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Minnesota CropCast: Daily Summaries Delivered
by University of Minnesota Extension
Hosts David Nicolai and Seth Naeve discuss the progress and challenges of Minnesota's agronomic crops. They are joined each week by a diversity of specialists representing all crops and agronomic disciplines to discuss their research and its impact on Minnesota crops. Dave Nicolai is a crops Extension educator and Seth Naeve is the Extension soybean agronomist.
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- Oct 6, 202622 min
Managing Weather Extremes, Biologicals, and Soybean Planting and Harvest Timing with OSU’s Dr. Laura Lindsey
In Episode #73 of MN CropCast, hosts David Nicolai and Seth Naeve sit down with Dr. Laura Lindsey, Extension Soybean and Small Grains Specialist at The Ohio State University. Dr. Lindsey shares critical agronomic insights from her career—ranging from baseline Soybean Cyst Nematode (SCN) sampling to evaluating biological seed treatments and the yield impacts of harvest timing under extreme weather conditions. Plus, get an exclusive look into her flagship research and extension project, "Battle for the Belt," which pits corn and soybean planting dates head-to-head across Ohio field locations. Catch Dr. Lindsey in person as a featured speaker at the upcoming Minnesota Crop Pest Management (CPM) Short Course in Minneapolis on December 9th! Discussion Topics:Baseline Soil & SCN Survey: Early in her OSU career, Dr. Lindsey conducted a statewide survey collecting 299 soil samples across Ohio. The study revealed that 60%–80% of sampled fields contained Soybean Cyst Nematode (SCN), even though most participating growers reported believing their fields were SCN-free. Evaluating Biologicals: She collaborated on multi-state research (via Science for Success) assessing biological seed treatments. The trial data indicated inconsistent and limited yield responses to biological seed treatments, underscoring the challenge of delivering live, viable organisms to the seed under field conditions. Harvest Timing & Weather Extremes: Research conducted during 2024–2025 highlighted severe yield losses due to weather-delayed harvests. In 2024, severe D4 drought conditions in Western Ohio were immediately followed by heavy rain and humidity from Hurricane Helene, leading to extensive pod shattering, seed decay, and field loss. Late-Season Seed Quality Issues: Wet, warm late-season conditions late in seed fill increase risks of fungal infections and diseases such as purple seed stain, emphasizing the need for timely harvest. Project Highlight: “The Battle for the Belt"Research Concept: Addresses a common grower dilemma: when spring field-work windows are tight, which crop should take planting priority—corn or soybeans? Trial Design: Side-by-side planting date trials comparing corn and soybean yield decline over 5 distinct planting dates (ranging from late March through the third week of June) across 3 Ohio locations over 3 years. Key Takeaway: Highlights stark differences in how corn and soybeans physiologically react to identical early-season weather conditions. Upcoming OpportunityDr. Lindsey will present full yield results and management insights from the "Battle for the Belt" project at the Minnesota Crop Pest Management (CPM) Short Course on December 9th in Minneapolis (Conference runs December 8–10).
- Sep 9, 202636 min
Turning Ag Data into Dollars: Precision Agronomics with Premier Crop Systems
In Episode #72 of MN Cropcast, hosts Seth Naeve and David Nicolai sit down with Tony Licht from Premier Crop Systems to discuss how turning raw field data into actionable economic insights can support farm profitability and risk management.Founded in 1999 and based in West Des Moines, Iowa, Premier Crop Systems operates as an independent agronomy and software company. Unaffiliated with seed, chemical, or equipment sales, Premier Crop works behind the scenes with ag retailers, co-ops, and independent advisors across the Midwest to power white-labeled precision ag programs.Episode HighlightsTying Economics to Agronomics: Premier Crop integrates soil sampling, application records, weather data, and yield monitor layers to better visualize return on investment. Farmers can analyze cost per bushel and evaluate hybrid performance based on profit margin rather than yield alone.Targeted Input Strategies: Rather than applying flat-rate strategies across all acres, precision software helps growers segregate fields into distinct productivity zones. High-yielding ground may receive optimized variable-rate seeding and nutrient prescriptions, while lower-yielding areas might receive adjusted inputs to manage operational risk and preserve profit.Data Ownership & Anonymous Benchmarking: Premier Crop’s system enables regional, anonymous data pooling so farmers can benchmark yield, hybrid selection, and their own productivity zones against peers while maintaining ownership of their data.Centralizing Farm Data: Licht emphasizes that establishing a central "data warehouse" is the essential first step for growers looking to make more analytical, evidence-based decisions on seed selection, fall fertility, and field-level budgeting.Tune in to Episode #72 of MN Cropcast on Transistor or your preferred podcast platform for an inside look at modern precision ag decision-making from a behind-the-scenes industry leader.
