In this episode of The Acre Advantage, Dan Bjorklund and Dave Lemke break down how early-season stress—cold soils, uneven emergence, and disease pressure—can quietly impact your crop all season long.

From crown rot risk in corn to slow soybean emergence, this conversation focuses on what’s happening right now in the field—and what growers should be watching next.

🌱 What You’ll Learn

Why early stress compounds throughout the season
How cold, wet soils increase risk for crown rot and root diseases
What to check at V5—including how to evaluate the crown
How uneven emergence impacts yield potential
Why genetics and field conditions matter more in variable years
When a V5 fungicide application may be worth considering
How tools like SkyScout help you scout smarter and respond faster

⚠️ Key Takeaways

Early decisions set the tone for the entire season
Stress now doesn’t disappear—it compounds
Scouting is critical between emergence and V5
Protecting plant health early protects yield later
Never let the plant have a bad day

🎧 Bottom Line

This isn’t about reacting later—it’s about paying attention now.

The growers who protect yield aren’t guessing.
They’re watching the field, reading the conditions, and making the right call at the right time.

🎧 Listen to The Acre Advantage wherever you get your podcasts
▶️ More episodes: https://theacreadvantage.riverside.com/