Minnesota CropCast

In part two of this special weed management series, hosts Dave and Seth shift their focus from the chemistry of weed control to the cutting-edge application technologies revolutionizing the field. They discussed with Doctors Peters and Sarangi how artificial intelligence, robotics, and precision herbicide application equipment are changing the way growers target and eliminate weeds. From laser-wielding robots to high-voltage currents and the latest advancements from major equipment manufacturers, this episode provides a comprehensive look at the high-tech tools available to optimize crop management, improve efficiency, and reduce overall chemical usage.Key Topics Covered:Smart Sprayers and Camera Tech: The group discussed camera-based smart spray technology that accurately identifies weeds and directs herbicide application. They discuss the opportunities for this new technology for row-crop farmers.  Robotic and Drone Applications: An introductory discussion about how targeted applications kill weeds by applying chemicals only where they grow, including a look at autonomous robotic sprayers running long hours in the field and the current capabilities (and limitations) of agricultural drones.High-Voltage Weed Control: An exploration into how high-voltage currents use resistive heating to rupture plant cells as the charge passes through, effectively killing the weed or severely suppressing its growth.AI and Laser Weeding: Discussion also about artificial intelligence and computer vision identify crops and target weeds, using lasers to burn them away without damaging the crop.

In this episode of Minnesota CropCast, hosts Dave and Seth welcome two Extension Weed Specialists: Dr. Tom Peters (NDSU and U of MN Sugarbeet Weed Extension Specialist) and Dr. Debalin Sarangi (U of MN Extension Weed Specialist for corn and soybeans). Together, they dive into the latest field crop herbicides and modes of action available for the 2026 season and beyond, offering advice on managing some of the state's toughest weed challenges.Key Topics Covered:Tackling Problem Weeds: The group discusses targeted strategies for controlling aggressive, yield-robbing weeds like waterhemp and giant ragweed in corn, soybean, and sugarbeet systems.The Power of Multiple Sites of Action: Drs. Peters and Sarangi share research results demonstrating that pre-emergence (PRE) herbicides containing two or three sites of action deliver greater, more consistent control and biomass reduction of waterhemp and giant ragweed compared to single-site PRE options.Herbicide Updates: including -- Convintro (group 12; Bayer), Liberty Ultra 1.76SL (glufosinate [Liberty]; group 10; BASF), Rapidicil 0.46EC (epyrifenacil; group 14; Valent), and Rimisoxafen (Groups 12 and 32; FMC)Proactive Resistance Management: The group also discussed how applying robust PRE herbicides lowers the overall risk of developing herbicide resistance and buys growers valuable flexibility for post-emergence application timing.Application Best Practices: The Specialists reviewed some critical best management practices for applying dicamba and glufosinate post-emergence. They detailed how to achieve optimal weed control while safely avoiding off-target movement and preventing further resistance development.

Please join us for episode #59 of MN CropCast.  In this episode, Dave and Seth are diving deep into the DNA of the plants that feed us, and we are thrilled to sit down with Dr. Peter Morrell, a Professor of Computational Biology and Plant Genetics right here at the University of Minnesota.Dr. Morrell has had a fascinating journey to the U of M. He grew up in southern Oklahoma, earned his Ph.D. back in 1997, and spent time researching genetics in the corporate world at Monsanto in St. Louis before officially joining the Minnesota faculty in 2009. Today, he is essentially a master codebreaker for plant DNA. As an evolutionary geneticist, Dr. Morrell uses big data and computer science to figure out exactly how wild plants evolved into the reliable crops we rely on today—specifically focusing on crops like barley, soybeans, and common beans. His lab looks at the genetic fingerprints left behind by breeders and farmers to understand how plants mix, match, and mutate their DNA to survive.In fact, his work recently made waves in the journal Science. He co-authored a study on a mind-boggling, 100-year evolutionary experiment on barley, giving us an unprecedented, real-time look at how crops naturally adapt to their local environments over a century.  On top of tracking what happens when farmed crops accidentally swap genetics with wild weeds, he also teaches a popular undergraduate course on the science and agronomy of marijuana, breaking down the complex biology of the plant for his students.Join us for another Minnesota Crop Cast today.