- Aug 26, 202636 min
Update from the Hoosier State with Dr. Shaun Casteel
In this episode of MN CropCast, hosts Dave Nicolai and Dr. Seth Naeve sit down with Dr. Shaun Casteel, Soybean Agronomist at Purdue University. While our agronomic discussion covered a lot of ground, we didn't quite get around to asking whether Boilermakers actually use the term "Hoosier State" when talking about Indiana. We’ll have to tackle that pressing issue in a future episode!Key Episode HighlightsThe Road to Purdue: While he misses his summers walking beans on his childhood farm in Illinois, Shaun has been helping Indiana producers maximize their yields since 2009. We discuss how his graduate research at NC State laid the foundation for his current work in soil fertility.An Interest in Sulfur (S): Dr. Casteel wasn't always strictly focused on sulfur, but diagnosing stubborn yield limitations in soybeans led him directly to this important and elusive nutrient.Identifying S Deficiencies: Discover the unique challenges of pinpointing sulfur-responsive fields and why early-planted soybeans might serve as excellent indicators for lower sulfur availability.Impact of Recent Floods: Dr. Casteel breaks down a tough growing season marked by heavy early-summer rains and repeated torrential downpours in August. With streams breaching their banks and fields drowning out, Indiana will likely fall short of the USDA's early-month forecast of 62 bushels per acre.Moving Forward with Data: Hear how the Purdue crops team plans to ground-truth remote-sensed data to evaluate the fate of late-flooded fields, keeping a close eye on plant diseases and the overall impact on crop quality and yield.Want More Indiana Ag?If you are interested in diving deeper into Indiana crops, be sure to check out the Purdue Crop Chat podcast at: www.hoosieragtoday.com/podcast/purdue-crop-chat/Join us for another great MN CropCast to learn about top-tier researchers and the crops shaping their regions. Listen today!
- Aug 4, 202629 min
The Power of Independent Insights with Bryce Nelson
In this episode of MN CropCast, hosts Dave Nuclei and Dr. Seth Naeve sit down with Bryce Nelson, a veteran independent crop consultant and the current president of the Minnesota Independent Crop Consultants Association (MNICCA). With over four decades of boots-on-the-ground experience serving southern Minnesota and northern Iowa, Bryce shares his unique perspective on how the crop consulting industry has shifted to meet the demands of modern agriculture.Key Highlights from the Episode:● The True Meaning of Independence: Bryce explains the strict philosophy behind MICCA. By remaining completely separate from product sales, independent consultants act as unbiased advocates focused solely on maximizing the farmer's return on investment.● Agronomic Evolution: A look at how weed management has come full circle—from the complex chemistry battles of the 1980s, through the simplicity of the Roundup era, and back to today’s high-stakes battle over resistance management.● The Modern, Specialized Farmer: How the new generation of business-first growers are moving away from trying to do it all, instead building trusted teams of specialists—from risk consultants to agronomists—to manage inputs.● In the Field Trends: Bryce breaks down how regional corn and soybeans are tracking after weathering erratic weather. Fortunately, deep spring roots have set the crop up for success. However, growers are combating rising threats like tar spot and southern rust in corn while balancing tough economic realities with critical fungicide decisions on the soybean side. Looking for unbiased agronomic advice? Whether you want to learn how MICCA’s statewide text-and-chat network helps consultants track pest migrations in real-time, or you need to find a specialist in your neck of the woods, this episode is packed with unfiltered farming wisdom.Head over to MNICCA.com to find the member directory and connect with an independent expert in your county!
- Jun 26, 202631 min
Changing the Architecture of the Midwest: The Rise of Short Stature Corn
Is the future of corn production standing a little shorter? In this episode of the Minnesota Cropcast, hosts Dave Nicolai and Dr. Seth Naeve sit down with Dr. Jeff Coulter, University of Minnesota Extension Corn Specialist, to explore a novel (and highly visual) shift in corn hybrid technology: short stature corn. While traditional corn towers at 9 to 12 feet, new hybrids are keeping the canopy at 7 feet or less—without sacrificing the yields growers require. Dr. Coulter breaks down the history, the agronomics, and the cutting-edge research happening right here in Minnesota. What You’ll Learn in This Episode:The Physics of Standing Tall: Why shorter, fatter stalks and deeper root systems may provide added resistance to lodging and green snap during severe wind events. Populations Drive Higher Yields: How these compact plants tolerate higher plant populations, allowing growers to pack more plants per acre to drive up grain yield. The Silage Advantage: Why short stature corn may be a high-quality alternative for corn silage, potentially delivering a greater starch concentration due to its optimized grain-to-stover ratio. In-Season Accessibility: How 7-foot corn makes it easier for ground rigs to get through the field for late-season applications of fungicides or other products. The Harvest Hurdle: A candid look at the challenges of lower ear heights (and how drought conditions can impact harvestability. Sneak Peek: Redefining Nitrogen EfficiencyDr. Coulter also shares details on an exciting new three-year study funded by the Minnesota Corn Research and Promotion Council. The project is putting three standard hybrids and three short stature hybrids head-to-head under six different nitrogen rates to determine if short corn can deliver better nitrogen use efficiency—potentially saving growers significant input costs. Don't miss out on the most interesting agronomic breakthrough. Listen now to Episode #69 of Minnesota CropCast on your favorite podcast platform!
