Syngenta Thrive

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Megan Lawrence
Megan Lawrence is a beginning farmer and agronomy resource representative at Syngenta.

For many growers, farming is in their blood and a part of their earliest memories. Stepping into a role on the farm often means working alongside or taking over for family, who have stewarded the land for generations.

For newcomers to agriculture, the journey looks a little different. Getting started is intimidating. But passion, strategy and community can make all the difference.

That’s the case for Megan Lawrence, agronomy resource representative for technical services at Syngenta and a first-generation farmer. We recently talked to Lawrence about how she has been able to break ground on her new operation and what advice she has for aspiring growers.

Q: How did you first connect with agriculture?

A: Though I wasn’t raised on a farm, I grew up in a rural agricultural community in Kentucky. My early experiences of helping friends on their family farms, setting tobacco and baling hay, along with participating in FFA during high school sparked my passion for agriculture. Witnessing both the successes and struggles of farm families inspired me to pursue a career in this field before I set out to start my own operation.

Q: Where did your education and career take you before starting your farm?

A: My lifelong interest in plants and my love of working outdoors naturally led me to agriculture. I earned both my bachelor’s and master’s degrees in agricultural science, majoring in agronomy, from Murray State University in my home state. During my master’s program, I started working at Ag Connections, a Syngenta subsidiary. That marked the start of my journey with the company.

Since then, I’ve held various roles including AgriEdge® specialist in Kansas and technical lead in the Digital Ag Solutions research and development group. Currently, I’m a technical agronomy resource representative on the technical services team, covering the South and East Coast. Now, I live in Kentucky again, where I have family roots.

Q: What motivated you to not only work in agriculture, but start your own operation?

A: I’m fascinated by the intricate factors that affect how farmers feed the world, particularly plant diseases and insects. The challenge of applying modern knowledge and technology to agriculture excites me.

Moreover, I feel a responsibility to educate the public about food production and dispel misconceptions about agricultural technologies. I believe farmers are uniquely positioned to share this message and demonstrate responsible land stewardship.

Q: What is your operation like today?

A: My operation is in its early stages since I’ve recently returned home. I’m starting with an acre of pumpkins, both for decoration and culinary use, for fall sales at the local farmers market. We’re also planning to plant flowers like peonies, tulips and ranunculus for future farmers market sales. Long-term plans include expanding into produce and livestock as resources allow.

Q: What was it like to start your own farm?

A: The process has been incredibly fulfilling. From physical labor to problem-solving and planning, every aspect has been a learning experience. I’m doing many things manually as I start up, which has deepened my appreciation for the work involved in farming.

Starting from scratch on long-uncultivated land has been both challenging and rewarding. I’ve learned to navigate the unpredictability of weather, balance perfectionism with practicality, and accept that many factors are beyond my control. This hands-on experience has been invaluable for my work as well, providing insights that will benefit both my customers and Syngenta.

Q: What advice do you have for folks who want to get into farming?

A: Ask questions! Reach out to other farmers and utilize available resources. There are so many resources available for those who want to get started. Don’t be afraid to look for them.

Have a learner’s mentality. Be prepared for setbacks and expect a steep learning curve. This is something that’s been difficult for me, but I remind myself that every failure is another step toward success. And finding out what you don’t want to do is just as important as learning what you do want to do.

Start small and scale up gradually. It will feel like you’ve bitten off more than you can chew. Breathe and know that it’s normal! Once you’re ready to scale up, make a business plan before expanding.

Prioritize soil health from the beginning. It might seem counterintuitive to leave a field out of production for an extra year in the beginning, but taking the time to remedy the soil will serve you well in the long term.

Don’t do it alone. Network with other farmers and join agricultural groups for education and community. With that, don’t be afraid to seek multiple opinions from trusted connections you make.

Document your learnings and data for future reference. Write down the good and the bad, refer to it next year, and share it with your friends, family and community.

Consider techniques to extend your growing season. For crops like pumpkins and other vegetables, row covers or high tunnels can help accomplish this.

Practice integrated pest management from the start. Even small operations can and should pursue this route. Not only will you have peace of mind, it’ll also be much easier to adopt practices on a larger scale once you’ve set the foundation.

Most importantly, continue to educate yourself. The industry is constantly evolving, but so are we!

Q: What do you wish you knew before you started farming?

Don’t underestimate the importance of business planning and financial management. That includes understanding risks, such as inclement weather, and other factors like regulations and paperwork involved in farming and farmers markets.

Fortunately, I’ve also learned the value of community support and networking. A strong network does more than help you navigate risks and regulations. It can also help you continue your education and keep your chin up on tough days.

I also encourage potential new farmers to ask the following questions before getting started:

  1. Do I know and understand the local farming regulations?
  2. What livestock or crops suit my specific conditions?
  3. What regional pests and diseases do I need to consider?
  4. Are there local mentorship programs or Extension services?
  5. Do I have the startup capital I need?
  6. How can I diversify my revenue streams?
  7. What marketing channels are available?
  8. Can I create a sustainable crop rotation plan?
  9. Can I access the equipment I need to get started?
  10. How should I plan for off-season work or income?

