Tell Me About You and These Fields — A Quick Start

• Which best describes your role in this conversation? Options: Grower / Farm operator, Independent crop consultant, Retailer/Co-op agronomist, Other (please specify)
• Which crops and roughly how many acres in this geography should we focus on today?
• Which of these resistant escapes are you seeing right now and where are they most concentrated? Options: Waterhemp, Palmer amaranth, Glyphosate-resistant marestail/horseweed, ALS-resistant species, Multiple species, Other (please specify)
• How long have these particular escapes been visibly present in the fields you care about? Options: This season only, 1–2 seasons, 3–4 seasons, 5+ seasons, Unsure
• How do you currently document escapes, yield impacts, and spray history at the field or sub-field level? Options: Yield monitor data, Field scouting notes (paper/digital), Photographs geotagged, Cooperator trial reports, I don’t have a consistent system, Other (please describe)

If One Patch Doubled Next Year, What Would That Mean?

• If resistant patches expanded next season, what would be the real consequences for you—financial, operational, and reputational?
• How much yield loss would you expect in an affected area if escapes are not controlled (estimate % or bushels/acre)? Options: <5%, 5–10%, 10–20%, 20–30%, >30%, Unsure / need to calculate
• Beyond yield, what downstream impacts worry you most (neighbor spread, harvest delays, market access, consultant reputation, other)? Options: Neighbor spread, Volunteer pressure next season, Increased input costs, Loss of contracts/markets, Damage to consultant reputation, Other (please specify)
• What level of field-level risk are you willing to accept before you change rotation or chemistry? Options: Very low — act at first signs, Moderate — act after confirmed hotspots, High — wait until widespread issues, Undecided / depends on economics
• If you could quantify one business outcome you can’t afford to lose next season, what is it (dollars, acres, client trust, contract obligations)?

What If Your 'Standard' Program Is Part of the Problem?

• What products and active ingredients have you been using on the fields with escapes for the last two seasons? Options: Glyphosate, ALS-inhibitors, PPO inhibitors, HPPD inhibitors, PRE residuals (Group 15/14), Multiple rotations, Other (please list)
• How consistently are application dates, rates, and adjuvant choices followed compared to label recommendations in those fields? Options: Almost always, Often, Sometimes, Rarely, Never / unknown
• Have you run formal resistance tests or sent tissue/seeds for lab confirmation? If yes, what did they show? Options: Yes - confirmed resistant biotype, Yes - mixed results, No - only visual diagnosis, No - plan to test
• Tell me about any past on-farm trials you ran in these fields—design, results, and what you learned.
• How confident are you in your equipment and calibration to deliver labeled rates and even coverage? Options: Very confident, Moderately confident, Some doubts, Not confident
• Where in your spray program do you suspect timing or tank-mix choices are most fragile? Options: Pre-emergence timing, Post-emergence early, Post-emergence late, Tank-mix compatibility, Application technology (boom/nozzle), Other (please specify)

Would You Trust Someone Else’s Plot If It Didn’t Match Your Worst Field?

• Which of your fields would you choose for a year-one strip trial—your worst hotspot, a representative field, or multiple sites? Options: Worst hotspot only, Representative field only, Multiple sites (hotspot + representative), Undecided
• What minimum trial size and replication would convince you the result is meaningful (e.g., acres, strips, replications)? Options: Small strip (few rows), 1–5 acres, 5–20 acres, 20+ acres, Unsure—would like recommendation
• Which success signals would make you comfortable moving to scale—select all that matter to your decision? Options: % weed control at key timing, Residual control duration, Yield protection (bushels/acre), Economic return per acre, Visual stand quality at harvest, Replant-free guarantee met
• What acceptance thresholds do you need to see for one-year trial success (for example, target % control and minimum yield bump)? Options: >90% control and measurable yield gain, 75–90% control with economic gain, Improved control but no yield gain required, Other (specify)
• How do you prefer trial data to be collected and validated (yield monitor files, geotagged photos, third-party sampling, agronomist sign-off)? Options: Yield monitor + raw files, Geotagged photos and counts, Third-party sampling / university partner, Trainer agronomist sign-off, Combination, Other (describe)
• What would make you distrust trial data or prevent you from scaling even if results looked good?

