Ag Geek Speak

In this episode, Sarah and Jodi dig into why zone soil sampling pays off when fertilizer prices are high and every pound has to earn its keep. We explain why composite soil sampling can hide field extremes and how better sampling leads to smarter variable rate fertility prescriptions. 

We talk:
• high fertilizer prices driving interest in variable rate fertilizer and better prescriptions 
• composite soil samples pro...

We walk through what we’re thinking about for spring planning in 2026, from realistic yield goals to the map decisions that actually save money when inputs are high. We keep it practical by tying variable rate strategies to agronomy, controller readiness, and the real limits in each zone. 

In this episode, Sarah and Jodi talk
• setting realistic yield goals for averages and zones 
• handling fields without rece...

We sit down with Chris Sherman of Tech Support Farm to explore how cybercrime targets modern agriculture and what practical steps protect farms and agribusinesses from losses. From avoiding spoofed invoices to equipment lockouts, we share simple defenses any grower, consultant, or retailer can start today.

In this epsiode, we discuss with Chris

• why agriculture is a prime target for cybercrime
• social engineering that targets bu...

Sarah and Jodi discuss NAIP aerial imagery and why this high-resolution imagery is invaluable for precision agriculture work in the United States. They share workflows for validating zones, aligning layers, and spotting year-over-year patterns while noting timing pitfalls, thanks to NAIP imagery as a background source.

In this episode, we discuss...

• what NAIP is and who collects it
• benefits of high resolution often associated ...

We talk with Matt Krueger about his field-level view of autonomous tillage with a 9R series John Deere tractor, from kit installation to dust-driven safety stops, and how better boundaries and AutoPath boost both uptime and data quality. Matt's story centers on labor flexibility, real costs, and where autonomy should expand next.

In this special hour-long episode we talk:
• autonomy kit details, JDLink Boost connectivity, dual re...

We dig into why low (acidic) soil pH unlocks aluminum toxicity, how that halts root growth, and which crops suffer first. Then we lay out a practical plan to find acidic patches with smarter sampling, NDVI, and grid-the-zone strategies, and point to lime and buffer pH for the fix.

In this episode, we discuss...
• soil pH as chemical control and pH level of 7 is neutral
• aluminum toxicity risk to crops increases below 6.5 pH&n...

Welcome back to the second part of our conversation with Preston Sundeen to explore how a two-year ag program prepares students for precision agriculture careers by building real-world skills across hardware, software, GIS, and agronomy. Sundeen's focus is practical confidence: clean data, sound troubleshooting, critical thinking, and learning to ask better questions.
 

We also talk about...

• defining precision ag as practic...

We unpack why soybean leaves turn yellow in patches, thanks to soybean IDC (iron deficiency chlorosis) and how to predict IDC risk for management. We share the exact soil tests that matter, how to read the lab results, and where precision mapping saves money and yield thanks to IDC management.

We also discuss...

• defining iron chlorosis
• why iron-rich soils still cause deficiency
• limits of testing for DTPA iron alone
• t...

We break down what “salty soil” really means and why salinity and sodicity demand different fixes. We share how to properly diagnose a soil as saline, sodic, or saline/sodic through soil sampling and testing, to avoid turning a manageable patch into concrete.

We also discuss....
• defining normal, saline, sodic, saline-sodic with soil test EC and sodium results
• why salinity causes drought-like stress with...

We sit down with Preston Sundean to trace a path from farm kid to precision ag educator and entrepreneur. We dig into teaching ADMS, turning data into fast prescriptions, and why critical thinking matters more than button sequences.

In this episode we discuss...
• Preston's North Dakota farm roots and agribusiness training
• Career moves from ag retail to precision ag education
• COVID pivot into entrepreneurship and insura...

We map residual herbicide rates with field truth, not guesses, turning five-zone soil maps into targeted prescriptions that cut injury and hit weed spawn sites. We weigh OM, pH, texture, and landscape to protect sensitive crops now and keep rotations flexible next year.

In this episode we discuss...

• base maps from precision soil sampling and scouting knowledge
• modded zones for unique poor areas and weed hotspots
• organic m...

We unpack why liquid fertilizer math trips people up and discuss how to figure out how to determine pounds of fertilizer in a liquid fertilizer. We talk real examples and show how small liquid fertilizer densities can drastically affect starter outcomes, especially in cold soils.

In this Tiny Bytes, we talk

• the dry vs liquid mindset shift 
• how density changes gallons into pounds 
• where to find pounds per...

We sit down (again) with Kyle Okke of Agile Agronomy and explore how to make variable-rate residual herbicides actually work, from nozzle physics to dual-tank setups, and why agronomy must lead every tech decision. We also talk PWM (pulse width modulation), drift control, and mapping weed hot spots for smarter applications.

Additionally...
• Limits of conventional pressure-based rate changes
• Why droplet size, pattern...

We unpack why “precision composite soil sampling” isn’t a contradiction and show how GPS-marked points turn an old method into a reliable trend tool. We cover workflows, gear, timing, and when shifting results should push you toward zones.

In this episode we discuss 

• Pre‑GPS composite sampling and its limits
• Marking exact GPS points for repeatability
• Keeping post‑harvest or spring timing consistent<...

We explore using precision agriculture to variable-rate apply residual herbicides using soil-driven maps to reduce crop injury on sensitive zones while maintaining strong weed control. Kyle Okke joins us to explain why OM, pH, and texture can set the rate and how sprayer mechanics affect success.

In this episode, we discuss

• Specialty crops that rely on pre-emerge residuals
• Resistant weeds driving need for fall residual applica...

We break down soil orders like a field guide, linking what you see in a soil profile to how soils behave and how to manage them. From prairie-black mollisols to red-dirt ultisols, we share traits, regions, and practical tips growers can use today.

• soil taxonomy as a practical framework
• mollisols and their dark, organic-rich surface
• vertisols with shrink–swell clays and timing risks
• spodosols in conifer...

Catch the first part of this episode here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2297340/episodes/17664422

In part two of introducing Surface Shaping, Kelly walks us through how to turn a watershed map into a buildable surface shaping plan that automatically controls a scraper. Kelly also shares the ADMS tools, soil insights, controller details, and timing tips that make smarter water movement practical and profitable.

• farmer input on...

Matt Kruger joins us to share the fascinating story of creating the world's largest corn maze spanning 121 acres with over 20 miles of pathways using precision agriculture technology. We explore how advanced planting techniques, boundary files, and ADMS technology transformed a traditional corn maze operation into a record-breaking agricultural attraction.

• Valley Corn Maize east of East Grand Forks, MN opens August 23rd th...

GK Technology introduces Surface Shaping and SD Surface (in conjunction with Rust Sales) which offers land managers an innovative approach to field design. Surface Shaping allows for advanced drainage design, giving farmers the ability to design intentional water flow and directionality, above and beyond normal ditching and "land leveling." Kelly Sharpe explains how this new technology preserves valuable topsoil while eliminating p...