Agronomy Highlights

Recorded: 10/14/26  This episode of Penn State's Agronomy Highlights features Dr. Mark Licht from Iowa State University, who discusses relay cropping, an innovative system that combines small grains with corn and soybeans to produce three cash crops over two years while improving soil health, reducing nutrient losses, and suppressing weeds. The conversation explores the practical management,...

Recorded: 10/7/26  This episode of the Agronomy Highlights Podcast explores the PA and Mid-Atlantic 4R Nutrient Stewardship Association and how its programs help farmers improve nutrient management through the principles of applying the right source, rate, timing, and placement of fertilizers. Host Justin Brackenrich and co-host Dwane Miller are joined by Jenell McHenry and Mitchell Shirk to discu...

Recorded: 9/24/26 Join Penn State Extension Agronomy Educators for a timely and practical conversation on current crop conditions across Pennsylvania. In this episode, the team shares on-the-ground observations from fields spanning multiple regions. They highlight how recent weather patterns, soil moisture variability, and crop growth stages are shaping corn, soybean, and forage performance. The d...

Recorded: 9/10/26  In this episode of the Agronomy Highlights Podcast, Penn State climatologist Kyle Imhoff joins the team to break down Pennsylvania’s 2026 growing season, from spring freeze events and summer rainfall patterns to what producers can expect heading into harvest and winter. The discussion explores how weather has affected crops across the state, explains the science behind El Niño a...

Recorded: 8/25/26  Join Penn State Extension Agronomy Educators for a timely and practical conversation on current crop conditions across Pennsylvania. In this episode, the team shares on-the-ground observations from fields spanning multiple regions. They highlight how recent weather patterns, soil moisture variability, and crop growth stages are shaping the performance of corn, soybean, and forag...

Recorded: 8/5/26 Join Penn State Extension Agronomy Educators for a timely and practical conversation on current crop conditions across Pennsylvania. In this episode, the team shares on-the-ground observations from fields spanning multiple regions. They highlight how recent weather patterns, soil moisture variability, and crop growth stages are shaping corn and forage performance.  The discussion...

Recorded: 7/1/2026 Join Penn State Extension Agronomy Educators for a timely and practical conversation on current crop conditions across Pennsylvania. In this episode, the team shares on-the-ground observations from fields spanning multiple regions. They highlight how recent weather patterns, soil moisture variability, and crop growth stages are shaping corn and forage performance. The discussion...

Recorded: 6/22/26  As we prepare for small grain harvest, join us as we talk with Penn State experts about the latest approaches to assessing small grain health and productivity. In this episode, we dive into head scab (Fusarium head blight), including how to identify it and understand its impacts.  Hosts: Justin Brackenrich and Dwane Miller , Penn State Extension Guests: Dr. Daneila Carrijo , Dr....

Recorded: 6/2/26 Join Penn State Extension Agronomy Educators for a timely and practical conversation on current crop conditions across Pennsylvania. In this episode, the team shares on-the-ground observations from fields spanning multiple regions. They highlight how recent weather patterns, soil moisture variability, and crop growth stages are shaping corn and forage performance.  The discussion...

Recorded: 5/21/26  What should growers look for when evaluating early-season corn and soybean stands to decide whether replanting is worth the time and cost? In this episode, expert Zack Curtis discusses replanting decisions for corn and soybeans, emphasizing the importance of objective assessment, cost analysis, and strategic planning to optimize yields and profitability.  Hosts: Justin Brackenri...

Recorded: 5/11/26  Rising fertilizer prices are top of mind for producers this spring. As we approach first cutting, how should you be thinking about fertility management to ensure successful hay production throughout the season? Join us for a discussion with Andrew Frankenfield as he shares strategies to help you maximize your fertility inputs and get the most out of your hay crop. Hosts: Justin...

Recorded: 3/16/26  Grain sorghum is gaining attention as a resilient, drought-tolerant crop with potential to diversify crop rotations across Pennsylvania. In this episode, Justin and Dwane are once again joined with Dale Stoltzfus, Sorghum grower and owner of Specialty Grains LLC. They will continue to dive deeper into grain sorghum management and discuss some opportunities and challenges of prod...

Recorded: 3/30/26  As planting season approaches, preparation and decision-making can set the tone for the entire growing year. In this episode, the hosts invite Del Voight, Lebanon County Agronomy Extension Educator, to discuss key considerations for planting corn and soybeans. Topics include evaluating planting conditions, deciding how early to start planting, and optimizing planter setup for un...

