Program by category - Season 4
CropsTV
New episodes are released weekly from January 2 through February 13, 2024. Release date for each topic indicates when the recorded program will be available for viewing. Program listings and schedule are subject to change due to speaker availability or technical issues beyond our control.
Season 4 closes on Friday, April 5, 2024 at midnight. All viewing and CCA credit submissions must be completed prior to that time.
Want to see the Season 4 listings by release date? Try this page.
Program listing by release date
Crop Management
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101. Crop markets in 2024: Can we get back to normal? (1.0 CM)
Chad Hart, professor and extension economist, Economics, Iowa State University
Release date: Tuesday, January 2, 2024
We'll explore the factors currently shaping ag markets, investigate the impacts of the general economy and trade on crops, and discuss potential profitability and marketing opportunities for the coming year. It doesn't get any better than that. -
102. El Nino, drought and a whole lot more for 2024 (0.5 CM)
Dennis Todey, director, USDA Midwest Climate Hub, USDA-ARS
Release date: Tuesday, January 9, 2024
Drought continues to drive production and conversation out of 2023 heading into the 2024 growing season. Overriding this is a very strong El Nino during the winter of 2023-24. We'll review the situation, what we can say about the end of drought and talk about the planting and growing seasons in 2024. -
103. Do's and don'ts of early soybean planting (0.5 CM)
Mark Licht, associate professor and extension cropping systems specialist, Agronomy, Iowa State University
Release date: Tuesday, January 16, 2024
Soybean planting is happening earlier and earlier. The last couple springs have allowed this to happen with much more ease. This presentation will provide some advise on what to consider when planting soybean prior to April 20 to help minimize potential risks. -
104. Trends of Iowa farmland ownership and the conservation conversation (1.0 CM)
Ryan Drollette, extension farm management field specialist, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach
Release date: Tuesday, January 23, 2024
Farmland is a farmer's largest investment and source of collateral, accounting for over 80% of U.S. farm assets. This session will examine a recent Iowa study offering a 40-year perspective on land ownership, tenure, succession, and landowner characteristics. We will also look at information on rental agreements and conservation practices. -
105. It's not the size of the corn but how it yields (0.5 CM)
Mark Licht, associate professor and extension cropping systems specialist, Agronomy, Iowa State University
Release date: Tuesday, January 30, 2024
Short stature corn hybrids are the new wave in corn genetics. This session will explore what we know about short stature corn hybrids and performance from trials in 2023. -
106. Forage evaluation and renovation after a drought (0.5 CM)
Joshua Michel, extension field agronomist, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach
Release date: Tuesday, February 6, 2024
Prolonged drought conditions across Iowa and the Midwest have significantly reduced productivity in many alfalfa fields and pastures. Learn how to properly evaluate forage sources and if necessary, how to renovate them after a drought. -
107. The 2024 extension to the Farm Bill: What it means for Iowa (1.0 CM)
Chad Hart, professor and extension economist, Economics, Iowa State University; Alejandro Plastina, extension economist, Economics, Iowa State University
Release date: Tuesday, February 13, 2024
ARC-CO and PLC have been the major risk management programs for crop producers the past several years, and these programs have been extended into the 2024 crop. Factors impacting 2024 payment triggers should be considered by producers before they make their election and enrollment with the USDA FSA in March 2024.