If a Product Promises 15% Better Control, Would You Bet Your Season on It?

• How important is a replant or crop-loss guarantee in your decision to try a new product? Options: Essential — must have, Important but negotiable, Nice-to-have, Not important
• What specific guarantee terms feel acceptable to you (coverage %, acres, time window, exclusions)?
• Have you ever filed a claim under a replant/guarantee? What was the outcome and how did it affect your trust in that supplier? Options: Yes - positive outcome, Yes - negative experience, No - never filed, No - never used such guarantees
• When evaluating per-acre pricing, what comparison baseline matters most: current per-acre spend, expected value of protected yield, or upfront budget limits? Options: Compare to current per-acre spend, Compare to expected yield protection value, Tied to upfront budget limits, Combination
• Who needs to sign off internally for you to adopt a new product (owner, farm manager, procurement, consultant)?

What’s Actually Stopping Change on Your Farm or for Your Clients?

• What practical barriers keep you using legacy chemistry (supply chain, applicator familiarity, price, label complexity, other)? Options: Supply and availability, Applicator comfort/skill, Price sensitivity, Label/regulatory limits, Fear of unexpected results, Other (please specify)
• How much do social factors—neighboring farms, peer recommendations, or co-op stocking—affect your willingness to change products? Options: Very influential, Somewhat influential, Minor influence, Not influential
• Tell me about a time you did change a program—what made that switch stick or fail?
• On an emotional level, what concerns rank highest when trying new chemistry (anxiety about failure, disappointment from clients, hassle of new labels)? Options: Anxiety about failure, Client disappointment, Operational hassle, Financial risk, Regulatory worry, Other (please describe)
• What would make you feel safer trying something new—stronger data, a better guarantee, applicator training, or pricing incentives? Options: Stronger local data, Generous guarantee, Hands-on applicator training, Introductory pricing, Other (please specify)

Logistics That Make or Break a Trial — Let’s Be Real

• How tight are your spray windows for the fields you’d trial (weeks available or critical dates)? Options: Very tight (1–2 weeks), Moderate (2–4 weeks), Flexible (month+), Unsure
• Do you have reliable access to calibrated applicators and the equipment needed to run consistent strip trials? Options: Yes - in-house, Yes - local custom applicator, No - would need supplier help, Unsure
• Are there label or regulatory constraints we need to consider for these fields (state restrictions, buffer zones, sensitive crops nearby)? Options: Yes - known restrictions, Possibly - need to check labels, No known issues, Unsure
• How do you want trial logistics handled—full-service by our agronomist, shared responsibilities, or you lead and we support remotely? Options: Full-service by supplier agronomist, Shared responsibilities, You lead, supplier supports remotely, Undecided
• What data capture approach fits your workflow: agronomist-collected plots, yield monitor files plus photo log, or a third-party validation service? Options: Agronomist-collected + photos, Yield monitor + raw files, Third-party validation/university partner, Combination, Other (describe)
• What are the realistic lead times you need for product deliveries, applicator scheduling, and trial setup?

If a Trial Succeeds, What Does Scale Look Like for You?

• If year-one trial meets your acceptance thresholds, how quickly would you consider expanding to additional acres? Options: Next season immediately, Mid next season if supplies available, Gradual roll over two seasons, Would need more confirmation
• What commercial terms would make expansion easy—preferred pricing, guaranteed supply, extended credit, or training for applicators? Options: Preferred pricing, Guaranteed supply, Extended payment terms, Applicator training programs, Other (please specify)
• How much initial acreage would you be comfortable committing to after a successful trial (percent of farm or acres)? Options: <5% of acres, 5–15%, 15–40%, 40%+, Unsure
• Who needs to be looped in to scale (distributor, co-op, procurement officer, farm family, neighbors)?
• What ongoing support would help you maintain confidence as you scale (on-call agronomist, troubleshooting hotline, follow-up sampling)? Options: On-call agronomist, Dedicated account manager, Troubleshooting hotline, Regular follow-up sampling, Other (specify)
• If scaling reveals patchy results, what remediation or claims process would you expect from us?

