MN CropCast: Dr. Wiersma on winter cereals - A great idea but will they work in Minnesota?

In this week’s CropCast, Dr. Jochum Wiersma, University of Minnesota Extension small grain specialist is the guest for the podcast hosted by Dave Nicolai, Extension crops educator and Dr. Seth Nave, Extension soybean specialist. Jochum discusses the increases in both interest and acreage in winter grains in Minnesota such as winter wheat, winter barley and winter rye along with the renewed interest in growing other summer small grain crops such as oats. 

Jochum provides a history of small grain production in Minnesota and an outlook for the future of small grain crops, he also reviews how the selection of small grain crops is influenced by changes in crop rotation, pest reduction and economics. For example, he discusses how rotations can control or reduce disease, insect and weed pressure. Thus, crop rotations can aid in the diversity in crops grown which can spread out fieldwork and harvest time and reduce risk. 

Jochum also talks about the yield and genetic potential of growing new and current oat varieties for the conventional and organic markets along with the challenges of disease management in oats such as crown rust. Finally, Jochum discusses the recommended planting practices for the winter grains establishment concerning timing, tillage and proper placement within a recommended crop rotation. For more detailed crop selections and management recommendations please consult the University of Minnesota Extension field crop web site Small Grains.

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What is Minnesota CropCast?

Hosts David Nicolai and Seth Naeve discuss the progress and challenges of Minnesota's agronomic crops in this new podcast. They are joined by a diversity of specialists representing all crops and agronomic disciplines to discuss their research and its impact on future Minnesota crops. Dave Nicolai is a crops Extension educator and Seth Naeve is the Extension soybean agronomist.

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You can subscribe and listen to Minnesota CropCast using one of many popular podcasting apps or directories. Learn more.