Agronomy Highlights

Osad

• 
  S5E2: Harvest, Humidity, and El Niño: A Pennsylvania Weather Outlook 16.09.2026 47min

  Recorded: 9/10/26 In this episode of the Agronomy Highlights Podcast, Penn State climatologist Kyle Imhoff joins the team to break down Pennsylvania’s 2026 growing season, from spring freeze events and summer rainfall patterns to what producers can expect heading into harvest and winter. The discussion explores how weather has affected crops across the state, explains the science behind El Niño and its influence on regional weather, and outlines potential implications for field conditi...
• 
  S5E1: Statewide Crop Conditions, Yield Estimates and Silage Moisture 03.09.2026 41min

  Recorded: 8/25/26 Join Penn State Extension Agronomy Educators for a timely and practical conversation on current crop conditions across Pennsylvania. In this episode, the team shares on-the-ground observations from fields spanning multiple regions. They highlight how recent weather patterns, soil moisture variability, and crop growth stages are shaping the performance of corn, soybean, and forage. The discussion includes two questions about timely decisions happening on the farm:...
• 
  S4E26: Statewide Crop Conditions, Soil Testing, and Seeding Fall Forages 06.08.2026 30min

  Recorded: 8/5/26 Join Penn State Extension Agronomy Educators for a timely and practical conversation on current crop conditions across Pennsylvania. In this episode, the team shares on-the-ground observations from fields spanning multiple regions. They highlight how recent weather patterns, soil moisture variability, and crop growth stages are shaping corn and forage performance. The discussion includes two questions about timely decisions happening on the farm: soil testing and seedin...
• 
  S4E25: Statewide Crop Conditions and Cover Crops after Small Grains 23.07.2026 29min

  Recorded: 7/1/2026 Join Penn State Extension Agronomy Educators for a timely and practical conversation on current crop conditions across Pennsylvania. In this episode, the team shares on-the-ground observations from fields spanning multiple regions. They highlight how recent weather patterns, soil moisture variability, and crop growth stages are shaping corn and forage performance. The discussion includes a question about one of the most critical in-season decisions: cover crops following sm...
• 
  S4E24: Small Grain Assessment and Head Scab 24.06.2026 46min

  Recorded: 6/22/26 As we prepare for small grain harvest, join us as we talk with Penn State experts about the latest approaches to assessing small grain health and productivity. In this episode, we dive into head scab (Fusarium head blight), including how to identify it and understand its impacts. Hosts: Justin Brackenrich and Dwane Miller, Penn State Extension Guests: Dr. Daneila Carrijo, Dr. Alyssa Collins, Penn State Links: Home Stretch: Evaluating Your Small Grain Crops Crop P...
• 
  S4E23: Statewide Crop Conditions and Corn Nitrogen Management Tools 10.06.2026 25min

  Recorded: 6/2/26 Join Penn State Extension Agronomy Educators for a timely and practical conversation on current crop conditions across Pennsylvania. In this episode, the team shares on-the-ground observations from fields spanning multiple regions. They highlight how recent weather patterns, soil moisture variability, and crop growth stages are shaping corn and forage performance. The discussion includes a question about one of the most critical in-season decisions: nitrogen management ...
• 
  S4E22: Stand Assessment and Replant Decisions in Corn and Soybeans 28.05.2026 38min

  Recorded: 5/21/26 What should growers look for when evaluating early-season corn and soybean stands to decide whether replanting is worth the time and cost? In this episode, expert Zack Curtis discusses replanting decisions for corn and soybeans, emphasizing the importance of objective assessment, cost analysis, and strategic planning to optimize yields and profitability. Hosts: Justin Brackenrich and Dwane Miller, Penn State Extension Guest: Zack Curtis, Penn State Extension Link...
• 
  S4E21: Forage Fertilization After First Cutting 14.05.2026 44min

  Recorded: 5/11/26 Rising fertilizer prices are top of mind for producers this spring. As we approach first cutting, how should you be thinking about fertility management to ensure successful hay production throughout the season? Join us for a discussion with Andrew Frankenfield as he shares strategies to help you maximize your fertility inputs and get the most out of your hay crop. Hosts: Justin Brackenrich and Dwane Miller, Penn State Extension Guest(s): Andrew Frankenfield, Penn State...
• 
  S4E20: Grain Sorghum 101 (Pt.2) 29.04.2026 51min

  Recorded: 3/16/26 Grain sorghum is gaining attention as a resilient, drought-tolerant crop with potential to diversify crop rotations across Pennsylvania. In this episode, Justin and Dwane are once again joined with Dale Stoltzfus, Sorghum grower and owner of Specialty Grains LLC. They will continue to dive deeper into grain sorghum management and discuss some opportunities and challenges of producing high-yielding grain sorghum. Hosts: Justin Brackenrich and Dwane Miller, Penn Sta...
• 
  S4E19: Planning for Planting 07.04.2026 1t 3min

  Recorded: 3/30/26 As planting season approaches, preparation and decision-making can set the tone for the entire growing year. In this episode, the hosts invite Del Voight, Lebanon County Agronomy Extension Educator, to discuss key considerations for planting corn and soybeans. Topics include evaluating planting conditions, deciding how early to start planting, and optimizing planter setup for uniform emergence and strong early-season growth. Hosts: Ryan Spelman, Justin Brackenric...
• 
  S4E18: Grain Sorghum 101 (Pt.1) 01.04.2026 39min

