The 2025 iteration of the Panhandle Corn & Soybean Update took place at the Washington County Agricultural Center, in Chipley, on Friday February 7th. There were approximately 60 in attendance at the event.
The first speaker of the day was Dr. Isaac Esquivel, from the University of Florida. Dr. Esquivel reviewed how to identify several key insect pests as well as thresholds and management strategies for a variety of insects in both corn and soybeans. Dr. Esquivel’s presentation is linked below.
Insect Management, Esquivel – CSB Update 2025
The second speaker was Dr. Vivek Sharma, form the University of Florida. Dr. Sharma shared about the Stakeholder Engagement Program (STEP) – a crop management competition, with some serious cash prizes, and invited attendees to participate in the 2025 Corn STEP, headquartered at the NFREC Live Oak, and/or the 2025 Cotton STEP, headquartered at the WFREC in Jay. Dr. Sharma’s presentation is linked below.
Corn STEP, Sharma – CSB Update 2025
Dr. Sudeep Sidhu, from the University of Florida was the third speaker. Dr. Sidhu shared the results of the 2024 UF grain corn variety trials, which were conducted in Qunicy and Live Oak. These were the first formal grain corn variety trials conducted by UF is quite some time, and Dr. Sidhu is looking forward to continuing the project in 2025. Variety trial data from UGA and Auburn were also available at the meeting. Dr. Sidhu’s presentation is linked below.
Corn Variety Trial Data, Sidhu – CSB 2025
Dr. David Russell, Auburn University, batted clean-up with his presentation on managing weeds in both corn and soybeans. Dr. Russell reminded the crowd that over-the-top applications of dicamba will not be an option this season in soybeans, and focused on the importance of utilizing multiple residual chemistries for pigweed management. Effective management of Italian ryegrass and goosegrass were also featured, along with many other topics. Dr. Russell’s presentation is linked below.
Weed Management, Russell – CSB 2025
Dr. Nick Dufault from the University of Florida was slated to be the 5th speaker of the day, however he was unable to attend. Ethan Carter, UF/IFAS Extension, Jackson County stepped in and presented some of the highlights of Dr. Dufault’s presentation on disease management in corn and soybeans. The entirety of the presentation Dr. Dufault planned to present is linked below.
Disease Management, Dufault – CSB 2025
Representatives from AgriGold and Corteva / Pioneer also gave brief presentations about seed varieties they are offering for the 2025 planting season. Their presentations are linked below.
AgriGold – CSB 2025
Corteva / Pioneer – CSB 2025
The 2025 Corn & Soybean Update concluded with a wonderful roast beef lunch. It would not be possible to have a meal like that at an Extension meeting without support from industry sponsors. The 2025 Corn & Soybean Update was sponsored by:
AgriGold
Bayer / Dekalb
Campbellton Farm Service
Corteva / Pioneer
Farm Credit of NW FL
Helena
Orange Hill Soil & Water Conservation District
Mark your calendars for the 2026 Panhandle Corn & Soybean Update, scheduled for Friday, February 6, 2026.
- 2025 Panhandle Corn & Soybean Update – Recap & Presentations - February 14, 2025
- Plan Now for the Big Melon Contest and Junior Jubilee Contest Kick-Off Meeting – February 18 - February 7, 2025
- Panhandle Corn & Soybean Update – February 7 - January 17, 2025