Agronomists Happy Hour

The conversation revolves around the experiences of the Jason, Kyle and the rest of the Montana Mafia with their soil sampling pickups. They discuss the unique features and challenges of their vehicles, including the placement of the hydraulic cylinder, the comfort of the seats, and the condition of the air conditioning. They also touch on the different regulations and practices for soil sampling in different states. Everyone shares their personal experiences and offer advice for setting up a soil sampling pickup. Overall, the conversation provides insights into the practical aspects of soil sampling and the importance of having a well-equipped and comfortable vehicle. During this part of the conversation, the hosts discuss the practical aspects of soil sampling in the field. They talk about the features of Kyle's truck that make soil sampling more efficient, such as the probe holder, bucket holders, and color-organized buckets. They also mention the usefulness of the magnetic cup holder and the quick turn knob for driving between sampling points. The hosts highlight the importance of having the right tools for different soil conditions, such as using slotted probes for dry soil and smaller holes for compacted soil. They also discuss the characteristics of the soil in Montana, describing it as gritty, flowery, and fluffy. The conversation concludes with a discussion about the enjoyable aspects of the trip, including the camaraderie, the scenic views, and the beer selection. The conversation revolves around the experience of soil sampling in Montana, highlighting the challenges and fun moments. The participants discuss the difficulties of navigating unfamiliar terrain, encountering deer skulls and barbed wire, and dealing with different soil types. They also praise the GK FieldMapper app for its ease of use and efficiency in collecting and managing soil samples. The conversation concludes with a discussion of the camaraderie and enjoyment of the Montana soil sampling experience. The conversation concludes with the Mafia reflecting on their experience soil sampling in Montana. They share their favorite moments, including loading up the equipment in the farmer's side by side and sampling on a pivot. They discuss the camaraderie and fun they had working together and the valuable lessons they learned. The Mafia also jokes about creating a reality TV show based on their soil sampling adventures. Overall, they express their love for soil sampling and the enjoyment they find in the process.

In this conversation, Sam Markell and Wade Webster from NDSU Extension discuss the shift in soybean diseases over the years and the importance of disease management. They highlight the emergence of diseases like soybean cyst nematode (SCN), sudden death syndrome (SDS), and frog eye leaf spot. They explain the biology of these diseases and how they interact with each other. The conversation also touches on the impact of weather conditions, the importance of scouting, and the need for resistant varieties and seed treatments. In this conversation, Wade Webster and Sam Markell discuss various soybean diseases, including sudden death syndrome (SDS) and brown stem rot. They explain the symptoms and diagnostics of these diseases, as well as the environmental conditions that favor their development. They also touch on the importance of seed treatments for managing SDS and the potential for extending the lifespan of seed treatments in the future. The conversation concludes with a discussion on other crop diseases, such as rust in dry beans and sunflowers.

This week we have Kevin Gillespie on for happy hour, Kevin is the ND/SD regional rep for Redekop and we get the chance to discuss their straw and weed management units for combines and their importance 

In this conversation, Kyle and Jason discuss the ongoing challenges and planning involved in agriculture. They talk about the importance of soil sampling, residue management, rotation planning, and the need to make informed decisions for the next cropping year. They also touch on topics like weed control, fertility management, and the potential impact of weather conditions on crop yields. The conversation emphasizes the need for comprehensive planning and attention to detail in order to maximize productivity and mitigate risks.

This week Cory Palm stops over for happy hour and we talk about his business Pro Ag Solutions and how drones play into his business. Lots of great info in this for anyone looking to own and operate a drone for ag spraying. 

If you are a farmer, retailer, or consultant who helps make decisions on crops affected by white mold (Soybean & Dry Beans in particular), buckle up! Because this episode Michael Wunsch, plant pathologist stationed at the NDSU Carrington research extension station provides a great level of context that accompanies the loads of data available from his group on the topic. This is surely an episode you'll not want to miss.

