Ag PhD Farm Basics

Ag PhD Farm Basics

5 Seasons

In these Farm Basics segments taken from Ag PhD, Brian and Darren Hefty present on-farm topics to a non-farming audience, peeling back the curtain with down-to-earth explanations that help viewers achieve a better understanding of the truth of agriculture.

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Ag PhD Farm Basics
  • Corn Left Standing | Ag PhD

    Episode 1388

    Learn why you sometimes see unharvested strips of corn left out in fields.

  • Cornstalk Grazing | Ag PhD

    Episode 1387

    Curious about cows snacking in cornfields? The Hefty boys show why post-harvest is the perfect time for a bovine banquet.

  • Corn Ear Flex | Ag PhD

    Episode 1386

    Brian and Darren explain how a corn ear can "flex" to become longer or bigger around.

  • Variable Rate Fertilizer | Ag PhD

    Episode 1385

    Farmers are increasingly using data-driven decisions to get nutrients where they're most needed. The Heftys explain the many advantages.

  • Road Safety During Harvest | Ag PhD

    Episode 1384

    The Hefty brothers offer tips on how to stay safe when sharing the road with farm equipment.

  • Cold Chem Storage | Ag PhD

    Episode 1383

    Don't let the cold compromise your chemicals. Keep them winter-proof with these tips from Brian and Darren Hefty.

  • Pesticide Shelf Life | Ag PhD

    Episode 1382

    Can you use old pesticides that have been sitting around for a while? Brian and Darren discuss their experiences of using herbicides that have been on the shelf for years.

  • Pesticide Bookkeeping | Ag PhD

    Episode 1381

    Record yields mean good record keeping. The Heftys explain why a bit of desk work can be as important as field work.

  • Spray Pressure | Ag PhD

    Episode 1380

    The Hefty brothers explain how farmers use different spray pressures and different nozzles when making spray applications.

  • Rocky Fields | Ag PhD

    Episode 1379

    Farming on tough terrain? Brian and Darren share some tips on turning rocky soil into fertile ground.

  • Removing Crop Residue | Ag PhD

    Episode 1378

    Brian and Darren explain why crop residue is sometimes removed from the field after harvest.

  • Harvest Loss | Ag PhD

    Episode 1377

    Every grain counts! The Hefty brothers explain how farmers measure and minimize what's left behind in their fields.

  • Soil Compaction | Ag PhD

    Episode 1376

    Brian and Darren discuss the causes of soil compaction, how it harms crops, and how it can be fixed or reduced.

  • Kill Weeds in the Fall | Ag PhD

    Episode 1375

    Give yourself the autumn advantage. The Hefty brothers explain why farmers should tackle weeds before winter.

  • Tillage and Organic Matter | Ag PhD

    Episode 1374

    Brian and Darren explain why tillage can actually decrease organic matter levels in the soil.

  • Spray Droplet Size | Ag PhD

    Episode 1373

    Tiny or large? The Hefty brothers explain the dimensional science behind spraying.

  • Aerial vs Ground Application | Ag PhD

    Episode 1372

    The Hefty brothers explain why fields are sometimes sprayed with an aerial sprayer rather than a ground-based sprayer.

  • Studying Leaf Surfaces | Ag PhD

    Episode 1371

    Leaf cuticles are a plant's first line of defense. The Heftys explain how weather changes impact them, and how to use that knowledge to your advantage.

  • 2024 Ag PhD Field Day | Ag PhD

    Episode 1370

    Brian and Darren invite you to come to the Ag PhD Field Day on Thursday, July 25, 2024.

  • The Green Bridge | Ag PhD

    Episode 1369

    The 'green bridge' is not a path you want to tread. The Hefty brothers explain how breaking this link can lead to healthier crops and higher yields.

  • Day Length and Crop Growth | Ag PhD

    Episode 1368

    Brian and Darren discuss the difference that latitude can make when it comes to how many hours of sunlight your crop can get during the growing season.

  • Longer Grass in Lawns and Pastures | Ag PhD

    Episode 1367

    A thick grass canopy can shade out weeds. The Hefty brothers remind you to raise your mower for a healthier lawn.

  • How To Tell If A Weed Is Dead | Ag PhD

    Episode 1366

    The Hefty brothers explain how to tell if your herbicide application was successful in killing your target weeds.

  • Ag PhD Field Day 2024 | Ag PhD

    Episode 1365

    Bring the family for a day at the Hefty Farm in Baltic, SD on July 25th, 2024.