  Recorded: 3/16/26 Grain sorghum is gaining attention as a resilient, drought-tolerant crop with potential to diversify crop rotations across Pennsylvania. But how well does it really fit our climate and management systems? In this episode, Justin and Dwane are joined by Dale Stoltzfus, sorghum grower and owner of Specialty Grains LLC, to explore the opportunities and challenges of growing grain sorghum in Pennsylvania. Hosts: Justin Brackenrich and Dwane Miller, Penn State Extension Gue...
• 
  S4E17: Phosphorus Fertility and New P Technology! 19.03.2026 55min

  Recorded: 3/6/26 As spring is coming fast, it is time to start making our fertility management plans! In this episode, we dive into the P of N-P-K. Penn State soil fertility management specialist Dr. Charlie White and Chief Administrative & Sustainability Officer of Phospholutions, Stephen Levitsky, join us to discuss phosphorus management, selecting fertilizers, and new high-efficiency phosphorus fertilizer technology. Hosts: Ryan Spelman and Dwane Miller, Penn State Extension Gues...
• 
  S4E16: Double Crop Soybeans 04.03.2026 56min

  Recorded: 2/23/25 Are you looking for opportunities to pack more crops into your rotation? Double crop soybeans may be for you! Double-cropping soybeans refers to growing soybeans immediately following a cereal grain crop. In this episode, we invite Dr. Carrie Knott of the University of Kentucky to discuss the agronomics of growing double-crop soybeans and the potential for double-cropping in Pennsylvania. Hosts: Ryan Spelman and Justin Brackenrich, Penn State Extension Guest: Dr...
• 
  S4E15: Sponsor Spotlight: Midwest Ag Risk Kontrol LLC 19.02.2026 19min

  Recorded: 2/6/2026 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 discuss Enforcer One fire-control systems with our sponsor, Mark Twenhafel of Midwest Ag Risk Kontrol LLC (MARK). Hosts: Ryan Spelman and Justin Brackenrich Guest(s): Mark Twenhafel Photo credit: Mark Twenhafel Links: Enforcer One Fire Demonstration Midwest Ag Risk Kontrol Sign up for our newsletter, Field Crop News, and...
• 
  S4E14: Farm Fire Safety 19.02.2026 57min

  Recorded: 1/14/2026 Spring is coming soon, and the increased use of farm equipment this time of year can increase risk of fire. In this episode, Justin and Ryan chat with Rob Nese, Assistant Fire Chief of Centre Region Fire Protection and Emergency Management, about farm fire safety. We discuss common causes of fire on-farm, fire prevention, and what to do in an emergency. Hosts: Ryan Spelman and Justin Brackenrich Guest(s): Rob Nese Photo Credit: Alpha Fire Company ...
• 
  S4E13: Reducing Costs, Increasing Profit on the Farm 05.02.2026 1t 4min

  Recorded: 1/15/2026 Are you wondering how you can reduce costs and increase profit on your commodity farm? In this episode, we tackle this question by introducing the utility of an enterprise budget and invite Clint Schroeder and Rachel Cochran, extension specialists at Ohio State and hosts of the Green Fields Green Dollars Video Series, to discuss creative production strategies to save money. Hosts: Ryan Spelman, Justin Brackenrich, and Dwane Miller Penn State Extension Gue...
• 
  S4E12: Identifying Crop Disease with the Plant Disease Clinic 21.01.2026 52min

  Recorded: 12/17/25 Plant disease can be difficult to diagnose, and thankfully, you don’t have to do it alone! In this episode, Ryan and Justin sit down with Dr. Sara May, Manager of Penn State’s Plant Disease Clinic, to discuss utilizing the clinic, identifying crop disease, and disease trends. Hosts: Ryan Spelman and Justin Brackenrich Guest: Sara May, Penn State Links: Plant Disease Clinic National Plant Diagnostic Network Photo credit: Amy Duke, Penn State Sign up for our newsletter,...
• 
  S4E11: Managing Nitrogen with Soil Organic Matter and Your Microbial Herd 06.01.2026 56min

  Recorded: 12/18/2025 Nitrogen may be one of the most mysterious nutrients that we deal with in agriculture. The dynamic elements of the nitrogen cycle make nitrogen quite a fickle nutrient in our systems. In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Richard Mulvaney of the University of Illinois to discuss how Soil Organic Matter and Microbial activity drive N availability to our crops. We also discuss the question, are we applying too much chemical N? Hosts: Ryan Spelman and Dwane Mille...
• 
  S4E10: AgrAbility, Respirator Fit Testing, and Farm Stress: Resource Episode! 18.12.2025 52min

  Recorded: 12/11/2025 With the winter meeting season fast approaching, it is a good time to highlight some of the Penn State Extension resources that will be available at meetings and conferences upcoming across the state. Linda Fetzer shares information about the AgrAbility program, Shane Williams discusses respirator fit testing, and Ginger Fenton shares Farm Stress Resources. Hosts: Ryan Spelman and Justin Brackenrich Guest(s): Linda Fetzer, Shane Williams, Ginger Fenton Photo c...
• 
  S4E9: Q&A with the Forage Team! (Part 2) 10.12.2025 28min

  Recorded: 11/17/25 In this episode, our forage team educators and specialists sit down to answer commonly asked questions about forage production. In part 2, they discuss making your last fall cutting, and early spring fertility and management. Hosts: Ryan Spelman, Justin Brackenrich, and Dwane Miller Links: Hay and Pasture Renovation Decisions Soil Fertility Management for Forage Crops: Pre-establishment Photo credit: Ryan Spelman, Penn State Extension Sign up for our newsletter...