We are in the third episode in a series of episodes dedicated to a network of incubator farms that Yara North America is using to find innovative ways to improve farm productivity balanced with sustainable practices that can be implemented by growers to improve their on-farm profits.  Today, we're talking about the incubator farm in the  Canadian prairies to Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. Spread across 40 acres, we are studying essential crops like wheat, canola, peas, and barley. Managing the...

In this part 2 of our Incubator Farm series, Devin Clarke, takes us to the Yara Almond Incubator Farm in Modesto, California, a pioneering site in the heart of California's Central Valley. The farm is part of a series dedicated to exploring innovative solutions that combine enhanced farm productivity with sustainable practices. This 80-acre farm, which also features a walnut grove, functions as a collaborative research hub. Devin Clarke, Agronomy Solutions Manager at Yara North America and a...

This is the first in a series of episodes focused on the five incubator farms that Yara is managing in North America.  Launched in 2019, the Yara Incubator Farms Network is not just a series of farms; it's a visionary project connecting the dots between farming practices and the global food chain. With over 600 acres across North America, these farms serve as a living laboratory where cutting-edge research in soil fertility and crop nutrient management is conducted. This isn't just about...

How important is the thin layer of crust on earth that we call soil? Dr. Rob Mikkelsen, Yara North America's Director of Agronomy, and soil science expert Professor John Havlin help us understand. Dr. Havlin's work has not only revolutionized grape cultivation in North Carolina but also advanced sustainable farming practices worldwide. In this episode, we discuss the evolution of soil fertility practices, the impact of nutrient management on crop quality, and the significance of long-term...

In this episode of the Yara Crop Nutrition Podcast is a little different.  We talk with Taylor Chalstrom, the dynamic managing editor of My Ag Life and host of the My Ag Life podcast.  My Ag Life is a cornerstone resource dedicated to enriching the agricultural community in the Western United States with cutting-edge information. We talk about crucial topics such as soil health, the emerging role of biostimulants, advancements in agricultural technology, the intricacies of integrated pest...

Dr. Jim Camberado discusses nitrogen use efficiency in crop production. Dr. Camberado shares his experience working with crops such as corn, soybeans, wheat, cotton, and the challenges in executing nitrogen use efficiency. He emphasizes the importance of nitrogen use efficiency due to the dynamic nature of nitrogen in the soil and its impact on crop productivity. Dr. Camberado also addresses misconceptions about nitrogen use efficiency and provides insights into optimizing nitrogen...

What does it take to grow the perfect grape? Find out in today’s episode with Stan Grant, a vineyard specialist with decades of experience in the grape-growing industry. We discuss Stan's journey into grape growing, the biggest issue in grape nutrition, balancing yield and quality, changes in grape growing practices, creating a crop nutrition plan, differentiating grape varieties for wine, table grapes, and raisins, the challenges and future of the grape industry, and Stan's publications and...

In recent years, we have seen a rise in soil acidification.  Today's episode discusses the causes, signs, and effects of soil acidification, as well as strategies for mitigation, adaptation, and prevention (MAP). Joining Yara's Dr. Rob Mikkelsen is Dr. Clain Jones, renowned Montana State University Extension soil fertility specialist and Dr. Manbir Rakkar, Assistant Professor at Ohio State University who help us understand the significance of soil pH changes.   Soil acidification can be...

This episode explores the history, development, and sustainability of the potash industry. We are joined by Dr. Davide Ciceri, who currently leads innovative R&D at AgroPlantae, Inc. and Yara’s Director of Agronomy, Dr. Rob Mikkelsen. We begin with the origins of potash, which can be traced back to ancient methods of extracting potassium compounds from wood ashes. The conversation then delves into the development of the potash fertilizer industry, highlighting the work of chemist von...

In this episode, the hosts discuss the benefits and challenges of using liquid fertilizers. Dr. Karl Wyant, Director of Agronomy at Nutrien, and Dr. Rob Mikkelsen, Director of Agronomy at Yara, explain how liquid fertilizers offer more flexibility in creating customized nutrient formulations tailored to specific crop needs. They emphasize the importance of understanding compatibility and safety when blending and handling liquid fertilizers. We discuss the concept of suspension and solution...

In the dynamic world of crop production, staying ahead means understanding not just the 'how' but the 'why' behind effective agronomics. And that's exactly what we're unpacking in this episode. Foliar nutrition is more than just a trend; it’s a pivotal part of modern agriculture, offering targeted, efficient, and quick nutrient delivery to your crops. We'll explore the science behind foliar feeding, how it complements traditional soil nutrition, its role in maximizing crop health and...