Beginning farmers need to get used to expecting the unexpected, but asking the hard questions up front helps newcomers navigate challenges and enjoy the journey.

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Farmers are persistent, staying focused on tough tasks until they are finished. Planting as much as possible before a downpour. Customizing complex fungicide spray programs to protect high-value crops. Harvesting on processing plant schedules. Growers are constantly adapting to new challenges.

They deserve crop protection products that do the same.

Syngenta’s ADEPIDYN® technology, containing active ingredient pydiflumetofen, mimics that tenacity when it comes to disease control.

“ADEPIDYN technology provides excellent disease control across a wide spectrum of crops and diseases,” says Katie Neufeld, fungicide technical product lead for Syngenta focusing on specialty and vegetable crops. “It’s amazing to have an active ingredient be so effective across so many different pathogens.”

She credits its development to a rigorous discovery process, during which Syngenta screens hundreds of thousands of potential new active ingredients.

“For fungicide development, our team tests potential active ingredients on 13 key pathogens,” she explains.

When they see significant activity, active ingredients move forward in the process. For the most promising options, chemical engineers optimize the molecular structure to improve activity against the intended disease targets. As new active ingredients progress from the lab to the greenhouse and eventually the field, Syngenta scientists become intimately familiar with how they work.

“ADEPIDYN technology is engineered so that each segment of the chemical structure helps it bond tightly to target enzymes in pathogens,” Neufeld says. “That gives it unique strength.”

Potency and Broad-Spectrum Activity

ADEPIDYN technology is a succinate-dehydrogenase inhibitor or SDHI fungicide, meaning it interrupts respiration in many disease-causing pathogens. It actively works against mycelial growth, the root-like structure of a fungus, by binding tightly to a common cellular process responsible for respiration.

“Because of the intrinsic activity, it only takes a small amount of the active ingredient to effectively control disease,” Neufeld says.

This characteristic makes ADEPIDYN technology a valuable tool to defend against pathogens in a wide range of crops. It protects peanuts from leaf spots, potatoes from early blight and white mold, almonds from brown rot and much, much more.

Persistence: Long-Lasting Control

Its molecular structure also causes ADEPDIYN technology to bind very tightly to the waxy layer within plant leaves. That bond allows ADEPIDYN technology to remain stable within the leaf for a longer period of time to protect crops against disease pressure for extended periods of time.

“For example, we have seen unprecedented control of leaf spots in peanuts that lasts up to 28 days,” Neufeld says. “That is notable in a crop that typically receives fungicide treatment in 14-day intervals.”

The ability to bind tightly to both plant leaves and pathogens gives farmers and agronomists more flexibility in planning spray programs for high-value crops.

ADEPIDYN technology powers Miravis® brand fungicides from Syngenta:

  • In addition to leaf spots in peanuts, Miravis fungicide protects against powdery mildew, Alternaria diseases and various rots in fruit trees.
  • For tree nuts, Miravis Duo fungicide adds a curative treatment to the preventive action of ADEPIDYN technology.
  • Miravis Prime fungicide defends against yield-robbing diseases in potatoes, vegetables, strawberries and more.

“Local Syngenta agronomic service representatives gladly help growers customize their fungicide spray programs to incorporate Miravis products,” Neufeld says. “Our team understands the flexibility of these fungicides, creating plans that ensure farmers benefit from the advantages of technology.”

In some cases, growers may even be able to reduce the number of passes in a spray program. Use of a Miravis product could also be scheduled prior to periods when other farm work or weather conditions make it tough to ensure timely application of the next fungicide spray.

ADEPIDYN technology sticks tightly to pathogens and plants, protecting against diseases with a tenacity growers can rely on.

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As part of its sustainability initiatives, Syngenta provides support to grower- and conservation-focused organizations, creating partnerships that amplify farmer-led projects and drive the growth of regenerative agriculture across the United States.

“We’ve seen from a sustainability standpoint that projects started by the farmers themselves have more longevity and get better buy-in,” says Liz Hunt, head of North America sustainability at Syngenta. “Farmer-led programs have a better chance of succeeding long term.”

Trent Wimmer, sustainable solutions key account manager at Syngenta, agrees.

“When local growers know their neighbors and understand the agronomic pressures they’re feeling, the likelihood of success to address those pressures goes way up when they’re led by their peers,” he says.

The company also looks for organizations with direct funding or learning opportunities at the field level, Hunt says, and that can provide insights for improving programs and meeting Syngenta sustainability goals.

Sand County Foundation: Developing Farmer-led Groups

One of the organizations Syngenta partners with is the Sand County Foundation (SCF) in Madison, Wisconsin. Founded in 1965, the national nonprofit takes its name and vision from the 1949 book, “A Sand County Almanac” by Aldo Leopold, who is often referred to as the father of modern conservation. Sand County Foundation partners with self-initiated farmer groups to facilitate peer-to-peer education on regenerative ag practices. Currently, Sand County Foundation is the lead partner for a multimillion-dollar U.S. Department of Agriculture-Natural Resources Conservation Service (USDA-NRCS) Regional Conservation Partnership Program project to develop and fund farmer-led groups.