If you want to find data from Michael's applied research, click the link below:
https://www.ndsu.edu/agriculture/ag-hub/research-extension-centers-recs/carrington-rec/research/plant-pathology

Another great resource to make note of is his white mold management video on you tube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zRJJmFU9kNI&list=PLSOmVfcVwGi1MWPK5I6q5nS3Ok2Gb0bpm&index=6

Lastly, if you would like to personally reach out to Michael and ask him anything regarding his knowledge on these topics he can be reached at [email protected] Office# 701.652.2951

The conversation this week covers a wide range of topics related to agronomy so buckle up! Topics include scouting, agronomist consulting, field agronomy, crop consulting, soil types, crop coverage, rainfall impact, pre-emergence application, nutrient deficiencies, and crop growth transitions. Discussion on the challenges and observations related to crop management, soil conditions, and the impact of weather on crop development. 

More on NAGC testing for Kochia: https://genotypingcenter.com/product/kochia/

In this conversation, Kyle & Jason interview Joe Ikley and Zach Bateson about herbicide resistance testing in weeds. They discuss the work being done at the National Agricultural Genotyping Center (NAGC) in Fargo, North Dakota, and the importance of collaboration between different entities in the agricultural industry. They also talk about the process of testing for herbicide resistance, including target site mutations and non-target site mechanisms. The conversation highlights the need for accurate and timely testing services to help farmers and agronomists make informed decisions about weed management. In this part of the conversation, Zack and Joe discuss the process of collecting and testing weed samples for herbicide resistance. They talk about the importance of receiving a large number of samples to generate data and identify new target site genes. They also mention a project they worked on to test pigweed samples for resistance to different herbicides. Zack explains the high throughput capabilities of their lab and the need for blinded testing. They also discuss the process of collecting and sending in samples for testing, including the availability of free testing for North Dakota residents and the ability to test samples from outside the state for a fee. The conversation explores the importance of proactive detection and management of herbicide resistance in weeds. The speakers discuss the limitations of relying on a single tool for weed management and emphasize the need for preventative detection methods. They highlight the challenges of testing soil samples for pathogens and the importance of targeted soil collection. The conversation then shifts to the discovery of group 14 herbicide resistance in kosher and the collaborative efforts to study and understand this resistance. The speakers stress the importance of diagnostic testing and the need for multi-pronged approaches to weed management.

Key Takeaways From Our Discussion With Joe

Mycorrhizal fungi play a crucial role in plant development and nutrient uptake, and inoculating crops with mycorrhizae can potentially enhance yield and nutrient efficiency.

Trichoderma fungi have the ability to combat fusarium diseases and increase the heat in hot peppers, offering potential benefits in crop production.

Measuring microbial populations in the soil is challenging, but tests like PLFA and B-Crop can provide insights into the presence and diversity of microbes.

Inoculating cover crops with mycorrhizae may help establish a beneficial microbial network in the soil, improving soil health and crop performance.

Different farming practices, such as cover cropping and no-till, can have a significant impact on soil biology, with fields that have been managed with regenerative practices often showing higher levels of biological activity. Comparing different farming practices on a farm scale is crucial for understanding their impact on soil health and nutrient availability.

Rainfall plays a significant role in soil biology and nutrient cycling.

The Haney test can be a useful tool for assessing nitrogen levels in the soil and making informed decisions about side-dress applications.

Interpreting test results requires experience and an understanding of field conditions. Nitrogen is more complicated than carbon due to its mobility, and measuring carbon in the soil is challenging.

Cover cropping can significantly improve organic matter and soil health, even on a small hobby farm.

Planting early maturity soybeans can create opportunities for cover cropping and nitrogen fixation.

Data-driven decision-making is crucial in agriculture, and challenging conventional norms can lead to innovative practices.

In this episode, the Holy Pokers discuss the essentials for scouting crops, including clothing, tools, and snacks. They share their personal experiences and preferences for staying comfortable and protected while in the field.