In this episode of The Crop Science Podcast Show, Kirsten Kurtz, Assistant Director of the Cornell Soil Health Lab, shares her approach to understanding and advancing soil health. She discusses lab tests that assess chemical, physical, and biological soil properties. Kirsten also highlights the growing importance of soil health in crop management and shares how her art is helping raise awareness about the essential role soil plays in agriculture. Listen now on all major platforms!

"We look at the chemical, physical, and biological aspects of soil together in a holistic way to assess health effectively."

Meet the guest: Kirsten Kurtz, Assistant Director of the Cornell Soil Health Lab at Cornell University, combines her expertise in soil science and her artistic talent. With a Master’s degree in Natural Resources and the Environment from Cornell University, Kirsten has dedicated her career to studying soil health and promoting sustainable land management practices.

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What you will learn:

• (00:00) Highlight
• (01:11) Introduction
• (04:55) Soil health testing
• (09:38) Soil health reporting
• (12:52) Recommendations for farmers
• (14:34) Soil health in different regions
• (19:18) Communicating soil science
• (25:48) Final three questions

The Crop Science Podcast Show is trusted and supported by the innovative companies:

- KWS

- S&W Seed Co.

𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.

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In this episode of The Crop Science Podcast Show, Dener Lazzari, Hybrid Rye Product Manager at KWS Group, breaks down the agronomic and economic benefits of hybrid rye for U.S. growers. From yield stability to nitrogen efficiency, he shares key insights from field trials and market trends across various states. Explore how hybrid rye is shaping cropping decisions nationwide. Listen now on all major platforms!

"We are seeing very good yield stability for hybrid rye across the United States. So it's a very stable crop, a very reliable crop."

Meet the guest: Dener Lazzari holds a Bachelor's and a Master's in Agronomy and Plant Breeding from the State University of Maringá in Brazil. With global experience in genetics and agronomic research, he is currently the Hybrid Rye Product Manager at KWS Group. Lazzari focuses on aligning crop performance with market demands through data-driven variety testing and cross-regional collaboration.

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Dr. Becca Brattain: Hybrid Rye Benefits | Ep. 35

Sally Jones-Diamond: Rye’s yield potential | Ep. 46

What you will learn:

• (00:00) Highlight
• (00:30) Introduction
• (07:12) Hybrid rye benefits
• (09:15) Seeding rate dynamics
• (10:52) Economic tradeoffs
• (12:28) Biomass comparison
• (14:30) Yield trends
• (21:48) Final three questions

The Crop Science Podcast Show is trusted and supported by the innovative companies:

- KWS

- S&W Seed Co.

𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.

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In this episode of The Crop Science Podcast Show, Gary Halvorson, Executive Vice President at CHS Inc., shares insights on career growth in agronomy, the value of people skills, and the impact of AI and precision technology on fieldwork. He also discusses global market trends, leadership approaches, and the essential skills young professionals need to thrive in agriculture. Listen now on all major platforms!

"Solving the person's needs became a foundation for leadership, more than just applying crop science."

Meet the guest: Gary Halvorson earned his BBA from Concordia University-St. Paul and completed executive leadership programs at Harvard and the University of Minnesota. With over 30 years in the crop industry, he currently serves as EVP at CHS Inc., leading enterprise customer development. His expertise spans agronomy, crop inputs, and sales strategy.

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What you will learn:

• (00:00) Highlight
• (01:15) Introduction
• (03:22) Career growth paths
• (06:55) Skills new grads need
• (08:55) Tech in agronomy
• (10:39) AI's role today
• (20:12) Global market shifts
• (22:15) Final three questions

The Crop Science Podcast Show is trusted and supported by the innovative companies:

- KWS

- S&W Seed Co.

𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.

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In this episode of The Crop Science Podcast Show, Dr. Jason Bond, from Mississippi State University, discusses the challenges of managing herbicide-resistant weeds in row crops. With a special focus on palmer amaranth and Italian ryegrass, he offers practical strategies for growers looking to improve weed control and crop yield. Dr. Bond shares his insights on fall herbicide strategies and managing herbicide resistance. Tune in for practical tips to enhance weed control in your crops!

"We got that backwards—13 to 1 benefit-to-cost ratio. For every dollar spent on herbicide to control Italian ryegrass, we gained $13 back in corn."

Meet the guest: Dr. Jason Bond is an Extension/Research Professor at Mississippi State University, where he leads an applied weed science program focused on managing herbicide-resistant weeds in row crops. His work emphasizes practical solutions for growers, including technology transfer through various outlets. Dr. Bond holds a Ph.D. in Weed Science from the University of Arkansas and M.S. and B.S. degrees in Agronomy from Louisiana State University.

What you will learn:

• (00:00) Highlight
• (00:58) Introduction
• (04:27) Weed science
• (11:41) Herbicide resistance
• (15:54) Italian ryegrass
• (19:58) Residual herbicides
• (23:43) Soil challenges
• (28:59) Final questions

The Crop Science Podcast Show is trusted and supported by the innovative companies:

- S&W Seed Co.

- KWS

𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.