Recorded: 3/16/26  Grain sorghum is gaining attention as a resilient, drought-tolerant crop with potential to diversify crop rotations across Pennsylvania. But how well does it really fit our climate and management systems? In this episode, Justin and Dwane are joined by Dale Stoltzfus, sorghum grower and owner of Specialty Grains LLC, to explore the opportunities and challenges of growing grain s...

Recorded: 3/6/26 As spring is coming fast, it is time to start making our fertility management plans! In this episode, we dive into the P of N-P-K. Penn State soil fertility management specialist Dr. Charlie White and Chief Administrative & Sustainability Officer of Phospholutions, Stephen Levitsky, join us to discuss phosphorus management, selecting fertilizers, and new high-efficiency phosph...

Recorded: 2/23/25  Are you looking for opportunities to pack more crops into your rotation? Double crop soybeans may be for you! Double-cropping soybeans refers to growing soybeans immediately following a cereal grain crop. In this episode, we invite Dr. Carrie Knott of the University of Kentucky to discuss the agronomics of growing double-crop soybeans and the potential for double-cropping in Pen...

Recorded: 1/14/2026  Spring is coming soon, and the increased use of farm equipment this time of year can increase risk of fire. In this episode, Justin and Ryan chat with Rob Nese, Assistant Fire Chief of Centre Region Fire Protection and Emergency Management, about farm fire safety. We discuss common causes of fire on-farm, fire prevention, and what to do in an emergency.   Hosts: Ryan Spelman a...

Recorded: 2/6/2026  When a fire emergency happens on the farm, it is important to be prepared to stop the fire at the source! In this episode, we discuss Enforcer One fire-control systems with our sponsor, Mark Twenhafel of Midwest Ag Risk Kontrol LLC (MARK).  Hosts: Ryan Spelman and Justin Brackenrich Guest(s): Mark Twenhafel  Photo credit: Mark Twenhafel  Links: Enforcer One Fire Demonstration M...

Recorded: 1/15/2026  Are you wondering how you can reduce costs and increase profit on your commodity farm? In this episode, we tackle this question by introducing the utility of an enterprise budget and invite Clint Schroeder and Rachel Cochran, extension specialists at Ohio State and hosts of the Green Fields Green Dollars Video Series, to discuss creative production strategies to save money.  ...

Recorded: 12/17/25 Plant disease can be difficult to diagnose, and thankfully, you don’t have to do it alone! In this episode, Ryan and Justin sit down with Dr. Sara May, Manager of Penn State’s Plant Disease Clinic, to discuss utilizing the clinic, identifying crop disease, and disease trends.  Hosts: Ryan Spelman and Justin Brackenrich Guest: Sara May , Penn State Links: Plant Disease Clinic Nat...

Recorded: 12/18/2025  Nitrogen may be one of the most mysterious nutrients that we deal with in agriculture. The dynamic elements of the nitrogen cycle make nitrogen quite a fickle nutrient in our systems. In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Richard Mulvaney of the University of Illinois to discuss how Soil Organic Matter and Microbial activity drive N availability to our crops. We also discuss...

Recorded: 12/11/2025  With the winter meeting season fast approaching, it is a good time to highlight some of the Penn State Extension resources that will be available at meetings and conferences upcoming across the state. Linda Fetzer shares information about the AgrAbility program, Shane Williams discusses respirator fit testing, and Ginger Fenton shares Farm Stress Resources.  Hosts: Ryan Spelm...

Recorded: 11/17/25  In this episode, our forage team educators and specialists sit down to answer commonly asked questions about forage production. In part 2, they discuss making your last fall cutting, and early spring fertility and management.  Hosts: Ryan Spelman , Justin Brackenrich , and Dwane Miller Links: Hay and Pasture Renovation Decisions Soil Fertility Management for Forage Crops: Pre-e...

Recorded: 11/17/25 In this episode, our forage team educators and specialists sit down to answer commonly asked questions about forage production. In part 1, they discuss establishing a new forage stand, fertility timing, and strengthening a weak stand.   Hosts:  Ryan Spelman , Justin Brackenrich , and Dwane Miller Links: Hay and Pasture Renovation Decisions Soil Fertility Management for Forage Cr...

Recorded: 11/05/25 In our back to basics series, our hosts discuss the foundational agronomic principles that will improve crop management on your farm. In this episode, Ryan, Justin, and Dwane discuss the importance of soil fertility testing, how to take a soil test, and interpreting a soil test.   Hosts: Ryan Spelman ,  Justin Brackenrich , and  Dwane Miller Links: Soil Fertility Testing Interpr...