Heidi Peterson, vice president of agricultural research and conservation at Sand County Foundation, says Syngenta supported SCF’s grant proposal by covering costs for time and resources to develop the application and recruit collaborators.

“The grant from Syngenta supported six months of planning and coordinating,” she says. “It was huge to have that support, to show there was industry interest and get the ball rolling toward conservation progress.”

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A Sand County Foundation event brings growers together for peer-to-peer education.
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Sand County Foundation helped seed over 8,500 acres of cover crops in Iowa.

Craig Ficenec, senior director of agricultural conservation at Sand County Foundation, says one benefit of the grant is the opportunity to streamline processes for growers to participate in conservation projects without taking time away from their other work.

“We can do clever things like not making each farmer submit an application for drone-seeding of cover crops then wait a year to get funded,” he says. “We can just hire pilots, buy bulk seed, have the farmers sign up and get cover crops custom applied while they’re busy harvesting.”

In 2024, Sand County Foundation partnered with 75 Iowa farmers in Dubuque County Watersheds to seed 8,500 acres of cover crops via drone technology; more applications are expected in 2025.

American Farmland Trust: Saving Farmland

American Farmland Trust (AFT) is on a mission to “save farmland by the acre and by the inch.” The group was founded in 1980 to address concerns about losing farmland to non-farm development. But the goal has since evolved, according to Jean Brokish, Midwest deputy director of AFT.

“Over time, the mission has expanded to think about how we’re managing the farmland so we’re not losing it to erosion. We’re engaging with farmers to protect agriculture’s very foundation: the soil, water and nutrients needed for healthy crops,” she says.

When working with farmers to advance regenerative practices, Brokish says AFT often takes a train-the-trainer approach.

“A lot of our work is about training farmer-leaders who can then share their expertise and mentor other farmers, or helping ag retailers and educators identify ways they could encourage growers to think more strategically about regenerative agriculture,” Brokish says. “Not every regenerative practice is going to fit on every farm, but every farm can find a regenerative practice that can fit.”

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AFT regularly hosts on-farm field days and farm tours to highlight regenerative agriculture practices like this event in Livingston County IL.
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Planting soybeans into a living cereal rye cover crop is an advanced regenerative ag practice and one that helps build soil health.
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Planting native species in field borders is a great way to integrate pollinator habitat on farms in Illinois.

Syngenta recently partnered with AFT and 50 growers to plant 500 acres of pollinator habitat to increase species diversity in the Midwest, primarily Illinois and Wisconsin.

“We were interested in that because obviously pollinator habitat is beneficial for the environment, but it also helps address some of those soil health and water quality issues that are the core of what we’re doing,” Brokish says, noting that there could be a demonstration field day once the habitats are established.

“We thought we might have a hard time finding 500 acres, but it was quite the opposite,” she says. “There’s a lot of interest in this practice.”

Trust In Food: Building Ag Resilience

The mission of Trust in Food, a social purpose initiative of Farm Journal, is to “accelerate the transition toward a more resilient ag system across the U.S.” Trust In Food works to bring value chain organizations to the table as private partners to lead its efforts through change programs America’s Conservation Ag Movement and Trust in Beef.

Our partnership programs bring together the whole agriculture value chain, from the farm gate to innovations and solutions providers so that we can work together to build a stronger, more resilient future for American farm families,” Jamie Sears Rawlings, director of influence engagement at Trust in Food says. “Through this work, we take a farmer-led approach by elevating producers who show how, every day, they are striving to make their operations more profitable and efficient for the future.”

Practicing producers — known as conservation stewards — host local farmer-to-farmer learning events that focus on conservation practices like soil health, innovation technology and marketability.

A group in a field at a Trust in Food Field Day.
Trust in Food hosts farmer-to-farmer learning events focused on conservation practices.

“Our partners are right alongside us at these field events, giving them the opportunity to showcase their innovations or solutions that meet the everyday issues that farmers face,” Sears Rawlings notes.

“Whether they’re innovation leaders in implementation like Ducks Unlimited, or leaders in bringing tools to the market like Syngenta, those companies are available to growers when they’re ready to take that next step,” Sears Rawlings says.

It’s that access to information that makes Trust In Food important to modern ag, Sears Rawlings says.

“Agriculture is evolving more rapidly now than ever in its history, and farmers need to be able to keep up with that to manage their operations,” she says. “They need information they can trust.”

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You take great care of your crops, but are you paying enough attention to your own health? Between spending long days outdoors, handling heavy machinery and chemicals, and stressing over market volatility, you go through a lot each season, which can add up. Here are a few tips on keeping your body and mind healthy in the long run.

Maintain Proper Nutrition and Hydration

Just like your crops, you need the right balance of nutrients and hydration in your diet to keep your body functioning at peak performance.

  • Consume enough protein and grains to maintain stamina and muscle repair.
  • Check your Vitamin D levels and take supplements if needed.
  • Eat at least five servings of fruits and vegetables per day.
  • Consume 8-10 glasses of water daily ― more if you’re spending long hours outside. Keep a water bottle handy and take water breaks to stay hydrated while out in the field.

