Crop Management
Bushels Ahead: Corn Management Strategies
Luke Fuhrer, precision ag engineer, Iowa State University; and Doug Houser, digital ag extension specialist, Iowa State University
Wednesday,10:50 AM – 11:40 AM in Bishop AB
Wednesday,12:50 PM – 1:40 PM in Bishop AB
Maximizing corn yield requires a whole-system approach that integrates planting, fertility, tillage, pest management, and harvest to capture the crops full potential. Success comes from tailoring these practices to local conditions so each component reinforces the others. The most effective strategies view the production system as interconnected rather than relying on any single factor.
Processing and Storage Quality of the 2025 Crop in Iowa
Charles Hurburgh, professor emeritus, Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering, Iowa State University
Wednesday, 10:50 AM – 11:40 AM in Skinner A
Wednesday, 12:50 PM – 1:40 PM in Skinner A
Grain quality was under pressure at the end of the 2025 season. Variable weather and disease pressures combined to slow grain fill and impact grain properties in several ways. This presentation will summarize harvest quality as we know it by December 2025.
Forecast Fundamentals: Understanding Weather, Climate, and Forecasting
Madelynn Wuestenberg, weather and climate extension specialist, Agronomy, Iowa State University
Wednesday, 10:50 AM – 11:40 AM in Skinner B
Wednesday, 1:50 PM – 2:40 PM in Skinner B
Let’s clear the air, this seminar makes weather and climate a breeze to understand. Thunder over the basics, decode weather forecasts, and never get clouded by confusion again. You’ll learn to weather the storm of foggy weather forecasts and climate outlooks, preparing you for whatever nature throws your way.
The Tall and Short of Corn Silage
Shelby Gruss, assistant professor and extension forage specialist, Agronomy, Iowa State University
Wednesday, 12:50 PM – 1:40 PM in Skinner C
Wednesday, 1:50 PM – 2:40 PM in Skinner C
Is shorter the future of silage for dairy producers? This presentation stacks short-stature hybrids against traditional tall corn, comparing tonnage, starch, nutritive value, standability, and leaf-to-stem ratio. We will discuss how it shines or fall short.
Ag Market Outlook for 2026 and Beyond
Chad Hart, professor and extension economist, Economics, Iowa State University
Thursday, 8:00 AM – 8:50 AM in Bishop AB
We’ll talk about large crop supplies, growing crop usage, and turbulent government policy. We will examine the latest data from USDA and the markets to see which forces are pushing prices higher, which forces are shoving prices lower, and how much the markets are weighting each. We’ll conclude with an exploration of potential profitability for 2026 corn and soybean production.
Timber is a Crop: Grow it Right, Sell it Right!
Billy Beck, associate professor and extension forestry specialist, Natural Resources Ecology and Management, Iowa State University
Thursday, 9:00 AM – 9:50 AM in Skinner C
Thursday, 10:20 AM – 11:10 AM in Altoona
This session will empower members of the agricultural community to sustainably grow and harvest on-farm timber for maximum economic and ecologic returns. An overview of on-farm forest stewardship basics (grow it right) will be followed by a detailed breakdown of timber marketing, sales, and harvesting processes (sell it right).
Whose Land? Market Trends, Corporate Influence, and Foreign Investment
Rabail Chandio, assistant professor and extension economist, Economics, Iowa State University
Thursday, 10:20 AM – 11:10 AM in Skinner C
Thursday, 11:20 AM – 12:10 PM in Skinner C
This presentation explores the changing landscape of farmland ownership. We’ll look at what drives land values, how market forces affect the farm economy, and the role of corporate and foreign investors in shaping who owns agricultural land.
2025 Crop Year in Review: The Good, The Bad, The Ugly
Mark Licht, associate professor and extension cropping systems specialist, Agronomy, Iowa State University; and Sotirios Archontoulis, professor, Agronomy, Iowa State University
Thursday, 11:20 AM – 12:10 PM in Bishop AB
Thursday, 1:20 PM – 2:10 PM in Bishop AB
Every growing season has its problems; this past year was not different. This session will explore what impacts weather, and other factors, had on crop growth, development, and yield.
Battle for the Belt: Corn vs. Soybean – Which Crop Should have Planting Priority in the
Spring?
Laura Lindsey, state soybean and wheat specialist, The Ohio State University
Thursday, 11:20 AM – 12:10 PM in Bishop C
Thursday, 1:20 PM – 2:10 PM in Bishop C
Corn and soybean yield are strongly influenced by planting date. However, there is a limited number of suitable field work days in the spring due to wet weather. ‘Battle for the Belt’ (corn belt vs. soybean belt) compares corn and soybean yield outcomes across five planting date timeframes.
From Bin to Bottom Line: Managing Inputs and Maximizing Returns
Eric Weuve, farm management specialist, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach
Thursday, 1:20 PM – 2:10 PM in Skinner C
Thursday, 2:20 PM – 3:10 PM in Skinner C
This session explores practical strategies to manage crop production costs in the current economic climate, focusing on fertilizer and chemical inputs, marketing fundamentals, and agronomic decisions. We’ll examine historical fertilizer-to-crop price comparisons, profit models, and how soil test results can help producers control expenses without compromising yield. Learn how to lean into planning, margin management, and storage strategies to make informed decisions for a profitable season.