Agronomy Highlights

Recorded: 3/18/2024Few 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 Soybean Cyst Nematodes CoalitionTake the Test to Beat the Pest: Soybean Cyst NematodePlant Parasitic Nematodes ExplainedHosts: Joseph Akins and Justin Brackenrich, Penn State ExtensionGuest: Gregory L Tylka, Iowa State UniversitySign up to receive our newsletter, Field Crop News!Image credit: Penn State Department of Plant Pathology & Environmental Microbiology Archives, Penn State University, Bugwood.org Follow us on Facebook!

Recorded: 3/6/2024It’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 listen as we come off this very mild winter and approach planting time for 2024. Links:Nitrogen Fertilization of CornNitrogen Recommendations for Corn That Credit Cover Crops and Soil Organic MatterManaging Drought Stressed CornHost: Joseph Akins, Penn State ExtensionGuest: Jeffrey A Coulter, University of MinnesotaSign up to receive our newsletter, Field Crop News!Follow us on Facebook!

Recorded: 2/13/2024Sulfur 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:Sulfur Fertility Management for Grain and Forage CropsHost: Joseph Akins, Penn State ExtensionGuest: Charles White, Penn State Sign-up to receive news, upcoming event information, and our weekly newsletter, Field Crop News.Follow us on Facebook!

Recorded 2/12/24Certain 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 resident weed control experts, Mr. Dwight Lingenfelter, who helps shed light on how to alter herbicide programs and use good cultural practices for dealing with pokeweed and burcucumber. Links:Managing Burcucumber in Agronomic CropsPokeweed Control in Corn and SoybeanHost: Joseph Akins, Penn State ExtensionGuest: Dwight Lingenfelter, Penn State ExtensionFollow us on Facebook!

Recorded: 2/5/24Many 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 the first time. Links:Industrial Hemp ProductionHemp Crop Outlook 2024Potential for Hemp Production in PennsylvaniaHost: Joseph Akins, Penn State ExtensionGuest: Dr. David Suchoff, NC State ExtensionFollow us on Facebook!

Recorded: 1/19/2024When 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 organic fertilizers. We also discuss how folks interested in organic production might go about making the switch to organic.  Links:The National List of Allowed and Prohibited SubstancesAgricultural Analytical Services LaboratoryUsing Organic Nutrient SourcesHost: Joseph Akins   Guest:  Dr. Elsa Sanchez and Megan Chawner, Penn State University/Penn State ExtensionFollow us on Facebook!

Recorded: 1/5/2024I 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 anyone looking to learn more about what’s happening below the soil in their fields! Links:James J. Germida's CitationsHost: Joseph Akins, Penn State ExtensionGuest: James J. Germida, University of SaskatchewanFollow us on Facebook!

Recorded: 12/19/23In 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 foundational knowledge.  Links:Plant Tissue (Total) AnalysisFoliar ApplicationGlendon HarrisHost: Hosts: Joseph Akins, Penn State ExtensionGuest: Dr. Glendon Harris, University of GeorgiaFollow us on Facebook!

Recorded: 11/30/23In 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 practices, organic matter levels, and how microbes behave in agricultural field settings versus more natural settings.Links:Does Long-term Use of Mineral Fertilizers Affect the Soil Microbial Biomass?Host: Hosts: Joseph Akins, Penn State ExtensionGuest:  Dr. Kate Scow and Dr. Daniel Geisseler Follow us on Facebook!

Recorded: 11/13/23Senior agronomist Kevin Fry shares his take on the 2023 growing season in this episode. Everything from the spring drought and Candian wildfire smoke to soybean white mold and weed escapes in corn were covered in the show. Join us to reflect on the 2023 growing season to help you better prepare for the year ahead! Host: Joseph Akins, Penn State ExtensionGuest: Kevin Fry, Pioneer Follow us on Facebook!

Recorded: 11/6/23Tune in as  tackle the management of winter wheat from two perspectives, general agronomics and soil fertility. From planting dates and seeding rates to nitrogen applications in fall and spring, we go over all the basics of successfully growing a crop of winter wheat. Useful Links:Planting Winter WheatNitrogen Management in Winter WheatHost: Host: Joseph Akins, Penn State ExtensionGuests: Guest: Dr. Daniela Carrijo and Dr. Charlie White, Penn StateFollow us on Facebook!

Recorded: 10/13/2023Joined by Mike Staton from Michigan State, we discuss how farmers can minimize yield loss during the soybean harvest process. Find out how much loss is typically expected during harvest, routes of pre-harvest loss, and what farmers can do regarding equipment management to prevent losses. Useful Links:Pennsylvania Soybeans: Minimize Harvesting Loss and Maximize Cost Per BushelReducing Soybean Harvest LossesHarvesting SoybeansHost: Hosts: Joseph Akins, Penn State ExtensionGuest: Michael Staton, Michigan State UniversityFollow us on Facebook!

Recorded: September 1, 2023In this episode, we are joined again by our resident forage specialist Dr. Guojie Wang to discuss forage quality. We talk about why maintaining high-quality feed is essential for good livestock management and, specifically, how to manage forages properly. We also talk about how forage testing labs analyze samples, how to interpret a forage report, and where listeners can get their forages tested.  Useful Links:Forage Quality in PerspectiveDetermining Forage Quality: Understanding Feed AnalysisWhy Test Forage Quality?Host: Hosts: Joseph Akins and Dwane Miller, Penn State ExtensionGuest: Dr. Guojie Wang, Forage Specialist, Penn StateFollow us on Facebook!

