Corn Belt Conversations

Dr. Kevin Folta, Science Educator and Professor of Horticulture Sciences with the University of Florida - Gainesville, joins me to talk about genetically modified crops: what are they, how do they work, what's coming in the next few years, and why are they safe?

Doug Hensley, President of Real Estate Services at Hertz Farm Management, joins us to talk about what’s been happening in the farmland market over the past year and discusses the primary factors driving land values and lease trends.

Dr. Erin Hodgson, Extension Entomologist with Iowa State University, joins us to provide an update on some of the field crop insect research being conducted at ISU. Topics include parasitic nematode control for corn rootworm, aphids, soybean gall midge, and an update on Bt field resistance identified in a few European corn borer populations.

Dr. Trent Ford, IL State Climatologist, joins me to recap the 2024 growing season and give his insight on what to expect with regard to the short and long-term Midwest weather outlook.

Dr. Arti Singh, Associate Professor in Plant Breeding at Iowa State University, joins me to talk about her work on multiple apps that can help identify and recommend management on multiple plant stresses. We also discuss other AI applications in agriculture as well as where the future of this technology is heading.

Dr Erin Hodgson, Professor and Extension Entomologist with Iowa State University, joins me to give an update on corn rootworm, corn borer, aphids, soybean gall midge, and much more!

Dr. Alison Robertson, Professor and Extension Field Crops Pathologist at Iowa State University, joins me to provide an update on the disease outlook for the 2024 growing season. We cover a wide range of diseases as well as her insight into fungicide applications.

Dr. Emerson Nafziger, retired professor at the University of Illinois, joins me to talk about delayed planting and replant considerations as we move into June during the wet 2024 planting season.

Jean Brokish, Deputy Director for the Midwest Region with American Farmland Trust, joins me to talk about the ins and outs of carbon markets - what they are, how they work, and things to consider before signing up. For more information check out:

https://farmlandinfo.org/publications/top-10-things-ag-carbon-markets/

https://ilsustainableag.org/programs/ecomarkets/

https://www.mda.state.mn.us/sites/default/files/inline-files/Carbon%20Market%20Guide_FINAL%2012.23.22.pdf