S2E3: Farm Machinery Selection and Management

Recorded: 2/5/24

Many 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 Production
Hemp Crop Outlook 2024
Potential for Hemp Production in Pennsylvania

Host: Joseph Akins, Penn State Extension
Guest: Dr. David Suchoff, NC State Extension

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Recorded: 1/19/2024

When 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 Substances
Agricultural Analytical Services Laboratory
Using Organic Nutrient Sources

Host: Joseph Akins  
Guest:  Dr. Elsa Sanchez and Megan Chawner, Penn State University/Penn State Extension

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Recorded: 1/5/2024

I 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 Citations

Host: Joseph Akins, Penn State Extension
Guest: James J. Germida, University of Saskatchewan

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Recorded: 12/19/23

In 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) Analysis
Foliar Application
Glendon Harris

Host: Hosts: Joseph Akins, Penn State Extension
Guest: Dr. Glendon Harris, University of Georgia

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Recorded: 11/30/23

In 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 Extension
Guest:  Dr. Kate Scow and Dr. Daniel Geisseler 

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Recorded: 11/13/23

Senior 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 Extension
Guest: Kevin Fry, Pioneer 

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Recorded: 11/6/23

Tune 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 Wheat
Nitrogen Management in Winter Wheat

Host: Host: Joseph Akins, Penn State Extension
Guests: Guest: Dr. Daniela Carrijo and Dr. Charlie White, Penn State

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Recorded: September 1, 2023

In 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 Perspective
Determining Forage Quality: Understanding Feed Analysis
Why Test Forage Quality?

Host: Hosts: Joseph Akins and Dwane Miller, Penn State Extension
Guest: Dr. Guojie Wang, Forage Specialist, Penn State

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Recorded: 10/13/2023

Joined 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 Bushel
Reducing Soybean Harvest Losses
Harvesting Soybeans

Host: Hosts: Joseph Akins, Penn State Extension
Guest: Michael Staton, Michigan State University

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Recorded: 9/5/2023

Join 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 Mycotoxins
Ear Rots in Your Corn Crop?
An Overview of Ear Rots
Grain and Silage Sampling and Mycotoxin Testing

Host: Hosts: Joseph Akins and Dwane Miller, Penn State Extension
Guest: Dr. Adriana Murillo-Williams, Penn State Extension

Photo credit: Dr. Alyssa Collins, Penn State University

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