Agronomy Highlights
Episodes
S4E16: Double Crop Soybeans
04 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Recorded: 2/23/25Â Are you looking for opportunities to pack more crops into your rotation? Double crop soybeans may be for you! Double-cropping soybe...
S4E15: Sponsor Spotlight: Midwest Ag Risk Kontrol LLC
19 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Recorded: 2/6/2026Â 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 disc...
S4E14: Farm Fire Safety
19 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Recorded: 1/14/2026Â Spring is coming soon, and the increased use of farm equipment this time of year can increase risk of fire. In this episode, Just...
S4E13: Reducing Costs, Increasing Profit on the Farm
05 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Recorded: 1/15/2026Â Are you wondering how you can reduce costs and increase profit on your commodity farm? In this episode, we tackle this question b...
S4E12: Identifying Crop Disease with the Plant Disease Clinic
21 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Recorded: 12/17/25Plant disease can be difficult to diagnose, and thankfully, you don’t have to do it alone! In this episode, Ryan and Justin sit do...
S4E11: Managing Nitrogen with Soil Organic Matter and Your Microbial Herd
06 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Recorded: 12/18/2025Â Nitrogen may be one of the most mysterious nutrients that we deal with in agriculture. The dynamic elements of the nitrogen cycl...
S4E10: AgrAbility, Respirator Fit Testing, and Farm Stress: Resource Episode!
18 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Recorded: 12/11/2025Â With the winter meeting season fast approaching, it is a good time to highlight some of the Penn State Extension resources that ...
S4E9: Q&A with the Forage Team! (Part 2)
10 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Recorded: 11/17/25Â In this episode, our forage team educators and specialists sit down to answer commonly asked questions about forage production. In...
S4E8: Q&A with the Forage Team! (Part 1)
01 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Recorded: 11/17/25In this episode, our forage team educators and specialists sit down to answer commonly asked questions about forage production. In p...
S4E7: Back to Basics: Soil Fertility Testing
12 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Recorded: 11/05/25In our back to basics series, our hosts discuss the foundational agronomic principles that will improve crop management on your farm...
S4E6: Wheat Fertility Checklist
29 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Recorded: 10/22/25With wheat planting well underway across Pennsylvania, there is no better time to review the basics of wheat fertility and managemen...
S4E5: Operating a Drone business in 2025 w/ RiehlWay Ag
15 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Recorded: 9/25/25Drones have come onto the agricultural scene hard and fast here in Pennsylvania. In the last few years, interest in operating drones ...
S4E4: Fall Herbicide Application: Burndown and Pasture Weed Control
01 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Recorded: 9/18/25Have you ever harvested your crop just to reveal a major weed problem? Are you wondering whether a fall burndown is worth it or if yo...
S4:E3: Harvest Do’s and Don’ts: Safety, Compaction, and Equipment
18 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Recorded: 9/11/2025As we quickly approach the harvest of soybean and grain corn across Pennsylvania, it is a good time to consider harvest best practi...
S4E2: Ag Innovations: Fungal Endophytes and Incorporating Perennials for Weed Control
11 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Recorded: 8/20/25In part two of our Ag Innovations segment, we're highlighting research at Penn State’s Cover Crop Cocktails field site. We cha...
S4E1: Ag Innovations: How cover crops change the soil biology and the way corn smells!
28 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Recorded: 8/20/25Not only do cover crops influence soil microbiology, but they can also change the odor molecules that the following crop emits! In th...
S3E29: Specialty Grain Spotlight: Hard Red Winter Wheat
07 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Recorded: 4/19/2021Looking to grow something different? We go back to the archives for a conversation between Dr. Heidi Reed and Dr. Wade Thomason, fo...
S3E28: Emerging Technology: Improving Pennsylvania Forage Systems
23 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Recorded: 6/23/2025What does the future hold for forage production in Pennsylvania? In this episode, Ryan and Justin are joined by Dr. Guojie Wang, Pe...
S3E27: Mid-Season Check-In: Wheat Condition, Tar Spot, PA Yield Contests
09 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Recorded: 6/27/25As wheat is being harvested across Pennsylvania, and corn and soybean development is well under way, Ryan and Justin take some time t...
S3E26:What Can a Certified Crop Adviser Do for You?
25 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Recorded: 6/1/25Are you a farmer looking for information about finding a qualified crop consultant? Maybe you are interested in becoming a Certified C...
S3E25: Post-Wheat Cover Cropping and Herbicide Considerations
12 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Recorded: 6/5/2025Winter cover cropping has become commonplace across Pennsylvania; however, few are making the best use of summer cover crops followi...
S3E24: Plant Tissue Testing
28 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Recorded: 5/21/25Â While you may be familiar with the benefits of soil nutrient testing, are you familiar with the value of plant tissue testing? In t...
