The Field Guide Podcast

University of Minnesota Extension
  • 0.0 (0)
  • Natural Sciences

Hosted by Claire LaCanne and Nathan Drewitz, The Field Guide is a series of conversations on the challenges currently facing local agricultural producers. Through discussions with local growers and industry professionals along with deep dives into the issues with specialists in Extension; let us serve as your source of information for solutions from those tackling today’s farming challenges.

  1. 07/18/2022

    Episode 19 - The Future of Soil Health with Tim Little

    We continue our conversation with Tim Little focusing on his soil health practices. We talk about the changes in soil health that he has experienced since changing his tillage practices. We cover his goals for Integrated Pest Management practices and how he manages the risks associated with cover cropping. He finishes with some advice for anyone looking to get into cover cropping.

  2. 06/20/2022

    Episode 18 - A History of Soil Conservation Practices with Tim Little

    We talk with Tim Little about the history of his farm and what drove his adoption of conservation practices. Join us as we go into detail on why he adopted conservation practices. We also get into which of his practices have changed over time and what level of success he has attained with these practices.

  3. 05/31/2022

    Episode 17 - Cover Crops, Forage Options, and Solar Panels

    We finish our conversation with Dan and Erin Honken of Honken Farms. Join us as we dive deeper into a discussion on forages and cover crop use, manure management, and solar panels. We learn more about covers as forages and how they manage sweet corn silage during the winter. We also get into flower production and how that relates to their manure management. Finally, we discuss their solar panels and 36-foot houseboat.

  4. 04/25/2022

    Episode 16 - Cover Crops and Pasture Management

    We join Dan and Erin Honken on their farm to discuss their farm history and practices. We dive into their approach to their soil health practices and forage management. We also get into different cover cropping practices and how they utilize these covers on-farm. We end our discussion with their experience growing Kernza and what they've learned about this emerging crop.

  5. 01/17/2022

    Episode 15 - Introducing our Newest Guest Host

    In this episode: Shane Bugeja is introduced as the first guest host of the podcast. We discuss his Extension projects in Blue Earth and Le Sueur counties. We will also cover some of his favorite topics related to Entomology, trees, soil health, and the importance of carbon in soils. We also get into Integrated Pest Management and some of the pest issues of concern from the 2021 growing season.

  6. 12/27/2021

    Episode 14 - Farming Practice Highlights with the Purfeerst Family

    We return to Jim, Mark, and Matt Purfeerst’s farm to take a deeper dive into their farming practices. Learn more about Vertical and No-tillage, tile drains, and cover cropping. We also talk a little about different cover crops species, which includes the use of African cabbage, and how they utilize the different covers as alternative forages. We end with a rigorous discussion on the return on investment of soil health practices and a new take on the definition of soil health.

  7. 12/13/2021

    Episode 13 - Business Partnerships, Spreadsheets, and Tillage Practices with Jim, Mark, and Matt Purfeerst

    We join Jim Purfeerst and his two sons on their farm to discuss the history of their farm and farming practices. Dive into the history of their farm and their progression into different tillage and cover crop practices. We also touch on many of the challenges and reasons behind changing their practices to improve soil health.

  8. 10/25/2021

    Episode 12 - A New Host Approaches

    In this episode, we speak with Mike Cruise about his future plans and new position with the Minnesota Department of Agriculture. We then welcome Claire LaCanne as the new host for the podcast. Claire covers her research experiences with insects and tillage systems. She also covers her definition of sustainable agriculture and what she hopes to bring to the podcast.

See All (19)

About

Hosted by Claire LaCanne and Nathan Drewitz, The Field Guide is a series of conversations on the challenges currently facing local agricultural producers. Through discussions with local growers and industry professionals along with deep dives into the issues with specialists in Extension; let us serve as your source of information for solutions from those tackling today’s farming challenges.

Information

  • Creator
    University of Minnesota Extension
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2022
  • Episodes
    19
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Regents of the University of Minnesota
  • Show Website
    The Field Guide Podcast