Agronomy Highlights

Recorded: 11/21/24 In this episode, we're diving into the world of organic field crop production with Kristen Loria, Extension specialist at Cornell University. Kristen shares her broad expertise in building successful organic field cropping systems, including her experience in reducing tillage and improving crop diversity in organic field crop rotations. Kristen also discusses her experience...

Recorded: 11/21/24 Let’s talk crap! As harvest season wraps up and manure pits continue to fill, farmers may be wondering how and if manure may be applied to cropland in winter conditions. In this episode, we are joined by Penn State Extension experts Dr. Robb Meinen and Leanna Duppstadt to discuss how to safely and effectively spread manure in the winter. We also discuss the value of writing manu...

Recorded: 10/28/2024 Ever wondered what it takes to become a successful multi-generation farm? In this episode, Ryan and Justin investigate the often-tricky process of farm succession and transition planning. Guests Joy Kirkpatrick and Darlene Livingston discuss what farm succession and transition planning means to producers, tensions that may arise during the process, and how to start your own fa...

Recorded 10/2/2024 As corn and soybean harvest season is in full swing here in Pennsylvania, there is no better time to have a conversation about grain marketing strategy than the present! In this episode, our grain marketing novices, Ryan and Justin, invite grain marketing expert Jon LaPorte of MSU Extension to discuss the basics of grain marketing. We discuss grain marketing terms like basis and...

Recorded: 10/7/24 Have you ever wondered how a meteorologist predicts the weather? In the agricultural community, we understand the importance of accurate weather prediction and rely on forecasts to plan management decisions. In this episode, we are talking to Penn State meteorologist Kyle Imhoff about how weather is predicted, the innovative work his team does to improve weather prediction, and h...

Recorded: 9/26/24 On this bonus episode, Ryan and Justin chat with fellow extension agronomy educators about 2024 crop conditions and silage dry-down. Dr. Heidi Reed discusses the results of the statewide crop conditions tour, projecting soybean and corn yields across Pennsylvania, and Zack Curtis discusses the findings from his silage dry-down reports this season. Hosts: Ryan Spelman and Justin B...

Recorded: 9/25/24 We cannot believe we made it to Season 3 without a silage episode! Today that all changes, as Ryan and Justin talk with forage systems specialist Joe Lawrence of the Cornell PRO-DAIRY team. Joe Lawrence draws upon his years of experience with Cornell and as a private certified crop adviser to chat about the science of corn silage management and hybrid selection, and reflects on l...

Recorded: 8/26/24 In part two of our two-part series, we are exploring new and emerging agricultural technologies. In this episode, Dr. Charlie White shares his lab’s research on nitrogen decision support tools and variable rate fertilizer prescriptions, and Dr. Daniela Carrijo shares her lab’s work on using drones to calculate cover crop nitrogen contributions and new short-stature corn genetics....

Recorded: 8/26/24 Season three of Agronomy Highlights is here! Hosts Ryan and Justin take the time to officially introduce themselves, and chat about the future ideas and plans for season 3. Big things to come this season! Hosts: Ryan Spelman and Justin Brackenrich , Penn State Extension Links: Penn State Extension Agronomic Crops Penn State Extension Cover Crops Penn State Extension Forages Sign...

Recorded: 8/26/24 In part one of a two part series, Ryan and Justin explore new and emerging agricultural technologies. On this episode Dr. Paul Esker shares his lab’s reseacrh on drone technology and fungicide application and Dr. John Wallace shares his lab’s research on exact-apply herbicide application technology. Hosts: Ryan Spelman and Justin Brackenrich , Penn State Extension Guest(s): Dr. P...

Recorded: 7/12/24 Stored grain insect pests like weevils and grain moths can greatly reduce grain quality during storage, and increase the risk of grain rejection at the elevator. In this episode, we chat with Penn State Entomologist and Extension Specialist, Dr. John Tooker, about the biology of these insect pests and how to manage them using an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approach.  Links:...

Recorded: July 16, 2024 We are experiencing drought conditions in many parts of Pennsylvania and the country. Join us for a round table discussion with extension educators across the state to learn about current crop conditions and the effects of mid-season drought on corn, soybean, and forages.  Links: Managing Crops During a Severe Drought: Q and A Managing Drought Stressed Corn U.S. Drought Mon...