S3E23: Demystifying Biologicals
14 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Recorded: 4/21/25Â What are biological amendments, and how can I implement them on my own farm? If you find yourself asking these questions, then this...
S3E22: Fusarium Head Blight and Other Small Grain Disease
30 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Recorded: 4/17/25As the planters get rolling for corn and soybean planting across the state, it can be all too easy to forget about scouting your whea...
S3E21: Navigating Tariffs and Building your Grain Marketing Plan
16 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Recorded: 4/8/25Â Are you wondering how tariffs may impact the grain market? Maybe you want to learn how to build a grain marketing plan in the first ...
S3E20: Deer Management with the Pennsylvania Game Commission
02 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Recorded: 3/5/25Â As any Pennsylvania farmer can tell you, deer can cause significant damage to crops and are a primary pest in our agricultural lands...
S3E19: Silage Inoculants & Small Grain Silage
19 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Recorded: 3/11/25Cornell Forage Systems Specialist, Joe Lawrence, returns to discuss small grain silage and silage inoculants. We discuss the agronomi...
S3E18: Interpreting Small Grain and Forage Assessments
05 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Recorded: 2/19/25Get ready for spring green-up with this two-episode series on assessing your spring small grain and forage stands! In this episode we...
S3E17: Assessing Small Grain and Forage Stands
05 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Recorded: 2/26/25Â Â Get ready for spring green-up with this two-episode series on assessing your spring small grain and forage stands! In this episod...
S3E16: Managing Nitrogen with the Pre-sidedress Soil Nitrate Test (PSNT)
19 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Recorded: 2/11/25Â With seemingly ever-increasing fertilizer costs, it is important to apply nitrogen fertilizers with as much precision as possible w...
S3E15: Pest and Disease Management in 2025
10 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Recorded: 1/14/25Â Â As farmers and ag workers begin preparations for the upcoming field season, they may be wondering what new pest management techno...
S3E14: Weed Management in 2025
05 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Recorded: 1/14/25Â As farmers and ag workers begin preparations for the upcoming field season, they may be wondering what new weed management technolo...
S3E13: Winter Feeding and Pasture Management
22 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Recorded: 12/9/24 Winter is here, and temperatures are in the single digits across Pennsylvania, so what better time than now to talk about wintertime...
S3E12: Best of 2024! New Year Episode
08 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Recorded: 12/20/24Happy New Year! On this episode of the Agronomy Highlights Podcast, Ryan and Justin reflect on our favorite episodes of 2024, and qu...
S3E11: Preparing Farm Equipment for Winter Storage
25 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Recorded: 11/21/24Pennsylvania winters can bring low temperatures, high moisture, and often fluctuating conditions. These conditions can be abusive to...
S3E10: Organic No-Till and Dry Beans
12 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Recorded: 11/21/24In this episode, we're diving into the world of organic field crop production with Kristen Loria, Extension specialist at Corne...
S3E9: Do’s and Don'ts of Winter Manure Spreading
26 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Recorded: 11/21/24Let’s talk crap! As harvest season wraps up and manure pits continue to fill, farmers may be wondering how and if manure may be ap...
S3E8: Farm Succession Planning
13 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Recorded: 10/28/2024Ever wondered what it takes to become a successful multi-generation farm? In this episode, Ryan and Justin investigate the often-t...
S3E7: Grain Marketing Basics
29 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Recorded 10/2/2024As corn and soybean harvest season is in full swing here in Pennsylvania, there is no better time to have a conversation about grain...
S3E6: How to Predict the Weather! Fall Weather Update
15 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Recorded: 10/7/24Have you ever wondered how a meteorologist predicts the weather? In the agricultural community, we understand the importance of accur...
S3E5: Bonus Episode! 2024 Crop Condition and Silage Dry Down
08 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Recorded: 9/26/24 On this bonus episode, Ryan and Justin chat with fellow extension agronomy educators about 2024 crop conditions and silage dry-down....
S3E4: Corn Silage Management: Lessons Learned from 2024
02 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Recorded: 9/25/24We cannot believe we made it to Season 3 without a silage episode! Today that all changes, as Ryan and Justin talk with forage system...
S3E3: Emerging Technology Pt 2: Fertilizer Recommendation Tools and Short Stature Corn
18 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Recorded: 8/26/24 In part two of our two-part series, we are exploring new and emerging agricultural technologies. In this episode, Dr. Charlie White ...
S3E2: Emerging Technology Pt 1: Drones and Precision Spray Technology
04 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Recorded: 8/26/24In part one of a two part series, Ryan and Justin explore new and emerging agricultural technologies. On this episode Dr. Paul Esker ...
