Tyne Morgan and Clinton Griffiths go unscripted with Pro Farmer Crop Tour veteran Chip Flory to preview this year’s tour. They discuss what makes the tour’s consistent methodology so valuable, how USDA’s latest acreage and yield estimates compare, and the biggest questions heading into the fields. Chip also shares what he’ll be watching across the Western Corn Belt, including ear populations, plant health, weather impacts and yield potential, plus how this year’s crop compares with recent record crops.

Tyne Morgan and Clinton Griffiths go unscripted with Pro Farmer Crop Tour veteran Chip Flory to preview this year&rsquo;s tour. They discuss what makes the tour&rsquo;s consistent methodology so valuable, how USDA&rsquo;s latest acreage and yield estimates compare, and the biggest questions heading into the fields. Chip also shares what he&rsquo;ll be watching across the Western Corn Belt, including ear populations, plant health, weather impacts and yield potential, plus how this year&rsquo;s crop compares with recent record crops.

Unscripted is a show where scripts take a back seat. Hosts Tyne Morgan and Clinton Griffiths put down the teleprompters and let the conversations flow naturally. Each week, they bring in fellow Farm Journal hosts and editors to share behind-the-scenes insights on the stories we've covered, giving you a chance to meet the personalities behind the personalities.

Unscripted is a show where scripts take a back seat. Hosts Tyne Morgan and Clinton Griffiths put down the teleprompters and let the conversations flow naturally. Each week, they bring in fellow Farm Journal hosts and editors to share behind-the-scenes insights on the stories we've covered, giving you a chance to meet the personalities behind the personalities.

Unscripted

Unscripted: Pro Farmer Crop Tour Preview | What Will Scouts Find in the Fields?

With the November midterm elections approaching, farmers are facing mounting pressure from high input costs, volatile commodity markets and uncertainty over the future of agricultural policy. Tyne Morgan and Clinton Griffiths are joined by TJ Wilson, deputy director of rural policy at the America First Policy Institute, to discuss the issues shaping rural America and the decisions coming out of Washington.

The conversation covers soaring diesel prices during harvest, efforts to lower fuel costs, food affordability, trade opportunities and the outlook for the next phase of the Trump administration's agricultural agenda. Wilson also explains how artificial intelligence and seed genomics could reshape crop production, reduce input costs and create new opportunities for farmers. Plus, the team examines the ongoing threat of New World screwworm, the future of the farm bill and the key agricultural issues that could influence voters in November.

It's an inside look at the policy debates, economic pressures and political decisions that could shape the future of American agriculture.

With the November midterm elections approaching, farmers are facing mounting pressure from high input costs, volatile commodity markets and uncertainty over the future of agricultural policy. Tyne Morgan and Clinton Griffiths are joined by TJ Wilson, deputy director of rural policy at the America First Policy Institute, to discuss the issues shaping rural America and the decisions coming out of Washington.
The conversation covers soaring diesel prices during harvest, efforts to lower fuel costs, food affordability, trade opportunities and the outlook for the next phase of the Trump administration's agricultural agenda. Wilson also explains how artificial intelligence and seed genomics could reshape crop production, reduce input costs and create new opportunities for farmers. Plus, the team examines the ongoing threat of New World screwworm, the future of the farm bill and the key agricultural issues that could influence voters in November.
It's an inside look at the policy debates, economic pressures and political decisions that could shape the future of American agriculture.

Unscripted: Midterm Elections, Skyrocketing Diesel Prices and the Future of Ag Policy

This week on Unscripted, Tyne Morgan and Clinton Griffiths look back at a surprising Pro Farmer Crop Tour and what the 2026 growing season is revealing across the Corn Belt. Ken Ferrie and Missy Bauer join the conversation to break down the impact of excessive June rainfall, extreme heat, nutrient losses, crown rot, tar spot and uneven crop development.

The group also digs into where farmers may have cut input costs too far, why sulfur is becoming an increasingly important concern, and how rising fertilizer and diesel prices could shape decisions for the 2027 crop. Plus, they discuss pre-harvest scouting, adjusting harvest plans and the importance of making decisions based on real numbers—not emotion—as farmers navigate a challenging finish to the season.

This week on Unscripted, Tyne Morgan and Clinton Griffiths look back at a surprising Pro Farmer Crop Tour and what the 2026 growing season is revealing across the Corn Belt. Ken Ferrie and Missy Bauer join the conversation to break down the impact of excessive June rainfall, extreme heat, nutrient losses, crown rot, tar spot and uneven crop development.
The group also digs into where farmers may have cut input costs too far, why sulfur is becoming an increasingly important concern, and how rising fertilizer and diesel prices could shape decisions for the 2027 crop. Plus, they discuss pre-harvest scouting, adjusting harvest plans and the importance of making decisions based on real numbers&mdash;not emotion&mdash;as farmers navigate a challenging finish to the season.

Unscripted: Where Did the Yield Go? The Biggest Lessons From 2026

USDA crop reports influence billions of dollars in agricultural markets—but what if the system behind them is overdue for a major overhaul?

This week on Unscripted, Tyne Morgan and Clinton Griffiths sit down with former U.S. Ambassador and Indiana farmer Kip Tom, who has been tapped by USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins to help modernize the National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS).

Kip shares how new technologies—including satellite imagery, digital farm data, and AI—could improve the accuracy, transparency, and frequency of USDA crop reports while giving farmers better information to make marketing decisions. He also explains why producer participation matters, what he learned from evaluating cutting-edge ag technologies, and how USDA plans to gather farmer input through nationwide listening sessions.

USDA crop reports influence billions of dollars in agricultural markets&mdash;but what if the system behind them is overdue for a major overhaul?
This week on Unscripted, Tyne Morgan and Clinton Griffiths sit down with former U.S. Ambassador and Indiana farmer Kip Tom, who has been tapped by USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins to help modernize the National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS).
Kip shares how new technologies&mdash;including satellite imagery, digital farm data, and AI&mdash;could improve the accuracy, transparency, and frequency of USDA crop reports while giving farmers better information to make marketing decisions. He also explains why producer participation matters, what he learned from evaluating cutting-edge ag technologies, and how USDA plans to gather farmer input through nationwide listening sessions.

Unscripted: Pro Farmer Crop Tour Preview | What Will Scouts Find in the Fields?

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