Nitrogen management takeaways from the 2024 growing season
Jeff Vetsch, Researcher, Southern Research and Outreach Center, Waseca
Nitrogen management was very challenging for many farmers and agricultural advisors due to the extraordinary weather from November of 2023 through October of 2024. In this presentation Vetsch will share results from nitrogen research studies across southern Minnesota. He will discuss what practices worked, and which ones did not. Specific topics to be addressed include fall applications of fertilizer and manure, supplemental N application and timing, and nitrogen losses to the environment.
Weeds and career overview
Tom Hoverstad, Researcher, Southern Research and Outreach Center, Waseca
Results from U of M weed research trials and highlights of 40+ year career in agronomy research at SROC.
Cash flow planning in a challenging year
Kent Thiesse, Sr. Vice President, MinnStar Bank
This presentation will review current farm profit and cash flow trends, look ahead to cash flow and profitability for 2025, cash rental rates, and grain marketing strategies, as well as farm program analysis and crop insurance strategies. It will also include an update on progress toward a new Farm Bill, as well as information on any other important ag policy issues.
Early planting and other intensification strategies for getting more out of every soybean acre
Dr. Seth Naeve, Extension soybean agronomist
There has been a LOT of talk of very early planted soybeans in recent years. In this session we will discuss how early farmers in southern Minnesota should plant soybeans. We will discuss the size of the upside potential relative to the added risk. Finally, we will examine other opportunities to get the most out of our short summer. We will examine soybean yield penalties related to cover cropping and double cropping.
Herbicide-resistant weed management using cover crops
Dr. Debalin Sarangi, Extension weed specialist
Herbicide-resistant weeds pose a significant threat to crop production as the number of effective herbicides continues to decline. This challenge underscores the need for integrated weed management, which relies on the concept of using “many little hammers” – a diversified approach that combines multiple strategies alongside herbicide applications. Cover crops offer a promising solution by providing early-season weed control through the accumulation of biomass, effectively covering the ground in spring and suppressing weed emergence. This presentation will highlight research findings on the effectiveness of cover crops for weed management in Minnesota, providing valuable localized data to inform decision-making and improve weed control practices.
Trials and tribulations in 2024 crop disease research
Dr. Dean Malvick, Extension plant pathologist
Research studies often do not work out as expected, but we always learn something while conducting them that is directly useful or of value for the future. This research update session will provide updates on outcomes from our soybean SDS, BSR, Rhizoctonia, and white mold studies, as well as what we learned about corn tar spot in 2024. We will also briefly discuss new corn disease issues that arose this year in Minnesota.
Updates on the biology and management of soybean insect pests
Dr. Robert Koch, Extension soybean entomologist
Soybean production continues to be challenged by insect pests. Insecticide resistance continues to complicate management of soybean aphid. In addition, two new insects (soybean gall midge and soybean tentiform leafminer) have emerged as threats to this crop. This presentation will provide updates on the status of insecticide resistance in soybean aphid and results of insecticide efficacy trials. It will also provide updates on the biology and management of the new insect pests.