Take Care of Muscles and Joints

Joints and muscle mass can deteriorate over time as a natural part of aging. Injuries that happen on the job can set you back or have you scrambling to find extra help in the field. Take care of your body today so it can be strong tomorrow.

  • Always use proper lifting techniques and ergonomically designed tools to protect your back and knees.
  • Adjust work practices to avoid poor posture or overuse of specific muscle groups.
  • Practice strength training exercises like calisthenics, yoga or weightlifting when doing a lot of desk work.

Protect Your Skin From UV Rays

The “farmer’s tan” is a source of pride for many, but sun exposure can accelerate aging and increase your risk of skin cancer.

  • Wear protective clothing like long-sleeved shirts and wide-brimmed hats. There are so many options for clothing specifically designed to protect from UV rays, which is a great backup for when sunscreen isn’t available.
  • Apply sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15 to any exposed skin. Pay special attention to often forgotten areas, like your ears, lips and back of the neck.

Prevent Injuries While Working

About half of all injuries are the result of bad judgment, hurrying through tasks,  exhaustion and not paying close enough attention. Prevent injuries — for yourself, your workers and your family — by taking the extra time to prepare for safety.

  • Stay alert and don’t rush.
  • Make sure you’re wearing protective equipment and clothing. Some examples include high-quality earplugs or earmuffs, close-toed shoes, and tighter-fit clothing to prevent your sleeves from getting caught in machinery.
  • Perform regular maintenance on equipment to prevent malfunctions.
  • Always follow the guidelines provided when handling equipment and chemicals, including personal protective equipment (PPE).

Take Time for Mental Health

Farming is tough on the mind, too. You’re working long, irregular hours that can make it difficult to find time for yourself or your loved ones. High-stress situations are common, especially when things like weather are out of your control.

  • Keep tabs on your mental state and look out for signs of stress such as tension headaches, irritability and anxiety.
  • Build a strong network of friends, family, and fellow farmers and ag professionals.
  • Practice mindfulness by setting aside time daily to relax, meditate or engage in mindful breathing, a relaxation technique that involves focusing on inhaling and exhaling without trying to control or change the breath.

Seek professional help, especially if stress or anxiety becomes overwhelming.

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Don’t underestimate citrus leafminer. They may be small, but they can cause significant damage to citrus groves in key growing regions if not detected and managed early. They spread rapidly, with infestation rates reaching 90% within its first year of being observed in Florida in 1993.

Identify Citrus Leafminer Early

How do you know if you have a citrus leafminer infestation? Simply put, these pests don’t hide their trail. During the larval stage, citrus leafminers feed on the flush foliage of citrus leaves. As they grow, they create noticeable asymmetrical tunnels or “mines” along the leaf surface. Their distinctive tunneling makes them easy to identify compared to other common citrus pests.

Curled and distorted leaves caused by citrus leafminer damage.
Curled and distorted leaves caused by citrus leafminer can impact tree growth, especially in younger trees.

Leafminer damage causes leaves to curl and distort, which can affect tree growth. Younger trees are especially vulnerable, but even mature citrus trees can suffer if infestations get out of control. Over time, this damage weakens trees and reduces fruit quality, making it harder for growers to produce a healthy crop.

Prepare for Environmental Challenges

While citrus leafminer is not typically a primary threat, shifting environmental conditions like hurricanes in Florida and erratic weather patterns in California have opened the door for increased populations and infestations, testing the citrus industry’s resilience.

The increase in moisture and humidity provides an ideal environment for citrus leafminer. Once these tiny insects invade and damage groves, the trees become more vulnerable to diseases, like citrus canker. Effective management strategies can help growers mitigate this risk and reduce the overall impact on their crops.

Use Targeted Solutions for Citrus Leafminer

The good news? Citrus growers have options to keep this pest in check. Researchers have linked cooler temperatures with lower populations of citrus leafminer, making early spring the ideal time to come up with a management plan.

One of the best ways to manage citrus pests is to regularly scout trees for signs of damage. Using natural predators — like parasitic wasps or lacewings — can help keep populations down. In more serious cases, targeted insecticide sprays may be needed.

Insecticides with multiple active ingredients and strong residual control are ideal. Minecto® Pro manages populations of citrus leafminer, Asian citrus psyllid (ACP) and other damaging citrus insect pests. By combining the strength of two active ingredients into a convenient premix formulation, Minecto Pro offers extended residual control of multiple pests with overlapping occurrence windows.

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Farming is a risky business with many factors that are beyond growers’ control. Lex Kassel, a sixth-generation farmer from Emmetsburg, Iowa, knows this all too well. “The corn and soybean markets are so volatile, and that’s something that, as a farmer, I can only control so much,” he says. “The name of the game is mitigating risk and trying to make yourself more profitable.” That’s why Kassel decided to participate in the 2023 pilot year of the Cropwise™ Commodity Pro offer.

Cropwise Commodity Pro helps growers reduce the risk of a volatile market by providing up to 15 percent cash back in down markets. Enrollment is free to growers in the Midwest and South with the purchase of a qualifying Syngenta premium corn or soybean crop protection and/or seeds product. This offer aims to give growers confidence to focus on agronomics and crop yield potential instead of managing market risk.