How can furthering the practices of the 4R nutrient management, transform not only agricultural productivity but also contribute significantly to environmental sustainability and climate change mitigation?  Dr. Tom Bruulsema, Chief Scientist at Plant Nutrition Canada, and Yara’s Director Of Agronomy, Dr. Rob Mikkelsen are back with us to talk about the advancement of the 4Rs of Nutrient Stewardship.   In addition to Dr. Bruulsema's many jobs, he is also a committee member at the Scientific...

This episode is a part 2 from last week, where Dr. Rob Mikkelsen met up with some notable soil scientists at the American Society of Agronomy conference. In this episode of our podcast, we delve into the life and career of Dr. John Ryan, a distinguished international soil scientist with an extraordinary background. Born and raised in Ireland, Dr. Ryan's journey in the realm of semi-arid agriculture is as fascinating as it is impactful.  Dr. Ryan, holding degrees from University College...

Dr. Rob Mikkelsen recently attended the American Society of Agronomy Conference. He reunited with many of his colleagues and we have the chance to bring two international influencers onto our podcast over the next couple weeks. In this week's podcast, we delve into the heart of modern agriculture with Dr. Fernando Garcia, a renowned expert in soil fertility and crop nutrition. Dr. Garcia is a Free Professor at the College of Agricultural Sciences of the National University of Mar del Plata,...

In this episode of the Yara Crop Nutrition podcast, we delve into the world of crop management and dairy operations with guests Emmaline Long from Yara North America and Dave DeGolyer from the Western New York Crop Management Association. Over 35 minutes, they discuss the critical role of 4R Nutrient Stewardship in dairy farms, including the development and importance of  Comprehensive Nutrient Management Plans (CNMP) for dairies, and the unique factors such as manure management that affect...

In this episode of the Yara's Crop Nutrition Podcast, Scott and Dr. Rob Michelson discuss the Canadian government's mandate to reduce fertilizer-related greenhouse emissions by 30% by 2030. They are joined by Dr. Tom Bruulsema, the chief scientist at Plant Nutrition Canada, to delve into the evidence supporting the four R's of nutrient stewardship and their role in reducing emissions and improving nitrogen use efficiency. The conversation covers the importance of finding a balance between...

In today's episode, we dive into the fascinating world of soil science and agronomy with Dr. Newell Kitchen, who has recently published an eye-opening research paper titled "A New Perspective When Examining Maize Fertilizer Nitrogen Use Efficiency, Incrementally." We'll explore the key insights from his groundbreaking work and how they can transform the future of farming. Introduction to Dr. Newell Kitchen and his illustrious career in soil science and agronomy. History of the...

In this episode, we're excited to welcome Dr. Grant Cardon, a professor and Extension Soils Specialist at Utah State University's Department of Plants, Soils & Climate. With years of expertise in soil, water, and nutrient management in the Western U.S., Dr. Cardon is a leading authority in his field. Today, Yara's Dr. Rob Mikkelsen joins in the conversation where we tackle a question many have about soil testing: "Why do different soil labs yield varying results from the same samples?"...

We recently did a podcast episode on the creation of the 4Rs of Nutrient stewardship with Dr. Paul Fixen.  This was a simple to understand management strategy to improve nutrient use efficiency and on-farm profits.   Today we are going to expand on this strategy and talk about how the evolution of farming has changed and how we can become more precise in our execution of the 4Rs and see improved results.

Today we are diving into a fascinating topic that is both crucial to modern agriculture and a wonder of the natural world – bees. These tiny yet mighty creatures have been an integral part of farming for centuries, shaping the landscapes of our fields and the flavors on our plates. In this episode, we're joined by a seasoned bee expert, Jeff Shaw, Bee Hero, and Jesus Toro, Agronomy Specialist, and apiarist,  who will guide us through the historical significance of bees in agriculture, their...

In this episode of the Yara Crop Nutrition Podcast, we will explore apple fertility, focusing on the key nutrients that are essential for optimal growth and fruit development. We also uncover the factors that impact fertility recommendations, including soil pH, organic matter content, weather conditions, and crop rotation practices.  Emmaline Long, Agronomy Solutions Manager here in North America.

It’s been 11 years since the 4R Plant Nutrition manual was published, setting out a framework for the stewardship of plant nutrients agreed to by soil fertility scientists and crop nutrition practitioners.  This episode delves into the fascinating history behind the 4Rs of Nutrient Stewardship, a groundbreaking framework created by The Fertilizer Institute with the invaluable expertise of Paul Fixen and our own Directory of Agronomic Services, Rob Mikkelsen.   Paul Fixen is retired from...

In the realm of professional sports, the meticulous care of sports turf fields sets the stage for exceptional athlete performance. Unlike traditional farmlands, urban landscapes, or native ecosystems, these specialized fields demand precise agronomic strategies to withstand the rigors of athletic activity. Tailoring crop nutrition to specific turf grass varieties, managing constant foot traffic, and ensuring rapid recovery all contribute to lush, resilient playing surfaces that meet exacting...