S3E1: Season 3 Introduction: Meet the Hosts
04 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Recorded: 8/26/24Season three of Agronomy Highlights is here! Hosts Ryan and Justin take the time to officially introduce themselves, and chat about t...
S2E24: Insects in Your Stored Grain? Take an IPM Approach
02 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Recorded: 7/12/24Stored grain insect pests like weevils and grain moths can greatly reduce grain quality during storage, and increase the risk of grai...
S2E23: Summer Drought and Crop Update
19 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Recorded: July 16, 2024We are experiencing drought conditions in many parts of Pennsylvania and the country. Join us for a round table discussion with...
S2E22: Solar Development and Agrivoltaic Forage Production
09 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Recorded: 6/20/2024Can Agriculture and Solar Coexist? As national interest in renewable energy has increased, agricultural land has become a top choic...
S2E21:Organic Field Crop Systems
21 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Recorded: 6/13/2024In this week’s episode, we are joined by Dr. Andrew Smith of Rodale Institute to talk about organic field cropping systems. Dr. S...
S2E20: Summer Annual Forages
03 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Recorded: 5/21/2024Interested in increasing forage availability during the summer slump? Summer annual forages might be for you! In this episode, we b...
S2E19: First Cut Hay Considerations
15 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Recorded: 5/1/2024 With warm spring temperatures, the first cutting of hay is just around the corner for forage producers. During this episode, we are...
S2E18: Managing Soybean Cyst Nematodes
29 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Recorded: 3/18/2024Few researchers anywhere in the world probably know as much about soybean cyst nematode as Dr. Greg Tylka. Originally from Westmore...
S2E17: Drought Stressed Corn and Nitrogen Management
12 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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...
S2E16: Sulfur Fertilization
01 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Recorded: 2/13/2024Sulfur is a critical secondary crop nutrient, especially for corn production. In this episode, Dr. Charlie White joins us for a hea...
S2E15: Managing Pokeweed and Burcucumber
01 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
S2E14: Growing Hemp
28 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Recorded: 2/5/24Many farmers have expressed interest in trying to grow hemp in recent years, but understanding the agronomics of producing this crop i...
S2E13: Organic Soil Amendments
14 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
S2E12: All About Soil Microbiology
02 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Recorded: 1/5/2024I was once asked a question about whether fungicidal seed treatments negatively impacted beneficial soil fungi. While researching th...
S2E11: Foliar Fertilizer
19 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 yo...
S2E10: Fertilizer Impacts on Soil Microbes
02 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 soi...
S2E9: Year in Review
08 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Recorded: 11/13/23Senior agronomist Kevin Fry shares his take on the 2023 growing season in this episode. Everything from the spring drought and Candi...
S2E8: Winter Wheat Planting and Fertilization
29 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Recorded: 11/6/23Tune in as tackle the management of winter wheat from two perspectives, general agronomics and soil fertility. From planting dates ...
S2E7: Soybean Harvest Losses
14 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Recorded: 10/13/2023Joined by Mike Staton from Michigan State, we discuss how farmers can minimize yield loss during the soybean harvest process. Find...
S2E6: Understanding Forage Quality
14 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Recorded: September 1, 2023In this episode, we are joined again by our resident forage specialist Dr. Guojie Wang to discuss forage quality. We talk a...
S2E4: Corn Ear Rots
30 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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 Pen...
S2E5: Hail Damaged Corn
30 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
S2E3: Farm Machinery Selection and Management
11 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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 aspect...
S2E2: Forage Toxicity Issues
27 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Recorded: 7/19/2023There is certainly no shortage of livestock in Pennsylvania, and ensuring that those valuable farm animals have access to safe feed...
S2:E1: Genetically Modified Crops
14 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Recorded: 7/12/2023In this episode, we are speaking with Dr. Paul Vincelli from the University of Kentucky on the fascinating and often controversial ...
S1E29: Allelopathy and Weed Suppression
31 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Recorded: May 16, 2023In this episode, we are fortunate to be joined by Dr. Debalina Saha from Michigan State University to discuss the fascinating co...
S1E28: Slugs: The Mollusk Menace
16 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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...
S1E27: Beneficial Insects and Biological Control
02 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Recorded: April 21, 2023In this episode, renowned entomologist Dr. Peter Ellsworth from the University of Arizona joins us to discuss the valuable rol...
S1E26: Drones in Agriculture
19 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Recorded: 3/27/23Today we are joined by Dr. Jarrod Miller, a scientist from the University of Delaware with a great deal of experience using drones in...
S1E25: Tank Mixing Herbicides
05 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Recorded: 4/12/2023 With the massive number of pesticides, adjuvants, and liquid fertilizers on the market today, it’s no surprise that the list of ...