Are You Ready to Try Something New — And On What Terms?

• Given everything we’ve discussed, how ready are you to pilot a new resistance-management program next season? Options: Ready now, Ready with conditions (guarantee/training), Not ready this season, Need more data
• What conditions would need to be satisfied for you to say yes to a pilot (timing, price, guarantee, agronomist support)?
• Who should own the trial agreement and commercial terms—your distributor/co-op, your farm, or us directly? Options: Distributor / Co-op, Farm owner/operator, Supplier direct, Undecided
• What’s your preferred communication channel and cadence during a trial (weekly calls, field visits, shared dashboard, texts)? Options: Weekly calls, Field visits, Shared dashboard/data portal, As-needed texts/calls, Combination
• If we proposed a pilot timeline today, when would be the best moment to confirm and lock volumes? Options: Immediately, Within 2 weeks, In a month, Before pre-season ordering window, Unsure / need to align calendars
• Is there anything we haven’t asked that would change your mind about running a trial with us?

Quick Field Snapshot (Start Here)

• Which field(s) are we talking about and what label/name do you use for them?
• What crop is currently in that field and what planting/harvest windows matter for next season? Options: Corn, Soybeans, Wheat, Cotton, Other
• Approximately how many acres does the affected field contain? Options: <10 acres, 10–50 acres, 51–200 acres, 201–500 acres, >500 acres
• Quick location and soil context (county/lat-long or nearest town; dominant soil texture and drainage):
• Can you attach or describe any current field maps, GPS points, or photos showing the escapes? If not, describe location patterns (edges, waterways, wheel tracks, whole-field): Options: Field edges, Headlands, Low spots/wet areas, Along waterways, Wheel tracks/traffic lanes, Patchy/isolated spots, Widespread

Are We Underestimating the Escapes?

• When you first saw the escapes, what did you think was happening—and what changed your mind?
• Which species are escaping treatment and how confident are you in the ID (waterhemp, Palmer amaranth, other)? Options: Waterhemp, Palmer amaranth, Marestail/horseweed, Other broadleaf, Grass species, Not sure
• Describe the current patch density and distribution—are we talking single plants, clumps, dense patches, or a near-continuous infestation? Options: Single plants, Small clumps (few sq ft), Dense patches (>10 sq ft), Multiple large patches, Near-continuous
• How long have these escapes been present in this field or operation (one season, several seasons, decades)? Options: This season only, 2–3 seasons, 4–6 seasons, More than 6 seasons, Unsure
• How worried are you—emotionally or reputationally—about this spreading (impact on yield, neighbor relationships, consultant credibility)? Options: Very worried, Somewhat worried, Not very worried, Unsure

What Did You Actually Spray?

• Walk me through the last full season’s herbicide program for this field—products, rates, application timings (pre, post, in-crop), and number of passes.
• Which of the following active ingredients or brands were used this year on that field? Options: Glyphosate, Atrazine, HPPD-inhibitor, ALS-inhibitor, PS II inhibitor, Group 14/long-residual, Generic blends, Other/Proprietary
• Did you use any tank-mixes or sequential programs intended for resistance control? If yes, list combinations and timings.
• Tell me about application quality—spray volume, nozzle type, boom height, ground speed calibration, and any drift or skipping issues.
• Were there missed windows, weather delays, or equipment constraints that you think reduced efficacy this season? Options: Weather delays, Calibration issues, Missed timings, Product supply shortages, Operator error, No, applied as planned
• How often do you review sprayer calibration and application logs for this field? Options: Every application, Weekly during spray season, Occasionally, Rarely/never

How Much Is at Stake — Really?

