Minnesota Crop News

By: Daniel Kaiser, Extension nutrient management specialist One thing I hear a lot from people is that sulfate, the form of sulfur available to plants, does not hang around in the soil from one year to the next. In most soils, the rate at which sulfur leaches is much slower compared to nitrogen in the nitrate form (the exception being sandy soils which can quickly leach most nutrients). While it is true that sulfate has a negative charge and can be leached, the rate of leaching really depends on the soil. What does current research say about how sulfate carries over in Minnesota soils? Currently, I have multiple research projects funded by both the Agricultural Fertilizer Research and Education Council (AFREC) and the Minnesota Soybean Research and Promotion Council studying how sulfur carries over in our soils. In my AFREC-funded long-term sulfur trial, we applied sulfur over a period of four years in continuous corn. In year five, we divided the plots where sulfur was applied into tw...

In this edition of Minnesota CropCast (Episode #57), hosts Dave Nicolai and Seth Naeve sit down with Dr. Bob Stupar, Professor of Agronomy and Plant Genetics and Legume Geneticist at the University of Minnesota. The conversation traces Bob’s unique path from suburban Milwaukee to his current role leading legume genetics and genomics research at the U. The group takes a shallow dive (cannonball?) into the complex world of soybean engineering. Dr. Stupar explains the critical process of identifying genes of interest, validating their functionality, and engineering soybeans to possess important, novel traits. He also highlights the importance of maintaining and updating reference genomes—the essential "blueprints" for scientific advancement—using historical examples to illustrate their impact. Additionally, the discussion covers how gene editing is being used to improve quality traits, such as reducing antinutritional components in soybeans. Despite these technical achievements...

Eric Yu, UMN Extension Crops Educator, Ryan Miller, UMN Extension Crops Educator Most spray solutions are more than 95% water, yet water quality is rarely considered when herbicide performance comes-up short. The pH of that water and the minerals dissolved in it can directly influence how well an herbicide works once it is sprayed. Certain dissolved cations, such as calcium, magnesium, and iron, can tie up herbicides, and alkaline water can reduce how readily some products move into plant leaves. The good news is that these issues are manageable with simple water testing and the use of water conditioners or pH-buffering adjuvants. Study Location and Treatments A 2025 field study conducted in Rochester, Minnesota, evaluated how spray water pH adjustment, and the timing of spray solution mixing, affected waterhemp control in a corn herbicide program. All treatments included a tank mix of atrazine and Acuron GT (applied at either full or half rate) with NIS and AMS. Treatments differed by...

By Angie Peltier and Anthony Hanson, UMN Extension educators, and Jochum Wiersma, UMN Extension small grains agronomist February 11, 2026’s Strategic Farming: Let’s Talk Crops session discussed numerous forecasting tools to aid producers in crop, pest and disease management. This webinar series runs through March and registrations are still being accepted: https://extension.umn.edu/courses-and-events/strategic-farming.  To watch this episode visit: http://z.umn.edu/StrategicFarmingRecordings . Cold-weather impacts overwintering insect pests Those pests that cause problems for Minnesota’s agronomic crops that are also able to survive our harsh winter weather conditions use numerous survival strategies. Ice crystal formation is what causes cold-weather-related mortality and many of the survival strategies are related to avoiding the formation of ice crystals. Similar to motor vehicles, which require antifreeze for their engines to work properly in cold weather, insects also require t...

We want to hear from row crop and forage producers and agriculture professionals who work with producers! The University of Minnesota Extension Crops team would like to better understand the educational needs and wants of our row crop and forage producers. To customize our educational programs to the interests and preferences of producers, we would appreciate your input in following survey. We would also like to hear from crop consultants, seed salespeople, pesticide applicators, grain buyers, and other agriculture professionals who work with crop growers. This survey is anonymous and should take 12-15 minutes to complete. The University of Minnesota Extension Crops Team would like to learn more about your operation, learning preferences, and how you want to engage with Extension. Your responses will help the Crops Team develop and deliver programming that meets your needs. Please complete this needs assessment survey ( https://z.umn.edu/CropsNeedsSurvey ). Your input will help us ref...

