We continue our discussion with Eric Richer, OSUE Field Specialist, by digging into more hurdles of organic grain production. From nitrogen sources to paperwork, we take a realistic look what farmers can expect in an organic system compared to conventional.
To dive deeper into this topic, we recommend attending the 2026 Ohio State Organic Grains Conference January 7-8. For more details, visit: https://offer.osu.edu/events/2026-OrganicGrainsConference.
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Transitioning to organic production is not a consideration farmers can take lightly. The intensive management, restrictions on inputs and changes in marketing must be well understood. To help us wrap our heads around that process, Eric Richer, OSUE Farm Management Field Specialist, joins us to dive into the opportunities and challenges organic production presents in Ohio.
To dive deeper into this topic, we recommend attending the 2026 Ohio State Organic Grains Conference January 7-8. For more details, visit: https://offer.osu.edu/events/2026-OrganicGrainsConference.
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We continue our discussion with Dr. John Fulton on how to increase the reliability of harvest data. This time we focus on the in-field practices. With bigger machines, it is getting more difficult to collect high res data. Tune in for recommendations on things such as how long passes should be and more to increase the quality of your yield data.
For more resources on harvest data, visit: https://digitalag.osu.edu/precision-ag/research-focuses/harvest-technologies.
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Farmers write some big checks based on harvest data. How confident are you in the quality of that data? We’re getting into the weeds with Dr. John Fulton about how to ensure confident decisions can be made based on what is collected in the field this fall. In the first of this two part series, we talk about how yield measurements are collected in the combine, provide advice on calibration and discuss how unintentional mistakes can lead to big missteps with input decisions.
For more information on calibration, visit: https://digitalag.osu.edu/precision-ag/research-focuses/harvest-technologies.
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Each planting window brings the same question- Should I plant corn or soybeans first? Perhaps you have heard it referred to as the Battle for the Belt. Dr. Osler Ortez joins us for an update on his research based competition with soybean specialist Dr. Laura Lindsey to determine when the best windows are for planting corn and soybeans. They are also looking at where the largest yield losses occur when planting is delayed. These results can help farmers make decision on when to switch between corn and soybeans based on the calendar, maturity and conditions.
Follow updates on YouTube, the C.O.R.N. Newsletter and X (Dr. Ortez and Dr. Lindsey).
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We are once again joined by Dr. Aaron Wilson to share an outlook on what we can expect from Ohio’s weather for the spring planting season. We reflect on drought recovery, the heavy rains over the first weekend in April and what the summer is shaping up to look like.
For drought resources, visit: go.osu.edu/Ohio_drought. Sign up to receive monthly and quarterly updates from the State Climate Office: climate.osu.edu. Check out mrcc.purdue.edu/ to find useful tools such as the GDD calculator and freeze predictor. You can also reach out to Aaron at wilson.1010@osu.edu.
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Dr. John Fulton and Alex Thomas share the latest on utilizing drones to seed cover crops. They have done extensive research evaluating seeding capabilities, timing and stand establishment and share the results with us. We also talk about what it takes to become a licensed UAV operator, the challenges and advantages of seeding with UAVs and the future of availability considering tariff restrictions.
For more information, find research results in the 2023 and 2024 eFields reports: https://digitalag.osu.edu/efields. You can also visit the Digital Ag homepage: https://digitalag.osu.edu/home and check out their social media: https://digitalag.osu.edu/connect/social-media.
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Dr. Alyssa Essman gives us the rundown on which weeds we need to watch for (hint- it’s still waterhemp) and management strategies for success. We talk about some cost effective options that still allow for a diverse selection of herbicides to mitigate further resistance development. Over the top application of dicamba is still illegal so we asked her about that as well. Tune in for insight as you make preparations for spring.
For more from the weed science program, visit https://u.osu.edu/osuweeds/, catch their articles in the CORN newsletter and find them on social media @OhioStateWeeds.
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The 2024 eFields report is here! With 260 on-farm research sites across 42 counties, there is sure to be something of interest to everyone. In this episode, we highlight a few of the projects included in this year’s report.
To view the online version, visit: digitalag.osu.edu/efields. For a print copy, contact your local OSU Extension office or email digitalag@osu.edu.
To suggest topics for 2025, email Amanda at douridas.9@osu.edu and let us know what you want to hear about!
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While fertilizer prices have come down somewhat, crop prices have many farmers considering where to cut budgets. Fertilizer can be an option and in this episode we talk about how to do it strategically. We cover where to start with soil testing, how lime might be your cheapest option and where to cut P and K if need be.
P & K Fertility Decision with Tight Margins
Tri-State Fertilizer Recommendations
Ohio Agronomy Guide
Corn Nitrogen Rate Calculator
Soil Testing Resources:
Soil Sampling to Develop Nutrient Recommendations
Interpreting a Soil Test Report
Choosing a Laboratory for Nutrient and Soil Health Testing
Soil pH:
Soil Acidity and Liming for Agronomic Production (AGF-505)
Understanding Value in Lime
Soil Acidification: How to Lower Soil pH
Lime Application Rate Calculator (excel)
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