• If escapes continue unchecked, what range of yield loss do you realistically expect on affected acres next season? Options: <5%, 5–10%, 11–20%, 21–30%, >30%
• Which fields would you prioritize to protect first, and why (economic return, neighbor proximity, seed/rotation sensitivity)?
• Estimate what uncontrolled spread across the operation would cost per acre and overall—do you have a target dollar figure that would justify immediate change?
• How would a failure to control these escapes affect your relationships with customers or your reputation as a consultant?
• Which of these outcomes would cause you to switch programs immediately? Options: Visible >80% control in strips, Yield protection demonstrated, Better residual control, Clear replant guarantee, No change — prefer to wait

Have We Tried This Before (and Did It Work)?

• What on-farm trials or product tests have you run in the past two years on these weeds, and what were the headline results?
• Do you have plot-level data or photos from past trials we can review (percent control, count reductions, yields)? Options: Yes—full dataset/photos, Photos only, Summary notes, No historical data available
• Which university or third-party trials do you rely on for decision-making in your geography?
• When past treatments failed, what do you believe caused the failure—resistance, timing, application, or something else? Options: Confirmed resistance, Timing issues, Application problems, Tank-mix incompatibility, Unknown
• How long has this field resisted attempted fixes—did you see any temporary wins that later faded? Options: One season, 2–3 seasons, 4+ seasons, Intermittent results

What Could Give You Confidence?

• What level of visual weed control after a season-long strip trial would convince you to adopt a new program across more acres? Options: >90% control, 75–90% control, 50–75% control with yield protection, Control plus residual benefit even if <75%
• Beyond percent control, what measurable success signals matter most—yield protection, seedbank reduction, replant avoidance, or timelines to follow-up? Options: Yield protection, Seedbank reduction, Reduced replant claims, Longer residual window, Operational ease
• Would you prefer replicated small plots, on-farm strips, or whole-field demonstrations to validate results? Why? Options: Small replicated plots, On-farm strips, Whole-field demo, Combination
• What minimum trial size and replication would you consider statistically and operationally convincing? Options: <5 acres, 5–20 acres, 21–50 acres, >50 acres, Unsure—need recommendation
• How important is a formal replant guarantee or performance-backed commercial term in your decision to adopt? Options: Critical, Helpful but not required, Nice to have, Not important

Operational Realities — Where Plans Break

• If we propose a trial or program, what logistical constraints are most likely to prevent proper execution (spray windows, labor, tank-mix limits, equipment availability)? Options: Narrow spray windows, Limited equipment, Labor constraints, Tank-mix limitations, Regulatory label limits, Other
• Describe your spray equipment and data-capture capabilities (tractor model, sprayer type, section control, GPS, application log access):
• Are there label, regulatory, or retailer constraints that would limit product choices or rates on these acres? Options: Yes—label/regulatory, Yes—retailer restrictions, No known constraints, Unsure
• How do you prefer to collect trial data—standardized forms, agronomist-collected plots, grower photos, yield monitor files—and who owns the data? Options: Agronomist-collected, Grower-collected standardized forms, Photos only, Yield monitor files, Combination
• What timing windows (dates or crop stages) are absolutely non-negotiable for you next season?

Deciding Together — How Will We Move Forward?

• If we can design a trial that meets your evidence bar, how quickly could you commit acreage and who must sign off? Options: Immediately—grower only, After consultant sign-off, After retailer approval, Need internal management approval
• What are your non-negotiable decision criteria (e.g., minimum % control, yield protection threshold, scope of replant guarantee)?
• How would you like claims or guarantee discussions handled if a program underperforms—direct with manufacturer, through retailer, or via agronomist mediation? Options: Direct with manufacturer, Through retailer/distributor, Agronomist mediation, Prefer no guarantees
• Who do you want on the core trial communications list (grower, independent consultant, retailer rep, manufacturer agronomist, other)? Options: Grower, Independent consultant, Retailer/Co-op rep, Manufacturer agronomist, Other
• What would you consider a reasonable next step after this discovery call (field visit, sample collection for resistance testing, proposal with trial design, pilot order)? Options: Field visit, Resistance testing, Trial design proposal, Pilot product order, Other

Before We Roll: A Quick Snapshot

• What field(s) are we planning to run trials or applications on (field name/ID and approximate acres)?
• Who are the primary contacts for these fields (grower, lead consultant, applicator) and the best contact method for each?
• Which crop(s) and planting window are we targeting for these fields this season? Options: Corn, Soybeans, Wheat, Cotton, Other
• How much of the field will be used for year-one strip trials versus left for standard practice (please give approximate acres or %)? Options: <1 acre, 1–5 acres, 5–20 acres, >20 acres, Percentage (please specify in next field)
• Anything else in this quick snapshot we should know right now?