S1E24: Nitrogen Stabilizers
21 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Recorded: 5/25/2023Nitrogen fertilizer is one of the most critical inputs for a variety of crops and ensuring that it is not lost is essential for mai...
S1E23: Drought Update: Management Tips and Strategies
07 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Recorded: 6/1/23The 2023 growing season has been a dry one across the Commonwealth. Hay yields are down, weed control is challenging, and crops everyw...
S1E22: Thinking Differently about Agriculture
25 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Recorded 4/3/23In this episode, we have the privilege of speaking to author, speaker, and farmer extraordinaire Mr. Joel Salatin. Joel provides a uniq...
S1E21: Teff: Ancient Grain, Resilient Crybaby
10 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Recorded: 3/24/2023Today we are joined by two true experts, Dr. Guojie Wang and Dr. Shiran Benzeev, to discuss the ancient grain known as Teff. Teff i...
S1E20: Crop Micronutrients
26 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Recorded: 3/20/23In this episode we get into all those other important crop nutrients that aren’t represented by the three numbers on a fertilizer b...
S1E19: Planting Considerations for Corn and Soybean
13 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Recorded: 3/24/23With planting season just around the corner, there is a great need to reach out to one of our most knowledgeable Penn State Extension...
S1E18: Fungicide Resistance
30 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Recorded: 3/16/2023In this episode, two of Penn State’s finest plant pathologists, Dr. Paul Esker and Dr. Alyssa Collins, join us to discuss fungici...
S1E17: Picture Perfect Pasture
15 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Recorded: 2/9/2023Listen in as Joey and Dwane sit down with fellow agronomy educator Justin Brackenrich to discuss the ideal pasture. Pastures may be ...
S1E16: What’s up with the Weather?
02 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Recorded: 2/6/2023 In this episode, we receive an education on all things weather from Eric Snodgrass of Nutrien Ag Solutions. We start by looking at ...
S1E15: Rented Ground vs Owned Ground
15 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Recorded date: 1/9/2023In this episode, we are focusing on the key differences between managing rented cropland as opposed to owned cropland. We also ...
S1E14: Agriculture in Nebraska
01 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Recorded date: January 4, 2023Â In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Mike Boehm, Vice President and Vice Chancellor of Agriculture and Natural Resour...
S1E13: Controlling Herbicide Resistant Weeds
18 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Date recorded: December 8, 2022 Listen in as we discuss the fundamentals of herbicide resistance with one of our resident weed control experts, Mr. Dw...
S1E12: Sunflower Production Essentials
03 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Date recorded: 11/30/2022From planting to variety selection to pest management and end utilization, all aspects of producing this interesting plant we...
S1E11: Living Cover Crop Systems
09 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Recorded: 11/8/2022In this episode, we discussed the interesting concept of growing cover crops as living mulch within a cash crop. This advanced cove...
S1E10: Soybean Cyst Nematode
17 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Recorded: 10/25/2022Today's episode is focused on one of the most damaging but often overlooked pests of soybeans, the infamous Heterodera glycin...
S1E9: Soil Health and Pest Management
11 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Recorded: 10/25/22We are digging deep into the value of maintaining healthy soil biology. Our topics range from tiny microbes to the mighty ground bee...
S1E8: Cover Crops and Weed Suppression
19 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Recorded: 9/23/22This episode focuses on the potential benefits of using cover crops as a tool for weed suppression. Topics include species selection ...
S1E7: Farmer Mental Health
06 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Recorded: 8/31/22In this episode, we speak with Ginger Fenton from Mercer County about the emotional roller coaster that is farming. We begin with the...
S1E6: Carbon Sequestration and Carbon Credits
22 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Recorded: 8/29/22In this episode, we dive into the topic of carbon sequestration. How do we sequester carbon? What are carbon credits, and how do I be...
S1E5: Late Season Corn Assessment
08 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Recorded 7/29/22Today, we are talking about field corn assessment late in the season. We’ll cover how to assess pollination, the importance of the g...
S1E4: Tar Spot in Corn
24 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Date Recorded: 7/26/22The dynamic disease duo of Dr. Alyssa Collins and Dr. Paul Esker join us on this episode to discuss a newer disease of interest ...
S1E3: Crop Economics in 2022
24 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
On this episode we are joined by Andrew Frankenfield, who is a farmer as well as a field and forage crops educator with Penn State Extension out of Mo...
S1E2: Field Crop Insect Pest Update
24 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Date Recorded: 7/25/22Today we’re joined by one of Penn State’s insect specialists, Dr. John Tooker. In the show, we discuss a broad range of topi...
S1E1: When Is It Too Late for Pasture Weed Control?
24 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Recorded 7/21/22Welcome to the first episode of Agronomy Highlights! Today we’re joined by weed specialist Dwight Lingenfelter, who is a highly valu...