This week, we are thrilled to feature Agronomist Matt Leavitt. Matt’s work focuses on integrating new crops that provide broad ecosystem services to our landscapes while helping to diversify and de-risk the economic portfolios of Minnesota crop producers.Originally from Eau Claire, Wisconsin, Matt completed his graduate work right here in the Department of Agronomy and Plant Genetics with Craig Sheaffer and Don Wyse. Currently, Matt serves as the Perennial Grains and Winter Annuals Agronomy Specialist for the Department and the Forever Green Initiative (FGI).In this episode, Matt dives into the most established crops in the FGI portfolio, including Kernza, Camelina, Winter barley, and Hybrid Winter Rye.  He shares his experience working one-on-one with farmers to identify alternative crop species that fit their unique operations, maximizing ecological and economic benefits while reducing overall risk. Beyond the field, Matt also writes extension publications for producers and lectures at winter meetings and summer field days.Please join David and Seth for another fun and fascinating episode of the Minnesota CropCast!For more information on the Forever Green Initiative and new value-added crops, visit:https://forevergreen.umn.edu

A conversation with Dr. Bob Stupar, Professor of Agronomy and Plant Genetics In this edition of Minnesota CropCast (Episode #57), hosts Dave Nicolai and Seth Naeve sit down with Dr. Bob Stupar, Professor of Agronomy and Plant Genetics and Legume Geneticist at the University of Minnesota. The conversation traces Bob’s unique path from suburban Milwaukee to his current role leading legume genetics and genomics research at the U.The group takes a shallow dive (cannonball?) into the complex world of soybean engineering. Dr. Stupar explains the critical process of identifying genes of interest, validating their functionality, and engineering soybeans to possess important, novel traits. He also highlights the importance of maintaining and updating reference genomes—the essential "blueprints" for scientific advancement—using historical examples to illustrate their impact. Additionally, the discussion covers how gene editing is being used to improve quality traits, such as reducing antinutritional components in soybeans.Despite these technical achievements, Dr. Stupar shares that his proudest contribution in his lab isn't just the data, but the people. He emphasizes that his #1 priority is graduate student training and workforce development, ensuring the next generation of scientists is ready to lead.

A conversation with Dr. Anna Cates, Extension Soil Health SpecialistIn this edition of Minnesota CropCast (Episode #56), hosts Dave Nicolai and Seth Naeve sit down with Dr. Anna Cates, the University of Minnesota Extension Soil Health Specialist. The group discusses Dr. Cates' unique role and the current state of cover crops and soil health across Minnesota.Dr. Cates leads the MN Office for Soil Health (MOSH), which is dedicated to improving soil health by working with farmers and conservation professionals. Born on a Wisconsin farm and educated at the University of Wisconsin-Madison (PhD in Agronomy, MS in Soil Science and Agroecology), she now works to turn research into on-the-ground conservation.The episode explores the partnership between MOSH and the Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources (BWSR), highlighting how they collaborate to provide funding, policy implementation, and technical guidance to local partners like Soil and Water Conservation Districts (SWCDs).Tune in to hear discussions on:Farmer adoption of conservation practices and cover crops.An upcoming intensive educational opportunity: The Cover Crop Academy.Please join us for another lively and informative MN CropCast.

