Minnesota CropCast

In Episode #72 of MN Cropcast, hosts Seth Naeve and David Nicolai sit down with Tony Licht from Premier Crop Systems to discuss how turning raw field data into actionable economic insights can support farm profitability and risk management.

Founded in 1999 and based in West Des Moines, Iowa, Premier Crop Systems operates as an independent agronomy and software company. Unaffiliated with seed, chemical, or equipment sales, Premier Crop works behind the scenes with ag retailers, co-ops, and independent advisors across the Midwest to power white-labeled precision ag programs.

Episode Highlights

• Tying Economics to Agronomics: Premier Crop integrates soil sampling, application records, weather data, and yield monitor layers to better visualize return on investment. Farmers can analyze cost per bushel and evaluate hybrid performance based on profit margin rather than yield alone.
• Targeted Input Strategies: Rather than applying flat-rate strategies across all acres, precision software helps growers segregate fields into distinct productivity zones. High-yielding ground may receive optimized variable-rate seeding and nutrient prescriptions, while lower-yielding areas might receive adjusted inputs to manage operational risk and preserve profit.
• Data Ownership & Anonymous Benchmarking: Premier Crop’s system enables regional, anonymous data pooling so farmers can benchmark yield, hybrid selection, and their own productivity zones against peers while maintaining ownership of their data.
• Centralizing Farm Data: Licht emphasizes that establishing a central "data warehouse" is the essential first step for growers looking to make more analytical, evidence-based decisions on seed selection, fall fertility, and field-level budgeting.

Tune in to Episode #72 of MN Cropcast on Transistor or your preferred podcast platform for an inside look at modern precision ag decision-making from a behind-the-scenes industry leader.

In this episode of MN CropCast, hosts Dave Nicolai and Dr. Seth Naeve sit down with Dr. Shaun Casteel, Soybean Agronomist at Purdue University. While our agronomic discussion covered a lot of ground, we didn't quite get around to asking whether Boilermakers actually use the term "Hoosier State" when talking about Indiana. We’ll have to tackle that pressing issue in a future episode!

Key Episode Highlights

• The Road to Purdue: While he misses his summers walking beans on his childhood farm in Illinois, Shaun has been helping Indiana producers maximize their yields since 2009. We discuss how his graduate research at NC State laid the foundation for his current work in soil fertility.
• An Interest in Sulfur (S): Dr. Casteel wasn't always strictly focused on sulfur, but diagnosing stubborn yield limitations in soybeans led him directly to this important and elusive nutrient.
• Identifying S Deficiencies: Discover the unique challenges of pinpointing sulfur-responsive fields and why early-planted soybeans might serve as excellent indicators for lower sulfur availability.
• Impact of Recent Floods: Dr. Casteel breaks down a tough growing season marked by heavy early-summer rains and repeated torrential downpours in August. With streams breaching their banks and fields drowning out, Indiana will likely fall short of the USDA's early-month forecast of 62 bushels per acre.
• Moving Forward with Data: Hear how the Purdue crops team plans to ground-truth remote-sensed data to evaluate the fate of late-flooded fields, keeping a close eye on plant diseases and the overall impact on crop quality and yield.

Want More Indiana Ag?

If you are interested in diving deeper into Indiana crops, be sure to check out the Purdue Crop Chat podcast at: www.hoosieragtoday.com/podcast/purdue-crop-chat/

Join us for another great MN CropCast to learn about top-tier researchers and the crops shaping their regions. Listen today!

In this episode of MN CropCast, hosts Dave Nuclei and Dr. Seth Naeve sit down with Bryce Nelson, a veteran independent crop consultant and the current president of the Minnesota Independent Crop Consultants Association (MNICCA).

With over four decades of boots-on-the-ground experience serving southern Minnesota and northern Iowa, Bryce shares his unique perspective on how the crop consulting industry has shifted to meet the demands of modern agriculture.