Tana Haugen-Brown, Extension Educator and Private Pesticide Applicator Program Manager, PSEE Pesticide application in field. Source StoryBlocks If your Private Pesticide Applicator certification expires on March 1, 2026, you must recertify by February 28, 2026 to keep it current. This certification is required for individuals who apply Restricted Use Pesticides in the production of agricultural commodities. Not sure of your status? Check the front of your applicator card or look up your license at the MDA’s website here . The recertification fee is $100 for all options, except the online exam, which is $120 ($100 course fee + $20 non-refundable Honorlock fee). Recertification options Attend an in-person recertification workshop Workshops review regulations, safety, and current University research. There are still several workshop opportunities throughout the state. Find dates and locations at www.pat.umn.edu .  Bring a government-issued photo ID and your certification number. Yo...

Be sure to register for the 12th annual Nitrogen Conference taking place this Tuesday February 17th in St. Cloud, MN. Join us either in-person or online. The Nitrogen Conference explores how nitrogen management impacts crop production, the environment, and soil productivity. In addition to research updates, there will be a farmer panel on nitrogen management. Date: Tuesday, February 17, 2026 in St. Cloud, Minn. Cost: $20 Register: Attend in-person or virtually (Lunch is included if you attend in-person.) Presentations: Nitrogen Management and Crop Production A deep dive into the data behind the MRTN calculator - Dan Kaiser (University of Minnesota) In-season mineralization of cover crop residue in sugar beet - Lindsay Pease (University of Minnesota) Precision irrigation and nitrogen management: From field trials to smart decision tools - Vasu Sharma (University of Minnesota) Can the PSNT predict in-season fertilizer needs after fall-applied manure? - Eduardo Garay Lagos (University o...

In this edition of Minnesota CropCast (Episode #56), hosts Dave Nicolai and Seth Naeve sit down with Dr. Anna Cates, the University of Minnesota Extension Soil Health Specialist. The group discusses Dr. Cates' unique role and the current state of cover crops and soil health across Minnesota. Dr. Cates leads the MN Office for Soil Health (MOSH) , which is dedicated to improving soil health by working with farmers and conservation professionals. Born on a Wisconsin farm and educated at the University of Wisconsin-Madison (PhD in Agronomy, MS in Soil Science and Agroecology), she now works to turn research into on-the-ground conservation. The episode explores the partnership between MOSH and the Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources (BWSR) , highlighting how they collaborate to provide funding, policy implementation, and technical guidance to local partners like Soil and Water Conservation Districts (SWCDs). Tune in to hear discussions on: Farmer adoption of conservation practi...

Efficient agricultural irrigation has become a hot topic in Minnesota. With its sandy soils and limited precipitation, irrigation is a key component of production agriculture in the central region. Combined with these conditions and the varying rainfall we have been experiencing, matching irrigation with crop water use has become more important. An understanding of the plant-water-soil relationship, proper irrigation system maintenance, and use of irrigation scheduling are just some of the tools irrigators use for cost-effective crop production.  Minnesota Irrigator Program (MIP) The Minnesota Irrigator Program (MIP) helps irrigators and irrigation professionals match irrigation to crop water use, improve water-use efficiency, and reduce water costs. Programming will include a discussion of irrigation scheduling, variable rate technology, autonomous pivots, flowmeters and calibration, and nitrogen management. Date & Time:  March 10th & 11th, 2026 from 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 ...

By Liz Stahl, Extension Educator – Crops, and Dan Cariveau,Associate Professor, UMN Bee Lab Andrew's cellophane bee ( Colletes andrewsi). Photo: Heather Holm Pollinators play a critical role in food production. According to the USDA Farmers.gov website, more than 80 percent of the world’s flowering plants need a pollinator to reproduce. Since most of our food comes from flowering plants, we need pollinators too. Pollinators are also a key part of the food web, and they play a role in contributing to soil health and water quality by helping foster robust plant communities. It is estimated they provide ecological services valued at $200 billion each year. Dramatic drops in bee populations and other pollinator species across North America have raised alarms. On the February 4 Strategic Farming: Let’s Talk Crops program, Dan Cariveau, Associate Professor with the University of Minnesota Bee Lab, along with moderator Claire LaCanne, UMN Extension educator in crops, discussed pollin...