In the latest University of Minnesota CropCast (#55), hosts Seth Naeve and Dave Nicolai interview Dr. Jochum Wiersma, Extension Small Grain Specialist, about the current status and future of small grain acreage in Minnesota. Jochum reviews how production economics, market potential, and weather trends are impacting acreage for spring and winter wheat, barley, rye, and oats.The discussion also previews the spring release of the updated University of Minnesota Small Grains Guide, a key resource for selecting varieties and refining production practices. Additionally, Jochum explores the potential for oat production in southern Minnesota.Finally, the episode covers the 2026 Small Grains Update educational seminars. Sponsored by the Minnesota Wheat Research and Promotion Council, these free, discussion-based workshops cover agronomics, variety selection, soil fertility, and economics.Register for a seminar near you at z.umn.edu/smallgrainsupdate:·       Feb 16: Grand Rapids (NCROC)·       Feb 17: Cold Spring (Great Blue Heron)·       Feb 18: Le Center (4H Family Center) & Rochester (Aune Hall)·       Feb 19: Slayton (Murray County 4H-Building)·       Feb 20: Benson (McKinney's on Southside)

In this Minnesota Crop Cast (#54) podcast Jodi DeJong-Hughes, an University of Minnesota Extension educator, who works for the Water Resources Center and specializes in the impact of tillage practices on crop yield and soil health was our guest. Jodi has developed her expertise in the area of how compaction occurs, prevention and remediation.During the podcast Jodi reviewed how soil compaction can occur any time a heavy piece of equipment moves across a field and what factors increase the probability of it occurring. Such as when moving heavy equipment or tilling the soil when it is wet causes clay particles to slide around against each other, eventually ending up much closer to one another with fewer soil pores than before the field operation took place. Jodi emphasized that the primary goal is prevention for soil compaction via reducing axle loads, trips and adjusting tire pressure among other practices. Jodi also discussed some different field-based practices/tillage options to alleviate soil compaction via mechanical remediation etc.Finally, Jodi recommended that crop producers consider attending virtually the Northern Soil Compaction Conference that will occur on four Tuesday mornings (9 am-noon CST) this February (Feb 3, 10, 17, 24). For a more in-depth discussion about the factors causing, preventing and alleviating soil compaction. Registration for the conference can be found at this conference site.

A conversation with Dr. Jeff Couter, Extension Corn AgronomistIn this week’s Minnesota CropCast, hosts Dave Nicolai and Seth Naeve sit down with University of Minnesota Extension Corn Agronomist, Dr. Jeff Coulter. Together, they review the 2025 Minnesota corn crop and discuss how this year’s unique challenges should inform producer decisions for 2026.The 2025 season was distinct: it began with a very short and early start with a long stretch of moderate weather, only to be interrupted by a cool August and significant late-season drought in West Central Minnesota. The group breaks down how these environmental swings impacted corn yields and analyzes the unusual disease pressure faced by growers—specifically the heavy hit of Southern Rust in addition to routine corn diseases.Looking ahead, Dr. Coulter explores the trait landscape for 2026, including insect and disease resistance packages and the rising interest in "short stature" corn hybrids. Join us today for a full breakdown on Minnesota CropCast.

A conversation with Nathan Hulinsky, Agricultural Business Management EducatorIn this week's CropCast, hosts Seth and Dave sit down with University of Minnesota Agriculture Business Management Educator, Nathan Hulinsky, to discuss one of the largest input costs for crop farmers: land costs. Nathan provides current examples of typical cash rent and land costs in Minnesota and gives an overview of Extension Farmland Rental workshops scheduled for 2025 and 2026. These workshops cover local historic and projected farmland rental rate trends, current farmland values and sales, and include a worksheet Nathan utilizes to help participants create a fair rental agreement. Landlords, farmers, and agri-business professionals should plan to attend one of these informative meetings being held across Minnesota and online. A list of workshop locations and times can be viewed online at https://extension.umn.edu/courses-and-events/farmland-rental-workshop.

In this week's CropCast, hosts Seth Naeve and David Nicolai welcome Dr. Dean Malvick, University of Minnesota Extension Plant Pathologist for corn and soybeans. Dr. Malvick dives into the 2025 growing season to discuss the development and yield impact of key crop diseases. He provides a timely review of Southern Corn Rust and Corn Tar Spot disease biology, detailing their spread across Minnesota and adjoining states this year. Dean also outlines the knowns and unknowns regarding the progression of these corn diseases in relation to weather, wind, and crop rotation. Finally, the discussion covers the complex management strategies, including hybrid selection and the critical timing of foliar fungicides.  We didn’t forget to ask about soybeans.  Dean touches on the widespread presence of White Mold in Minnesota fields and the discovery of Red Cown Rot. 

