Session Descriptions
Crop Management
(1) Corn yield response to N-fertilizer in old and new hybrids (1.0 CM)
Sotirios Archontoulis, professor, Agronomy, Iowa State University, Ames, IA
Wednesday, 3:00-3:50 PM in Bishop C
Wednesday, 4:00-4:50 PM in Bishop C
The optimum N rate for corn is variable and changing. He will focus on the effect ofhybrids. Nitrogen use efficiencies and progress over time will also be discussed.
(2) Handling and storage of the 2024 corn and soybean harvest in Iowa (0.5 CM)
Charles Hurburgh, professor, Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering and professor in charge, Iowa Grain Quality Initiative, Iowa State University, Ames, IA
Wednesday, 11:00-11:25 AM in Bishop C
Wednesday, 1:00-1:25 PM in Bishop C
Big yields in 2024 will create storage shortages but fortunately favorable weather in the grain fill period has prevented many quality and storability issues. This presentation will review the current grain storage and distribution situation. The growing trends for food safety and carbon intensity (environmental) factors are creating pressure to track and identify properties of grain that are not easily measureable by physical tests nor are visually apparent in the grain. The challenges created for efficient handling of commodity grain will be discussed.
(3) Land market insights: Trends, drivers, and foreign ownership (0.5 CM)
Rabail Chandio, assistant professor and extension economist, Economics, Iowa State University, Ames, IA
Wednesday, 11:00-11:25 AM in Bishop AB
Wednesday, 1:00-1:25 PM in Bishop AB
Looking ahead, we’ll explore potential shifts in land values, examining how agricultural trends, economic conditions, and foreign ownership patterns are shaping the market in Iowa and the Midwest. We’ll also review the key drivers behind land prices over the past year, providing an outlook for the future.
(4) Ag market outlook for 2025 and beyond (1.0 CM)
Chad Hart, professor and extension economist, Economics, Iowa State University, Ames, IA
Thursday, 8:00-8:50 AM in Bishop AB
Thursday, 9:00-9:50 AM in Bishop AB
We will explore the factors currently shaping the ag economy and the various sectors that drive economic growth in the sector. We will investigate the connections among feed, fuel, and export markets and examine potential changes to federal agricultural policy (i.e., the Farm Bill). We will discuss the potential for agricultural profitability over the next few years and outline the challenges to reaching robust economic gains.
(5) Can we farm and produce solar power in the same place? (0.5 CM)
Matt O’Neal, professor, Plant Pathology, Entomology and Microbiology, and Wallace Chair for Sustainable Agriculture, Iowa State University, Ames, IA
Thursday, 10:30-10:55 AM in Bishop AB
Thursday, 11:00-11:25 AM in Bishop AB
As utility companies around the Midwest are expanding their energy portfolios to include solar power, landowners are being contacted about leasing land currently in production. A multi-disciplinary team at ISU is exploring if farming can continue under solar panels. This presentation will explore what is possible for landowners and farmers to generate multiple sources of income from land developed for solar power generation.
(6) How early should you plant soybeans? Seriously. (1.0 CM)
Seth Naeve, professor and extension soybean agronomist, Agronomy and Plant Genetics, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN
Wednesday, 9:00-9:50 AM in Bishop AB
Wednesday, 10:00-10:50 AM in Bishop AB
There has been a LOT of talk of very early planted soybeans in recent years. What is the value and risk of early planted soybeans? Where you should you plant your earliest soybeans and how to manage early (and late) planted soybeans? These and other related questions will be answered in this session. Seriously.
(7) When soybean yield is decided: the critical period as a tool for optimizing crop management (1.0 CM)
Anibal Cerrudo, visiting professor, Agronomy and Plant Genetics, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN and research scientist, Argentinian National Institute for Agriculture
Wednesday, 9:00-9:50 AM in Bishop C
Wednesday, 10:00-10:50 AM in Bishop C
Maximizing soybean yield begins with understanding the crop’s critical growth periods. In this talk, we’ll examine how stress impacts two key yield components: grain number and grain weight, and why timing is crucial. We’ll discuss new research showing that the most critical period for soybean yield spans from the R4 to R7 growth stages, with peak sensitivity to stress occurring around R5.5. Grain number per area is highly sensitive between R3 and R6, while grain weight sensitivity extends from R5 to R7. The goal is to provide practical insights for soybean management, emphasizing the importance of optimizing source capacity during these critical stages to maximize yield. Ultimately, understanding the critical period for yield determination serves as a powerful tool for more informed crop management.
