Corn Belt Conversations

Dr. Kevin Folta, Science Educator and Professor of Horticulture Sciences with the University of Florida - Gainesville, joins me to talk about genetically modified crops: what are they, how do they work, what's coming in the next few years, and why are they safe?

Doug Hensley, President of Real Estate Services at Hertz Farm Management, joins us to talk about what’s been happening in the farmland market over the past year and discusses the primary factors driving land values and lease trends.

Dr. Erin Hodgson, Extension Entomologist with Iowa State University, joins us to provide an update on some of the field crop insect research being conducted at ISU. Topics include parasitic nematode control for corn rootworm, aphids, soybean gall midge, and an update on Bt field resistance identified in a few European corn borer populations.

Dr. Trent Ford, IL State Climatologist, joins me to recap the 2024 growing season and give his insight on what to expect with regard to the short and long-term Midwest weather outlook.

Dr. Arti Singh, Associate Professor in Plant Breeding at Iowa State University, joins me to talk about her work on multiple apps that can help identify and recommend management on multiple plant stresses. We also discuss other AI applications in agriculture as well as where the future of this technology is heading.

Dr Erin Hodgson, Professor and Extension Entomologist with Iowa State University, joins me to give an update on corn rootworm, corn borer, aphids, soybean gall midge, and much more!

Dr. Alison Robertson, Professor and Extension Field Crops Pathologist at Iowa State University, joins me to provide an update on the disease outlook for the 2024 growing season. We cover a wide range of diseases as well as her insight into fungicide applications.

Dr. Richard Roth, Assistant Professor and Extension Nitrogen Educator at IA State University, joins me to talk about Nitrogen management in a wet Spring like much of the corn belt is experiencing. Topics include how N is lost, estimating loss, and supplemental nitrogen applications.

Dr. Emerson Nafziger, retired professor at the University of Illinois, joins me to talk about delayed planting and replant considerations as we move into June during the wet 2024 planting season.

Jean Brokish, Deputy Director for the Midwest Region with American Farmland Trust, joins me to talk about the ins and outs of carbon markets - what they are, how they work, and things to consider before signing up. For more information check out: https://farmlandinfo.org/publications/top-10-things-ag-carbon-markets/ https://ilsustainableag.org/programs/ecomarkets/ https://www.mda.state.mn.us/sites...

Brett Leahr, Sales Agronomist with AgriGold, joins us to talk about his work and interest in using essential oils in the furrow as a method of disease control.

Doug Houser, Digital Agriculture Extension Specialist at Iowa State University, joins us to share his insight on planter preparation and settings to help ensure the seed gets off to a great start for the season!

Kelly Estes, IL State Ag Pest Survey Coordinator, joins us to talk about the effects of this winter on crop pest mortality, the 2024 insect monitoring program, and invasive species that are of concern in the Midwest.

John Brien, Agronomy Division Manager with AgReliant Genetics, joins us to talk about the corn tissue sampling project that he has been spearheading for several years. John provides his insight into the project and what they have learned about fertility management and getting to the next step with regard to corn yield.

As we head into field preparation and spring planting for the 2024 season, IL State Climatologist Dr. Trent Ford joins us to provide his insight on the current conditions in the Midwest, as well as the outlook for the next 30 to 90 days.

Dr. Fred Below, Professor of Crop Physiology at the University of Illinois, joins us to talk about his popular “Seven Wonders of the Corn World” research, and gives us his insight into high yield corn and soybean management. NOTE: there are audio issues during the first half of the episode. Check out Dr. Below's work at https://cropphysiology.cropsci.illinois.edu

Doug Hensley, President of Real Estate Services at Hertz Farm Management, joins us to talk about what’s been happening in the farmland market over the last couple years and where he sees land values headed over the next several months.

Eric Snodgrass, Senior Research Fellow with Nutrien, joins us once again to share his insight on the short and long-term weather patterns as we move into the 2023 harvest.

We are joined by three Hertz Farm Managers from across the Midwest: Nick Hoffman from our Naveda, IA office; Steve Hiniker from our Mankato, MN office; and Troy Dukes from our DeKalb, IL office. Each one gives an update on current crop conditions including drought impact, disease issues, insect pressure, and current yield potential estimates.

Terry Johnston, Development Officer with Farm Rescue, joins us to talk about this very special organization and how they help farmers in need across the Midwest.

Kelly Estes, State Survey Coordinator with the University of IL, joins us to talk about invasive insect species currently being monitored in the Midwest. She also gives an update on the current status of field crop insects, including Corn Earworm, Corn Rootworm, European Corn Borer, Spider Mites, and Soybean Gall Midge.

Kevin Gale, Sales Agronomist with AgriGold, joins us to talk about the impacts of the drought we’ve been experiencing so far this season, as well as several other current issues that we are seeing on Midwest corn and soybean farms.

We are joined by four different Hertz Farm Management offices from across the Midwest to get an update on planting progress. Scott Arens from the Norfolk, NE location, Clint Kaller from Nevada , IA, Carrie Seidel at Mason City, IA, and Steve Hiniker from our Mankato, MN office all join me for the discussion.

Nick Seiter, Research Assistant Professor and Entomologist with the University of IL, joins us to give an update on corn rootworm populations, black cutworm moth flights, soybean gall midge, and other insect issues to be looking out for as we move into the planting season.

For our inaugural episode of Hertz Ag Talk, we are excited to be joined by Lance Tarochione - Technical Agronomist with DEKALB/Asgrow. In this episode, Lance shares a huge amount of valuable insight into planting decisions with regard to soil conditions, early vs. late planting, planting depth & population, weed control, and more!