Ryan Peterson, owner and President of R&M Brothers in Pocahontas County, Iowa, also participated in the pilot offer. “We decided to participate because it seemed like a really good tool that we could use to mitigate commodity risk in the latter part of the season,” he says.

Growers will be locked into the commodity price for corn and/or soy by late July based on their qualifying purchases. The locked-in price in July is compared to the late-season price come October to determine cash back amounts.

During the 2024 season:

  • Syngenta paid more than $1.5 million in cash back, with the average grower receiving around $6,000.
  • 250+ growers were enrolled in the Cropwise Commodity Pro offer, covering nearly 650,000 acres.

Kassel is glad he participated in the pilot year. “I really enjoyed the extra layer of protection and comfort when it came to making commodity decisions. It’s something you don’t need when times are good, but when times aren’t so good, it helps to have as many people as you can in your corner looking out for you.”

To learn more about the offer and inquire about enrolling, talk to your Syngenta representative.

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According to the Crop Protection Network, tar spot was the leading cause of corn yield loss in 2024. This disease has dominated recent headlines — and for good reason — but it’s not the only disease threat to watch for. Southern rust, northern corn leaf blight and frogeye leaf spot each caused millions of lost bushels in 2024. To protect your soybean and corn crops, know the signs to look for because destructive diseases could be lurking in the canopy.

An illustration of healthy soybean reads "SOYBEAN SCOUTING GUIDE"

Septoria Brown Spot starts with small brown spots and causes yellowing and dropped leaves.
A close up photo shows soybean plants with yellowing and dropped leaves caused by Septoria Brown Spot.

Septoria brown spot (Septoria glycines) starts with small, brown spots on lower leaves approximately two to three weeks after planting. These spots expand and merge together, ultimately reducing the plant’s capacity for photosynthesis. Without intervention, leaves will turn yellow and drop off due to the lack of chlorophyl.

“Septoria brown spot has become more aggressive,” Tyler Harp, technical product lead for fungicides at Syngenta, says. “It used to stay at the very bottom of the canopy where it wasn’t considered yield-limiting, but that’s changed in recent years.”

Harp says some growers attribute the change to new soybean varieties while others think the disease evolved into a more aggressive pathogen. Either way, Septoria brown spot can now move all the way to the top of the plant and potentially defoliate the entire crop. Active disease in early to mid-pod fill is the most likely period for brown spot to result in yield loss, so scouting the crop’s lower leaves and treating early are key to minimizing its impact in the field.

A close up photo shows tiny purple spots on soybean leaves caused by Cercospora Leaf Blight.
Cercospora Leaf Blight causes tiny purple spots that work down from the top of the plant.

Cercospora Leaf Blight (Cercospora kikuchii) begins at the top of the plant and works its way down, making scouting theoretically a little easier. Unfortunately, its tiny, pale purple spots are tough to see early on. Appearance of the disease typically coincides with seed set, and as the lesions expand and coalesce, leaves turn darker purple, bronze or red and develop a leathery texture, sometimes confused with abiotic stress such as sunburn.

Planting resistant seed, choosing later-maturing varieties and applying fungicides with different modes of action can help reduce damage or yield loss. Under severe disease pressure, losses of up to 30 percent have been reported.

A close up photo shows a tan lesions with dark margins caused by frogeye leaf spot.
Tan frogeye leaf spot lesions typically have dark purple or brown margins.

Frogeye Leaf Spot (FLS) (Cercospora sojina) presents as small light brown or tan lesions surrounded by a darker margin, typically purple or brown. When first reported in the U.S. in 1924, it was primarily an issue in the southern states but is now well entrenched in the Midwest.

“Frogeye is not the most common disease, but it’s probably the most yield limiting and the most destructive where it occurs,” Harp says.

Blake Miller, Syngenta ASR in west central Illinois, calls FLS his region’s number one soybean disease threat, and says scouting for the disease should focus on the expanding leaves. “It affects the newest leaves because they’re easier for the spores to penetrate,” he says.

Genetic resistance to FLS is the best option for managing the disease, Miller says. He advises using soybean varieties with the Rcs3 gene, which is shown to be resistant to the different strains of FLS. In conjunction with seed varieties, Miller recommends an R3 to R4 fungicide application to protect grain fill.

An illustration of health corn reads "CORN SCOUTING GUIDE"

Clusters of orange pustules caused by Southern rust on a corn leaf.
Southern rust presents as orange pustules that release spores and spread the disease.

Southern Rust (Puccinia polysora) spreads differently than other corn diseases. The inoculum for Southern rust doesn’t live in the field; its spores are carried on the wind from warmer climates and deposited on crops as far north as Canada. The fungus needs both a wet leaf surface and warm temperatures to catalyze infection, and as little as six hours of dew can be enough for it to take hold. Southern rust appears as orange pustules on leaves, which release spores to spread the disease. The infection cycle is short but repetitive, so the infection can quickly reach epidemic levels.

Aaron Kromann, ASR in South Dakota, says his state usually sees minimal levels of Southern rust; however, last year the infection came earlier and was reported in roughly a third of the state.