- Jun 12, 202634 min
Ken Franzky, Agronomy Services Manager at Cenrol Crop Consulting
Special Guest: Ken Franzky, Agronomy Services Manager at Cenrol Crop Consulting. Hosts: David Nicolai, University of Minnesota Extension Educator, and Seth Naeve, University of Minnesota Soybean SpecialistIn Episode #68 of MN CropCast, we are thrilled to welcome Ken Franzky from Centrol Crop Consulting out of Marshall, MN.Ken Grew up on a farm in West Central Minnesota and graduated from the University of Minnesota. He worked in the seed industry under several brands for both Syngenta and Pioneer before joining Centrol in 2015. At Centrol, his primary roles include: Technical Training: Managing agronomic competency standards and training for consultants. Education & Diagnostics: Leading internal cross-department training and providing in-field diagnostic assistance. Industry Relations: Handling interactive product training with agricultural companies and acting as a communication bridge with university personnel.Ken discusses his managerial role at Centrol and highlights some of the challenges faced by a complex and evolving agricultural system in terms of implementing a detailed training system for Centol’s crop consultants to maintain their technical competencies. Ken also discusses the importance of evaluating every acre for inputs and yield potentials. Maximizing net returns for farmers over time is the key for folks advising farmers today. Ken also provided a crop update for corn and soybeans growing in western and southern Minnesota this season. Tune in to Episode #68 today to meet Ken Franzky and Centrol Consulting! Available wherever you listen to podcasts.
- May 4, 202634 min
Headland Highlights Late April Field Report from NW, WC, and SC Minnesota
Minnesota CropCast Episode #67: Head land Highlights Late April Field Report from NW, WC, and SC MinnesotaSpecial Guests: Extension Educators Angie Peltier, Anthony Hanson, and Matt Pfarr Hosts: David Nicolai, University of Minnesota Extension Educator, and Seth Naeve, University of Minnesota Soybean SpecialistIn Episode #67 of MN CropCast, we bring you another "Headland Highlights" to get you up to speed on planting progress across the state. The hosts sat down with three Extension Educators on April 30 to discuss how farmers are navigating the spring of 2026 in their respective regions.What you’ll learn in this episode:Northwest Minnesota: Angie Peltier describes the challenges facing northern farmers. While the central Red River Valley and areas further south are off to a strong start, progress north of Fargo-Moorhead remains slow. Heavy snowpack and recent rains have stalled field work in Polk County and the surrounding region. In the far Northwest, only 10–15% of wheat and sugar beets are in the ground, with a significant push expected over the next two weeks.West Central Minnesota: Anthony Hanson highlights the impact of varying soil types. While corn and soybeans were planted on lighter soils during the final weeks of April, the heavier soils around Morris still require more heat and sun before they are fit for planting.South Central Minnesota: Matt Pfarr notes that there have been several productive windows for planting corn and soybeans. Field activity was extremely heavy during the third week of April, though some fields were tucked away even earlier. Following rain this past weekend, farmers are returning to the fields to wrap up most planting by the end of April, with the remaining soybeans expected to go in by the first week of May. Matt also discusses the challenges of planting in marginal conditions and managing residue that isn't yet dry and crispy.If you’re interested in what’s happening in Minnesota fields, be sure to tune in to Episode #67 of Minnesota CropCast: Headland Highlights today!
- Apr 28, 202628 min
Meet the New U of M Forage Agronomist & Headland Highlights, Forage Edition
Meet the New U of M Forage Agronomist & Headland Highlights, Forage Edition. Special Guest: Dr. Beatriz Bizzuti Cremostim, Extension Forage Agronomist & State Specialist Headland Highlights: Troy Salzer, Local Extension Educator (St. Louis County) Hosts: David Nicolai, University of Minnesota Extension Educator, and Seth Naeve, University of Minnesota Soybean SpecialistIn Episode #66 of MN CropCast, we are thrilled to welcome one of the newest faculty members to the University of Minnesota Department of Agronomy!The hosts sit down with Dr. Beatriz Bizzuti Cremostim, our brand-new Extension Forage Agronomist and State Specialist. With her appointment in forage research and Extension, she is stepping into a crucial role for Minnesota's agricultural landscape.What you’ll learn in this episode:Meet the Specialist: Get to know Beatriz, her background, and what she brings to the U of M Agronomy Department. We'll dive into her plans for forage research and how her Extension work will support producers across the state.Forage Focus: A look at the current state of forage agronomy, highlighting the intersections of research and practical, on-farm application.Headland Highlights: After our chat with Beatriz, we pull in a special report straight from the field. Troy Salzer, operating out of the Duluth office, joins the show to provide a comprehensive forage update covering the current alfalfa conditions throughout the state of Minnesota.Whether you manage pastures or just want to stay up to date with the latest experts leading Minnesota's agricultural research, this episode is packed with valuable insights.Tune in to Episode #66 today to meet the newest member of the U of M agronomy team! Available wherever you listen to podcasts.
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About Minnesota CropCast
Hosts David Nicolai and Seth Naeve discuss the progress and challenges of Minnesota's agronomic crops. They are joined each week by a diversity of specialists representing all crops and agronomic disciplines to discuss their research and its impact on Minnesota crops. Dave Nicolai is a crops Extension educator and Seth Naeve is the Extension soybean agronomist.
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