Scouting Tips to Maximize Your Corn and Soybean Yield This Season

Things are off to a strong start in our region, but with a promising early season comes the responsibility to keep that momentum going. One of the most impactful ways to do that is by consistent, purposeful field scouting. Whether you’re walking your fields yourself or working with your Ag Plus agronomist, knowing what to look for—and when—can make all the difference in staying ahead of issues and protecting your yield potential.

We’ve gathered a few field-proven tips and reminders from our expert seed reps to help guide you through the season.

Scouting 101: Start Early, Scout Often

Scouting isn’t just a mid-season task. It’s a season-long effort that should begin early and continue regularly—ideally weekly or biweekly. Early detection of problems gives you a chance to act before they turn into profit-draining setbacks.

Pack your scouting toolkit:

A notepad or digital tool for field notes

Pocket knife for plant and root inspections

Pest ID guide (physical or app-based)

GPS or field map

Measuring tape or seed depth tool

Walk with Purpose: Use a Pattern

To get a true picture of field health, don’t just walk the headlands. Use a zigzag or uniform pattern throughout the field to gather a representative sample. It might take a little more time, but it pays off with better decision-making.

What to Watch for at Each Growth Stage

Early Vegetative (V1–V6)

Emergence problems: Was the planting depth consistent? Any crusting or uneven stands?

Seedling diseases: Watch for signs of Pythium or Rhizoctonia.

Stand count: A quick check now can reveal if a replant is necessary.

Late Vegetative (V7–VT)

Leaf diseases: Keep an eye out for early signs of common foliar issues.

Nutrient deficiencies: Yellowing, purpling, or stunting may signal fertility or pH issues.

Insect scouting: Start monitoring for early signs of corn borer or other pests.

Reproductive Stages (R1–R6)

Ear development: Are ears uniform? Any signs of poor pollination?

Insect pressure: Earworms and rootworm damage can sneak in fast.

Stalk health: Watch for stalk rot or lodging risks.

Kernel fill: Inconsistent fill can indicate stress during grain fill.

How to Take a Stand Count Like a Pro

Knowing your stand is critical to understanding yield potential. Here’s a quick refresher:

Measure 1/1000th of an acre (based on your row spacing):
• 30” rows = 17 feet 5 inches
• 20” rows = 26 feet 2 inches

Count the number of plants in that length.

Multiply by 1,000 to estimate plants per acre.

Dig Deeper: Look at Roots and Weeds

Dig plants to examine root development and health. Are roots well-branched? Is there any browning or compaction?

Weed pressure: How is your pre-emergent program holding up? Are any escapes showing resistance or poor control? Identify species and growth stages to time post-emergence sprays effectively.

Knowledge Is Yield

Field scouting is more than just walking rows—it’s your early warning system and yield preservation tool. Whether it’s spotting nutrient stress before it spreads or finding rootworm damage before it causes lodging, consistent scouting gives you the insights you need to take action.

Need help interpreting what you’re seeing? Contact your local Ag Plus agronomist. We’re here to walk the fields with you, offer recommendations, and help make this season easier for you.

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