Recorded: 9/5/2023Join us as we sit down with one of our best plant pathologists to discuss some of the most common corn ear rots that afflict our Pennsylvania corn crop. Dr. Murillo-Williams explains what typically causes these ear rots to develop, how to identify them, and what farmers can do to manage them. We also discuss livestock safety issues related to mycotoxin production and which corn ear rots produce the most harmful mycotoxins. Useful Links:Corn Ear Rots and MycotoxinsEar Rots in Your Corn Crop?An Overview of Ear RotsGrain and Silage Sampling and Mycotoxin TestingHost: Hosts: Joseph Akins and Dwane Miller, Penn State ExtensionGuest: Dr. Adriana Murillo-Williams, Penn State ExtensionPhoto credit: Dr. Alyssa Collins, Penn State UniversityFollow us on Facebook!

Recorded: 8/25/23Of all the things that are in a farmer's control to produce a healthy crop, unfortunately, the weather is not one of them. This year, several farms across Pennsylvania encountered hail damage from strong storm systems, and when that happens, it can be challenging to determine what the next best move is. Thankfully, Justin McMechan from the University of Nebraska Extension joins us on to discuss how to assess a hail-damaged field and what management options a grower has going forward.  Useful Links:7-Day Time Lapse of Corn Recovery from Hail DamageHail Damage Evaluation and Management in CornEvaluating Early-Season Hail Damage in CornHosts: Joseph Akins and Dwane Miller, Penn State ExtensionGuest: Justin McMechan, University of Nebraska-LincolnPhoto credit: Pixabay.comFollow us on Facebook!

Recorded: 8/1/23It takes a tremendous amount of mechanical power to keep a modern farm operation running, and in this episode, we dive into all aspects of farm machinery. We're covering which pieces of equipment are necessary for an operation, the tradeoffs of owning equipment vs. hiring a custom applicator, and how to manage equipment once you have it. A special "thank you" to fellow educator Zach Curtis for joining us and weighing in on our discussion. Useful Links:New & Used Farm Equipment For SaleAg Decision MakerHosts: Joseph Akins and Dwane Miller, Penn State ExtensionGuest: Zachary Curtis, Penn State ExtensionPhoto credit: Pixabay.comFollow us on Facebook!

Recorded: 7/19/2023There is certainly no shortage of livestock in Pennsylvania, and ensuring that those valuable farm animals have access to safe feed is of the utmost importance. In this episode, we discuss some of the most common forage toxicity problems and how they can be avoided. Listen in as we discuss everything from nitrate to toxicity, prussic acid to bloat, and toxic fescue. If you are interested in maintaining animal health or currently raising livestock, this one is for you!Useful Links:Warm Season Annuals and Alfalfa after FrostReducing the Risk of Nitrate and Prussic Acid Poisoning in LivestockSpectrum Analytic Analysis ServicesRock River LaboratoryDairy OneCumberland Valley Analytical ServicesHosts: Joseph Akins and Dwane Miller, Penn State ExtensionGuest: Leanna Duppstadt, Penn State ExtensionPhoto credit: Leanna DuppstadtFollow us on Facebook!

Recorded: 7/12/2023In this episode, we are speaking with Dr. Paul Vincelli from the University of Kentucky on the fascinating and often controversial topic of GMOs. We're discussing the history of genetically modified crops, how things have progressed over time, and the benefits and risks of this technology. Dr. VIncelli is a thoughtful scholar whose perspective on this makes for a balanced, productive, and thought-provoking conversation.  Useful Links:Dr. Paul VincelliHosts: Joseph Akins and Dwane Miller, Penn State ExtensionGuest: Dr. Paul Vincelli, University of KentuckyPhoto credit: Pixabay.comFollow us on Facebook!

Recorded: May 16, 2023In this episode, we are fortunate to be joined by Dr. Debalina Saha from Michigan State University to discuss the fascinating concept of allelopathy. Many plants produce compounds that inhibit the growth of other plants around them, and dissecting how that process works could yield some interesting opportunities moving forward. Tune in if you’re curious about what allelopathy is, how it works, and how it could be harnessed in an agronomic system!Hosts: Joseph Akins and Dwane Miller, Penn State ExtensionGuests: Dr. Debalina Saha, Michigan State UniversityFollow us on Facebook!

Recorded: May 1, 2023Slugs can be a challenging pest to deal with early in the growing season. We sat down with one of our fellow Penn State Extension educator, Anna Hodgson, to discuss what to look for in the field when dealing with slugs. Learn how to manage slugs in row crops as we discuss species you might find to sampling and control methods.Useful Links:Scouting for Slugs in Corn Fields2023 Pennsylvania Slug Monitoring ProjectSlugs as Pests of Field CropsHosts: Joseph Akins and Dwane Miller, Penn State ExtensionGuest: Anna Hodgson, Penn State ExtensionFollow us on Facebook!Photo credit: Penn State ExtensionFollow us on Facebook!