Agronomists Happy Hour

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. 

The National Wheat Foundation is a non-profit organization that supports and strengthens the wheat industry in the U.S. They focus on research, education, and outreach, and their biggest program is the Wheat Yield Contest. The contest has different categories based on winter or spring wheat, dryland or irrigated, and there is also a new pilot category for digital yield measurement. The contest encourages farmers to improve their yields and learn from each other. It also highlights the importance of quality in wheat production and offers awards for top quality winners. The contest provides a platform for farmers to compete against themselves and push the boundaries of their crop's potential. The conversation discusses the National Wheat Yield Contest and the importance of both yield and quality in wheat production. The hosts and guests share insights and experiences related to the contest, including surprising yield levels in different regions, the significance of varietal choice, the impact of production practices on yield and quality, and the role of sustainability in wheat farming. They also highlight the benefits of participating in the contest, such as learning from top producers and making connections in the industry.

Carrie Miranda, an assistant professor at NDSU specializing in soybean breeding and genetics, discusses her journey into agriculture and her work in soybean breeding. She explains the importance of soybean maturity and the challenges of breeding for North Dakota's unique environment. Carrie also highlights the need for new germplasm and the potential for improving soybean yields in the state. In this part of the conversation, Carrie Miranda discusses the influence of genetics and the environment on soybean maturity and yield. She explains that while genetics play a significant role in maturity, environmental factors such as nighttime temperatures can also affect soybean maturity. Carrie's research focuses on developing soybean varieties that are 100% controlled by genetics, which would give growers more control and reduce risk. She also discusses the importance of addressing challenges such as drought, salinity, and low water conditions in soybean breeding. Carrie emphasizes the need for collaboration with farmers and the North Dakota Soybean Council to understand their needs and develop relevant traits. In this conversation, Carrie Miranda, a soybean breeder at North Dakota State University, discusses the challenges and advancements in soybean breeding. She emphasizes the importance of collaboration and communication between researchers, farmers, and other stakeholders in the soybean industry. Carrie also highlights the significance of using resistant varieties to manage soybean cyst nematode (SCN) and the benefits of crop diversity and rotation in reducing nematode populations. The conversation concludes with a discussion about the NDSU Soybean Symposium and the role of social media in sharing information about soybean breeding.

Kyle & Jason have new friends Matt Pfarr and Chase Austvold from Lallemand on for Happy Hour, a brand known for its inoculant business in the agriculture industry. They discuss their backgrounds and how they got into the field of agriculture. The conversation also touches on their experiences in college, including their involvement in wrestling and their connection to St. John's University. They also talk about the importance of family dynamics and how it shaped their lives. The episode concludes with a discussion about Lallemand’s involvement in the yeast industry and its impact on beer and bread production. Lallemand is a diverse company that operates in various areas, including human health and agriculture. It was founded by Fred Lallemand, who immigrated from Alsace to Montreal in the late 1800s. The company initially focused on yeast production for the baking industry but expanded into other areas such as wine making, probiotics, and biofuels. They have a wide range of products, including inoculants for different crops. The Rise series is a line of biofertilizers that provide nutrient benefits, while the Stop series consists of biofungicides. Lallamand is a diversified company that offers a range of products for various industries, including agriculture, brewing, baking, and biofuels. 

Spring is officially here, with the first annual weeds starting to grow. Farmers are preparing for the planting season, with some already starting to seed their fields. The weather is predicted to be dry and warm, which will impact the tillage practices. Adjuvants will be crucial for effective burndown of weeds, especially with the dusty conditions. Crop choices for the season include lentils, chickpeas, barley, canola, and soybeans. Sunflower and quinoa cultivation is limited due to market prices and weed challenges. Faba beans are a good crop option for northern regions. The conversation covers various topics related to agriculture, including the challenges of growing faba beans, the emergence of specialty crops like safflower and buckwheat, the importance of early preparation for the spring season, and the potential pest and disease issues that farmers may face. Jason and Kyle also discuss their appreciation for different types of beers, including hazy IPAs and lagers.

In this episode, Cody Lee, a technical specialist for CHS, joins the hosts to discuss the importance of adjuvants in agriculture. Everyone shares their personal experiences and stories from the field, highlighting the role of adjuvants in weed control and the challenges faced in different environmental conditions. They emphasize the need for personalized recommendations based on specific weed spectra and environmental factors. The conversation also touches on the impact of dry years on adjuvant performance and the importance of building personal relationships in the industry. The episode concludes with a discussion on the value of gaining experience and learning from mistakes. This part of the conversation focuses on the use of adjuvants in herbicide mixes and the challenges and considerations involved in selecting the right adjuvant. The complexity of the glyphosate market and the impact of adjuvants on weed control are also discussed. The economic value of adjuvants and the importance of proper stewardship practices are highlighted. The chapter concludes with a discussion on the use of adjuvants for specific crops and weeds. In this conversation, the speakers discuss various aspects of adjuvants in agriculture. They talk about the different adjuvants used in the past and how the industry has evolved. They also share their favorite adjuvants and discuss the importance of humectancy in different environments. They emphasize the role of stewardship in adjuvant selection and highlight the value of practical experience. They also touch on unrelated topics such as the success of Velva's football program and the popularity of Dot's Pretzels. The conversation concludes with a discussion on the importance of learning from others and seeking advice from technical specialists.

In this episode, Naeem Kalwar, an extension soil health specialist, discusses his background and work in soil science. He shares his journey from Pakistan to Canada and eventually joining NDSU. Naeem also provides insights into agriculture in Pakistan, including the different provinces and crops grown. The conversation highlights the importance of sampling depth in soil fertility and the impact of salinity on crop growth. Naeem emphasizes the need to focus on the top six inches of soil and shares his experiences in reducing salinity levels. The conversation explores the unique soil research project that has been ongoing since 2014, focusing on soil salinity and sodicity. The factors affecting soil salinity levels, such as weather patterns and tile drainage, are discussed. The distinction between soil salinity and sodicity is explained, along with the importance of sampling and testing for accurate analysis. Naeem also covers options for treating unproductive areas with high salinity and sodicity, as well as the different methods used in soil testing to identify these issues. This conversation explores the accuracy of lab tests and the different methods used for soil testing. It delves into the identification and effects of sodicity issues on soil and plants. The importance of accurate testing and the prevalence of soil issues across different counties are discussed. The impact of salinity and high exchangeable magnesium on soil structure is examined, along with the effectiveness of tiling as a solution. The conversation also covers the chemical remediation of soil issues and the planting of salt-tolerant grasses. The importance of deep soil sampling and collaboration among experts is emphasized.

If you made it this far and want to watch our conversation: find this conversation on youtube @ https://youtu.be/IRSoKIDUDfU