This weeks happy hour is with Reggie Strickland, who farms in eastern North Carolina near the town of Mt. Olive (yes the same Mt. Olive you see on the pickle jar in your fridge). Reggie shares about the lasting impacts of hurricanes to farming and surrounding communities. As we go further into conversation we get to learn more about their farm of corn, soybeans, pickling cucumbers, sweet potatoes, tobacco, swine, and turkeys. 

In this episode, guests Kelsey and Paisley VanOverbeke discuss their experiences in agriculture, particularly focusing on forages and alfalfa management. They explore the dynamics of family farming, the challenges faced in the industry, and the importance of teamwork in managing large-scale operations. The conversation delves into the growth of dairy farming in their area, the intricacies of crop management, pest identification, and the significance of irrigation and cutting schedules for alfalfa crops. The episode highlights the evolving landscape of agriculture, and the commitment required to succeed in this field. In this engaging conversation, Kelsey and Paisley share their experiences and preferences in fishing and hunting, discuss the importance of food plot management, and delve into innovative crop trials that enhance agricultural practices. They emphasize the significance of nutrient management in alfalfa production and the balance between tonnage and quality in crop production. The discussion also highlights the role of family in agriculture, showcasing how children can be involved and learn from their parents' work in the field. The episode concludes with reflections on the future of agriculture and the importance of relationships within the industry.

We start out Season 5 of the Agronomists Happy Hour with Ag With Emma. We have a good BS session with her as we learn just some of her story; from harvest crews, to working on the farm, to now some work in agronomy. 

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.