“It takes a lot of wind and a lot of weather patterns to get it up here, and it’s usually not super impactful just because it sets in relatively late,” Kromann says. “But last year, the southern half of North Dakota saw some Southern rust as well, which is very atypical.”

Management practices for Southern rust include planting resistant hybrids and utilizing early application fungicides when the first pustules appear.

Corn leaves with cigar-shaped lesions containing black and gray spores caused by Northern corn leaf blight.
Northern corn leaf blight causes long lesions with dark spores.

Northern Corn Leaf Blight (NCLB) (Exserohilum turcicum) presents as cigar-shaped lesions of varying length on leaves, which may also contain visible black or gray spores. The disease reduces plants’ photosynthesis, compromising their ability to produce kernels.

Contamination with inoculum in the field through wind, rain-splash, heavy dew or overhead irrigation can kick off the infection; continued moisture and 60- to 80-degree temperatures drives the spread.

Lesions on or above the ear leaf two weeks on either side of tassel signals potential yield loss of up to 30 percent in hybrid corn, and greater loss potential in specialty varieties. Loss will usually be lower if lesions don’t appear on the upper leaves until late in the season.

Management practices for NCLB include selecting moderate-resistance hybrids to delay progression enough to protect yield, managing residue to reduce field inoculum and a one-year rotation away from corn followed by tillage to protect the following year’s crop. “Generally, rotation’s going to be your friend,” Kromann says. “Waiting a year, you’ll likely get some depletion of that residue in the soil.”

Corn leaves with long, rectangular gray lesions caused by gray leaf spot.
Gray leaf spot causes gray, rectangular lesions.

Gray Leaf Spot (GLS) (Cercospora zeae-maydis) Is one of the most widespread and tenacious fungal diseases in corn. It attacks the plant’s leaves, first showing up as small brown spots with yellow halos. Lesions take on a rectangular shape as they grow and turn gray as the disease develops, destroying photosynthetic leaf surface.

GLS is typically first seen on bottom leaves after inoculum has splashed up onto new plants and thrives in temperatures in the mid-70s to high 80s with humidity at or exceeding 90 percent.

Managing residue and planting resistant hybrids is recommended, especially in corn-on-corn operations.

“There are hybrids that are tolerant of gray leaf spot,” Harp says. “You might get a bit of a yield penalty as a result, but the penalty will outweigh the disease issues if you have a real susceptible area.”

For more information on recognizing and defending against corn and soybean diseases, visit BoostYourBushels.com.

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Agriculture contributes more than $220 billion to the U.S. gross domestic product (GDP), but farming families comprise only 2% of the American population. They contend with volatile markets, regulations and environments to keep food on the table for the 98% who, on average, are at least three generations removed from agriculture.

The future of agriculture depends on united advocacy from individuals along with grower and trade organizations. Keeping agricultural issues at the forefront of policy negotiations and conversations in homes across the country requires farmers to become savvy storytellers and strong leaders in addition to their roles as entrepreneurs, educators and environmental stewards.

The Leadership At Its Best (LAIB) conference, organized by Syngenta, empowers agricultural leaders to represent the industry in Washington, D.C. and at home. LAIB celebrated its 40th year of advocacy education in 2025. Fifty representatives from 12 grower and trade associations learned skills like networking, media training and action advocacy leading up to change-making conversations on Capitol Hill. They were nominated by organizations like the American Soybean Association, National Corn Growers Association and American Agri-Women.

Becoming Strong Storytellers

This year’s LAIB attendees arrived in D.C. with stories to tell. They have intimate knowledge of the issues facing their operations and their nominating associations recognize them as leaders. The goal of LAIB isn’t to teach attendees what to say; it’s to equip them with the skills to share their experiences and advocate for change.

“It’s important that we tell our story and teach others to tell their stories to people that don’t know much about agriculture,” says Macie O’Shaughnessy, industry relations manager at Syngenta. “We challenge everybody to be vulnerable, work on their weaknesses, and share their strengths. We enable them to tell their stories and be fierce advocates.”

The conference kicks off with a day of intensive networking to encourage attendees to share their experiences outside their usual circles.

“The program has been phenomenal,” says Bill Parks, a Mississippi grower representing the American Farm Bureau Federation. “In a rural area like where I’m from, you can feel alone. Here, you talk to and learn from others like you, and it builds confidence.”

These conversations also help growers see the bigger picture of what’s happening on farms across the country. It’s critical that attendees examine issues from different perspectives and combine their voices to combat the challenges facing agriculture.

Key issues include access to technology, operational flexibility within restrictions, and regulatory challenges. While not unique to one region, crop or sector, representatives on the Hill may still be unfamiliar with them.

“Everyone here operates differently, but we agree on many key issues,” says Kole Pederson, a representative of the National Agricultural Aviation Association. “Being able to share perspectives here is so helpful. It allows subsectors of the industry to work better together.”

The Road to Capitol Hill

With years of experience and expertise, the folks at Syngenta engage their relationships to further collaboration. “We can advocate for all the details when we have multiple groups working together,” says O’Shaughnessy. “Our connections and networks elevate us.”

After a full day of building confidence and hearing from other voices in agriculture, the LAIB cohort attends sessions led by media and storytelling experts.