(8) Exploring opportunities of prussic-acid free sorghum for livestock (0.5 CM)
Shelby Gruss, assistant professor and extension forage specialist, Agronomy, Iowa State University, Ames, IA
Thursday, 10:30-10:55 AM in Bishop C
Thursday, 11:00-11:25 AM in Bishop C
Sorghum is a resilient grain and forage crop due to its high drought tolerance and can thrive in low-N environments. Sorghum produces a cyanogenic glucoside, dhurrin, that can be toxic to animals when converted to prussic acid. A mutation was discovered that inhibits the production of dhurrin so no production of prussic acid, eliminating the risk of poisoning in animals. Understanding its impacts and ways to integrate this new technology into our forage systems is invaluable in understanding future use and implications.
(9) Playing limbo with soybean seeding rates and row spacing (1.0 CM)
Mark Licht, associate professor and extension cropping systems specialist, Agronomy, Iowa State University, Ames, IA
Wednesday, 3:00-3:50 PM in Skinner A
Wednesday, 4:00-4:50 PM in Skinner A
Crop profit outlooks are looking tight going into the 2025 growing season. Is lowering soybean seeding rates an option? Can soybean yields be increased with narrowing of row spacings? This session will explore new datasets that can help with this decision.
(10) Unlocking farm profitability with carbon intensity scoring: Corn and soybean metrics (1.0 CM)
Daniel Andersen, associate professor and extension agricultural engineer, Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering, Iowa State University, Ames, IA; Alejandro Plastina, associate professor of Agricultural Finance and FaFF Director, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO; and Kristine Tidgren, associate professor, Director of Center of Ag Law and Taxation, Iowa State University, Ames, IA
Thursday, 1:00-1:50 PM in Skinner B
Thursday, 2:00-2:50 PM in Skinner B
Are you ready to elevate your farm’s profitability while staying ahead of evolving market and regulatory trends? Join us for an insightful 45-minute seminar focused on Carbon Intensity Scoring for Corn and Soybeans—an essential tool for unlocking new revenue opportunities and ensuring your farm’s future success. Learn actionable strategies to enhance your carbon score, including optimizing fuel use, effective nutrient management, and incorporating cover crops. Understand how practices like reduced tillage, harvesting stover, and manure utilization can positively influence your carbon score and enhance market opportunities.
Pest Management
(11) Old pest, new problem: Bt resistance in European corn borer in North America (1.0 PM)
Kelsey Fisher, assistant scientist, Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station New Haven, CT
Wednesday, 1:30-2:20 PM in Skinner B
Wednesday, 3:00-3:50 PM in Skinner B
The European corn borer (ECB), is one of the most significant crop pests in North America, was the original target of transgenic corn modified to produce insecticidal toxins from Bacillus thurinigiensis bacteria (Bt corn). For more than 25 years, this has been one of the most successful pest management strategies in history with no indication of ECB resistance to Bt toxins. However, the first case of field-evolved resistance in ECB to a Bt toxin was detected in Nova Scotia, Canada in 2018. With subsequent monitoring, additional resistant populations have been detected in Quebec and Manitoba, Canada in 2019 and 2020, respectively. In 2023, the first Bt resistant ECB were detected in Connecticut, USA Therefore, a significant threat to ECB management is on the horizon in North America.
(12) The soybean cyst nematode challenge: Present and future (1.0 PM)
Horacio Lopez-Nicora, assistant professor, Plant Pathology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
Wednesday, 1:30-2:20 PM in Bishop C
Wednesday, 3:00-3:50 PM in Bishop AB
Discover how soybean cyst nematode (SCN) adapts and learn the latest integrated management strategies, from resistance rotation and seed treatments to automated sampling. Stay ahead with innovative tools to protect your soybean yields.
(13) IPM 101: The pinnacle of pest management quizzes (1.0 PM)
Ashley Dean, education extension specialist, Iowa State University, Ames, IA; Meaghan Anderson, extension field agronomist, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, Ames, IA; and Chelsea Harbach, plant disease diagnostician, Iowa State University, Ames, IA
Thursday, 8:00-8;50 AM in Skinner A
Thursday, 9:00-9:50 AM in Skinner A
Join this fun and fast-paced weed, insect, and disease quiz – if you dare! We’ll laugh, some will cry, and we’ll give a few prizes to those prove themselves to be the most superior of IPM experts!