Ed Usset, Grain Marketing Economist at the Center for Farm Financial Management, University of Minnesota, joins us for this milestone 50th episode of Minnesota CropCast, recorded on September 12, 2025.Working with colleagues at the Center for Farm Financial Management and in Extension, Ed developed the acclaimed Winning the Game workshop series and manages Commodity Challenge, an online marketing education game that uses real-time cash and futures data. At the University, he also teaches Commodity Markets to undergraduate and graduate students.In this episode, Ed stresses the economic importance for grain growers to complete final marketing of any 2024 crop still in storage by this fall. He shares suggestions and target prices to help producers forward-price grain, drawing on seasonal post-harvest market patterns—especially critical during times of lower prices and weakened demand under current trade policies. He also reviews the potential financial impacts of economic constraints on U.S. feed grain exports, particularly corn in 2025.Finally, Seth Naeve, University of Minnesota Soybean Extension Specialist, discusses soybean export needs across Asian markets and what shifting demand means for Upper Midwest producers.

 In 1960, the number of farmers raising dry beans in Minnesota and North Dakota could be counted in single digits. The 2025 USDA Dry Bean Planting report showed 320,000 acres (22% of US production) in Minnesota and 630,000 acres (43% of US production) in North Dakota, thus placing Minnesota in 2nd place in US production ahead of Michigan and several other states. In this episode Dave Nicolai and Seth Naeve chat with Minnesota Independent Crop Consultant, Darrol Ike and Mitch Coulter, Northarvest Bean Growers Association Executive Director, about the production and market expansion of dry beans in Minnesota. Farmers in the Northarvest (Minnesota and North Dakota) region grow a wide range of dry bean types including pinto, navy, black, dark red kidney, light red kidney, white kidney, Great Northern, pink, small red, and cranberry beans. Darrol reviewes some best management practices of successful dry bean growers concerning planting dates, populations, weed control and crop inputs. Mitch Coulter discusses dry bean markets, research, uses, exports and the increasing acreage for specific varieties of dry beans. Mitch also comments on legislative efforts to improve the usage and production of dry beans. Additional dry bean resources can be found at the Northarvest Bean Institute Website- https://beaninstitute.com/  and Northarvest Bean Grower Magazine which includes the annual Research Publication:  https://northarvestbean.org/beangrower-magazine/

In this week’s CropCast, Dr. Jochum Wiersma, University of Minnesota extension small grain specialist is the guest for the podcast hosted by Dave Nicolai, Extension Crops Educator and Dr. Seth Nave, Extension Soybean Specialist. Jochum discusses the increases in both interest and acreage in winter grains in Minnesota such as Winter Wheat, Winter Barley and Winter Rye along with the renewed interest in growing other summer small grain crops such as Oats. Jochum provides a history of small grain production in Minnesota and an outlook for the future of small grain crops, he also reviews how the selection of small grain crops is influenced by changes in crop rotation, pest reduction and economics. For example, he discusses how rotations can control or reduce disease, insect and weed pressure. Thus, crop rotations can aid in the diversity in crops grown which can spread out fieldwork and harvest time and reduce risk. Jochum talks about the yield and genetic potential of growing new and current oat varieties for the conventional and organic markets along with the challenges of disease management in oats such as crown rust. Finally, Jochum discusses the recommended planting practices for the winter grains establishment concerning timing, tillage and proper placement within a recommended crop rotation. For more detailed crop selections and management recommendations please consult the University of Minnesota Extension field crop web site Small Grains.

