly increase soybean yields, but it comes with both advantages and risks. Bill and Jeff discuss the importance of planting timing, the impact on pod and nod…
Ep 19: Seeding Smarter, Not Harder - Finding the Perfect Rate for Max Yield
In this episode, we explore the critical importance of managing soybean seeding rates to optimize yield and profitability. By understanding the specific characteristics of soybean varie…
Ep 18: Harvest Boost - Optimizing Soybean Fertility for Bigger Yields
Unlock the secrets to smashing the 80 bushels per acre barrier with strategic soybean fertility management. Ever wondered how a simple nutrient misstep can turn your lush soybean dreams…
Ep 17: Protecting Your Soybeans The Sclerotinia White Mold Menace
Our conversation sheds light on the complex life cycle of white mold, with an emphasis on its overwintering capabilities and infection process. We explore how environmental conditions, …
Ep 16: Why Phytophthora Root Rot Could be Sabotaging Your Soybean Yields
Phytophthora root rot (PRR) is more than a challenge—it's a persistent threat capable of crippling your soybean yields if left unchecked. In this episode, we uncover the hidden dangers …
BONUS: Experts Discuss 0% Financing & Agronomic Strategies that will Maximize Farm Profitability
Unlock the secrets to maximizing your farm’s profitability even in challenging economic times! Join us as we explore innovative strategies with Joan Jordan, product manager for BASF's s…
Ep 15: Understanding the Influence of IDC on Soybeans
What if understanding the intricacies of soil pH could transform your soybean farming? Join us as we delve into the complexities of managing iron deficiency chlorosis (IDC) and high pH …
Ep 14: The True Influence of Soybean Economics
What if Iowa's soybeans are worth more than just their weight in gold? On this episode of "Spilling the Beans," we're joined by Grant Kimberly, a leading figure in the soybean industry,…