Minnesota Crop News

By: Dan Kaiser, Extension nutrient management specialist & Fabian Fernandez, Extension nitrogen management specialist A recent update has been made to University of Minnesota Extension’s suggested nitrogen (N) fertilizer rates for non-irrigated corn. The update adds data from the 2022, 2023, and 2024 growing seasons to our long-term dataset. The tables below summarize the current values which are included in the updated Fertilizing Corn in Minnesota web page and publication, as well as the Corn Nitrogen Rate Calculator. The inclusion of the newer data resulted in an increase in suggested N application rates for both corn following corn and corn following soybean, with an increase in suggested N rates of around ten pounds per acre in both situations.  For those using the Corn Nitrogen Rate Calculator , results may vary from the below tables within 1-2 lbs. for similar price ratios due to rounding of the values used in the tables. The acceptable range is included to account for...

Dan Kaiser and Brad Carlson continue their discussion on N-fixing biostimulant products in today's episode of the Advancing Nitrogen Smart Podcast . What's the most up-to-date working definition of a crop biostimulant? On which crops are N-fixing products typically used? What is NCERA103.org , and in what ways it it a useful resource for farmers and other agricultural professionals? What are some of the different categories of nitrogen-fixing biostimulants? How should farmers be thinking about biological soil fertility products in general? All this and more on today's show. Read the full transcript here Guests: Dan Kaiser, Extension nutrient management specialist (St. Paul) Brad Carlson, Extension educator (Mankato) Additional resources: NCERA103.org Nitrogen-fixing biologicals: What farmers should know Nitrogen-fixing biological products: New report summarizes research from across the corn belt Nitrogen-fixing biological products: Four Midwest experts weigh in on indust...

by Sarah von Gries, Entomology Graduate Student, Amelia Lindsey, Associate Entomology Professor,  Robert Koch, Professor & Extension Entomologist Image 1: Close up of adult wasp ( Synopeas ruficoxum ) (photo credit: Elijah Talamas), and inset image showing S. ruficoxum  and soybean gall midge larva near the year of a penny for size  reference (photo credit: Sarah von Gries). Our exploration into the natural enemies of soybean gall midge (SGM) led to the discovery of a second species of parasitic wasp attacking (parasitizing) this pest in soybean fields. We recently published a scientific paper documenting this wasp, called Synopeas ruficoxum , from SGM infestations in several locations in Nebraska and confirming that it indeed parasitizes SGM. The research that led to this discovery was a continuation of earlier work that resulted in discovery of the first species of parasitic wasp, Synopeas maximum , known to parasitize SGM. As with the previously identified was...

Ed Usset, Grain Marketing Economist at the Center for Farm Financial Management, University of Minnesota, joins us for this milestone 50th episode of Minnesota CropCast, recorded on September 12, 2025. Working with colleagues at the Center for Farm Financial Management and in Extension, Ed developed the acclaimed Winning the Game workshop series and manages Commodity Challenge, an online marketing education game that uses real-time cash and futures data. At the University, he also teaches Commodity Markets to undergraduate and graduate students. In this episode, Ed stresses the economic importance for grain growers to complete final marketing of any 2024 crop still in storage by this fall. He shares suggestions and target prices to help producers forward-price grain, drawing on seasonal post-harvest market patterns—especially critical during times of lower prices and weakened demand under current trade policies. He also reviews the potential financial impacts of economic constraints on...

On this episode of the  Nutrient Management Podcast , we talk all about fall manure application. What should be on a farmer’s to-do list to prepare for fall application? What names need to be on an operation's emergency response plan, and what kind of PPE should farmers keep nearby? How much lead time does a lab need to return sample results? If a farmer plans to work with a commercial applicator, what can they do ahead of time to ensure a successful season? All of this, plus a farmer Q&A, on-farm research advice, an update on ManureDB and more on today's show. Read the full transcript Guests: Melissa Wilson, Extension manure nutrient management specialist (St. Paul) Chryseis Modderman, Extension manure nutrient management specialist (Morris, MN) Nancy Bohl Bormann, researcher, manure and nutrient management (St. Paul) Eduardo Garay, on-farm research manager, manure management (St. Paul) Additional Resources: How to put together a manure management plan UMN Manure (YouTube)...

Dave Nicolai, Extension educator - crops, Tom Peters, Extension sugarbeet agronomist, Liz Stahl, Extension educator - crops, Debalin Sarangi, Extension weed scientist, and Ryan Miller, Extension educator - crops Waterhemp weed escapes in corn. Photo: Ryan Miller While it is too late to control weeds in row crops this year, there is still time to limit weed seed production and prevent additions to the weed seedbank. Combine harvesters are notorious for spreading weed seeds. Hand-pulling or mowing weed patches are some of the last lines of defense before harvest. Surveys of Private Pesticide Applicators (Figure 1) across Minnesota show that although a smaller percentage of respondents report they harvest weed areas separately (5 to 10%), a growing percentage of respondents report hand-pulling weeds as part of their weed management program (39% in 2024, the highest percentage reported since 2017). Taking some extra time now through these tactics can pay dividends for weed management in t...

University of Minnesota Extension and NDSU Extension are excited to announce that registration is now open for the Soil Management Summit (SMS) and Dakota Innovation Research and Technology (DIRT) Conference on January 14-15, 2026 in Fargo, ND! The SMS and DIRT Conference highlights the importance of real farmer know-how and local research. This innovative gathering offers presentations and Q&A sessions with farmers, researchers, and agricultural advisors, valuable insights from sponsors, and opportunities for informal discussions. The SMS and DIRT Conference covers a variety of topics, including: Cover crops Tillage practices Nutrient management Soil health economics Livestock management Soil biology Our conference attendees work as farmers, ranchers, land owners, ag advisors, local conservation staff and more. Join us for a unique event that offers both farmer experience and research results to aid you in your soil health journey. Dates & Times: Tuesday, January 13, 2026 6:...