Key Highlights from the Episode:

●      The True Meaning of Independence: Bryce explains the strict philosophy behind MICCA. By remaining completely separate from product sales, independent consultants act as unbiased advocates focused solely on maximizing the farmer's return on investment.

●      Agronomic Evolution: A look at how weed management has come full circle—from the complex chemistry battles of the 1980s, through the simplicity of the Roundup era, and back to today’s high-stakes battle over resistance management.

●      The Modern, Specialized Farmer: How the new generation of business-first growers are moving away from trying to do it all, instead building trusted teams of specialists—from risk consultants to agronomists—to manage inputs.

●      In the Field Trends: Bryce breaks down how regional corn and soybeans are tracking after weathering erratic weather. Fortunately, deep spring roots have set the crop up for success.  However, growers are combating rising threats like tar spot and southern rust in corn while balancing tough economic realities with critical fungicide decisions on the soybean side.  

Looking for unbiased agronomic advice? Whether you want to learn how MICCA’s statewide text-and-chat network helps consultants track pest migrations in real-time, or you need to find a specialist in your neck of the woods, this episode is packed with unfiltered farming wisdom.

Head over to MNICCA.com to find the member directory and connect with an independent expert in your county!

Is the future of corn production standing a little shorter? In this episode of the Minnesota Cropcast, hosts Dave Nicolai and Dr. Seth Naeve sit down with Dr. Jeff Coulter, University of Minnesota Extension Corn Specialist, to explore a novel (and highly visual) shift in corn hybrid technology: short stature corn. 

While traditional corn towers at 9 to 12 feet, new hybrids are keeping the canopy at 7 feet or less—without sacrificing the yields growers require. Dr. Coulter breaks down the history, the agronomics, and the cutting-edge research happening right here in Minnesota. 

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• The Physics of Standing Tall: Why shorter, fatter stalks and deeper root systems may provide added resistance to lodging and green snap during severe wind events. 
• Populations Drive Higher Yields: How these compact plants tolerate higher plant populations, allowing growers to pack more plants per acre to drive up grain yield. 
• The Silage Advantage: Why short stature corn may be a high-quality alternative for corn silage, potentially delivering a greater starch concentration due to its optimized grain-to-stover ratio. 
• In-Season Accessibility: How 7-foot corn makes it easier for ground rigs to get through the field for late-season applications of fungicides or other products. 
• The Harvest Hurdle: A candid look at the challenges of lower ear heights (and how drought conditions can impact harvestability. 

Sneak Peek: Redefining Nitrogen Efficiency

Dr. Coulter also shares details on an exciting new three-year study funded by the Minnesota Corn Research and Promotion Council. The project is putting three standard hybrids and three short stature hybrids head-to-head under six different nitrogen rates to determine if short corn can deliver better nitrogen use efficiency—potentially saving growers significant input costs. 

Don't miss out on the most interesting agronomic breakthrough. Listen now to Episode #69 of Minnesota CropCast on your favorite podcast platform!

Special Guest: Ken Franzky, Agronomy Services Manager at Cenrol Crop Consulting.  

Hosts: David Nicolai, University of Minnesota Extension Educator, and Seth Naeve, University of Minnesota Soybean Specialist

In Episode #68 of MN CropCast, we are thrilled to welcome Ken Franzky from Centrol Crop Consulting out of Marshall, MN.

Ken Grew up on a farm in West Central Minnesota and graduated from the University of Minnesota.  He worked in the seed industry under several brands for both Syngenta and Pioneer before joining Centrol in 2015.  At Centrol, his primary roles include: 

• Technical Training: Managing agronomic competency standards and training for consultants. 
• Education & Diagnostics: Leading internal cross-department training and providing in-field diagnostic assistance. 
• Industry Relations: Handling interactive product training with agricultural companies and acting as a communication bridge with university personnel.

Ken discusses his managerial role at Centrol and highlights some of the challenges faced by a complex and evolving agricultural system in terms of implementing a detailed training system for Centol’s crop consultants to maintain their technical competencies.  Ken also discusses the importance of evaluating every acre for inputs and yield potentials.  Maximizing net returns for farmers over time is the key for folks advising farmers today.  