Pest Management
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201. Soy Shield: 2023 crop health insights (1.0 PM)
Daren Mueller, professor and extension crop plant pathologist, Plant Pathology, Entomology and Microbiology, Iowa State University
Release date: Tuesday, January 2, 2024
This presentation will provide updates on soybean disease management, addressing key issues like white mold and sudden death syndrome. Additionally, we'll delve into findings from our statewide foliar fungicide trial. -
202. The Endangered Species Act, family farms, and our environment (0.5 PM)
Stanley Culpepper, professor and extension weed scientist, University of Georgia
Release date: Tuesday, January 2, 2024
As the U.S. EPA develops plans to protect endangered and threatened species by implementing regulations on pesticides, it is paramount that pesticide applicators and farmers understand the potential impact of these decisions on the sustainability of our family farms. The two themes of this presentation will be to 1) define proposed regulatory actions ensuring pesticide applicators and farmers are knowledgeable of the challenges ahead and 2) define scientific approaches where pesticide applicators, farmers, and academic scientists can work together to protect the practical use of pesticides while protecting wildlife and the environment. -
203. Don't get burned by blister beetles in alfalfa hay (1.0 PM)
Erin Hodgson, professor and extension entomologist, Plant Pathology, Entomology and Microbiology, Iowa State University
Release date: Tuesday, January 9, 2024
Blister beetles were commonly seen in field crops throughout Iowa in 2023. The adults can secrete a colorless, odorless blistering agent from their bodies when disturbed. Farm animals that consume alfalfa hay are particularly at risk of eating blister beetles. This presentation will review the identification, scouting, and management recommendations. -
204. What's new in corn rootworm control? How RNAi and entomopathogenic nematodes work (0.5 PM)
Nicholas Seiter, extension field crops entomologist, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Release date: Tuesday, January 9, 2024
In this session, we will look at some new or emerging technologies for corn rootworm control. We will discuss the mode of action of RNA-interference traits, how they are being deployed in the field, and how they work in conjunction with existing Bt traits. In addition, we will discuss the prospects and pitfalls of using entomopathogenic nematodes for corn rootworm control. -
205. Review of weed management options for 2024: What should be considered and what should be avoided (0.5 PM)
Micheal Owen, University Professor (emeritus), Agronomy, Iowa State University
Release date: Tuesday, January 16, 2024
The challenge of weed management in Iowa crops has become more difficult due to a number of factors including the weather, the continuing evolution of herbicide resistance and herbicide drift. What are reasonable and effective tactics to consider and what tactics should be avoided in 2023? -
206. Plant essential oils: Potential for soybean pathogen suppression (0.5 PM)
Leonor Leandro, professor, Plant Pathology, Entomology and Microbiology, Iowa State University
Release date: Tuesday, January 23, 2024
Plant essential oils are a type of biopesticide that has shown effectiveness against several plant pathogens and pests. Our goal is to develop seed treatments that are effective against soilborne pathogens of soybeans. We will present our research ingscreen essential oils for activity against the SDS, white mold, charcola rot and Pythium root rot pathogens. -
207. Dectes is not another boring soybean pest (0.5 PM)
Erin Hodgson, professor and extension entomologist, Plant Pathology, Entomology and Microbiology, Iowa State University
Release date: Tuesday, January 23, 2024
Dectes stem borer was observed in southwestern and west-central Iowa counties in 2023. In some cases, infested stems had Dectes larvae and soybean gall midge larvae. Managing stem-boring pests is particularly difficult and this presentation will review the basics to reduce yield losses. -
208. Tar-spotting for better corn disease management (0.5 PM)
Damon Smith, professor and Extension Specialist, University of Wisconsin, Madison
Release date: Tuesday, January 30, 2024
This presentation will cover the science behind the Tarspotter disease prediction tool. It will also describe how to best use the tool in the real world. Finally, I will address other tar spot management research that can complement this tool for healthier corn. -
209. From field to sky: How drones are transforming aerial agricultural applications (1.0 PM)
Dennis Bowman, Extension digital agriculture specialist, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Release date: Tuesday, January 30, 2024
Drones have moved from a novelty to a standard tool for crop scouting and field mapping. Now unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are starting to replace manned aircraft for aerial applications of pesticides, fertilizers and seeds. Is this a fad or a realistic alternative? Do you have a hidden desire to be a crop duster? -
210. Variant rootworms are changing the game (1.0 PM)
Ashley Dean, extension specialist, Plant Pathology, Entomology and Microbiology, Iowa State University
Release date: Tuesday, February 6, 2024
Corn rootworms are persistent pests for many farmers in Iowa, and typical issues include severe root injury, lodged plants, and high beetle populations in continuous cornfields. In 2023, the primary concern we heard about was corn rootworm injury in first-year corn...which adds to the complexity of managing corn rootworms. Tune in to find out how to confirm a corn rootworm variant and suggestions for scouting and management. -
211. Managing soybean cyst nematode for profit while maintaining long-term effectiveness of resistance (1.0 PM)
Gregory Tylka, professor, Plant Pathology, Entomology and Microbiology, Iowa State University
Release date: Tuesday, February 6, 2024
This presentation will provide updated information about the availability and use of SCN-resistant soybean varieties and a new recommended rotation scheme to produce soybeans profitably while maintaining the effectiveness of both Peking and PI 88788 SCN resistance types long term. -
212. Herbicide resistance past, present and in the future (0.5 PM)
Micheal Owen, University Professor (emeritus), Agronomy, Iowa State University
Release date: Tuesday, February 13, 2024
Herbicide resistance in Iowa will be discussed. Past issues will be described as well as the current status of herbicide resistance in Iowa. Future herbicide issues and solutions will be considered.