Join Extension entomologists and their graduate students from three Midwestern universities to get the latest updates on soybean gall midge (SGM). This free, live webinar scheduled for March 19 will feature new research results and emerging management insights from ongoing field and laboratory studies across the region. Several short presentations covering a range of topics will leave plenty of time for questions and discussion.  Growers, crop consultants and scouts, educators, and industry representatives are encouraged to attend. Get the latest research-based updates on biology, ecology, and management, including: Updated information on SGM distribution and regional monitoring efforts Impacts on soybean production and yield loss under field conditions Biology and ecology updates, including cold tolerance and overwintering survival New insights into adult biology, including emergence timing and behavior Results from commercial soybean variety testing under SGM pressure Updates on...

Nitrogen management continues to be a primary focus for farmers and the agricultural industry. Driven by high fertilizer prices, recent low commodity prices, and ongoing environmental concerns, producers face a complex landscape when making fertility decisions. To address these challenges, University of Minnesota Extension is hosting Nitrogen College, a series of free workshops designed to refine nitrogen (N) management strategies. Building on the foundation of the popular Nitrogen Smart program , these events offer deep dives into fertilizer efficiency, emerging technologies, and environmental stewardship. Event Details and Locations The Nitrogen College events will be held at two locations this February. There is no cost to attend and pre-registration is not required due to support from the Minnesota Corn Growers. Hutchinson: February 23–24 at the McLeod County Extension office, located on the McLeod County fairgrounds. More information Mankato: February 25–26 at Offsite Meetings an...

On the January 28th Strategic Farming: Let’s Talk Crops program, we welcomed two guests with experience in agricultural economics. Nathan Hulinsky, University of Minnesota Extension Educator in Agricultural Business Management, joined from the Brainerd Regional Extension Office. Also joining was Dr Frayne Olson, Crop Economist and Marketing Specialist with North Dakota State University. Frayne is the Director of the Quentin Burdick Center for Cooperatives and a professor in the Department of Agribusiness & Applied Economics at NDSU. The moderator for this session was Matt Pfarr, Extension educator-crops. Crop production and economics Nathan invited the public to connect with the UMN Agricultural Business Management Team: https://extension.umn.edu/managing-farm . You will find useful information on rental rates, crop budgets, and the Farm Bill. Nathan Hulinsky began the program with a look at Minnesota’s total agricultural row crop production. He shared 2023, 2024, and 2025 cro...

By Liz Stahl, Extension Educator - Crops, Phyllis Bongard, Educational Content Development & Communications Specialist, and Anna Cates, Extension Specialist in Soil Health Participants collecting biomass in small research plots during May 2025 meeting. Register now to reserve your spot with the University of Minnesota Cover Crop Academy! This innovative program is a year-long, hybrid course offered at three statewide locations for those who work with farmers. If you advise farmers as a crop consultant, educator, or agronomist, or work for Soil and Water Conservation Districts (SWCD), Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), or other agencies, this program is for you. This unique opportunity takes a deep dive into cover crops. The course is tailored to Minnesota cropping systems and conditions, addressing challenges and opportunities with using cover crops in this state.  The academy kicks off with in-person meetings at research centers in Lamberton, Waseca and Westport in...

In the latest University of Minnesota CropCast (#55), hosts Seth Naeve and Dave Nicolai interview Dr. Jochum Wiersma, Extension Small Grain Specialist, about the current status and future of small grain acreage in Minnesota. Jochum reviews how production economics, market potential, and weather trends are impacting acreage for spring and winter wheat, barley, rye, and oats.  The discussion also previews the spring release of the updated University of Minnesota Small Grains Guide, a key resource for selecting varieties and refining production practices. Additionally, Jochum explores the potential for oat production in southern Minnesota.  Finally, the episode covers the 2026 Small Grains Update educational seminars. Sponsored by the Minnesota Wheat Research and Promotion Council, these free, discussion-based workshops cover agronomics, variety selection, soil fertility, and economics. Register for a seminar near you at z.umn.edu/smallgrainsupdate :  Feb 16: Grand Rapids (N...