 Ken also provided a crop update for corn and soybeans growing in western and southern Minnesota this season.
  

Tune in to Episode #68 today to meet Ken Franzky and Centrol Consulting! Available wherever you listen to podcasts.

Minnesota CropCast Episode #67: Head land Highlights Late April Field Report from NW, WC, and SC Minnesota

Special Guests: Extension Educators Angie Peltier, Anthony Hanson, and Matt Pfarr Hosts: David Nicolai, University of Minnesota Extension Educator, and Seth Naeve, University of Minnesota Soybean Specialist

In Episode #67 of MN CropCast, we bring you another "Headland Highlights" to get you up to speed on planting progress across the state. The hosts sat down with three Extension Educators on April 30 to discuss how farmers are navigating the spring of 2026 in their respective regions.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

• Northwest Minnesota: Angie Peltier describes the challenges facing northern farmers. While the central Red River Valley and areas further south are off to a strong start, progress north of Fargo-Moorhead remains slow. Heavy snowpack and recent rains have stalled field work in Polk County and the surrounding region. In the far Northwest, only 10–15% of wheat and sugar beets are in the ground, with a significant push expected over the next two weeks.
• West Central Minnesota: Anthony Hanson highlights the impact of varying soil types. While corn and soybeans were planted on lighter soils during the final weeks of April, the heavier soils around Morris still require more heat and sun before they are fit for planting.
• South Central Minnesota: Matt Pfarr notes that there have been several productive windows for planting corn and soybeans. Field activity was extremely heavy during the third week of April, though some fields were tucked away even earlier. Following rain this past weekend, farmers are returning to the fields to wrap up most planting by the end of April, with the remaining soybeans expected to go in by the first week of May. Matt also discusses the challenges of planting in marginal conditions and managing residue that isn't yet dry and crispy.

If you’re interested in what’s happening in Minnesota fields, be sure to tune in to Episode #67 of Minnesota CropCast: Headland Highlights today!

Meet the New U of M Forage Agronomist & Headland Highlights, Forage Edition. 

Special Guest: Dr. Beatriz Bizzuti Cremostim, Extension Forage Agronomist & State Specialist 

Headland Highlights: Troy Salzer, Local Extension Educator (St. Louis County) 

Hosts: David Nicolai, University of Minnesota Extension Educator, and Seth Naeve, University of Minnesota Soybean Specialist

In Episode #66 of MN CropCast, we are thrilled to welcome one of the newest faculty members to the University of Minnesota Department of Agronomy!

The hosts sit down with Dr. Beatriz Bizzuti Cremostim, our brand-new Extension Forage Agronomist and State Specialist. With her appointment in forage research and Extension, she is stepping into a crucial role for Minnesota's agricultural landscape.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

• Meet the Specialist: Get to know Beatriz, her background, and what she brings to the U of M Agronomy Department. We'll dive into her plans for forage research and how her Extension work will support producers across the state.
• Forage Focus: A look at the current state of forage agronomy, highlighting the intersections of research and practical, on-farm application.
• Headland Highlights: After our chat with Beatriz, we pull in a special report straight from the field. Troy Salzer, operating out of the Duluth office, joins the show to provide a comprehensive forage update covering the current alfalfa conditions throughout the state of Minnesota.

Whether you manage pastures or just want to stay up to date with the latest experts leading Minnesota's agricultural research, this episode is packed with valuable insights.

Tune in to Episode #66 today to meet the newest member of the U of M agronomy team! Available wherever you listen to podcasts.

Special Guest: Rob Holcomb, Regional Extension Educator in Farm Business Management (Marshall Regional Extension Office)
Attention Minnesota farmers and agricultural producers! Are you up to speed on the latest state employment regulations impacting your operation?