Nutrient Management
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301. Sulfur and soybeans: Yes or no? (1.0 NM)
Shaun Casteel, associate professor, Agronomy, Purdue University
Release date: Tuesday, January 2, 2024
Soybeans have responded to sulfur applications in recent years (5 to 15+ bu/ac) primarily due to improved nodulation and nitrogen fixation in soils and situations that are deficient in sulfur. Casteel explains the situations (e.g., soil type, management) for these responses and the lack thereof. This presentation will address the 4R's (right source, rate, time, place) and answer the 5Q's (what, when, where, why, and how). -
302. Understanding fertilizer sources with the new Iowa State University Extension nitrogen science specialist (0.5 NM)
Richard Roth, assistant professor, Agronomy and extension nitrogen science specialist, Iowa State University
Release date: Tuesday, January 9, 2024
An introduction to Dr. Richard Roth, Iowa State University's new Extension Nitrogen Science Specialist. He will discuss nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and sulfur fertilizer sources. -
303. Minimizing yield loss with accurate dry fertilizer application (0.5 NM)
Matt Darr, professor, Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering, Iowa State University
Release date: Tuesday, January 16, 2024
Larger and more productive dry fertilizer applicators increase the risk for non-even fertilizer placement. Tips and best practices will be covered to understand risk factors and ways to mitigate yield losses associated with dry fertilizer application. -
304. Beware of potassium deficiency: A three-front assault to the profitability of crop production (1.0 NM)
Antonio Mallarino, professor and extension soil fertility specialist, Agronomy, Iowa State University
Release date: Tuesday, January 23, 2024
Soil testing for potassium (K) is useful but is a less reliable diagnostic tool for phosphorus or lime requirements. The presentation will provide information to back Antonio's old saying "For K is better to err for higher tests and rates than to err for less than actually needed". A K deficiency can have more severe impacts on yield because it reduces the corn capacity to response to nitrogen and can increase the severity of various soybean diseases and pests. -
305. What's the scoop about micronutrients for crop production in Iowa? (1.0 NM)
Antonio Mallarino, professor and extension soil fertility specialist, Agronomy, Iowa State University
Release date: Tuesday, January 30, 2024
Farmers and crop consultants continue asking many questions about fertilization with micronutrients in Iowa given an abundant supply of many products for application to the foliage or the soil. The presentation will discuss research results about the value of soil and plant tissue testing for making rational decisions. -
306. Agronomic, economic, and water quality implications of different P and K management concepts (1.0 NM)
Antonio Mallarino, professor and extension soil fertility specialist, Agronomy, Iowa State University
Release date: Tuesday, February 6, 2024
There is no single best P or K nutrient management practices (BMPs). Farmers and crop consultants can use different soil-test interpretations and fertilizer management practices based on different combinations of agronomic, economic, and water quality considerations. The presentation will discuss the potential impacts of P and K management practices recommended by ISU and others commonly used in Iowa. -
307. The Iowa Nitrogen Initiative: New on-farm data in the pursuit of enhanced nitrogen recommendations (1.0 NM)
Melissa Miller, project director, Iowa Nitrogen Initiative, Iowa State University
Release date: Tuesday, February 13, 2024
The Iowa Nitrogen Initiative (INI) is a public-private partnership that works with directly with Iowa farmers to conduct nitrogen rate research on their farm fields. In 2023, 270 trials were conducted, a 400% increase from the pilot year in 2022. In this presentation, INI researchers and staff will give a short overview of the project and present yield response data from the 2023 trials, ending with an update on a decision support tool development and trials of particular interest for 2024.