Are You Ready to Spray — or Just Hoping the Weather Cooperates?

• If weather pushed your planned application out by 7–10 days, how would that change your confidence in achieving the trial's success targets? Options: No real impact, Some impact, but manageable, Significant impact—results likely compromised, Unsure
• What are your confirmed spray windows for the trial fields (dates or crop-stage thresholds)?
• How many days of acceptable application weather do you typically see in your region during that window? Options: >20 days, 10–20 days, 5–9 days, <5 days
• If the first planned application is missed, what contingency do you prefer: delay and re-weather-proof, switch to a different product timing, or cancel and reschedule the trial? Options: Delay and wait for weather, Adjust timing/product, Cancel and reschedule, Other (please explain)
• Describe a recent season where timing problems impacted control—what happened, and how long has that been a recurring problem?

What's Already in the Tank and on the Truck?

• Tell us the current in-field program you’d normally apply on these acres (product names, rates, application timings).
• Which products do you expect to tank-mix with our treatment during the trial (select all that apply)? Options: Glyphosate, ALS/Group 2 product, Photosystem inhibitor, Glufosinate, Pre-emerge residual, Adjuvants/surfactants, Other (specify)
• Have you performed a compatibility or jar test for the expected tank-mix in the past 12 months? Options: Yes, on these specific products, Yes, but with different products, No, not yet, Not sure
• Which application equipment will be used on trial acres (select all that apply)? Options: Self-propelled sprayer, Tractor-mounted boom, Air-blast/duster, Aerial (helicopter/plane), Pull-behind boom, Other
• Are there any known issues with drift, nozzle wear, or calibration on those machines we should plan for? Options: Yes—drift concerns, Yes—nozzle/calibration concerns, No known issues, Unsure
• If you answered yes, please describe the issue, how long it’s been happening, and how you typically mitigate it.

Labels, Permits, and the Fine Print That Often Gets Missed

• Are there label or regional regulatory restrictions (rate limits, buffer zones, crop rotation intervals) that could prevent the planned application? Options: Yes—rate/restriction applies, Yes—buffer zone/spray drift limits, No restrictions expected, Unsure—need help checking
• Which of these regulatory realities have influenced past decisions on your farm or in your area? Options: State label limits, County-specific restrictions, Waterbody buffers, Crop-rotation replant intervals, Municipal ordinances, None of the above
• Have you ever had an application declined by a retailer or coop due to label/regulatory concerns? If so, what happened and how long has this been occurring? Options: Yes—declined more than once, Yes—declined once, No
• Do you require our team to pre-clear labels and permits before delivery, or do you handle that locally? Options: Please pre-clear and confirm, We handle locally and will confirm, We need assistance checking labels
• List any sensitive areas (wells, organic fields, aquifers, endangered species habitat) within or adjacent to trial fields that might affect label choices.

When Timing and Equipment Fail: What's Your Backup Play?

• If applicator availability is lost within 48 hours of the optimal window, what is your preferred escalation: source alternate applicator, shift to a different product, or accept a delayed application? Options: Find alternate applicator, Switch product/timing, Accept delay, Other (explain)
• How often in the past two seasons did equipment or labor shortages force you to change planned applications? Options: Never, 1–2 times, 3–5 times, >5 times
• Who on your team has final sign-off to approve a late or modified application during the trial? Options: Grower, Lead consultant, Retailer/coop rep, Joint decision, Other
• If a change is required mid-trial, how quickly do you expect a supplier or agronomist to respond to revise the plan? Options: Same day, Within 48 hours, Within 72 hours, Longer than 72 hours
• Describe one time you had to pivot during an application window—what was the decision-making process and outcome?