In this week’s CropCast, Seth Naeve and David Nicolai welcomed Dr. Tom Peters and Dr. Debalin Sarangi to discuss “Getting the most out of pre-emergence herbicides” Dr. Tom Peters is a sugarbeet agronomist specializing in sugarbeet weed control at North Dakota State University and the University of Minnesota, Dr. Debalin Sarangi is a University of Minnesota Extension Weed Scientist for corn and soybeans. Both weed scientists reviewed the highlights of the recently published University of Minnesota Crop News article Getting the most out of pre-emergence herbicides: It starts with your soil in terms of suggestions to aid early season weed control. Their review included a discussion of factors including soil type, moisture conditions, and soil organic matter content which can affect herbicide performance. They emphasized that timing plays a big role in efficacy when it comes to pre-emergence herbicides. These products can be applied before planting, at planting, or right after planting—as long as it’s before the crop emerges. They detailed the effects of soil pH and CEC, herbicide mobility, soil moisture, rainfall and herbicide degradation via specific herbicide types and modes of action which are also listed in the recent crop news article.These two gentlemen reviewed the crop growing season and early harvest results for sugarbeets, corn and soybeans in western Minnesota. They discussed early planting delays, limited seasonal rainfall, weed concerns and why some early yield results were better than expected. Factors such as genetic improvement and cultural management contributed significantly to the improvement for some area yields. Tom and Zach also provided advice on 2024 selection criteria when ordering corn and soybean (SCN tolerance) inputs as well as pest management & crop rotation of sugarbeets, corn and soybeans.Please join us for another lively Minnesota CropCast. 

In this week’s CropCast, Dr. Seth Naeve, extension soybean specialist and David Nicolai, extension crops educator welcomed University of Minnesota and North Dakota State Extension Specialists; Dr. Jeff Coulter and Dr. Tom Peters. Dr. Jeff Coulter is an extension corn specialist and Dr. Tom Peters is an extension weed specialist in sugar beets. These three state specialists discussed optimum planting criteria for growers to consider when planting their 2025 corn, soybean and sugar beet seed inputs. They reviewed specific guidelines regarding the most favorable planting depths, planting dates, planting rates and soil temperature for these Minnesota crops. They covered the practices to ensure good seed-to-soil contact based on optimal soil moisture conditions when soils are deemed “in good dry conditions” as influenced not just by soil temperatures but also by variety maturity and calendar dates as we move in the last half of April. They also discussed whether to plant longer- or shorter-season varieties based on the calendar, planting delays and soil/moisture conditions. Early season weed control was favored in all crops, especially sugar beets when grown in longer rotations by utilizing appropriate pre-emergence herbicides favored by the incorporation into the soil profile via timely spring rains. For more detailed crop planting recommendations please consult the University of Minnesota Extension field crop web sites at Soybean Planting, Corn Planting or Sugar Beet Growing. 

Curtis Mahnken, Agricultural Economist with the University of Minnesota Center for Farm Financial Management was a recent guest with the University of Minnesota CropCast podcast with co-hosts Dave Nicolai and Seth Naeve. Curtis reviewed the results of a recent analysis study concerning Minnesota 2024 Farm income. This analysis includes data representing approximately 13% of Minnesota’s farms with gross incomes over $250,000 annually. It was compiled from 2,198 participants in the Minnesota State Farm Business Management programs and 115 members of the Southwest Farm Business Management Association. The data is collected by FINBIN (finbin.umn.edu), a database that provides farm-level financial data, commodity-specific reports and benchmark reports for peer comparison.  According to the data the median net farm income for Minnesota farms dropped to $21,964 in 2024, marking the lowest level this century. Falling crop prices coupled with below-trendline crop yields due to weather extremes resulted in low incomes, especially for crop producers.In addition to reviewing the results of the 2024 farm income analysis, Curtis discussed a new free farm income decision aid software tool for use by Minnesota farmers and ag professionals from the Center for Farm Financial Management called “CropCost” which will help to determine the cost of production for field and specialty crops. CropCost is designed to help identify the cost of production for each crop you grow, as well as breakeven cost of production at varying yields and expense amounts. The Center for Farm Financial Management at the University of Minnesota develops software, web applications and educational programs focused on farm financial planning, financial analysis, business planning and commodity marketing for farmers and ranchers, educators, lenders, small business owners and other ag professionals.Curtis Mahnken joined the Center for Farm Financial Management in 2010 as an Extension Economist.  Prior to arriving at the center, he spent four years with the University of Kentucky as an Area Extension Specialist in Farm Business Management. He grew up on a 100 cow dairy farm in southern Illinois and has been described as having milk running through his veins.

