Agronomy Highlights

S3E29: Specialty Grain Spotlight: Hard Red Winter Wheat

Recorded: 4/19/2021Looking to grow something different? We go back to the archives for a conversation between Dr. Heidi Reed and Dr. Wade Thomason, former Grain Crop Specialist with Virginia Tech and current head of the Department of Plant and Soil Sciences at Oklahoma State University, about growing hard red winter wheat. They discuss the characteristics, uses, and breeding goals of hard red winter wheat, as well as the challenges faced by growers in adapting this crop to the region.  Hosts: Ryan Spelman and Heidi Reed, Penn State ExtensionGuest: Wade Thomason, Oklahoma State UniversityLinks:Heritage and Alternative WheatSign up for our newsletter, Field Crop News, and follow us on Facebook!

S3E28: Emerging Technology: Improving Pennsylvania Forage Systems

Recorded: 6/23/2025What does the future hold for forage production in Pennsylvania? In this episode, Ryan and Justin are joined by Dr. Guojie Wang, Penn State Extension forage specialist and director of the forage systems lab, to discuss his vision for improving forage systems in the state. Dr. Wang shares his ongoing and upcoming research efforts, including diversifying the corn silage and ryelage production system, revisiting the alfalfa agronomic management practices in Pennsylvania, and improving tall fescue variety selection.  Hosts: Ryan Spelman and Justin Brackenrich, Penn State ExtensionGuest: Dr. Guojie Wang, Penn State Links:2024 Agronomy Research ReportPhoto credit: Ryan Spelman, Penn State ExtensionSign up for our newsletter, Field Crop News, and follow us on Facebook!

S3E27: Mid-Season Check-In: Wheat Condition, Tar Spot, PA Yield Contests

Recorded: 6/27/25As wheat is being harvested across Pennsylvania, and corn and soybean development is well under way, Ryan and Justin take some time to check in with our army of experts on some timely topics. Dr. Heidi Reed joins to share findings from this year’s wheat crop condition tour, Dr. Alyssa Collins gives us updated scouting and management advice for corn tar spot, and Andrew Frankenfield promotes Pennsylvania’s corn and soybean yield contests.  Hosts: Ryan Spelman and Justin Brackenrich, Penn State ExtensionGuest: Heidi Reed, Alyssa Collins, and Andrew Frankenfield, Penn State ExtensionLinks:2025 Wheat Tour Predicts Average Yeilds and QualityUpdated 2025 Fungicide Efficacy TablesAn Overview of Tar SpotNew Crop Risk Tool Enhances Disease Management DecisionsDisease Severity and Insect Defoliation TrainingPA Soybean Yield ContestPhoto credit: Ryan Spelman, Penn State ExtensionSign up for our newsletter, Field Crop News, and follow us on Facebook!

S3E26:What Can a Certified Crop Adviser Do for You?

Recorded: 6/1/25Are you a farmer looking for information about finding a qualified crop consultant? Maybe you are interested in becoming a Certified Crop Adviser (CCA) yourself. In this episode, Ryan and Justin sit down with CCA’s Dean Collamer and Lew Frame to talk about the CCA program.  They discuss what a certified crop adviser does, the value of the certification, the requirements of the certification, and the value to the farmer. Hosts: Ryan Spelman and Justin Brackenrich, Penn State ExtensionGuest: Dean Collamer, Growmark FS, and Lew Frame, TeamAgLinks:Get CertifiedFind a ProfessionalCertified Crop Adviser ExamsCertified Crop Adviser ApplicationPennsylvania Certified Crop Adviser Study GuidePhoto credit: Mike Houtz, Penn State ExtensionSign up for our newsletter, Field Crop News, and follow us on Facebook!

S3E25: Post-Wheat Cover Cropping and Herbicide Considerations

Recorded: 6/5/2025Winter cover cropping has become commonplace across Pennsylvania; however, few are making the best use of summer cover crops following wheat harvest. In this episode, Ryan and Justin talk to Dr. Heidi Reed about cover crop options and best management practices after wheat harvest. Dr. Dwight Lingenfelter also joins us to discuss considerations for herbicide use in wheat when followed by a cover crop.  Hosts: Ryan Spelman and Justin Brackenrich, Penn State ExtensionGuest: Dwight Lingenfelter, Penn State ExtensionLinks:Cover Crop Establishment and Burndown HerbicidesDouble-Crop Soybeans: Weed Management ConsiderationsGive us your feedback!Photo credit: Ryan SpelmanSign up for our newsletter, Field Crop News, and follow us on Facebook!