Agronomists Happy Hour

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

This weeks happy hour takes us to The Shack in North Fargo with Andrew Green and Mory Rugg. Our conversation delves into Andrew's  journey in wheat breeding, influenced by his background and experiences, and discusses the agricultural tasks undertaken in the off-season to enhance wheat characteristics through his breeding efforts. 

This week for happy hour, Mory Rugg, a wheat breeder, discusses his background and career in wheat breeding. He also talks about the challenges and advancements in hybrid wheat breeding. The conversation transitions to his current role at Arthur Companies and the opportunities for vertical integration and IP programs. The importance of variety selection and regional adaptation is highlighted, along with a discussion on wheat stem sawfly. Overall, the episode provides insights into the world of wheat breeding and the significance of wheat as a crop. In this conversation, Mory Rugg, a wheat breeder, discusses various aspects of wheat breeding and the importance of naming and numbering wheat varieties. He emphasizes the significance of profitability and the impact of step change varieties. Mory also shares his journey to becoming a wheat breeder and the challenges involved in the breeding process. He highlights the need for agronomic focus and the potential future developments in wheat breeding. The conversation concludes with a beer banter, where Mory and the hosts share their beer choices.

Angie Johnson, the Farm and Ranch Safety Coordinator for NDSU Extension, is our guest on this week’s happy hour. Angie discusses the importance of farm safety education and her role in promoting it. She shares her background and journey to her current position, as well as the focus groups she works with, including youth farm safety programs. Angie emphasizes the value of hands-on learning and practical skills, such as teaching kids how to use a tourniquet and proper hand signals. She also highlights the need for clear communication and the importance of prioritizing safety for kids on the farm. The conversation concludes with a discussion on farm safety statistics and incidences. The conversation with Angie Johnson covers various topics related to farm safety. The underreporting of agricultural injuries is highlighted as a challenge due to the lack of a federal reporting system for small farm operations. Tractor safety is identified as a major concern, with tractor-related injuries being the number one cause of injury based on trauma center data. The discussion also touches on the dangers of grain bins, the importance of aging on the farm programs, and the need for adult farm worker training. The episode concludes with information about sponsorship opportunities for the farm safety camp and the extension's social media presence.

This conversation discusses the recent Arizona federal court ruling that restricts the sale and use of over-the-top dicamba products in soybeans. Jason and Kyle recap the recent agronomy on ice event and the success of the event despite adverse weather conditions. They delve into the details of the ruling and its implications for the soybean market and weed control strategies. The increased cost of alternative herbicides is also discussed. The hosts emphasize the importance of pre-emergence burn down and explore alternative modes of action for weed control. They highlight the significance of crop rotation and cover crops in managing weed populations. The need for regulation and consequences for breaking rules is addressed, and the hosts express their concerns about the impact of the ruling on the industry. In this episode, Jason and Kyle discuss the regulation of Dicamba and the potential impact on agricultural practices. They mention the possibility of Dicamba being classified as a restricted use product and emphasize the importance of being good stewards of weed and pest control tools. 

Summary

In this episode, the hosts introduce Rob Proulx,  Agriculture Technology System Specialist at NDSU. They discuss the importance of spray conditions and the concept of Delta T. Rob shares his analysis of spray conditions in North Dakota over a three-year period, highlighting the impact of wind and Delta T on pesticide efficacy. The conversation also touches on the potential for integrating Delta T information into spray records and the challenges of data analysis in agronomy. Finally, Rob explains the different aspects of his role as an Agriculture Technology System Specialist and his focus on precision agriculture and sprayer systems.  He also explores the role of a precision agronomist and the importance of bringing together different disciplines in precision agriculture. The conversation delves into the value of collaboration between extension programs and private businesses, as well as the exciting potential of spot sprayers and the intersection of agronomics and operations. The episode concludes with a discussion on the impact of artificial intelligence in agriculture and how to connect with Rob Proulx. Find Robs video on Delta-T and socials here: https://linktr.ee/robproulx

In this episode, Kyle and Jason discuss their personal updates, including Kyle's new baby and Jason's son's engagement. They also talk about the winter weather and ice conditions, as well as the various winter meetings and workshops they attended. They highlight the NDSU Wild World of Weeds Workshop and the FarmQA meeting, discussing the key takeaways and features of each event. The conversation covers various topics related to agriculture, technology, and upcoming events. Kyle and Jason discuss the use of technology in agriculture and the benefits it brings to farmers.  The hosts also mention upcoming events and meetings they will be attending. They conclude the conversation by expressing their appreciation for the FarmQA tool and discussing homemade beer.