Who Needs to Be on the Pickup at Dawn?

• Who are the stakeholders that must be notified before, during, and after an application (include names and roles)?
• Which communication channels do you prefer for live day-of updates and post-application reports? Options: Phone call, Text/SMS, Email, Field app push notification, Shared drive (e.g., Dropbox), Other
• Do you want the applicator to capture live GPS tracks and time-stamped spray logs for verification? Options: Yes—required, Yes—preferred, Not necessary, Unsure
• Is there a standing weekly or daily check-in cadence you'd like us to follow during the trial period? Options: Daily, 2–3x per week, Weekly, As-needed
• If an unexpected issue arises during application, who gets final instruction to stop or adjust in-field operations? Options: Grower, Consultant, Applicator supervisor, Supplier agronomist, Joint decision

If the Trial Underperforms, What’s the Real Cost?

• What minimum efficacy or yield protection threshold would you need to consider expanding this product next season? Options: >90% control / clear yield benefit, 75–90% control, 50–75% control, Unsure—need guidance
• Describe the replant guarantee or claim expectations that would make you comfortable trying new chemistries on a portion of your acres.
• What financial exposure are you willing to accept for a failed trial (select the closest)? Options: Supplier covers full tested acres, Supplier covers partial loss, Grower absorbs cost, Shared resolution
• How quickly do you expect claims to be acknowledged and a remediation plan proposed? Options: Within 24 hours, 48–72 hours, Within a week, Longer than a week
• Have you previously submitted a claim to a supplier—what was handled well and what wasn’t?

Proving It: Data, Photos, and the Story That Scales

• What primary success metrics do you want captured during the trial (select all that apply)? Options: Weed control % by species, Yield per-acre, Crop injury observations, Residual activity duration, Economic return per-acre, Other (specify)
• How frequently should data be collected (e.g., pre-spray, 7/14/28 days after, pre-harvest)? Options: Pre-spray + 7/14/28 + pre-harvest, Pre-spray + two checkpoints, Only pre- and post-harvest, Custom schedule (describe)
• Which methods do you prefer for data capture (select all that apply)? Options: Mobile app with geotagged photos, Manual sample counts by quadrat, Yield monitor data, Drone imagery, Third-party lab assays, Other
• Do you require anonymized sharing of trial data with local coops, university extension, or neighboring growers for broader validation? Options: Yes—share freely, Yes—but only with partner approval, No—keep private, Unsure
• Who will be responsible for uploading and validating the trial data, photos, and logs? Options: Grower, Independent consultant, Applicator, Supplier agronomist, Shared responsibility
• Describe any technology constraints (cell coverage, lack of smartphones, no yield monitor) that might affect data capture and how long you've been dealing with them.

Small Decisions That Make or Break Trials

• What pre-application checks do you always perform and which are sometimes skipped (calibration, water tests, jar tests, label cross-checks)? Options: Calibration, Water hardness/test, Jar test, Label cross-check, All consistently done, Some skipped—explain below
• Who usually performs sprayer calibration on these farms and how long has that been the routine? Options: Applicator, Grower, Consultant, Retail/coop tech, Other
• Would you like our agronomist to perform a field-level pre-deployment checklist review (equipment, product handling, label review) on-site before first application? Options: Yes—onsite review required, Yes—remote checklist OK, No—don't need it, Maybe—need to discuss
• What small operational changes would increase your confidence in trial integrity (e.g., dedicated nozzles, separate tanks, blind check plots)?
• Is there anything else we haven't asked that would change your willingness to proceed with the trial this year?

Let's Start with Your Field Story

• Tell us briefly who you are and the role you play in decisions on these acres (grower, independent consultant, agronomist, other). Options: Grower, Independent consultant, Retail agronomist, Operations manager, Other
• Which crops and roughly how many acres are in the operation or client set we’re discussing? Options: Corn, Soybeans, Wheat, Cotton, Mixed/Other
• What best describes the acreage scale we should think about for this conversation? Options: Under 100 acres, 100–500 acres, 500–2,000 acres, 2,000–10,000 acres, Over 10,000 acres
• What’s the single field or block you’re most worried about right now? Give the field ID or a short description of location and history.