(14) Corn rootworms are chipping away at silage corn (0.5 PM)
Erin Hodgson, professor and extension entomologist, Plant Pathology, Entomology and Microbiology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA; and Ashley Dean, education extension specialist, Iowa State University, Ames, IA
Wednesday, 11:00-11:25 AM in Skinner B
Wednesday, 1:00-1:25 PM in Skinner B
The economic impacts of corn rootworm in grain corn are well documented; however, the nutritional impact in silage corn is poorly understood. This presentation will review research about the economic and quality impacts of corn rootworm in silage.
(15) Out damned spot! Out, I say (1.0 PM)
Alison Robertson, professor and extension crop plant pathologist, Plant Pathology, Entomology and Microbiology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA
Wednesday, 1:30-2:20 PM in Bishop AB
Wednesday, 4:00-4:50 PM in Bishop AB
This session will review the National Predictive Modeling Tool Initiative and statewide corn disease management trials done in 2024.
(16) What’s the deal with these weeds and who is this weed scientist? (1.0 PM)
Wesley Everman, assistant professor and extension weed specialist, Agronomy, Iowa State University, Ames, IA
Thursday, 1:00-1:50 PM in Bishop C
Thursday, 2:00-2:50PM in Bishop C
There is a new weed scientist at Iowa State preparing to tackle the herbicide-resistant weed challenges around the state. A brief introduction, how we will address resistant weeds, and what we know about the EPA herbicide strategy will all be covered.
(17) Endangered Species Act implementation in pesticide programs (1.0 PM)
Gretchen Paluch, chief, Pesticide Bureau, Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, Des Moines, IA
Thursday, 8:00-8:50 AM in Skinner C
Thursday, 9:00-9:50 AM in Skinner C
This presentation will deliver updates and perspectives on the federal and state implementation of the endangered species act in pesticide regulatory programs.
(18) Get the scoop on Asian copperleaf (0.5 PM)
Meaghan Anderson, extension field agronomist, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, Ames, IA; and Angie Rieck-Hinz, extension field agronomist, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, Clarion, IA
Thursday, 10:30-10:55 AM in Skinner C
Thursday, 11:00-11:25 AM in Skinner C
You may not have heard of Asian copperleaf, but Iowa farmers in at least eight counties are contending with this new species not known to be in any other crop fields in the United States. Farmers often spot this plant at harvest when they find a green carpet under the crop canopy. This session will address what we know about this species, what threat might it pose for Iowa farmers, and what we still have to learn to effectively manage it.
(19) Soybean aphid resistance really sucks (0.5 PM)
Erin Hodgson, professor and extension entomologist, Plant Pathology, Entomology and Microbiology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA
Thursday, 10:30-10:55 AM in Skinner B
Thursday, 11:00-11:25 AM in Skinner B
Soybean aphids are periodical pests in northern Iowa but were up in numbers throughout Many noted the inconsistent performance of rescue treatments, particularly with pyrethroids. We share recent efficacy data and documentation of resistance.
(20) Soybean disease challenges and fungicide strategies in 2024 (1.0 PM)
Daren Mueller, professor and extension crop plant pathologist, Plant Pathology, Entomology and Microbiology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA; and Jose Gonzalez-Acuna, graduate student, Plant Pathology, Entomology and Microbiology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA
Wednesday, 8:00-8:50 AM in Skinner A
Wednesday, 4:00-4:50PM in Skinner B
The 2024 season marked a departure from the drier conditions of previous years, with several diseases becoming more prominent across Iowa. This presentation will highlight the key diseases observed in 2024 and explore the latest research on disease management strategies.
(21) SCN management for 2025 in Iowa with emphasis on resistance management (1.0 PM)
Greg Tylka, Morrill professor and extension nematologist, Plant Pathology, Entomology and Microbiology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA
Wednesday, 9:00-9:50 AM in Skinner C
Wednesday, 10:00-10:50 AM in Skinner C
Soybean cyst nematode (SCN) continues to be a major yield-reducing pathogen of soybean in Iowa and surrounding states. Availability of soybean varieties with the heretofore uncommon Peking SCN resistance has increased dramatically since 2022. Also, varieties possessing transgenic, Bt-based SCN resistance will be available in upcoming years. And new and existing nematode-protectant seed treatments are additional tools that can protect yields in SCN-infested fields. This presentation will review the above-mentioned management options and discuss how best to integrate and coordinate their use for maximum long-term effectiveness.