The first was led by Johnna Miller, senior director of media and advocacy training for the American Farm Bureau Federation. She shared best practices for working with the media, the ins and outs of soundbites, and how to make sure the most important parts of their messages make it on camera. Next, attendees learned from Aaron Putze, author, public speaker, and chief officer of brand management and engagement for the Iowa Soybean Association, about finding memorable ways to share their personal stories with legislators.

“I learned that representatives want to hear about our experiences, which helps them continue to make changes in the country,” says Janie Cornelius, sales support lead at Cornelius Seed representing the Independent Professional Seed Association. “In D.C., they don’t know what we’re experiencing in agriculture. Our stories can have huge impacts on farmers across the nation.”

Fortunately, attendees felt well-prepared to tell those stories after the week’s programming. “The session with Mr. Putze really helped me get my message together for my Capitol Hill meetings. He helped us dig deep into our own brains to pull those ideas out,” says Elizabeth Spruell, an Alabama grower representing American Agri-Women. “Now, I’m more capable of stepping in front of the camera and answering hard questions. At the same time, I’m representing and advocating for the industry I love so dearly.”

Beyond the Capitol

What’s next for the future of agriculture advocacy? All attendees leave LAIB with newfound confidence, storytelling skills, media savvy and lobbying experience. Many also have successful conversations with legislators under their belts.

“We send everybody home with a new network and many action opportunities,” says O’Shaughnessy. “One of the most powerful pieces is building that network between associations. These ag representatives are all already leaders, and leaders are always learning.”

Leaders are always teaching, too. The impact of the conference ripples to the nominating organizations and beyond. “I’m excited,” Janie Cornelius says. “Not only am I better able to tell my story, but I’m more prepared to step into a mentorship role. The skills I’ve gained here are going to help me develop others and grow myself.”

Though the most impactful lessons learned from LAIB varies between attendees, one thing is certain. This conference is only the jumping-off point.

“Leadership At Its Best opened my eyes to a larger network and agriculture across the country,” says Spruell. “Networking with individuals on their own journey through leadership helps me frame my own pathway and I’m excited for what’s next.”

For many, LAIB is a great reminder of the importance of getting involved with organizations. The time is right, Spruell says. “Farmers are the 2% growing food for the 98%. Our voice is small, but we can unify, arm-in-arm, to get the message across for our food and fiber security.”

And it’s easier than they would’ve thought. “Your voice matters,” says Parks. “I know now it’s as simple as finding your local organization or dropping by the Hill. Take it from a small-town farmer like me — You can make a difference, and that’s the honest truth.”

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As a potato grower, you’re likely no stranger to Colorado potato beetle (CPB). These small, striped pests have a reputation for wreaking havoc on potato fields across the country.

CPB consumes large portions of young leaf tissue. Without sufficient leaf canopy, photosynthesis slows down, leading to the plants drying out, wilting and ultimately losing their leaves. As beetles mature, the damage worsens, making it increasingly difficult for growers to save their crops.

If CPB gets ahead of you, they won’t just nibble at your plants — they’ll attack your bottom line. The good news is you can protect your crops with an effective three-step pest management plan.

Identify Colorado Potato Beetles

Adult CPB have distinct features that make them easy to differentiate from other insects. They’re oval-shaped, about 3/8 inch (10 mm) long, with a yellow-orangish body and 10 black stripes running down their wings. The larvae are smooth, humpbacked and reddish, reaching up to half an inch in length with two rows of black spots along each side.

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Larvae feed on potato leaf tissue.
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Feeding damage worsens as CPB mature.

Scout for Colorado Potato Beetles

Scouting is one of the best ways to stay ahead of a potential CPB infestation. Here’s how you can monitor your fields effectively:

  1. Scout early: CPB emerges from the soil when spring temperatures reach above 50 degrees Fahrenheit in early May. You should begin scouting for adult beetles before the seed is even planted.
  2. Watch for larvae: Inspect the undersides of leaves for clusters of yellow eggs. Larvae hatch within 4-14 days and immediately feed on plant leaves. Leaf damage initially appears as small holes, about 1/8” wide.
  3. Create an action plan: The moment you begin to see red, spotted larvae crawling around your leaves, that’s your cue to act before they take over.

Manage CPB and Combat Insecticide Resistance

CPB has built up resistance to over 50 different insecticide chemistries. Kiran Shetty, Ph.D., Syngenta technical development lead for potatoes, encourages growers to try a range of approaches to better control CPB and combat resistance.

  1. Manage field by field: Tailor your management plan to the location, crop and insect history of the field.
  2. Rotate chemistries: Overuse of insecticides can increase the tolerance levels of pests. Use one neonicotinoid seed treatment or soil application per season.
  3. Rotate crops: Growers should implement crop rotation between planting seasons, which can significantly reduce outbreak rates and maintain the effectiveness of pest control strategies.
  4. Make an action plan: Create a season-long management plan that uses complementary seed treatments and foliar insecticide applications.
  5. Use high-quality insecticides: Quality insecticides like Minecto® Pro are highly effective foliar insecticides that control CPB.