Are You Comfortable Watching Escapes Keep Spreading?

• When you picture resistant waterhemp or Palmer patches in your fields next season, how urgent does that feel on a scale from 'manageable' to 'crisis'? Options: Manageable, Concerning, High risk, Crisis — immediate action required
• When did you first notice these resistant escapes in the affected fields? Options: This season (recent), Last season, Multiple seasons ago, Unsure
• Which weed species are you seeing persist through your current program and where in the field are they concentrating? Options: Waterhemp, Palmer amaranth, Ragweed, Other broadleaf, Grass escapes, Across whole field, Field edges/roadsides, Low-lying spots
• How do those escapes show up on yield or crop performance maps—are they discrete loss pockets, or do they threaten whole-field yield? Options: Discrete pockets, Multiple large areas, Field-wide pressure, Not mapped yet
• When you walk those fields, what emotions come up—frustration, fear of spread, resignation, or something else? Options: Frustration, Worry about future yield, Concern for reputation (consultants), Resigned/used to it, Motivated to change

What Have You Tried That Didn’t Work?

• What changes to your spray program or cultural practices have you already tried specifically to control these escapes? Options: Switched herbicide brand, Increased rate, Changed timing, Added a different mode-of-action, Mechanical control/tillage, No change yet, Other
• How consistently were those changes applied (single pass, single field, whole farm, or ad-hoc)? Options: Single pass/season, Single field only, Multiple fields this season, Whole farm for a season, Not consistently applied
• What do you believe was the reason those attempts failed or underperformed—resistance, weather, application timing, tank-mix issues, product quality, or something else? Options: Confirmed resistance, Weather disruptions, Timing errors, Tank-mix incompatibility, Application calibration issues, Product quality/identity issues, Other
• Do you have documented trial or field data (maps, photos, yield data) from past attempts that you can share? Options: Yes—complete datasets, Some photos and notes, Only anecdotal observations, No documentation
• What was the most frustrating moment from past attempts—a visible failure, a neighbor’s loss, a lost contract, or a surprise weather event?

How Much Risk Can You Actually Tolerate?

• If a resistant patch reduces yield in a field next season, what level of loss would force you to change rotation or strategy permanently? Options: Under 5%, 5–10%, 10–20%, 20–30%, Over 30%
• How much financial downside can you absorb per acre before the economics demand an immediate product or program change? Options: Under $10/acre, $10–$30/acre, $30–$75/acre, $75–$150/acre, Over $150/acre
• For independent consultants: how much reputational risk from visible escapes is tolerable before your recommendations are questioned by clients? Options: Minimal—one failure hurts, A few clients tolerate it, Clients expect some misses, Reputation not at risk
• Would you prefer a higher-cost program with a replant guarantee or a lower-cost program with less protection? Explain your preference. Options: Higher cost + replant guarantee, Lower cost without guarantee, Hybrid—limited guarantee
• How comfortable are you with trialing a new chemistry on a portion of acres as the first step? Options: Very comfortable, Somewhat comfortable, Hesitant—need strong assurances, Not comfortable

If You Could Guarantee One Outcome, What Should It Be?

• What single outcome would make you feel confident to expand a new product across more acreage next season (e.g., 90% control, yield parity, reduced escapes, lower input cost)? Options: % weed control, Yield protection, Reduction in escapes next season, Economic ROI per acre, Ease of use/compatibility, Other
• What is the minimum percent control on resistant waterhemp/Palmer you would accept from an on-farm trial to consider scaling? Options: 60–69%, 70–79%, 80–89%, 90%+, Unsure—depends on yield
• Beyond percent control, what outcome measures matter most—residual control duration, rotational fit, worker safety, label flexibility, or cost per acre? Options: Residual duration, Rotation compatibility, Worker/safety profile, Label/regulatory flexibility, Upfront cost per acre, ROI over season
• Who besides you needs to be convinced (partner, farm manager, retailer, board) before you’ll adopt at scale? Options: Spouse/partner, Farm manager/ops, Retailer/distributor, Board/ownership group, Contracting buyers, Other
• If we could offer a replant guarantee or a specific claim process, what would make that guarantee credible to you?