(22) Seed Treatment Continuing Instruction Course (1.0 PM)
Betsy Danielson, extension specialist, Pesticide Safety Education Program, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, Ames, IA
Thursday, 2:00-2:50 PM in Skinner C
The Seed Treatment CIC program will provide continuing instruction credit for commercial pesticide applicators certified in category 4 for calendar year 2024. Topics covered will include safe application and equipment. To receive recertification, you must also attend one pest management session related to seed treatment in addition to this session. Options are sessions 12 and 21.
(23) Commercial Ag Weed, Insect, and Plant Disease Pest Control Continuing Instruction Course (1.0 PM)
Betsy Danielson, extension specialist, Pesticide Safety Education Program, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, Ames, IA
Thursday, 3:00-3:50 PM in Skinner C
The Commercial Ag Weed, Insect, and Plant Disease Pest Control CIC program will provide continuing instruction credit for commercial pesticide applicators certified in categories 1A, 1B, and 1C for calendar year 2024. Topics covered will include safe application and equipment. To receive recertification, you must also attend one pest management session in each of the subcategories they are certified (1A, 1B, and/or 1C) in addition to this session: category 1A ( Weeds) sessions: 13, 16, and 18; category 1B (Insects) sessions: 11, 13, 14, and 19; and category 1C (Diseases) sessions: 12, 13, 15, 20, and 21.
Nutrient Management
(24) Nitrate leaching losses in 2024 after multiple dry years (1.0 NM)
Matt Helmers, professor and extension agricultural engineer, Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering, Iowa State University, Ames, IA
Thursday, 2:00-2:50 PM in Bishop AB
Thursday, 3:00-3:50 PM in Bishop AB
Iowa had a wet spring 2024 after multiple dry years. These wet following dry conditions impact nitrate-N loss from our annual cropping systems. This presentation will discuss what we have measured in 2024 and how it compares to 2013 which was also a wet spring preceded by a drought.
(25) Know when to hold ‘em, know when to fold ‘em: Optimizing conservation placement with prairie (1.0 NM)
Tim Youngquist, agricultural specialist, Agronomy, Iowa State University, Ames, IA
Thursday, 1:00-1:50 PM in Skinner C
Thursday, 3:00-3:50 PM in Skinner A
Prairie strips are a proven conservation practice and a versatile tool for reducing soil erosion, filtering water, and increasing habitat for wildlife. Join us to hear from members of the STRIPS team about where and how to implement prairie into rowcrop agriculture to maximize production and conservation benefits.
(26) A deep dive into nitrification inhibitors and the efficacy of commercially available products (1.0 NM)
Richard Roth, assistant professor and extension nitrogen specialist, Agronomy, Iowa State University, Ames, IA
Thursday, 1:00-1:50 PM in Bishop AB
Thursday, 3:00-3:50 PM in Bishop C
In this presentation we will provide a brief overview of what nitrification inhibitors are and how they behave in soils. We will discuss how these products impact the nitrogen cycle, the modes of action used to do so, and what past research says about the effectiveness of nitrification inhibitors. We will finish by reviewing our current research where we are comparing the efficacy of seven commercially available nitrification inhibitor products across different soils, soil moistures, soil temperatures, and product application rates.
Soil and Water Management
(27) What can you do to stop compaction from squeezing your yields? (SW 1.0)
Jodi DeJong-Hughes, regional educator, University of Minnesota Extension, Danvers, MN
Thursday, 1:00-1:50 PM in Skinner A
Thursday, 2:00-2:50 PM in Skinner A
As farm equipment grows larger and heavier, the risk of soil compaction increases. Certain tillage practices can inadvertently set the stage for compaction, leading to reduced pore space, water infiltration, nutrient uptake, and drainage, all of which severely impact yields. Traditional methods, like deep tillage or relying on freeze-thaw cycles may not be enough. And aren’t as effective as you may think.
