Innovative Illinois farmer gets ag tech attention

Mar 16, 2023

Eric Miller is a tinkerer, a thinker and an innovator, and he puts those skills into practice on his 400-acre farm in Piatt County and shares his discoveries with others. He was honored with an award named for someone who had the same qualities.

Miller was presented with the Brandt Prize for Ag Entrepreneurism in honor of the company’s founder Glen Brandt at the eighth annual Ag Tech Summit in Champaign March 7.

Miller focuses on improving yields in a way that is positive for the environment and the future of production. To tell those stories, he invites people to field days and research plots on his farm. He has also been an Illinois Farmer Today CropWatcher and creates informational videos for farm and research audiences.

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Video: Do Cold Temps Impact Emerging Corn & Soybeans? | Pioneer Agronomy

A cold snap swept across west central Minnesota and eastern South Dakota, bringing frost, fog, and temperatures dipping into the 20s—raising urgent questions about early crop damage.

Pioneer Agronomist Eric Rice breaks down what those overnight temperatures could mean for emerged corn and soybeans, how to assess frost injury, and why patience is key before making any replant decisions. Learn the critical differences between corn and soybean growing points, what cosmetic vs. serious damage looks like, and how last week’s high winds may also be influencing what you’re seeing in the field.

Watch for:

• Frost thresholds for early-season crop damage

• Why corn may be more resilient than it looks

• Soybean growth stages and frost susceptibility

• How to evaluate brittle stems and discolored tissue

• Why waiting 4–5 days before assessing stand loss matters

• When to contact your local Pioneer agronomist or sales representative