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?

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: Inside USDA's Plan to Modernize Crop Reports with Kip Tom

Country music star and newly appointed Special Envoy for American Landowners John Rich joins Unscripted for an in-depth conversation about the growing fight over private property rights in rural America. Rich explains why he accepted the role, how he's working with the Trump administration to advocate for farmers and ranchers, and why he believes protecting farmland is a matter of national security.

Then, Washington ranchers Wade and Teresa King share their firsthand account of a years-long legal battle with state agencies after routine maintenance on livestock stock ponds led to investigations, fines, and criminal allegations. They discuss the financial and emotional toll, why they're continuing to fight, and what they believe is at stake for family farms across the country.

Join Tyne Morgan and Clinton Griffiths as they explore the challenges facing America's landowners, the future of property rights, and why these battles could have lasting implications for agriculture nationwide.

Country music star and newly appointed Special Envoy for American Landowners John Rich joins Unscripted for an in-depth conversation about the growing fight over private property rights in rural America. Rich explains why he accepted the role, how he's working with the Trump administration to advocate for farmers and ranchers, and why he believes protecting farmland is a matter of national security.
Then, Washington ranchers Wade and Teresa King share their firsthand account of a years-long legal battle with state agencies after routine maintenance on livestock stock ponds led to investigations, fines, and criminal allegations. They discuss the financial and emotional toll, why they're continuing to fight, and what they believe is at stake for family farms across the country.
Join Tyne Morgan and Clinton Griffiths as they explore the challenges facing America's landowners, the future of property rights, and why these battles could have lasting implications for agriculture nationwide.

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

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