(28) The right tool for the job: Selecting appropriate cover crop species (SW 1.0)
Ethan Thies, conservation field specialist, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, Ames, IA
Wednesday, 9:00-9:50 AM in Skinner B
Wednesday, 10:00-10:50 AM in Skinner B
Selecting the cover crop species that best fits your goals and operation. Considerations of common species and a how to on the Midwest Cover Crop Council’s cover crop selector tool.
(29) Panel Discussion: Successful soybean and corn production while using conservation practices (SW 1.0)
Mark Licht, associate professor and extension cropping systems specialist, Agronomy, Iowa State University, Ames, IA; and Joe McClure, director of research, Research Center for Farming Innovation, Iowa Soybean Association, Ankeny, IA
Wednesday, 10:00-10:50 AM in Skinner A
Wednesday, 1:30-2:20 PM in Skinner A
Panelists: Matt Bormann, Bormann Ag, Bode, IA; AJ Blair, Blair Farm, Dayton, IA; and Ryan Reimers, E4 Crop Intelligence, Woodbine, IA This panel discussion is focused on maximizing soybean and corn production and profitability while implementing cover crops, no-till and strip tillage for conservation benefits and ecoservice markets. You can have it all! Audience participants will be able to ask questions about agronomy, management, and input best practices for growing highly productive soybeans and corn.
(30) Evaluating a field’s cropping potential (SW 1.0)
Lee Burras, Morrill professor, Agronomy, Iowa State University, Ames, IA
Thursday, 8:00-8:50 AM in Bishop C
Thursday, 9:00-9:50 AM in Bishop C
Every field is different. Each has its own landscape. Each has its own distribution of soils with their own set of profiles. This presentation walks through how we can best evaluate the soils and landscapes within and across fields – whether it is to buy land, rent land or just plain optimize your current management.
(31) Managing soil to decrease risk during weather extremes (SW 0.5)
Catherine DeLong, manager, water quality program, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, Ames, IA
Wednesday, 11:00-11:25 AM in Skinner A
Wednesday, 1:00-1:25 PM in Skinner A
When was the last time Iowa had an ‘average’ weather year? As Iowa, and the Midwest, continue to experience more ‘extreme’ weather this presentation will focus on managing soil moisture to increase the long-term resiliency of farms.
(32) Illuminating dark matter: Opportunity and insight into the soil organic carbon craze (SW 0.5)
Mary Tiedeman, soil science program specialist, Agronomy, Iowa State University, Ames, IA
Wednesday, 11:00-11:25 AM in Skinner C
Wednesday, 1:00-1:25 AM in Skinner C
What is soil organic carbon, how is it stored, and why does it matter? This session will address the basics, and provide insight on the new USDA-NRCS cost-share program (CEMA-221) to monitoring soil organic carbon levels on managed lands.
(33) Soil is a vital natural resource (SW 1.0)
Robert Horton, Distinguished professor, Agronomy, Iowa State University, Ames, IA
Wednesday, 1:30-2:20 PM in Skinner C
Wednesday, 3:00-3:50 PM in Skinner C
Soils are the foundation of Iowa agricultural systems. They are a necessary resource for life on earth. This presentation provides an overview on the importance of soils.
(34) Cover crop cost share programs: Navigating the alphabet soup (SW 0.5)
Ethan Thies, conservation field specialist, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, Ames, IA
Thursday, 10:30-10:55 AM in Skinner A
Thursday, 11:00-11:25 AM in Skinner A
There are many programs to assist with the planting of cover crops, but finding which programs are available to you, and which one best fits your needs can be difficult. This session will give you a place to start in understanding the complexity of the common cost share sources.
(35) Corn and soybean production with perennial ground covers: A new approach for resilient farming (1.0 SW)
Daniel Andersen, associate professor and extension agricultural engineer, Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering, Iowa State University, Ames, IA; Brent Wilson, Agronomist, Corteva, Wilmington, DE; and Raj Raman, professor, Ag and Biosystems Engineering, Iowa State University, Ames, IA
Thursday, 8:00-8:50 AM in Skinner B
Thursday, 9:00-9:50 AM in Skinner B
Are you curious about cover crops but prefer to avoid having to plant every year? Join us for an engaging seminar on integrating perennial ground covers as cover crops into traditional row-crop systems—a promising practice for increasing resilience, improving soil health, and enhancing environmental benefits on your farm.