What is biochar and how can we use it to improve the sustainability of animal agriculture? In this episode we sit down with Carly Graves, a graduate research assistant in the Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering North Carolina State University.  Carly recently co-authored of a review paper evaluating the use of biochar to improve the sustainability of animal production and has also studied the use of engineered biochar as a poultry litter amendment. Listen in as we discuss agricultural applications for biochar and ways it can be used to improve agronomic and environmental ..read more

Variable weather conditions can make managing grain aeration challenging, but a tool for fine tuning aeration is now at your fingertips with the Grain Aeration & Storage App. Join us as we chat with Dr. Dirk Maier, professor in the Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering at Iowa State University, and developer of the app. We discuss different tools within the app and how they can make fine tuning aeration a 'breeze'. Download the app at the Google Play Store https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=argentina.gob.ar.inta.grainaeration&hl=en_US&gl=US or the Apple S ..read more

Can we really farm without using tillage or chemicals to control weeds? Listen in as we chat with Clint Brauer, 3rd generation farmer and CEO of GreenField Incorporated, a company on a mission to eliminate the need for chemicals in no-till agriculture. We discuss different robotic platforms that can provide both preseason and in-season weed control for row crops, and what challenges and opportunities lie ahead for chemical free no-till agriculture.  ..read more

Gary Lewis invented the Bio-Agtive Emissions Technology System to turn a problem into an opportunity: how to capture nitrogen from engine exhaust and use it to grow crops. In this wide-ranging conversation we dive into the details of how this technology has evolved from the goal of capturing nitrogen to increasing soil organic matter levels and boosting plant productivity, all while improving the soil and reducing input costs. The implications of this are profound - can we really turn diesel engine exhaust into a biological amendment that reduces the need for off-farm fertility? Listen in and ..read more

In the episode we venture into the wet world of water quality and aquatic invasive plant removal with Tara Lordi, owner and CEO of Weedoo Greenboat Inc. Tara discusses challenges to water quality due to pesticide applications and nutrient runoff and how removing excess vegetation can be a win-win for water quality and the environment. Learn more at weedooboats.com   ..read more

In this episode we chat with Nancy Vander Byl, North American Territory Manager for Core Cool Systems, about how to keep livestock cool and comfortable by managing airflow and humidity in barns. We discuss the importance of airspeed, evaporative cooling, and other factors for keeping animals comfortable to maximize productivity. You can learn more at corecoolsystems.com  ..read more

Seed conditioning encompasses a critical and underappreciated set of processes and technologies to ensure that we have viable high-quality seed to plant. In this episode, we sit down with  Alan Gaul, a Seed Conditioning Specialist with the Seed Science Center at Iowa State University. The discussion covers both the history and current industry trends in seed conditioning, as well as some of the processes involved in conditioning seed. We also discuss the many educational opportunities and services  available through the Seed Science Center and Seed Lab at Iowa State University.  ..read more

Properly managing in-season nitrogen and cover crop applications can be both challenging and profitable. In this episode we sit down with Kent Cavender-Bares, co-founder and CEO of Rowbot Systems, to discuss their autonomous Rowbot technology for application of nitrogen and cover crops during the growing season. To learn more, go to Rowbot.com  ..read more

Join us as we dive into the exciting new field of conservation agronomy. In this episode we have a wide-ranging conversation with Ruth McCabe, conservation agronomist with Heartland Cooperative, and Zach Timm, conservation agronomist with Dubuque County Iowa Soil and Water Conservation District. We talk cover crops, edge-of-field conservation practices, getting funding for conservation, the future of conservation agronomy, and more.  Follow Ruth on Twitter @agronomistruth, Zach @ZachTimm4, and follow us @IAFieldAgEngrs.  ..read more

In this episode, guests Kristina TeBockhorst, field agricultural engineer, and Joel DeJong, field crops specialist with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, join Brian Dougherty to discuss optimal timing for fall manure and commercial N applications. Application strategies, yield effects, and adjustments for dry weather and high fertilizer prices are among the topics discussed.      Resources for more information: Using Manure Nutrients for Crop Production: https://store.extension.iastate.edu/product/12874 Manure Monday: Manure Application and Timing: https://youtu.be ..read more