Summary

• Quality soil sampling is crucial for accurate results and meaningful maps.
• Understanding soil taxonomy can provide valuable insights into soil characteristics and behavior.
• The SoilWeb app is a useful tool for accessing soil data and information in the field.
• Creating patches or badges for soil samplers can be a fun way to recognize achievements and build camaraderie.
• Soil sampling vehicles often face challenges and misfortunes, but they are an integral part of the soil sampling process. Soil samplers face various mechanical issues and challenges during the sampling season.
• Highlights of the soil sampling season include trips with colleagues, successful mapping, and the camaraderie among soil samplers.
• Soil sampling can be physically demanding, leading to back and shoulder issues.
• Explaining soil sampling to others can be challenging, but it is important to educate people about its significance in agriculture.
• Beer plays a role in the soil sampling culture, but it is important to choose the right type of beer to avoid impairing work.
• Cleaning and maintaining soil sampling equipment is essential for efficient sampling.
• A soil samplers meetup could be a fun and educational event for farmers and others interested in soil sampling.
• The experiences and challenges of soil sampling have the potential to make for an entertaining reality TV show. Soil sampling provides valuable data that is essential for making informed decisions in agriculture.
• Craft breweries play an important role in local economies and should be supported.
• The hosts express their passion and enjoyment for soil sampling and the conversations it sparks.
• The hosts appreciate the support and engagement of their listeners and look forward to the new year.

Summary

In this conversation, Jeff Jackson discusses various aspects of alfalfa production. He emphasizes the importance of going back to the basics, such as soil fertility, variety selection, bug control, and weed control. Jeff also highlights the significance of soil pH and the impact it has on alfalfa growth. He explains the role of sulfur in alfalfa production and the benefits of using ammonium sulfate in the spring. Overall, this conversation provides valuable insights into the key factors that contribute to successful alfalfa production. This conversation covers various topics related to alfalfa production, including the role of fertility, the importance of monitoring and rotating stands, measuring yield and profitability, differences between beef and dairy production, the use of forage sorghum, the versatility of triticale, the benefits of crop rotation and soil health, the importance of pest management, the influence of social media, and Jeff Jackson's iconic hat. 

Takeaways

• Going back to the basics is crucial in alfalfa production
• Soil pH plays a significant role in alfalfa growth and should be carefully managed
• Sulfur is an essential nutrient for alfalfa and should be considered in fertility programs
• Ammonium sulfate can be beneficial in providing readily available nitrogen in the spring Understanding the role of fertility is crucial for successful alfalfa production.
• Regular monitoring and rotation of alfalfa stands can help maintain plant health and maximize yield.
• Measuring yield and profitability is essential for making informed decisions in alfalfa production.
• There are differences in management practices between beef and dairy alfalfa production.
• Forage sorghum and triticale offer alternative options for forage production.
• Crop rotation is important for soil health and pest management in alfalfa production.
• Social media can be a valuable tool for sharing information and connecting with others in the forage industry.
• Jeff Jackson's hat has become an iconic symbol of his brand and expertise in the forage industry. Beer preferences can vary greatly among individuals.
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Chapters

00:00
Introduction and Background

03:14
The Importance of Basics in Alfalfa Production

10:00
Hot Topics in Alfalfa Production

20:28
The Role of Soil pH in Alfalfa Production

25:21
The Role of Sulfur in Alfalfa Production

30:38
Different Types of Ammonium Sulfate

35:29
The Benefits of Ammonium Sulfate in Spring

37:35
The Role of Fertility in Alfalfa Production

39:12
The Importance of Monitoring and Rotating Alfalfa Stands

41:39
Measuring Yield and Profitability in Alfalfa Production

42:46
Differences Between Beef and Dairy Alfalfa Production

43:24
The Role of Rotation in Alfalfa Management

44:17
The Use of Forage Sorghum in Beef and Dairy Production

49:36
The Versatility of Triticale as a Forage Crop

52:34
The Benefits of Crop Rotation and Soil Health

57:24
The Importance of Pest Management in Alfalfa Production

01:03:58
The Influence of Social Media in the Forage Industry

01:08:38
The Significance of the Hat in Jeff Jackson's Brand

01:14:06
Happy Hour: What Jeff Jackson is Drinking

01:14:32
Discussion about Beer Preferences

01:15:09
Different Tastes in Beer

01:16:01
Supporting Local Producers

01:16:29
Preference for Quality over Quantity

01:17:03
Drinking Habits and Mixing Drinks

01:18:02
Reviewing Beers Tried

01:20:23
Sharing a Funny Video

01:22:14
Animated Videos and Toning It Down

01:23:11
Closing Remarks

Trusted Advisor Program, NDSU Pesticide Recertification, Bayer Consultants Panel, Prairie Grains Conference, and Beer. Sounds like happy hour to us!