Ag Now Podcast Dave Deken, AgNow

Dr. Ferrell emphasizes the significance of having a plan in place for the transition of farm ownership from one generation to the next. With the average U.S. farm and ranch holding assets worth approximately $1.2 million, it is essential to retain the integrity of these assets during the succession process. However, statistics indicate that only about 30% of farms and ranches successfully transfer ownership to the next generation while keeping the asset base intact.

Narrow Rows and Variety Selection: Keys to Soybean Yield

There has been a shift towards prioritizing soybean planting due to its resilience to less ideal conditions, such as colder and wetter weather, compared to corn.

Dr. Lindsey helps us understand why the optimal planting window for soybeans in Ohio, which is typically between mid-April to mid-May, and why weather limitations impact planting schedules.

She also shares the importance of variety selection in soybean production, focusing on yield potential and disease resistance to address specific challenges like seedling diseases and foliar diseases.

She tells us about the "Battle for the Belt" project, comparing corn and soybean yields based on planting dates, and the surprising outcomes that challenge conventional planting recommendations.

Finally, the potential for double cropping soybeans in Ohio, mainly south of I-70, and the considerations for producers looking to adopt soybean farming or improve their soybean yields.

Exploring the Complex World of Alfalfa Production

Joseph Sagers, with the University of Idaho Extension, brings his extensive knowledge of alfalfa production to this episode of the AgNow Roundup.
With a deep understanding of the agricultural challenges and opportunities in Idaho, Sagers dives into the nuances of alfalfa cultivation, a crop pivotal to the dairy and livestock industries not just in Idaho, but across the nation.
He sheds light on the environmental, soil, and management factors that make alfalfa a unique and valuable crop.

In our conversation, we uncover the intricate details of alfalfa production, from variety selection to overcoming environmental challenges.

Specifically:

The critical role of environmental conditions in Idaho that favor alfalfa growth, including low humidity and the unique day-night temperature variations.

How soil types and pH levels in Idaho contribute to alfalfa's success, and the importance of avoiding waterlogged conditions for optimal growth.

The benefits and challenges of multiple cuttings per season, including the timing for planting and the impact of seasonal changes on alfalfa's dormancy and yield.

Insights into the autotoxicity of alfalfa, which prevents new alfalfa growth in existing fields, and strategies for crop rotation and reseeding.

Management practices for nutrient application, emphasizing alfalfa's need for phosphorus and potassium over nitrogen.

Effective strategies for controlling weed and insect pressures, including the use of specific herbicides and the importance of early management.

The emerging threat of voles in Idaho and the limited options for control, highlighting the need for ongoing research and innovative solutions.

Guidelines for selecting alfalfa varieties tailored to specific environmental and management conditions, with a nod to the resources provided by the National Alfalfa and Forage Alliance.

Join us as Joseph Sagers takes us through the complexities of alfalfa production, offering valuable insights for farmers and agricultural professionals looking to optimize their alfalfa yields and contribute to the thriving dairy and livestock sectors.
Whether you're a seasoned alfalfa grower or new to the field, this episode is packed with practical advice and expert knowledge to help you succeed.

In just ten short weeks we learned about nine crops produced across 12 states, feeding and clothing billions of people around the world!
Take a listen and see what we learned this season!

Sunflower production flourishes in the United States because it's a hearty plant that thrives in parts of the Great Plains, and that is because of the region's abundant sunlight and well-suited soils.
Most of the nation's sunflowers are grown across the upper Great Plains, and today we're talking about sunflower production across the panhandle of Nebraska with Dr. Cody Creech with the University of Nebraska.

Meteorologist Matt Makens says almost every state in the lower 48 has the potential of freezing temperatures in the coming week.
He also shows us how much rain the south could receive this week.

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We’re talking with Dr. Johnathan Kleinjan with South Dakota State University about soybean production in the northern Great Plains and his research on planting dates and how it impacts yields.
Dr. Kleinjan also discusses a research project he is a part of looking into biological seed treatments.

Meteorologist Matt Makens shows us who should receive rain and show this week.
He also shows us how soil temperatures are changing across the country and who can expect freezing soil temperatures in the coming week.