In Episode #65 of MN CropCast, hosts David Nicolai and Seth Naeve sit down with Rob Holcomb to discuss a critical and timely topic: Minnesota's new Paid Leave Program. While traditional corporate employers might be accustomed to navigating complex leave programs, these recent state mandates represent uncharted territory for many farmers. If your operation relies on hired help and you are issuing W-2s, this episode is a must-listen.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

• The Basics of the Mandate: A breakdown of the new Minnesota paid leave program (at the highest level) and how it applies to agricultural employers.
• Who is Affected: Whether your focus is on crops or livestock, if you manage labor and issue W-2s at year’s end, these rules apply to you.
• Compliance and Best Practices: Important considerations and actionable advice to ensure your farming operation remains compliant with these new state-level labor requirements.

Dealing with labor in agriculture is challenging enough without surprise regulations. Let Rob Holcomb bring you up to date and help you prepare your farm business for these upcoming changes.

Tune in to Episode #65 today to get the essential updates for your farm! Available wherever you listen to podcasts.

In this special episode of Minnesota CropCast, the tables are turned as regular co-host Dr. Seth Naeve steps into the hot seat to share an inside look at his work on the international stage.

As a University of Minnesota Extension Soybean Specialist, Seth doesn't just study how to grow a better bean—he travels the globe to convince international buyers why U.S. and Upper Midwest soybeans are the smartest purchase they can make. If you’ve ever been frustrated by the "low protein" knock on Minnesota soybeans, this episode is a must-listen.

In this episode, we dive into:

• Busting the "Crude Protein" Myth: Seth explains why buying soybeans based purely on crude protein (nitrogen content) is an outdated practice. Discover the science behind why Northern soybeans, despite having lower overall protein quantity, boast a superior quality due to a concentration of highly digestible essential amino acids.
• Boots on the Ground in Asia: Get a look at recent trade missions to Indonesia and Vietnam. Learn how these massive markets differ—from Indonesia’s heavy demand for whole U.S. beans for human food (tempeh and tofu) to Vietnam’s booming swine and aquaculture sectors demanding high-quality soybean meal.
• Capitalizing on the Domestic Crush Boom: With U.S. domestic crush capacity surging, there is significantly more soybean meal hitting the market. Seth breaks down why this increased supply, paired with shifting geopolitical trade routes, creates a golden opportunity to get U.S. meal into the hands of foreign end-users who have historically relied on South America.
• The Power of the Northern Soybean Marketing Group: Learn how checkoff dollars from Minnesota and the Dakotas are being pooled to directly educate overseas integrators and feed millers, proving that the logistics of the Pacific Northwest (PNW) combined with our amino acid profile, energy content, and physical quality makes for a winning, undervalued product.

Whether you are deep in the weeds of soybean physiology or just want to understand the macroeconomic forces driving the price at your local co-op, Seth provides a fascinating look at the art and science of marketing our crop to the world.

Tune in to Episode #64 now to hear why right now is the perfect time to be aggressively promoting Northern soybeans!

Welcome to the inaugural episode of our periodic summer series, "Headland Highlights." These special brief and timely episodes will reside right within our normal MN CropCast feed. For these segments, Dave and Seth will be calling on folks from around the state to get real-time check-ins on the status of local field activities and crops.

Today, we are joined by Ryan Miller, who is an Extension Educator based in Rochester and works throughout Southeast Minnesota. We discuss the severe weather that visited the area on the evening of April 13th and get a firsthand update on planting progress in his region.

Episode Highlights:

• Severe Weather Impacts: Ryan confirms news reports of tennis-ball-sized hail and corresponding localized heavy rainfall events.
• Planting Progress: The region is off to a relatively slow start for row crop production. While most spring cereals were successfully planted during the very late March window, cooler temperatures, rain, and spring winds through the first two weeks of April have greatly slowed field activities.
• Field Work Status: There have been some tillage and fertilizer applications, but they are not widespread. Early row crop plantings are similarly scattered.

Please join us for this episode, and stay tuned for future MN CropCast: Headland Highlights for more regional crop check-ins.