Website: The Crop Science Podcast Show

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In this episode of The Crop Science Podcast Show, Dr. Sean Prager from the University of Saskatchewan explores the intricate relationship between insects, crops, and pest management. He discusses the role of beneficial insects, the impact of climate change on pest populations, and insights on integrated pest management (IPM). He also shares findings on how biotic and abiotic stress in canola affects bee health and pollination. Learn how crop production and entomology intersect to improve sustainability and yields. Listen now on all major platforms!

"A key challenge in modern agriculture is balancing effective pest control while preserving beneficial insects that support crop health and productivity."

Meet the guest: Dr. Sean Prager is an Associate Professor in the Department of Plant Sciences at the University of Saskatchewan. He holds a Ph.D. in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology from Brock University and has extensive experience in entomology, host choice behavior, and integrated pest management. His research focuses on plant-insect interactions, pest control strategies, and the impact of environmental stressors on beneficial insects.

What you will learn:

• (00:00) Highlight
• (00:59) Introduction
• (03:08) Managing crop pests
• (07:10) Integrated pest management
• (13:58) Importance of beneficial insects
• (20:47) Biotic & abiotic stress on bees
• (25:52) Crop-bee interactions
• (30:39) Final three questions

The Crop Science Podcast Show is trusted and supported by the innovative companies:

- KWS

- S&W Seed Co.

𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.

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In this episode of The Crop Science Podcast Show, Dr. Rene Van Acker, interim president and vice-chancellor at the University of Guelph, discusses the evolving role of research, education, and technology in modern crop production. He shares insights on weed science, agricultural innovation, and the importance of industry-academia collaboration in driving sustainability and productivity. Listen now on all major platforms!

"The greatest opportunities in agriculture today lie in the intersection of technology, entrepreneurship, and science-driven solutions for global food challenges."

Meet the guest: Dr. Rene Van Acker is the interim president and vice-chancellor at the University of Guelph, previously serving as vice-president of research and innovation and dean of the Ontario Agricultural College. His research focuses on weed biology, cropping systems, multifunctional agriculture, and the coexistence of GM and non-GM crops. He holds a BSc and MSc in crop science and weed management from the University of Guelph and a PhD in crop-weed ecology from the University of Reading in the UK. A leader in agricultural research and innovation, he has led major initiatives, and secured over $100 million in funding.

What you will learn:

• (00:00) Highlight
• (01:25) Introduction
• (02:00) Dr. Van Acker’s journey
• (12:25) Weed science innovations
• (18:31) Agricultural research
• (22:30) Opportunities in ag technology
• (24:27) Technology adoption
• (26:09) Final three questions

The Crop Science Podcast Show is trusted and supported by the innovative companies:

- S&W Seed Co.

- KWS

𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.

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In this special episode of The Crop Science Podcast Show, highlighting the growing role of AI and advanced technology as essential tools in crop management, Dr. Jason de Koff from Tennessee State University discusses how drones and AI are helping farmers improve decision-making, boost efficiency, and drive sustainability in precision agriculture. Listen now on all major platforms!

"There's a lot of different ways farmers can incorporate drones, from crop scouting to monitoring livestock, and even identifying problem areas in fields."

Meet the guest: Dr. Jason de Koff is a Professor and Extension Program Leader at Tennessee State University. With a Ph.D. in Agronomy from Purdue University and an M.S. in Soil and Water Sciences from UC Riverside, his expertise spans bioenergy production, soil health, and precision agriculture. He actively engages in research on switchgrass and winter canola for biofuel, while also educating farmers and extension agents on the latest agricultural technologies.

What you will learn:

• (00:00) Highlight
• (01:14) Introduction
• (04:00) Current projects
• (06:16) Drone applications in farming
• (13:23) AI in crop management
• (20:22) Barriers to tech adoption
• (22:25) Future of precision ag
• (24:31) Final three questions

The Crop Science Podcast Show is trusted and supported by the innovative companies:

- KWS

- S&W Seed Co.

𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.

Website: The Crop Science Podcast Show

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In this special rerun episode of The Crop Science Podcast Show, we revisit our conversation with Dr. Brian Pieralisi, Cotton Extension Specialist at Mississippi State University, who explores cotton production practices. From row spacing and population strategies to managing defoliation and addressing deer damage, Dr. Pieralisi shares expert insights into optimizing yield and efficiency. Gain valuable knowledge about the challenges of cotton farming, including using plant growth regulators and maintaining fiber quality. Tune in now on your favorite podcast platform!

"Managing defoliation is critical, especially when weather conditions vary, as it impacts the effectiveness of hormonal products and may change herbicide requirements."

Meet the guest: Dr. Brian Pieralisi received his Ph.D. in Agronomy from Mississippi State University. With a strong background in cotton production, Dr. Pieralisi focuses on improving crop yield and quality through innovative practices and research. His work includes studies on herbicides, irrigation, and plant growth regulators.

What you will learn:

• (00:00) Highlight
• (00:57) Introduction
• (02:47) Research and extension
• (07:47) Common questions in cotton production
• (09:25) Defoliation challenges and solutions
• (13:14) Importance of plant growth regulators
• (23:26) Row spacing and population studies
• (31:15) Final three questions

The Crop Science Podcast Show is trusted and supported by the innovative companies:

- S&W Seed Co.

- KWS

𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.

Website: The Crop Science Podcast Show

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LinkedIn: The Crop Science Podcast Show