Ed Usset, Grain Marketing Economist at the Center for Farm Financial Management, University of Minnesota was the guest for the March 19th podcast, Minnesota CropCast. Since 2001, Ed has been writing and executing marketing plans for his mythical farms; a corn and soybean operation in Southwestern Minnesota and a wheat farm in the Red River Valley of Northwestern Minnesota. During the podcast Ed emphasized the economic importance for grain growers to complete the final marketing of their 2024 crop still in storage by this July. Ed also provided suggestions and target prices to help grain producers forward price their grain based on understanding seasonal market patterns after harvest especially during times of lower commodity prices. He also reviewed the potential financial impacts and concerns of economic constraints on the export of feed grains in 2025. Finally, Seth Naeve, University of Minnesota Soybean Extension Specialist discussed the needs and demands for soybean exports by various countries in Asia as it affects soybeans which are grown in the upper Midwest in terms of protein and amino acid content based on his recent trade trips to the area.

In the episode, Dave Nicolai and Seth Naeve chat with Bob Koch, Director of the Institute for Ag Professionals at the University of Minnesota and University of Minnesota Extension Entomologist. In this podcast Bob discussed the Institute for Ag Professionals 2025 educational offerings, highlighting the January Field Crop Research Updates for Ag Professionals as the first educational event for 2025. The University of Minnesota Field School (St. Paul Campus) will be held on July 29-30 followed by the Crop Pest Management Short Course in December.In this podcast, Dave and Seth discussed with Bob how the University of Minnesota Research Updates for Ag Professionals event can help Ag Professionals and growers find research-based strategies to deal with today's changing pests, diseases, varieties, and nutrient and environmental recommendations. Participants at each of the five locations located across Minnesota will be able to visit in person with experienced university researchers and colleagues to discuss topics of interest to their region.In January 2025, the Research updates will be held in Waseca (January 7), Oronoco (January 9), Willmar (January 14), Lamberton (January 15) and Crookston (January 16). Program details including schedule, presentation titles and speakers for each session can be found on the Research Updates website. Both the Waseca and Lamberton sites will feature an expanded program this year of interest to both ag professionals and crop producers.Follow this link for online registration: Register online

In this week’s CropCast, Seth Naeve and David Nicolai welcomed Dr. Dean Malvick, University of Minnesota Extension plant pathologist for corn and soybeans. Dean discussed the selection and Corn Tar Spot management criteria for growers to consider when choosing their 2025 corn seed inputs and crop inputs. While crop yield data from multiple sites in 2024 is extremely important, yield stability over time as affected by disease resistance for corn tar spot is essential in the selection process. Dr. Malvick provided a review of the corn tar spot disease biology and the 2024 spread of the disease in corn production fields this year across Minnesota and into adjoining states. Dean specifically provided what is known and what is not known about progression and incidence of the disease occurrence in relation to weather, environment, wind spread and crop rotation effects. Because of the many disease risk factors that can occur each year there is not a simple answer to managing this disease. Dean discussed these factors and possible management controls such as hybrid corn selection, along with the use and timing of foliar fungicides. He also reviewed the best management practice for timely scouting for the presence of the disease in the summer of the growing season to provide more information when determining the use of corn foliar fungicides.To see a distribution map where tar spot has been confirmed and real-time disease activity during the growing season in the US, visit https://corn.ipmpipe.org/tarspot/.To learn more about the identification, biology, weather and research trials relating to the management of corn tar spot please refer to a previous episode of a University of Minnesota Strategic Farming webcast report from 2023.