Please join us for episode #59 of MN CropCast. In this episode, Dave and Seth are diving deep into the DNA of the plants that feed us, and we are thrilled to sit down with Dr. Peter Morrell, a Professor of Computational Biology and Plant Genetics right here at the University of Minnesota.

Dr. Morrell has had a fascinating journey to the U of M. He grew up in southern Oklahoma, earned his Ph.D. back in 1997, and spent time researching genetics in the corporate world at Monsanto in St. Louis before officially joining the Minnesota faculty in 2009. Today, he is essentially a master codebreaker for plant DNA. As an evolutionary geneticist, Dr. Morrell uses big data and computer science to figure out exactly how wild plants evolved into the reliable crops we rely on today—specifically focusing on crops like barley, soybeans, and common beans. His lab looks at the genetic fingerprints left behind by breeders and farmers to understand how plants mix, match, and mutate their DNA to survive.

In fact, his work recently made waves in the journal Science. He co-authored a study on a mind-boggling, 100-year evolutionary experiment on barley, giving us an unprecedented, real-time look at how crops naturally adapt to their local environments over a century. On top of tracking what happens when farmed crops accidentally swap genetics with wild weeds, he also teaches a popular undergraduate course on the science and agronomy of marijuana, breaking down the complex biology of the plant for his students.

Join us for another Minnesota Crop Cast today.

This week, we are thrilled to feature Agronomist Matt Leavitt. Matt’s work focuses on integrating new crops that provide broad ecosystem services to our landscapes while helping to diversify and de-risk the economic portfolios of Minnesota crop producers.

Originally from Eau Claire, Wisconsin, Matt completed his graduate work right here in the Department of Agronomy and Plant Genetics with Craig Sheaffer and Don Wyse. Currently, Matt serves as the Perennial Grains and Winter Annuals Agronomy Specialist for the Department and the Forever Green Initiative (FGI).

In this episode, Matt dives into the most established crops in the FGI portfolio, including Kernza, Camelina, Winter barley, and Hybrid Winter Rye. He shares his experience working one-on-one with farmers to identify alternative crop species that fit their unique operations, maximizing ecological and economic benefits while reducing overall risk. Beyond the field, Matt also writes extension publications for producers and lectures at winter meetings and summer field days.
Please join David and Seth for another fun and fascinating episode of the Minnesota CropCast!
For more information on the Forever Green Initiative and new value-added crops, visit:
https://forevergreen.umn.edu

A conversation with Dr. Bob Stupar, Professor of Agronomy and Plant Genetics

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, Dr. Stupar shares that his proudest contribution in his lab isn't just the data, but the people. He emphasizes that his #1 priority is graduate student training and workforce development, ensuring the next generation of scientists is ready to lead.

A conversation with Dr. Anna Cates, Extension Soil Health Specialist

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 practices and cover crops.
• An upcoming intensive educational opportunity: The Cover Crop Academy.

Please join us for another lively and informative MN CropCast.

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 (NCROC)

· Feb 17: Cold Spring (Great Blue Heron)

· Feb 18: Le Center (4H Family Center) & Rochester (Aune Hall)

· Feb 19: Slayton (Murray County 4H-Building)

· Feb 20: Benson (McKinney's on Southside)

In this Minnesota Crop Cast (#54) podcast Jodi DeJong-Hughes, an University of Minnesota Extension educator, who works for the Water Resources Center and specializes in the impact of tillage practices on crop yield and soil health was our guest. Jodi has developed her expertise in the area of how compaction occurs, prevention and remediation.

During the podcast Jodi reviewed how soil compaction can occur any time a heavy piece of equipment moves across a field and what factors increase the probability of it occurring. Such as when moving heavy equipment or tilling the soil when it is wet causes clay particles to slide around against each other, eventually ending up much closer to one another with fewer soil pores than before the field operation took place. Jodi emphasized that the primary goal is prevention for soil compaction via reducing axle loads, trips and adjusting tire pressure among other practices. Jodi also discussed some different field-based practices/tillage options to alleviate soil compaction via mechanical remediation etc.

Finally, Jodi recommended that crop producers consider attending virtually the Northern Soil Compaction Conference that will occur on four Tuesday mornings (9 am-noon CST) this February (Feb 3, 10, 17, 24). For a more in-depth discussion about the factors causing, preventing and alleviating soil compaction. Registration for the conference can be found at this conference site.

A conversation with Dr. Jeff Couter, Extension Corn Agronomist

In this week’s Minnesota CropCast, hosts Dave Nicolai and Seth Naeve sit down with University of Minnesota Extension Corn Agronomist, Dr. Jeff Coulter. Together, they review the 2025 Minnesota corn crop and discuss how this year’s unique challenges should inform producer decisions for 2026.

The 2025 season was distinct: it began with a very short and early start with a long stretch of moderate weather, only to be interrupted by a cool August and significant late-season drought in West Central Minnesota. The group breaks down how these environmental swings impacted corn yields and analyzes the unusual disease pressure faced by growers—specifically the heavy hit of Southern Rust in addition to routine corn diseases.

Looking ahead, Dr. Coulter explores the trait landscape for 2026, including insect and disease resistance packages and the rising interest in "short stature" corn hybrids. Join us today for a full breakdown on Minnesota CropCast.

A conversation with Nathan Hulinsky, Agricultural Business Management Educator

In this week's CropCast, hosts Seth and Dave sit down with University of Minnesota Agriculture Business Management Educator, Nathan Hulinsky, to discuss one of the largest input costs for crop farmers: land costs. Nathan provides current examples of typical cash rent and land costs in Minnesota and gives an overview of Extension Farmland Rental workshops scheduled for 2025 and 2026. These workshops cover local historic and projected farmland rental rate trends, current farmland values and sales, and include a worksheet Nathan utilizes to help participants create a fair rental agreement. Landlords, farmers, and agri-business professionals should plan to attend one of these informative meetings being held across Minnesota and online. A list of workshop locations and times can be viewed online at https://extension.umn.edu/courses-and-events/farmland-rental-workshop.