Recorded: 6/20/2024 Can Agriculture and Solar Coexist? As national interest in renewable energy has increased, agricultural land has become a top choice for solar development projects. In this episode, we are joined by Ohio State Extension field specialist Eric Romich and agronomy educator Christine Gelley , along with Penn State Extension educator Dan Brockett, for a round table discussion. In th...

Recorded: 6/13/2024 In this week’s episode, we are joined by Dr. Andrew Smith of Rodale Institute to talk about organic field cropping systems. Dr. Smith is the chief scientific officer at Rodale Institute and oversees their vegetable systems trial, along with other organic trials. Join us for an in-depth discussion of Rodale Institute’s history, its long-term research on organic field cropping sy...

Recorded: 5/21/2024 Interested in increasing forage availability during the summer slump? Summer annual forages might be for you! In this episode, we bring on forage crop and beef systems expert Dr. Daren Redfearn of the University of Nebraska to discuss types of summer annual forages, growing these crops, and how to best incorporate them into your farming operation. Forage species discussed inclu...

Recorded: 5/1/2024 With warm spring temperatures, the first cutting of hay is just around the corner for forage producers. During this episode, we are joined by Ron Hoover and Andrew Frankenfield of Penn State Extension to discuss the management considerations to be aware of going into this first cutting. Aside from their roles with Penn State, Andrew and Ron are avid hay farmers and share a wealt...

Recorded: 3/18/2024 Few researchers anywhere in the world probably know as much about soybean cyst nematode as Dr. Greg Tylka . Originally from Westmoreland, Pennsylvania, Dr. Tylka now works for Iowa State and provided us with a broad-ranging discussion on the history of SCN, as well as how to manage it. If you want to take a deep dive into nematodes, this is the episode for you. Links: The Soybe...

Recorded: 3/6/2024 It’s rare that we get a cropping season where the weather is absolutely perfect, but luckily corn is relatively resilient. In this episode, Dr. Jeffrey Coulter from the University of Minnesota joins us to discuss how corn deals with weather-related stressors and how that may impact a grower's nitrogen management strategy. This is an interesting one and a very valuable liste...

Recorded: 2/13/2024 Sulfur is a critical secondary crop nutrient, especially for corn production. In this episode, Dr. Charlie White joins us for a hearty discussion on why, when, and how to apply sulfur to crops. We also get into the specifics of why it’s difficult to accurately assess sulfur levels in the field, as well as the chemical nature of sulfur and its level of availability. Links: Sulfu...

Recorded 2/12/24 Certain weeds seem to be tough to control no matter what we do, and for many row crop farms in Pennsylvania, pokeweed and burcucumber certainly fit this description. If you’re struggling to manage one, or both, of these weeds, then this episode will give you some valuable management recommendations on how to get these nuisances under control. We are joined again by one of our resi...

Recorded: 2/5/24 Many farmers have expressed interest in trying to grow hemp in recent years, but understanding the agronomics of producing this crop is essential. In this episode, Dr. David Suchoff joins us to discuss the many aspects of what it takes to grow a successful hemp crop for fiber. We get into his research experience, new possibilities, obstacles, and how to go about growing hemp for t...

Recorded: 1/19/2024 When it comes to fertilizer, we often discuss things like urea, potash, MAP, and DAP. However, a whole world of organic fertilizer sources exists outside of the traditional inorganic fertilizers most large-row crop producers are accustomed to using. In this episode, we are joined by two very knowledgeable members of our Penn State team to go over the benefits and drawbacks of o...

Recorded: 1/5/2024 I was once asked a question about whether fungicidal seed treatments negatively impacted beneficial soil fungi. While researching this question, I came across the work of Dr. Jim Germida from the University of Saskatchewan. In this episode, we get into a broad-ranging conversation about the many aspects of soil microbiology with a true expert. This is a valuable conversation for...

Recorded: 12/19/23 In this episode we are joined by Dr. Glen Harris from UGA to discuss how, when, and why to apply foliar fertilizers. If you think your crop may be deficient in a key nutrient, a proper foliar fertilizer application can remediate the deficiency and help to achieve higher yields. If you’ve ever considered a foliar fertilizer application, this episode will help give you some great...

Recorded: 11/30/23 In this episode, we are joined by two very knowledgeable researchers from UC Davis to discuss the effects fertilizer can have on soil microbial populations. Often, we are told that mineral fertilizers are deleterious to soil microbes, but you might be surprised to find that it’s not quite that simple! In addition to fertilizer impacts, we also discuss the effects of tillage prac...