Soil and Water Management
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401. Strip Till 101 (0.5 SW)
Benjamin Covington, engineer, Digital Ag, Iowa State University
Release date: Tuesday, January 2, 2024
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402. Understanding soil moisture (0.5 SW)
C. Lee Burras, Morrill Professor, Agronomy, Iowa State University; Angie Rieck-Hinz and Gentry Sorenson, extension field agronomists, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach
Release date: Tuesday, January 9, 2024
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403. Balancing drainage and nitrate loss (0.5 SW)
Matthew Helmers, professor and extension agricultural engineer, Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering, Iowa State University
Release date: Tuesday, January 16, 2024
Drainage is important for agricultural production but delivers nitrate to downstream waters. This talk will discuss how we can balance drainage and downstream nitrate loss and how we might be able to use the emerging practice of drainage water recycling to reduce nutrient loss and enhance crop production. -
404. A conservation conversation (1.0 SW)
Jamie Benning, assistant director, Agriculture and Natural Resources Extension and Outreach, Iowa State University; Matt Helmers, Catherine DeLong, Mark Licht, Billy Beck, Adam Janke
Release date: Tuesday, January 23, 2024
Extension specialists working to improve soil, water quality, and wildlife habitat will address progress toward statewide conservation goals and efforts in a roundtable discussion format. The session will include highlights of new research and opportunities for farmers, landowners and professionals to get involved. -
405. Streambank erosion: causes, impacts, and (realistic) control options (0.5 SW)
Billy Beck, assistant professor and extension forestry specialist, Natural Resource and Ecology Management, Iowa State University
Release date: Tuesday, January 30, 2024
Streambank erosion is a complex, and fascinating, process driven by a range of on-site and watershed factors. We'll explore causes, impacts, and realistic control - the latter being achievable through understanding of watershed drivers, as well as on-site management practices. -
406. Managing soil to decrease risk during weather extremes (0.5 SW)
Catherine DeLong, manager, Water Quality Program, Iowa State University
Release date: Tuesday, February 6, 2024
When was the last time Iowa had an 'average' weather year? As Iowa, and the Midwest, continue to experience more 'extreme' weather events this presentation will focus on managing soil moisture to increase the long-term resilience of your operation. -
407. A discussion on soil compaction management: Field machinery traffic and impacts (1.0 SW)
Mehari Tekeste, associate professor, Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering, Iowa State University
Release date: Tuesday, February 13, 2024
The continuous trend of agricultural farm equipment getting bigger and heavier axle create concerns of soil compaction from excessive loading on wet and loose soil conditions, negatively impacting water infiltration, root development, and crop yield. Join Aaron and Mehari for a conversation on recent research, field measurements, and how this translates to management practices in the field.
Professional Development
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501. Tax planning considerations for the farm (1.0 PD)
Kristine Tidgren, director, Center for Agricultural Law and Taxation, Iowa State University
Release date: Tuesday, January 2, 2024
In this presentation, Kristine will review key tax updates and changes Iowa producers should consider in 2024. Included is a review of new laws for retired farmers and tax planning considerations for all producers. -
502. Mastering farm management: Leveraging the full potential of the Ag Decision Maker website (0.5 PD)
Ann Johanns, extension program specialist, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach
Release date: Tuesday, January 16, 2024
Ag Decision Maker has been providing farm management analysis and insight into many of the issues facing modern agriculture since 1996. The Ag Decision Maker website provides the resources and tools to help farmers make informed decisions when it comes to the economics of their farm business. Discover new resources and learn more about the surveys and publications you likely use already in your farm management decisions.