Agronomy Highlights

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: 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: 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: 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: 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!