What Would Make a Trial Irrefutable to You?

• Would you trust a single strip trial, or do you need replicated strips across different field zones to be convinced? Options: Single strip is fine, Replicated strips in-field, Multiple fields/locations, Require university/3rd-party verification
• What trial size and layout would you consider meaningful (length of strip, width, number of reps)? Options: Small demonstration (one pass, short), Standard strip (~10–20 acres), Large replicated strips across fields, Custom—let's discuss
• Which data types would make the result compelling—visual scoring, harvest yield data, tissue analysis, canopy cover, or time-to-escape mapping? Options: Visual scoring/photos, Harvest yield maps, Weed counts/biomass, Residue/residual timing, Tissue/plant analysis, All of the above
• How important is a documented replant process and a clear claims workflow to your willingness to trial? Options: Critical—must have, Important but negotiable, Nice to have, Not important
• Who on your team will operate or coordinate the trial and who signs off on the final acceptance?

Where Do Practical Constraints Live on Your Farm?

• Which logistical constraints usually derail application timing or product performance for you? Options: Spray window length, Equipment availability, Weather unpredictability, Labor/spray crew, Tank-mix supply, Regulatory label restrictions
• Tell us about your spray equipment and calibration—boom type, nozzle setup, ground speed habits, and whether you have GPS-guided mapping. Options: Standard boom—manual calibration, Calibrated EDM or flow meter, GPS-guided variable-rate setup, Contract applicator handles
• Do you routinely use certain tank-mix partners (plant-growth regulators, other herbicides, adjuvants) that might cause compatibility issues? Options: Yes—list available, Sometimes—depends on crop, No consistent tank-mix partners, Unsure
• Are there label or regulatory restrictions in your state or county that we should consider before recommending a product or rate? Options: Yes—significant restrictions, Some limitations, No major restrictions, Unsure—need help checking
• How do you currently capture trial data—paper notes, smartphone photos, yield monitor, or third-party service? Options: Paper/notes, Smartphone photos, Yield monitor/Farm ERP, Third-party data service, Not capturing much

What Would It Take to Say Yes This Off-Season?

• If we presented a trial plan and commercial offer today, how soon would you realistically be able to commit to a trial this off-season? Options: Immediately, Within 2 weeks, Within a month, Next quarter, Unsure—need approvals
• Which commercial terms matter most to you when evaluating a trial offer—price per acre, upfront credits, guaranteed replant, or payment timing? Options: Price per acre, Upfront discount/credit, Guaranteed replant terms, Flexible payment timing, Other
• Would you want local agronomist support on the trial (application supervision, data collection, or interpretation)? Options: Yes—full support, Yes—application only, Minimal support—advice as needed, No, we’ll manage
• Who needs to be looped into contract terms—distributor, co-op, farm owner, lender, or crop insurance rep? Options: Distributor/retailer, Co-op, Farm owner/partner, Lender/insurer, None of the above
• What would be a deal-breaker in an offer from us?

Final Checks — What We Still Need From You

• Do you have historic field maps, harvest files, or previous trial reports you can upload or summarize for our agronomist review? Options: Yes—will upload, Can summarize now, Need help extracting data, No historical data available
• What’s the best way and time to reach you to review a proposed trial plan (phone, email, field visit)? Options: Phone—morning, Phone—afternoon, Email anytime, Field visit—by appointment, Other
• Who else should be present for the next conversation or scoping call (list names/roles)?
• Would you like us to include a sample replant guarantee and claims workflow in the first proposal? Options: Yes—include sample guarantee, Include basic terms only, No—skip guarantees for now, Unsure—discuss options
• Anything else about this field, operation, or past experience we haven’t asked that would change how we design a trial for you?