Is the future of corn production standing a little shorter? In this episode of the Minnesota Cropcast, hosts Dave Nicolai and Dr. Seth Naeve sit down with Dr. Jeff Coulter, University of Minnesota Extension Corn Specialist, to explore a novel (and highly visual) shift in corn hybrid technology: short stature corn.

While traditional corn towers at 9 to 12 feet, new hybrids are keeping the canopy at 7 feet or less—without sacrificing the yields growers require. Dr. Coulter breaks down the history, the agronomics, and the cutting-edge research happening right here in Minnesota.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• The Physics of Standing Tall: Why shorter, fatter stalks and deeper root systems may provide added resistance to lodging and green snap during severe wind events.
• Populations Drive Higher Yields: How these compact plants tolerate higher plant populations, allowing growers to pack more plants per acre to drive up grain yield.
• The Silage Advantage: Why short stature corn may be a high-quality alternative for corn silage, potentially delivering a greater starch concentration due to its optimized grain-to-stover ratio.
• In-Season Accessibility: How 7-foot corn makes it easier for ground rigs to get through the field for late-season applications of fungicides or other products.
• The Harvest Hurdle: A candid look at the challenges of lower ear heights (and how drought conditions can impact harvestability.

Sneak Peek: Redefining Nitrogen Efficiency

Dr. Coulter also shares details on an exciting new three-year study funded by the Minnesota Corn Research and Promotion Council. The project is putting three standard hybrids and three short stature hybrids head-to-head under six different nitrogen rates to determine if short corn can deliver better nitrogen use efficiency—potentially saving growers significant input costs.

Don't miss out on the most interesting agronomic breakthrough. Listen now to Episode #69 of Minnesota CropCast on your favorite podcast platform!

Special Guest: Ken Franzky, Agronomy Services Manager at Cenrol Crop Consulting.

Hosts: David Nicolai, University of Minnesota Extension Educator, and Seth Naeve, University of Minnesota Soybean Specialist

In Episode #68 of MN CropCast, we are thrilled to welcome Ken Franzky from Centrol Crop Consulting out of Marshall, MN.

Ken Grew up on a farm in West Central Minnesota and graduated from the University of Minnesota. He worked in the seed industry under several brands for both Syngenta and Pioneer before joining Centrol in 2015. At Centrol, his primary roles include:

• Technical Training: Managing agronomic competency standards and training for consultants.
• Education & Diagnostics: Leading internal cross-department training and providing in-field diagnostic assistance.
• Industry Relations: Handling interactive product training with agricultural companies and acting as a communication bridge with university personnel.

Ken discusses his managerial role at Centrol and highlights some of the challenges faced by a complex and evolving agricultural system in terms of implementing a detailed training system for Centol’s crop consultants to maintain their technical competencies. Ken also discusses the importance of evaluating every acre for inputs and yield potentials. Maximizing net returns for farmers over time is the key for folks advising farmers today.

Ken also provided a crop update for corn and soybeans growing in western and southern Minnesota this season.

Tune in to Episode #68 today to meet Ken Franzky and Centrol Consulting! Available wherever you listen to podcasts.

Minnesota CropCast Episode #67: Head land Highlights Late April Field Report from NW, WC, and SC Minnesota

Special Guests: Extension Educators Angie Peltier, Anthony Hanson, and Matt Pfarr Hosts: David Nicolai, University of Minnesota Extension Educator, and Seth Naeve, University of Minnesota Soybean Specialist

In Episode #67 of MN CropCast, we bring you another "Headland Highlights" to get you up to speed on planting progress across the state. The hosts sat down with three Extension Educators on April 30 to discuss how farmers are navigating the spring of 2026 in their respective regions.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

• Northwest Minnesota: Angie Peltier describes the challenges facing northern farmers. While the central Red River Valley and areas further south are off to a strong start, progress north of Fargo-Moorhead remains slow. Heavy snowpack and recent rains have stalled field work in Polk County and the surrounding region. In the far Northwest, only 10–15% of wheat and sugar beets are in the ground, with a significant push expected over the next two weeks.
• West Central Minnesota: Anthony Hanson highlights the impact of varying soil types. While corn and soybeans were planted on lighter soils during the final weeks of April, the heavier soils around Morris still require more heat and sun before they are fit for planting.
• South Central Minnesota: Matt Pfarr notes that there have been several productive windows for planting corn and soybeans. Field activity was extremely heavy during the third week of April, though some fields were tucked away even earlier. Following rain this past weekend, farmers are returning to the fields to wrap up most planting by the end of April, with the remaining soybeans expected to go in by the first week of May. Matt also discusses the challenges of planting in marginal conditions and managing residue that isn't yet dry and crispy.

If you’re interested in what’s happening in Minnesota fields, be sure to tune in to Episode #67 of Minnesota CropCast: Headland Highlights today!