Colorado potato beetles aren’t going away anytime soon, but that doesn’t mean you have to let them take over your operation. By combining crop rotation, tailored field management and chemical rotation, growers can minimize CPB pressure and protect their yields.

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Winds bring more than fresh air and rain to corn and soybean fields; they can carry pests and pathogens into new areas. Most new-to-a-region diseases have been creeping into fields with the help of dust, spores or insects moving through the air.

Learning about new agronomic challenges before they hit your fields helps you know what to do once they show up. Regular scouting and a predetermined management plan will help you fight unwelcome emerging pathogens and protect your yield potential.

Corn Threats

Tar Spot

Tar spot has been moving across the Midwest for several years. While proactively managing it has become standard practice for Indiana farmers, those in western Iowa and Nebraska are just starting to see it.

“Once tar spot arrives, it overwinters on crop residue and infects corn in cool temperatures between 60- and 70-degrees Fahrenheit, high humidity and prolonged leaf wetness,” says Dean Grossnickle, Syngenta technical development lead based in central Iowa. “It usually isn’t noticeable until after tasseling when scouting is uncomfortable.”

Tar spot, named for the small black spots on leaves that don’t rub off, can significantly reduce yield. What should be done when it moves in?

“Take a deep breath — it is manageable,” says Grossnickle. “We’ve learned that a proactive treatment with Miravis Neo or Trivapro fungicides at the tasseling stage provides protection against tar spot through most of the grain fill period.”

He adds that an overlapping residual fungicide application two or three weeks later can sometimes increase potential yield under heavy pressure, though the results aren’t consistent. Burying crop residue can help, but exposed spores can easily blow in from neighboring fields.

Corn Stunt Disease and Corn Leafhopper

Corn stunt disease is a bacterial disease moving north from Texas and Oklahoma into Kansas and Nebraska. As the name suggests, it stunts plant growth and ear development. Solutions have yet to be discovered.

Corn leafhopper, an insect native to Central America, spreads bacteria as it feeds on corn plants. They reproduce quickly, with multiple generations each season, according to Oklahoma State University Extension. Bugs can travel several miles during their lifespan, with females laying eggs on corn leaves. Entomologists are still learning where they overwinter.

“As with other bacterial diseases like Stewart’s wilt, if you find a resistant hybrid, plant it,” Grossnickle recommends. “Insecticides can control corn leafhoppers, but treatment thresholds will be different for disease management compared to leaf damage.”

Planting corn early, before insect populations increase, may also reduce disease impact.

Unexpected Visitors Surprise Corn Growers

Weather can bring unexpected pathogens to a region, says Dalton Webster, Syngenta ASR for eastern Iowa. In 2024, an early hurricane blew Southern rust as far north as Iowa and Wisconsin in late July and early August, which unfortunately gave the pathogen time to establish and cut corn yields.

“Southern rust won’t overwinter, but 2024 is an example of the need to watch for unexpected problems,” Webster says. “Fortunately, both Trivapro and Miravis Neo protect against rust and a variety of other diseases, so solutions for unexpected issues often align with strategies to manage tar spot, gray leaf spot and other diseases.”

Soybean Threats

Red Crown Rot

In soybean fields, the soilborne pathogen causing red crown rot (RCR) appears to be spreading throughout Illinois. It has also been confirmed in a few Indiana and Missouri counties, and surrounding states are on the lookout. Initial symptoms can easily be mistaken for sudden death syndrome (SDS).

“Soilborne pathogens can be spread easily by wind and equipment,” Webster says.

Crop rotation and planting soybeans early may help manage RCR, but early planting increases the risk for SDS. Saltro® fungicide seed treatment helps suppress RCR, and it can help protect early planted soybeans against SDS as well.

Target Spot

Grossnickle notes that target spot, usually found in the south, appears to be a growing issue in the Midwest.

“As soybean traits and genetics have changed, it seems we’ve selected for varieties with more susceptibility to target spot,” he says.

It can attack any part of a soybean plant, thriving in 75 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit temperatures with frequent rainfall or irrigation, especially in continuous soybeans. Residue management and practices that promote drier leaves, like wide rows, can reduce risk. Both Miravis® Neo and Miravis Top soybean fungicides also help manage target spot.

Revisiting Soybean Cyst Nematode

Though not considered an emerging pathogen, Webster notes a renewed industry focus on soybean cyst nematode (SCN).

“As growers put more focus on raising soybeans, aiming for yields of 90 to 100 bushels, SCN is getting more attention as a yield-limiting factor,” he says.

Seed companies are developing more varieties with Peking genetics, the less common source for SCN resistance. This allows farmers to rotate both crops and resistance sources to reduce SCN pressure. At the same time, crop protection companies have been developing nematicide seed treatment options.

“We know Saltro can help protect soybeans in combination with resistant genetics,” Webster says. “ADEPIDYN technology, the active ingredient in Saltro, affects the same pathway in a fungus or a nematode, shutting down energy production at the cellular level.”

Regardless of the unwelcome pathogens — both expected and unexpected — that move into your neighborhood this season, connect with your local Extension, Syngenta reps, and neighbors to share the knowledge and tools to protect your crop yield.